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.
My DS commissioned in August. Most people did receive candio boxes. They have just changed the rules as far as any food in them. There is a link on the Navy Command page that has a section about the boxes and what is considered contraband. We did have a lot of fun decorating the box. Look for the 13-17 or 14-17 OCS facebook groups. they had a lot of good information and ideas on what to send.
Liz in Norfolk- we just returned from OCS graduation! My LO did NOT pass RLP the first time and he said his classmates (there were 28 that didn't pass the first time) made an assembly line of sorts to help each other out -one folding, one ironing, one placing etc. They all passed the second time because it is in their nature to help each other be successful. We did send a candio box even though he said I didn't need to. We sent NO food but magazines, books a planner, razor blades, chapstick, moleskin and bandaids as well as pics from home. It was so worth the work that went into it when he called and said THANKS MOM (he got his phone back that week too I think as a candio).
Today is the three-year anniversary of our son graduating from OCS and earning his commission. He's loved the experiences and all the people he's met.
Pinterest is also and excellent option for candio box ideas. You can actually search "candio box" as well as "care package." Etsy sellers also offer to create them or offer great ideas. There are some talented and creative people out there! Our candio box featured photos of our DS's grandfathers in uniform. One was an Korean War army veteran and the other was a WWII navy veteran. Both grandfathers were dear to him so the inspiration was perfect for the last chapter of OCS.
Comment for BoomMom. Check out Facebook. Look under OCS Navy Family and Friends. My son graduated in 03-18, November 2017. He originally entered 01-18, but with an injury he was rolled back to 03-18. The class group that you place on your letters to your son or daughter is what group you will find on Facebook. You can join the previous groups too. You will find out useful information and pictures. Hope this helps. If you need additional information just let me know. Congrats. This is a very exciting adventure.
I am so thankful to find this forum. I am totally novice concerning military anything so I don't think I even know what to ask. My son is in this new class, 9-18 that begins today. He is very excited and we did get the "I made it here" text this morning.
What are some recommendations anyone may have to help me prepare for the next 3 months?
My son also started OCS today. I heard from this morning letting me know he got there safely and sending me his mailing address. I am planning to send a lot of letters!
I'm so glad I discovered this site as I know there will be lots of useful information. I was also happy to find the Facebook page for OCS. Does anyone have any idea when they'll start posting pictures of Class 09-18 on the Facebook page?
Also, is it too soon to make travel arrangements for the trip to Newport? I know there's a chance that he'll roll over, but I'll save $$ if I book sooner rather than later. Also, I read that there is a dinner the night before. When should we plan to arrive?
Good wishes to all the other moms out there dealing with this new experience for the whole family.
Comment for OCS2018Mom: I had a month before my son's graduation to book our flights. They were pretty reasonable than, being so close to Thanksgiving too. During the potential month of his/her gradation I would put a search out for flights and they will continue to send updates regarding costs. It's about the time frame when they finish all the class work. The Holiday Inn in Middletown/Newport is a good hotel to stay in. There were several families staying there. It is about 5 minutes from the Navy station. You will need to rent a car to get from Providence to Newport. Middletown/Newport are sister cities. The drive from Providence is about an hour. We arrived Wednesday afternoon. The dinner is on a Thursday evening. Location is dependent upon the OCS Class. Ours was at the Officers' Club. That was really nice. Thursday afternoon we had a chance to go on station to pick up our son's bags. We even had an opportunity to see him for a while before the dinner that night and Graduation is on Friday. Hope this helps. Take care
Welcome to all new OCS Moms! Remember, for the first few weeks at OCS, NO NEWS is GOOD NEWS. You probably won't hear much from your candidate for 3-4 weeks until they are granted email privileges. They will be allowed to call you if they fail something or get injured, and therefore get "rolled" back to the next incoming class.
Snail mail letters are their only contact with the outside world at first, because they are deliberately kept isolated from TV, newspapers, and the internet.
Write lots of encouraging letters with all the news from home, but BE ADVISED: do NOT send anything but LETTERS. NO treats or gifts of any kind, not even magazines, or it will be confiscated as contraband, and the candidate will likely have to do extra PT (physical training) as punishment, even if they didn't ask for it to be sent!! When my son was at OCS five years ago, one candidate's dear Auntie sent him cookies at week three, and the poor kid had to do 800 (yes, EIGHT hundred) pushups as punishment! I'm not kidding. So make sure everyone to whom you give your LO's (Loved One's) OCS mailing address knows this! When my son was at OCS, they were allowed to received a box of goodies at week 10 when they became Candi-O's (Candidate Officers) but I heard that OCS has forbidden that now, so just don't send anything but letters, unless your officer candidate requests it and knows it's OK. Sending them pre-paid phone cards to be used with the pay phones used to be allowed also, but I'm not sure now. Policies change frequently, so I usually have to defer to advice from Moms of more recent graduates.
As far as reservations for graduation, hotels can always be changed, but be careful of getting plane tickets too soon. The candidates can and some do, get rolled back sometimes. Southwest Airlines flies into Providence, and they used to be the only airline that did not charge a re-booking fee, but not sure now.
The dinner the night before graduation is called "Hi Moms," and the candidates themselves book the venue and have to pay for each family member attending, so keep that in mind if you are bringing a big crowd!
Just wait until you see your new Ensign at graduation in dress blues/whites! You will be bursting with pride!!! Take tissues unless you are less emotional than most!!!!
PKM - Welcome to the Navy family. I do not think you are an anomaly at OCS. When my son was there ~3 years ago, he may have been the anomaly as he was only 21 . He said many of his classmates were 26-28. I am sure each class has a slightly different mix but I don't think 28 is unusual.
The first 3 or so weeks of OCS was the hardest for me. I sent a letter every 2 or 3 days with a bit of "what we are doing" type news and then just current event news I cut and pasted into letters. My son did send a letter very early on and asked for "pictures of friends and family". So we started taking selfies with friends. We are not good at selfies so they ended up quite funny and that became our theme. The pictures were included in the word doc letter I had typed so it was only "pieces of paper" in the envelope, in the event that mattered to the DIs. When they get to the point where they get phone privileges, I still sent letters, just not quite as often.
If you haven't found the friends and family group for your son's class, that is a great source of information and comfort during the OCS roller coaster. Look for some variation of "Navy OCS 09-18 Friends and Family". The Officer Training Command Newport facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/OTCNewport/) will occasionally post photos. The have an album for each class. Generally, they post photos of the week on the following Monday or Tuesday. There were a few weeks they missed and the families just about had a mutiny. I haven't looked at the page in quite some time so I don't know how regular they post now.
We received a text from our LO with a picture of the address and phone number and on the tag was the number of the class. He started on this last Monday and the number is 9-18.
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
Matt's mom
My DS commissioned in August. Most people did receive candio boxes. They have just changed the rules as far as any food in them. There is a link on the Navy Command page that has a section about the boxes and what is considered contraband. We did have a lot of fun decorating the box. Look for the 13-17 or 14-17 OCS facebook groups. they had a lot of good information and ideas on what to send.
Oct 9, 2017
Eaglemom01
Liz in Norfolk- we just returned from OCS graduation! My LO did NOT pass RLP the first time and he said his classmates (there were 28 that didn't pass the first time) made an assembly line of sorts to help each other out -one folding, one ironing, one placing etc. They all passed the second time because it is in their nature to help each other be successful. We did send a candio box even though he said I didn't need to. We sent NO food but magazines, books a planner, razor blades, chapstick, moleskin and bandaids as well as pics from home. It was so worth the work that went into it when he called and said THANKS MOM (he got his phone back that week too I think as a candio).
Oct 9, 2017
Allison
Eaglemom01 - I love your story about all the classmates pitching in together with an assembly line to help each other out!!
Oct 10, 2017
jsefamily
Pinterest is also and excellent option for candio box ideas. You can actually search "candio box" as well as "care package." Etsy sellers also offer to create them or offer great ideas. There are some talented and creative people out there! Our candio box featured photos of our DS's grandfathers in uniform. One was an Korean War army veteran and the other was a WWII navy veteran. Both grandfathers were dear to him so the inspiration was perfect for the last chapter of OCS.
Oct 10, 2017
BoomMom
Hello. Anyone have a son/daughter starting in the Jan. 15, 2018 class? Many thanks.
Jan 8, 2018
NewbieNavyMom
Comment for BoomMom. Check out Facebook. Look under OCS Navy Family and Friends. My son graduated in 03-18, November 2017. He originally entered 01-18, but with an injury he was rolled back to 03-18. The class group that you place on your letters to your son or daughter is what group you will find on Facebook. You can join the previous groups too. You will find out useful information and pictures. Hope this helps. If you need additional information just let me know. Congrats. This is a very exciting adventure.
Jan 9, 2018
BoomMom
Many thanks, NewbieNavyMom. I appreciate the info. Congrats to your son. I'm sure you are (rightly) very proud.
Jan 9, 2018
Dr Nan
I am so thankful to find this forum. I am totally novice concerning military anything so I don't think I even know what to ask. My son is in this new class, 9-18 that begins today. He is very excited and we did get the "I made it here" text this morning.
What are some recommendations anyone may have to help me prepare for the next 3 months?
Thank you.
Jan 15, 2018
jsefamily
Jan 15, 2018
OCS2018Mom
My son also started OCS today. I heard from this morning letting me know he got there safely and sending me his mailing address. I am planning to send a lot of letters!
I'm so glad I discovered this site as I know there will be lots of useful information. I was also happy to find the Facebook page for OCS. Does anyone have any idea when they'll start posting pictures of Class 09-18 on the Facebook page?
Also, is it too soon to make travel arrangements for the trip to Newport? I know there's a chance that he'll roll over, but I'll save $$ if I book sooner rather than later. Also, I read that there is a dinner the night before. When should we plan to arrive?
Good wishes to all the other moms out there dealing with this new experience for the whole family.
Jan 15, 2018
NewbieNavyMom
Comment for OCS2018Mom: I had a month before my son's graduation to book our flights. They were pretty reasonable than, being so close to Thanksgiving too. During the potential month of his/her gradation I would put a search out for flights and they will continue to send updates regarding costs. It's about the time frame when they finish all the class work. The Holiday Inn in Middletown/Newport is a good hotel to stay in. There were several families staying there. It is about 5 minutes from the Navy station. You will need to rent a car to get from Providence to Newport. Middletown/Newport are sister cities. The drive from Providence is about an hour. We arrived Wednesday afternoon. The dinner is on a Thursday evening. Location is dependent upon the OCS Class. Ours was at the Officers' Club. That was really nice. Thursday afternoon we had a chance to go on station to pick up our son's bags. We even had an opportunity to see him for a while before the dinner that night and Graduation is on Friday. Hope this helps. Take care
Jan 15, 2018
M's mom
Welcome to all new OCS Moms! Remember, for the first few weeks at OCS, NO NEWS is GOOD NEWS. You probably won't hear much from your candidate for 3-4 weeks until they are granted email privileges. They will be allowed to call you if they fail something or get injured, and therefore get "rolled" back to the next incoming class.
Snail mail letters are their only contact with the outside world at first, because they are deliberately kept isolated from TV, newspapers, and the internet.
Write lots of encouraging letters with all the news from home, but BE ADVISED: do NOT send anything but LETTERS. NO treats or gifts of any kind, not even magazines, or it will be confiscated as contraband, and the candidate will likely have to do extra PT (physical training) as punishment, even if they didn't ask for it to be sent!! When my son was at OCS five years ago, one candidate's dear Auntie sent him cookies at week three, and the poor kid had to do 800 (yes, EIGHT hundred) pushups as punishment! I'm not kidding. So make sure everyone to whom you give your LO's (Loved One's) OCS mailing address knows this! When my son was at OCS, they were allowed to received a box of goodies at week 10 when they became Candi-O's (Candidate Officers) but I heard that OCS has forbidden that now, so just don't send anything but letters, unless your officer candidate requests it and knows it's OK. Sending them pre-paid phone cards to be used with the pay phones used to be allowed also, but I'm not sure now. Policies change frequently, so I usually have to defer to advice from Moms of more recent graduates.
As far as reservations for graduation, hotels can always be changed, but be careful of getting plane tickets too soon. The candidates can and some do, get rolled back sometimes. Southwest Airlines flies into Providence, and they used to be the only airline that did not charge a re-booking fee, but not sure now.
The dinner the night before graduation is called "Hi Moms," and the candidates themselves book the venue and have to pay for each family member attending, so keep that in mind if you are bringing a big crowd!
Just wait until you see your new Ensign at graduation in dress blues/whites! You will be bursting with pride!!! Take tissues unless you are less emotional than most!!!!
Jan 15, 2018
CindyN
PKM - Welcome to the Navy family. I do not think you are an anomaly at OCS. When my son was there ~3 years ago, he may have been the anomaly as he was only 21 . He said many of his classmates were 26-28. I am sure each class has a slightly different mix but I don't think 28 is unusual.
The first 3 or so weeks of OCS was the hardest for me. I sent a letter every 2 or 3 days with a bit of "what we are doing" type news and then just current event news I cut and pasted into letters. My son did send a letter very early on and asked for "pictures of friends and family". So we started taking selfies with friends. We are not good at selfies so they ended up quite funny and that became our theme. The pictures were included in the word doc letter I had typed so it was only "pieces of paper" in the envelope, in the event that mattered to the DIs. When they get to the point where they get phone privileges, I still sent letters, just not quite as often.
If you haven't found the friends and family group for your son's class, that is a great source of information and comfort during the OCS roller coaster. Look for some variation of "Navy OCS 09-18 Friends and Family". The Officer Training Command Newport facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/OTCNewport/) will occasionally post photos. The have an album for each class. Generally, they post photos of the week on the following Monday or Tuesday. There were a few weeks they missed and the families just about had a mutiny. I haven't looked at the page in quite some time so I don't know how regular they post now.
Best of luck!
Jan 16, 2018
PKM
How do I know what class he is in?
Jan 18, 2018
Dr Nan
We received a text from our LO with a picture of the address and phone number and on the tag was the number of the class. He started on this last Monday and the number is 9-18.
Jan 18, 2018