Congratulations Lynn!! Make sure he has memorized the major phone numbers and your email address because he won't have his phone to consult and when he gets computer access he will have to send out a test email and again, needs to do it from memory!!!!
Welcome Lynn! Read all the posts we've made below to other new OCS moms. Good advice from Anna about phone #'s and email. With today's smartphones, some people have no memory of what the numbers actually are! Also read the "OSC letter regulations" in the Discussion Forum above. Tell your son that the first few weeks will be very stressful, and he just has to hang in there even though he feels like quitting. The DI's make them feel like they can't do anything right at first, and are constantly yelling at them and punishing them. Tell him to expect this. The DI's are testing them, of course. It gets much better after about week three if he can just stick with it.
HI everyone! Our son just started OCS and it sounds like Gatormom, Nashvillemom, and Lynn all have kids there, too. I am so thankful for a group on which to lean and gather info.
One question: we have several family members who wish to attend OCS graduation ceremony. Is there a limit to the number of guest each new officer may invite?
He will get his orders just before graduation. (Hopefully, sometimes a few have to wait around after commissioning to get their orders.) It all depends on their report date to their next school. But for the most part they have a pretty generous travel time between OCS and their next stop.
ksjill,
Welcome and get ready for a roller coaster ride!!!!! OCS is exciting but it is a difficult 12 weeks of training!!! There isn't a limit on guests to the commissioning. There are several rows of chairs set up for the candidates and the family members sit behind. If all the chairs are filled there is standing room all over. Get there early to get seats!!!
Also, make sure you check facebook for the Officer Training Command Newport page. They post pictures of the classes as they are going through different phases of training. Also, once you know his class number look for a friends and family page for his class. And ask to join the few classes before his so you get an idea of what's coming ahead for your son!!!!
Yes, they will have a new email address. They won't be able to access anything outside of the OTCN network so they won't be able to get to their own email address. Make sure your loved ones have your address memorized since they won't have their email address book!!!
ksjil,
There is lots of information on the FB page and hopefully you will see pictures of your loved one. Just keep in mind to stay aware of what you post on those pages. Think about what you say that it can't in anyway get back to your loved one to get them in trouble. Class officers, and drill instructors can read your posts so just be aware!!!
I'm sure each of you are just as excited as me about this new chapter in life for our LOs. I've been absorbed in reading all posts in the FB friends & family class 15-14 & 16-14 class. So much helpful info out there. Our son was told by his recruiter he'll likely come home & be here for a bit recruiting before he heads to Charleston. Apparently they're pretty back up there? Can't wait to see them in uniform!
Yes, recruiting time does happen. My daughter went NFO and she had to report to Pensacola but waited around down there for a couple months before she started training. So it just depends.
Welcome, new OCS moms! Dittos from me for all of Anna's great advice below. Hopefully you have all gotten that first call from your LO's (loved ones). Don't expect to hear anything more from them until you hopefully get a letter or two in a few weeks. NO NEWS IS GOOD NEWS. Somewhere around weeks 3-4 you will get an email with the subject "test" from something like "training.mil" This will be a test email from your LO as they set up their email accounts. (Hopefully, they know at least one family email address by memory because they can't get to their usual email program and will have to type the address in.) You may reply to the test email, but don't expect to hear back until they are granted email privileges, usually after passing the Room- Locker-Personnel inspection at the end of week four. Write snail mail letters every day to them!!! Just don't send anything else now but letters, or they will be punished for contraband. Make sure everyone you give their address to knows this! After they can email, you will hear more from them, but not every day. Send a letter now with email addresses you think they will want to have.
As far as time off after graduation, it depends on their orders and their next school. Some in my son's class did not have their orders yet at graduation and had to stay at the base in Newport until the orders came through. Some schools only start 2-3 new classes per year, so depending on when they graduate from OCS, they may have to start school the very next week, or not for several months. I think some in my son's class in NUPOC got sent home for several months to work at the nearest Navy recruiting office. My son was going to intelligence school at NAS Oceana in Virginia Beach. He was given 10 days' travel time, so he was able to fly home with us the day after graduation, pack his stuff, and drive to VA. Once he reported though, he was on "stash duty"--basically doing nothing but reporting in every morning--until his school started, like Anna said below about her daughter. They won't know until they get their orders.
Anna: My son is currently stationed at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station off the coast of Seattle, although he has quite a few "temporary duty" trips to other bases. He became an Intel officer in a roundabout way. He was accepted to OCS 2 yrs ago as a pilot ,and had passed all the required physicals, but then three weeks into OCS, they gave him a flight physical and found he has a minor heart valve anomaly which is not life-threatening, but DQ's him for pilot. He was pretty upset, but was able to transfer to Intel which was his second choice. He is an aviation intelligence officer and works closely with the pilots and planes. He is currently on the carrier Carl Vinson on a short training cruise, in preparation for an upcoming long cruise, of which I won't give any further details, in keeping with N4M policy. He seems to really like Intel so far, and is happy that he is working with planes, if he can't fly them.
My son graduated OCS March 14th, came home for about two weeks and then worked in recruiting for a month up in Boston, with his recruiters that helped him through the NUPOC program process while at Boston University. He was home for 2 days and then drove to Charleston for his start date of May 7th. As the other ladies stated it all depends on the date in his orders as to when and how much leave/time before the next phase.
DallasMom2014: My son is also at OCS Newport as of Sunday. We were there with him and still in Newport when we call his call. Newport base looks really nice from the bridge and we are sure all is going well,.
Welcome, DallasMom! Scroll down and read the last several pages of advice we vets have posted to all the new OCS Moms who have joined recently. Also, read up above in the Discussions Forum the posts on "OCS Letter Regulations." This is very important that you don't send anything prohibited that will get your candidate punished. Yes, they can be punished even if they didn't ASK for it to be sent! At the end of nine weeks, you can send them a "Candio" box with lots of goodies in it, but not until then. If you do Facebook, look for the group OCS Class 16-14 Friends & Families. Also search for the "Officer Training Command Newport" page and "like" it. They post pictures and updates of all the current training classes, and you might get to see your son! As others have written, if you make any comments on the Newport page, make sure they will not be embarrassing to your candidate or get him in trouble. The DI's can read those too!
Lynn and Dallasmom, hope you are both surviving our LOs being in Newport. No news is good news as I continue to hear. So glad most of them made it through the wkend. RLP sounds like the next big hurdle. Hopefully they'll get lots of practice between now & then. Looking frwd to making travel arrangements for graduation but am thinking I need to wait until after RLP?
Gatormom: Yes, a few from each class fail the RLP inspection and get "rolled" back to start over and join the next class starting in three weeks. They can even get rolled for failing something further on, also. You can always change hotel reservations, but plane tickets are difficult to change without a penalty. Southwest Airlines does not charge a penalty for changing your reservations, at least they didn't two years ago, and they do fly into Providence Airport, so might want to consider Southwest, if they fly out of your airport. ( I'm assuming with a name like Gatormom, that you're from FL?) My son was in class 16-12 two years ago, so the good thing is, their graduation will be AFTER Labor Day in Newport, so hotels will be easier to get. Newport is crawling with tourists from Memorial Day to Labor Day, so the summer graduation OCS classes have a harder time finding hotel rooms. Here's a tip: When searching for nearby hotels, search for "Middletown, RI." Middletown is actually closer to the Navy base, and there are a bunch of chain hotels such as Holiday Inn, etc. that are much cheaper and closer than the downtown Newport hotels, which cater to tourists. Stay an extra day to do some sightseeing in Newport and tour some of those "summer cottages" of the old wealthy, like The Breakers. (We ordinary folk would call them "mansions.")
Thanks, I was just looking at hotels last night, so that's great advice. They are scheduled to graduate on the Friday before Labor Day so wanting to get reservations now. Excited for this class and can't wait on the first call or letter. The photos being posted made our day! Clearly saw our son in 4 of them.
I booked the best Western and am hoping graduation takes place as scheduled. Holding on flights for a bit. How do our LOs get home? Navy bought a one way ticket there. Is that due to possible rolling? What ab all the uniforms they have to buy? Do they get to fly home with them, ship them, or what?
Gatormom: After the graduation ceremony and checking out of the barracks, the new Ensigns are free to leave IF they have their orders. Some will not have their orders come through yet at grad and must stay at the base until they do, which could be several weeks. They must buy their own plane ticket home, if they have enough "travel time" in their orders, to be able to go home first. My son had ten days to get to Virginia Beach for Intel School, so he was able to get a ticket on our same flight to fly home to Indiana, collect his stuff, and then drive to VA. Some of them however, had to report to their next school the next week, so had to go directly there. I believe the Navy will reimburse them for plane tickets to their next duty station, but NOT to go home. They have to make their own arrangements anyway. My son was reimbursed so much per mile for his drive to VA. As to all the uniforms, yes, they have to take them all with them, and they are only issued a sea bag, and my son only had just a carry-on bag that he flew to RI with. So my husband and I packed some collapsible luggage in our own suitcases, and I bought a really nice large durable folding garment bag for my son to put all of his dress uniforms in, (he still uses it.) We had to put some of his stuff in OUR luggage, and had to check all these bags for the flight home, but we got it all home! Many of the families there for grad made a run to the local Walmart to buy cheap luggage, duffel bags, etc. because there is no way they can stuff five sets of uniforms, shoes/boots, and all their gear in that sea bag! So take your loved ones some extra luggage with you, or plan to buy some there if they will be flying home! Unfortunately, their orders don't come in until near graduation, if then, so you will not know until then if your loved one will be able to go home. We were in Newport on the Wed before graduation Friday with my son, when he got a call to go back to the barracks because his orders were just issued!!! This sort of uncertainty is common in the Navy, so we all have to resign ourselves to it!!
Thank you, M's Mom, for the valuable info. So appreciate it! I'm sure a last minute, one way ticket is pricey, but doesn't look like any way around it. You've been a big help :-)
Cheryl
Hello meam - I'm a new mom to this site also, but my son is currently in class 15-14 scheduled to graduate on August 8th.
View the above youtube video. It will give you a real vision as to what your son will be doing. It is a little scary too - OCS is not a walk in the park, but it will give you the feeling of how proud you will be when he completes his class.
On another note, if any of you ladies can give me some information on hotels for my stay during graduation, I'd be very grateful.
meam: go to www.ocs.navy.mil then click on "programs" then OCS. There is an FAQ section there, but we didn't know a lot about OCS before my son started. We actually had to learn more about it here on N4M's and also his class's Friends & Family Facebook page, than any info we got from the Navy. For instance, nowhere on the Navy OSC site does it tell you NOT to send any goodies or gifts to the candidates BEFORE they become Candios (after nine weeks.) We had to learn that here and on FB. Some candidates were innocently punished in my son's class for being sent contraband!!
Susieq228: As far as hotels, the "Newport" hotels cater to tourists and are very expensive. Search for hotels in "Middletown RI." Middletown and Newport kind of blend together, but Middletown is actually closer to the gate of the base than Newport, and they have lots of chain hotels there that are cheaper than anything in Newport on the bay. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express in Middletown and it was fine. Some folks stayed at the Navy Lodge right on the base, but it fills up fast for graduation weekends. Your loved one will have to be available to check you in to the Navy Lodge because they need to see a military ID. It's only for military and their families.
M's mom: I found that out as I spent the day checking out hotels. So many "famous house hotels" and the prices per night went from $200 - $805. I stayed with a staple "Ramada" and actually got 20% off the rate for a 3 night stay.
Thank you for your expiration "loved one" - that is so true for all of us moms.
What is your connection to OCS if you don't mind me asking? Susie
Susieq228: My son graduated from OCS in Sept 2012. There was a Facebook group for his class "OCS Class 16-12 Friends and Family," and our group always referred to the candidates as "loved ones" or LO for short because the officer candidate mentioned could be a son, daughter, wife husband, sister, brother, grandchild, etc., so we referred to them all as LO's because that was certain!!! You will notice here on N4M's that we also write of LO's because we don't necessarily know if your Ensign is a son or daughter, and some of us are grandmoms of sailors also. After your son is commissioned, then join the "Moms of Officers" group here. Also any group related to your son's "designator,"--aviation, nuke, etc. These Moms have been such a help to me, because I knew nothing about the Navy before my son joined, and there is nothing like the voice of experience! So I'm trying to pay it forward and help the newbies. Enjoy the graduation/commissioning ceremony. You will be bursting with pride!! (Take Kleenex.)
Susieq228: my son is right behind your LO in class 16-14. This site has been so helpful as well as the Facebook friends and family group for his class as well as the class of your LO. Our class page has been more active than yours, so perhaps you want to join the 16-14 class as well if you're on Facebook. So many helpful folks on this site and the FB site.
Gatormom: I did not realize that my LO's class had a separate page in friends and family. If you would kindly direct me how to get there, I would truly be thankful. I visit Facebook, but I am not "Facebook Suave". I visit the Facebook page of OCS in general. but not specific to his class. PS. I'm from Florida and am a gator fan, don't think gatormom means anything different than that, correct me if I am wrong. Thanks for your comments.
Susieq228: Search Facebook for "OCS Class 15-14 Friends & Family" or some similar wording. These are usually a "closed" group that you have to request to join, but acceptance is usually automatic by the group administrator. It is usually helpful also to join the class AHEAD of your LO's (14-14) so you can see what they are doing three weeks ahead. !4-14 should be close to graduation! Maybe Gatormom can send you the link to 15-14's group page if she is a member.
Yes, that's the name of the group. I'm not very computer savvy & can't figure out how to send the link. Go to the search feature on Facebook & search for that title. I'm members of 15-14 & 16-14. So very helpful! Susieq228, what's your full name? I found a feature to add a member but need your name you go by on FB. Yes, I'm from Florida, have lived in Gainesville for many yrs. Gator mom says it all!
My LO is part of class 16-14. The Facebook page for US Navy OCS Class 16-14 Family & Friends is an awesome site for information. Request to join the group so you can get useful info about OCS. Let me know if you have any questions.
We stayed at the Best Western on Adm Kalbfus Rd. The hotels in Newport are more expensive because of the tourist attraction. The hotels that are closer to the base are not as much. We had a nice room, clean plenty of space!!!
nickstermom: Search for hotels in Middletown RI. Middletown and Newport kind of blend together, but Middletown is actually closer to the gate(s) of the base. The hotels in Newport cater to tourists and are very expensive. Middletown has chain hotels that are much cheaper. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express in Middletown and it was fine. I think the closest hotel to the base is the Best Western that Anna mentioned. That's where my son stayed the night before he reported to OCS. Some families stayed at the Navy Lodge which is right on base, but it fills up fast. If you are not military yourself, your candidate will have to be there with you when you check in to the Navy Lodge, because they need a military ID. It is the most convenient place to stay because it's right on the base, but was already full when we tried to reserve it.
Hi everyone! Thank you for all the great advice...I am going to start looking for a garment bag for him for graduation! My LO (YAY I now know what that means) leaves for OCS (all these crazy acronyms) on Aug 9th. We are trying to figure out how much cash he should take, and what he should have available to him in his account...any ideas? Also, does the Navy give them a uniform allowance? I heard his costs can be around $2500...yipes! Thanks!
My daughter took some cash with her but I don't remember exactly how much. It wasn't excessive. They don't get their uniforms for free anymore like in my day!!! Her uniform costs were taken out of her first few paychecks. Later on they get an allowance. One thing none of us were prepared for was the amount of money they need to have at the end of OCS. About $2000 as I remember. Jenn had to pay for quite a bit of things but I don't remember what all it was. Just that everything had to be paid for before graduation. She put it all on her VISA card.
Ok correction - - - just texted my daughter. She said it was about $3000 for all kinds of uniform sets, miscellaneous stuff. I guess for guys its around $2500 - $2700. Also, officers don't get uniform allowance.
PAW, Your son will not have to take $3000 with him to OCS. I think my son took about $200 in cash that they put in an account for him. He also took his credit card. They have to set up a direct deposit bank account for their paychecks.. They get paid while at OCS but it seems like only enough to pay for all their uniforms and supplies! They buy all their stuff at the Navy Exchange (NEX) on base, and they are allowed to "run a tab" while at OCS, but must pay for it or put it on a credit card before they leave. My son's class was offered a NEX credit card near graduation with a 25% discount on their first card purchase. So, most of my son's class took the card, paid their uniform account with it, because the $3000 then turned into $2250 with discount, and then when the card bill came, my son paid it off all at once with what he had in his account. It is a lot of money, but I think they get paid enough while in OCS to take care of it, or they can charge it and make payments, so they don't have to have all that money up front!
PAW, If you haven't already, read in the "Discussion Forum" up above about "OCS letter regulations," and make sure anyone you give your LO's mailing address to knows this. Send ONLY letters in plain white envelopes until week ten! Also join the group "Moms of Officers" here on N4M's. We have some new OCS moms in that group, and you may find some answers there too.
Yes, you are right!! They don't need that money up front. I only mentioned it because if my daughter had known about it before hand, she would have set the money aside. She had me paying her bills and was concentrating on getting some things paid off and then found out she had to charge $3000 to her credit card. I hope I didn't give you the impression he had to have that much to take with him!!!!!! :)
Lynn Baker
My son reports to RI on Sunday June 8, 2014. He is excited to get started. I am ready to stay connected to this page and Facebook.
Jun 4, 2014
Anna
Congratulations Lynn!! Make sure he has memorized the major phone numbers and your email address because he won't have his phone to consult and when he gets computer access he will have to send out a test email and again, needs to do it from memory!!!!
Jun 4, 2014
M's mom
Welcome Lynn! Read all the posts we've made below to other new OCS moms. Good advice from Anna about phone #'s and email. With today's smartphones, some people have no memory of what the numbers actually are! Also read the "OSC letter regulations" in the Discussion Forum above. Tell your son that the first few weeks will be very stressful, and he just has to hang in there even though he feels like quitting. The DI's make them feel like they can't do anything right at first, and are constantly yelling at them and punishing them. Tell him to expect this. The DI's are testing them, of course. It gets much better after about week three if he can just stick with it.
Jun 4, 2014
Lynn Baker
Will they get time off after graduation? If so, any idea how much time. My son will be heading off to Charleston for NUPOC. Thanks
Jun 11, 2014
ksjill
HI everyone! Our son just started OCS and it sounds like Gatormom, Nashvillemom, and Lynn all have kids there, too. I am so thankful for a group on which to lean and gather info.
Jun 11, 2014
ksjill
One question: we have several family members who wish to attend OCS graduation ceremony. Is there a limit to the number of guest each new officer may invite?
Jun 11, 2014
Anna
Lynn,
He will get his orders just before graduation. (Hopefully, sometimes a few have to wait around after commissioning to get their orders.) It all depends on their report date to their next school. But for the most part they have a pretty generous travel time between OCS and their next stop.
ksjill,
Welcome and get ready for a roller coaster ride!!!!! OCS is exciting but it is a difficult 12 weeks of training!!! There isn't a limit on guests to the commissioning. There are several rows of chairs set up for the candidates and the family members sit behind. If all the chairs are filled there is standing room all over. Get there early to get seats!!!
Also, make sure you check facebook for the Officer Training Command Newport page. They post pictures of the classes as they are going through different phases of training. Also, once you know his class number look for a friends and family page for his class. And ask to join the few classes before his so you get an idea of what's coming ahead for your son!!!!
Jun 11, 2014
ksjill
Thank you, Anna! I did check out the FB page, which is quite helpful and encouraging.
Jun 11, 2014
Alex's Girl
Will they be given a new email address?
Jun 11, 2014
Anna
Alex's Girl,
Yes, they will have a new email address. They won't be able to access anything outside of the OTCN network so they won't be able to get to their own email address. Make sure your loved ones have your address memorized since they won't have their email address book!!!
ksjil,
There is lots of information on the FB page and hopefully you will see pictures of your loved one. Just keep in mind to stay aware of what you post on those pages. Think about what you say that it can't in anyway get back to your loved one to get them in trouble. Class officers, and drill instructors can read your posts so just be aware!!!
Jun 11, 2014
Gatormom
Jun 11, 2014
Anna
Gatormom,
Yes, recruiting time does happen. My daughter went NFO and she had to report to Pensacola but waited around down there for a couple months before she started training. So it just depends.
Jun 11, 2014
M's mom
Welcome, new OCS moms! Dittos from me for all of Anna's great advice below. Hopefully you have all gotten that first call from your LO's (loved ones). Don't expect to hear anything more from them until you hopefully get a letter or two in a few weeks. NO NEWS IS GOOD NEWS. Somewhere around weeks 3-4 you will get an email with the subject "test" from something like "training.mil" This will be a test email from your LO as they set up their email accounts. (Hopefully, they know at least one family email address by memory because they can't get to their usual email program and will have to type the address in.) You may reply to the test email, but don't expect to hear back until they are granted email privileges, usually after passing the Room- Locker-Personnel inspection at the end of week four. Write snail mail letters every day to them!!! Just don't send anything else now but letters, or they will be punished for contraband. Make sure everyone you give their address to knows this! After they can email, you will hear more from them, but not every day. Send a letter now with email addresses you think they will want to have.
Jun 12, 2014
M's mom
As far as time off after graduation, it depends on their orders and their next school. Some in my son's class did not have their orders yet at graduation and had to stay at the base in Newport until the orders came through. Some schools only start 2-3 new classes per year, so depending on when they graduate from OCS, they may have to start school the very next week, or not for several months. I think some in my son's class in NUPOC got sent home for several months to work at the nearest Navy recruiting office. My son was going to intelligence school at NAS Oceana in Virginia Beach. He was given 10 days' travel time, so he was able to fly home with us the day after graduation, pack his stuff, and drive to VA. Once he reported though, he was on "stash duty"--basically doing nothing but reporting in every morning--until his school started, like Anna said below about her daughter. They won't know until they get their orders.
Jun 12, 2014
Anna
M's mom,
Where is your son now? My son is an IS and is looking to go officer now!
Jun 12, 2014
M's mom
Anna: My son is currently stationed at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station off the coast of Seattle, although he has quite a few "temporary duty" trips to other bases. He became an Intel officer in a roundabout way. He was accepted to OCS 2 yrs ago as a pilot ,and had passed all the required physicals, but then three weeks into OCS, they gave him a flight physical and found he has a minor heart valve anomaly which is not life-threatening, but DQ's him for pilot. He was pretty upset, but was able to transfer to Intel which was his second choice. He is an aviation intelligence officer and works closely with the pilots and planes. He is currently on the carrier Carl Vinson on a short training cruise, in preparation for an upcoming long cruise, of which I won't give any further details, in keeping with N4M policy. He seems to really like Intel so far, and is happy that he is working with planes, if he can't fly them.
Jun 12, 2014
dbs55
My son graduated OCS March 14th, came home for about two weeks and then worked in recruiting for a month up in Boston, with his recruiters that helped him through the NUPOC program process while at Boston University. He was home for 2 days and then drove to Charleston for his start date of May 7th. As the other ladies stated it all depends on the date in his orders as to when and how much leave/time before the next phase.
Jun 12, 2014
DallasMom2014
Jun 12, 2014
Lynn Baker
DallasMom2014: My son is also at OCS Newport as of Sunday. We were there with him and still in Newport when we call his call. Newport base looks really nice from the bridge and we are sure all is going well,.
Jun 13, 2014
M's mom
Welcome, DallasMom! Scroll down and read the last several pages of advice we vets have posted to all the new OCS Moms who have joined recently. Also, read up above in the Discussions Forum the posts on "OCS Letter Regulations." This is very important that you don't send anything prohibited that will get your candidate punished. Yes, they can be punished even if they didn't ASK for it to be sent! At the end of nine weeks, you can send them a "Candio" box with lots of goodies in it, but not until then. If you do Facebook, look for the group OCS Class 16-14 Friends & Families. Also search for the "Officer Training Command Newport" page and "like" it. They post pictures and updates of all the current training classes, and you might get to see your son! As others have written, if you make any comments on the Newport page, make sure they will not be embarrassing to your candidate or get him in trouble. The DI's can read those too!
Jun 13, 2014
Gatormom
Jun 16, 2014
M's mom
Gatormom: Yes, a few from each class fail the RLP inspection and get "rolled" back to start over and join the next class starting in three weeks. They can even get rolled for failing something further on, also. You can always change hotel reservations, but plane tickets are difficult to change without a penalty. Southwest Airlines does not charge a penalty for changing your reservations, at least they didn't two years ago, and they do fly into Providence Airport, so might want to consider Southwest, if they fly out of your airport. ( I'm assuming with a name like Gatormom, that you're from FL?) My son was in class 16-12 two years ago, so the good thing is, their graduation will be AFTER Labor Day in Newport, so hotels will be easier to get. Newport is crawling with tourists from Memorial Day to Labor Day, so the summer graduation OCS classes have a harder time finding hotel rooms. Here's a tip: When searching for nearby hotels, search for "Middletown, RI." Middletown is actually closer to the Navy base, and there are a bunch of chain hotels such as Holiday Inn, etc. that are much cheaper and closer than the downtown Newport hotels, which cater to tourists. Stay an extra day to do some sightseeing in Newport and tour some of those "summer cottages" of the old wealthy, like The Breakers. (We ordinary folk would call them "mansions.")
Jun 16, 2014
Gatormom
Jun 18, 2014
Gatormom
Jun 25, 2014
Lynn Baker
RLP is today for 16-14 with retest on Saturday. Keep our LO's in our thoughts today. Hope everyone does really well.
Jun 26, 2014
Gatormom
Jun 26, 2014
DallasMom2014
Jun 26, 2014
M's mom
Gatormom: After the graduation ceremony and checking out of the barracks, the new Ensigns are free to leave IF they have their orders. Some will not have their orders come through yet at grad and must stay at the base until they do, which could be several weeks. They must buy their own plane ticket home, if they have enough "travel time" in their orders, to be able to go home first. My son had ten days to get to Virginia Beach for Intel School, so he was able to get a ticket on our same flight to fly home to Indiana, collect his stuff, and then drive to VA. Some of them however, had to report to their next school the next week, so had to go directly there. I believe the Navy will reimburse them for plane tickets to their next duty station, but NOT to go home. They have to make their own arrangements anyway. My son was reimbursed so much per mile for his drive to VA. As to all the uniforms, yes, they have to take them all with them, and they are only issued a sea bag, and my son only had just a carry-on bag that he flew to RI with. So my husband and I packed some collapsible luggage in our own suitcases, and I bought a really nice large durable folding garment bag for my son to put all of his dress uniforms in, (he still uses it.) We had to put some of his stuff in OUR luggage, and had to check all these bags for the flight home, but we got it all home! Many of the families there for grad made a run to the local Walmart to buy cheap luggage, duffel bags, etc. because there is no way they can stuff five sets of uniforms, shoes/boots, and all their gear in that sea bag! So take your loved ones some extra luggage with you, or plan to buy some there if they will be flying home! Unfortunately, their orders don't come in until near graduation, if then, so you will not know until then if your loved one will be able to go home. We were in Newport on the Wed before graduation Friday with my son, when he got a call to go back to the barracks because his orders were just issued!!! This sort of uncertainty is common in the Navy, so we all have to resign ourselves to it!!
Jun 26, 2014
Gatormom
Cheryl
Jun 27, 2014
meam
Hello, New mom here. My sailor was just accepted. I am wondering where I can get information about OCS.
Thanks, meam
Jul 4, 2014
Susieq228
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEPQSK5r3ms
Hello meam - I'm a new mom to this site also, but my son is currently in class 15-14 scheduled to graduate on August 8th.
View the above youtube video. It will give you a real vision as to what your son will be doing. It is a little scary too - OCS is not a walk in the park, but it will give you the feeling of how proud you will be when he completes his class.
On another note, if any of you ladies can give me some information on hotels for my stay during graduation, I'd be very grateful.
Happy 4th of July to all. Susie
Jul 4, 2014
M's mom
meam: go to www.ocs.navy.mil then click on "programs" then OCS. There is an FAQ section there, but we didn't know a lot about OCS before my son started. We actually had to learn more about it here on N4M's and also his class's Friends & Family Facebook page, than any info we got from the Navy. For instance, nowhere on the Navy OSC site does it tell you NOT to send any goodies or gifts to the candidates BEFORE they become Candios (after nine weeks.) We had to learn that here and on FB. Some candidates were innocently punished in my son's class for being sent contraband!!
Jul 4, 2014
M's mom
Susieq228: As far as hotels, the "Newport" hotels cater to tourists and are very expensive. Search for hotels in "Middletown RI." Middletown and Newport kind of blend together, but Middletown is actually closer to the gate of the base than Newport, and they have lots of chain hotels there that are cheaper than anything in Newport on the bay. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express in Middletown and it was fine. Some folks stayed at the Navy Lodge right on the base, but it fills up fast for graduation weekends. Your loved one will have to be available to check you in to the Navy Lodge because they need to see a military ID. It's only for military and their families.
Jul 4, 2014
Susieq228
M's mom: I found that out as I spent the day checking out hotels. So many "famous house hotels" and the prices per night went from $200 - $805. I stayed with a staple "Ramada" and actually got 20% off the rate for a 3 night stay.
Thank you for your expiration "loved one" - that is so true for all of us moms.
What is your connection to OCS if you don't mind me asking? Susie
Jul 4, 2014
M's mom
Susieq228: My son graduated from OCS in Sept 2012. There was a Facebook group for his class "OCS Class 16-12 Friends and Family," and our group always referred to the candidates as "loved ones" or LO for short because the officer candidate mentioned could be a son, daughter, wife husband, sister, brother, grandchild, etc., so we referred to them all as LO's because that was certain!!! You will notice here on N4M's that we also write of LO's because we don't necessarily know if your Ensign is a son or daughter, and some of us are grandmoms of sailors also. After your son is commissioned, then join the "Moms of Officers" group here. Also any group related to your son's "designator,"--aviation, nuke, etc. These Moms have been such a help to me, because I knew nothing about the Navy before my son joined, and there is nothing like the voice of experience! So I'm trying to pay it forward and help the newbies. Enjoy the graduation/commissioning ceremony. You will be bursting with pride!! (Take Kleenex.)
Jul 4, 2014
Gatormom
Jul 6, 2014
Susieq228
Gatormom: I did not realize that my LO's class had a separate page in friends and family. If you would kindly direct me how to get there, I would truly be thankful. I visit Facebook, but I am not "Facebook Suave". I visit the Facebook page of OCS in general. but not specific to his class. PS. I'm from Florida and am a gator fan, don't think gatormom means anything different than that, correct me if I am wrong. Thanks for your comments.
Jul 6, 2014
M's mom
Susieq228: Search Facebook for "OCS Class 15-14 Friends & Family" or some similar wording. These are usually a "closed" group that you have to request to join, but acceptance is usually automatic by the group administrator. It is usually helpful also to join the class AHEAD of your LO's (14-14) so you can see what they are doing three weeks ahead. !4-14 should be close to graduation! Maybe Gatormom can send you the link to 15-14's group page if she is a member.
Jul 6, 2014
Gatormom
Jul 6, 2014
DallasMom2014
Jul 6, 2014
nickstermom
Jul 18, 2014
Anna
nickstermom,
We stayed at the Best Western on Adm Kalbfus Rd. The hotels in Newport are more expensive because of the tourist attraction. The hotels that are closer to the base are not as much. We had a nice room, clean plenty of space!!!
Jul 18, 2014
M's mom
nickstermom: Search for hotels in Middletown RI. Middletown and Newport kind of blend together, but Middletown is actually closer to the gate(s) of the base. The hotels in Newport cater to tourists and are very expensive. Middletown has chain hotels that are much cheaper. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express in Middletown and it was fine. I think the closest hotel to the base is the Best Western that Anna mentioned. That's where my son stayed the night before he reported to OCS. Some families stayed at the Navy Lodge which is right on base, but it fills up fast. If you are not military yourself, your candidate will have to be there with you when you check in to the Navy Lodge, because they need a military ID. It is the most convenient place to stay because it's right on the base, but was already full when we tried to reserve it.
Jul 19, 2014
nickstermom
Thanks!
Jul 19, 2014
PAW
Hi everyone! Thank you for all the great advice...I am going to start looking for a garment bag for him for graduation! My LO (YAY I now know what that means) leaves for OCS (all these crazy acronyms) on Aug 9th. We are trying to figure out how much cash he should take, and what he should have available to him in his account...any ideas? Also, does the Navy give them a uniform allowance? I heard his costs can be around $2500...yipes! Thanks!
Jul 23, 2014
Anna
PAW,
My daughter took some cash with her but I don't remember exactly how much. It wasn't excessive. They don't get their uniforms for free anymore like in my day!!! Her uniform costs were taken out of her first few paychecks. Later on they get an allowance. One thing none of us were prepared for was the amount of money they need to have at the end of OCS. About $2000 as I remember. Jenn had to pay for quite a bit of things but I don't remember what all it was. Just that everything had to be paid for before graduation. She put it all on her VISA card.
Jul 23, 2014
Anna
PAW,
Ok correction - - - just texted my daughter. She said it was about $3000 for all kinds of uniform sets, miscellaneous stuff. I guess for guys its around $2500 - $2700. Also, officers don't get uniform allowance.
Jul 23, 2014
M's mom
PAW, Your son will not have to take $3000 with him to OCS. I think my son took about $200 in cash that they put in an account for him. He also took his credit card. They have to set up a direct deposit bank account for their paychecks.. They get paid while at OCS but it seems like only enough to pay for all their uniforms and supplies! They buy all their stuff at the Navy Exchange (NEX) on base, and they are allowed to "run a tab" while at OCS, but must pay for it or put it on a credit card before they leave. My son's class was offered a NEX credit card near graduation with a 25% discount on their first card purchase. So, most of my son's class took the card, paid their uniform account with it, because the $3000 then turned into $2250 with discount, and then when the card bill came, my son paid it off all at once with what he had in his account. It is a lot of money, but I think they get paid enough while in OCS to take care of it, or they can charge it and make payments, so they don't have to have all that money up front!
Jul 23, 2014
M's mom
PAW, If you haven't already, read in the "Discussion Forum" up above about "OCS letter regulations," and make sure anyone you give your LO's mailing address to knows this. Send ONLY letters in plain white envelopes until week ten! Also join the group "Moms of Officers" here on N4M's. We have some new OCS moms in that group, and you may find some answers there too.
Jul 23, 2014
Anna
PAW and M's mom,
Yes, you are right!! They don't need that money up front. I only mentioned it because if my daughter had known about it before hand, she would have set the money aside. She had me paying her bills and was concentrating on getting some things paid off and then found out she had to charge $3000 to her credit card. I hope I didn't give you the impression he had to have that much to take with him!!!!!! :)
Jul 23, 2014