Similar to myvampress I would put together a "package" in each of my letters. All printed out since my handwriting is awful. I would include an update on what was going on around our house, football scores (he was there in the late fall to Feb), an article on his football team (usually a negative since he knows how I dislike his team). Upbeat stores from the internet. I found a couple of sites with navy trivia that I would send. I also included a couple of Sudoku and crosword puzzles. Just things to take his mind off of OCS stuff and let him know what was going on in the real world. I kept it up until his Candido time - he really did fly by fast. And I kept watch on the FB page to see pictures of him which I also mention in my letters.
Charlene, my son is at OCS right now and is one class ahead of yours. Mine is in the 07-17 so yours will probably be 08-17. My LO is on track, but many have moved back and will be with your son. Just pray a lot and write letters. One bid rollable event happens Fri of week 2 called Fast Cruise. It is intense physically and several "roll". The next is one week later and it is the big inspection the moms have mentioned call RLP. Your class FB page is up--search 08Jan17 Navy OCS. Be prudent with what you post here. I have mostly just been a stalker at the request of my son--lots of posts from the young wives. What is your son in the Navy for after OCS?
Myvampress
Thanks for sharing about the roll backs. It will be good to be prepared in case my son is rolled back I can be prepared to offer encouragement. Thanks again! I off to write a letter
Hello I have a question I think I remember someone saying that there is a date set for OCS graduation. If this is true where would I find this information?
Charlene,
Do not depend on the graduation date set, if for some reason your son rolls the date will change. Each time they roll the date for their graduation changes so I will wait until he gets further along
Charlene,
I just talked to my son to find out about when graduation would be. He said it is 12 weeks from when you start unless you roll and then it adds 2 weeks for each time you roll. Hopefully that will give you a general idea
"Rolling" used to add three weeks, not two weeks, because OCS started new classes every three weeks, and the candidate joined the class behind them if they rolled. --Unless they are now starting OCS classes every two weeks.
In any case, it is best not to buy non-changeable plane tickets to graduation until he is further along. There were some in my son's class who got into big trouble the weekend before graduation for drinking or whatever, and they rolled them back!!!!!! (I'm sure their families with plane and hotel reservations were not real happy!)
Charlene,
The FB link I sent a couple days ago is for the recruits-not the families. From the chatter on our FB page, I think a family member of one of the recruits who rolled will be starting your class FB page. I will let you know and you can keep watching for it.
Charlene,
M's mom is right, rolling sets them back 3 weeks not 2. I talked to my son tonight and asked him about rollable events and this is what he told me.
*PRT/BCA which is their physical readiness test is Rollable (sits ups, running, weigh in and body measurement, etc).
They will have Fast Friday but it is not Rollable.
*Fast Cruise is another rollable event which is where they get up really early, pack their sea bags with about 50lbs of their clothes and gear and then run up and down the stairs and what not carrying it in front of you but he said it has changed from what he heard and now they take you outside and you run up and down a hill and they set a timer and if you either pass out (normally from dehydration) or the timer is up and they lock the door and you don't make it in the door on time you get rolled.
*RLP is Rollable which is the Room, locker and personal inspection.
*He said General Quarters is tough but not rollable
*Tests from classes/academics have to be 70% or higher but are not hard to achieve.
*NAV and NOS (Navagational) test is at about week 8, it is rollable but not common to roll.
*Week 6 inspection with Khakis uniform and week 8 inspection with either dress whites or dress blues are both rollable but again they are not common to roll on
*Capstone which is their fun type activities such as fire training, water training, etc is rollable but no one ever rolls on these and Capstone is right before Candio and they will get their cell phones after Capstone.
*Any PRT (physical readiness test) is Rollable and they have 4.
My son said that he also heard that OCS brought back Poopie Suit... I am not sure what it is but he said if you look up old OCS videos that they will have it up there.
I hope this helps you and doesn't confuse you.
Thanks for all the great info! I will take a "wait and see" attitude and not worry about airline tickets yet. My son is a little older than most, I think, so while he was running and staying in shape the physical stuff might give him trouble. I will look forward to a letter or a phone call in a few weeks to hear about his experience
When my son was at OCS in 2012, the Poopie Suits were these really ugly, baggy, green coveralls that the Indocs (Indoctrination Candidates = the new OCS class in their first three weeks) had to wear, along with these purposely stupid-looking silver helmets. That way, anyone could see who the Indocs were by the poopie suits. After week three, it was a rite of passage to get to wear a REAL uniform, and then the new Indoc class coming in had to wear those coveralls.
Things change constantly at OCS, depending on current command, so that's why I can't say exactly how things are done there now.
They still wear the poopie suits. Ugh. You can see them on the OCS website. Pictures will post every Tuesday (usually) so may get to see your LO. I look at all the classes by week to see what is coming up next. They move I to their NWU uniforms during week 3 (blue camo). Did you find the FB page?
Graduation used to be on Friday morning, 9 or 10 AM as I recall. Everything is pretty much over by noon. If the new Ensigns have their orders by then, they are free to go after they check out of the barracks. Depending on their orders they may get to go home with their family, or they must head out to their next duty station immediately to report on Monday! Fortunately, my son's orders gave him 10-days' travel time to report to his next duty station, so he was able to buy a plane ticket home on the same flight as us. (He had flown to Newport to OCS and didn't drive there.) So he was able to come home with us, relax a little, then gather his belongings and drive to Virginia Beach to his next school. Some of the ensigns are sent home to work in the recruiting office if it will be a few months before the next class in their specialty starts. The orders usually don't come in until the last week, so you can't make firm plans. My son's orders didn't arrive until Wednesday before graduation Friday, so we didn't know if he would be coming home or not. There are usually a few in each class who do not have their orders yet on Graduation Day, and they must stay at the Naval Station until the orders come, maybe days or weeks!
My son's graduation from OCS was at 2pm at the War Museum but graduation times and locations change. I was able to pick my son up the day before graduation and he stayed the night with us but I had to have him back at 5am graduation morning to do his check out stuff and then I was able to pick him back up about 11am and he stayed with us until graduation. He was able to come home with us for 10 days before heading to Charleston. He has completed 2 of his classes already while 3 of his ex roommates and a good friend of his all who graduated from OCS still have not started school yet due to clearances and background checks haven't been completed yet and it has been over a year so they have them working in the mail room.
Excited for you, Nancy! I think I read my first letter 10 times.
Keep sending letters with all of the trivial info happening in your family, local, and the world. They really do not get much information from outside and have so little time to write to you.
Got my second letter from LO in 08-17B! It was written before the fast cruise. But I haven't gotten a phone call so I believe she's ok for now. She says the poopie suits make them all look like garbage men! She said they are all prepping for RLP inspection which come up this coming Friday
Does anyone know if RLP is Thursday of the 3rd week or Thursday of the 4th week? The NavyDads website says the 4th week. Something I saw on this site made me think the 3rd. Does anyone know for sure based on mail from LO or very recent experience from other classes?
RLP is the third week. First inspection is Thursday. If they don't pass, a second inspection is Friday. My son graduated last year so it is probably the same. Good luck! You will,receive an email if they pass.
Nancy - I can't answer your question as my experience is 1.5 years old. RLP was week 3 then. If you are in the Facebook group for your LO's class, ask on FB. There are likely some people in the group that are also in the FB group of a class or two prior (due to their LOs rolling). If there isn't anyone in your group who is also in the group from a class earlier, you may want to you join the previous group yourself. They shouldn't mind. There were family members from both old and newer classes in the FB group I was in while my son was at OCS. It was a great way to learn what was coming and to pass on helpful hints to those not yet there.
Is this week 2 or 3 for your LO? It is after RLP that (at least it use to be) that they can start to call home on weekends. Then your new stress will be staying close to your phone all weekend so you don't miss the call! Good luck!
Sooooo, 09-17 reports tomorrow! Our 08-17 kiddos are so relieved to be Junior Officer Candidates and no longer ICs. Fast cruise, RLP, done!! On to week 4. Feeling much better now! Thank you to this group for letting me ask so many questions.
Congrats to your Officer Candidate on making it to week four! Big relief for them as well as the families! When they are allowed email, you will have more communication, and that helps morale on both sides.
Congratulations Nancy on your LO's making it to week 4. Yes, when they get access to email you will have easier communication. But keep those encouraging and upbeat letters to your LO. My daughter still lived for mail from home. I would always include cute little pictures - like a ruler character to go along with the RLP!!!!
Hi moms, it's been awhile since my LO graduated from OCS, 2 years this June! It's hard to believe it's been that long already. I wish all of your LO's the best of Luck. Like M's Mom stated back in December, many things have changed since our LO's attended OCS, and it's hard to pass on good advise, mostly because procedures and timelines are always changing. I will say, this site was my lifeline when my LO was going through OCS! From RLP, Holding Class, Medicals, you name it, I learned so much. I wish you all the very best. My LO is doing amazingly well! He loves his career and we are so very proud of him! This past Sept. our family suffered a great loss, our middle son, Army ROTC Senior in college due to graduate this past December, was killed by a distracted driver that pulled out in front of him. He was on his motorcycle and the other driver in a truck. I am still grieving and it's hard to focus. I'm sorry I won't be as much help to this site anymore. But please know all of your LO's will continue to be in my prayers.
I am so very, very sorry for the loss of your son. Words cannot express, and I'm sure words cannot ease your sorrow, but know that we here are all thinking about and praying for you. Since we're all Moms, we get that special mother/child bond.
I am so happy to hear that your officer is doing well. I remember that we all had to reassure you during his time at OCS, but he made it!
My son and wife have been stationed in Japan for a year now and will probably be there two more. They absolutely love Japan. Hubby and I have plane tickets to Tokyo for eight days in July!!! We told the kids that we expect to be given the Grand Tour! haha Son is taking leave that week, so we hope to see some sights with them, and ride the Shinkansen ("bullet train" --200mph.)
M's Mom, have a wonderful time with your DS and DIL, that sounds like a wonderful trip!!
Our LO has his winging ceremony coming up very soon, and my husband and I will be there for sure!! He was 1st in his class and he was able to get his first choice of aircraft. He was born to fly just like his dad!! Like father like son, they both were flying cat age 15!!
Thank you for you words of sympathy, our family has forever been changed, but we have our faith and we lean on each other, and we know we'll be together again. 26 years of marriage and my husband is still my best friend and our Rock! He is hurting very much and missing our Son, but still comforts me daily.
Again have a great trip and prayers for all!!
Quilter, I am so sorry about the loss of your son. I am new to this group, but that doesn't mean I can't still pray for you. I am amazed at how the women in this group seem to genuinely care for each other even though we are complete strangers. Quilter, I have more questions for you concerning your LO, as mine is just beginning as SNA as soon as he gets through OCS. Be on the lookout for a friend request from me and a Private message in your inbox, or maybe you can direct me to another group on this site for SNAs. Not that I will desert OCS moms at all!! Just curious about the next phase.
Hi Nancy, Thank you for your kind words. Our LO graduated from OCS almost 2 years ago. Its the most rewarding ceremony you will ever see!! So much Pride for our LO's in one place!! After graduating he was home for about 3 months waiting for his class/ or place in line to start training. Then Pensacola for about 4 months, and then CRP for over a year. Lots of training/ but my LO loves it!! Now refresh my memory, what is SNA lol
Quilter, SNA is Student Naval Aviator. Is that what your son did? I have heard he will have a break, like you described, I think they call it OHARP, while waiting for his class to start training.
Yes OHARP is correct. As for SNA I never heard my LO say that term, but he is a pilot so it sounds right LoL. Our LO received his orders 1 hour after graduation!! We were sweating bullets! I didn't want to leave him there a minute longer, and he felt the same!! LoL It was nice to have him home for OHARP mostly because, during that time, we were able through this site, talk to other moms who help set up housing in Pensacola. Our LO's do most of it, they call each other up and arrange roommate status and I found the apartments that were highly recommended. We learned a lot. At first we thought our LO would remain in PNS for a while and we mistakenly moved everything down there....WRONG he was only there 4 months and then we helped move him again to CRP. So lesson learned, until they get their Aircraft assignment which takes about a year in half.. Move only what you need to survive. In other words... Need before Want!! Now our LO is about to move to his permanent address, but that will require us to help again, because of the BIG MISTAKE we made as a New Family of a Pilot in the Navy way back in the PNS days!! My advise, Load your LO's car up with little things, that way when the time comes to move again he/she can do it on their own. Of course as a Mom, I enjoyed setting up house for our LO it was fun and if we had to do it all again, most likely, we would have followed him there in our car, picked up a few things THERE and vacationed a few days later!! We rented a UHaul our LO drove his car and my husband and I flew home. Had I known that he would have only been there 4 months in the beginning, he would have had a car load, and our car load and been just fine!! LOL I did learn, pilots on stay in PNS a short time, and move for training. NFO's stay longer in PNS. Hope this helps a little!!
That actually does help a lot. Just what they need for 4 months in PNS, then they move to CRP. Got it.You are correct about NFOs. They do stay in Pensacola longer. Thanks for the advice.
To all the moms on this thread. A great resource and support group that you may want to look into is Blue Star Mothers. Blue Star Moms are moms of active duty military (all branches). There are chapters all over the country. My LO entered the Navy over 2-1/2 years ago. He completed OCS and was commissioned as a Naval Flight Officer in October 2014; did his flight training in Pensacola and was winged in January 2016; and was assigned to his Fleet Replacement Squadron and then permanent squadron in Jacksonville. I just joined Blue Star Moms in June and they have been a wonderful group for helping me through the this journey - especially through his first deployment. As moms, we can use all the support we can get. And we can also use pointers on how best to support our LO's and other heroes currently serving our country.
Nancy, Search at "All Groups" above for the group "Naval Aviation." They are Moms of pilots and NFO's. They are the voices of experience about flight school, and can answer your questions about the process. I'm sure Quilter is a member of that group also.
Quilter, What aircraft did your son choose to fly? First in his class!!! You & your hubby should be justifiably proud! (And you were worried that he wouldn't make it through OCS, and just look at him now!)
I too am so very sorry to hear about your son!!! I know there are no words that can I can offer other than I will be keeping you and your precious family in my prayers. I know how strong the mother/child bond is and can not imagine your grief. I am so glad to hear your officer son is doing well. I cherish the memories of my daughter's winging and she is now deploying regularly with her squadron. Where is your pilot assigned??? God Bless You and bring you peace and comfort.
Thank you Anna, for your Kind words they mean a lot. I'm glad to hear all is well with your daughter, and shes doing well. M's Mom, our son choose the E6 aka 707. He is thrilled!! Thank you ladies for all of your support, It feels good to be back!!
Marmie
Similar to myvampress I would put together a "package" in each of my letters. All printed out since my handwriting is awful. I would include an update on what was going on around our house, football scores (he was there in the late fall to Feb), an article on his football team (usually a negative since he knows how I dislike his team). Upbeat stores from the internet. I found a couple of sites with navy trivia that I would send. I also included a couple of Sudoku and crosword puzzles. Just things to take his mind off of OCS stuff and let him know what was going on in the real world. I kept it up until his Candido time - he really did fly by fast. And I kept watch on the FB page to see pictures of him which I also mention in my letters.
Jan 9, 2017
LucyJo
Jan 9, 2017
Charlene
Thanks for all the info! My son is in for the supply corp.
Jan 9, 2017
Charlene
Thanks for sharing about the roll backs. It will be good to be prepared in case my son is rolled back I can be prepared to offer encouragement. Thanks again! I off to write a letter
Jan 9, 2017
Charlene
Thanks for sharing and all the great information
Jan 9, 2017
Charlene
Jan 10, 2017
myvampress
Do not depend on the graduation date set, if for some reason your son rolls the date will change. Each time they roll the date for their graduation changes so I will wait until he gets further along
Jan 10, 2017
myvampress
I just talked to my son to find out about when graduation would be. He said it is 12 weeks from when you start unless you roll and then it adds 2 weeks for each time you roll. Hopefully that will give you a general idea
Jan 10, 2017
M's mom
"Rolling" used to add three weeks, not two weeks, because OCS started new classes every three weeks, and the candidate joined the class behind them if they rolled. --Unless they are now starting OCS classes every two weeks.
In any case, it is best not to buy non-changeable plane tickets to graduation until he is further along. There were some in my son's class who got into big trouble the weekend before graduation for drinking or whatever, and they rolled them back!!!!!! (I'm sure their families with plane and hotel reservations were not real happy!)
Jan 11, 2017
LucyJo
The FB link I sent a couple days ago is for the recruits-not the families. From the chatter on our FB page, I think a family member of one of the recruits who rolled will be starting your class FB page. I will let you know and you can keep watching for it.
Jan 11, 2017
myvampress
M's mom is right, rolling sets them back 3 weeks not 2. I talked to my son tonight and asked him about rollable events and this is what he told me.
*PRT/BCA which is their physical readiness test is Rollable (sits ups, running, weigh in and body measurement, etc).
They will have Fast Friday but it is not Rollable.
*Fast Cruise is another rollable event which is where they get up really early, pack their sea bags with about 50lbs of their clothes and gear and then run up and down the stairs and what not carrying it in front of you but he said it has changed from what he heard and now they take you outside and you run up and down a hill and they set a timer and if you either pass out (normally from dehydration) or the timer is up and they lock the door and you don't make it in the door on time you get rolled.
*RLP is Rollable which is the Room, locker and personal inspection.
*He said General Quarters is tough but not rollable
*Tests from classes/academics have to be 70% or higher but are not hard to achieve.
*NAV and NOS (Navagational) test is at about week 8, it is rollable but not common to roll.
*Week 6 inspection with Khakis uniform and week 8 inspection with either dress whites or dress blues are both rollable but again they are not common to roll on
*Capstone which is their fun type activities such as fire training, water training, etc is rollable but no one ever rolls on these and Capstone is right before Candio and they will get their cell phones after Capstone.
*Any PRT (physical readiness test) is Rollable and they have 4.
My son said that he also heard that OCS brought back Poopie Suit... I am not sure what it is but he said if you look up old OCS videos that they will have it up there.
I hope this helps you and doesn't confuse you.
Jan 12, 2017
Charlene
Jan 12, 2017
LucyJo
Jan 12, 2017
M's mom
When my son was at OCS in 2012, the Poopie Suits were these really ugly, baggy, green coveralls that the Indocs (Indoctrination Candidates = the new OCS class in their first three weeks) had to wear, along with these purposely stupid-looking silver helmets. That way, anyone could see who the Indocs were by the poopie suits. After week three, it was a rite of passage to get to wear a REAL uniform, and then the new Indoc class coming in had to wear those coveralls.
Things change constantly at OCS, depending on current command, so that's why I can't say exactly how things are done there now.
Jan 12, 2017
LucyJo
Jan 13, 2017
LucyJo
Jan 13, 2017
M's mom
LucyJo:
Graduation used to be on Friday morning, 9 or 10 AM as I recall. Everything is pretty much over by noon. If the new Ensigns have their orders by then, they are free to go after they check out of the barracks. Depending on their orders they may get to go home with their family, or they must head out to their next duty station immediately to report on Monday! Fortunately, my son's orders gave him 10-days' travel time to report to his next duty station, so he was able to buy a plane ticket home on the same flight as us. (He had flown to Newport to OCS and didn't drive there.) So he was able to come home with us, relax a little, then gather his belongings and drive to Virginia Beach to his next school. Some of the ensigns are sent home to work in the recruiting office if it will be a few months before the next class in their specialty starts. The orders usually don't come in until the last week, so you can't make firm plans. My son's orders didn't arrive until Wednesday before graduation Friday, so we didn't know if he would be coming home or not. There are usually a few in each class who do not have their orders yet on Graduation Day, and they must stay at the Naval Station until the orders come, maybe days or weeks!
Jan 13, 2017
LucyJo
Jan 13, 2017
myvampress
Jan 14, 2017
Shelby
Jan 14, 2017
Shelby
Jan 14, 2017
Nancy
Just found the FB page 08-17 too! Thanks for sharing that.
Jan 15, 2017
PortMom
Thank you everyone for your comments, I am starving for information about OCS, since this is my first time with my LO there.
Thank you myvampress for the info - very helpful!
I am grateful for this site, found lots of tips from experienced moms/dads! Keep these coming please!
Jan 18, 2017
Nancy
Got first letter from LO in 08-17!!
Jan 20, 2017
bkat3
Excited for you, Nancy! I think I read my first letter 10 times.
Keep sending letters with all of the trivial info happening in your family, local, and the world. They really do not get much information from outside and have so little time to write to you.
It does get better once they get to email!
Jan 20, 2017
Shelby
Jan 21, 2017
Nancy
No phone calls here either, so that is good I guess. Letter was very positive! LO actually having a good time! Makes me feel so much better.
Jan 21, 2017
Nancy
Does anyone know if RLP is Thursday of the 3rd week or Thursday of the 4th week? The NavyDads website says the 4th week. Something I saw on this site made me think the 3rd. Does anyone know for sure based on mail from LO or very recent experience from other classes?
Jan 23, 2017
Doreen
Jan 23, 2017
CindyN
Nancy - I can't answer your question as my experience is 1.5 years old. RLP was week 3 then. If you are in the Facebook group for your LO's class, ask on FB. There are likely some people in the group that are also in the FB group of a class or two prior (due to their LOs rolling). If there isn't anyone in your group who is also in the group from a class earlier, you may want to you join the previous group yourself. They shouldn't mind. There were family members from both old and newer classes in the FB group I was in while my son was at OCS. It was a great way to learn what was coming and to pass on helpful hints to those not yet there.
Is this week 2 or 3 for your LO? It is after RLP that (at least it use to be) that they can start to call home on weekends. Then your new stress will be staying close to your phone all weekend so you don't miss the call! Good luck!
Jan 23, 2017
Nancy
Thank you CL and Doreen. CL, this is week 3. Thanks for the good advice!
Jan 23, 2017
Nancy
Sooooo, 09-17 reports tomorrow! Our 08-17 kiddos are so relieved to be Junior Officer Candidates and no longer ICs. Fast cruise, RLP, done!! On to week 4. Feeling much better now! Thank you to this group for letting me ask so many questions.
Jan 28, 2017
M's mom
Nancy,
Congrats to your Officer Candidate on making it to week four! Big relief for them as well as the families! When they are allowed email, you will have more communication, and that helps morale on both sides.
Jan 28, 2017
myvampress
Sounds like your LOL is doing great! Congrats and just keep cheering him on!
Jan 28, 2017
CindyN
Nancy - Glad to hear those first 3 stressful weeks (for both you and your LO) are done! Thanks for letting us know.
Jan 28, 2017
Anna
Congratulations Nancy on your LO's making it to week 4. Yes, when they get access to email you will have easier communication. But keep those encouraging and upbeat letters to your LO. My daughter still lived for mail from home. I would always include cute little pictures - like a ruler character to go along with the RLP!!!!
Jan 29, 2017
Quilter
Jan 30, 2017
M's mom
Quilter,
I am so very, very sorry for the loss of your son. Words cannot express, and I'm sure words cannot ease your sorrow, but know that we here are all thinking about and praying for you. Since we're all Moms, we get that special mother/child bond.
I am so happy to hear that your officer is doing well. I remember that we all had to reassure you during his time at OCS, but he made it!
My son and wife have been stationed in Japan for a year now and will probably be there two more. They absolutely love Japan. Hubby and I have plane tickets to Tokyo for eight days in July!!! We told the kids that we expect to be given the Grand Tour! haha Son is taking leave that week, so we hope to see some sights with them, and ride the Shinkansen ("bullet train" --200mph.)
We'll be thinking of you.
Jan 30, 2017
Quilter
Our LO has his winging ceremony coming up very soon, and my husband and I will be there for sure!! He was 1st in his class and he was able to get his first choice of aircraft. He was born to fly just like his dad!! Like father like son, they both were flying cat age 15!!
Thank you for you words of sympathy, our family has forever been changed, but we have our faith and we lean on each other, and we know we'll be together again. 26 years of marriage and my husband is still my best friend and our Rock! He is hurting very much and missing our Son, but still comforts me daily.
Again have a great trip and prayers for all!!
Jan 30, 2017
Nancy
Quilter, I am so sorry about the loss of your son. I am new to this group, but that doesn't mean I can't still pray for you. I am amazed at how the women in this group seem to genuinely care for each other even though we are complete strangers. Quilter, I have more questions for you concerning your LO, as mine is just beginning as SNA as soon as he gets through OCS. Be on the lookout for a friend request from me and a Private message in your inbox, or maybe you can direct me to another group on this site for SNAs. Not that I will desert OCS moms at all!! Just curious about the next phase.
Jan 30, 2017
Quilter
Hi Nancy, Thank you for your kind words. Our LO graduated from OCS almost 2 years ago. Its the most rewarding ceremony you will ever see!! So much Pride for our LO's in one place!! After graduating he was home for about 3 months waiting for his class/ or place in line to start training. Then Pensacola for about 4 months, and then CRP for over a year. Lots of training/ but my LO loves it!! Now refresh my memory, what is SNA lol
Jan 30, 2017
Nancy
Quilter, SNA is Student Naval Aviator. Is that what your son did? I have heard he will have a break, like you described, I think they call it OHARP, while waiting for his class to start training.
Jan 30, 2017
Quilter
Yes OHARP is correct. As for SNA I never heard my LO say that term, but he is a pilot so it sounds right LoL. Our LO received his orders 1 hour after graduation!! We were sweating bullets! I didn't want to leave him there a minute longer, and he felt the same!! LoL It was nice to have him home for OHARP mostly because, during that time, we were able through this site, talk to other moms who help set up housing in Pensacola. Our LO's do most of it, they call each other up and arrange roommate status and I found the apartments that were highly recommended. We learned a lot. At first we thought our LO would remain in PNS for a while and we mistakenly moved everything down there....WRONG he was only there 4 months and then we helped move him again to CRP. So lesson learned, until they get their Aircraft assignment which takes about a year in half.. Move only what you need to survive. In other words... Need before Want!! Now our LO is about to move to his permanent address, but that will require us to help again, because of the BIG MISTAKE we made as a New Family of a Pilot in the Navy way back in the PNS days!! My advise, Load your LO's car up with little things, that way when the time comes to move again he/she can do it on their own. Of course as a Mom, I enjoyed setting up house for our LO it was fun and if we had to do it all again, most likely, we would have followed him there in our car, picked up a few things THERE and vacationed a few days later!! We rented a UHaul our LO drove his car and my husband and I flew home. Had I known that he would have only been there 4 months in the beginning, he would have had a car load, and our car load and been just fine!! LOL I did learn, pilots on stay in PNS a short time, and move for training. NFO's stay longer in PNS. Hope this helps a little!!
Jan 30, 2017
Nancy
That actually does help a lot. Just what they need for 4 months in PNS, then they move to CRP. Got it.You are correct about NFOs. They do stay in Pensacola longer. Thanks for the advice.
Jan 30, 2017
nickstermom
To all the moms on this thread. A great resource and support group that you may want to look into is Blue Star Mothers. Blue Star Moms are moms of active duty military (all branches). There are chapters all over the country. My LO entered the Navy over 2-1/2 years ago. He completed OCS and was commissioned as a Naval Flight Officer in October 2014; did his flight training in Pensacola and was winged in January 2016; and was assigned to his Fleet Replacement Squadron and then permanent squadron in Jacksonville. I just joined Blue Star Moms in June and they have been a wonderful group for helping me through the this journey - especially through his first deployment. As moms, we can use all the support we can get. And we can also use pointers on how best to support our LO's and other heroes currently serving our country.
Jan 30, 2017
M's mom
Nancy, Search at "All Groups" above for the group "Naval Aviation." They are Moms of pilots and NFO's. They are the voices of experience about flight school, and can answer your questions about the process. I'm sure Quilter is a member of that group also.
Jan 30, 2017
M's mom
Quilter, What aircraft did your son choose to fly? First in his class!!! You & your hubby should be justifiably proud! (And you were worried that he wouldn't make it through OCS, and just look at him now!)
Jan 30, 2017
Anna
Quilter,
I too am so very sorry to hear about your son!!! I know there are no words that can I can offer other than I will be keeping you and your precious family in my prayers. I know how strong the mother/child bond is and can not imagine your grief. I am so glad to hear your officer son is doing well. I cherish the memories of my daughter's winging and she is now deploying regularly with her squadron. Where is your pilot assigned??? God Bless You and bring you peace and comfort.
Jan 30, 2017
Quilter
Thank you Anna, for your Kind words they mean a lot. I'm glad to hear all is well with your daughter, and shes doing well. M's Mom, our son choose the E6 aka 707. He is thrilled!! Thank you ladies for all of your support, It feels good to be back!!
Jan 30, 2017
Anna
Quilter,
That is the same aircraft my daughter is on!!!! Is he going to OK?? And will he be in 3 or 4?
Jan 30, 2017