Phancy23.... they will clean and do duty shifts. they will have leave after a certain time. now being they are in ft lee they will be doing pt with the army m,w, and fri they have to be up at 4 am those day and tues n thurs. they have to be up at 5 am. my husband is graduating from there this week. i was there 2 weeks ago its a nice size base.
Phancey23.. also they consider the first 3 weeks while they are on hold so to say the start of A school and once they get to ft. lee they will only have 52 more days left of A school.
Be AWARE! My son arrived at Fort Lee on Aug. 2nd and will GRADUATE on Sept. 5th! THAT IS NOT 52 days. Not sure why it may now be different or why his group is going thru so fast, but don't make too many plans ahead of time!!
My son had the same experience with A school--much shorter than we thought it would be. I agree with what you said about including the wait time between BC and A school as part of total days. Sailors do take some classes during that time in GL.
My son PIR is 9/5 and is going to Ft. Lee for A school. Looks like there is a few weeks layover in GL. Is there anyway of finding out the start date of classes? Just trying to get an idea of when he may be home for leave.
No - no way to know early. In fact, the sailors aren't really told anything until about 1 week before they leave. The average time at GL is 3-4 weeks. The time at Ft Lee seems to be 4-6 weeks. (4 being the most recent few). Leave is anyone's guess. Still trying to nail my sailor's leave down and he finishes school in 2 weeks.
Graduation/leave time information is last minute. I think we didn't know FOR SURE a graduation date until the week of and even then you don't know when they will be released and able to leave the base. So to be on the safe side plan any flights for the evening and get your wallets prepared to book a flight a week or less out from the departure date. If I recall correctly, we got a one way flight from A school to our hometown - on our dime - and he was able to work with their Navy travel person to have his flight to his duty station changed to leave from our hometown to the duty station since he wanted to take some leave before heading to the west coast. Its been several months so its a little fuzzy. Just know that its going to be a little messy and more costly than if you are able to plan better HOWEVER all that drama will fade to the background once you get to see them :). Good luck ladies!
At lease we can drive down to Ft Lee for his grad. Just hope he remembers to arrange his flight to the west coast from our home airport! It's all new to him since we've moved and he'll actually be taking leave at his grandmothers.
My son is a Sailor now and PIR is this Friday, however he told me that his Liberty is only a few hours after PIR he reports back for an 1 to 4 hours and we can wait for him. Then A school begins there at GL for 6 days. He will tell more when we see at PIR.
Dear MOM MasterofMotivation S14 D269, Congratulations to the New Sailor and to you! Good luck to your son. After PIR my son only had a few minutes. He have to go back to move to the different location on the base. I was waiting for him for about 4 hours. After he moved I met him and he was with us together until 8:30 pm. They have to be back on base at 9:30-10pm. Since it was a Memorial weekend I was so lucky to have him on Saturday, Sunday and few hours on Monday before my flight. You will have a wonderful time together J All the best
After PIR when you while you will wait for your son, you can go to the NEX (Navy Exchange Service Command) you will see it there. If you son didn’t order the DVD of the PIR you can order it there. My son ordered his pictures package but not DVD. I was lucky and I order it. You can also buy a picture of his division from the PIR. All the best
Just got a call from the CS in school at Fort Lee... with only 1 week left, he's managed to keep a 93 average on all his tests. This is the son who REALLY struggled with high school and 2 years of college! I am SO Proud. We'll be attending graduation next week and bringing him on leave with us!
MOM MasterofMotivation S14 D269 - the week of classes at Great Lakes Naval Base are called "Navy indoctrination". IF your CS goes to Ft Lee right away (very unusual), they'll be done in about 1 month. MOST Sailors spend 2-3 weeks at Great Lakes waiting for a class to start - they clean and help around base until there's an opening at Ft Lee (Virginia).
Hi nice to meet everyone! My name is Juanita my Sailor just left to fort Lee VA this Sunday he graduate August 1st from great lakes but was on hold . ☺
Wow - graduation was really pleasant! They put on a great program... I suggested that the short power point program be posted somewhere so other family members could see what they did during school. Pics of the class are here ....
Welcome Hannah. According to my sailor, who just graduated on Fri, your sailor will love A school. He had a great time there. NOW comes the hard work of actually working! (For my son, that's on a carrier that's already deployed... won't see him until next summer sometime).
congrats Lynne78 and too the other new sailors. My son really enjoyed A school. He is loving the cs life. The other day my son was made temp Galley watch captain.
Hello ladies! Just wanted to share my excitement, my sailor was promoted to wardroom chef on his ship! I'm so proud of him and his accomplishments. He loves it!
Would appreciate prayers for my sailor/new CS. He's heading out to meet the Carl Vinson next week.... Yeah, the one that just lost the pilot. First duty, hard arrival.
therevbev - my son has been on the ship for 11 months he is a cs on the ship and really is enjoying although there was a tragedy this week there is a very supportive group make sulre you join the vinson fb page and the n4m carl vinson group. My daughter sailor heads to cs school on 9/20 hoping she stays closer to home... This is my first deployment as well.
Congratulations labournurse!!1 you must be so proud!!!! my son is up for the blue jacket award on his ship !!!! and my daughter heads to Fort Lee on 9/20 can't wait to have her so close!!!
I have a quick question. My sailor was talking to me about how he has a very high clearance. And because he is contracted for subs he even has a secret one too. What does this mean? He told me he wouldn't be able to tell me a lot of things and now I'm kind of worried.
Hannah - This I know from my Marine... Certain jobs, not because of the job but because of WHERE they operate demand a security clearance. I would assume ALL sub mariners are top secrete clearance because of what and where they serve. It really doesn't affect much of what they can tell us, since for many, THEY are not privie to the actual reports, secrets etc... They just have to have clearance by the DoD.
Hannah, dont worry...my son is also a cs on a sub and has what they refer to as a 'high' clearance. Within the sub, a cs might be asked to serve in the ward room, which is an an area where outside of that room the discussions are not shared with anyone on the ship or not. Those discussions could be football related and we will never know otherwise :) As therevbev said the clearances are to make sure that the sub stays safe. Do you know where your sailor is heading? Make sure you join submom's group here on n4m, there is alot of good info about the sub culture and encouragement.
therevbev, I will add your sailor to my prayer list. The Carl Vinson and its crew has been on my heart alot since I heard the news.
Thank you therevbev for the pics. I am looking forward to going to graduation. So if he starts on 9/27 when do I expect the graduation to be. I have to plan early to be there. I hoping to stay with friends who live near the base.
MOM- my son's classes ran from Aug.4-Sept 5 (graduation). I have heard of slightly longer if any Federal holidays fall in the schedule (He did get Labor day off of classes). But they are told the schedule very early on, so your CS will know the grad. date a week or so in. I'd figure Oct 31 -but that's still a guess.
MOM- - My daughter leaves GL on 09/20 for Fort Lee she said her orders say she Graduates 10/27; which is a Monday so I would think your son woul graduate the following week.
thanks for the help everyone :)
I haven't heard from my sailor today and it kinda sucks :( I know it's his duty day but still usually doesn't take this long lol! Hope everyone's well :)
I saw a pic of my sailor cooking on the carrier!!!! Wow. I had missed a call from him at 4:30 AM that morning and was feeling horrible! How wonderful to see him.
My son arrived at A school yesterday! I was a long day for him but his room looks nice. He sent us a care package from GL and his little sister is over the moon with her present. Cant wait to hear about graduation and when he will be home for a bit. How close to grad do we find out his station?
Lynnie78 - He'll be told his duty station about 1/2 way thru classes. Although, my son was given a duty station, he hasn't seen it yet. He went straight from a 10 day leave after school to a deployed carrier. (See pic below) Just depends.
Hello Mothers: I don't have internet in my home right now, I'm at the local library. So I have an interesting story. Everyone should know about Fiasco that happening last week regarding the contractor who killed the navigation equipment in Illinois that messed up so many flights in the Midwest. Well it messed with our CS Sailors too!. Many were suppose to fly on Friday, 9/27/14. Well the last of them went out this morning my son included. However I am very proud of him. He became like the Go-TO for he incoming sailors and the barracks at Ft. Lee. He was corresponding who got what flight and where they were going. Even when someone left their luggage. Seriously all on his smart phone. These sailors should be a good team going in! I just got a text from my son and they are on the last leg into Richmond, Va.
HE CALLED! HE CALLED! Richard called home. He's in medical for the night (some form of viral infection that has caused his face to swell), but he's feeling fine. IT WAS SO GOOD TO HEAR HIS VOICE! It's only been 4 1/2 weeks. He loved the port call in Singapore about 2 weeks ago. Only big issue is LOTS OF LONG DAYS (12-13 hr) and a brand new computer busted in transit! Hoping he calls again tomorrow since he'll be SIQ
I am excited. My son graduates next week 10/31/2014 at Ft. Lee and he has his orders. He will be on the USS Blue Ridge Yokosuka, Japan. I can't wait to see him when he is on leave. I will not be able to attend his graduation and if there anyone who is going will you please send me pictures. Thank you in advance.
My son is currently in A School at Fort Lee, he just classed up yesterday. He's my 2nd Sailor, so I'm not new to the journey, but it's nice to connect with a a group of Moms whose Sailors will be/are the same Rate. My son will actually be on a sub when his schooling is finished.
DimontesMom - Welcome! Be aware that Ft Lee school is about 5 weeks long. Let us know how he's doing.
Rich is out on "America's Favorite Carrier" in the Persian Gulf - somewhere. Joined up after already deployed and is finding hard not to get breaks or make friends - too much work! He'll live.
navywife36542
Phancy23.... they will clean and do duty shifts. they will have leave after a certain time. now being they are in ft lee they will be doing pt with the army m,w, and fri they have to be up at 4 am those day and tues n thurs. they have to be up at 5 am. my husband is graduating from there this week. i was there 2 weeks ago its a nice size base.
Aug 18, 2014
navywife36542
Phancey23.. also they consider the first 3 weeks while they are on hold so to say the start of A school and once they get to ft. lee they will only have 52 more days left of A school.
Aug 18, 2014
therevbev
Be AWARE! My son arrived at Fort Lee on Aug. 2nd and will GRADUATE on Sept. 5th! THAT IS NOT 52 days. Not sure why it may now be different or why his group is going thru so fast, but don't make too many plans ahead of time!!
Aug 19, 2014
mimiburl@yahoo.com
Aug 19, 2014
LuvmysailorSON
Aug 19, 2014
therevbev
No - no way to know early. In fact, the sailors aren't really told anything until about 1 week before they leave. The average time at GL is 3-4 weeks. The time at Ft Lee seems to be 4-6 weeks. (4 being the most recent few). Leave is anyone's guess. Still trying to nail my sailor's leave down and he finishes school in 2 weeks.
Aug 19, 2014
Michelle
Graduation/leave time information is last minute. I think we didn't know FOR SURE a graduation date until the week of and even then you don't know when they will be released and able to leave the base. So to be on the safe side plan any flights for the evening and get your wallets prepared to book a flight a week or less out from the departure date. If I recall correctly, we got a one way flight from A school to our hometown - on our dime - and he was able to work with their Navy travel person to have his flight to his duty station changed to leave from our hometown to the duty station since he wanted to take some leave before heading to the west coast. Its been several months so its a little fuzzy. Just know that its going to be a little messy and more costly than if you are able to plan better HOWEVER all that drama will fade to the background once you get to see them :). Good luck ladies!
Aug 20, 2014
therevbev
At lease we can drive down to Ft Lee for his grad. Just hope he remembers to arrange his flight to the west coast from our home airport! It's all new to him since we've moved and he'll actually be taking leave at his grandmothers.
Aug 20, 2014
therevbev
WOW! What a day! So glad my Sailor finally called to say that the teachers just locked the doors and said "Keep Cooking!". God is good ALL the Time!
Aug 25, 2014
MAMA_C
My son is a Sailor now and PIR is this Friday, however he told me that his Liberty is only a few hours after PIR he reports back for an 1 to 4 hours and we can wait for him. Then A school begins there at GL for 6 days. He will tell more when we see at PIR.
Aug 26, 2014
VC
Dear MOM MasterofMotivation S14 D269, Congratulations to the New Sailor and to you! Good luck to your son. After PIR my son only had a few minutes. He have to go back to move to the different location on the base. I was waiting for him for about 4 hours. After he moved I met him and he was with us together until 8:30 pm. They have to be back on base at 9:30-10pm. Since it was a Memorial weekend I was so lucky to have him on Saturday, Sunday and few hours on Monday before my flight. You will have a wonderful time together J All the best
Aug 26, 2014
MAMA_C
Thank you VC for this info. This will help us a lot!!! So we can prepare.
Aug 26, 2014
VC
Of course, you are very welcome.
After PIR when you while you will wait for your son, you can go to the NEX (Navy Exchange Service Command) you will see it there. If you son didn’t order the DVD of the PIR you can order it there. My son ordered his pictures package but not DVD. I was lucky and I order it. You can also buy a picture of his division from the PIR. All the best
Aug 26, 2014
therevbev
Just got a call from the CS in school at Fort Lee... with only 1 week left, he's managed to keep a 93 average on all his tests. This is the son who REALLY struggled with high school and 2 years of college! I am SO Proud. We'll be attending graduation next week and bringing him on leave with us!
Aug 27, 2014
therevbev
MOM MasterofMotivation S14 D269 - the week of classes at Great Lakes Naval Base are called "Navy indoctrination". IF your CS goes to Ft Lee right away (very unusual), they'll be done in about 1 month. MOST Sailors spend 2-3 weeks at Great Lakes waiting for a class to start - they clean and help around base until there's an opening at Ft Lee (Virginia).
Aug 27, 2014
therevbev
I'm going to CS graduation this Friday!!!! Will take lots of photos and try to post, just in case there are others.
Sep 1, 2014
disneygirl64
I am such a proud mom today!! My son was just made head of diet at the naval hospital where he is stationed.
Sep 1, 2014
Juanita
Sep 3, 2014
MAMA_C
Hi Juanita! I will be looking forward to your post!
Sep 6, 2014
therevbev
Wow - graduation was really pleasant! They put on a great program... I suggested that the short power point program be posted somewhere so other family members could see what they did during school. Pics of the class are here ....
https://www.facebook.com/carol.beabout/media_set?set=a.102034489102...
But don't forget the Facebook page for the school.
Sep 6, 2014
Hannah
Sep 8, 2014
therevbev
Welcome Hannah. According to my sailor, who just graduated on Fri, your sailor will love A school. He had a great time there. NOW comes the hard work of actually working! (For my son, that's on a carrier that's already deployed... won't see him until next summer sometime).
Sep 8, 2014
Hannah
Sep 8, 2014
Hannah
Sep 8, 2014
MAMA_C
I finally got a date for my son to go to A school. Sept 27, 2014. He had graduated on 8/29. Is there anyone else given that date too?
Sep 10, 2014
therevbev
Hannah - My son says classes are from about 07:45 to 16:00 (that's 4 PM to us). Other than when on duty, they had the weekends off.
Sep 11, 2014
Lynnie78
Sep 13, 2014
disneygirl64
congrats Lynne78 and too the other new sailors. My son really enjoyed A school. He is loving the cs life. The other day my son was made temp Galley watch captain.
Sep 13, 2014
Labornurse
Sep 14, 2014
therevbev
Would appreciate prayers for my sailor/new CS. He's heading out to meet the Carl Vinson next week.... Yeah, the one that just lost the pilot. First duty, hard arrival.
Sep 14, 2014
Jappj
therevbev - my son has been on the ship for 11 months he is a cs on the ship and really is enjoying although there was a tragedy this week there is a very supportive group make sulre you join the vinson fb page and the n4m carl vinson group. My daughter sailor heads to cs school on 9/20 hoping she stays closer to home... This is my first deployment as well.
Sep 14, 2014
Jappj
Congratulations labournurse!!1 you must be so proud!!!! my son is up for the blue jacket award on his ship !!!! and my daughter heads to Fort Lee on 9/20 can't wait to have her so close!!!
Sep 14, 2014
Hannah
Sep 14, 2014
therevbev
Hannah - This I know from my Marine... Certain jobs, not because of the job but because of WHERE they operate demand a security clearance. I would assume ALL sub mariners are top secrete clearance because of what and where they serve. It really doesn't affect much of what they can tell us, since for many, THEY are not privie to the actual reports, secrets etc... They just have to have clearance by the DoD.
Sep 14, 2014
SunflowerMom
Hannah, dont worry...my son is also a cs on a sub and has what they refer to as a 'high' clearance. Within the sub, a cs might be asked to serve in the ward room, which is an an area where outside of that room the discussions are not shared with anyone on the ship or not. Those discussions could be football related and we will never know otherwise :) As therevbev said the clearances are to make sure that the sub stays safe. Do you know where your sailor is heading? Make sure you join submom's group here on n4m, there is alot of good info about the sub culture and encouragement.
therevbev, I will add your sailor to my prayer list. The Carl Vinson and its crew has been on my heart alot since I heard the news.
Sep 14, 2014
MAMA_C
Thank you therevbev for the pics. I am looking forward to going to graduation. So if he starts on 9/27 when do I expect the graduation to be. I have to plan early to be there. I hoping to stay with friends who live near the base.
Sep 14, 2014
therevbev
MOM- my son's classes ran from Aug.4-Sept 5 (graduation). I have heard of slightly longer if any Federal holidays fall in the schedule (He did get Labor day off of classes). But they are told the schedule very early on, so your CS will know the grad. date a week or so in. I'd figure Oct 31 -but that's still a guess.
Sep 15, 2014
Jappj
MOM- - My daughter leaves GL on 09/20 for Fort Lee she said her orders say she Graduates 10/27; which is a Monday so I would think your son woul graduate the following week.
Sep 15, 2014
Hannah
I haven't heard from my sailor today and it kinda sucks :( I know it's his duty day but still usually doesn't take this long lol! Hope everyone's well :)
Sep 20, 2014
disneygirl64
Congrats on your sons promotion Labornurse
Sep 21, 2014
Labornurse
Sep 21, 2014
Jappj
Had an awesome day with my sailor yesterday!!!! so glad she is going to be so close for the next few weeks
Sep 22, 2014
therevbev
I saw a pic of my sailor cooking on the carrier!!!! Wow. I had missed a call from him at 4:30 AM that morning and was feeling horrible! How wonderful to see him.
Sep 26, 2014
Lynnie78
Sep 28, 2014
therevbev
Lynnie78 - He'll be told his duty station about 1/2 way thru classes. Although, my son was given a duty station, he hasn't seen it yet. He went straight from a 10 day leave after school to a deployed carrier. (See pic below) Just depends.
Sep 28, 2014
MAMA_C
Hello Mothers: I don't have internet in my home right now, I'm at the local library. So I have an interesting story. Everyone should know about Fiasco that happening last week regarding the contractor who killed the navigation equipment in Illinois that messed up so many flights in the Midwest. Well it messed with our CS Sailors too!. Many were suppose to fly on Friday, 9/27/14. Well the last of them went out this morning my son included. However I am very proud of him. He became like the Go-TO for he incoming sailors and the barracks at Ft. Lee. He was corresponding who got what flight and where they were going. Even when someone left their luggage. Seriously all on his smart phone. These sailors should be a good team going in! I just got a text from my son and they are on the last leg into Richmond, Va.
Sep 28, 2014
therevbev
HE CALLED! HE CALLED! Richard called home. He's in medical for the night (some form of viral infection that has caused his face to swell), but he's feeling fine. IT WAS SO GOOD TO HEAR HIS VOICE! It's only been 4 1/2 weeks. He loved the port call in Singapore about 2 weeks ago. Only big issue is LOTS OF LONG DAYS (12-13 hr) and a brand new computer busted in transit! Hoping he calls again tomorrow since he'll be SIQ
Oct 20, 2014
MAMA_C
I am excited. My son graduates next week 10/31/2014 at Ft. Lee and he has his orders. He will be on the USS Blue Ridge Yokosuka, Japan. I can't wait to see him when he is on leave. I will not be able to attend his graduation and if there anyone who is going will you please send me pictures. Thank you in advance.
Oct 21, 2014
HuskyMom
Hi Everyone,
My son is currently in A School at Fort Lee, he just classed up yesterday. He's my 2nd Sailor, so I'm not new to the journey, but it's nice to connect with a a group of Moms whose Sailors will be/are the same Rate. My son will actually be on a sub when his schooling is finished.
Dec 2, 2014
therevbev
DimontesMom - Welcome! Be aware that Ft Lee school is about 5 weeks long. Let us know how he's doing.
Rich is out on "America's Favorite Carrier" in the Persian Gulf - somewhere. Joined up after already deployed and is finding hard not to get breaks or make friends - too much work! He'll live.
Dec 2, 2014