Hi GalleyMom! My son is a Civil Engineer. Since they are part of the SeaBees, they are considered "The Warriors" of of Naval officers. A retired CO recommended a sword and that's what's we did. He was thrilled. We had it mounted with engraving of his graduation information and a quote he closed all of his OCS correspondence. All the best in your Navy family experience.
GalleyMom: My son asked that we NOT get him a sword because he said unless he used it for a military wedding, that it would just hang on the wall gathering dust. We got him an "Ensign box" made of oak to store his ribbons, pins, and medals while his uniforms are at the cleaners. It looks like a women's jewelry box with lots of felt-lined compartments. We had it engraved with his name, the Navy emblem, and OCS graduation date. He loved it and still uses it today. Go to "The Good Wood Store" online and search for "military graduation boxes"
We also got our son a large, durable, folding garment carrier, (luggage -style) and took that with us to graduation. We also took several soft, collapsible pieces of luggage which my husband and I stuffed into our own suitcases for the flight to Providence. My son arrived at OCS with just a small carry-on suitcase and then they issued him a sea bag. There is NO WAY they can stuff five sets of uniforms and matching shoes/boots, and hats and all the gear they've had to buy at OCS into that sea bag and carry-on. Many families hit the local Walmart in town after graduation to buy more luggage, so we went prepared. My son was able to fly home with us, and he had the sea bag, garment carrier, and two soft duffle bags stuffed full of his gear. So I always recommend a gift of luggage! My son appreciated the garment carrier and still uses it for his uniforms whenever he travels with them, because it keeps things relatively unwrinkled vs. a suitcase.
Some parents who have the means to do so, pay off their new ensign's uniform bill at the NEX, which is usually three thousand dollars or more. Coincidentally, (or not,) the candidates are paid just about that much for "duty" at OCS, so most of them just break even, after paying their NEX bill.
Note to TXNavyWife: If your husband was issued his first set of uniforms for free as an enlisted sailor, it may come as a surprise to you that the officers have to BUY them! My son even had to pay for his meals when he was on an aircraft carrier for ten months! (Don't get me started on a rant about how our military cannot afford to feed our officers for free while they are deployed on a ship.) I will stop now before my humble opinions get me in trouble! ;-)
GalleyMom, we gave our son a travel garment bag for his uniforms. A good one, which will last, can be expensive, but it is a needed item for all their uniforms. There were a lot of OCS families running to the local Walmart to pick up a cheap one for their graduates.
Mimi: Yes, a 3-4 business suit bag would not be too big! When my son deployed, he had to take ALL of his uniforms with him, so he was prepared for whatever the occasion, even dress uniforms. What you're looking for is not just a vinyl bag like a new suit would come in, but an actual piece of luggage that unfolds to about 50-55" long that they can put uniforms in on hangers, and then fold it over and zip it or strap it together. My son's has lots of interior and exterior pockets on it for more gear. Search Amazon for "folding garment bag."
My son is in his 8th week as well and doesn't yet have his orders. He is SWO so he chose his ship but doesn't yet know when he will report. There is another SWO in his class who will be on the same ship. The other candidate received his orders a week or so ago. I have heard that some candidates have received their orders just a day or two before graduation. So I don't think it is something to be worried about. I am learning that everything with the Navy is "normal".
Mimi: Oops - My son is not week 8, he is week 11! How did I lose 3 weeks?? Yikes! My son is in 15-15. They chose their ships around week 7 or 8. Have the SWOs in 16-15 chose their ships? If so, that is strange that your son didn't get a ship at that time. But it is probably best to assume it is just "Navy-normal" for your sanity!
Mimi: Actually, I think 16-15 is mainly Sub/Nukes (based on something my son said). So I wonder if there are just not enough SWOs in that class to do the selection process. That may be why he doesn't have his ship yet.
Mimi: I think my son would say it was more tiring that stressful. I think that is part of the Navy's plan to see how they function and handle stress without much sleep. If there are a group of SWOs in the class and none of them have their ship yet, I think that means they just haven't had a chance yet to do the selection process. At this point, I have to believe they will wait until after all their tests this week.
Mimi: They wind up with about 5 different uniform sets. In the summer they wear "whites" which are white slacks, white shirt, white shoes, and a white billed hat ("cover.") For formal summer occasions (like OCS graduation) they wear a high-collared white coat (called a "choker"--obvious when you see one), and even white gloves! In winter they wear dress blues, which are like a dark "navy" blue business suit with white shirt and black tie, and black shoes. They also have a khaki-colored shirt/slacks uniform with khaki "cover," and a blue camouflage uniform with black boots and camo hat. I think my son also has a black short jacket that is worn over the khaki uniform in chilly weather. With all the boots and shoes and coats and hats and pants, it's quite a lot to pack.
Mimi and CL: Sometimes their orders don't come in until graduation week, or later. My son's orders did not arrive until the Wednesday of grad week. Some of them actually graduate without orders and then have to stay at the base in Newport until they arrive. Don't worry, the orders will show up eventually. Then, they will have to hustle and report to their next duty station, only to be put on "stash duty" (basically doing nothing) until their class starts in 3-4 weeks! "Hurry up and wait" is pretty much normal for the military.
We are counting on him having to buy uniforms so it's not much of a shock. He did take some of his NWU's with him though. I'm hoping he was able to just get his labels changed out rather than having to buy more of them. But I'm preparing to hear him say that they made him buy new ones along with everyone else. So we'll see! - Do you know if the uniforms are taken directly out of their pay check? Or how they're supposed to pay for the stuff while they're there? (In charge of the banking while he's gone and if I need to keep a little extra in his checking account it would be good to know!)
TxNavyWife: I believe they settle up their uniform account before they leave the base after graduation. My son is just starting week 11 and he has not yet paid for his uniforms. I have been watching his bank accounts. There have been the occasional charges at the NEX for haircuts and other incidentals every week or two. So far no large charges or checks for uniforms.
TxNavyWife - I know they got a 10% discount if they applied for and used their Star Card to buy their uniforms. The uniform allowance covered about 2/3 and my son got his in his pay shortly before graduation. I don't know if the discount applied if they used an existing Star Card and don't know how/if being prior enlisted affects the uniform allowance.
TXNavyWife: They are allowed to run a "tab" at OCS, but it must be paid before they leave. I'm not sure if this is still done or not, but my son's classmates 3 yrs ago were offered NEX credit cards a week or two before graduation with a "20% off your first purchase" deal. My son and most of them took the card, then made their "first purchase" by paying their uniform bill with the card, which my son said saved him about $700. Then he had 30 days to pay off the card balance without incurring interest, which he had enough saved to do. I think he said he was paid about enough while at OCS to buy his uniforms. So tell your husband to take the credit card deal if it's still offered. He can then use the NEX credit card at any NEX in the world.
Happy Birthday to me! The OCS fb page just posted photos of my husband's class, and he's in a couple! Knowing I wouldn't be getting a letter or phone call today, it was hard not feeling just a little bit bummed out, but having the pictures posted has brightened my day a bit! One week down!
TxNavyWife: Happy Birthday! That is a nice birthday present! Pictures and (even better) pictures that he is in. Did you find a Facebook group for the class? That could be the frosting on your birthday cake!
bkell32: When I first started looking at pictures of my son's class, I was wishing I had taken a picture of his sneakers before he left. He has gotten some that wouldn't stand out and I was really regretting that! Bright pink would have been my choice in hindsight.
Well hell must have frozen over! Not only did I get facebook pictures, but I got a LETTER! I didn't think I'd receive anything for at least 3 weeks. What a special day!
TxNavyWife: I can address this one, at least one of your two questions because I did the same thing and I was really worried. Turns out I didn't need to worry. I knew I was suppose to use OC and thought I was. I was using an online service (where you can just send an email, they print it out and put it in the mail near their base so it took a couple of days off of the delivery time) and I didn't realize that I didn't pick the correct "name format" in the tool so it wasn't adding the OC title I had included. I think I noticed it sometime at the end of week two. It turns out it was just fine and it didn't cause my son to get any extra attention and he got all the letters.
Using that experience, I can't imagine it would be a problem to have last name first. I did use first name first and last name second. If that was incorrect, it didn't cause any problems.I am glad you got all your jitters out of the way this first week so you can relax for the next 11 weeks! :-) Ok, you won't...but wouldn't it be nice if you could!
Thanks! I wrote that post and deleted after I checked the mail and found his letter. He's got the OC and his name written like normal people, so I'll start doing that.....His second set of zip he sent is -1644 though, and everything else I've seen says -1641. Being it's the last of the second set of numbers I'm hoping it doesn't matter. I'm assuming I should keep using the 1641?
And I can't thank you ladies enough for answering all these things for me! You have been SO wonderful and patient with all my questions!
Just knowing that he'll get my mail, and he can write now (in the first week?! wow!) just takes a huge weight off. It should be a breeze from now :)
TxNavyWife: I guess I would use 1644 for future letters. The address on the website says 1641 but looking back, the picture of the address card my son send us when he checked in used 1644. That is what I used and I know he was getting them. I am sure he will get the 1641 letters as well but you might as well help the post office deliver the letters as quick as possible.
bkell32 my LO (son) is in the nupoc program too. he just finished week 8 at OCS. he is in class 16-15F. count down has started till our trip to the east coast for graduation.
not sure when yet but yes he will be eventually going to SC in dec or feb. He is trying to fit in sub school first and i am not sure where that is. it is getting close enough that i amplanning what to wear to Hi moms on thurs and then graduation. plane ticket bought and motels booked. just sent his candi-o box yesterday with homemade goodies just as he requested. you have so much to look forward to watching your daughter process thru OCS the waiting for news from them and waiting for pictures on the officer command training fb page.
Navyblessing2015 i am not sure what my LO gpa was i do know he graduated Cum Laude and to get that you must have at least a 3.65. I do know in just he major his gpa was much higher closer to 3.8
navyblessing2015, My LO's GPA was 3.6. He graduated with a professional pilots degree. He graduated OCS this past summer and is now starting Flight school. It also took just a little over a year for the application process. OCS is tough... when you graduate from OCS you are among the elite. Have your LO work out as much as possible. My LO worked out with a Navy Seal for 7 months. Physically he was prepared. He was the class Guidon (class flag bearer) but and I mean BUT.... Mentally he went in thinking "I've got this" in the 4th week he failed RLP (by 1 point..Room,Locker, and Personal Inspection, and it's a lot harder than it sounds!!) and was sent back 4 weeks!! That ended up being the best thing for him... yes he was devastated, yes he questioned should he be there... but he stuck to it!! So yes physically he was prepared.. they couldn't break him...mentally they did what it took to break him.. You will become very aware of Rollable Events (test that will send your LO back 4 weeks) if that happens, just breathe, and write your LO everyday. Rollable events happen throughout OCS, we knew nothing about them!!! We found out the hard way..so prepare yourself and your LO before entering OCS. You are about to climb abroad the most exciting Roller Coaster of your Life!! Best of Luck to your LO we are so proud of all the LO's coming out of OCS!!
Quilter: Good to hear from you again, and glad to hear your son is starting flight school. I'm sure he is "chomping at the bit" as they say, to get going!! I'm sure he will do well, since he is already a pilot.
TxNavyWife: Hope your hubby and the rest of his class passed RLP. It's always a big relief to the candidates (and the families) when they pass that. They will now get email privileges so you will hear more from him than with snail mail. There are still more big inspections to come but RLP is the worst!
As far as I know 5 out of 56 in his group did not pass the first go around, and 6 out of the other (likely equally sized group). I'm hoping they all managed to pass their do over.
Some got phone calls from their SO's who needed some missing paper work, and they said that we should be getting a phone call this weekend, so the phone is glued to my hand. Can't wait for that email to start coming though!
Got a 15 min call from the hubby today! Passed RLP and has moved into a new room. There is supposed to be email now, but there is an issue with the prior enlisted's emails. Sigh. Military is a never ending test of patience it seems!
TxNavyWife: That's good news! Probably the issue with prior enlisted email is that they were issued an official Navy email address before, and that has to be changed to an officer's email now. But one would think that there are prior enlisted often enough at OCS, that they would know what to do by now!
You are right about the military being a never- ending test of patience. My son has only been commissioned for three years and has had his patience tested many times already. He has been the recipient of completely contradictory information from two different superior officers, and then HE was held responsible for the confusion!!!!!!!!
I'm not sure I personally would have enough patience to be in the military since my tolerance for that sort of thing is pretty low, but my son has thankfully learned to roll with it. "Semper Gumby" they say. ("Always flexible.")
GalleyMom: Hope you had a good time in Newport at graduation and commissioning! Did your son get to come home for a while before he has to report to his next station?
Hello all! My son began OCS in Newport on Aug 16. We got a short phone call from him a few days ago and he had been rolled. He was devastated. He was trying to make himself yell louder and accidentally touched the other guy's nose with his nose. How fatal of a mistake is this???
I'm so sorry, OkieMom. My son started on the 16th, too. So far, so good, but I can tell that he's worried. It seems as if there are a million things that they can do wrong.... But I've heard that even if you roll, most get through and graduate (which is,after all, the important thing here), and they usually act as leaders in the class they roll into.
GalleyMom: Glad you had a wonderful time at graduation, and to hear your DS is getting settled in Norfolk! You'll have to visit Norfolk sometime before he deploys. Just curious: did your son's class do the "First Salutes" ceremony by giving their DI and PO a coin? Someone said they had discontinued that, and I thought it was a shame to discontinue such a tradition. They took official pics of our son's First Salutes, and included it in the photo pack we were sent.
Our DS and DIL were just here visiting last weekend for 4 days! He had saved up all of his 30 days annual leave (since he was deployed) and then he was given two weeks' travel time to get to his next duty in CA, so he has six weeks of paid leave. He and wife are now vagabonds on an extreme road trip around the US and Canada in a little Fiat 500! They left Whidbey Island Naval Air Station (near Seattle) on August 1 and are visiting far-flung family and friends all over the US, and seeing all the tourist sights. They're young and childless, so why not? (It sounds exhausting to me.)
They will wind up in Monterey, CA on Sept 21 where DS will be in school for 90 days learning his next Navy job, then after Jan 1 they will head to Japan for 3 years!
It was great to have them here for a few days so I could "mother" them both a little! (Homemade cookies, anyone?) I even got my son to go through his childhood room and throw out a bunch of stuff and pack up some to go to Goodwill, which I had been trying to get him to do since he graduated college. Hopefully, I can drag hubby along to visit them in Japan sometime. He's not keen on the idea.
Now the real Navy adventure begins for your family and your son! Anchors aweigh!!!
OkieMom: Yes, it is very disappointing to them to roll back to H Class, but several from each class do, and they usually wind up being stronger candidates afterwards, and are assigned leadership positions in their new class. Search back on this comment wall for comments by other Moms whose candidates had rolled earlier this year. They all did fine afterwards, and graduated, so tell your son to be positive. He will get through it, as many others have.
Hopefully, some others Moms whose kids have rolled at OCS can comment here and reassure you!
My son rolled earlier this year after failing RLP. It's heartbreaking to hear the anguish in their voice when they call with the news. My son actually DOR'd after that, but they convinced him to stay in and he rejoined the next class and graduated. I've found that sympathetic listening and encouraging him to not make an emotional decision is the best support I can offer him. Rest assured, rolling is not the end of the world and they will survive it.
Thank you GalleyMom and bkell32. I really appreciate the helpful tips and advice! I will look for the Facebook group! Hoping to get to talk to my son this weekend!
Just want to pop in and give a quick up date! My husband just passed the 6 week inspection, so things are looking pretty good.
He did mention today that the lack of typical email today was due to helping out the current indocs. He was out helping them get prepared for their RLP. I know he made at least 1 bed. So those of you who have loved ones preparing for RLP, they've got some good guys helping them out.
I also wanted to ask, since the info on google mostly seems kind of out dated, What exactly is appropriate to wear for the graduation events? I know there is "Hi Moms", is this typically cocktail/dressier side of dress? I've heard the graduation itself is sort of sundress/Sunday best. Is that accurate? And is there (and when?) a PIR that I can attend as well? What is appropriate to wear for that? Officer graduation makes bootcamp PIR look like child's play!
Great to hear your husband passed, TxNavyWife. I wonder if my son is one of those your husband is helping out. We're all thinking good thoughts for his RLP tomorrow.
GalleyMom: You are very kind and generous to offer to host my vagabond son and his wife, but they have already been through Texas, and stayed with my brother in Houston. They were heading towards Colorado somewhere, last time they checked in. This is sort of a delayed honeymoon for them since they had to head right to Whidbey Island for duty after getting married 2 years ago. Then he was deployed for 10 months, so I'm glad they are having this time to reconnect. Their plan is to drive through at least 40 states and 2 Canadian provinces in an epic six-week trip!
As to how I got my son to clean out his room when he was home, I finally just had to.. insist. I had prepared several large boxes in his room for "Goodwill," "Yard sale," "Keep," and "Trash." I told him he should definitely keep some things for posterity and sentimental reasons that I would store for him until he returned from Japan, but as for the rest of it, decisions had to be made. We boxed up a big load of clothes for Goodwill. He had a bunch of computer game DVD's and software that we will put in a yard sale. He tossed bags and bags of junk. He did have a few delighted moments going through his clutter, of "Oh, I wondered what happened to THAT." So, he rediscovered a few forgotten treasures, but he wound up with a relatively small box of things that he really wanted to keep. DS breathed an audible sigh of relief when it was all over. He KNEW it had to be done, but he just needed to be forced to do it.
While this was going on, daughter-in-law decided to hide out in our guest bedroom where they were staying, with her nose in a book. That was a good thing, because DS discovered in his desk a bunch of pics and mushy souvenirs of old girlfriends, but now that he is a married man, he wisely decided to toss out!!! hahaha
TxNavyWife
>The person in charge of posting photos has been busy taking photos of your husband's class since day one. They should appear this next week
Even just hearing this is a huge relief, thanks!
Aug 2, 2015
Manette
Hi GalleyMom! My son is a Civil Engineer. Since they are part of the SeaBees, they are considered "The Warriors" of of Naval officers. A retired CO recommended a sword and that's what's we did. He was thrilled. We had it mounted with engraving of his graduation information and a quote he closed all of his OCS correspondence. All the best in your Navy family experience.
Aug 2, 2015
M's mom
GalleyMom: My son asked that we NOT get him a sword because he said unless he used it for a military wedding, that it would just hang on the wall gathering dust. We got him an "Ensign box" made of oak to store his ribbons, pins, and medals while his uniforms are at the cleaners. It looks like a women's jewelry box with lots of felt-lined compartments. We had it engraved with his name, the Navy emblem, and OCS graduation date. He loved it and still uses it today. Go to "The Good Wood Store" online and search for "military graduation boxes"
We also got our son a large, durable, folding garment carrier, (luggage -style) and took that with us to graduation. We also took several soft, collapsible pieces of luggage which my husband and I stuffed into our own suitcases for the flight to Providence. My son arrived at OCS with just a small carry-on suitcase and then they issued him a sea bag. There is NO WAY they can stuff five sets of uniforms and matching shoes/boots, and hats and all the gear they've had to buy at OCS into that sea bag and carry-on. Many families hit the local Walmart in town after graduation to buy more luggage, so we went prepared. My son was able to fly home with us, and he had the sea bag, garment carrier, and two soft duffle bags stuffed full of his gear. So I always recommend a gift of luggage! My son appreciated the garment carrier and still uses it for his uniforms whenever he travels with them, because it keeps things relatively unwrinkled vs. a suitcase.
Some parents who have the means to do so, pay off their new ensign's uniform bill at the NEX, which is usually three thousand dollars or more. Coincidentally, (or not,) the candidates are paid just about that much for "duty" at OCS, so most of them just break even, after paying their NEX bill.
Note to TXNavyWife: If your husband was issued his first set of uniforms for free as an enlisted sailor, it may come as a surprise to you that the officers have to BUY them! My son even had to pay for his meals when he was on an aircraft carrier for ten months! (Don't get me started on a rant about how our military cannot afford to feed our officers for free while they are deployed on a ship.) I will stop now before my humble opinions get me in trouble! ;-)
Aug 2, 2015
PAW
GalleyMom, we gave our son a travel garment bag for his uniforms. A good one, which will last, can be expensive, but it is a needed item for all their uniforms. There were a lot of OCS families running to the local Walmart to pick up a cheap one for their graduates.
Aug 2, 2015
PAW
It held his blues & whites, with room for more. I got him one with wheels & a handle. Hopefully it will last him the 8+ years he will need it.
Aug 2, 2015
PAW
no worries - I had to learn too - they are their uniforms (a blue/black one & a white one), which are quite heavy & bulky
Aug 2, 2015
M's mom
Mimi: Yes, a 3-4 business suit bag would not be too big! When my son deployed, he had to take ALL of his uniforms with him, so he was prepared for whatever the occasion, even dress uniforms. What you're looking for is not just a vinyl bag like a new suit would come in, but an actual piece of luggage that unfolds to about 50-55" long that they can put uniforms in on hangers, and then fold it over and zip it or strap it together. My son's has lots of interior and exterior pockets on it for more gear. Search Amazon for "folding garment bag."
Aug 2, 2015
CindyN
My son is in his 8th week as well and doesn't yet have his orders. He is SWO so he chose his ship but doesn't yet know when he will report. There is another SWO in his class who will be on the same ship. The other candidate received his orders a week or so ago. I have heard that some candidates have received their orders just a day or two before graduation. So I don't think it is something to be worried about. I am learning that everything with the Navy is "normal".
Aug 2, 2015
CindyN
Mimi: Oops - My son is not week 8, he is week 11! How did I lose 3 weeks?? Yikes! My son is in 15-15. They chose their ships around week 7 or 8. Have the SWOs in 16-15 chose their ships? If so, that is strange that your son didn't get a ship at that time. But it is probably best to assume it is just "Navy-normal" for your sanity!
Aug 2, 2015
CindyN
Mimi: Actually, I think 16-15 is mainly Sub/Nukes (based on something my son said). So I wonder if there are just not enough SWOs in that class to do the selection process. That may be why he doesn't have his ship yet.
Aug 2, 2015
CindyN
Mimi: I think my son would say it was more tiring that stressful. I think that is part of the Navy's plan to see how they function and handle stress without much sleep. If there are a group of SWOs in the class and none of them have their ship yet, I think that means they just haven't had a chance yet to do the selection process. At this point, I have to believe they will wait until after all their tests this week.
Aug 2, 2015
M's mom
Mimi: They wind up with about 5 different uniform sets. In the summer they wear "whites" which are white slacks, white shirt, white shoes, and a white billed hat ("cover.") For formal summer occasions (like OCS graduation) they wear a high-collared white coat (called a "choker"--obvious when you see one), and even white gloves! In winter they wear dress blues, which are like a dark "navy" blue business suit with white shirt and black tie, and black shoes. They also have a khaki-colored shirt/slacks uniform with khaki "cover," and a blue camouflage uniform with black boots and camo hat. I think my son also has a black short jacket that is worn over the khaki uniform in chilly weather. With all the boots and shoes and coats and hats and pants, it's quite a lot to pack.
Aug 2, 2015
M's mom
Mimi and CL: Sometimes their orders don't come in until graduation week, or later. My son's orders did not arrive until the Wednesday of grad week. Some of them actually graduate without orders and then have to stay at the base in Newport until they arrive. Don't worry, the orders will show up eventually. Then, they will have to hustle and report to their next duty station, only to be put on "stash duty" (basically doing nothing) until their class starts in 3-4 weeks! "Hurry up and wait" is pretty much normal for the military.
Aug 2, 2015
TxNavyWife
M's Mom,
We are counting on him having to buy uniforms so it's not much of a shock. He did take some of his NWU's with him though. I'm hoping he was able to just get his labels changed out rather than having to buy more of them. But I'm preparing to hear him say that they made him buy new ones along with everyone else. So we'll see! - Do you know if the uniforms are taken directly out of their pay check? Or how they're supposed to pay for the stuff while they're there? (In charge of the banking while he's gone and if I need to keep a little extra in his checking account it would be good to know!)
Aug 2, 2015
CindyN
TxNavyWife: I believe they settle up their uniform account before they leave the base after graduation. My son is just starting week 11 and he has not yet paid for his uniforms. I have been watching his bank accounts. There have been the occasional charges at the NEX for haircuts and other incidentals every week or two. So far no large charges or checks for uniforms.
Aug 2, 2015
ITgal
TxNavyWife - I know they got a 10% discount if they applied for and used their Star Card to buy their uniforms. The uniform allowance covered about 2/3 and my son got his in his pay shortly before graduation. I don't know if the discount applied if they used an existing Star Card and don't know how/if being prior enlisted affects the uniform allowance.
Aug 2, 2015
M's mom
TXNavyWife: They are allowed to run a "tab" at OCS, but it must be paid before they leave. I'm not sure if this is still done or not, but my son's classmates 3 yrs ago were offered NEX credit cards a week or two before graduation with a "20% off your first purchase" deal. My son and most of them took the card, then made their "first purchase" by paying their uniform bill with the card, which my son said saved him about $700. Then he had 30 days to pay off the card balance without incurring interest, which he had enough saved to do. I think he said he was paid about enough while at OCS to buy his uniforms. So tell your husband to take the credit card deal if it's still offered. He can then use the NEX credit card at any NEX in the world.
Aug 2, 2015
TxNavyWife
Happy Birthday to me! The OCS fb page just posted photos of my husband's class, and he's in a couple! Knowing I wouldn't be getting a letter or phone call today, it was hard not feeling just a little bit bummed out, but having the pictures posted has brightened my day a bit! One week down!
Aug 3, 2015
CindyN
TxNavyWife: Happy Birthday! That is a nice birthday present! Pictures and (even better) pictures that he is in. Did you find a Facebook group for the class? That could be the frosting on your birthday cake!
Aug 3, 2015
TxNavyWife
I have not seen a FB group for them yet. I'm not sure whether I want to take liberty and do it myself or not.
Thank you for the birthday wishes!
bkell32, I'll admit that I Identified one of his by his butt up in the air in a push up! lol (and also his sneakers)
Aug 3, 2015
CindyN
TxNavyWife: Just noticed that someone posted the group name in the comment of that album: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ocsclass0116/?hc_location=ufi
bkell32: When I first started looking at pictures of my son's class, I was wishing I had taken a picture of his sneakers before he left. He has gotten some that wouldn't stand out and I was really regretting that! Bright pink would have been my choice in hindsight.
Aug 3, 2015
TxNavyWife
Awesome, I didn't see that! Maybe I looked through before the comment was there. Thanks!
Aug 3, 2015
TxNavyWife
Well hell must have frozen over! Not only did I get facebook pictures, but I got a LETTER! I didn't think I'd receive anything for at least 3 weeks. What a special day!
Aug 3, 2015
CindyN
TxNavyWife: I can address this one, at least one of your two questions because I did the same thing and I was really worried. Turns out I didn't need to worry. I knew I was suppose to use OC and thought I was. I was using an online service (where you can just send an email, they print it out and put it in the mail near their base so it took a couple of days off of the delivery time) and I didn't realize that I didn't pick the correct "name format" in the tool so it wasn't adding the OC title I had included. I think I noticed it sometime at the end of week two. It turns out it was just fine and it didn't cause my son to get any extra attention and he got all the letters.
Using that experience, I can't imagine it would be a problem to have last name first. I did use first name first and last name second. If that was incorrect, it didn't cause any problems.I am glad you got all your jitters out of the way this first week so you can relax for the next 11 weeks! :-) Ok, you won't...but wouldn't it be nice if you could!
Aug 3, 2015
TxNavyWife
Thanks! I wrote that post and deleted after I checked the mail and found his letter. He's got the OC and his name written like normal people, so I'll start doing that.....His second set of zip he sent is -1644 though, and everything else I've seen says -1641. Being it's the last of the second set of numbers I'm hoping it doesn't matter. I'm assuming I should keep using the 1641?
And I can't thank you ladies enough for answering all these things for me! You have been SO wonderful and patient with all my questions!
Just knowing that he'll get my mail, and he can write now (in the first week?! wow!) just takes a huge weight off. It should be a breeze from now :)
Aug 3, 2015
TxNavyWife
Thank you, Galley Mom! It has indeed been quite a day! Surprise after surprise of the best kinds!
Aug 3, 2015
CindyN
TxNavyWife: I guess I would use 1644 for future letters. The address on the website says 1641 but looking back, the picture of the address card my son send us when he checked in used 1644. That is what I used and I know he was getting them. I am sure he will get the 1641 letters as well but you might as well help the post office deliver the letters as quick as possible.
Aug 3, 2015
topdog1p
bkell32 my LO (son) is in the nupoc program too. he just finished week 8 at OCS. he is in class 16-15F. count down has started till our trip to the east coast for graduation.
Aug 7, 2015
topdog1p
not sure when yet but yes he will be eventually going to SC in dec or feb. He is trying to fit in sub school first and i am not sure where that is. it is getting close enough that i amplanning what to wear to Hi moms on thurs and then graduation. plane ticket bought and motels booked. just sent his candi-o box yesterday with homemade goodies just as he requested. you have so much to look forward to watching your daughter process thru OCS the waiting for news from them and waiting for pictures on the officer command training fb page.
Aug 8, 2015
topdog1p
Navyblessing2015 i am not sure what my LO gpa was i do know he graduated Cum Laude and to get that you must have at least a 3.65. I do know in just he major his gpa was much higher closer to 3.8
Aug 9, 2015
Quilter
navyblessing2015, My LO's GPA was 3.6. He graduated with a professional pilots degree. He graduated OCS this past summer and is now starting Flight school. It also took just a little over a year for the application process. OCS is tough... when you graduate from OCS you are among the elite. Have your LO work out as much as possible. My LO worked out with a Navy Seal for 7 months. Physically he was prepared. He was the class Guidon (class flag bearer) but and I mean BUT.... Mentally he went in thinking "I've got this" in the 4th week he failed RLP (by 1 point..Room,Locker, and Personal Inspection, and it's a lot harder than it sounds!!) and was sent back 4 weeks!! That ended up being the best thing for him... yes he was devastated, yes he questioned should he be there... but he stuck to it!! So yes physically he was prepared.. they couldn't break him...mentally they did what it took to break him.. You will become very aware of Rollable Events (test that will send your LO back 4 weeks) if that happens, just breathe, and write your LO everyday. Rollable events happen throughout OCS, we knew nothing about them!!! We found out the hard way..so prepare yourself and your LO before entering OCS. You are about to climb abroad the most exciting Roller Coaster of your Life!! Best of Luck to your LO we are so proud of all the LO's coming out of OCS!!
Aug 10, 2015
M's mom
Quilter: Good to hear from you again, and glad to hear your son is starting flight school. I'm sure he is "chomping at the bit" as they say, to get going!! I'm sure he will do well, since he is already a pilot.
Aug 10, 2015
TxNavyWife
Class 01-16 could use some prayers and good vibes for tomorrow. They should be doing their RLPs. Yikes!
Aug 12, 2015
M's mom
TxNavyWife: Hope your hubby and the rest of his class passed RLP. It's always a big relief to the candidates (and the families) when they pass that. They will now get email privileges so you will hear more from him than with snail mail. There are still more big inspections to come but RLP is the worst!
Aug 14, 2015
TxNavyWife
As far as I know 5 out of 56 in his group did not pass the first go around, and 6 out of the other (likely equally sized group). I'm hoping they all managed to pass their do over.
Some got phone calls from their SO's who needed some missing paper work, and they said that we should be getting a phone call this weekend, so the phone is glued to my hand. Can't wait for that email to start coming though!
Aug 15, 2015
TxNavyWife
Got a 15 min call from the hubby today! Passed RLP and has moved into a new room. There is supposed to be email now, but there is an issue with the prior enlisted's emails. Sigh. Military is a never ending test of patience it seems!
Aug 16, 2015
M's mom
TxNavyWife: That's good news! Probably the issue with prior enlisted email is that they were issued an official Navy email address before, and that has to be changed to an officer's email now. But one would think that there are prior enlisted often enough at OCS, that they would know what to do by now!
You are right about the military being a never- ending test of patience. My son has only been commissioned for three years and has had his patience tested many times already. He has been the recipient of completely contradictory information from two different superior officers, and then HE was held responsible for the confusion!!!!!!!!
I'm not sure I personally would have enough patience to be in the military since my tolerance for that sort of thing is pretty low, but my son has thankfully learned to roll with it. "Semper Gumby" they say. ("Always flexible.")
Aug 16, 2015
M's mom
GalleyMom: Hope you had a good time in Newport at graduation and commissioning! Did your son get to come home for a while before he has to report to his next station?
Aug 29, 2015
OkieMom
Aug 31, 2015
JLR
I'm so sorry, OkieMom. My son started on the 16th, too. So far, so good, but I can tell that he's worried. It seems as if there are a million things that they can do wrong.... But I've heard that even if you roll, most get through and graduate (which is,after all, the important thing here), and they usually act as leaders in the class they roll into.
Sep 1, 2015
OkieMom
Sep 1, 2015
OkieMom
Sep 2, 2015
M's mom
GalleyMom: Glad you had a wonderful time at graduation, and to hear your DS is getting settled in Norfolk! You'll have to visit Norfolk sometime before he deploys. Just curious: did your son's class do the "First Salutes" ceremony by giving their DI and PO a coin? Someone said they had discontinued that, and I thought it was a shame to discontinue such a tradition. They took official pics of our son's First Salutes, and included it in the photo pack we were sent.
Our DS and DIL were just here visiting last weekend for 4 days! He had saved up all of his 30 days annual leave (since he was deployed) and then he was given two weeks' travel time to get to his next duty in CA, so he has six weeks of paid leave. He and wife are now vagabonds on an extreme road trip around the US and Canada in a little Fiat 500! They left Whidbey Island Naval Air Station (near Seattle) on August 1 and are visiting far-flung family and friends all over the US, and seeing all the tourist sights. They're young and childless, so why not? (It sounds exhausting to me.)
They will wind up in Monterey, CA on Sept 21 where DS will be in school for 90 days learning his next Navy job, then after Jan 1 they will head to Japan for 3 years!
It was great to have them here for a few days so I could "mother" them both a little! (Homemade cookies, anyone?) I even got my son to go through his childhood room and throw out a bunch of stuff and pack up some to go to Goodwill, which I had been trying to get him to do since he graduated college. Hopefully, I can drag hubby along to visit them in Japan sometime. He's not keen on the idea.
Now the real Navy adventure begins for your family and your son! Anchors aweigh!!!
Sep 2, 2015
M's mom
OkieMom: Yes, it is very disappointing to them to roll back to H Class, but several from each class do, and they usually wind up being stronger candidates afterwards, and are assigned leadership positions in their new class. Search back on this comment wall for comments by other Moms whose candidates had rolled earlier this year. They all did fine afterwards, and graduated, so tell your son to be positive. He will get through it, as many others have.
Hopefully, some others Moms whose kids have rolled at OCS can comment here and reassure you!
Sep 2, 2015
sunnyday
My son rolled earlier this year after failing RLP. It's heartbreaking to hear the anguish in their voice when they call with the news. My son actually DOR'd after that, but they convinced him to stay in and he rejoined the next class and graduated. I've found that sympathetic listening and encouraging him to not make an emotional decision is the best support I can offer him. Rest assured, rolling is not the end of the world and they will survive it.
Sep 2, 2015
OkieMom
Sep 2, 2015
TxNavyWife
Hello ladies!
Just want to pop in and give a quick up date! My husband just passed the 6 week inspection, so things are looking pretty good.
He did mention today that the lack of typical email today was due to helping out the current indocs. He was out helping them get prepared for their RLP. I know he made at least 1 bed. So those of you who have loved ones preparing for RLP, they've got some good guys helping them out.
I also wanted to ask, since the info on google mostly seems kind of out dated, What exactly is appropriate to wear for the graduation events? I know there is "Hi Moms", is this typically cocktail/dressier side of dress? I've heard the graduation itself is sort of sundress/Sunday best. Is that accurate? And is there (and when?) a PIR that I can attend as well? What is appropriate to wear for that? Officer graduation makes bootcamp PIR look like child's play!
Sep 2, 2015
JLR
Great to hear your husband passed, TxNavyWife. I wonder if my son is one of those your husband is helping out. We're all thinking good thoughts for his RLP tomorrow.
Sep 3, 2015
TxNavyWife
Thanks Galley Mom! That was exactly the answer I needed. I knew I could count on this forum for answers! :D
I guess I get to go dress shopping now ^_^
Sep 3, 2015
M's mom
GalleyMom: You are very kind and generous to offer to host my vagabond son and his wife, but they have already been through Texas, and stayed with my brother in Houston. They were heading towards Colorado somewhere, last time they checked in. This is sort of a delayed honeymoon for them since they had to head right to Whidbey Island for duty after getting married 2 years ago. Then he was deployed for 10 months, so I'm glad they are having this time to reconnect. Their plan is to drive through at least 40 states and 2 Canadian provinces in an epic six-week trip!
As to how I got my son to clean out his room when he was home, I finally just had to.. insist. I had prepared several large boxes in his room for "Goodwill," "Yard sale," "Keep," and "Trash." I told him he should definitely keep some things for posterity and sentimental reasons that I would store for him until he returned from Japan, but as for the rest of it, decisions had to be made. We boxed up a big load of clothes for Goodwill. He had a bunch of computer game DVD's and software that we will put in a yard sale. He tossed bags and bags of junk. He did have a few delighted moments going through his clutter, of "Oh, I wondered what happened to THAT." So, he rediscovered a few forgotten treasures, but he wound up with a relatively small box of things that he really wanted to keep. DS breathed an audible sigh of relief when it was all over. He KNEW it had to be done, but he just needed to be forced to do it.
While this was going on, daughter-in-law decided to hide out in our guest bedroom where they were staying, with her nose in a book. That was a good thing, because DS discovered in his desk a bunch of pics and mushy souvenirs of old girlfriends, but now that he is a married man, he wisely decided to toss out!!! hahaha
Sep 3, 2015