Hello,
My so. Graduated from Newport, RI a long time ago-OCS 01-15, but I have such happy memories of meeting with other families, attending his graduation, and exploring Newport!
My son graduated last winter. Truthfully it is a blur. We got into RI a day early, had the Hi Moms reception the next evening, graduation next morning. That happened to be the worst winter in memory and a lot of the activities that normally happen were canceled. It was difficult to book flights because our officer didn't get his orders until graduation. Then we had just enough time to get him home, pack his belongings and drive straight to Pensacola to check in just in time. As I recall graduation can get delayed due to weather, rolling, etc. So I wouldn't recommend booking flights yet. But you can research the area and figure out what you would like to see and do while you are there. Good luck. Stay calm. You are in for an interesting ride.
My son's graduation took place on a Friday in 2014. In fact, we are leaving next week to fly out to Pensacola for his Winging Ceremony!
For OCS, we arrived 2 days before, and stayed a couple of days after. There will be activities to attend the day before graduation, and the day of graduation. I know they have changed a couple of things since my son's ceremony, so I don't want to steer you wrong on what to expect.
Since we traveled from the West Coast, we made it into a mini vacation. Be aware though, that some of the grads do not get their orders until the day of graduation (my son didn't get his until after the ceremony), so be prepared for some confusion/stress.
I would highly recommend you do not make any reservations until you know your son makes it through all the main tests. You don't want your son to have any added stress about passing then he will already have.
I found my biggest source of information/support came from my son's class Facebook page. It will be labeled US Navy OCS Class (your son's class number here) Family, or something like it. Your son's may be up and running now, but if not, you can do a search, and contact the site manager. They are extremely helpful, and you will also get a chance to connect with other parents going through exactly what you are, then you will get to meet them at the graduation...pretty cool. If you scroll down this comment wall, you will see other parents talking about their soon to be officers facebook groups. You will need to know your son's class number.
It is quite the journey, with each phase seeming to take forever, until before you know it you are in another whole new place. :)
Welcome Shopgirl! My son graduated OCS July 2015. OCS is scheduled for 12 weeks but there are many reasons a candidate can roll (placed out of class for 3 weeks) which delays the graduation. The graduation usually takes place the fri of week 12. The Hi Moms evening celebration is usually the night before (thurs).
The best way to stay informed is to join the class FB page. They are usually listed as Friends and Family of (your candidate's class number). For example, mom son's was friends and family of 1415
Shopgirl - If you scroll through old messages here, you will find lots of good information. Things are always changing but I will pass on information from last summer. OCS training is 12 weeks. Graduation events are usually the Thursday afternoon/evening (Hi Mom's Reception) and Friday (Graduation) of that 12th week.
That said, your loved one could "roll" for any number of reasons such as failing a "rollable test" or getting injured. If they roll into H class or Med Hold, they roll back into a later OCS class on 3 week increments. For example, if they fail the RLP test at week 6, they would move into H class. While in H class they study and make prepratations for attempting 3 weeks later to pass the test that they originally missed. If they get injured, they could be out for longer.
The general advice is to not make any reservations you can not cancel without cost until after the RLP test at week 6. There are other rollable events/tests after that but, in general, it is more unusual to roll after week 6.
Your LO may not have orders until right before graduation, or even after, so it is hard to know if you should plan on heading home on Friday night or staying for the weekend. When they get orders, as others have said, they may go home and pack up or they may have to report directly to their first assignment.
It is difficult to know what is best for how long to stay. At a minimum, you will want to be in Newport Thursday noon through Friday about 6pm.
Hang on for the exciting, and occasionally bumpy ride! My son is now learning a lot and generally having a great time with his first ship assignment.
Best of luck and feel free to ask questions here. This is a helpful group. You will also want to get connected into your LO's OCS class on Facebook. The Facebook group is usually something like "Friends and Family of Navy OCS Class xx-xx" but is occasionally named something slightly different.
Looks like you have received all good info. I too wanted to make my reservations early just because that is what I do. I did hold off like the others said until it was closer to graduation time. Never know if your loved one will go into holding class. My son was blessed to avoid that. Don't be discouraged if he does as it just helps him prepare more. Also remember you won't hear from him for a few weeks and during that time no news is good news. They are allowed to call if they roll to h class. My son graduated in Dec 2015 and luckily the weather was good. We were not able to get on base until Thursday of Hi Moms party without going thru the Pass Gate and then the only place we could really meet was the coffee shop. There is a hotel on base but we stayed off base. Things to do in Newport include visiting the mansions and there is the Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge close by. Good luck to your son.
Shopgirl - if you scroll down, you will see a link to join the Facebook page for class 08-16. Request to join that class, you can then see what an older class is going thru and will know what is ahead for your son. Based on the report date, I think your son's class will be 11-16. There are FB pages already set up for class 10-16. Everyone on FB is very helpful and going thru the same thing you are! Hang in there. I also would wait on reservations until after week 6.
If you son hasn't joined that group, he may want to. He can ask on there if any has started a Friends and Family group for 11-16.
I second the advice to join a group for the class or two in front of your son's and well as your son's group. It is very helpful to know what is coming up for your son's class.
Shopgirl welcome to the rollercoaster ride of OCS. My LO graduated Sept 2015. I also look up Officer training command newport on Facebook. will be able to see pictures there that they post of the classes. We too make it a family vacation as we flew in for washington state. spent a couple days in boston and newport. It is an exciting time. We were able to my son on wednesday before friday's graduation. Hi mom's is something you did not what to miss on thursday and 6:30 am we watch PT. after friday graduation he picked up his packet of paperwork and was free to go. It can be different for each person.
Welcome, Shopgirl. Make sure your son knows your phone # and email address from memory. Their cell phones are taken from them as soon as they arrive at OCS and stored until they are allowed to have them in their possession again after week 10 or so. They are allowed to call home from a pay phone within the first 48 hours by using a pre-paid phone card, which you can buy at Walgreens or Walmart, but he must know your #. (So many people these days just scroll down their phone directory to MOM, without even knowing the #) Then you won't hear from him again probably until about week four, unless he writes you a snail mail letter (But don't hold your breath for that from a young person today!)
After they pass the big Room, Locker, and Personnel inspection at week 4-5, then they usually will be given email privileges. Again, they won't have access to their usual email program and directory, so will have to type in any email addresses from memory.
Send ONLY letters in plain white envelopes until he becomes a Candidate Officer (Candi-O) at week ten. Then, they can receive care packages of goodies (Candi-O boxes.) Anything except letters sent before week ten will be considered contraband, and confiscated, and he will have to do hundreds of pushups even if he didn't request it!!! Make sure everyone to whom you give your son's OCS mailing address knows this!!! But do have friends and family send lots of encouraging letters to him those first four weeks until they get email, even if he doesn't write any in return. They love getting mail with news from home, because they are so isolated the first few weeks--no TV, phones, internet, etc. A tip: I photocopied cartoons and pictures onto letter paper for my son. (We were told not to send any loose enclosures such as cartoons or pictures.) Also- NO decorated envelopes or musical cards! You don't want his mail to draw any attention from the Drill Instructor.
Good luck to your son! You will be bursting with pride at his graduation! As others have said, best to hold off on plane tix until you are certain he will graduate with his original class.
Welcome shopgirl!! Enjoy this journey. In hindsight it does go quickly but it just doesn't feel that way in the beginning.
I have a question for all you moms who responded and had loved ones graduate in the past couple years - did they do away with the Drill routine the Wednesday before graduation?? I read about HI Moms and PT but not drill.
My LO just graduated Nov 2015 and we did not get either drill or PT. We had 'Hi Moms' reception and then graduation ceremony the next day. I think normally they do PT, but they cut it due to time schedule and the large size of the class.
I heard also that they did away with the First Salutes ceremony after graduation, when the new Ensigns were saluted by their Drill Instructor and Petty Officer, and then each were given a silver dollar or other coin. That has been a tradition in the Navy since forever, so I don't get why they're doing away with all the traditions, like the impressive Pass-in-Review drill we enjoyed on Wednesday before graduation. Some said it was because the drill instructors were making too much money from it, because some were given expensive coins that they cashed in, but I thought that was an expected perk for the DI's! No rule said they had to use expensive coins!
I'm glad my son got to do the First Salutes back in Sept 2012, and we have pictures of it. He used two silver dollars that belonged to his grandfather, and we didn't care what they were worth in cash. The sentiment was priceless!
my LO graduated sept 2015. we got to watch PT thursday morning there was no drill or first salute. The class did have challenge coins made to be handed out by those who purchased them. Mine handled one of his to the Chaplin as that is who he worked with as the religious body for the class
Wow, some extreme changes. M's mom, I agree, I'm glad my daughter got to have first salutes also. That was a wonderful opportunity for her Sailor brother and Sailor sister to attend graduation and participate in her first salute. She gave regular silver coins to her DI and CPO, but she bought special coins to give to her brother and sister. Graduation is the only time I could get a picture of all 3 of my sailors in uniform - that's my profile picture. I also enjoyed the Pass in Review and having breakfast with them Friday morning.
GalleyMom: Glad to hear your DS is doing well. What do you mean by him being "the point of the spear?" I suppose that means he is the leader of something? My son enjoyed Norfolk/Virginia Beach also. He was there at the Dam Neck annex of NAS Oceana for intelligence school.
Yes, my DS and DIL moved to Japan in January, and are really enjoying it so far. They are at Yokota, which is about an hour from Tokyo. Yokota is actually an Air Force Base, but it is the Headquarters of the Joint U.S. Forces in Japan, so all of the services are there. DS is doing something intel-related at HQ. (We don't ask & he doesn't tell!) He did say that after spending 10 months at sea on the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, with flights going out 24/7, that it's nice to have an office job with regular M-F hours.
So, he and wife get to spend the weekends exploring. They have been to Tokyo, and rode the "bullet train." He bought a cheap used Nissan car to drive around the base, but they drive on the LEFT side of the road in Japan, like in England, so that is taking a lot of concentration to stay in the correct lane! DIL is applying for civilian jobs on the base to keep herself busy.
After 6 weeks of living in the Base Lodge, they just were assigned permanent housing and scored a three-bedroom apt. even though they are childless, because there was nothing else available. They gave us a "walk-through" on Skype, and it is huge! It's like a townhouse. They can see Mount Fuji from their window! Their furniture and stuff arrived from storage, so they are busy unpacking. DS has set up his home office in the second bedroom, and DIL has claimed the other as her "art & crafts" room. I said they needed to put another bed in there somewhere, so hubby & I can come visit in a year or so!
LOL'd at your son's comment about "life as an adult!" Yes, paying bills and dealing with housing and filing taxes and even food preparation are so much more enjoyable when Mom & Dad handle all that!!! Clueless teenagers are so cute when they huff, "I can't wait to be an adult; then I can do whatever I want and just have fun!" Welcome to real adulthood, kids! hahaha
GalleyMom: My son was on the USS Carl Vinson in the Arabian/Persian Gulf last year when those pics were taken, but he never said anything about swim call, even though he likes to swim. I'll send him the link and ask him. They can just walk right off the stern from those amphibs, but I wouldn't want to jump in from so high from the aircraft carriers!!!!
The aircraft carriers also have what they call "steel beach picnics" when they set up volleyball nets and basketball hoops, and haul out big gas grills, and have a cookout right there on the flight deck. My son said he didn't get to attend all of the "beach parties" because he was on duty. (Some of them always have to be minding the store, so to speak.) So they had several cookouts, so most of the crew could attend at least one.
Here's the link to the swim call pictures. As GalleyMom wrote, hope some of you will spot a loved one.
When my son was deployed on a carrier, they had a steel beach party and had several small inflatable pools set up on deck. I have a couple pics of Son and his buddies sitting in these little pools with their quota of two beers!!!!!
GalleyMom: The swim call pics were all marked "copyright US Navy" which means the Navy has released them and they were used with permission, so I figured it was OK to post the link. Most news media outlets will only use images released by the Navy, so it should be OK to repost them.
Anna: Yes, I'm surprised that they were allowed to have even TWO beers at the beach parties. My son said he always gave his beer vouchers away to friends because he doesn't like beer, so I'm sure some had more than two! Hope they didn't have to go back to some crucial duty right after the party! haha
My daughter was 03-16. After they pass RLP they will be able to use get on the phone list to use the phone on weekends. I think it was 15 min limit. From my experience it was after 8pm Fri or Sat or anytime Sun. This is not their cell phone, so be sure to answer any unknown caller from Rhode Island. They might need ATT prepaid phone cards to use for this. Don't worry, there are usually some available with minutes left from prior classes that they can use to make their first call. They will not get their cell phones back until much later after they become Candios (end of week 9 or even early week 10).
I should also add....no news really is good news. I know how hard it is not hearing from them or knowing what is going on. But calls in the first few weeks usually are due to being rolled back to H-class.
NuclearOPSMom: OCS graduation is USUALLY on Friday of the 12th week of OCS, week one beginning with the Sunday they began OCS. However, you don't want to buy plane tickets or make any other non-refundable arrangements just yet. If a candidate fails any physical fitness assessment, or the big Room, Locker, and Personnel inspection (RLP) at week 4, they will get "rolled" back to Holding Class, then join the next incoming class 3 weeks later, so their graduation then becomes 3 weeks later than expected. When my son was in OCS, we didn't buy plane tix until about 6-7 weeks in, to be sure; however you can easily change hotel reservations. If you are going to graduation anytime between Memorial Day-- Labor Day, know that Newport is swarming with tourists in the summer, so make hotels reservations early.
Most families arrived on Wednesday of graduation week, because there is a Thursday evening reception called "Hi Moms" for the families, usually cocktails and snacks. (but Dads and others are welcome too!) I think they call it that because we Moms always insist on being introduced to all of our kid's classmates and the Drill Instructors, etc. haha
Sorry - our family is new at this. For OCS graduation, are you limited to the number of family members that can attend graduation? Grandparents would like to share in this experience also, but was not sure how many would be allowed.
Each class is a bit different, but graduation usually allows many family members to attend. So, bring the grandparents! The 'Hi Moms' reception may be limited due to the venue capacity.
I don't recall that there was a limit on attendees to my son's OCS graduation, but he had to turn in a firm list of names a few weeks before. Every adult in your car going into the base must have a photo ID, and the gate guard will check these against the list of visitors' names submitted by the candidate, so no "surprise" guests! Arrive at the graduation ceremony EARLY---an hour before is not too early to get good seats, especially if you have a crowd. It was packed at my son's grad ceremony, and there was standing room only in the back of the auditorium.
As bkell32 wrote, the candidates themselves rent the location and pay for the food at the Hi Moms reception, so they are usually assessed so much per guest. Depending on how much the candidates decide to spend, it can be a cocktail reception, (what we had) or a full meal. If a candidate has a crowd coming he/she will have to pay for them all.
So we may get a call end of 4th week? Is that the only call until candios? When can I expect my first letter? She took stamps! Do they get a few minutes to write us? Thanks for all the information so fa. 11-16 Anxious Mom:)
Reposting my prior comment regarding phone calls. I got mail sooner than week 4.
After they pass RLP they will be able to use get on the phone list to use the phone on weekends. I think it was 15 min limit. From my experience it was after 8pm Fri or Sat or anytime Sun. This is not their cell phone, so be sure to answer any unknown caller from Rhode Island. They might need ATT prepaid phone cards to use for this. Don't worry, there are usually some available with minutes left from prior classes that they can use to make their first call. They will not get their cell phones back until much later after they become Candios (end of week 9 or even early week 10).
PaulaH what an exciting time for your daughter and an anxious time for us mom's. my son gradutation from OCS last sept. After RLP they do get to call and it was the first call since the day he checked in. They will also get email privileges. if i had checked my emails he sent the time slot he had to make his call thank God i was home and did not miss his call :) we were able to communicate thru the email and i did send a bit more snail mail too till he got his cell phone.
PaulaH: The only time they have to write snail mail letters to home is when they could be sleeping so don't expect too many, but keep those letters going TO your candidate, as they love getting mail. It's their only connection to the outside world for several weeks. Just DON'T send anything except letters---no goodies, gifts, etc, until they become Candios at week 10. Anything else sent before then will be confiscated as contraband, and the candidate will be punished with hundreds of pushups, even if they didn't ask for it to be sent! Make sure everyone who is writing to your daughter knows this.
Don't be anxious if you don't get any letters from your daughter. I think I only got two total from my son, until he got email at week four. These kids today do not DO snail mail.
Please remember that NO news is GOOD news the first few weeks of OCS. If they fail any test or inspection and get rolled back, they will be allowed to call home and tell you, so if you haven't heard anything, that's good!
After they pass the big Room, Locker, and Personnel (RLP) inspection at week four, they are usually allowed email privileges, and then you will hear more from her, although no texts until they are allowed their own cellphones back at week ten. If you think your daughter may not know your email address from memory, send her a letter now with all the email addresses you think she may want. They will be emailing from a closed government server, and will NOT have access to their usual email program, Outlook,etc, to look up email addresses, but must type the full address in from memory. You may get an email soon with the subject line something like test@navy.gov She will be assigned a military email address and you must use that to email her.
Hang in there! It gets better for them, and the anxious loved ones at home as they get further through the training.
I may have mentioned this before but when my LO was in OCS I sent a "letter" about every other day. It was usually a bit about what was going at home, since his was during football season, I would clip articles from on line newsletters and add them to my word document to let him know how his teams were doing, I would find random navy trivia stuff to send, added a crossword or suduko puzzle and whatever else seemed entertaining. My letters usually ended up being 7-8 pages of printed stuff. He told me later he enjoyed them, especially the puzzles. Even if he didn't finish them, it was a few minutes respite from everything else that was going on. All sent on plain white paper in a plain white envelope. They really don't have time or energy to communicate with the outside world those first weeks.
Letters are very important, especially at the beginning. I didn't get many back (maybe 2) but he said say "write and send pictures/news". So I wrote every day or two using the service write2them.org to send letters and photos. The service takes my email, prints it out and sends it in the appropriate white envelope. I think they mail it from closer to the base so it takes a couple of days off the mail time from where I am. It cost about $1.20 per letter (for a bit more than 2x a stamp) but for me, it is so convenient that I am writing more often. They will print out 4 sheets, double sided (so 8 pages of info). I generally wrote a bit and then cut and paste a few pictures along a bunch of news stories I think my son and his friends may find interesting or enjoy. The OCs have some down time on weekends (at least Sunday) to visit with other classes, sharing info and stories.
Go to this Pinterest Page for great idea's!! The Candio Box is something that our Candio's look forward to!! You can also google Candio Boxes and get more ideas!!
I forgot to tell you the size of the box!! Most people use a US Postal Service "large" size flat-rate box for the Candio boxes. It makes into a box about 12 inches square by 6 inches deep. This is what I used. Have fun with it!! Decorate it and fill it with LOVE, and sweets!! I sent two! One box for my son and one for him to give away to someone who's Loved one didn't know anything about it!! I sent a note inside the giveaway box so my LO knew which one was for him!
How do you know when it the candid phase is? I would hate to miss sending my son a box but also do not want to send to early and get him in trouble Loved the idea to send an extra box Our family will surely do this
Dear NuclerOPSMom, When I was in charge of my LO's Class FB page I submitted a few "Files" for all to read concerning their LO's time at OCS. Here is the file I submitted on the Candio Box:
Candio Box
A CANDIO (Candidate Officer) box is a care package box that friends and family send to their LO’s during week 9. It is tradition that on the Wednesday of week 9 when your LO’s become CANDIO’s they are given these care packages filled with goodies that they love to eat and anything they ask for that they may need. Typically all they really want is food though.
These boxes are decorated on the inside, in some Navy/ Personal fashion making it a fun and meaningful arts and crafts project for friends and family and an awesome surprise for the new CANDIO’s as they do not know what’s inside.
CANDIO'S DO NOT HAVE ACCESS TO MICROWAVES, REFRIGERATORS OR COFFEEMAKERS IN THE NEW NIMITZ BUILDING. MICROWAVEABLES ARE NOT RECOMMENDED.
Time Line for CANDIO Box
Week 4:
Begin working on/decorating your CANDIO boxes
Week 9
MAIL BOXES TODAY - Do not mail boxes early. Early is NOT better in this situation.
Address boxes as "OC (Name of LO)"
Your LO’s receive/open their boxes, they are now CANDIOs
(This is the NO EARLIER THAN day they can receive boxes, not the only day. Some classes don't receive their boxes until Thursday or later because of their class team
Box Specifications
Any size box is acceptable; typically Large Flat Rate boxes from USPS are used because you will fill these boxes with goodies and they can getvery heavy. Large Flat Rate boxes are FREE to pick up from any local USPS branch
Do NOT require a signature on delivery on your box.
Limit on Boxes: Recommended you send no more than 2 per candidate because of storage purposes at OCS. However no official limit has been set
There are some CANDIO’s that will not receive any boxes because their family and friends did not know about this tradition; Candidates are often very willing to share their goodies. Do NOT send extra boxes addressed to “a Candidate In Need” - they will not be delivered. Any extra boxes should be sent directly to your LO with instructions to share.
What to Write on the OUTSIDE OF BOX -> VERY IMPORTANT!
You must write “CANDIO BOX” on the outside of your box. Sharpie it in big letters on the sides.
Before week 9 your LOs are still officer candidates The contents can be thrown out and your LOs can get in trouble or potentially SEAWALLED. You do not want to be the cause of your LO getting seawalled when they are so close to finishing the program. Being seawalled would only happen in EXTREME cases nonetheless it's best to try to avoid it.
CONTRABAND: Alcohol, tobacco, porn, gambling materials, medication, and live animals.
NuclearOPSMom and PaulaH: They go from being Officer Candidates to Candidate Officers-- "Candio's"--at week ten of OCS. As the class ahead of them graduates, they then become the "senior" class at OCS and are then supervising the regiment for weeks 10-12. They are then given many more privileges, like having their personal cell phones, and can then receive goodies from home!
As Quilter wrote, most families use a large-size flat rate box from the US Postal Service. They cost about $18 to mail, no matter how heavy you stuff it. Get the boxes from your Post Office. You don't have to pay for it until you mail it. They are priority mail, so they get to Newport in 2-3 days. You can send them end of week nine, just mark the box CANDIO, so they will hold it for them until they can have it. Tradition is to decorate the inside of the box in a Navy theme. Go to Hobby Lobby and get Navy stickers and decorating supplies.
We were told Candios can receive anything EXCEPT: alcohol, tobacco, and anything that looks like a weapon. So, no squirt guns, rubber band shooters, etc. I sent my son his personal laptop computer which he requested. They can receive more than one box, but don't go nuts. They are only at OSC for three more weeks, and my son said they couldn't possibly eat everything they were sent, even sharing it with those who didn't get any, so lots of it just gets thrown away. Magazines might be welcome, but I doubt they have any time to finish a book during those last three hectic weeks!!!
The end of February last year we started this Journey!!! Our LO is doing great!! Study Study Study is all that happens these days!! It's nice to facetime every once in awhile, but the best news is, my husband and I just purchased a new RV and we will be traveling very soon to visit our LO!!! I'm so excited!! Phone calls and facetime is great....but being there and holding our LO will be the icing on the cake!!
I've been keeping up with Navy Moms and helping out every once in awhile, but I'm still learning everyday myself!! You and many others are very supportive and very helpful!!
1after909
My so. Graduated from Newport, RI a long time ago-OCS 01-15, but I have such happy memories of meeting with other families, attending his graduation, and exploring Newport!
Jan 18, 2016
JediGrey
Feb 17, 2016
PAW
Congratulations Shopgirl, and welcome aboard.
My son's graduation took place on a Friday in 2014. In fact, we are leaving next week to fly out to Pensacola for his Winging Ceremony!
For OCS, we arrived 2 days before, and stayed a couple of days after. There will be activities to attend the day before graduation, and the day of graduation. I know they have changed a couple of things since my son's ceremony, so I don't want to steer you wrong on what to expect.
Since we traveled from the West Coast, we made it into a mini vacation. Be aware though, that some of the grads do not get their orders until the day of graduation (my son didn't get his until after the ceremony), so be prepared for some confusion/stress.
I would highly recommend you do not make any reservations until you know your son makes it through all the main tests. You don't want your son to have any added stress about passing then he will already have.
I found my biggest source of information/support came from my son's class Facebook page. It will be labeled US Navy OCS Class (your son's class number here) Family, or something like it. Your son's may be up and running now, but if not, you can do a search, and contact the site manager. They are extremely helpful, and you will also get a chance to connect with other parents going through exactly what you are, then you will get to meet them at the graduation...pretty cool. If you scroll down this comment wall, you will see other parents talking about their soon to be officers facebook groups. You will need to know your son's class number.
It is quite the journey, with each phase seeming to take forever, until before you know it you are in another whole new place. :)
Feb 17, 2016
navymom1304
Welcome Shopgirl! My son graduated OCS July 2015. OCS is scheduled for 12 weeks but there are many reasons a candidate can roll (placed out of class for 3 weeks) which delays the graduation. The graduation usually takes place the fri of week 12. The Hi Moms evening celebration is usually the night before (thurs).
The best way to stay informed is to join the class FB page. They are usually listed as Friends and Family of (your candidate's class number). For example, mom son's was friends and family of 1415
All the best
Feb 17, 2016
CindyN
Shopgirl - If you scroll through old messages here, you will find lots of good information. Things are always changing but I will pass on information from last summer. OCS training is 12 weeks. Graduation events are usually the Thursday afternoon/evening (Hi Mom's Reception) and Friday (Graduation) of that 12th week.
That said, your loved one could "roll" for any number of reasons such as failing a "rollable test" or getting injured. If they roll into H class or Med Hold, they roll back into a later OCS class on 3 week increments. For example, if they fail the RLP test at week 6, they would move into H class. While in H class they study and make prepratations for attempting 3 weeks later to pass the test that they originally missed. If they get injured, they could be out for longer.
The general advice is to not make any reservations you can not cancel without cost until after the RLP test at week 6. There are other rollable events/tests after that but, in general, it is more unusual to roll after week 6.
Your LO may not have orders until right before graduation, or even after, so it is hard to know if you should plan on heading home on Friday night or staying for the weekend. When they get orders, as others have said, they may go home and pack up or they may have to report directly to their first assignment.
It is difficult to know what is best for how long to stay. At a minimum, you will want to be in Newport Thursday noon through Friday about 6pm.
Hang on for the exciting, and occasionally bumpy ride! My son is now learning a lot and generally having a great time with his first ship assignment.
Best of luck and feel free to ask questions here. This is a helpful group. You will also want to get connected into your LO's OCS class on Facebook. The Facebook group is usually something like "Friends and Family of Navy OCS Class xx-xx" but is occasionally named something slightly different.
Feb 17, 2016
1after909
My son graduated OCS 10/10/14. You will learn so much from his class FB page. I have so many happy memories from the graduation.
Feb 17, 2016
LoniJ
Looks like you have received all good info. I too wanted to make my reservations early just because that is what I do. I did hold off like the others said until it was closer to graduation time. Never know if your loved one will go into holding class. My son was blessed to avoid that. Don't be discouraged if he does as it just helps him prepare more. Also remember you won't hear from him for a few weeks and during that time no news is good news. They are allowed to call if they roll to h class. My son graduated in Dec 2015 and luckily the weather was good. We were not able to get on base until Thursday of Hi Moms party without going thru the Pass Gate and then the only place we could really meet was the coffee shop. There is a hotel on base but we stayed off base. Things to do in Newport include visiting the mansions and there is the Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge close by. Good luck to your son.
Feb 17, 2016
Doreen
Shopgirl - if you scroll down, you will see a link to join the Facebook page for class 08-16. Request to join that class, you can then see what an older class is going thru and will know what is ahead for your son. Based on the report date, I think your son's class will be 11-16. There are FB pages already set up for class 10-16. Everyone on FB is very helpful and going thru the same thing you are! Hang in there. I also would wait on reservations until after week 6.
Good luck!!
Feb 17, 2016
Doreen
Here is the link for class 10-16 on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/936712806412830/
Feb 17, 2016
CindyN
Shopgirl - Here is a facebook group for people reporting for the 11-16 class: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1561332564157206/
If you son hasn't joined that group, he may want to. He can ask on there if any has started a Friends and Family group for 11-16.
I second the advice to join a group for the class or two in front of your son's and well as your son's group. It is very helpful to know what is coming up for your son's class.
Feb 17, 2016
topdog1p
Shopgirl welcome to the rollercoaster ride of OCS. My LO graduated Sept 2015. I also look up Officer training command newport on Facebook. will be able to see pictures there that they post of the classes. We too make it a family vacation as we flew in for washington state. spent a couple days in boston and newport. It is an exciting time. We were able to my son on wednesday before friday's graduation. Hi mom's is something you did not what to miss on thursday and 6:30 am we watch PT. after friday graduation he picked up his packet of paperwork and was free to go. It can be different for each person.
Feb 17, 2016
M's mom
Welcome, Shopgirl. Make sure your son knows your phone # and email address from memory. Their cell phones are taken from them as soon as they arrive at OCS and stored until they are allowed to have them in their possession again after week 10 or so. They are allowed to call home from a pay phone within the first 48 hours by using a pre-paid phone card, which you can buy at Walgreens or Walmart, but he must know your #. (So many people these days just scroll down their phone directory to MOM, without even knowing the #) Then you won't hear from him again probably until about week four, unless he writes you a snail mail letter (But don't hold your breath for that from a young person today!)
After they pass the big Room, Locker, and Personnel inspection at week 4-5, then they usually will be given email privileges. Again, they won't have access to their usual email program and directory, so will have to type in any email addresses from memory.
Send ONLY letters in plain white envelopes until he becomes a Candidate Officer (Candi-O) at week ten. Then, they can receive care packages of goodies (Candi-O boxes.) Anything except letters sent before week ten will be considered contraband, and confiscated, and he will have to do hundreds of pushups even if he didn't request it!!! Make sure everyone to whom you give your son's OCS mailing address knows this!!! But do have friends and family send lots of encouraging letters to him those first four weeks until they get email, even if he doesn't write any in return. They love getting mail with news from home, because they are so isolated the first few weeks--no TV, phones, internet, etc. A tip: I photocopied cartoons and pictures onto letter paper for my son. (We were told not to send any loose enclosures such as cartoons or pictures.) Also- NO decorated envelopes or musical cards! You don't want his mail to draw any attention from the Drill Instructor.
Good luck to your son! You will be bursting with pride at his graduation! As others have said, best to hold off on plane tix until you are certain he will graduate with his original class.
Feb 17, 2016
M's mom
GalleyMom: Good to hear from you again also! How's your sailor doing?
Feb 18, 2016
Anna
Welcome shopgirl!! Enjoy this journey. In hindsight it does go quickly but it just doesn't feel that way in the beginning.
I have a question for all you moms who responded and had loved ones graduate in the past couple years - did they do away with the Drill routine the Wednesday before graduation?? I read about HI Moms and PT but not drill.
Feb 18, 2016
bkat3
My LO just graduated Nov 2015 and we did not get either drill or PT. We had 'Hi Moms' reception and then graduation ceremony the next day. I think normally they do PT, but they cut it due to time schedule and the large size of the class.
Feb 18, 2016
LoniJ
Feb 18, 2016
M's mom
I heard also that they did away with the First Salutes ceremony after graduation, when the new Ensigns were saluted by their Drill Instructor and Petty Officer, and then each were given a silver dollar or other coin. That has been a tradition in the Navy since forever, so I don't get why they're doing away with all the traditions, like the impressive Pass-in-Review drill we enjoyed on Wednesday before graduation. Some said it was because the drill instructors were making too much money from it, because some were given expensive coins that they cashed in, but I thought that was an expected perk for the DI's! No rule said they had to use expensive coins!
I'm glad my son got to do the First Salutes back in Sept 2012, and we have pictures of it. He used two silver dollars that belonged to his grandfather, and we didn't care what they were worth in cash. The sentiment was priceless!
Feb 18, 2016
topdog1p
my LO graduated sept 2015. we got to watch PT thursday morning there was no drill or first salute. The class did have challenge coins made to be handed out by those who purchased them. Mine handled one of his to the Chaplin as that is who he worked with as the religious body for the class
Feb 18, 2016
Anna
Wow, some extreme changes. M's mom, I agree, I'm glad my daughter got to have first salutes also. That was a wonderful opportunity for her Sailor brother and Sailor sister to attend graduation and participate in her first salute. She gave regular silver coins to her DI and CPO, but she bought special coins to give to her brother and sister. Graduation is the only time I could get a picture of all 3 of my sailors in uniform - that's my profile picture. I also enjoyed the Pass in Review and having breakfast with them Friday morning.
Feb 18, 2016
M's mom
GalleyMom: Glad to hear your DS is doing well. What do you mean by him being "the point of the spear?" I suppose that means he is the leader of something? My son enjoyed Norfolk/Virginia Beach also. He was there at the Dam Neck annex of NAS Oceana for intelligence school.
Yes, my DS and DIL moved to Japan in January, and are really enjoying it so far. They are at Yokota, which is about an hour from Tokyo. Yokota is actually an Air Force Base, but it is the Headquarters of the Joint U.S. Forces in Japan, so all of the services are there. DS is doing something intel-related at HQ. (We don't ask & he doesn't tell!) He did say that after spending 10 months at sea on the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, with flights going out 24/7, that it's nice to have an office job with regular M-F hours.
So, he and wife get to spend the weekends exploring. They have been to Tokyo, and rode the "bullet train." He bought a cheap used Nissan car to drive around the base, but they drive on the LEFT side of the road in Japan, like in England, so that is taking a lot of concentration to stay in the correct lane! DIL is applying for civilian jobs on the base to keep herself busy.
After 6 weeks of living in the Base Lodge, they just were assigned permanent housing and scored a three-bedroom apt. even though they are childless, because there was nothing else available. They gave us a "walk-through" on Skype, and it is huge! It's like a townhouse. They can see Mount Fuji from their window! Their furniture and stuff arrived from storage, so they are busy unpacking. DS has set up his home office in the second bedroom, and DIL has claimed the other as her "art & crafts" room. I said they needed to put another bed in there somewhere, so hubby & I can come visit in a year or so!
LOL'd at your son's comment about "life as an adult!" Yes, paying bills and dealing with housing and filing taxes and even food preparation are so much more enjoyable when Mom & Dad handle all that!!! Clueless teenagers are so cute when they huff, "I can't wait to be an adult; then I can do whatever I want and just have fun!" Welcome to real adulthood, kids! hahaha
Feb 20, 2016
M's mom
GalleyMom: My son was on the USS Carl Vinson in the Arabian/Persian Gulf last year when those pics were taken, but he never said anything about swim call, even though he likes to swim. I'll send him the link and ask him. They can just walk right off the stern from those amphibs, but I wouldn't want to jump in from so high from the aircraft carriers!!!!
The aircraft carriers also have what they call "steel beach picnics" when they set up volleyball nets and basketball hoops, and haul out big gas grills, and have a cookout right there on the flight deck. My son said he didn't get to attend all of the "beach parties" because he was on duty. (Some of them always have to be minding the store, so to speak.) So they had several cookouts, so most of the crew could attend at least one.
Here's the link to the swim call pictures. As GalleyMom wrote, hope some of you will spot a loved one.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3463761/GERONIMO-Sailors-le...
If this doesn't work as a link when you click on it, just go to dailymail.co.uk and search for "US Navy swim call."
Feb 25, 2016
Anna
M's mom,
When my son was deployed on a carrier, they had a steel beach party and had several small inflatable pools set up on deck. I have a couple pics of Son and his buddies sitting in these little pools with their quota of two beers!!!!!
Feb 25, 2016
M's mom
GalleyMom: The swim call pics were all marked "copyright US Navy" which means the Navy has released them and they were used with permission, so I figured it was OK to post the link. Most news media outlets will only use images released by the Navy, so it should be OK to repost them.
Feb 26, 2016
M's mom
Anna: Yes, I'm surprised that they were allowed to have even TWO beers at the beach parties. My son said he always gave his beer vouchers away to friends because he doesn't like beer, so I'm sure some had more than two! Hope they didn't have to go back to some crucial duty right after the party! haha
Feb 26, 2016
PaulaH
My LO is in 11/16. waiting for the first call at 4 weeks. how many calls are they allowed? just one? how long will it be? thanks!
Mar 13, 2016
PaulaH
I just did! Thank you. Didn't see anything yet. Thanks for watching.
Mar 13, 2016
bkat3
My daughter was 03-16. After they pass RLP they will be able to use get on the phone list to use the phone on weekends. I think it was 15 min limit. From my experience it was after 8pm Fri or Sat or anytime Sun. This is not their cell phone, so be sure to answer any unknown caller from Rhode Island. They might need ATT prepaid phone cards to use for this. Don't worry, there are usually some available with minutes left from prior classes that they can use to make their first call. They will not get their cell phones back until much later after they become Candios (end of week 9 or even early week 10).
Mar 13, 2016
bkat3
I should also add....no news really is good news. I know how hard it is not hearing from them or knowing what is going on. But calls in the first few weeks usually are due to being rolled back to H-class.
Mar 13, 2016
NuclearOPSMom
Mar 13, 2016
M's mom
NuclearOPSMom: OCS graduation is USUALLY on Friday of the 12th week of OCS, week one beginning with the Sunday they began OCS. However, you don't want to buy plane tickets or make any other non-refundable arrangements just yet. If a candidate fails any physical fitness assessment, or the big Room, Locker, and Personnel inspection (RLP) at week 4, they will get "rolled" back to Holding Class, then join the next incoming class 3 weeks later, so their graduation then becomes 3 weeks later than expected. When my son was in OCS, we didn't buy plane tix until about 6-7 weeks in, to be sure; however you can easily change hotel reservations. If you are going to graduation anytime between Memorial Day-- Labor Day, know that Newport is swarming with tourists in the summer, so make hotels reservations early.
Most families arrived on Wednesday of graduation week, because there is a Thursday evening reception called "Hi Moms" for the families, usually cocktails and snacks. (but Dads and others are welcome too!) I think they call it that because we Moms always insist on being introduced to all of our kid's classmates and the Drill Instructors, etc. haha
Mar 13, 2016
NuclearOPSMom
Sorry - our family is new at this. For OCS graduation, are you limited to the number of family members that can attend graduation? Grandparents would like to share in this experience also, but was not sure how many would be allowed.
Mar 15, 2016
bkat3
Each class is a bit different, but graduation usually allows many family members to attend. So, bring the grandparents! The 'Hi Moms' reception may be limited due to the venue capacity.
Mar 15, 2016
M's mom
I don't recall that there was a limit on attendees to my son's OCS graduation, but he had to turn in a firm list of names a few weeks before. Every adult in your car going into the base must have a photo ID, and the gate guard will check these against the list of visitors' names submitted by the candidate, so no "surprise" guests! Arrive at the graduation ceremony EARLY---an hour before is not too early to get good seats, especially if you have a crowd. It was packed at my son's grad ceremony, and there was standing room only in the back of the auditorium.
As bkell32 wrote, the candidates themselves rent the location and pay for the food at the Hi Moms reception, so they are usually assessed so much per guest. Depending on how much the candidates decide to spend, it can be a cocktail reception, (what we had) or a full meal. If a candidate has a crowd coming he/she will have to pay for them all.
Mar 15, 2016
PaulaH
So we may get a call end of 4th week? Is that the only call until candios? When can I expect my first letter? She took stamps! Do they get a few minutes to write us? Thanks for all the information so fa. 11-16 Anxious Mom:)
Mar 16, 2016
bkat3
Reposting my prior comment regarding phone calls. I got mail sooner than week 4.
After they pass RLP they will be able to use get on the phone list to use the phone on weekends. I think it was 15 min limit. From my experience it was after 8pm Fri or Sat or anytime Sun. This is not their cell phone, so be sure to answer any unknown caller from Rhode Island. They might need ATT prepaid phone cards to use for this. Don't worry, there are usually some available with minutes left from prior classes that they can use to make their first call. They will not get their cell phones back until much later after they become Candios (end of week 9 or even early week 10).
Mar 16, 2016
topdog1p
PaulaH what an exciting time for your daughter and an anxious time for us mom's. my son gradutation from OCS last sept. After RLP they do get to call and it was the first call since the day he checked in. They will also get email privileges. if i had checked my emails he sent the time slot he had to make his call thank God i was home and did not miss his call :) we were able to communicate thru the email and i did send a bit more snail mail too till he got his cell phone.
Mar 16, 2016
PaulaH
Wow. That is great news. I didn't know about email. I'll make sure to check my account daily. This made my night. Thanks!
Mar 17, 2016
M's mom
PaulaH: The only time they have to write snail mail letters to home is when they could be sleeping so don't expect too many, but keep those letters going TO your candidate, as they love getting mail. It's their only connection to the outside world for several weeks. Just DON'T send anything except letters---no goodies, gifts, etc, until they become Candios at week 10. Anything else sent before then will be confiscated as contraband, and the candidate will be punished with hundreds of pushups, even if they didn't ask for it to be sent! Make sure everyone who is writing to your daughter knows this.
Don't be anxious if you don't get any letters from your daughter. I think I only got two total from my son, until he got email at week four. These kids today do not DO snail mail.
Please remember that NO news is GOOD news the first few weeks of OCS. If they fail any test or inspection and get rolled back, they will be allowed to call home and tell you, so if you haven't heard anything, that's good!
After they pass the big Room, Locker, and Personnel (RLP) inspection at week four, they are usually allowed email privileges, and then you will hear more from her, although no texts until they are allowed their own cellphones back at week ten. If you think your daughter may not know your email address from memory, send her a letter now with all the email addresses you think she may want. They will be emailing from a closed government server, and will NOT have access to their usual email program, Outlook,etc, to look up email addresses, but must type the full address in from memory. You may get an email soon with the subject line something like test@navy.gov She will be assigned a military email address and you must use that to email her.
Hang in there! It gets better for them, and the anxious loved ones at home as they get further through the training.
Mar 17, 2016
Marmie
I may have mentioned this before but when my LO was in OCS I sent a "letter" about every other day. It was usually a bit about what was going at home, since his was during football season, I would clip articles from on line newsletters and add them to my word document to let him know how his teams were doing, I would find random navy trivia stuff to send, added a crossword or suduko puzzle and whatever else seemed entertaining. My letters usually ended up being 7-8 pages of printed stuff. He told me later he enjoyed them, especially the puzzles. Even if he didn't finish them, it was a few minutes respite from everything else that was going on. All sent on plain white paper in a plain white envelope. They really don't have time or energy to communicate with the outside world those first weeks.
Mar 17, 2016
CindyN
Letters are very important, especially at the beginning. I didn't get many back (maybe 2) but he said say "write and send pictures/news". So I wrote every day or two using the service write2them.org to send letters and photos. The service takes my email, prints it out and sends it in the appropriate white envelope. I think they mail it from closer to the base so it takes a couple of days off the mail time from where I am. It cost about $1.20 per letter (for a bit more than 2x a stamp) but for me, it is so convenient that I am writing more often. They will print out 4 sheets, double sided (so 8 pages of info). I generally wrote a bit and then cut and paste a few pictures along a bunch of news stories I think my son and his friends may find interesting or enjoy. The OCs have some down time on weekends (at least Sunday) to visit with other classes, sharing info and stories.
Mar 17, 2016
topdog1p
PaulaH if you are on facebook go to officer training command newport they have posted pictures of 11-16 class! you may get a glimpse of your LO.
Mar 17, 2016
PaulaH
Thank you for all of this helpful info. I also just saw the pictures! She was in two of them! I'm going to use write2them.org today!
Mar 18, 2016
PaulaH
When candio phase arrvies, and we can send a box, is there a size limit on the box? Can put a book or magazine in the box?
Mar 18, 2016
Quilter
PaulaH,
Go to this Pinterest Page for great idea's!! The Candio Box is something that our Candio's look forward to!! You can also google Candio Boxes and get more ideas!!
www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?rs=ac&len=2&q=candio+box+ide...
Our LO was there last year at this time, a journey I will never forget!!!
Mar 18, 2016
Quilter
I forgot to tell you the size of the box!! Most people use a US Postal Service "large" size flat-rate box for the Candio boxes. It makes into a box about 12 inches square by 6 inches deep. This is what I used. Have fun with it!! Decorate it and fill it with LOVE, and sweets!! I sent two! One box for my son and one for him to give away to someone who's Loved one didn't know anything about it!! I sent a note inside the giveaway box so my LO knew which one was for him!
Mar 18, 2016
NuclearOPSMom
Mar 18, 2016
Quilter
Dear NuclerOPSMom, When I was in charge of my LO's Class FB page I submitted a few "Files" for all to read concerning their LO's time at OCS. Here is the file I submitted on the Candio Box:
Candio Box
A CANDIO (Candidate Officer) box is a care package box that friends and family send to their LO’s during week 9. It is tradition that on the Wednesday of week 9 when your LO’s become CANDIO’s they are given these care packages filled with goodies that they love to eat and anything they ask for that they may need. Typically all they really want is food though.
These boxes are decorated on the inside, in some Navy/ Personal fashion making it a fun and meaningful arts and crafts project for friends and family and an awesome surprise for the new CANDIO’s as they do not know what’s inside.
CANDIO'S DO NOT HAVE ACCESS TO MICROWAVES, REFRIGERATORS OR COFFEEMAKERS IN THE NEW NIMITZ BUILDING. MICROWAVEABLES ARE NOT RECOMMENDED.
Time Line for CANDIO Box
Week 4:
Begin working on/decorating your CANDIO boxes
Week 9
MAIL BOXES TODAY - Do not mail boxes early. Early is NOT better in this situation.
Address boxes as "OC (Name of LO)"
Your LO’s receive/open their boxes, they are now CANDIOs
(This is the NO EARLIER THAN day they can receive boxes, not the only day. Some classes don't receive their boxes until Thursday or later because of their class team
Box Specifications
Any size box is acceptable; typically Large Flat Rate boxes from USPS are used because you will fill these boxes with goodies and they can getvery heavy. Large Flat Rate boxes are FREE to pick up from any local USPS branch
Do NOT require a signature on delivery on your box.
Limit on Boxes: Recommended you send no more than 2 per candidate because of storage purposes at OCS. However no official limit has been set
There are some CANDIO’s that will not receive any boxes because their family and friends did not know about this tradition; Candidates are often very willing to share their goodies. Do NOT send extra boxes addressed to “a Candidate In Need” - they will not be delivered. Any extra boxes should be sent directly to your LO with instructions to share.
What to Write on the OUTSIDE OF BOX -> VERY IMPORTANT!
You must write “CANDIO BOX” on the outside of your box. Sharpie it in big letters on the sides.
Before week 9 your LOs are still officer candidates The contents can be thrown out and your LOs can get in trouble or potentially SEAWALLED. You do not want to be the cause of your LO getting seawalled when they are so close to finishing the program. Being seawalled would only happen in EXTREME cases nonetheless it's best to try to avoid it.
CONTRABAND: Alcohol, tobacco, porn, gambling materials, medication, and live animals.
Mar 18, 2016
M's mom
NuclearOPSMom and PaulaH: They go from being Officer Candidates to Candidate Officers-- "Candio's"--at week ten of OCS. As the class ahead of them graduates, they then become the "senior" class at OCS and are then supervising the regiment for weeks 10-12. They are then given many more privileges, like having their personal cell phones, and can then receive goodies from home!
As Quilter wrote, most families use a large-size flat rate box from the US Postal Service. They cost about $18 to mail, no matter how heavy you stuff it. Get the boxes from your Post Office. You don't have to pay for it until you mail it. They are priority mail, so they get to Newport in 2-3 days. You can send them end of week nine, just mark the box CANDIO, so they will hold it for them until they can have it. Tradition is to decorate the inside of the box in a Navy theme. Go to Hobby Lobby and get Navy stickers and decorating supplies.
We were told Candios can receive anything EXCEPT: alcohol, tobacco, and anything that looks like a weapon. So, no squirt guns, rubber band shooters, etc. I sent my son his personal laptop computer which he requested. They can receive more than one box, but don't go nuts. They are only at OSC for three more weeks, and my son said they couldn't possibly eat everything they were sent, even sharing it with those who didn't get any, so lots of it just gets thrown away. Magazines might be welcome, but I doubt they have any time to finish a book during those last three hectic weeks!!!
Mar 18, 2016
M's mom
Quilter: Good to hear from you again! Has it been a year since your Ensign was at OCS? How's he doing?
Mar 18, 2016
Quilter
Hi M's mom!! Can you believe it!!
The end of February last year we started this Journey!!! Our LO is doing great!! Study Study Study is all that happens these days!! It's nice to facetime every once in awhile, but the best news is, my husband and I just purchased a new RV and we will be traveling very soon to visit our LO!!! I'm so excited!! Phone calls and facetime is great....but being there and holding our LO will be the icing on the cake!!
I've been keeping up with Navy Moms and helping out every once in awhile, but I'm still learning everyday myself!! You and many others are very supportive and very helpful!!
Mar 18, 2016