Welcome and congratulations to your son. I've had two kids go through boot camp and one go through OCS. Just like bc, your son should be able to call you with the I'm here and the company he is assigned to - either A, B, C, or D. (They switch between the classes). You can start writing letters but they won't get to write back for a about 2 weeks. There are some documents out online that explains the week by week events of OCS. As Kathy said - get on facebook and look for the group page of OTCN - Officer Training Command Newport. They should have the links to all those questions you have about what goes on when and where. It's not as hard to communicate with him as boot camp was because they do get computers after awhile and have email accounts. In the last three weeks of training (the candio phase) they get their cell phones back. Also, look for the facebook group for his class number, and join the groups just ahead of him - - you'll get an idea of what's coming up next for him. Good luck!!!!
oh no, Anna! The quick 1 minute call I got from him was a poor phone signal and I couldn't understand him. I thought he said 13-13G....Do you think he said B or D!!??? UGH! His phone signal was in and out like a cell phone. How can I find out?
Bsmom- your son is probably in 13-13G for Golf. The 13-13 class is broken in to 2 companies- foxtrot and golf so he either said f or g in his 'I'm here' phone call. Add to the 13-13 friends and family Facebook page. I am the administrator for all the F&F pages and they are so helpful! My boyfriend was in 04-13 and I have been running the Facebook groups with a few other ladies since then. Let me know if you have any questions!
Thank you all for your help!!! I guess I'm just one of those mothers that need a "manual". I have a son in the Air Force plus this son went through boot camp already. I should be experienced by now! It is always new, though, and the emotions from pride and sorrow never change. Thanks girls!
Glad you got the phone call and maybe the clarification on which company he is in. I'm hoping that with moving into the new barracks the phones they get to use will be much better than what we had to put up with in the old building. My daughter would call and we would both end up in tears because the call quality was so bad that we couldn't even carry on a simple conversation. I was going to write a letter to the CO but I knew they'd be moving out soon.
The other comments on here are all filled with really good info. Look for the files of what to expect during OCS. And definitely follow the OTCN facebook page because they always post pictures of the important events like wake up Wednesday, Outpost, fire fighting, and wet trainer. If you're lucky you can spot a snapshot of your loved one!!!!
So glad you got to see a picture of your loved one. Yea, they sure can't smile in those pics. Sometimes there are additional pictures that are taken and they are kept on the OTCN's server. Later on, when your son has computer access, he can check the server for pictures that don't get posted, but he can email them to you!! One of my favorite pictures of my daughter was taken when she was doing the wet trainer. The photographer got her framed by one of the round windows and she had a big smile on her face. Of course they weren't going to post that but she was able to send it to me!!!!
Just FYI, the two companies for 13-13 are Hotel and Golf. My husband is one of the Candios helping with Indoc for Hotel. Sounds like things are going really good in their company, and they are almost done with their first week!
And Anna, yeah, as far as I know, no coffee maker, micro, or fridge!! But its just fine for my husband, he doesn't drink coffee, and I sent him a bunch of dry goods in his box so he said he has tons and tons of food!!
Has anyone starting booking accomodations for graduation? I'm thinking within the next couple of weeks I will book something. Prior OCS grads/families: Anywhere in particular that you recommend? I am possibly looking for a suite with a kitchen and 2 bedrooms and 2 baths, or a vacation rental home in the area. We are actually having a lot of us come up and for my guy's sake, it would be convenient to have everyone under one roof.
When searching for hotels for OCS graduation, search under "Middletown" Rhode Island also, which blends into Newport. The Base is actually closer to Middletown than downtown Newport. We stayed at the Holiday Inn in Middletown which was only about a mile from the north gate of the base and very convenient. Book early for summer grads, because Newport swells with tourists between Memorial Day and Labor Day!
I noticed hotel rates were pretty high. Figured it had something to do with the tourist season. We are even debating on the rental home since there is going to be at least 12 of us. May be more cost effective, plus we could cook at home. I know my LO appreciates home cooked meals after being away for an extended period of time.
When we went to OCS graduation at the end of November we stayed at the Newport Beach Hotel and Suites (http://newportbeachhoteland2-px.trvlclick.com/default-en.html). We had a two bedroom, two bath suite on the second floor corner with a view of the water and it was wonderful. We spent a lot of time in the room resting (my son, anyway), visiting, playing cards, and eatling leftovers from his CANDIO boxes. It was a very nice place to stay.
Welcome new Navy Mom!!!! My daughter graduated OCS the end of September. Do you have a facebook page? If not you need to sign up so you can join the friends and family support groups for your daughter's OCS class and a few of the classes before hers. There is so much information to gain from those groups and by following classes before hers you will learn what is coming up for her. Also join the facebook page for OTCN - Officer Training Command Newport. They post pictures of the major events the companies go through and weekly updates from the class officers. Also some great information there.
Also, look for a message from me on your N4Ms profile page.
Thank you for the warm welcome! I re-activated my facebook page for the sole purpose of connecting with friends & family support groups for my daughter's OCS class. My husband & I also joined the facebook page for OTCN. Through fb page I learned the correct Class #. Also, thank you for inviting me to join which I did, Moms of Daughters 2.
You are very welcome!!! I was where you are now once and I knew nothing about the modern OCS environment. My husband went through OCS in the early 70's and it was nothing like it is now!!!! I scrambled to find all the information I could!! What are your daughter's plans after commissioning??
My husband & I learned of the fb page for OTCN on this website and joined for Class 14-13 last night. Believe me, the fb page has become a huge obsession for me already. I can't wait until they start posting pics of Class 14-13. After commissioning, she is off to supply school. I heard that the supply school relocated from Athens, GA back to RI a couple of yrs ago. I believe an extended stay in RI will be alright with her because she says RI is beautiful.
Yes, RI is beautiful and I wouldn't mind spending more time there exploring the area!!! I lived in GA for years and would rather be in RI than GA!!!!! Too hot in the south!!!
You should also consider joining the group pages for 12-13 and 13-13 so you get to see what's coming ahead!!!
The class starting Jun 2 will be 15-13. Here is the fb support page for class 14-13, not sure if one has been created for your daughters class yet or not but you could join this group and then join the next one. Good luck to your daughter.
49 members
Closed GroupClosed Group
For the class who reports to Officer Training Command Newport on Sunday June 2, 2013 and Graduates August 23, 2013
This is also a good site and they post pictures during the 12 weeks
The Official Officer Training Command Newport Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/OTCNewport
I'm feeling very stupid. This is the first time I've used facebook. I clicked the link sent by dawn but I just get the "find friends" page. What am I doing wrong?
On a happier note I talked to my daughter and she arrived on base and was having dinner with another female OCS candidate from 15_13. :)
It should take u to the group page and on upper right side it says join group. It is a closed group so u ask to join and an admin person will allow u to join once that happens u will be on the page
Nothing stupid at all!! Just confusing!! Each OCS class has a friends and family page. Ask to join the group and wait for one of the administrators to ok you. That is where you can talk to other folks who have loved ones at OCS. You can join the classes before your candidates class so you get a look ahead at what's coming. Then search for the Officers Candidate Training Command (OTCN) facebook page and "like" it. That is where you will get class updates from the class officers and see pictures they post.
Emily has made it through week 2 of OCS. Reading all the posts from family members of the upcoming graduate classes has made me excited for when it will be our turn to go. Helps knowing there is a positive outcome after the scary start! Congrats to the class of 12-12.
SpiritLakeMom: You probably meant OCS Class 12-13 that just graduated, if your daughter is in 15-13. Write lots of encouraging letters to her and tell her to hang in there! The first 3-4 weeks are the hardest. Once they pass the RLP (room-locker-personnel) inspection at week four, then they are usually granted limited email use, and you will hear from her more often. FYI: if she doesn't know your email address to type it from memory, send a letter to her NOW with all the email addresses you think she will want. The candidates will not have access to their usual email program and contacts list to just click on "MOM," etc. You will get a "test" email from her about week three from something like "@training.mil," if she knows your email address.
Hey Annie. Congratulations to your husband! Since he is enlisted you have probably already experienced the "he's gone and I can't talk to him" syndrome, which I think is a hard for a lot of us sending them to OCS for the first time. My daughter-in-law and I talked everyday to encourage each other--especially through the first few weeks. Since the limited phone calls went to her, she was great about immediately calling us and letting us know how he was doing. And on that note, stay positive and encouraging to your husband, no matter how bad he might sound. (Be prepared for no voice.) My DIL was very encouraging to her husband and prayed for him and then called me to cry. Your husband and you WILL get through this, and he will be standing taller at the end--rightly proud of all he has accomplished. Come here often for support...we will gladly give it. Oh, and most importantly, join the FB page for your husband's OCS class. Those first few weeks you will stalk FB waiting to see pictures, and it is so nice to see their face and feel like you are going through each step with them. I will be praying for you and your husband. Which class?
Congratulations to your husband!! My daughter graduated from OCS almost one year ago. I also have a son who is putting in his paperwork to apply for OCS once he returns from Afghanistan. I don't know how long your husband has been in as enlisted, but one thing my daughter talked about was how hard it was for sailors who had prior enlisted experience going into OCS and suddenly that are faced with the DIs screaming in their face and talking to them like they are all scum bags. For some of these prior enlisted they are close to the same rate as the DIs and have been in the Navy as long also. So just tell him to stay strong and keep his wits about him. Just keep reminding him it's only 12 weeks and he can get through it!!!! Best of luck to him!!!
Congratulations, Annie. My son is currently at OCS, finishing up his fourth week. He was not prior enlisted, but a civilian, working as a mechanical engineer for a defense contractor. He has actually been at the Officer Training Command Newport for seven weeks, but did not pass his initial physical assessment, so he "rolled" out of his original class and was in H class for three weeks, until the next class came in. He was able to pass his physical assessment on the second try!
I think the hardest thing for me has been the lack of communication. He has now earned email privileges, but is still so busy, we have gotten very few emails. So yes, the moms and spouses of the recruits are constantly on Facebook, looking for pictures, info, anything about our loved ones. On Facebook, like the Officer Training Command Newport page - that is where they post the photos of the various classes. Also join the group for your husband's class - you will get to commiserate with fellow spouses and moms. The administrators of the site also put up a lot of information and will answer questions.
Rolling in to H-class (holding) was not necessarily a bad thing. My son got stronger doing a lot of physical activity and it gives them extra time to work on memorizing all the stuff they have to memorize and get used to the routine. The drill instructors don't scream in their faces too much, either.
I watched the video, "Faces of OCS" about ten times that first week, just so I would know what my son was going through. He has now passed RLP and his first exam and is now in the academic phase, although they still have physical training and drill.
Good luck to your husband! Let me know if you have any other questions.
Hi, Annie. My son graduated from OCS in Sept 2012. See my response to SpritLakeMom below about making sure he has your email address memorized, and also your phone #. Their cell phones will be taken from them at check-in and they won't get them back until they are Candios at week ten, so they will have to use pay phones to call, and will not have access to their usual email contacts list. So if he is used to just scrolling to "Annie" for calling, texting, etc. without knowing the actual # he is calling, make sure he knows these from memory. Send a phone calling card with him with lots of minutes on it. The public phones my son had to use charged 15 minutes just to connect a call!
Hello everyone! I'm writing as a future OCS wife (my husband has been enlisted for 2+ years & is heading to Rhode Island at the end of October). I get to be the information central for all inquiring family & friends - yippee! Just wondering if anyone who has already experienced a typical OCS graduation week can provide any pointers or important information. Hi Moms event, how the weekend afterwards works, hotels to recommend, etc. Thanks in advance for any pointers! I'll be stalking this forum soon enough :)
eightsonthemove: My son graduated from OCS a year ago in Sept 2012. I posted OUR graduation weekend timeline on this forum on Sept 19, 2012. Search at the bottom of this page for PAGE 18, and look for my comments. Things could be very different NOW though, so a good thing to do would be to join (or start) the Facebook Friends & Family group for your husband's class. Also join the FB group for the class just ahead of his, and those folks can tell you what's going on in their class three weeks ahead of his. Also search Facebook for the "OTCNewport" page. This is the official OCS Command page and they post weekly pictures of training and updates on the current classes, so you might get to see your husband in one of the pictures! Make sure he has your phone # and email address MEMORIZED because their phones are taken away & stored until week nine, and he will have to use a pay phone to call. When they get email access at about week four, they won't be able to get to to their usual email contacts list and he will have to type in the address from memory. Look below for our grad schedule. Hope this helps.
eightsonthemove - I believe my son is the same class as your husband - starts Oct 27? I know my son is ready to get started. He did mention in passing that he thought graduation was in February. I hope to get that information nailed down a bit as well as the facebook page info for that class. The next month is going to fly by!
M's mom: Thank you SO much for the information! I feel much better after reading your detailed description of your experience :)
Marmie: How exciting!!! I'm so happy to have someone to touch base with as we get started :) My husband said his graduation date is Jan 31...with an extra week built in for potential 'Holiday break' week. Is your son prior enlisted? Hope this finds you well, soaking up time with your son!
Eightsonthemove - My son isn't as communicative as your husband but goes without saying :). I did find out from the FB group page that graduation is Jan 31. We aren't sure about the holiday week but with both my husband and I growing up as military brats we aren't too worried about the holidays - if we see him, we see him. If we don't, we don't. Although my daughter lives close to Newport so he has a place to go if he wants. I am putting together my ideas for letters to him - he used to go to camps a lot so it will be something similar. Although he likes a football team I don't like but I will follow the team so I can send updates :). And thanks M's mom for the timeline. Finally any suggestions/recommendations on making hotel reservations for graduation/Hi Moms weekend (especially how soon they can/should be made!).
My son entered OCS October 26 a year ago and graduated at the end of January, so I can let you know what happened last year as far as timing and holiday schedule. OCS basically shut down for 2 weeks at Christmas and the candidates from his class were able to select one of two weeks to take leave. (I cannot remember all the particulars as for as earned leave time vs "borrowed" leave time.) My son opted not to take either week and save up his leave time. (His wife was able to fly in and be with him for a few days after Christmas so he did end up using some leave time.) We talked to our son on Christmas morning and I will say it was hard because he did sound pretty down. He had to be on duty most of the day and I think it really hit him what he was missing "back home." We were able to Face Time with him a couple of days later, however, and he looked and sounded really good.
For graduation we stayed at the Residence Inn in Middletown. It is only a couple of miles from base and worked out real well because they have suites, which was nice with our teenage son. The good thing about a January graduation is the prices are low and you are not competing with tourists for lodging. The bad thing--it was never over 0 degrees! Us So Cal natives had a hard time with that weather. It was absolutely beautiful but bone-chilling cold. Many of the graduation activities were cancelled or moved inside due to the cold. A bummer, but the whole experience was amazing anyway. Don't book anything non-refundable until they have made it through the first few weeks. There are a number of "rollable" events along the way--especially the first week--and you never know injury-wise what might happen to move your loved one back a class. We made hotel reservations early on, but made sure we could cancel without a problem. At some point your loved one will let you know they feel pretty confident that they will be graduating with their class and then you can really start the planning. We flew in on Tuesday because of the potential for weather delays. We were able to see our son for a bit on Wednesday, but that is not always the case.
Your football thing is a great idea. I love college football, as does my son. I would watch the games with my computer on my lap and type a running commentary of the game--including all the little quips and funny comments we would be making to each other. My letters were numerous pages long. He said he loved those 'cause it made him laugh and he felt like he was actually watching the game. And it was a great way for me to feel connected to him.
Good luck. This is a scary but exciting time. You will survive...and so will your loved ones! I will go join your FB page so maybe I can be of some help to others going through the same timeline as my son did a year ago. I know FB was my saving grace during this time.
As gordons4 said, make sure you don't make any non-refundable reservations until you're sure your loved one won't be "rolled" back. If Southwest Airlines flies out of where you live, they don't charge a fee like most to change your reservations. You will fly into Providence, and then it's about 30-40 min drive to Newport. To folks in warmer climates, beware that there can be blizzards and flight delays in New England in January, and it WILL be cold! Shouldn't have any trouble getting hotel reservations in January in Newport. It's those summer OCS graduations that have to compete with all the tourists in town. Any of the hotels in Middletown, RI are actually cheaper and closer to the Base than Newport hotels.
Marmie: As far as letters to your son at OCS, be aware that this is NOT the same as camp! Do not send ANYTHING, no gifts or food or books, except maybe prepaid phone cards for the pay phones, in your letters to him for the first nine weeks until he is a Candidate Officer (Candio) at week ten. The drill instructors vary in their strictness as to what they allow to be sent, but my son's class had these mail rules: Letters ONLY in plain white envelopes. No colored or decorated envelopes. Definitely NO musical cards!!! The idea is to not have their mail stand out and catch the DI's attention in any way. No loose enclosures like photographs or cartoons, only phone cards. We were able to photocopy and/or computer-print pictures and cartoons and newspaper clippings onto the same-sized paper as the letter and send that with the letters, and that was OK. ABSOLUTELY NO FOOD OR CANDY, not even gum, until they are Candios at the beginning of week ten. If anything other than letters is sent before then, it will be confiscated as contraband and the receiver is punished, even if they didn't request it! In my son's class, someone's dear Auntie sent him cookies at week three and he had to do 800 pushups!!! (You read that right- 800!) So tell ANYONE that you give your son's OCS address to about these rules, so they don't innocently get him in trouble--letters ONLY in plain white envelopes. This is NOT camp! Some DI's are more lenient, but best to err on the side of caution. However, when they graduate to being Candios at the end of week nine, THEN they can receive "Candio Boxes" with as many goodies stuffed into them as you can pack. Most people use a US Postal Service flat-rate mailing box that makes a box 12"x12"x6" and decorate it inside in a Navy theme, and pack it with cookies, and whatever snacks the Candio is craving by now. The only rules are: NO alcohol, NO tobacco, and NO weapon-like items, like no squirt guns, laser-tag guns, rubber-band guns, etc. Feel free to copy and paste these "OCS Mail Rules" into your class's Facebook pages so the families know. None of this info was posted on the OCS website when my son went--just the mailing address!!!!
M's mom - thanks for the heads up. I had not planned to send anything fancy. My LO was saying he didn't want anything and I told him that it would be like camp - an opportunity to step away from everything via a short note. I had even been hesitant about the phone cards and was going to wait to hear from him. In fact I looked up to see if one can still make collect calls! Thanks for the suggestions on copying or adhering loose information to the letter as well as the candio boxes after week 9.
Marmie-- Yes, it might be a good idea to wait until your son writes and tells you it is OK to send a phone card in his letters. The DI's vary in their strictness, but their word is LAW. You can, however, send several "high minutes" phone cards WITH him and he will be allowed to keep those. We bought ours at Walmart. I'm not sure the brand makes any difference as long as they are national coverage. They have moved into a new barracks since my son went to OCS, so hopefully the phones are better. The ones my son used charged his card 15 minutes just to CONNECT the call, and then you could hardly hear him-- the connection was so bad. Not sure if collect calls are possible. After that first short phone call the night they check in (or the next day) they usually can't call again for another 3 weeks or so, and then only on weekends. They usually are given email privileges after week 4, and then you hear from them more often. Kids today don't like to write letters by hand!!!!! Make sure he knows your phone # and email address from memory, as he will have to actually type it in. No "contacts list" access.
Anna
bsmom,
Welcome and congratulations to your son. I've had two kids go through boot camp and one go through OCS. Just like bc, your son should be able to call you with the I'm here and the company he is assigned to - either A, B, C, or D. (They switch between the classes). You can start writing letters but they won't get to write back for a about 2 weeks. There are some documents out online that explains the week by week events of OCS. As Kathy said - get on facebook and look for the group page of OTCN - Officer Training Command Newport. They should have the links to all those questions you have about what goes on when and where. It's not as hard to communicate with him as boot camp was because they do get computers after awhile and have email accounts. In the last three weeks of training (the candio phase) they get their cell phones back. Also, look for the facebook group for his class number, and join the groups just ahead of him - - you'll get an idea of what's coming up next for him. Good luck!!!!
Apr 23, 2013
bsmom
oh no, Anna! The quick 1 minute call I got from him was a poor phone signal and I couldn't understand him. I thought he said 13-13G....Do you think he said B or D!!??? UGH! His phone signal was in and out like a cell phone. How can I find out?
Apr 23, 2013
aggiemom
Here is a link to the Facebook group for 13-13. https://www.facebook.com/groups/125304360991066/?fref=ts
My son was in 07-13, if you don't find answers to your questions in the fb group let me know & I get you an answer. Good luck to both your LOs.
Apr 23, 2013
Navygf820
Apr 23, 2013
bsmom
Thank you all for your help!!! I guess I'm just one of those mothers that need a "manual". I have a son in the Air Force plus this son went through boot camp already. I should be experienced by now! It is always new, though, and the emotions from pride and sorrow never change. Thanks girls!
Apr 23, 2013
Anna
bsmom,
Glad you got the phone call and maybe the clarification on which company he is in. I'm hoping that with moving into the new barracks the phones they get to use will be much better than what we had to put up with in the old building. My daughter would call and we would both end up in tears because the call quality was so bad that we couldn't even carry on a simple conversation. I was going to write a letter to the CO but I knew they'd be moving out soon.
The other comments on here are all filled with really good info. Look for the files of what to expect during OCS. And definitely follow the OTCN facebook page because they always post pictures of the important events like wake up Wednesday, Outpost, fire fighting, and wet trainer. If you're lucky you can spot a snapshot of your loved one!!!!
Apr 23, 2013
Dawn
Apr 26, 2013
bsmom
So happy! 13-13 posted pictures and my son was in the front row. Nice to see his face even if it was very serious!
Apr 26, 2013
Anna
bsmom,
So glad you got to see a picture of your loved one. Yea, they sure can't smile in those pics. Sometimes there are additional pictures that are taken and they are kept on the OTCN's server. Later on, when your son has computer access, he can check the server for pictures that don't get posted, but he can email them to you!! One of my favorite pictures of my daughter was taken when she was doing the wet trainer. The photographer got her framed by one of the round windows and she had a big smile on her face. Of course they weren't going to post that but she was able to send it to me!!!!
Apr 26, 2013
aggiemom
Broom have you been approved yet? I think Navygf820 (she posted below) is one of the admins.
Apr 26, 2013
TropikalParadize
Just FYI, the two companies for 13-13 are Hotel and Golf. My husband is one of the Candios helping with Indoc for Hotel. Sounds like things are going really good in their company, and they are almost done with their first week!
And Anna, yeah, as far as I know, no coffee maker, micro, or fridge!! But its just fine for my husband, he doesn't drink coffee, and I sent him a bunch of dry goods in his box so he said he has tons and tons of food!!
Apr 26, 2013
aggiemom
Penny sorry about auto correct changing your name to broom. I need to learn to proof read more carefully.
Apr 27, 2013
bsmom
Has anyone starting booking accomodations for graduation? I'm thinking within the next couple of weeks I will book something. Prior OCS grads/families: Anywhere in particular that you recommend? I am possibly looking for a suite with a kitchen and 2 bedrooms and 2 baths, or a vacation rental home in the area. We are actually having a lot of us come up and for my guy's sake, it would be convenient to have everyone under one roof.
Apr 29, 2013
NOAM
We stayed at a Residence Inn, in a 2 bed/2 bath suite, with a kitchenette and fold out couch. Was a great accommodation.
Apr 29, 2013
M's mom
When searching for hotels for OCS graduation, search under "Middletown" Rhode Island also, which blends into Newport. The Base is actually closer to Middletown than downtown Newport. We stayed at the Holiday Inn in Middletown which was only about a mile from the north gate of the base and very convenient. Book early for summer grads, because Newport swells with tourists between Memorial Day and Labor Day!
Apr 29, 2013
bsmom
I noticed hotel rates were pretty high. Figured it had something to do with the tourist season. We are even debating on the rental home since there is going to be at least 12 of us. May be more cost effective, plus we could cook at home. I know my LO appreciates home cooked meals after being away for an extended period of time.
Apr 29, 2013
campbellm
When we went to OCS graduation at the end of November we stayed at the Newport Beach Hotel and Suites (http://newportbeachhoteland2-px.trvlclick.com/default-en.html). We had a two bedroom, two bath suite on the second floor corner with a view of the water and it was wonderful. We spent a lot of time in the room resting (my son, anyway), visiting, playing cards, and eatling leftovers from his CANDIO boxes. It was a very nice place to stay.
Apr 30, 2013
Grace
I am a new navy mom. My daughter left for RI Mother's Day weekend. She is part of OCS class 05-13. Does anyone else have a son or daughter in class
05-13?
May 13, 2013
Anna
Grace,
Welcome new Navy Mom!!!! My daughter graduated OCS the end of September. Do you have a facebook page? If not you need to sign up so you can join the friends and family support groups for your daughter's OCS class and a few of the classes before hers. There is so much information to gain from those groups and by following classes before hers you will learn what is coming up for her. Also join the facebook page for OTCN - Officer Training Command Newport. They post pictures of the major events the companies go through and weekly updates from the class officers. Also some great information there.
Also, look for a message from me on your N4Ms profile page.
May 13, 2013
Grace
Anna,
Thank you for the warm welcome! I re-activated my facebook page for the sole purpose of connecting with friends & family support groups for my daughter's OCS class. My husband & I also joined the facebook page for OTCN. Through fb page I learned the correct Class #. Also, thank you for inviting me to join which I did, Moms of Daughters 2.
Proud to be a Navy Mom!!
May 13, 2013
aggiemom
@Grace - here is the fb page for class 14-13 in case you haven't joined. https://www.facebook.com/groups/439905899435473/
The class page became my obsession when my son was at OCS. Good luck to your daughter.
May 13, 2013
Anna
Grace,
You are very welcome!!! I was where you are now once and I knew nothing about the modern OCS environment. My husband went through OCS in the early 70's and it was nothing like it is now!!!! I scrambled to find all the information I could!! What are your daughter's plans after commissioning??
May 13, 2013
Grace
Anna & aggiemom,
My husband & I learned of the fb page for OTCN on this website and joined for Class 14-13 last night. Believe me, the fb page has become a huge obsession for me already. I can't wait until they start posting pics of Class 14-13. After commissioning, she is off to supply school. I heard that the supply school relocated from Athens, GA back to RI a couple of yrs ago. I believe an extended stay in RI will be alright with her because she says RI is beautiful.
May 14, 2013
Anna
Grace,
Yes, RI is beautiful and I wouldn't mind spending more time there exploring the area!!! I lived in GA for years and would rather be in RI than GA!!!!! Too hot in the south!!!
You should also consider joining the group pages for 12-13 and 13-13 so you get to see what's coming ahead!!!
May 15, 2013
SpiritLakeMom
My daughter starts OCS in RI June 2. I'm trying to figure out the class number. Does anyone else have someone reporting with that class?
May 25, 2013
aggiemom
The class starting Jun 2 will be 15-13. Here is the fb support page for class 14-13, not sure if one has been created for your daughters class yet or not but you could join this group and then join the next one. Good luck to your daughter.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/439905899435473/
May 25, 2013
Dawn
https://www.facebook.com/groups/516756655054890/
49 members
Closed GroupClosed Group
For the class who reports to Officer Training Command Newport on Sunday June 2, 2013 and Graduates August 23, 2013
This is also a good site and they post pictures during the 12 weeks
The Official Officer Training Command Newport Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/OTCNewport
May 26, 2013
SpiritLakeMom
I'm feeling very stupid. This is the first time I've used facebook. I clicked the link sent by dawn but I just get the "find friends" page. What am I doing wrong?
On a happier note I talked to my daughter and she arrived on base and was having dinner with another female OCS candidate from 15_13. :)
Jun 1, 2013
Dawn
Jun 1, 2013
Anna
SpiritLakeMom,
Nothing stupid at all!! Just confusing!! Each OCS class has a friends and family page. Ask to join the group and wait for one of the administrators to ok you. That is where you can talk to other folks who have loved ones at OCS. You can join the classes before your candidates class so you get a look ahead at what's coming. Then search for the Officers Candidate Training Command (OTCN) facebook page and "like" it. That is where you will get class updates from the class officers and see pictures they post.
Hope this helps clarify things!!!
Jun 1, 2013
SpiritLakeMom
What week can we send a phone card without getting our LO in trouble?
Jun 10, 2013
Dawn
Jun 11, 2013
SpiritLakeMom
Emily has made it through week 2 of OCS. Reading all the posts from family members of the upcoming graduate classes has made me excited for when it will be our turn to go. Helps knowing there is a positive outcome after the scary start! Congrats to the class of 12-12.
Jun 14, 2013
M's mom
SpiritLakeMom: You probably meant OCS Class 12-13 that just graduated, if your daughter is in 15-13. Write lots of encouraging letters to her and tell her to hang in there! The first 3-4 weeks are the hardest. Once they pass the RLP (room-locker-personnel) inspection at week four, then they are usually granted limited email use, and you will hear from her more often. FYI: if she doesn't know your email address to type it from memory, send a letter to her NOW with all the email addresses you think she will want. The candidates will not have access to their usual email program and contacts list to just click on "MOM," etc. You will get a "test" email from her about week three from something like "@training.mil," if she knows your email address.
Jun 16, 2013
gordons4
Hey Annie. Congratulations to your husband! Since he is enlisted you have probably already experienced the "he's gone and I can't talk to him" syndrome, which I think is a hard for a lot of us sending them to OCS for the first time. My daughter-in-law and I talked everyday to encourage each other--especially through the first few weeks. Since the limited phone calls went to her, she was great about immediately calling us and letting us know how he was doing. And on that note, stay positive and encouraging to your husband, no matter how bad he might sound. (Be prepared for no voice.) My DIL was very encouraging to her husband and prayed for him and then called me to cry. Your husband and you WILL get through this, and he will be standing taller at the end--rightly proud of all he has accomplished. Come here often for support...we will gladly give it. Oh, and most importantly, join the FB page for your husband's OCS class. Those first few weeks you will stalk FB waiting to see pictures, and it is so nice to see their face and feel like you are going through each step with them. I will be praying for you and your husband. Which class?
Aug 29, 2013
Anna
Annie,
Congratulations to your husband!! My daughter graduated from OCS almost one year ago. I also have a son who is putting in his paperwork to apply for OCS once he returns from Afghanistan. I don't know how long your husband has been in as enlisted, but one thing my daughter talked about was how hard it was for sailors who had prior enlisted experience going into OCS and suddenly that are faced with the DIs screaming in their face and talking to them like they are all scum bags. For some of these prior enlisted they are close to the same rate as the DIs and have been in the Navy as long also. So just tell him to stay strong and keep his wits about him. Just keep reminding him it's only 12 weeks and he can get through it!!!! Best of luck to him!!!
Aug 29, 2013
HokieMamma
Congratulations, Annie. My son is currently at OCS, finishing up his fourth week. He was not prior enlisted, but a civilian, working as a mechanical engineer for a defense contractor. He has actually been at the Officer Training Command Newport for seven weeks, but did not pass his initial physical assessment, so he "rolled" out of his original class and was in H class for three weeks, until the next class came in. He was able to pass his physical assessment on the second try!
I think the hardest thing for me has been the lack of communication. He has now earned email privileges, but is still so busy, we have gotten very few emails. So yes, the moms and spouses of the recruits are constantly on Facebook, looking for pictures, info, anything about our loved ones. On Facebook, like the Officer Training Command Newport page - that is where they post the photos of the various classes. Also join the group for your husband's class - you will get to commiserate with fellow spouses and moms. The administrators of the site also put up a lot of information and will answer questions.
Rolling in to H-class (holding) was not necessarily a bad thing. My son got stronger doing a lot of physical activity and it gives them extra time to work on memorizing all the stuff they have to memorize and get used to the routine. The drill instructors don't scream in their faces too much, either.
I watched the video, "Faces of OCS" about ten times that first week, just so I would know what my son was going through. He has now passed RLP and his first exam and is now in the academic phase, although they still have physical training and drill.
Good luck to your husband! Let me know if you have any other questions.
Aug 29, 2013
M's mom
Hi, Annie. My son graduated from OCS in Sept 2012. See my response to SpritLakeMom below about making sure he has your email address memorized, and also your phone #. Their cell phones will be taken from them at check-in and they won't get them back until they are Candios at week ten, so they will have to use pay phones to call, and will not have access to their usual email contacts list. So if he is used to just scrolling to "Annie" for calling, texting, etc. without knowing the actual # he is calling, make sure he knows these from memory. Send a phone calling card with him with lots of minutes on it. The public phones my son had to use charged 15 minutes just to connect a call!
Aug 30, 2013
TropikalParadize
Hey Annie, my husband just got done with OCS in May, and was also prior enlisted....let me know if you have any questions or anything!!
Aug 30, 2013
eightsonthemove
Hello everyone! I'm writing as a future OCS wife (my husband has been enlisted for 2+ years & is heading to Rhode Island at the end of October). I get to be the information central for all inquiring family & friends - yippee! Just wondering if anyone who has already experienced a typical OCS graduation week can provide any pointers or important information. Hi Moms event, how the weekend afterwards works, hotels to recommend, etc. Thanks in advance for any pointers! I'll be stalking this forum soon enough :)
Sep 28, 2013
M's mom
eightsonthemove: My son graduated from OCS a year ago in Sept 2012. I posted OUR graduation weekend timeline on this forum on Sept 19, 2012. Search at the bottom of this page for PAGE 18, and look for my comments. Things could be very different NOW though, so a good thing to do would be to join (or start) the Facebook Friends & Family group for your husband's class. Also join the FB group for the class just ahead of his, and those folks can tell you what's going on in their class three weeks ahead of his. Also search Facebook for the "OTCNewport" page. This is the official OCS Command page and they post weekly pictures of training and updates on the current classes, so you might get to see your husband in one of the pictures! Make sure he has your phone # and email address MEMORIZED because their phones are taken away & stored until week nine, and he will have to use a pay phone to call. When they get email access at about week four, they won't be able to get to to their usual email contacts list and he will have to type in the address from memory. Look below for our grad schedule. Hope this helps.
Sep 28, 2013
Marmie
eightsonthemove - I believe my son is the same class as your husband - starts Oct 27? I know my son is ready to get started. He did mention in passing that he thought graduation was in February. I hope to get that information nailed down a bit as well as the facebook page info for that class. The next month is going to fly by!
Sep 30, 2013
Marmie
The facebook page has been set up for the OCS class starting Oct. 27 - search for US Navy OCS Class 06-14 Family and Friends
Oct 3, 2013
eightsonthemove
M's mom: Thank you SO much for the information! I feel much better after reading your detailed description of your experience :)
Marmie: How exciting!!! I'm so happy to have someone to touch base with as we get started :) My husband said his graduation date is Jan 31...with an extra week built in for potential 'Holiday break' week. Is your son prior enlisted? Hope this finds you well, soaking up time with your son!
Oct 13, 2013
Marmie
Eightsonthemove - My son isn't as communicative as your husband but goes without saying :). I did find out from the FB group page that graduation is Jan 31. We aren't sure about the holiday week but with both my husband and I growing up as military brats we aren't too worried about the holidays - if we see him, we see him. If we don't, we don't. Although my daughter lives close to Newport so he has a place to go if he wants. I am putting together my ideas for letters to him - he used to go to camps a lot so it will be something similar. Although he likes a football team I don't like but I will follow the team so I can send updates :). And thanks M's mom for the timeline. Finally any suggestions/recommendations on making hotel reservations for graduation/Hi Moms weekend (especially how soon they can/should be made!).
Oct 14, 2013
gordons4
My son entered OCS October 26 a year ago and graduated at the end of January, so I can let you know what happened last year as far as timing and holiday schedule. OCS basically shut down for 2 weeks at Christmas and the candidates from his class were able to select one of two weeks to take leave. (I cannot remember all the particulars as for as earned leave time vs "borrowed" leave time.) My son opted not to take either week and save up his leave time. (His wife was able to fly in and be with him for a few days after Christmas so he did end up using some leave time.) We talked to our son on Christmas morning and I will say it was hard because he did sound pretty down. He had to be on duty most of the day and I think it really hit him what he was missing "back home." We were able to Face Time with him a couple of days later, however, and he looked and sounded really good.
For graduation we stayed at the Residence Inn in Middletown. It is only a couple of miles from base and worked out real well because they have suites, which was nice with our teenage son. The good thing about a January graduation is the prices are low and you are not competing with tourists for lodging. The bad thing--it was never over 0 degrees! Us So Cal natives had a hard time with that weather. It was absolutely beautiful but bone-chilling cold. Many of the graduation activities were cancelled or moved inside due to the cold. A bummer, but the whole experience was amazing anyway. Don't book anything non-refundable until they have made it through the first few weeks. There are a number of "rollable" events along the way--especially the first week--and you never know injury-wise what might happen to move your loved one back a class. We made hotel reservations early on, but made sure we could cancel without a problem. At some point your loved one will let you know they feel pretty confident that they will be graduating with their class and then you can really start the planning. We flew in on Tuesday because of the potential for weather delays. We were able to see our son for a bit on Wednesday, but that is not always the case.
Your football thing is a great idea. I love college football, as does my son. I would watch the games with my computer on my lap and type a running commentary of the game--including all the little quips and funny comments we would be making to each other. My letters were numerous pages long. He said he loved those 'cause it made him laugh and he felt like he was actually watching the game. And it was a great way for me to feel connected to him.
Good luck. This is a scary but exciting time. You will survive...and so will your loved ones! I will go join your FB page so maybe I can be of some help to others going through the same timeline as my son did a year ago. I know FB was my saving grace during this time.
Blessings, Sheri
Oct 14, 2013
M's mom
As gordons4 said, make sure you don't make any non-refundable reservations until you're sure your loved one won't be "rolled" back. If Southwest Airlines flies out of where you live, they don't charge a fee like most to change your reservations. You will fly into Providence, and then it's about 30-40 min drive to Newport. To folks in warmer climates, beware that there can be blizzards and flight delays in New England in January, and it WILL be cold! Shouldn't have any trouble getting hotel reservations in January in Newport. It's those summer OCS graduations that have to compete with all the tourists in town. Any of the hotels in Middletown, RI are actually cheaper and closer to the Base than Newport hotels.
Oct 14, 2013
M's mom
Marmie: As far as letters to your son at OCS, be aware that this is NOT the same as camp! Do not send ANYTHING, no gifts or food or books, except maybe prepaid phone cards for the pay phones, in your letters to him for the first nine weeks until he is a Candidate Officer (Candio) at week ten. The drill instructors vary in their strictness as to what they allow to be sent, but my son's class had these mail rules: Letters ONLY in plain white envelopes. No colored or decorated envelopes. Definitely NO musical cards!!! The idea is to not have their mail stand out and catch the DI's attention in any way. No loose enclosures like photographs or cartoons, only phone cards. We were able to photocopy and/or computer-print pictures and cartoons and newspaper clippings onto the same-sized paper as the letter and send that with the letters, and that was OK. ABSOLUTELY NO FOOD OR CANDY, not even gum, until they are Candios at the beginning of week ten. If anything other than letters is sent before then, it will be confiscated as contraband and the receiver is punished, even if they didn't request it! In my son's class, someone's dear Auntie sent him cookies at week three and he had to do 800 pushups!!! (You read that right- 800!) So tell ANYONE that you give your son's OCS address to about these rules, so they don't innocently get him in trouble--letters ONLY in plain white envelopes. This is NOT camp! Some DI's are more lenient, but best to err on the side of caution. However, when they graduate to being Candios at the end of week nine, THEN they can receive "Candio Boxes" with as many goodies stuffed into them as you can pack. Most people use a US Postal Service flat-rate mailing box that makes a box 12"x12"x6" and decorate it inside in a Navy theme, and pack it with cookies, and whatever snacks the Candio is craving by now. The only rules are: NO alcohol, NO tobacco, and NO weapon-like items, like no squirt guns, laser-tag guns, rubber-band guns, etc. Feel free to copy and paste these "OCS Mail Rules" into your class's Facebook pages so the families know. None of this info was posted on the OCS website when my son went--just the mailing address!!!!
Oct 14, 2013
Marmie
M's mom - thanks for the heads up. I had not planned to send anything fancy. My LO was saying he didn't want anything and I told him that it would be like camp - an opportunity to step away from everything via a short note. I had even been hesitant about the phone cards and was going to wait to hear from him. In fact I looked up to see if one can still make collect calls! Thanks for the suggestions on copying or adhering loose information to the letter as well as the candio boxes after week 9.
Oct 15, 2013
M's mom
Marmie-- Yes, it might be a good idea to wait until your son writes and tells you it is OK to send a phone card in his letters. The DI's vary in their strictness, but their word is LAW. You can, however, send several "high minutes" phone cards WITH him and he will be allowed to keep those. We bought ours at Walmart. I'm not sure the brand makes any difference as long as they are national coverage. They have moved into a new barracks since my son went to OCS, so hopefully the phones are better. The ones my son used charged his card 15 minutes just to CONNECT the call, and then you could hardly hear him-- the connection was so bad. Not sure if collect calls are possible. After that first short phone call the night they check in (or the next day) they usually can't call again for another 3 weeks or so, and then only on weekends. They usually are given email privileges after week 4, and then you hear from them more often. Kids today don't like to write letters by hand!!!!! Make sure he knows your phone # and email address from memory, as he will have to actually type it in. No "contacts list" access.
Oct 15, 2013