Yes, you can check folded garment bags with the airlines. They are too big to qualify as carry-ons, but may be checked.
My son still uses his garment bag that we got him for OCS graduation to hold his uniforms when he travels on Navy business, since the Navy suggests they travel in civilian clothes when flying commercial.
My son and DIL loved Whidbey Island, WA when they were there! It's beautiful, but that bridge to the island is daunting!
If you ever have one of your sailors in Japan, you could maybe fly halfway, to Hawaii, and then it's only about another 7 hours' flight to Tokyo. My husband and I would never have gone to Japan by ourselves as tourists, but since son and DIL were there, we had to go. They will be there another year and a half or so, but I told our son, the next time I see them, I want it to be in the continental US of A, or as the military abbreviates it: CONTUS.
Your son will enjoy Japan. Tell him to embrace all the cultural opportunities he can, pilgrimage to Mt. Fuji, explore the old city in Kyoto, etc. Tokyo will host the 2020 summer Olympics, so that will be exiting. My son will have left by then, but yours might still be there. You must go visit him, even though it's a travel ordeal !!!
My husband and I relied on the trains, which are clean and extremely prompt, (and the station signs are also in English.) We did not want to rent a car, because, like in the UK and Australia, they drive on the LEFT side of the road in Japan! My son got an international driver's license, and fearlessly drove us all around in the insane Tokyo traffic! It was all I could do to stifle myself at times from yelling, "You're in the WRONG lane!" haha Son says you just get used to it, but he will be discombobulated at first when he drives back in the US!
I see that Sasebo is in the south of Japan, near Nagasaki. I'm sure they have a museum about the atomic bomb dropped there. We went to Hiroshima. They've built a Peace Park and museum at the ground zero point of the bomb. Very, very sobering exhibits in the museum about the destruction that happened there. --Which makes me very nervous with what's going on with North Korea when my son and DIL are right next door in Japan!
Nancy,
M's Mom did answer the question about checking. The bag does fold up verupy nicely. He got solid black and if I recall, we had the Navy Seal monogrammed with block gold letters for his initials underneath. It turned out very nice!
Is your SNA going to pref Milton or Corpus? Mine was in OCS 07-17, just finished API and will go to Corpus Oct 2. They are stuck in P'Cola until the new fiscal year starts.
SO glad to hear from you again! Also glad to hear that your DS is doing well. Yes, my DS spent 10 months in the Persian Gulf on the "Chucky V." in 2014-15. If your DS winds up on the Vinson, the ship has a Facebook page, which was very helpful to feel connected while DS was at sea.
Funny you should write about downsizing, as my hubby and I are doing the same thing!!! We will close soon on a new house, which is half the size of our present house . The bad news is, we will have to get rid of half of our stuff. The GOOD NEWS is, we will have to get rid of half of our stuff!!!!!!! It needs to be done, so moving to a smaller house will force us to take only what will fit. We are storing some things for DS and DIL until they get back from Japan. We told them we will stuff it into our new garage for now, but the minute they set foot back in the US, we are loading it up into the pickup truck, and delivering it to their doorstep! haha
Since DS spent 10 months at sea, and then will have been on foreign duty for 3 years when he leaves Japan, he thinks he will almost certainly be able to get assigned stateside for his next duty. (He sounds like he wants to make a career of it.)
DIL hinted that they might try to start a family as soon as they get back to the US, which I'm relieved about, because I don't want grandbabies living half-way around the world from me!!!!! I suppose if they have kids and DS stays in the Navy, they will eventually wind up on foreign duty again, but there is always SKYPE.
So wonderful to hear from you again!!! And glad to hear your sailor is doing well. And for you and M's mom, I so understand that downsizing ordeal. We sold a 4 bedroom house in GA to move back to NE Ohio and a little 3 bedroom condo. Then we went to a two bedroom apartment. THEN we moved full time into a 40ft 5th wheel RV and have been living in it for 3 years. I jokingly told the hubby the next downsize would have to be a pine box!!!! But the traveling is wonderful!!!!
M's mom,
I'll keep that advise in mind if any of my sailors go to Japan!!
beardog,
Sorry, I don't personally have any info on car leasing. My girl took her car to P'cola and then on to Oklahoma with her. I'm sure you can find some info online by searching for car leasing in Pensacola. If there are any other moms on here who have sailors there now, maybe you can shed some info here?!?!
Bear dog, when my DS was stationed in Pensacola, he purchased a vehicle from a dealership in Alabama. Because there are so many opportunities nearby, it just takes a bit of shopping around to nearby dealerships. It's no different than buying or leasing anywhere. Just warn him to be a firm negotiator on his own behalf. The salespeople can really go after all the young servicemen and -women, especially officers.
Beardog - I don't have any experience directly with Pcola but advice I have seen on the Norfolk group is that sailors should arrange financing through Navy Federal CU or USAA prior to going into any car dealers. They will likely have better rates than you would get at the car dealer. Friends who are military (active and retired) have USAA insurance and are very pleased with the company. My son has USAA car and renters insurance. They seem to have very good rates.
LucyJo, There is a huge gap between where your DS is and mine, even though they were only one OCS class apart. My DS was 08-17, but the week he reported (last week of June) ALL the naval academy graduates also reported AND all the college ROTC graduates, so there is a huge backlog now. My DS is still waiting on IFS!!! He has been down there 7 weeks just working in the museum and working out. Hopefully he will start soon. He has requested Milton, because with all this free time, he has found a church in the area and made friends, and best buddies are either staying because they are NFO, or one other SNA who is my DS's best friend is recently married and they are also requesting Milton because his wife teaches in the area. Also we are on east coast, so the closer he is to us, the better in my opinion, at least for awhile. I know there will be a time coming when I have to do without seeing him for a lot longer, but want to delay that as long as possible, haha. I will private message you.
Okay, got a call today that my son is going to Guam. He chose this post. What do I need to know......He is a CEC - Civil Engineers Corp. Needless to say, I am a bit peeved at him but he is THRILLED. Bleh...HELP...
Hi Everyone...I am a brand new Navy Mom. My son reported to OCS in Newport this morning. He graduates 11/17/17
. I would love to connect with other moms who have son/daughter there or who have advice for a new mom...Trying to figure out what the next 12 weeks will look like...Thanks and best to you all...
Welcome Kathryn,
You have a mixed group on here some of us have LOS that have graduated 3 or more years ago, so with just recent grads Etc. Ask as many question as need. You can also read back on past questions and answers. My daughter was a 02-15 Graduate and loves being a officer. She is stationed at 32 Ave in San Diego.
Thank you Noni...Is this the best place to also connect with parents who currently have sons/daughters in the 03/18 graduating class...? Of course you and others with past "experience" will be incredibly helpful (and much appreciated) as I have zero experience...I just know that as of 9:00 this morning all communication ceased..:) Thanks for writing...
Kathryn. Go on Facebook and ask to join the Facebook group for 16-17. https://m.facebook.com/groups/263249364154316 I am the admin and I will will add you and just about everything will have an answer here. My son checked your son in this am and will be one of his Candios.
Hi Liz and Carol ! Nice to meet you both ! Liz I just made the request on Facebook...That is so great that your son check my son in ! What is a candio? See...I know nothing but you girls are gonna fix that for sure :) Thank you !!! Carol I am in Melbourne FL. Congratulations to your daughter ! We met a very nice young man the day that my son swore in...He also checked in today and I believe he is nuclear subs (guessing that is what your daughter is doing)..
Number 1 importance - do not use your last name on this website. Delete your two comments with your full name. On the left side of any of the group pages you will see the OPSEC guidelines. All new moms need to review these guideline for the safety of all our sailors. Thank you.
A "Candio" is short for Candidate Officer. They are in the final weeks 10 through 12 of OCS and are leading the training battalion and getting to yell at the "Indocs" (Indoctrination Candidates, the newly arrived.) Weeks 4-9, they are referred to as "Officer Candidates." When a OCS class graduates, the class behind them become the Candios, or senior OCS class.
If you do Facebook, ask to join the Facebook group for the OCS class of your LO (Loved One.) I think someone posted the link below for 03-18. Also, ask to join the groups of the OCS class or two AHEAD of your LO (01-18, 02-18), so you can see what will be happening in the upcoming weeks and ask questions of those folks.
It's tough not hearing from them for a few weeks if you are used to constant texting and communication with your LO, but the Navy is doing that deliberately to have their full attention on their training. Just remember that NO NEWS IS GOOD NEWS. If your LO should fail something or get injured, and be "rolled" into H--(Holding) Company, they will be allowed to call you and tell you. They will then have to join the next incoming class in 3 weeks, if they get up to speed on what they failed. So If you hear nothing for a few weeks, that is actually good news!
Write lots of encouraging snail mail letters, in plain white envelopes ONLY. Those letters are their only link to the outside world for a few weeks, so they love getting mail and news from home. DO NOT send anything but letters--no gifts, no cookies or food, or they will be punished with many, many extra pushups and such, even if they didn't ask for it to be sent!!!!! Make sure everyone to whom you give your LO's mailing address knows this! Someone in my son's OCS class got sent cookies by his dear auntie, and had to do 800 PUSHUPS!!!! Really!! We used to be able to send them "Candio Boxes" of goodies when they reached week 10, but I think they have now forbidden that, so just send letters! You'll hear more from them when they get email privileges. Kids today don't write snail mail.
The summary by M's mom is a great one. Things are changing all the time. We have knowledge of our experiences but as moms of more recent graduates may share, their experiences were different. My DS was in Class 01-14.
M's mom expressed encouraging letters. It is so important. Before my DS left, he assured me he didn't/wouldn't need mail. I wrote letters anyway and when his first response letter came (yes, he wrote letters back!), he stressed how important those letters were to him and to write as often as I could. I wrote him a letter everyday he was gone, down to the last week when they tell you not to send anymore mail as it might not arrive in time. EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. He said the mail made a huge difference for him. His dad even wrote one now and then--sending baseball trade deadline clippings and such. He loved it and he said the information was a hot item to be shared among the baseball fans. It was a lot of work, but worth it all knowing it helped. At OCS graduation, several of his friends commented on all the letters from his supportive family. So please write--even if you're not a big letter writer. It helps.
Geeze I sent my first letter yesterday in a "blue" envelope...I am sick thinking I may have gotten my son in trouble...Sending one again tomorrow in a "white" envelope...Thanks for all you veteran moms for helping us new moms....
Katryn, I sent letters and cards in all colors of envelopes. Not once was it an issue. After I read about the white envelope thing, I asked him about it and his response was, The instructors couldn't care less about the color of the envelope. They have bigger things to worry about." Some were blue, tan, yellow or white. I ordered some personalized Hallmark cards so they came with envelopes in all different colors. Clippings inside are ok, too. It's just an issue if you are sending a thick envelope of what could be construed as contraband. Don't scent the envelopes, just be reasonable. But, write. That's the underlying message. The blue envelope is not a big deal. Really.
What you say about the envelope color is basically true!! I don't think there will be any kind of 'extra PT" because of a simple colored envelope. What I will say tho is that not all DIs run their companies the same. What one DI will overlook another will make an issue about it. My daughter's DI was a real hard-a88!!! He may not give extra PT for something like that but he will razz the candidate as a way to humiliate them. I found that anything that brought unnecessary attention to my daughter was not a good thing - he had an issue with her and even admitted at her commissioning that he was trying to get her to quit!! I wanted to have a few choice words with him after graduation but she took the high road and let it all go. She outranked him then!!!!!
Thanks Anna and jsefamily...That makes me feel much better...I also wondered about clippings so thanks for mentioning that..I didn't know until yesterday that they basically had to access to current events for the first few weeks...I'll be sure not to send a thick envelope though...again everyone on this site is awesome and I really appreciate all the advice...I'll pay it forward for sure ;)
We were told just to send white envelopes only, because as Anna wrote, so as not to draw the DI's attention to your candidate with anything different than the others. Small clippings as others have said might be OK, but no fat envelopes that might be "contraband." I would say NO musical cards either, even if it is playing "Anchors Aweigh." Each Drill Instructor has leeway to be as nasty as they want to be over things like that, so you don't want to send anything that brings the DI's attention to your candidate.
My son graduated OCS in 2012, and at that time, they received email privileges after week 4. Could be different now. If you don't think your LO knows your email address from memory, send a letter listing it. They will be emailing from a closed government server, and will NOT have access to their usual email program where they could just scroll down and click on "MOM," so they will have to type in the entire email address. Be aware that they are told that their emails can be monitored by their DI, so don't be surprised if they use a very formal tone in their emails to you. My son gave very few details in his emails to questions I asked, because he assumed the DI was reading it, and he didn't dare complain at all, only after graduation! haha
The "Hi Moms" the night before graduation can be anything from cocktails at a hotel to a full dinner at the Officer's Club. The candidates themselves plan and pay for the Hi Moms, not OCS, so it's whatever the candidates want and decide they can afford. It's not just for Moms, of course, but anyone the candidate wants to invite. The candidates form a committee to plan Hi Moms in the last weeks of OCS, and work with the venue to decide how much it will cost per person. Each candidate then decides how many of their family they can afford to invite!!!! Some families leave the "kids" back at the hotel, and just Mom and Dad attend, but up to your family. Candidates may have a guest limit due to space. My son's class had a cocktails and snacks reception at a historic Newport hotel downtown. Some classes have a full dinner. You will be invited by your son when the time comes. They usually give out class awards at Hi Moms, and show a funny video of their training. (They can finally laugh about it then.)
Each candidate must turn in a list of names in advance of all those attending graduation, so be prepared to provide this as well as Social Security numbers, to be checked for security reasons. All adults going onto the base for graduation must show a photo ID at the gate and it will be checked against the list, so be prepared for that. Can't be too careful these days.....
So i just ordered the Code Alpha Garment Bag for hopefully my soon to be graduate and was wondering if there is anything specific we have embrodiered on the bags and how we go about using the Navy logo? I just want to make sure mine is acceptable. Thank you for any suggestions.
Hi all, My son is leaving soon for OCS. As prior military, I know a bit of what he will be facing, but some of what I am finding online seems like it may be even rougher than what I endured in enlisted boot camp! I am going to scroll the great info here and see what I need to share with him before he goes. Thanks for being here!
Liz in Norfolk,
The only difference between your training and your sons is that he will be trained by Marines. They don't take not crap. Not that the enlisted did either. Lol! My daughter graduated theee years ago 02-15. You has past and present moms on here. We can all help in some way. The newer ones will be able the more up to date questions. The first thing we tell new moms is write the day your son leaves no pretty colored envelopes only white and much needed support. Cruise thru the post because the answers to your questions are in there. Welcome!
Noni
Thanks Noni! I saw the tip about white envelopes and that works great because it's all I have without going shopping. I plan to let his GF know that also, plus tell her to hold the perfume! I am pretty overwhelmed by the list online of the things he has to bring (much of which he has to buy!) but luckily we have the Navy Exchange nearby so he can make sure to get the right items. So far this has been a good journey though and he is looking forward to leaving!
Hi Liz! My son graduated about six months ago and this is what he summarized about packing for OCS (his info from recruiting office was outdated):
1. Underwear - You do NOT need white briefs. You may wear whatever you want, as long as it is in a subdued color: white, gray, black, navy
2. Socks - You do NOT need to pack 6-8 pairs. Just pack a pair or two to get you through first day. They will give you a 6-pack containing socks of the right dimensions to make easier folding for RLP.
3. White T-shirts - You do NOT need 6-8. Just pack one maybe. They will issue all. When choosing your sizes at the uniform place, go small, because during inspection, the collar must fit tight and should not roll or gap, as it sometimes does with too large shirts.
4. Shoes - Bring any type of running shoes, color doesn't matter (Bright colors actually help your LOs pick you out of the class pictures on facebook pages, but you may want to avoid bright colors if you're afraid that will call too much attention. Son said no one was ridiculed for color of shoes, and there were some bright ones!)
5. Don't waste time writing your name in anything prior to going. They give you a stamp and teach you how to precisely stamp your name in all clothing.
6. Shoes again - If you want to get ahead on one thing, have your shoes laced correctly ahead of time. It is one less thing to get yelled at for. Son says: "Top lace under the flap, than outboard over inboard, then TUCK the ends inside your shoes, NOT TIE them." Hope that makes sense.
Don't worry too much about packing. They get to go to the NEX the first Saturday (or maybe Sunday?) and they can pick up whatever they don't have.
Thanks Nancy. Those are some helpful tips, as he plans to shop in the next few days. Too late though on the tee-shirts. He bought a bunch last week! I kind of thought the Navy provided the first round of socks and tee-shirts to OCS students just like they did for enlisted in boot camp, but nowhere does it say that; we only have this huge list of things on the web! In any case, all those t-shirts will eventually be put to good use!
He also got his running shoes because he had to break them in...totally black shoes. I guess I'm not going to find him in any facebook photos! He's really noticing the difference by getting some padded inserts. I'll make sure he sees the note about lacing shoes...who knew??
Liz in Norfolk,
Most of the things they tell you to bring aren't really needed. Like the lady's as my daughter calls them Granny panties aren't needed for women. Lol! I know enlisted are given all their uniforms. I live about 5 miles from Great Lake. I have lived here all my life. Our LOS will have to pay big money for uniforms they hardly wear. My daughters whites. We're over 3 thousand. The women are required to wear the skirts which she has woren maybe once now they are being mandated to purchase the jackets like the men with the night collars. There blacks are also a waste of money. They never wear those either. Those were also over 3 thousand. They ask the Ensigns open a military star card. By the time they leave there they have a credit card over 10 thousand. My daughter is a SWO/ASWO/EDO. I don't know where the ASWO came in but somehow they over looked her schooling for EDO. What has your son chosen as a career choice?
Thanks Noni. Since my son is going in with an MBA, he wanted a career at least remotely related, so he is going Supply Officer. He is a "navy brat" so he knows about the military star card. He's financially literate and also a bit frugal so I think he'll stick with his credit card which has been giving him good reward points. One item he wasn't expecting to be on the list is Digital wristwatch with alarm. I don't think he's ever owned a watch.
He has heard conflicting reports about shaving gear. He read somewhere that he could only bring/use a manual razor. The supply list says though, that electric razors are authorized. Can anyone here confirm if he can indeed bring his electric razor? Thanks!
Liz in Norfolk: our son graduates/commissions in 3 days! It's been a long 3 months and we can't wait to see him and celebrate. A couple of other suggestions: pack LOTS of stamps. And you and family and friends should send as many letters as possible. It means the world to the candidates. And if possible, he should bring a Dritz sewing gauge. Very handy for measuring to be sure everything is perfect!
Liz in Norfolk,
To bad the LO has a girlfriend, cuz my daughter is just as frugal. My daughter went to St. University where she received her BA in Chemistry, Major in French and held her Emt license. She took her MCATS but she is very hard on herself. That just didn't fulfill her needs so she joined the Navy.
So many gentlemen don't wear watches so I can see that. FYI. Know the Marine Corp Hymn.
Oh yes...Marine Corp Hymn...must tell him! I think I read that elsewhere here. Thanks! He uses his cell phone as his watch, and after years of wearing a watch, I do the same now! But with no phone, he'll have to go old school and wear a watch.
So far my son has made it through the first two weeks...yea!! RLP is this week and I know he is frantically prepping for that, but I'm feeling so good about this I'm going to start planning ideas for the candio box, even though it is weeks away!
Liz in Norfolk: Good luck to your son on the RLP inspection! I thought there would be no way that my son would pass his RLP when I heard how meticulous it was, because his room at home and at college always looked like a tornado went through, but he rose to the occasion when it counted and passed, --I'm sure with the help of his fellow candidates!
Better check with the classes ahead of your son's, to see if Candio Boxes are still allowed. It was fun when my son became an OCS Candio, to decorate a box in a Navy theme and send him homemade cookies and such, but that was five years ago, and I think someone posted here recently that OCS has forbidden that now, and they cannot be sent any goodies at all.
Anyone here with a recent OCS grad who knows if the Candios are allowed to be sent treats?
My DS graduated from OCS in June. He said candio boxes are allowed, but it can be uncomfortable to receive one because they must be opened in front of staff. He advised against it. I don't know how others feel.
CAmom
Hello, is there a Facebook page for the 01-18 class?
Thank you!
Aug 17, 2017
CTNavyMom
@Janeensor yes here is the name of the group: 01-18 Navy OCS Family and Friends
Aug 17, 2017
CAmom
Thank you CTNavyMom! I will join right now!
Aug 17, 2017
M's mom
Nancy,
Yes, you can check folded garment bags with the airlines. They are too big to qualify as carry-ons, but may be checked.
My son still uses his garment bag that we got him for OCS graduation to hold his uniforms when he travels on Navy business, since the Navy suggests they travel in civilian clothes when flying commercial.
Aug 17, 2017
M's mom
Anna,
My son and DIL loved Whidbey Island, WA when they were there! It's beautiful, but that bridge to the island is daunting!
If you ever have one of your sailors in Japan, you could maybe fly halfway, to Hawaii, and then it's only about another 7 hours' flight to Tokyo. My husband and I would never have gone to Japan by ourselves as tourists, but since son and DIL were there, we had to go. They will be there another year and a half or so, but I told our son, the next time I see them, I want it to be in the continental US of A, or as the military abbreviates it: CONTUS.
Aug 17, 2017
M's mom
CL,
Your son will enjoy Japan. Tell him to embrace all the cultural opportunities he can, pilgrimage to Mt. Fuji, explore the old city in Kyoto, etc. Tokyo will host the 2020 summer Olympics, so that will be exiting. My son will have left by then, but yours might still be there. You must go visit him, even though it's a travel ordeal !!!
My husband and I relied on the trains, which are clean and extremely prompt, (and the station signs are also in English.) We did not want to rent a car, because, like in the UK and Australia, they drive on the LEFT side of the road in Japan! My son got an international driver's license, and fearlessly drove us all around in the insane Tokyo traffic! It was all I could do to stifle myself at times from yelling, "You're in the WRONG lane!" haha Son says you just get used to it, but he will be discombobulated at first when he drives back in the US!
I see that Sasebo is in the south of Japan, near Nagasaki. I'm sure they have a museum about the atomic bomb dropped there. We went to Hiroshima. They've built a Peace Park and museum at the ground zero point of the bomb. Very, very sobering exhibits in the museum about the destruction that happened there. --Which makes me very nervous with what's going on with North Korea when my son and DIL are right next door in Japan!
Aug 17, 2017
LucyJo
M's Mom did answer the question about checking. The bag does fold up verupy nicely. He got solid black and if I recall, we had the Navy Seal monogrammed with block gold letters for his initials underneath. It turned out very nice!
Is your SNA going to pref Milton or Corpus? Mine was in OCS 07-17, just finished API and will go to Corpus Oct 2. They are stuck in P'Cola until the new fiscal year starts.
Aug 18, 2017
beardog
My son will be in pensacola and needs to either buy or lease a vehicle. Anybody have experience with this? Thank you!
Aug 18, 2017
M's mom
GalleyMom,
SO glad to hear from you again! Also glad to hear that your DS is doing well. Yes, my DS spent 10 months in the Persian Gulf on the "Chucky V." in 2014-15. If your DS winds up on the Vinson, the ship has a Facebook page, which was very helpful to feel connected while DS was at sea.
Funny you should write about downsizing, as my hubby and I are doing the same thing!!! We will close soon on a new house, which is half the size of our present house . The bad news is, we will have to get rid of half of our stuff. The GOOD NEWS is, we will have to get rid of half of our stuff!!!!!!! It needs to be done, so moving to a smaller house will force us to take only what will fit. We are storing some things for DS and DIL until they get back from Japan. We told them we will stuff it into our new garage for now, but the minute they set foot back in the US, we are loading it up into the pickup truck, and delivering it to their doorstep! haha
Since DS spent 10 months at sea, and then will have been on foreign duty for 3 years when he leaves Japan, he thinks he will almost certainly be able to get assigned stateside for his next duty. (He sounds like he wants to make a career of it.)
DIL hinted that they might try to start a family as soon as they get back to the US, which I'm relieved about, because I don't want grandbabies living half-way around the world from me!!!!! I suppose if they have kids and DS stays in the Navy, they will eventually wind up on foreign duty again, but there is always SKYPE.
Hope to hear from you more often!
Aug 18, 2017
Anna
GalleyMom,
So wonderful to hear from you again!!! And glad to hear your sailor is doing well. And for you and M's mom, I so understand that downsizing ordeal. We sold a 4 bedroom house in GA to move back to NE Ohio and a little 3 bedroom condo. Then we went to a two bedroom apartment. THEN we moved full time into a 40ft 5th wheel RV and have been living in it for 3 years. I jokingly told the hubby the next downsize would have to be a pine box!!!! But the traveling is wonderful!!!!
M's mom,
I'll keep that advise in mind if any of my sailors go to Japan!!
beardog,
Sorry, I don't personally have any info on car leasing. My girl took her car to P'cola and then on to Oklahoma with her. I'm sure you can find some info online by searching for car leasing in Pensacola. If there are any other moms on here who have sailors there now, maybe you can shed some info here?!?!
Aug 18, 2017
jsefamily
Aug 19, 2017
CindyN
Beardog - I don't have any experience directly with Pcola but advice I have seen on the Norfolk group is that sailors should arrange financing through Navy Federal CU or USAA prior to going into any car dealers. They will likely have better rates than you would get at the car dealer. Friends who are military (active and retired) have USAA insurance and are very pleased with the company. My son has USAA car and renters insurance. They seem to have very good rates.
NFCU has a program to help customers with the car buying process. I don't know how well it works as my son didn't use use but if your are interested here is a link: https://www.navyfederal.org/products-services/loans/auto/autobuying...
USAA appears to have something similar: https://www.usaa.com/inet/wc/advice_auto_buying_selling_menu?wa_ref...
Norfolk Fleet and Family Support Center has a Car Buying Strategies workshop. Pcola may have one as well.
Aug 20, 2017
Nancy
LucyJo, There is a huge gap between where your DS is and mine, even though they were only one OCS class apart. My DS was 08-17, but the week he reported (last week of June) ALL the naval academy graduates also reported AND all the college ROTC graduates, so there is a huge backlog now. My DS is still waiting on IFS!!! He has been down there 7 weeks just working in the museum and working out. Hopefully he will start soon. He has requested Milton, because with all this free time, he has found a church in the area and made friends, and best buddies are either staying because they are NFO, or one other SNA who is my DS's best friend is recently married and they are also requesting Milton because his wife teaches in the area. Also we are on east coast, so the closer he is to us, the better in my opinion, at least for awhile. I know there will be a time coming when I have to do without seeing him for a lot longer, but want to delay that as long as possible, haha. I will private message you.
Aug 20, 2017
Liz
Okay, got a call today that my son is going to Guam. He chose this post. What do I need to know......He is a CEC - Civil Engineers Corp. Needless to say, I am a bit peeved at him but he is THRILLED. Bleh...HELP...
Aug 21, 2017
Katryn
Hi Everyone...I am a brand new Navy Mom. My son reported to OCS in Newport this morning. He graduates 11/17/17
. I would love to connect with other moms who have son/daughter there or who have advice for a new mom...Trying to figure out what the next 12 weeks will look like...Thanks and best to you all...
Aug 27, 2017
Noni
You have a mixed group on here some of us have LOS that have graduated 3 or more years ago, so with just recent grads Etc. Ask as many question as need. You can also read back on past questions and answers. My daughter was a 02-15 Graduate and loves being a officer. She is stationed at 32 Ave in San Diego.
Aug 27, 2017
Katryn
Thank you Noni...Is this the best place to also connect with parents who currently have sons/daughters in the 03/18 graduating class...? Of course you and others with past "experience" will be incredibly helpful (and much appreciated) as I have zero experience...I just know that as of 9:00 this morning all communication ceased..:) Thanks for writing...
Aug 27, 2017
Liz
Aug 27, 2017
NukeMomCarol
Aug 27, 2017
tlx5
Aug 27, 2017
Katryn
Hi Liz and Carol ! Nice to meet you both ! Liz I just made the request on Facebook...That is so great that your son check my son in ! What is a candio? See...I know nothing but you girls are gonna fix that for sure :) Thank you !!! Carol I am in Melbourne FL. Congratulations to your daughter ! We met a very nice young man the day that my son swore in...He also checked in today and I believe he is nuclear subs (guessing that is what your daughter is doing)..
Aug 27, 2017
Rita
Hi everyone I too am a new Navy Mom, my son is in the class 03-18. I am looking forward to the sharing of information also. We are in Connecticut.
Aug 27, 2017
Anna
NukeMomCarol,
Number 1 importance - do not use your last name on this website. Delete your two comments with your full name. On the left side of any of the group pages you will see the OPSEC guidelines. All new moms need to review these guideline for the safety of all our sailors. Thank you.
Aug 27, 2017
M's mom
Welcome, new Navy Moms!
A "Candio" is short for Candidate Officer. They are in the final weeks 10 through 12 of OCS and are leading the training battalion and getting to yell at the "Indocs" (Indoctrination Candidates, the newly arrived.) Weeks 4-9, they are referred to as "Officer Candidates." When a OCS class graduates, the class behind them become the Candios, or senior OCS class.
If you do Facebook, ask to join the Facebook group for the OCS class of your LO (Loved One.) I think someone posted the link below for 03-18. Also, ask to join the groups of the OCS class or two AHEAD of your LO (01-18, 02-18), so you can see what will be happening in the upcoming weeks and ask questions of those folks.
It's tough not hearing from them for a few weeks if you are used to constant texting and communication with your LO, but the Navy is doing that deliberately to have their full attention on their training. Just remember that NO NEWS IS GOOD NEWS. If your LO should fail something or get injured, and be "rolled" into H--(Holding) Company, they will be allowed to call you and tell you. They will then have to join the next incoming class in 3 weeks, if they get up to speed on what they failed. So If you hear nothing for a few weeks, that is actually good news!
Write lots of encouraging snail mail letters, in plain white envelopes ONLY. Those letters are their only link to the outside world for a few weeks, so they love getting mail and news from home. DO NOT send anything but letters--no gifts, no cookies or food, or they will be punished with many, many extra pushups and such, even if they didn't ask for it to be sent!!!!! Make sure everyone to whom you give your LO's mailing address knows this! Someone in my son's OCS class got sent cookies by his dear auntie, and had to do 800 PUSHUPS!!!! Really!! We used to be able to send them "Candio Boxes" of goodies when they reached week 10, but I think they have now forbidden that, so just send letters! You'll hear more from them when they get email privileges. Kids today don't write snail mail.
Aug 27, 2017
NukeMomCarol
Aug 27, 2017
jsefamily
The summary by M's mom is a great one. Things are changing all the time. We have knowledge of our experiences but as moms of more recent graduates may share, their experiences were different. My DS was in Class 01-14.
M's mom expressed encouraging letters. It is so important. Before my DS left, he assured me he didn't/wouldn't need mail. I wrote letters anyway and when his first response letter came (yes, he wrote letters back!), he stressed how important those letters were to him and to write as often as I could. I wrote him a letter everyday he was gone, down to the last week when they tell you not to send anymore mail as it might not arrive in time. EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. He said the mail made a huge difference for him. His dad even wrote one now and then--sending baseball trade deadline clippings and such. He loved it and he said the information was a hot item to be shared among the baseball fans. It was a lot of work, but worth it all knowing it helped. At OCS graduation, several of his friends commented on all the letters from his supportive family. So please write--even if you're not a big letter writer. It helps.
Aug 27, 2017
Anna
NukeMomCarol,
That's what us old-timers are here for!!!! LOL!!! It is impossible to learn everything right out of the bull pen!!!!
Thank you!!!
Aug 27, 2017
Katryn
Geeze I sent my first letter yesterday in a "blue" envelope...I am sick thinking I may have gotten my son in trouble...Sending one again tomorrow in a "white" envelope...Thanks for all you veteran moms for helping us new moms....
Aug 27, 2017
jsefamily
Katryn, I sent letters and cards in all colors of envelopes. Not once was it an issue. After I read about the white envelope thing, I asked him about it and his response was, The instructors couldn't care less about the color of the envelope. They have bigger things to worry about." Some were blue, tan, yellow or white. I ordered some personalized Hallmark cards so they came with envelopes in all different colors. Clippings inside are ok, too. It's just an issue if you are sending a thick envelope of what could be construed as contraband. Don't scent the envelopes, just be reasonable. But, write. That's the underlying message. The blue envelope is not a big deal. Really.
Aug 27, 2017
Anna
Katryn and jsefamily,
What you say about the envelope color is basically true!! I don't think there will be any kind of 'extra PT" because of a simple colored envelope. What I will say tho is that not all DIs run their companies the same. What one DI will overlook another will make an issue about it. My daughter's DI was a real hard-a88!!! He may not give extra PT for something like that but he will razz the candidate as a way to humiliate them. I found that anything that brought unnecessary attention to my daughter was not a good thing - he had an issue with her and even admitted at her commissioning that he was trying to get her to quit!! I wanted to have a few choice words with him after graduation but she took the high road and let it all go. She outranked him then!!!!!
Aug 28, 2017
Katryn
Thanks Anna and jsefamily...That makes me feel much better...I also wondered about clippings so thanks for mentioning that..I didn't know until yesterday that they basically had to access to current events for the first few weeks...I'll be sure not to send a thick envelope though...again everyone on this site is awesome and I really appreciate all the advice...I'll pay it forward for sure ;)
Aug 28, 2017
M's mom
Katryn and others,
We were told just to send white envelopes only, because as Anna wrote, so as not to draw the DI's attention to your candidate with anything different than the others. Small clippings as others have said might be OK, but no fat envelopes that might be "contraband." I would say NO musical cards either, even if it is playing "Anchors Aweigh." Each Drill Instructor has leeway to be as nasty as they want to be over things like that, so you don't want to send anything that brings the DI's attention to your candidate.
My son graduated OCS in 2012, and at that time, they received email privileges after week 4. Could be different now. If you don't think your LO knows your email address from memory, send a letter listing it. They will be emailing from a closed government server, and will NOT have access to their usual email program where they could just scroll down and click on "MOM," so they will have to type in the entire email address. Be aware that they are told that their emails can be monitored by their DI, so don't be surprised if they use a very formal tone in their emails to you. My son gave very few details in his emails to questions I asked, because he assumed the DI was reading it, and he didn't dare complain at all, only after graduation! haha
Aug 28, 2017
Skincareicat
This is my first time here. My son is at OCS in Newport and his graduation date is Oct6th. Does anyone know about the Hi Moms dinner?
Aug 28, 2017
M's mom
Tunabeche:
The "Hi Moms" the night before graduation can be anything from cocktails at a hotel to a full dinner at the Officer's Club. The candidates themselves plan and pay for the Hi Moms, not OCS, so it's whatever the candidates want and decide they can afford. It's not just for Moms, of course, but anyone the candidate wants to invite. The candidates form a committee to plan Hi Moms in the last weeks of OCS, and work with the venue to decide how much it will cost per person. Each candidate then decides how many of their family they can afford to invite!!!! Some families leave the "kids" back at the hotel, and just Mom and Dad attend, but up to your family. Candidates may have a guest limit due to space. My son's class had a cocktails and snacks reception at a historic Newport hotel downtown. Some classes have a full dinner. You will be invited by your son when the time comes. They usually give out class awards at Hi Moms, and show a funny video of their training. (They can finally laugh about it then.)
Each candidate must turn in a list of names in advance of all those attending graduation, so be prepared to provide this as well as Social Security numbers, to be checked for security reasons. All adults going onto the base for graduation must show a photo ID at the gate and it will be checked against the list, so be prepared for that. Can't be too careful these days.....
Aug 28, 2017
Skincareicat
Thank you M's Mom
Aug 28, 2017
CAmom
Hello Moms,
So i just ordered the Code Alpha Garment Bag for hopefully my soon to be graduate and was wondering if there is anything specific we have embrodiered on the bags and how we go about using the Navy logo? I just want to make sure mine is acceptable. Thank you for any suggestions.
Sep 6, 2017
Liz in Norfolk
Hi all, My son is leaving soon for OCS. As prior military, I know a bit of what he will be facing, but some of what I am finding online seems like it may be even rougher than what I endured in enlisted boot camp! I am going to scroll the great info here and see what I need to share with him before he goes. Thanks for being here!
Sep 11, 2017
Noni
The only difference between your training and your sons is that he will be trained by Marines. They don't take not crap. Not that the enlisted did either. Lol! My daughter graduated theee years ago 02-15. You has past and present moms on here. We can all help in some way. The newer ones will be able the more up to date questions. The first thing we tell new moms is write the day your son leaves no pretty colored envelopes only white and much needed support. Cruise thru the post because the answers to your questions are in there. Welcome!
Noni
Sep 11, 2017
Liz in Norfolk
Thanks Noni! I saw the tip about white envelopes and that works great because it's all I have without going shopping. I plan to let his GF know that also, plus tell her to hold the perfume! I am pretty overwhelmed by the list online of the things he has to bring (much of which he has to buy!) but luckily we have the Navy Exchange nearby so he can make sure to get the right items. So far this has been a good journey though and he is looking forward to leaving!
Sep 11, 2017
Nancy
Hi Liz! My son graduated about six months ago and this is what he summarized about packing for OCS (his info from recruiting office was outdated):
1. Underwear - You do NOT need white briefs. You may wear whatever you want, as long as it is in a subdued color: white, gray, black, navy
2. Socks - You do NOT need to pack 6-8 pairs. Just pack a pair or two to get you through first day. They will give you a 6-pack containing socks of the right dimensions to make easier folding for RLP.
3. White T-shirts - You do NOT need 6-8. Just pack one maybe. They will issue all. When choosing your sizes at the uniform place, go small, because during inspection, the collar must fit tight and should not roll or gap, as it sometimes does with too large shirts.
4. Shoes - Bring any type of running shoes, color doesn't matter (Bright colors actually help your LOs pick you out of the class pictures on facebook pages, but you may want to avoid bright colors if you're afraid that will call too much attention. Son said no one was ridiculed for color of shoes, and there were some bright ones!)
5. Don't waste time writing your name in anything prior to going. They give you a stamp and teach you how to precisely stamp your name in all clothing.
6. Shoes again - If you want to get ahead on one thing, have your shoes laced correctly ahead of time. It is one less thing to get yelled at for. Son says: "Top lace under the flap, than outboard over inboard, then TUCK the ends inside your shoes, NOT TIE them." Hope that makes sense.
Don't worry too much about packing. They get to go to the NEX the first Saturday (or maybe Sunday?) and they can pick up whatever they don't have.
Sep 11, 2017
Liz in Norfolk
Thanks Nancy. Those are some helpful tips, as he plans to shop in the next few days. Too late though on the tee-shirts. He bought a bunch last week! I kind of thought the Navy provided the first round of socks and tee-shirts to OCS students just like they did for enlisted in boot camp, but nowhere does it say that; we only have this huge list of things on the web! In any case, all those t-shirts will eventually be put to good use!
He also got his running shoes because he had to break them in...totally black shoes. I guess I'm not going to find him in any facebook photos! He's really noticing the difference by getting some padded inserts. I'll make sure he sees the note about lacing shoes...who knew??
Sep 11, 2017
Noni
Most of the things they tell you to bring aren't really needed. Like the lady's as my daughter calls them Granny panties aren't needed for women. Lol! I know enlisted are given all their uniforms. I live about 5 miles from Great Lake. I have lived here all my life. Our LOS will have to pay big money for uniforms they hardly wear. My daughters whites. We're over 3 thousand. The women are required to wear the skirts which she has woren maybe once now they are being mandated to purchase the jackets like the men with the night collars. There blacks are also a waste of money. They never wear those either. Those were also over 3 thousand. They ask the Ensigns open a military star card. By the time they leave there they have a credit card over 10 thousand. My daughter is a SWO/ASWO/EDO. I don't know where the ASWO came in but somehow they over looked her schooling for EDO. What has your son chosen as a career choice?
Sep 11, 2017
Liz in Norfolk
Thanks Noni. Since my son is going in with an MBA, he wanted a career at least remotely related, so he is going Supply Officer. He is a "navy brat" so he knows about the military star card. He's financially literate and also a bit frugal so I think he'll stick with his credit card which has been giving him good reward points. One item he wasn't expecting to be on the list is Digital wristwatch with alarm. I don't think he's ever owned a watch.
He has heard conflicting reports about shaving gear. He read somewhere that he could only bring/use a manual razor. The supply list says though, that electric razors are authorized. Can anyone here confirm if he can indeed bring his electric razor? Thanks!
Sep 11, 2017
CTNavyMom
Sep 11, 2017
Liz in Norfolk
Thanks CTNM! Now I need to google Dritz sewing gauge!
Sep 11, 2017
Noni
To bad the LO has a girlfriend, cuz my daughter is just as frugal. My daughter went to St. University where she received her BA in Chemistry, Major in French and held her Emt license. She took her MCATS but she is very hard on herself. That just didn't fulfill her needs so she joined the Navy.
So many gentlemen don't wear watches so I can see that. FYI. Know the Marine Corp Hymn.
Sep 11, 2017
Liz in Norfolk
Oh yes...Marine Corp Hymn...must tell him! I think I read that elsewhere here. Thanks! He uses his cell phone as his watch, and after years of wearing a watch, I do the same now! But with no phone, he'll have to go old school and wear a watch.
Sep 11, 2017
Liz in Norfolk
So far my son has made it through the first two weeks...yea!! RLP is this week and I know he is frantically prepping for that, but I'm feeling so good about this I'm going to start planning ideas for the candio box, even though it is weeks away!
Oct 3, 2017
M's mom
Liz in Norfolk: Good luck to your son on the RLP inspection! I thought there would be no way that my son would pass his RLP when I heard how meticulous it was, because his room at home and at college always looked like a tornado went through, but he rose to the occasion when it counted and passed, --I'm sure with the help of his fellow candidates!
Better check with the classes ahead of your son's, to see if Candio Boxes are still allowed. It was fun when my son became an OCS Candio, to decorate a box in a Navy theme and send him homemade cookies and such, but that was five years ago, and I think someone posted here recently that OCS has forbidden that now, and they cannot be sent any goodies at all.
Anyone here with a recent OCS grad who knows if the Candios are allowed to be sent treats?
Oct 5, 2017
Allison
My DS graduated from OCS in June. He said candio boxes are allowed, but it can be uncomfortable to receive one because they must be opened in front of staff. He advised against it. I don't know how others feel.
Oct 8, 2017