CL - Thanks. We don't know why we haven't heard from him, but if this is why, at least we know what he will be going through. I have heard that "H" Class helps them to prepare and in some cases come out ahead in the end. Thanks again :) Praying that he made it through and just didn't have a chance to call home.
Matt's mom - Since you haven't heard from him, I think there is a very good chance he passed RLP. If they go to H class, they are given the opportunity to call home right away, or at least they did in the past. If he passed RLP, he would have had to sign up for a time slot to call on the weekend and there could be lots of reasons why he didn't have the opportunity to do that. But as you have heard, H class isn't bad in the long run. It only delays your chance to see him at graduation by 3 weeks...which I do know is not a small thing!
I have a question. Do you need tickets or to check a list prior to entering the graduation location? I understand you need it to get on base if you do not have Military ID/DOD ID but i am not sure if they actually check a list for guest at the actual graduation location. Does anyone know or remember?
There are not tickets, nor is there a limited number for graduation. But there is a list and you will need a picture ID for everyone in the car, and everyone in the car should be on the list. Your LO will supply the names for the list the week of graduation.
How soon would you recommend we book our travel arrangements to Newport? He has been advised that if all goes well, he would graduate September 15th. when would be the last date to make sure his guests names are on the list?
The reason I asked we are retired military and we are able to enter the base and have guests with us when we enter the base (as long as they show id) . We were not sure if they needed to have our names on the list for the actual graduation event. Some of the LOs of my sons class has been having a hard time- since the do not have a Military ID/DOD id- they have given the families deadline for tomorrow on the information. Some are being requested sensitive date which they do not feel comfortable handing out via e-mail or snail mail and they are not sure how else they can provide this info unless they are call and they candidates are not allowed to call until the weekend. Did any one else have this issue?? The class is currently on the 6th week, it was the families understanding originally they didn't have to worry until the 8th week. Can someone shed a light on this?? I do not foresee having a problem myself, but i would like to help them out with information. They already got the base id office number that is all but any other input will be appreciated I am sure. Thanks everyone.
LO is loved one. As far as travel plans, don't book anything that can't be cancelled or changed. There are numerous reasons your LO's graduation date may change, right up to the end. If they do not pass an inspection or become ill or injured, they will get rolled into H class then join the next OCS class which is 3 weeks behind them.
Mamaplata: As Robertsmom pointed out, LO = "Loved One." It's not really military lingo, but kind of Facebook & forum shorthand, such as DS= Dear Son, DIL= daughter -in-law, etc. When we are referring to your OCS officer candidate, we don't know if it is your son, daughter, spouse, etc. We even have some Grandmas here on N4M's, so we just refer to all the candidates as Loved Ones, because that is certain!
Robertsmom: My son graduated from OCS 5 years ago, and much has changed, but we did not need TWO forms of ID to get on the base, just a driver's license or such for every adult in our car, and the gate guards checked them against the list, which was submitted by our son. Back then, I don't think he had to submit his graduation list until a week or two before graduation, to be sure he was going to graduate with that class. They are allowed email privileges after about week 4 and we just sent him our list by email. Yes, "NMNW," they do ask for social security numbers, I believe, so they can do background checks, but you are emailing to a closed government server that handles military email, so it is probably safer than public email. If you don't give your SS number, they probably can refuse entry. Can't be too careful these days to let possible security risks onto a military base under the guise of going to a graduation.
Mamaplata, If your son will be reporting to OCS on Sunday, make sure he knows your phone number and email address from memory. His cell phone will be taken and stored as soon as he arrives, and he will be calling home from a public phone, so he must know your number. Same thing when he gets email, he will not have access to his usual email program and contacts list, so he must type in the complete address..
To you and any other new OCS Moms, read back as far as you can on this comment wall, and also the "Discussion Forum" topics above. We have probably answered many of your OCS questions already. Much has changed at OCS since my son graduated five years ago, so I have to defer to the more recent grads' moms on specific questions of how things are done now.
Mamaplata,
This may sound really silly but make sure he knows the Marine Corp Hymn. He will be trained and beat down by Marines. My daughter Graduated OCS October 31 2014. She was class 02-15 Hotel. Meaning the second class of the fiscal year 2015. Her class was devided in two groups, Golf and Hotel. Your son may be Alpha/Bravo , Charlie/ Delta etc. The two classes will compete in drills. With my daughter being out three years there have been many changes. I have been told Candio boxes are no longer, First Salute is no longer, things that our LOS looked so forward to. If I can be of any help you can friend me. My daughter is a SWO / ASWO / EDO. She has spent 1 tour on ship (2years) and is doing a partial year (1year) until she leaves for MIT , in Boston. Where she will become a Nuclear Engineer.
I've started a Facebook page for the 16 June17 OCS group that reports on Sunday June 25. Search for 16-17 Navy OCS FAMILY & FRIENDS and request to join. Please spread the word to all F&F of our LO's class!!
So the way the OCS class numbering system has usually worked is, because the Navy's new fiscal year starts every October 1st, the first OCS class that graduates after Oct 1 is 01--of the next year. Since Class 16-17 will graduate on Sept 15, the OCS class starting on July 16th which will graduate on Oct 6th should be Class 01-18. (But don't hold me to that. Ha!) That may be helpful to those of you with LO's starting in the July class to find their Facebook page, but it may not be created yet. OCS doesn't have anything to do with the individual classes' Facebook groups. Someone from the class family usually has to start one, like Liz did for 16-17. You may not find a FB group for 01-18 until closer to the start time, ---or start one yourself if you have the know-how. ( I don't have a clue how to do that!)
"16-17" brings back memories for me. My son was in OCS Class 16-12 that started on Father's Day five years ago! Time flies.
Where is your daughter stationed now? I think I read that she is a Surface Warfare Officer? --I spelled that out instead of just typing SWO since we have newbies here! ;-)
ASWO is Anti- Submarine Warfare Officer. She had to be place somewhere until her schooling for EDO comes up. EDO is Engineering Duty Officer. She wants to specialize in Nuclear sense she is a chemist.
Yes to 32 Avenue Base. The USS Zumwalt. That ship looks like it's upside down. Take a look at its pictures. Lol! She wanted to be a Doctor when she graduated from St. Louis University. Took the MCAT. Did like her score and joined the Navy. She is really hard on herself. She one of this students that can figure things out in her head but has a hard time putting it on paper. Her scores were at the right spot for the Navy, but she lost interest in medicine. Didn't like the way our healt care system was going. So instead she rather learn to blow things up
Oh yeah, the Zumwalt looks weird, but it's designed to be "stealthy" to radar, I guess. I thought it was pretty cool that the Zumwalt's first CO was Captain James Kirk!!! I told my son that the Navy should name one of the new ships USS Enterprise (they decommissioned the old one) and appoint CAPT James Kirk as the skipper!
Your daughter now wants to "blow things up." LOL I'm a medical professional myself, and trust me, she will probably be happier in the Navy than as a doctor. We are all extremely anxious about what our illustrious Congress is going to do to healthcare. I am in a situation where I am going to have to purchase my OWN private health insurance next year, so I see the current fiasco from the view of both a healthcare provider AND a consumer. Counting the days to retirement........
I'm new to this site and saw this about July 16 OCS. That is when my son starts. He doesn't seem to have a clue what his class # is. He is laid back and just goes with whatever which will change very soon. I live in Alabama and will have to really plan to be able to go to graduation. Will his recruiter give him this class #?
ANavyMom: You will get your son's class number and address when he to check-in, if it wasn't in any of his paperwork. He will be able to send a picture text of it, which is good to ensure there was no "cell phone garble" that causes you to get it incorrect. The class that starts on 7/16 should graduate in Oct so the number may be 01-18, but you will get confirmation at check-in. I just looked on Facebook and see a group for "those joining Navy OCS class that starts on July 16th". (Search for "Navy OCS Class July 16th") Your son may want to join that group to connect with others before he gets to Newport. That group may have information on the "Friends and Family" group for his class.
Best of luck to your son and you as you all start on this Navy journey!
ANavyMom: I agree with CL. I think the class starting July 16, which will graduate in October, "should " be 01-18, because they will be the first class to graduate after the beginning of the Navy's new fiscal year 2018 which begins Oct 1. The class number should be on his orders that his recruiter should email to him showing when and where he is to report.
You will need his class number to send mail to him. Send him frequent, encouraging letters with news from home, but send letters ONLY in plain, white envelopes. No treats or gifts of any kind, and no musical cards! The candidates used to be able to be sent goodies after week 10, but I hear OCS has discontinued that, and they are not to be sent anything at all but letters.
Make sure everyone to whom you give your son's mailing address knows the policy! In my son's class, someone's dear Auntie sent a candidate cookies at week 3, and the poor candidate had to do 800 (that's EIGHT HUNDRED) pushups as punishment!!!!!!!!! My son's class could not even receive enclosures in the letters, like loose pictures, etc. So what I did was photocopy cartoons, pictures, and newspaper clippings onto letter-sized paper and enclosed that with the letter and that was OK. Don't expect many, if any, letters back from him though. The only time they have to write is when they could be sleeping. You will hear more from him when they get email privileges after week 3-4. These kids today don't DO handwritten letters!
Thanks to those of you who responded about July 16th OCS. My son is infantry in Army National Guard and when he went to basics there was no sending goodies or everyone in his group got in trouble.
My LO will be commissioning next month and will be heading to Pensacola. Any suggestions on housing? His longtime girlfriend won't be transferring for another year. thanks
Matt's mom: Congratulations to your son! Try the group "Naval Aviation" here on N4M's. Many of those moms have had LO's go through Pensacola, and they could probably offer suggestions. I have seen others comment that there are certain areas of P'cola in which the Navy suggests NOT to live.
Hi Matt's Mom. My son graduated OCSin March and he is currently in Pensacola. He is living in the Angel Cove apartments. They are towards the back entrance to the base, which makes for easy access for their 6:30A report times. He is living with 2 other guys from OCS and the apartment is pretty nice. It is close to a Target, Walmart and 10 min from the Commissary and the NEX. My son had it recommended by previous guys. I would definitely have him check it out. Is he SNA or NFO?
Hello Matt's mom. My son is graduating next Friday. Class 13-17. He will report to Pensacola, NFO. He too will be living at Angel Cove Apartments. Just google ...apartments to rent in Pensacola. There are several all there together from what I have read. Good luck!
Congrats to Matt's Mom and USNMom! It will be over soon for your DS. The graduation is very moving--enjoy. (And take them out for some good food!) We went to the White Horse Tavern after graduation and it was exquisite. http://whitehorsenewport.com/ There is also an upscale Mexican restaurant in the historic home of a famous Naval Officer called Decatur House and the restauarant is Perro Salado http://perrosalado.com/location and then lots of terrific seafood restaurants on the bay--the Black Pearl and the Mooring are our favorites. (We have family there.). Good luck to both NFOs. They will be flying soon!!
Yes Newport.... Been a frustrating summer... She's a NUPOC just graduated from University of Miami but live in NY.... She keeps having to fly back to Miami for bloodwork and now MEPs.... Her recruiters have put her off all summer with paperwork....now saying Aug 17th but who knows....now she hopes to go to MEPs when she goes to Miami next week and passes
My son is NUPOC too. He just graduated from University of Alabama at Birmingham. After he went to DC recruiter failed to send paperwork. Keep me posted on when she goes. I'm not familiar with any of this. My other son is Army National Guard
Matt's mom
CL - Thanks. We don't know why we haven't heard from him, but if this is why, at least we know what he will be going through. I have heard that "H" Class helps them to prepare and in some cases come out ahead in the end. Thanks again :) Praying that he made it through and just didn't have a chance to call home.
Jun 5, 2017
CindyN
Matt's mom - Since you haven't heard from him, I think there is a very good chance he passed RLP. If they go to H class, they are given the opportunity to call home right away, or at least they did in the past. If he passed RLP, he would have had to sign up for a time slot to call on the weekend and there could be lots of reasons why he didn't have the opportunity to do that. But as you have heard, H class isn't bad in the long run. It only delays your chance to see him at graduation by 3 weeks...which I do know is not a small thing!
Jun 5, 2017
Matt's mom
CL - Thanks for the encouraging words. I'll be sure to pass them on to my husband.
Jun 5, 2017
NavyMomNavyWife
I have a question. Do you need tickets or to check a list prior to entering the graduation location? I understand you need it to get on base if you do not have Military ID/DOD ID but i am not sure if they actually check a list for guest at the actual graduation location. Does anyone know or remember?
Jun 21, 2017
Mamaplata
I have the same question as NavyMomNavyWife. Also, is there a limited number of guests per graduate?
Jun 21, 2017
Nancy
There are not tickets, nor is there a limited number for graduation. But there is a list and you will need a picture ID for everyone in the car, and everyone in the car should be on the list. Your LO will supply the names for the list the week of graduation.
Jun 21, 2017
Mamaplata
I'm a total newbie to military lingo... What is "LO"? Our son is reporting for OCS (just graduated thru NUPOC) sunday.
Jun 21, 2017
Mamaplata
How soon would you recommend we book our travel arrangements to Newport? He has been advised that if all goes well, he would graduate September 15th. when would be the last date to make sure his guests names are on the list?
Jun 21, 2017
NavyMomNavyWife
The reason I asked we are retired military and we are able to enter the base and have guests with us when we enter the base (as long as they show id) . We were not sure if they needed to have our names on the list for the actual graduation event. Some of the LOs of my sons class has been having a hard time- since the do not have a Military ID/DOD id- they have given the families deadline for tomorrow on the information. Some are being requested sensitive date which they do not feel comfortable handing out via e-mail or snail mail and they are not sure how else they can provide this info unless they are call and they candidates are not allowed to call until the weekend. Did any one else have this issue?? The class is currently on the 6th week, it was the families understanding originally they didn't have to worry until the 8th week. Can someone shed a light on this?? I do not foresee having a problem myself, but i would like to help them out with information. They already got the base id office number that is all but any other input will be appreciated I am sure. Thanks everyone.
Jun 21, 2017
Robertsmom
In addition to NMNW, I heard that 2 forms of picture ID are required. Is that correct? I don't have 2. Only DL my passport is expired.
Jun 21, 2017
Robertsmom
Welcome Mamaplata!
LO is loved one. As far as travel plans, don't book anything that can't be cancelled or changed. There are numerous reasons your LO's graduation date may change, right up to the end. If they do not pass an inspection or become ill or injured, they will get rolled into H class then join the next OCS class which is 3 weeks behind them.
Jun 21, 2017
Mamaplata
Thanks so much for all of the input!
Jun 21, 2017
Noni
Jun 21, 2017
M's mom
Mamaplata: As Robertsmom pointed out, LO = "Loved One." It's not really military lingo, but kind of Facebook & forum shorthand, such as DS= Dear Son, DIL= daughter -in-law, etc. When we are referring to your OCS officer candidate, we don't know if it is your son, daughter, spouse, etc. We even have some Grandmas here on N4M's, so we just refer to all the candidates as Loved Ones, because that is certain!
Jun 21, 2017
M's mom
Robertsmom: My son graduated from OCS 5 years ago, and much has changed, but we did not need TWO forms of ID to get on the base, just a driver's license or such for every adult in our car, and the gate guards checked them against the list, which was submitted by our son. Back then, I don't think he had to submit his graduation list until a week or two before graduation, to be sure he was going to graduate with that class. They are allowed email privileges after about week 4 and we just sent him our list by email. Yes, "NMNW," they do ask for social security numbers, I believe, so they can do background checks, but you are emailing to a closed government server that handles military email, so it is probably safer than public email. If you don't give your SS number, they probably can refuse entry. Can't be too careful these days to let possible security risks onto a military base under the guise of going to a graduation.
Jun 21, 2017
M's mom
Mamaplata, If your son will be reporting to OCS on Sunday, make sure he knows your phone number and email address from memory. His cell phone will be taken and stored as soon as he arrives, and he will be calling home from a public phone, so he must know your number. Same thing when he gets email, he will not have access to his usual email program and contacts list, so he must type in the complete address..
To you and any other new OCS Moms, read back as far as you can on this comment wall, and also the "Discussion Forum" topics above. We have probably answered many of your OCS questions already. Much has changed at OCS since my son graduated five years ago, so I have to defer to the more recent grads' moms on specific questions of how things are done now.
Jun 21, 2017
Noni
This may sound really silly but make sure he knows the Marine Corp Hymn. He will be trained and beat down by Marines. My daughter Graduated OCS October 31 2014. She was class 02-15 Hotel. Meaning the second class of the fiscal year 2015. Her class was devided in two groups, Golf and Hotel. Your son may be Alpha/Bravo , Charlie/ Delta etc. The two classes will compete in drills. With my daughter being out three years there have been many changes. I have been told Candio boxes are no longer, First Salute is no longer, things that our LOS looked so forward to. If I can be of any help you can friend me. My daughter is a SWO / ASWO / EDO. She has spent 1 tour on ship (2years) and is doing a partial year (1year) until she leaves for MIT , in Boston. Where she will become a Nuclear Engineer.
Jun 21, 2017
Mamaplata
Jun 22, 2017
Liz
Jun 22, 2017
Noni
Jun 22, 2017
M's mom
So the way the OCS class numbering system has usually worked is, because the Navy's new fiscal year starts every October 1st, the first OCS class that graduates after Oct 1 is 01--of the next year. Since Class 16-17 will graduate on Sept 15, the OCS class starting on July 16th which will graduate on Oct 6th should be Class 01-18. (But don't hold me to that. Ha!) That may be helpful to those of you with LO's starting in the July class to find their Facebook page, but it may not be created yet. OCS doesn't have anything to do with the individual classes' Facebook groups. Someone from the class family usually has to start one, like Liz did for 16-17. You may not find a FB group for 01-18 until closer to the start time, ---or start one yourself if you have the know-how. ( I don't have a clue how to do that!)
"16-17" brings back memories for me. My son was in OCS Class 16-12 that started on Father's Day five years ago! Time flies.
Jun 22, 2017
Noni
Jun 22, 2017
M's mom
Noni,
Where is your daughter stationed now? I think I read that she is a Surface Warfare Officer? --I spelled that out instead of just typing SWO since we have newbies here! ;-)
Jun 22, 2017
Noni
She is at 32 Ave base on our new million dollar ship. She getting ready to go to advance ASWO class at Point Loma
Jun 22, 2017
Noni
Jun 22, 2017
M's mom
Noni, Wow! Good for her. You must be proud!
32 Ave base= San Diego? What is the name of the "new million dollar ship?"
Jun 22, 2017
Noni
Jun 22, 2017
Noni
Jun 22, 2017
M's mom
Oh yeah, the Zumwalt looks weird, but it's designed to be "stealthy" to radar, I guess. I thought it was pretty cool that the Zumwalt's first CO was Captain James Kirk!!! I told my son that the Navy should name one of the new ships USS Enterprise (they decommissioned the old one) and appoint CAPT James Kirk as the skipper!
Your daughter now wants to "blow things up." LOL I'm a medical professional myself, and trust me, she will probably be happier in the Navy than as a doctor. We are all extremely anxious about what our illustrious Congress is going to do to healthcare. I am in a situation where I am going to have to purchase my OWN private health insurance next year, so I see the current fiasco from the view of both a healthcare provider AND a consumer. Counting the days to retirement........
Jun 23, 2017
ANavyMom
I'm new to this site and saw this about July 16 OCS. That is when my son starts. He doesn't seem to have a clue what his class # is. He is laid back and just goes with whatever which will change very soon. I live in Alabama and will have to really plan to be able to go to graduation. Will his recruiter give him this class #?
Jun 23, 2017
CindyN
ANavyMom: You will get your son's class number and address when he to check-in, if it wasn't in any of his paperwork. He will be able to send a picture text of it, which is good to ensure there was no "cell phone garble" that causes you to get it incorrect. The class that starts on 7/16 should graduate in Oct so the number may be 01-18, but you will get confirmation at check-in. I just looked on Facebook and see a group for "those joining Navy OCS class that starts on July 16th". (Search for "Navy OCS Class July 16th") Your son may want to join that group to connect with others before he gets to Newport. That group may have information on the "Friends and Family" group for his class.
Best of luck to your son and you as you all start on this Navy journey!
Jun 23, 2017
M's mom
ANavyMom: I agree with CL. I think the class starting July 16, which will graduate in October, "should " be 01-18, because they will be the first class to graduate after the beginning of the Navy's new fiscal year 2018 which begins Oct 1. The class number should be on his orders that his recruiter should email to him showing when and where he is to report.
You will need his class number to send mail to him. Send him frequent, encouraging letters with news from home, but send letters ONLY in plain, white envelopes. No treats or gifts of any kind, and no musical cards! The candidates used to be able to be sent goodies after week 10, but I hear OCS has discontinued that, and they are not to be sent anything at all but letters.
Make sure everyone to whom you give your son's mailing address knows the policy! In my son's class, someone's dear Auntie sent a candidate cookies at week 3, and the poor candidate had to do 800 (that's EIGHT HUNDRED) pushups as punishment!!!!!!!!! My son's class could not even receive enclosures in the letters, like loose pictures, etc. So what I did was photocopy cartoons, pictures, and newspaper clippings onto letter-sized paper and enclosed that with the letter and that was OK. Don't expect many, if any, letters back from him though. The only time they have to write is when they could be sleeping. You will hear more from him when they get email privileges after week 3-4. These kids today don't DO handwritten letters!
Jun 23, 2017
Noni
Jun 23, 2017
USNmom2017
Jun 23, 2017
Noni
Jun 26, 2017
ANavyMom
Thanks to those of you who responded about July 16th OCS. My son is infantry in Army National Guard and when he went to basics there was no sending goodies or everyone in his group got in trouble.
Jun 27, 2017
Matt's mom
My LO will be commissioning next month and will be heading to Pensacola. Any suggestions on housing? His longtime girlfriend won't be transferring for another year. thanks
Jul 5, 2017
M's mom
Matt's mom: Congratulations to your son! Try the group "Naval Aviation" here on N4M's. Many of those moms have had LO's go through Pensacola, and they could probably offer suggestions. I have seen others comment that there are certain areas of P'cola in which the Navy suggests NOT to live.
Jul 5, 2017
LucyJo
Jul 6, 2017
USNmom2017
Jul 6, 2017
Matt's mom
USNmom2017 - congrats to your son. My son is in 14-17.
LucyJo - My son is NFO.
Thank you ladies, for the information. I did see Angel Cove listed under the NAS page.
Jul 6, 2017
Matt's mom
M's mom. I tried to find the Naval Aviation page. Didn't have much luck. I will keep looking. Thanks
Jul 6, 2017
Anna
Matt's mom,
My daughter also stayed at Angel Cove apartments and she had a really cute place.
Try this link for the Naval Aviation page:
http://navyformoms.ning.com/group/navalaviation
Jul 6, 2017
JediGrey
My son also stayed at Angel Cove. That seems to still be the place to go.
Jul 6, 2017
LucyJo
Jul 7, 2017
ANavyMom
My son got delayed in going to OCS due to paperwork issues. He is supposed to start on Aug 27. Is there a FB group set up for them yet?
Jul 28, 2017
NukeMomCarol
Jul 28, 2017
ANavyMom
NukeMomCarol, is she going to Newport also?
Jul 28, 2017
NukeMomCarol
Jul 28, 2017
ANavyMom
Jul 28, 2017