I think we got my son's pre-paid phone card(s) two years ago at Walmart . Make sure you send a card with lots of minutes. Those pay phones charge 10-15 minutes just to connect the call!!!! You can send him additional phone cards in the mail to OCS, because they are allowed to have those.
My daughter also leaves Saturday for OCS. We've been waiting for so long, can't believe it's finally time! Let me know if you want the link to join the OCS 07-15 Family and Friends Facebook page.
Anna - Walgreen's had it. We went to every big box store in the area and even the the AT&T store. Every one of them has gone to the rechargeable cell phones. I never would have thought of Walgreen's without your comment. Thank you so much.
HELP!!! Our recent OCS graduate must report to Pensacola by Dec. 5. He would like to report on Dec. 1 in order to save some leave. We are looking for the best house hunting/moving/reporting advice. Those of you who have been through this, please advise. Should he take an extra leave day to find a place to live while staying at the Navy Lodge BEFORE he reports OR should he report and request house hunting leave before looking for a place? He is feeling unprepared for this whole process.
Have thought of you this week with your LO having one week under his belt. Hope you are doing okay. Hang in there....the phone calls WILL come later on!!
pbmcdaniel: Congrats on your son's graduation! Now you can join the "Moms of Officers" group here on N4M's. There have been some recent exchanges in that group about newcomers taking over apt leases for someone who was being deployed, so the roommates didn't get stuck with having to make up the rest of the rent money. I think those guys found a roomie on Facebook, so have your son search FB for "Pensacola Naval Aviators" or similar. I'm sure there are always NFO's coming and going from P'cola so somebody's always looking for a roomie. There has also been good advice about moving on the "Moms Of Officers" group and a link to a discussion on having the Navy pay for the moving service. Also, join the "Naval Aviators" group here.--Most of those Moms' LO's have been through P'cola at one time or another, and they could help with apt advice, etc. I know there are some areas of P'cola that are of questionable safety, and they suggest that sailors steer clear of there. As far as reporting, your son might as well report sooner rather than later, because if the next class doesn't start for a week or even several weeks sometimes, he will just be put on "stash" duty until his class starts, and he will have plenty of time to look for an apt. My son had to report to Virginia Beach for Intel School after OCS, but his class didn't start for three weeks. After he reported, he was put on "stash" and literally could "phone it in" by just calling his CO every morning to report, and then he had plenty of time to apt hunt and get settled. Once your son reports, he will be told when he will "class up," and hopefully will then have stash time to get settled. Good Luck to your son!
pbmcdaniel: Glad to help. I found lots of help here when my son was a Navy newbie, so just trying to pay it forward. The group's name here is actually "Naval Aviation" not Aviators, but you probably found it anyway. After your son reports, he will then be on active duty and not burning leave anymore, even if he is "stashed" for a while. "Getting paid for doing nothing--I could get used to this," my son said! The Navy is very much HURRY UP AND WAIT. They have to hurry up and report, and then wait around until the class/job starts, or the ship departs, etc. Some of the future nuclear officers in my son's OCS class were not going to class up for several MONTHS, so the Navy sent them home to work in their local recruiting office until their class started!!!
Welcome MomOfNavyBoy! Read back in this forum as far back as you can. We have had several new OCS Moms join recently and we have probably answered many of your questions already here. Also check out the Discussion Forum above the posts here for "OCS Letter Regulations." You will want to make sure everyone you give your son's OCS mailing address to knows the rules so they don't innocently get your LO in trouble with the Drill Instructor! Sylvas: Your LO should be close to being past the worst of it now! Once they pass the Room-Locker-Personnel inspection in week four, then they can breathe a little easier!
Welcome Amanda1965. Stand by for that first phone call you will get in the next 48 hrs. After that you probably won't hear much from him until they get email privileges about week four. Just remember: NO NEWS IS GOOD NEWS. That means he is still in the program and hasn't quit, or been "rolled" back to the next class. Read back on these postings here as far back as you can. We have probably answered many of your questions here already. Start writing lots of encouraging "snail mail" letters to him, but read the OCS Letter Regulations in the discussion forum above. Make sure anyone with his mailing address knows these rules! Mail is the only contact they have with the outside world for a few weeks, so they love mail from home!!!
Amanda 1965: my son graduated on Friday and is home for about 12 more hours before he heads to his duty station. The next 12 weeks of your life will go fast. When you go to OCS Newport at the end you will be amazed at the changes in your child. Stronger, more confident. Pay attention to what you read on the sites. Be very careful of what you say on them. Good luck to your LO.
Amanda1965: Make sure you join your son's OCS facebook page. You will receive valuable information! Write your son, they love hearing about everyday things that are happening at home. My son is starting week 10 and it actually has gone by fast. Good luck to you and your son!
Terri - thank you for your info. I don't have Facebook - never have. Can my two other children check it out on their facebooks? I can't keep my mind off my son. It's only day 2!
Amanda 1965, yes, any family can join the class page. The admin will ask questions to make sure they are family. Also keep an eye on the Officer Training Command -Newport page. Pictures of each class are posted about every two weeks. You may catch a glimpse of your son. Good luck to him. And you. It goes by a lot quicker than you can imagine. My kid is on his way to Pensacola. He checks in tomorrow.
Thank you all for the warm welcome. I will be visiting the group a lot for support. Don't know why I am so emotional - the kid went thru HS and College with Honors and has always be very physically fit. I am going to spend time reading older posts. Sylvas - My husband agreed big time with your comment on what I read and say on the sites. He was in the marines - B.A.(Before Amanda)
Yes to the NFO. After Monday they start charging him leave, but he has nothing accumulated as he used it to come home at Christmas. If they use leave I think they still had to be there no later than Friday. Doyou have an NFO Terri?
Slyvas,
Yes, he is in week 10 helping the new 0c's that came in yesterday. He did not take Christmas leave so I know he say time. His sister's wedding is the Friday after he graduates. He is hoping to report to Pensicola and then request time.
An admin starts the Facebook page for the class about a week before the class starts. I joined the page for the two classes just before my son's so I could get some insight in to what would happen. They have files which explain what goes on week by week which I really appreciated. My son's class started on Nov 24, 2014 and he graduated February 27, 2015. It was class 07-15. They start every 3 weeks so you can count it out to see what your LO's class number will be. (7th class of 2015.)
Terri, it is my understanding that they have to report, but then they can get "time to move". The next classes don't start right away so they are given other jobs to do until those classes start. I have no idea when the next training/class sessions start. I can let you know what really happens after he signs in over the next few days.
Amanda1965: I don't have a Facebook account either, but anyone can view the Officer Training Command Facebook posts, because it is a public page. Just search on Google for "Officer Training Command Newport Facebook" and it should take you to the page. They post pictures of the training, and the class officers write weekly posts on what their class was up to that week. You shouldn't have to sign up for Facebook to view this page. You might see your son!
Terri/Sylvas: My son is an NFO from OCS Class 03-15. He graduated Nov. 21 and reported on Dec. 01 to P'cola. He stayed at the Navy Lodge two days after reporting. This allowed him to save leave time. He had plenty of time after mustering each day to look for a place to live. He was able to secure a place and move in after two days. (He had done a bit of research before reporting on the internet.) He was on Stash Duty (mustered every morning and was sent home most days after about an hour.) This gave him time to set up his place and get acclimated to the area. He started IFS (Intro Flight School) in mid-January. It is compressed into 12 days of classwork followed by air time. He soloed in mid-February and had about seven days before classing up for API (6 weeks of classwork/survival training.) He has completed one week thus far. The first four weeks from what I understand are pretty intense academics and swim survival tests. The final two weeks are survival training. At the end of week four, they celebrate Flight Suit Friday since academics are complete for API. From what we understand, Primary follows and lasts about six months.
Have learned so much since the adventure began in late August. This site is an excellent place to get info. Read through previous posts.
Enjoy the ride!!!
ps Good info abt apartment hunting and leases on previous posts.
Pbmcdaniel,
Thanks for the info! I know he is hoping to get leave to come home for his sister's wedding but I'm sure it depends on when the school starts. Do you know how often they start the courses?
Amanda: I sent my first letter to my LO before he actually reported. They will mostly likely not receive letters until the end of week two (indoc phase). I also included a self-addressed stamped envelope with a blank piece of paper in each letter to make it easier for him to write back....amazingly it worked!!! Letters were short and written over a few days, but I was thrilled to hear back. He especially like news of sports, world events, and family updates since they have NO contact with the "real" world. Later on, your LO will be allowed to make phone calls and email you.
Terri: You will find that the military is "Hurry Up and Wait!" From what we have heard, students "class up" on Thursdays in P'cola, but your LO will most likely have a while upon arrival before classing up. They have to go through all of the physicals AGAIN, complete some online "classes", complete paperwork, etc. Seems that they wait until enough OCS students, Academy students, and ROTC students arrive.
Pbmcdaniel,
I definitely understand hurry up and wait. My oldest son was in the Army! I'm just keeping my fingers crossed they will let him come home for his sisters wedding at the end of the month. Do you happen to know how many are in each class in Pensicola? I appreciate all the information!
Terri: Is your son pilot or NFO? Seems like the NFO group is on a faster track than pilots with our son's group. The pilots from OCS didn't have to report until late January whereas the NFO group had to report Dec. 1st. There are about 40 in the group my son is in for API. They didn't all start together. Some have been rolled or DQ'd. His IFS group was about the same size. There are a lot of variables when classing up. Most likely your son will have time for the wedding.
Terri and pbmcdaniel: If you haven't already, you both could also join the group "Naval Aviation" here on N4M's. Those Moms could answer any questions you have about flight school.
pbmcdaniel: my son just finished API too. He is now waiting on Primary, which starts March 23rd. He is hoping to be in that group, but he thought they will do it alphabetical, so he may not start until early April.
Terri: one of the hardest parts for me was learning all the acronyms...and I am still learning! Also, your son is on Navy time now! My son seems to go from having no time, to having a lot of time, then back again. Unfortunately, you don't know which it will be. We have been talking about going to P'cola to visit him, and which would be the best time. Well of course, now is the best time while he waits for Primary to start, but we just found that out last week. Oh well....
PAW - Our son just finished API too. They were probably in the same class! We are down here visiting him this week, before he starts Primary. We sort of guestimated when he would be done with API based on when he started it and planned our vacation around that. It has been a great visit so far. While they are in training, families pretty much have to roll with the punches as far as planning trips to see them (or them planning to come home).
nickerstrmom - yes they must be in the same class. He was looking at coming home for a week, but airfare was ridiculous. He had a lot of paperwork to do for top clearance too, so he decided to stay. I am glad you were able to visit!! We live on the west coast, so trips to Fl can be a little complicated :(
Terri - he graduated from OCS in late Oct. What a whirlwind that was! Fun, but stressful. He didn't get his orders until the afternoon after graduation. Then he had to scramble to find temp lodging and transportation, for he had to report to FL 4 days later! Sometimes the Navy does not communicate very well.
PAW - My son graduated OCS 10/10/14. He didn't get his orders until that day either. All of the pilots had to go home until January (OHARP duty). The NFO's had to report to Pensacola in less than one week and then do medical tests and paperwork, etc. for a few weeks until they classed up to IFS. Then there were some days when they could not fly due to weather conditions. He got to come home for a week at Christmas, but had to fly back to Pensacola on Christmas day. I was glad that API went straight through with no delays.
nickstermom- yup, they had the same experience, except mine graduated on 10/31, and flew home on Christmas Day for a 5 day reconnect! Do you know what they will do in Primary? My son is excited for it, which makes me nervous (his excitement usually involves speed)
Is there an official site with information on how moving works? DS just graduated from OCS and has to be in Pensacola in 2 weeks. He claims that he only gets reimbursed if traveling from Newport to Pensacola, but obviously, his meager personal belongings are in his home state. I can't figure out what he's eligible for.....PCS, HHG, TDY. Could really use some direction. Thanks!
sunnyday - First off, congratulations!! My son graduated from OCS in Oct, and is now settled in PCola. It was a crazy ride from RI to FL. He did not receive his orders until after the commissioning service, then had to be in FL the next week. He had to pay everything (flight, taxi, Navy Lodge, etc) out of pocket, and was reimbursed later. The Navy would have booked his flight, but it would have been on their timetable, so he opted to book himself, then get reimbursed. Our son was told if he made a quick trip home first, he would not be reimbursed. Fortunately, we took a very large suitcase and a box packed with his needed belongs with us to the commissioning service (thank goodness for Southwest). Sorry I can't be of more help.
PAW...thanks for your kind words. We just got back from Newport yesterday and while the weekend was amazing, a sadness has set in knowing that he will always live "somewhere else" now. He's visiting a friend in CT right now and then his friend will drive him to Pensacola. He will fly home from Pensacola to pick up his car and belongings and then drive back to Pensacola on his own. Was so hoping that he could avoid the one drive from CT to Pensacola and just use those funds to cover his drive from our home to Florida.
If they just started then it will be 3 weeks until you can hear from your child. Its hard to wait but after the 3 weeks they will be able to call you every sunday. There is a facebook page for the OCS that you can follow them on.
Welcome, GalleyMom. Reading the past posts here, and also above in the discussion forum, will hopefully answer many of your questions. Also join the group here on N4M's called "Moms of Officers" and read posts and discussions there too. We answered many OSC questions recently in that group. If you do Facebook, and you know your son's OCS class #, search Facebook for "Navy OCS Class XX-15 Friends & Family," or some variation. These groups are great support as you are all concerned with the same class. You can also ask to join the Facebook groups of the OCS class or two AHEAD of your son's, so you can see what those classes are doing three weeks and six week ahead of your son's class. Also on Facebook, search for "Officer Training Command Newport." This is the official OCS Facebook page, and it is a public page, so anybody can view it. That page shows news and pictures of the current classes at OCS. You might see a pic of your son!
As Tiggermanic wrote, you won't hear much from your son, maybe one snail mail letter, until they get email at 3-4 weeks, but NO NEWS IS GOOD NEWS. They will be allowed to call home if they get "rolled" back for failing an inspection or fitness test. Write lots of snail mail letters to him the first few weeks, but send letters ONLY, no treats or any "contraband" or he will be punished. Make sure anyone you give your son's address to knows this! They can receive goodie boxes called "Candio boxes" only after week nine.
Welcome aboard GalleyMom! OCS is one of those "time warp" experiences...goes super slow when you are in it, then when you look back it went super fast! I found the FB group was a wonderful source of support & information. If it is not up yet, request to join the class before your LO's, then contact the admin. That is what I did, and it went up the same day. The admins are great, and super helpful.
M's mom
I think we got my son's pre-paid phone card(s) two years ago at Walmart . Make sure you send a card with lots of minutes. Those pay phones charge 10-15 minutes just to connect the call!!!! You can send him additional phone cards in the mail to OCS, because they are allowed to have those.
Nov 19, 2014
jkcmom
Hi Sylvas,
My daughter also leaves Saturday for OCS. We've been waiting for so long, can't believe it's finally time! Let me know if you want the link to join the OCS 07-15 Family and Friends Facebook page.
Nov 21, 2014
JediGrey
Nov 21, 2014
JediGrey
Nov 21, 2014
Anna
Sylvas,
You are so welcome, I'm glad I could help!!!!
Nov 21, 2014
pbmcdaniel
HELP!!! Our recent OCS graduate must report to Pensacola by Dec. 5. He would like to report on Dec. 1 in order to save some leave. We are looking for the best house hunting/moving/reporting advice. Those of you who have been through this, please advise. Should he take an extra leave day to find a place to live while staying at the Navy Lodge BEFORE he reports OR should he report and request house hunting leave before looking for a place? He is feeling unprepared for this whole process.
Nov 25, 2014
pbmcdaniel
Sylas,
Have thought of you this week with your LO having one week under his belt. Hope you are doing okay. Hang in there....the phone calls WILL come later on!!
Nov 25, 2014
M's mom
pbmcdaniel: Congrats on your son's graduation! Now you can join the "Moms of Officers" group here on N4M's. There have been some recent exchanges in that group about newcomers taking over apt leases for someone who was being deployed, so the roommates didn't get stuck with having to make up the rest of the rent money. I think those guys found a roomie on Facebook, so have your son search FB for "Pensacola Naval Aviators" or similar. I'm sure there are always NFO's coming and going from P'cola so somebody's always looking for a roomie. There has also been good advice about moving on the "Moms Of Officers" group and a link to a discussion on having the Navy pay for the moving service. Also, join the "Naval Aviators" group here.--Most of those Moms' LO's have been through P'cola at one time or another, and they could help with apt advice, etc. I know there are some areas of P'cola that are of questionable safety, and they suggest that sailors steer clear of there. As far as reporting, your son might as well report sooner rather than later, because if the next class doesn't start for a week or even several weeks sometimes, he will just be put on "stash" duty until his class starts, and he will have plenty of time to look for an apt. My son had to report to Virginia Beach for Intel School after OCS, but his class didn't start for three weeks. After he reported, he was put on "stash" and literally could "phone it in" by just calling his CO every morning to report, and then he had plenty of time to apt hunt and get settled. Once your son reports, he will be told when he will "class up," and hopefully will then have stash time to get settled. Good Luck to your son!
Nov 25, 2014
pbmcdaniel
Thanks, M's mom! Will definitely check out the Moms of Officers group and the Naval Aviators group. We appreciate the advice!!
Nov 25, 2014
M's mom
pbmcdaniel: Glad to help. I found lots of help here when my son was a Navy newbie, so just trying to pay it forward. The group's name here is actually "Naval Aviation" not Aviators, but you probably found it anyway. After your son reports, he will then be on active duty and not burning leave anymore, even if he is "stashed" for a while. "Getting paid for doing nothing--I could get used to this," my son said! The Navy is very much HURRY UP AND WAIT. They have to hurry up and report, and then wait around until the class/job starts, or the ship departs, etc. Some of the future nuclear officers in my son's OCS class were not going to class up for several MONTHS, so the Navy sent them home to work in their local recruiting office until their class started!!!
Nov 25, 2014
MomOfNavyBoy
I am a newbie and have a LO starting OCS-Newport tomorrow (Sunday, Dec 14). Anyone else?
Dec 13, 2014
M's mom
Welcome MomOfNavyBoy! Read back in this forum as far back as you can. We have had several new OCS Moms join recently and we have probably answered many of your questions already here. Also check out the Discussion Forum above the posts here for "OCS Letter Regulations." You will want to make sure everyone you give your son's OCS mailing address to knows the rules so they don't innocently get your LO in trouble with the Drill Instructor! Sylvas: Your LO should be close to being past the worst of it now! Once they pass the Room-Locker-Personnel inspection in week four, then they can breathe a little easier!
Dec 13, 2014
M's mom
Welcome Amanda1965. Stand by for that first phone call you will get in the next 48 hrs. After that you probably won't hear much from him until they get email privileges about week four. Just remember: NO NEWS IS GOOD NEWS. That means he is still in the program and hasn't quit, or been "rolled" back to the next class. Read back on these postings here as far back as you can. We have probably answered many of your questions here already. Start writing lots of encouraging "snail mail" letters to him, but read the OCS Letter Regulations in the discussion forum above. Make sure anyone with his mailing address knows these rules! Mail is the only contact they have with the outside world for a few weeks, so they love mail from home!!!
Mar 1, 2015
JediGrey
Mar 1, 2015
M's mom
Sylvas: Congratulations on your son's graduation! Weren't you just bursting with pride? Where is your son headed next?
Mar 1, 2015
Terri
Amanda1965: Make sure you join your son's OCS facebook page. You will receive valuable information! Write your son, they love hearing about everyday things that are happening at home. My son is starting week 10 and it actually has gone by fast. Good luck to you and your son!
Mar 1, 2015
Amanda1965
Terri - thank you for your info. I don't have Facebook - never have. Can my two other children check it out on their facebooks? I can't keep my mind off my son. It's only day 2!
Mar 2, 2015
JediGrey
Mar 2, 2015
Amanda1965
Thank you all for the warm welcome. I will be visiting the group a lot for support. Don't know why I am so emotional - the kid went thru HS and College with Honors and has always be very physically fit. I am going to spend time reading older posts. Sylvas - My husband agreed big time with your comment on what I read and say on the sites. He was in the marines - B.A.(Before Amanda)
Mar 2, 2015
Terri
Thanks!
Mar 2, 2015
JediGrey
Mar 2, 2015
Terri
Yes, he is in week 10 helping the new 0c's that came in yesterday. He did not take Christmas leave so I know he say time. His sister's wedding is the Friday after he graduates. He is hoping to report to Pensicola and then request time.
Mar 2, 2015
Terri
I have asked my son what the class number. If your son started Sunday it is 11-15 Charlie
Mar 2, 2015
JediGrey
Mar 2, 2015
Terri
Welcome! My son signed me up.myou might ask your husband what his class company will be.
Mar 2, 2015
JediGrey
Mar 2, 2015
Terri
That would great! I appreciate it!
Mar 2, 2015
M's mom
Amanda1965: I don't have a Facebook account either, but anyone can view the Officer Training Command Facebook posts, because it is a public page. Just search on Google for "Officer Training Command Newport Facebook" and it should take you to the page. They post pictures of the training, and the class officers write weekly posts on what their class was up to that week. You shouldn't have to sign up for Facebook to view this page. You might see your son!
Mar 2, 2015
pbmcdaniel
Terri/Sylvas: My son is an NFO from OCS Class 03-15. He graduated Nov. 21 and reported on Dec. 01 to P'cola. He stayed at the Navy Lodge two days after reporting. This allowed him to save leave time. He had plenty of time after mustering each day to look for a place to live. He was able to secure a place and move in after two days. (He had done a bit of research before reporting on the internet.) He was on Stash Duty (mustered every morning and was sent home most days after about an hour.) This gave him time to set up his place and get acclimated to the area. He started IFS (Intro Flight School) in mid-January. It is compressed into 12 days of classwork followed by air time. He soloed in mid-February and had about seven days before classing up for API (6 weeks of classwork/survival training.) He has completed one week thus far. The first four weeks from what I understand are pretty intense academics and swim survival tests. The final two weeks are survival training. At the end of week four, they celebrate Flight Suit Friday since academics are complete for API. From what we understand, Primary follows and lasts about six months.
Have learned so much since the adventure began in late August. This site is an excellent place to get info. Read through previous posts.
Enjoy the ride!!!
ps Good info abt apartment hunting and leases on previous posts.
Mar 2, 2015
Terri
Thanks for the info! I know he is hoping to get leave to come home for his sister's wedding but I'm sure it depends on when the school starts. Do you know how often they start the courses?
Mar 2, 2015
Amanda1965
Any specific prepaid phone cards? Going to purchase them today. Thank you.
Mar 3, 2015
Anna
Amanda, I purchased ones at Walgreens.
Mar 3, 2015
Amanda1965
Thank you. I Found out Target has ATT phone Cards as well!
Mar 3, 2015
pbmcdaniel
Amanda: I sent my first letter to my LO before he actually reported. They will mostly likely not receive letters until the end of week two (indoc phase). I also included a self-addressed stamped envelope with a blank piece of paper in each letter to make it easier for him to write back....amazingly it worked!!! Letters were short and written over a few days, but I was thrilled to hear back. He especially like news of sports, world events, and family updates since they have NO contact with the "real" world. Later on, your LO will be allowed to make phone calls and email you.
Terri: You will find that the military is "Hurry Up and Wait!" From what we have heard, students "class up" on Thursdays in P'cola, but your LO will most likely have a while upon arrival before classing up. They have to go through all of the physicals AGAIN, complete some online "classes", complete paperwork, etc. Seems that they wait until enough OCS students, Academy students, and ROTC students arrive.
Mar 3, 2015
Terri
I definitely understand hurry up and wait. My oldest son was in the Army! I'm just keeping my fingers crossed they will let him come home for his sisters wedding at the end of the month. Do you happen to know how many are in each class in Pensicola? I appreciate all the information!
Mar 3, 2015
pbmcdaniel
Terri: Is your son pilot or NFO? Seems like the NFO group is on a faster track than pilots with our son's group. The pilots from OCS didn't have to report until late January whereas the NFO group had to report Dec. 1st. There are about 40 in the group my son is in for API. They didn't all start together. Some have been rolled or DQ'd. His IFS group was about the same size. There are a lot of variables when classing up. Most likely your son will have time for the wedding.
Mar 3, 2015
Terri
He is NFO and can't wait to move on!
Mar 3, 2015
M's mom
Terri and pbmcdaniel: If you haven't already, you both could also join the group "Naval Aviation" here on N4M's. Those Moms could answer any questions you have about flight school.
Mar 4, 2015
PAW
pbmcdaniel: my son just finished API too. He is now waiting on Primary, which starts March 23rd. He is hoping to be in that group, but he thought they will do it alphabetical, so he may not start until early April.
Terri: one of the hardest parts for me was learning all the acronyms...and I am still learning! Also, your son is on Navy time now! My son seems to go from having no time, to having a lot of time, then back again. Unfortunately, you don't know which it will be. We have been talking about going to P'cola to visit him, and which would be the best time. Well of course, now is the best time while he waits for Primary to start, but we just found that out last week. Oh well....
Mar 4, 2015
Terri
Thank you for the information, when did you son graduate?
Mar 4, 2015
nickstermom
PAW - Our son just finished API too. They were probably in the same class! We are down here visiting him this week, before he starts Primary. We sort of guestimated when he would be done with API based on when he started it and planned our vacation around that. It has been a great visit so far. While they are in training, families pretty much have to roll with the punches as far as planning trips to see them (or them planning to come home).
Mar 4, 2015
PAW
nickerstrmom - yes they must be in the same class. He was looking at coming home for a week, but airfare was ridiculous. He had a lot of paperwork to do for top clearance too, so he decided to stay. I am glad you were able to visit!! We live on the west coast, so trips to Fl can be a little complicated :(
Terri - he graduated from OCS in late Oct. What a whirlwind that was! Fun, but stressful. He didn't get his orders until the afternoon after graduation. Then he had to scramble to find temp lodging and transportation, for he had to report to FL 4 days later! Sometimes the Navy does not communicate very well.
Mar 4, 2015
nickstermom
PAW - My son graduated OCS 10/10/14. He didn't get his orders until that day either. All of the pilots had to go home until January (OHARP duty). The NFO's had to report to Pensacola in less than one week and then do medical tests and paperwork, etc. for a few weeks until they classed up to IFS. Then there were some days when they could not fly due to weather conditions. He got to come home for a week at Christmas, but had to fly back to Pensacola on Christmas day. I was glad that API went straight through with no delays.
Mar 4, 2015
PAW
nickstermom- yup, they had the same experience, except mine graduated on 10/31, and flew home on Christmas Day for a 5 day reconnect! Do you know what they will do in Primary? My son is excited for it, which makes me nervous (his excitement usually involves speed)
Mar 4, 2015
sunnyday
Is there an official site with information on how moving works? DS just graduated from OCS and has to be in Pensacola in 2 weeks. He claims that he only gets reimbursed if traveling from Newport to Pensacola, but obviously, his meager personal belongings are in his home state. I can't figure out what he's eligible for.....PCS, HHG, TDY. Could really use some direction. Thanks!
Apr 12, 2015
PAW
sunnyday - First off, congratulations!! My son graduated from OCS in Oct, and is now settled in PCola. It was a crazy ride from RI to FL. He did not receive his orders until after the commissioning service, then had to be in FL the next week. He had to pay everything (flight, taxi, Navy Lodge, etc) out of pocket, and was reimbursed later. The Navy would have booked his flight, but it would have been on their timetable, so he opted to book himself, then get reimbursed. Our son was told if he made a quick trip home first, he would not be reimbursed. Fortunately, we took a very large suitcase and a box packed with his needed belongs with us to the commissioning service (thank goodness for Southwest). Sorry I can't be of more help.
Apr 12, 2015
sunnyday
PAW...thanks for your kind words. We just got back from Newport yesterday and while the weekend was amazing, a sadness has set in knowing that he will always live "somewhere else" now. He's visiting a friend in CT right now and then his friend will drive him to Pensacola. He will fly home from Pensacola to pick up his car and belongings and then drive back to Pensacola on his own. Was so hoping that he could avoid the one drive from CT to Pensacola and just use those funds to cover his drive from our home to Florida.
Apr 12, 2015
Tiggermanic
If they just started then it will be 3 weeks until you can hear from your child. Its hard to wait but after the 3 weeks they will be able to call you every sunday. There is a facebook page for the OCS that you can follow them on.
May 26, 2015
M's mom
Welcome, GalleyMom. Reading the past posts here, and also above in the discussion forum, will hopefully answer many of your questions. Also join the group here on N4M's called "Moms of Officers" and read posts and discussions there too. We answered many OSC questions recently in that group. If you do Facebook, and you know your son's OCS class #, search Facebook for "Navy OCS Class XX-15 Friends & Family," or some variation. These groups are great support as you are all concerned with the same class. You can also ask to join the Facebook groups of the OCS class or two AHEAD of your son's, so you can see what those classes are doing three weeks and six week ahead of your son's class. Also on Facebook, search for "Officer Training Command Newport." This is the official OCS Facebook page, and it is a public page, so anybody can view it. That page shows news and pictures of the current classes at OCS. You might see a pic of your son!
As Tiggermanic wrote, you won't hear much from your son, maybe one snail mail letter, until they get email at 3-4 weeks, but NO NEWS IS GOOD NEWS. They will be allowed to call home if they get "rolled" back for failing an inspection or fitness test. Write lots of snail mail letters to him the first few weeks, but send letters ONLY, no treats or any "contraband" or he will be punished. Make sure anyone you give your son's address to knows this! They can receive goodie boxes called "Candio boxes" only after week nine.
May 26, 2015
PAW
Welcome aboard GalleyMom! OCS is one of those "time warp" experiences...goes super slow when you are in it, then when you look back it went super fast! I found the FB group was a wonderful source of support & information. If it is not up yet, request to join the class before your LO's, then contact the admin. That is what I did, and it went up the same day. The admins are great, and super helpful.
May 27, 2015