OCS Graduate Moms

Egbot, for 12-10: PIR was thursday morning, Hi Moms was Thursday evening, Friday morning was Graduation. After Graduation they go get their ID's made. Then depending what rate they are going for depends if they may need to check in there in Newport or they could just be done. In my husbands situation after he had his ID made he wanted a long NAP. Then we drove to Boston to celebrate!

Egbot...what designation is your LO'd one? My son is NFO...so he had about two weeks before he had to report to Pensacola. He had to come home with us and then pack his apartment and move. We stayed until Tuesday, since my other kids were on spring break. But I would recommend leaving on Sunday at the latest if they have to move and report somewhere else. T

That's funny everyone! So many different stories....my son was fine staying with us and exploring Newport. He just wanted to be with his family. And I have to say...when we went out to dinner and he wore his uniform, he sure got lots of special attention! We even had someone pay for his dinner one night...nice to know out kids are appreciated.

OMG, thank you all so much! What a boatload of information! I truly appreciate it. I thought this all took place on the weekend. Now I know I'll have to take Wednesday through Friday off! I'm almost embarrassed to say, I don't know what designation my LO is! I will ask my husband as I'm sure he'll know. I do know that he wants to work in a submarine with nuclear propulsion. Knowing my LO, he'll want to get out of Rhode Island for fear that I'll inflict a mansion or two on him!

yes I was wondering my son will go to supply school and that is there at Newport and he get done in Oct and his supply school starts in Jan. I just love hearing the stories. Thanks every one for telling us how it is. I just love this site and the people so imformative

Thanks Leslie am going to check it out and probably get one for myself. Your are the best!!!

I got one Love it Thanks again Leslie

My son had the same problem last December. He contacted the admin office and they issued a special document for him stating that he graduated. They were happy to help him.

Go Idaho/Navy people! Yep...there are a few of us out there.

Hi - My son did not take his medical records. He said there were already part of his military information records. He did take his social security card and his checkbook. They will need to set up direct deposit and will need that info. Good Luck!

My son also added my name to his checking account so I could take care of his banking. Another good idea is to get his important online passwords for his bank accounts, etc. written down. Most of the younger generation store this info in their cell phone and iPODs and they don't have access to them while at OCS. We also did a power of attorney which may be overkill, but we figured it may come in handy down the road during deployment, etc. I have used the power of attorney twice believe it or not. I have a PO box and they wouldn't let me forward his mail to my box without it. Apparently that is a law after 9-11 as terrorists use PO boxes.

Does anyone have a kid in 18-10? My son just moved into that class.

Hi Matt'sMom! My son was in 18-10 and went into H. He's hoping to roll into 19-10! Did your son go from H into 18-10?

Yes, he was there for bronchitis and sinusitus. 2 weeks of phone calls and now nothing. I am going crazy!! He said all the guys from 18 like it.

My son went into H for an injury. He was able to call more often. When he went into PT, he stopped calling. The he called once and said that with luck, he'll go into 19-10 and we won't hear from him for a while! We get a bit spoiled when they go into H!! My LO says the guys from 18 are great and as of now, there are several 18's that are going into 19, which apparently, isn't very unusual! Good luck to you and your LO!

I actually started a group for the families of 18-10. You might want to go into that group for more information.

Hi,
I am really in the dark on all these acronyms. LO, PT?? Sorry I am so dumb, but I have no military experience at all. LO-loved one?

Oops! I'm sorry. You know, four weeks ago, I didn't know what LO was and I thought PT was Physical Therapy - duh! My husband corrected me, like it was something I should have known all my life. DI is Drill Instructor and then there are a lot more that I still don't know! Don't even ask me what my thoughts were when my son told me he had to wear the "poopy suits" the first week of OCS! I'm fairly new to this as well!!

My son has been accepted to OCS for the end of August. This will be a change as he has been at Nuke School in Goose Creek so I am interested in learning what OCS school is like and where he will be, for how long, can you communicate with them or is it like Boot Camp?

communication is sporadic, Debbie B. It's like boot camp for officers. I've been told no news is good news and that is absolutely correct. They don't have much of an opportunity to call, so make sure you write and give him a phone card with about 1,000 minutes because the pay phone eats up 35 minutes automatically with each call he makes!

WOOT!! Today I received my first phone call from my LO in more than 2 months!! She's now Candio and life is better. I can't wait to see her in 3 weeks. I have my dresses for Hi Moms and graduation, plane reservations are made. Now I just have to wait patiently (ha ha).

Have him leave it in his car.

I had saved all the texts my son sent me from OCS....and then my phone fried on the way home from Newport. Wish I had copied them when I had then...miss having that piece of his naval history.

how awesome Deborah---can't wait until my son graduates. She looks awesome

Good luck to 19-10....wow...another class checking in. Six months ago that was us! And Jordosmom....stay on here....we are all here to help.

How macy OC's are in this class?

God Bless jordosmom, and remember no news is good news.

all I can say Cheryl S AMEN!!!!!!!!

Looking for ocs 17-10 Moms...

My son went to OCS in Newport the last week of May. I have still not received a letter or phone call from him. He called and sent letters when he was in boot camp at the Great Lakes. Can anyone tell me if this is normal?

Shelly, I do think it is a bit unusual. I don't intend to make you worry. My son entered on May 9th and went into H company and rolled into the class that started May 30th (19-10). You may want to go into this group (if you aren't already) and speak with some of the moms/wives. They had RLP inspection last week and all but 5 passed. If your son was put into H for failing RLP, he would have had time to give you a call and tell you. Most of the time, no news is good news, but I do think it unusual that you haven't gotten even one call since May 30th. Have you gotten letters?

Shelly...My son is in 19-10 and he write or talks to his sister and I get the info second hand. there is a face book page that I have been able to get info. It is OSC 19-10 Friends and Family. Laura Pulliman has been able to get yes or no answers to me about my son from her husband. I chat IM with Laura and she has been very helpful. It seems wives and girlfriends get more info than moms. There is a nice supportive group there. I understand the last ORLP inspection Thursday was passed by all by 2 candidates. They get a second chance tomorrow (Sat). We are planning on meeting each other in Newport on Tuesday or Wednesday before graduation. Some of us are staying at the Best Western as the Lodge is completely booked. Look forwrd to meeting you

I am not sure I am in the correct group. My son is getting ready to take the entrance exam, the ASTB I think it is called, and is very nervous about it. Is there anything I can tell him to calm him ? Is this a test that will tell them whether he will be accepted or is it a test to tell them where he will do best. We are so proud of him for wanting to become an officer in the Navy. Thank you for any info.

It has been a while since I've been to this site- feels like home

I heard from my LO, passed RLP last week, so know I can start to think about graduation. What do moms/dads wear to the Hi Mom's affair on Thursday night & what do they wear on Friday am for graduation. I don't want to be under dressed nor over dressed for the occasion. Also, have made reservations at the Navy Lodge, I know my LO will have to be there to check us in, but what about being able to drive on/off base. Will LO have to be present, or will we get a pass. We hope to do some sightseeing while we are there.

Sue, thanks for the info.

dch - Congrats on your LO passing RLP. That's a big step. My daughter graduated with Class 18-10 in June. I wore a cocktail dress for Hi Moms and a different, less formal, dress for Graduation. There's also Pass In Review (PIR) on Thursday morning, for which I wore capri's and a nice top. The Navy Lodge is a very nice place to stay. You will eat all your meals off base in Newport. There's a diner just off base that makes a mean breakfast, and tons of cute restaurants in town. My daughter lovesThe Melting Pot, so we drove to Providence Friday night after Graduation for a celebratory dinner. She was staying in Newport for SWOS, so she didn't leave right away. Some kids can't wait to get off that island! Just a note, my daughter's class did not wear Dress Whites for Hi Moms, but did where their other Whites (can't remember what they are called). They wear Dress Whites for Graduation. Wow, they all look sharp! Hope that helps some.

pgrlisa, thanks for this info & congratulations on your daughter making it thru OCS. Hope she is doing well in SWOS.

Pgrlisa, what is the name of the diner with the mean breakfast?

Does anyone know when graduation actually begins and ends? We have company coming that might need to leave afterward.

Thanks so much. I'm guessing it'll be the same for 19-10...I'll assume so anyway unless I hear differently from my son. Btw, I really appreciate all of your entries. You are a doll to share so much with us newbies. I'm a Spanish teacher, so I'll say "Gracias!"

Yup, I thought about others, too, after I logged off. To all of the moms out there helping us newbies...!gracias!

Et moi, je parle francais aussi. Ma mere vient de la Nouvelle Orleans et je l'ai estudie au lycee et l'uni. It'll be fun to say hello...I mean, boujour!

dch - It's called Bishop's 4th Street Diner. If you're leaving the base, it's on the right-hand side of the road before the traffic circle. Classic diner - silver building.

My daughter finished SWOS 2 weeks ago, reported directly to her ship and is out to sea as we speak. Everyone on board is treating her very well and she's enjoying her first deployment so far. That may change as she gets more responsibilities.

Graduation for her class started around 9:00. Once they were done with pictures inside, the new Ensigns go out to the parade grounds to get their first salutes from the training NCO's. They pay for them (a silver dollar), and it's another great photo op. We did it a little differently. My daughter's husband is also in the Navy, but enlisted, so he gave her her first salute. It was beautiful. He also says it's the last time he'll salute her! LOL! Then she got in line to get the first salutes from the the trainers.

Hi Everyone, My son starts OCS on Oct 3,2010. Anyone know how I figure out that class number? I would also really appreciate any info on what he should bring or not bring with him...clothes, cell phone etc. Someone advised he bring his car to keep extra personal items in, but we live in Florida and the drive takes 2 days! Does he really need a personal vehicle up there? Also, is anyone familiar with training over holidays? Since this class will cover Thanksgiving and end Christmas week will there be any extension? Does training recess for holidays?

Hi Rosemarie, My son is in class 20-10. I have no idea about the class number.
I am from FL also. I have 2 that have gone through OCS. Both flew up to RI. 1st
stashed his belongings in someone's car. My son that's there now said their bags are stored in the building. Bring cell,chargers,ph.card for payphone,good
boot socks,small lint roller, stamps, and one very committed young man in good physical condition. Tell him to memorize all gouge now. Carry-on as much
as possible. My son's bag was delayed. He had to buy more before checking in, not something you want to happen!! God Bless!!

Rosemarie - You should be able to figure out your son's number, though it will take a bit of finagling. The first number is the class they are in. Classes begin every 3 weeks. so the current class is 21-10 which began July 11th. The next class will be 22-10 which should start next week I think? They end in -10 because of the year, 2010. If you keep going down the line every 3 weeks, you should get an approximate number, but I would wait until you hear from him, which is torturous, but better than not having mail delivered because you have the number wrong.

Hi Rosemarie - I'll add my two cents too! We didn't have our son bring his cell phone because we were informed that they couldn't use it for quite a few weeks and that there had been issues with storing them. We mailed it to him at week # 6 and there were no issues with that. He had to open the packge in front of his DI, but when they saw it was the phone and charger, they permitted him to keep them. Make sure your son brings what's on the list and no more. Perhaps even more than a small lint brush, bring two! My son brought small cuticle scissors to make sure there would be no stray or loose threads on his uniform. The DI's are very tough on them regarding their uniforms! We also gave him preaddressed envelopes and paper so that he could write home. Then there was a list of people with addresses he thought he'd like to write to. However, they don't have a lot of time to write and many times they're doing this at 2:00 in the morning! If your son has the patience, I agree with FLMOM - have him memorize as much as the booklet as he can. That will be a huge advantage! Good luck to you, your family and your son!

To 2 in the service and pgrlisa: Thanks so much for those names. Could I ask for one more? I told my LO I still needed to find a place and make reservations for the post-graduation dinner and he said he had heard of a place near OCS that brewed its own beer but didn't know its name. When he was in DC, we loved to go to their local microbrewery and eat so we thought that'd be fun to keep the tradition going. Would either of you - or any of you - know the name of the microbrewery he had heard about? He said it was on the island, like OCS.

I am fairly new to this site. My son starts August 22. He was planning to drive to Rhode Island. Is that allowed and is there a place to keep the car? He is coming from nuc school in Charleston.

I do believe they have a place where Candidates can keep their cars. My son is in 19-10 and we live only 5 hours away, so he didn't need a car, but there are people in his group that had a car. This enabled them to store stuff that they couldn't keep in their rooms.