Navywife36542 I feel bad for your disappointment about the swimming test, recently read a surprising article about folks that don't make it through the first time! The good news is that the Navy makes SURE that this important skill will be second nature for the sailors. As someone that didn't learn to swim until I was 18, and still am uneasy in water that I can't touch the bottom in, I know he will appreciate the time it took to get it right!
MOM _Master Of Motivation I had to LOL at that handle! It really says it all! Your son sounds like a chip off the old block! Even with the long grueling hours, I think he will really enjoy the challenges. I love to cook, my daughter is the exact opposite! I was SHOCKED that she told me she would be a "culinary specialist". I said that's a COOK, you HATE cooking! When I watched cooking shows, she would be bored to tears and beg to change the channel. Luckily, she is always up for a challenge, and she is taking pride in everything she has learned and her new capabilities. In A school the sailors are pumped up by what an important role the CS's play in the moral of thr sailors, but on her ship CS's don't stand watch and it is frowned upon by other sailors. But my daughter says they don't get the fact that they don't have TIME to stand watch with their long grueling hours. You see a lot of pics of the other sailors doing their jobs, but not so much of what is happening in the galleys because I suppose it is not quite so "glamorous" as what happens on deck and at the bridge. But I have BIG respect to every sailor that does the undersung CS job, and I hope the Navy PR lets our outside world know just how important this task is to all the other sailors!
I see there's not much going on here, but maybe we can change that. Rich tells me there were 5-8 in his PIR group last week heading for CS school in VA. Who's here??
Hi Therevbev my son has already graduated CS school and is now at his first duty station in camp pendleton cooking in the naval hospital. He is loving every minute of it.
disneygirl64 - one thing we haven't gotten a straight answer on is how long the school at Ft Lee actually lasts. We've heard 9 weeks, 6 weeks, 12 weeks... you name it. Could you give me a general idea from experience? Rich just graduated boot on Thurs., is told he'll spend this week at Great Lakes Station with classes (indoctrination) and will fly to VA this weekend. Sound about right?? Thanx for any info.
Good it looks like I may get to see my son a little longer after PIR in late August during his leave time, before he leaves for Ft. Lee. It's just the beginning me missing him.
Good Morning CS group...my cs is on his second deployment.
MOM_Master of Motivation, so happy for you. Every hour and day we get to spend with our sailors is special and a treat.
therevbev...length of time at Ft Lee differs for everyone and is hard to predict. If memory serves, my sailor was at Ft Lee around 3 months. The length of time depends on alot of factors, how quickly the class completes their objectives and test scores. I do remember my sailor had to wait a couple weeks for his class to start, both at Great Lakes and FT Lee. I know it doesnt help alot, but you can find comfort to know that the unknown is typical.
Hey Therevbev, My son was on hold at GL for a month and when he got to school it was about another week and a half before he started school. His class was about 6 weeks long.
My daughter's timing must have been just! She was on hold at GL a little less than a week, and it seemed like CS at Fort Lee was about 4 or 5 weeks. We were able to be there for the graduation, and then we took her to her ship at Norfolk. While at Fort Lee they filled out a wish list where to be stationed, she requested Japan, Alaska and somewhere else, but a clerk misplaced her classes' paperwork, so they ended up assigned to Norfolk. She was plenty dissappointed, but that old adage "everything happens for a reason" was at play here, and she couldn't be happier with how things turned out.
Sounds like he'll be a Great Lakes longer than just this week. Last night, he said they are already talking about what cleaning jobs he's likely to get NEXT week.... Ah well, at least he seems to like the GLNB and the guys in his compartment althought I know he's anxious to get started on A school.
Yeah my son stood watch and cleaned whatever they found for him lol. He was so happy when he made it to school. My son got his first choice which was west coast. He couldn't be more happy. He served the Surgeon General a few weeks ago.
I think that's the big goal of CS - to be able to say you served this or that VIP. By the way, did you know that even though each POTUS chooses their chef, ALL the cooks are Navy?
Navywife36542...how is your husband doing. Is he at Ft Lee yet. My group of friends arrived at Gulf Shores yesterday for the annual mission trip. Thinking about you. Momma Bear
Our sailor graduated from Ft Lee last year. He was held at GL for several weeks as were others. Then went to Ft Lee where Sailors on a Army base were not particularly happy with them. Apparently the class befor them trashed some stuff. He requested duty first West coast, (preferring Alaska) and then foreign. He got the USS Abe Lincoln that is in dry dock till 2006. At first they said he would have to do sea duty somewhere, but now, they are having him work helping on the repairs. He does love the NAVY life now. He is Norfolk and has finally gotten the NAVY help that he lacked in A school, as to chain of command. His options, Where to go for what. Ft Lee lacked in that. He was intimidated by the size of the carrier. But now is adjusted and wants to make it a career.
My sailor (PIR 7/3) finally was told he will be sent to Ft Lee in VA the beginning of Aug... about a month at Great Lakes. He seems ok with it, but any CS coming out of RTC the rest of this month MAY have a shorter stay at GL than usual.
Therevbev..my son just went through PIR 7/11...he has to stay at GL for awhile also. Hoping he will have a short stay so he can get on to Ft. Lee. Momma Bear
I realized I forgot the 1. USS Abe Lincoln in Norfolk till possibly 2016. They have yet after a year to decide whether to send the sailors to sea on another vessel to get their sea time. First was told yes, then no. He has learned to roll with what ever they say. But he loves the NAvy, just not doing any cooking. LAst year he was cooking burgers for civilians and crew coming on to work on the vessel in a cube right off of it night shift. He is now working on the inside rebuilding even though he is a cs. Says he wants to go to retirement. Took him awhile to adjust to the large base and environment. He was antsy about the wait at GL for a month after graduation. They kept changing when he was to go to Ft Lee. Close to end of FT Lee they were told it could be a few weeks waiting there. Then day of graduation it was pack up and leave.
My son also waited in Great Lakes for a month before going to A school at Fort Lee. It drove him crazy too. He wondered if he was cut out for the Navy. But once he got to A school it was better. He just found out he's been assigned to the USS Gonzalez in Norfolk. That ship is in dry dock as well. It's actually a good transition for our son, I think--not going out to sea right away. He's less than 8 hours away from us so we can go see him on long weekends. Hopoefully he's coming home for a week and is planning on driving his car back to Norfolk. Does anyone know if sailors are allowed to have cars if they are assigned to a dry dock ship?
My son is on the Bush. He is apart of Strike Force Two and does service for those who fall under that group. He overall likes being were he is at. Nice to connect with some who has a CS sailor. Are you apart of the mom's Bush site?
Anandajoy- all sailors heading to CS school (Ft Lee, VA) spend at LEAST one week at Great Lakes Naval Base for "naval indoctrination". These are classes on more details on how things are done "in the fleet" which most get at school, but since Ft Lee is an Army base, there's no room to do it there. While the indoc classes are 1 week, the time at GLNB depends on when they are ready to start a new class at Ft. Lee. My Rich (PIR 7/3) is only leaving for Ft Lee this coming weekend, he hopes. The schooling at Ft Lee is, I think, 66 teaching days long... actual length depends on holidays, hold days etc... I know of no other schooling for CS beyond this.
mimiburl- The other sites referred to are for specific ships (or bases) once your sailor has a permanent duty station. No need to worry about that until after school.
Are they granted Liberty more often while at GL if they are delayed longer that a week? My son is still in BC his PIR is 8/29/14 which Friday before Labor Day.
MOM MasterofMotivation S14 D269 They do have more liberty after PIR. While they are at Great Lakes they do have assignments and classes but otherwise they have a lot more free time than in boot camp. They actually get spoiled a little because when they get to school in VA its a bit more structured :).
You'll also get to talk to them much more cause they will be allowed to have their cell phones with them. Speaking of cells, if you make it to PIR you'll want to take their cell phones/chargers with you. Otherwise they can get mail so you can just send it.
I agree with Michelle about the sailors being a little spoiled after PIR. They have a lot more liberty. My son was shocked at the difference. He is graduating CS school this Friday and has been assigned to USS Gonzalez in Norfolk. He never complained about A school in VA though. We still text or talk on the phone every day and his room was really nice.
Hello all! My sailor is going to A School soon in the middle of August. I was wondering when your sailors found out where they were assigned- does the Navy wait until the very end to let them know? Or does it happen in the middle?
Thank you!
after pir they will be told that they will have a 9 day hold on them NO they will stay in gl for about 3 weeks. Then go to A school in fort lee. Va. They will be there for about another 52 days. I am going through with it rig now with my husband. he is in A school CS in ft. lee and thank god he graduates this friday.
Lovely_ sailorswife,.... they will be told where they are going 2 weeks before they graduate. they will not get their orders in hand until the week they graduate.
For those that have been to a graduation what is it like? how long is it? Is it anything PIR?Just want to know what I am loking forward to this friday. thnx
Phancy23 if your son is a CS he will def be going to fort lee for A school. He may have to stay at GL on hold before going, depending on how much room they have in school. My son was on hold for a month, then went to fort lee and was on hold there for about a week before starting school.
My sailor is still on hold in GL!! Thank you all for the heads up and information!! :) They told him 2 to 3 weeks but he hasn't been given any specifics yet.
Michiganbelle
Jun 21, 2014
Michiganbelle
Jun 21, 2014
therevbev
I see there's not much going on here, but maybe we can change that. Rich tells me there were 5-8 in his PIR group last week heading for CS school in VA. Who's here??
Jul 6, 2014
disneygirl64
Hi Therevbev my son has already graduated CS school and is now at his first duty station in camp pendleton cooking in the naval hospital. He is loving every minute of it.
Jul 7, 2014
therevbev
disneygirl64 - one thing we haven't gotten a straight answer on is how long the school at Ft Lee actually lasts. We've heard 9 weeks, 6 weeks, 12 weeks... you name it. Could you give me a general idea from experience? Rich just graduated boot on Thurs., is told he'll spend this week at Great Lakes Station with classes (indoctrination) and will fly to VA this weekend. Sound about right?? Thanx for any info.
Jul 7, 2014
MAMA_C
Good it looks like I may get to see my son a little longer after PIR in late August during his leave time, before he leaves for Ft. Lee. It's just the beginning me missing him.
Jul 8, 2014
SunflowerMom
Good Morning CS group...my cs is on his second deployment.
MOM_Master of Motivation, so happy for you. Every hour and day we get to spend with our sailors is special and a treat.
therevbev...length of time at Ft Lee differs for everyone and is hard to predict. If memory serves, my sailor was at Ft Lee around 3 months. The length of time depends on alot of factors, how quickly the class completes their objectives and test scores. I do remember my sailor had to wait a couple weeks for his class to start, both at Great Lakes and FT Lee. I know it doesnt help alot, but you can find comfort to know that the unknown is typical.
Jul 8, 2014
disneygirl64
Hey Therevbev, My son was on hold at GL for a month and when he got to school it was about another week and a half before he started school. His class was about 6 weeks long.
Jul 8, 2014
Michiganbelle
Jul 9, 2014
therevbev
Sounds like he'll be a Great Lakes longer than just this week. Last night, he said they are already talking about what cleaning jobs he's likely to get NEXT week.... Ah well, at least he seems to like the GLNB and the guys in his compartment althought I know he's anxious to get started on A school.
Jul 9, 2014
Momma Bear
Jul 9, 2014
therevbev
My sailor's PIR date was July 3rd. He's now at the regular Naval Base in Great Lakes. He'll be there until .... whenever they finally send him to VA.
Jul 9, 2014
disneygirl64
Yeah my son stood watch and cleaned whatever they found for him lol. He was so happy when he made it to school. My son got his first choice which was west coast. He couldn't be more happy. He served the Surgeon General a few weeks ago.
Jul 9, 2014
therevbev
I think that's the big goal of CS - to be able to say you served this or that VIP. By the way, did you know that even though each POTUS chooses their chef, ALL the cooks are Navy?
Jul 10, 2014
Michiganbelle
Jul 10, 2014
Momma Bear
Jul 13, 2014
TxPafamily
Our sailor graduated from Ft Lee last year. He was held at GL for several weeks as were others. Then went to Ft Lee where Sailors on a Army base were not particularly happy with them. Apparently the class befor them trashed some stuff. He requested duty first West coast, (preferring Alaska) and then foreign. He got the USS Abe Lincoln that is in dry dock till 2006. At first they said he would have to do sea duty somewhere, but now, they are having him work helping on the repairs. He does love the NAVY life now. He is Norfolk and has finally gotten the NAVY help that he lacked in A school, as to chain of command. His options, Where to go for what. Ft Lee lacked in that. He was intimidated by the size of the carrier. But now is adjusted and wants to make it a career.
Jul 13, 2014
therevbev
My sailor (PIR 7/3) finally was told he will be sent to Ft Lee in VA the beginning of Aug... about a month at Great Lakes. He seems ok with it, but any CS coming out of RTC the rest of this month MAY have a shorter stay at GL than usual.
Jul 14, 2014
Momma Bear
Therevbev..my son just went through PIR 7/11...he has to stay at GL for awhile also. Hoping he will have a short stay so he can get on to Ft. Lee. Momma Bear
Jul 14, 2014
TxPafamily
I realized I forgot the 1. USS Abe Lincoln in Norfolk till possibly 2016. They have yet after a year to decide whether to send the sailors to sea on another vessel to get their sea time. First was told yes, then no. He has learned to roll with what ever they say. But he loves the NAvy, just not doing any cooking. LAst year he was cooking burgers for civilians and crew coming on to work on the vessel in a cube right off of it night shift. He is now working on the inside rebuilding even though he is a cs. Says he wants to go to retirement. Took him awhile to adjust to the large base and environment. He was antsy about the wait at GL for a month after graduation. They kept changing when he was to go to Ft Lee. Close to end of FT Lee they were told it could be a few weeks waiting there. Then day of graduation it was pack up and leave.
Jul 15, 2014
disneygirl64
The wait drove my son nuts, he just wanted to get to WV so he could start school.
Jul 16, 2014
mimiburl@yahoo.com
My son also waited in Great Lakes for a month before going to A school at Fort Lee. It drove him crazy too. He wondered if he was cut out for the Navy. But once he got to A school it was better. He just found out he's been assigned to the USS Gonzalez in Norfolk. That ship is in dry dock as well. It's actually a good transition for our son, I think--not going out to sea right away. He's less than 8 hours away from us so we can go see him on long weekends. Hopoefully he's coming home for a week and is planning on driving his car back to Norfolk. Does anyone know if sailors are allowed to have cars if they are assigned to a dry dock ship?
Jul 23, 2014
Jappj
He 's right around the corner from me!!!!
Jul 23, 2014
mimiburl@yahoo.com
Do you live in Norfolk?
Jul 23, 2014
Jappj
I live in VA Bch not to far at all about 20 min.
Jul 23, 2014
Soccermom loves her Sailor
How many moms in this group have sons/daughters in the Bush?
Jul 26, 2014
NavyMomDPL
My son is on the Bush. He is apart of Strike Force Two and does service for those who fall under that group. He overall likes being were he is at. Nice to connect with some who has a CS sailor. Are you apart of the mom's Bush site?
Jul 26, 2014
Soccermom loves her Sailor
I'm fairly new to this website so I don't know if I am or not. :)
Jul 26, 2014
Soccermom loves her Sailor
I follow the Bush group, and that's how I keep myself informed of some things.
Jul 26, 2014
mimiburl@yahoo.com
I am new to this too. What is the Bush site? How do I get on it if I want to?
Jul 28, 2014
Anandajoy
I have a PIR set to graduate 9.22.14, he says he has three A schools, the first one is only nine days long. Any input on this?
Jul 28, 2014
therevbev
Anandajoy- all sailors heading to CS school (Ft Lee, VA) spend at LEAST one week at Great Lakes Naval Base for "naval indoctrination". These are classes on more details on how things are done "in the fleet" which most get at school, but since Ft Lee is an Army base, there's no room to do it there. While the indoc classes are 1 week, the time at GLNB depends on when they are ready to start a new class at Ft. Lee. My Rich (PIR 7/3) is only leaving for Ft Lee this coming weekend, he hopes. The schooling at Ft Lee is, I think, 66 teaching days long... actual length depends on holidays, hold days etc... I know of no other schooling for CS beyond this.
Jul 28, 2014
therevbev
mimiburl- The other sites referred to are for specific ships (or bases) once your sailor has a permanent duty station. No need to worry about that until after school.
Jul 28, 2014
therevbev
Happy, Happy, happy! After a month of waiting at Great Lakes, Rich is on his way to Ft Lee with about 25 others! Hope to hear from him later today!!!
Aug 2, 2014
MAMA_C
Are they granted Liberty more often while at GL if they are delayed longer that a week? My son is still in BC his PIR is 8/29/14 which Friday before Labor Day.
Aug 4, 2014
Michelle
MOM MasterofMotivation S14 D269 They do have more liberty after PIR. While they are at Great Lakes they do have assignments and classes but otherwise they have a lot more free time than in boot camp. They actually get spoiled a little because when they get to school in VA its a bit more structured :).
You'll also get to talk to them much more cause they will be allowed to have their cell phones with them. Speaking of cells, if you make it to PIR you'll want to take their cell phones/chargers with you. Otherwise they can get mail so you can just send it.
Aug 4, 2014
mimiburl@yahoo.com
I agree with Michelle about the sailors being a little spoiled after PIR. They have a lot more liberty. My son was shocked at the difference. He is graduating CS school this Friday and has been assigned to USS Gonzalez in Norfolk. He never complained about A school in VA though. We still text or talk on the phone every day and his room was really nice.
Aug 4, 2014
Lovely_SailorsWife
Thank you!
Aug 4, 2014
mimiburl@yahoo.com
My sailor found out about two weeks before A school was over. So it's closer to the end than to the middle.
Aug 4, 2014
Lovely_SailorsWife
Aug 12, 2014
Lois
How long is A school for CS? I've heard three different things. My son leaves for Fort Lee Saturday, Aug. 16.
Aug 14, 2014
VC
5 weeks. My son left GL on Saturday June 14. Started A school on Monday, June 16 and he finish it on July 18. On July 19 he came home for 10 days! :-)
Aug 14, 2014
Lois
VC: Thanks for the information.
Aug 15, 2014
oregonmom
My son went to Ft Lee. I think your recruiter has old info.
Aug 16, 2014
navywife36542
after pir they will be told that they will have a 9 day hold on them NO they will stay in gl for about 3 weeks. Then go to A school in fort lee. Va. They will be there for about another 52 days. I am going through with it rig now with my husband. he is in A school CS in ft. lee and thank god he graduates this friday.
Aug 17, 2014
navywife36542
Lovely_ sailorswife,.... they will be told where they are going 2 weeks before they graduate. they will not get their orders in hand until the week they graduate.
Aug 17, 2014
navywife36542
We are going to San Diego grrr just the thought of having to drive cross cntry...
Aug 17, 2014
navywife36542
For those that have been to a graduation what is it like? how long is it? Is it anything PIR?Just want to know what I am loking forward to this friday. thnx
Aug 17, 2014
disneygirl64
Phancy23 if your son is a CS he will def be going to fort lee for A school. He may have to stay at GL on hold before going, depending on how much room they have in school. My son was on hold for a month, then went to fort lee and was on hold there for about a week before starting school.
Aug 17, 2014
Lovely_SailorsWife
Aug 17, 2014