Notice of possible problems - according to some posts in other pages (groups), the account of actual creators of groups have been deleted. This causes problems in that there is NO administrators watching the group for violations of OPSEC etc, or allowing (checking) new members. Since I know nothing for sure, I'm just wondering if this group is "safe". I thought we were just self-policing once in a group, but it sounds more indepth. I hope we get some REAL advice from the new administrators of the site!
Hi, Creach. Welcome aboard. To answer your question, NO. There is no specialized training in boot. Everyone is learning the basics needed to be a sailor.
Since it's been awhile since I last posted the basic schedule for CS. This is what to expect....
When your sailor finishes boot, he will immediately have to move over to Great Lakes Naval Base following PIR. You will have to wait several hours (At least 2 or 3 o'clock) until they have "moved in" to the new base. Once they are free, they will have restricted liberty for the remainder of the weekend (Fri evening, Sat and Sun) - he will know the restrictions and when each day he is free and when to return. The CS all stay at GL for at least 2 and sometimes 4 weeks, or more, until the class is ready in VA. The first week is indoc classes (a Navy necessity) followed by a lot of cleaning and standing watch. That's just the way of it. As to PIR weekend, you can plan as it fits your schedule since he'll be in Great Lakes, IL for several more weeks.
School is about 5 weeks in Fort Lee, Richmond VA. It's there that they will be assigned their first duty station just before the schooling is finished. There is a nice graduation ceremony with about 1/3rd of the sailors having family present. USUALLY they will finally be permitted leave before reporting to their duty station or ship (my son went immediately to Guam after 10 days to catch a carrier that was already deployed).
This is the "normal" schedule... at least it is the average timing. The thing to always remember is that it is the military and THAT means nothing is ever written in stone. Not dates, not leave, it's always up in the air! As my Marine parents group says..."Semper Gumby" (always flexible).
FINALLY! After more than a month of deployment I got my first contact; a Skype call at 2 AM! Sure I'll talk for an hour at that time! Anything to see and hear from him again. Everything's fine except a busted cellphone - thanks be for ipods and laptops with contact info - and a return to midnight shift. A few days of leave in the sun, then onward. Fair winds and following seas, my sailor, and everyone onboard.
Hello all, My sailor graduated on 3/10/17 & she'll be attending A school in Virginia. I'm looking to see if anyone also has a sailor heading that way & if anyone knows when that graduation will be? I believe, she doesn't leave Great Lakes for another week or so. Thanks!
NaVyBoNuSmOm- Hi! And welcome. IF you look down the page abit you'll see my "schedule" as it has been for the last few years. (January 23rd) The time at Fort Lee is pretty standard, about 5 weeks, but holidays etc. can interrupt the dates. Your CS will be told fairly early when the exact date of finish is.
My son was given his assignment about a week before "graduation" in VA. We went to the ceremony so we could drive him home for 10 days of leave before joining a deployed vessel.
Unless they changed the end of CS school in VA, there was a brief ceremony, handed out certificates, each announced their assignments, there was a speaker (Very senior CS for my son's)... took about 45 min. I think.
He said it is much stricter and that they have to be in bed by 10 and can't go anywhere without checking out, every time! The mini vacation they had in GL is over, now they will be mixed with other military personnel, they have to get up at 4 AM to work out. My son always sounds tired and wants to sleep in for the weekend, before he was excited to go out and explore the city now he just wants to rest.
My son also said that their shoes HAVE to be extra shinny there so that takes a lot of his time too. They also have to go get account for like 2 times a day, "muster". GL was a chill place now it will be more hectic. But good thing they won't be there long.
Hi All I'm really new here. My son arrived Monday in GL for his 8wks I don't know all of the abbreviations so is there a place to find out? also My son took CS and will go to sub school also so I m hoping to connect with another Mom out there or from CT that may be in his unit, Thanks
Hi all. Welcome to all the new CS moms. For those who may be without the basic news - here's the general schedule ....
The CS all stay at GL for at least 2 and sometimes 4 weeks, or more, until the class is ready in VA. The first week is indoc classes (a Navy necessity) followed by a lot of cleaning and standing watch. That's just the way of it. As to PIR weekend, you can plan as it fits your schedule since he'll be in Great Lakes, IL for several more weeks.
School is about 5 weeks in Fort Lee, Petersburg, VA. It's there that they will be assigned their first duty station just before the schooling is finished. There is a nice graduation ceremony (about 45 min) with about 1/3rd of the sailors having family present. USUALLY they will finally be permitted leave before reporting to their duty station or ship (my son went immediately to Guam after 10 days to catch a carrier that was already deployed).
This is the "normal" schedule... at least it is the average timing. The thing to always remember is that it is the military and THAT means nothing is ever written in stone. Not dates, not leave, it's always up in the air! As my Marine parents group says..."Semper Gumby" (always flexible).
AS to the questions about CS ... if your sailor has asked for sea duty, the odds are she will get that at least for a year or two. The shore duty often goes to those reenlisted or need to be on land. The # per ship depends on the ship and needs; my son is on an aircraft carrier for his second deployment - 3 general galleys plus the officers and chief's mess. Also, general supply is part of CS duty so this time he's not cooking at all, he stocks the galleys every night with the needs for the next day. All part of "Supply" - the general department that includes the cooks. Submarine school is a whole other school and they have to be assigned there after tests.
Once your sailor is given their assignment, you can find the ship, unit, base etc.. page to meet up with others.
Once more, welcome! And feel free to ASK whatever. We've all been there (or are still there)!
Finally - the carrier is in port and I got a call from the far east.... first time I've heard his voice since early Feb. Tired but looking forward to some liberty tomorrow... This mom is happy.
bellagirl - One thing good about shore duty is the chance to specialize if she wants. On ship, you kind of do whatever is needed. Enjoy. (Mine's on the carrier that was just moved to the "western pacific" instead of Australia - a bit scary).
No, no. I'm happy for your girl.. I just meant that it's much harder to specialize ( baker/ pastery/chef) if they are at sea duty. Hoping she enjoys her first duty station... maybe her ship comes later.
Hello, My sailor just arrived to Fort Lee on Saturday. He is having a hard time adjusting. I told him to give it time, any other sailors have a hard time?
It is certainly different than boot and the wait at GL. But he should be looking forward to a bit more freedom. My son said it took a week to adjust to class and the new group, but then it was great. They all get a bit anxious waiting for that first assignment.
I have a question, some of our Sailors were assigned to squadrons, I have no idea what that will entail since they are not station on ships, can anyone give us info or point us to the right direction for further info??
Hello, My son received orders but was told that he will probably be on hold because his ship is out. He will graduate A school and then be on hold. Not sure what the hold means, does this mean he cannot come home at all before he leaves?
Hello, my son just graduated from Fort Lee on June 9. School is Monday thru Friday, they always have to have a buddy even when walking on base. Liberty was Friday-Sunday unless they had a watch then he could not leave.
I think it all depends on the liberty and if he stays off base, he would have to fill out a chit sheet. I am not sure because we live in Kansas City and my husband only got to go see him one time. When he did he filled out the chit and had him the whole weekend.
Good Morning everyone! My daughter will be going thru PIR this Friday (God willing). She will be a CS, any helpful tips on what this mom can expect this next phase in her amazing journey? Will she fly out to CS (Virginia) after PIR, someone mentioned she may be in GL for at least a week. This planning mom is trying to figure out how long to stay in GL. Once in Virginia, will she have weekend liberty? Any help would be greatly appreciated. -- M
Hi, cuanmi! Welcome. Since it's been awhile I am reposting the relative schedule you can expect....
The CS all stay at GL for at least 2 and sometimes 4 weeks, or more, until the class is ready in VA. The first week is indoc classes (a Navy necessity) followed by a lot of cleaning and standing watch. That's just the way of it. As to PIR weekend, you can plan it as it fits your schedule (they have liberty throughout the whole weekend.. must stay at base each night, but you can sign them out Fri. afternoon, Sat & Sun.) since he'll be in Great Lakes, IL for several more weeks.
School is about 5 weeks in Fort Lee, Petersburg, VA. It's there that they will be assigned their first duty station just before the schooling is finished. There is a nice graduation ceremony (about 45 min) with about 1/3rd of the sailors having family present. USUALLY they will finally be permitted leave before reporting to their duty station or ship (my son went immediately to Guam after 10 days to catch a carrier that was already deployed).
This is the "normal" schedule... at least it is the average timing. The thing to always remember is that it is the military and THAT means nothing is ever written in stone. Not dates, not leave, it's always up in the air! As my Marine parents group says..."Semper Gumby" (always flexible).
AS to the questions about CS ... if your sailor has asked for sea duty, the odds are they will get that at least for a year or two. The shore duty often goes to those reenlisted or need to be on land. The # per ship depends on the ship and needs; my son is on an aircraft carrier for his second deployment - 3 general galleys plus the officers and chief's mess. Also, general supply is part of CS duty so this time he's not cooking at all, he stocks the galleys every night with the needs for the next day. All part of "Supply" - the general department that includes the cooks. Submarine school is a whole other school and they have to be assigned there after tests.
Once your sailor is given their assignment, you can find the ship, unit, base etc.. page to meet up with others.
Thank you therevbev for the quick response! This is very helpful. I wish I knew about this site when my daughter first went to BC. Better late than never!
therevbev
Mine is on the Carl Vinson out of San Diego... preparing for deployment in 2017 (his 2nd).
Dec 11, 2016
therevbev
Notice of possible problems - according to some posts in other pages (groups), the account of actual creators of groups have been deleted. This causes problems in that there is NO administrators watching the group for violations of OPSEC etc, or allowing (checking) new members. Since I know nothing for sure, I'm just wondering if this group is "safe". I thought we were just self-policing once in a group, but it sounds more indepth. I hope we get some REAL advice from the new administrators of the site!
Dec 15, 2016
Creach
Hi, I am a new Navy mom. Does anyone know if the recruits get training in there area of specialty during boot camp? Just curious
Jan 23, 2017
Creach
their not there
Jan 23, 2017
therevbev
Hi, Creach. Welcome aboard. To answer your question, NO. There is no specialized training in boot. Everyone is learning the basics needed to be a sailor.
Since it's been awhile since I last posted the basic schedule for CS. This is what to expect....
When your sailor finishes boot, he will immediately have to move over to Great Lakes Naval Base following PIR. You will have to wait several hours (At least 2 or 3 o'clock) until they have "moved in" to the new base. Once they are free, they will have restricted liberty for the remainder of the weekend (Fri evening, Sat and Sun) - he will know the restrictions and when each day he is free and when to return. The CS all stay at GL for at least 2 and sometimes 4 weeks, or more, until the class is ready in VA. The first week is indoc classes (a Navy necessity) followed by a lot of cleaning and standing watch. That's just the way of it. As to PIR weekend, you can plan as it fits your schedule since he'll be in Great Lakes, IL for several more weeks.
School is about 5 weeks in Fort Lee, Richmond VA. It's there that they will be assigned their first duty station just before the schooling is finished. There is a nice graduation ceremony with about 1/3rd of the sailors having family present. USUALLY they will finally be permitted leave before reporting to their duty station or ship (my son went immediately to Guam after 10 days to catch a carrier that was already deployed).
This is the "normal" schedule... at least it is the average timing. The thing to always remember is that it is the military and THAT means nothing is ever written in stone. Not dates, not leave, it's always up in the air! As my Marine parents group says..."Semper Gumby" (always flexible).
Jan 23, 2017
Creach
Hi Therevbev. Thank you for all the information. But I understand that nothing is written in stone. I feel much better talking to you all:)
Jan 23, 2017
Creach
Thank you for the welcome by the way:)
Jan 23, 2017
therevbev
FINALLY! After more than a month of deployment I got my first contact; a Skype call at 2 AM! Sure I'll talk for an hour at that time! Anything to see and hear from him again. Everything's fine except a busted cellphone - thanks be for ipods and laptops with contact info - and a return to midnight shift. A few days of leave in the sun, then onward. Fair winds and following seas, my sailor, and everyone onboard.
Feb 10, 2017
NaVyBoNuSmOm
Hello all, My sailor graduated on 3/10/17 & she'll be attending A school in Virginia. I'm looking to see if anyone also has a sailor heading that way & if anyone knows when that graduation will be? I believe, she doesn't leave Great Lakes for another week or so. Thanks!
Mar 14, 2017
therevbev
NaVyBoNuSmOm- Hi! And welcome. IF you look down the page abit you'll see my "schedule" as it has been for the last few years. (January 23rd) The time at Fort Lee is pretty standard, about 5 weeks, but holidays etc. can interrupt the dates. Your CS will be told fairly early when the exact date of finish is.
Mar 14, 2017
MaryJul
Hi! My son graduated on 3/10 also and is still in GL.
Were you planning on going to that graduation too?
Mar 14, 2017
NaVyBoNuSmOm
Great! Thanks therevbev
MaryJul, we'll make the trip if the dates work out.
Mar 14, 2017
MaryJul
NaVyBoNuSmOm - Glad to find other Navy moms, what building is your daughter in? Can we say?
Mar 14, 2017
therevbev
Do let me know if graduation is that late... seems long (unless they get a break for Easter). It's usually been about 5 weeks of classes.
Mar 22, 2017
disneygirl64
Hey Ladies it is not really a graduation from CS A school. My son is a CS and he said they just handed out certificates of completion.
Mar 22, 2017
MaryJul
I was not planning on going to VA because they come home right after, I am hoping by summer our Sailor is home visiting.
So glad to see more CS mom's! :)
Mar 22, 2017
therevbev
My son was given his assignment about a week before "graduation" in VA. We went to the ceremony so we could drive him home for 10 days of leave before joining a deployed vessel.
Mar 29, 2017
therevbev
Unless they changed the end of CS school in VA, there was a brief ceremony, handed out certificates, each announced their assignments, there was a speaker (Very senior CS for my son's)... took about 45 min. I think.
Mar 29, 2017
MaryJul
My son graduated 3/10 and left GL on 3/25. He told me he will be graduating 4/28!
Mar 30, 2017
NaVyBoNuSmOm
Mar 30, 2017
MaryJul
Really! I wonder if they are in the same class :)
Mar 31, 2017
MaryJul
My son left first thing in the morning on 3/25 but he said others left gradually throughout the weekend.
He also said it is completely different from GL and that he would rather had stayed there! Tell your daughter to be prepared for the change.
Mar 31, 2017
MaryJul
He said it is much stricter and that they have to be in bed by 10 and can't go anywhere without checking out, every time! The mini vacation they had in GL is over, now they will be mixed with other military personnel, they have to get up at 4 AM to work out. My son always sounds tired and wants to sleep in for the weekend, before he was excited to go out and explore the city now he just wants to rest.
Mar 31, 2017
MaryJul
Oh yeah you only get 10 days, don't waste them!
My son also said that their shoes HAVE to be extra shinny there so that takes a lot of his time too. They also have to go get account for like 2 times a day, "muster". GL was a chill place now it will be more hectic. But good thing they won't be there long.
Mar 31, 2017
MomofBen
Hi All I'm really new here. My son arrived Monday in GL for his 8wks I don't know all of the abbreviations so is there a place to find out? also My son took CS and will go to sub school also so I m hoping to connect with another Mom out there or from CT that may be in his unit, Thanks
Mar 31, 2017
therevbev
Hi all. Welcome to all the new CS moms. For those who may be without the basic news - here's the general schedule ....
The CS all stay at GL for at least 2 and sometimes 4 weeks, or more, until the class is ready in VA. The first week is indoc classes (a Navy necessity) followed by a lot of cleaning and standing watch. That's just the way of it. As to PIR weekend, you can plan as it fits your schedule since he'll be in Great Lakes, IL for several more weeks.
School is about 5 weeks in Fort Lee, Petersburg, VA. It's there that they will be assigned their first duty station just before the schooling is finished. There is a nice graduation ceremony (about 45 min) with about 1/3rd of the sailors having family present. USUALLY they will finally be permitted leave before reporting to their duty station or ship (my son went immediately to Guam after 10 days to catch a carrier that was already deployed).
This is the "normal" schedule... at least it is the average timing. The thing to always remember is that it is the military and THAT means nothing is ever written in stone. Not dates, not leave, it's always up in the air! As my Marine parents group says..."Semper Gumby" (always flexible).
AS to the questions about CS ... if your sailor has asked for sea duty, the odds are she will get that at least for a year or two. The shore duty often goes to those reenlisted or need to be on land. The # per ship depends on the ship and needs; my son is on an aircraft carrier for his second deployment - 3 general galleys plus the officers and chief's mess. Also, general supply is part of CS duty so this time he's not cooking at all, he stocks the galleys every night with the needs for the next day. All part of "Supply" - the general department that includes the cooks. Submarine school is a whole other school and they have to be assigned there after tests.
Once your sailor is given their assignment, you can find the ship, unit, base etc.. page to meet up with others.
Once more, welcome! And feel free to ASK whatever. We've all been there (or are still there)!
Mar 31, 2017
MaryJul
I was about to send him some candy as well. He asked that I send clothes, shoes & I was going to include the candy so I am sure it is ok to send.
Apr 2, 2017
therevbev
Finally - the carrier is in port and I got a call from the far east.... first time I've heard his voice since early Feb. Tired but looking forward to some liberty tomorrow... This mom is happy.
Apr 3, 2017
MaryJul
Yay! @ therebev
Happy for you.
Apr 5, 2017
therevbev
bellagirl = That I can't say. Since it was only 5 weeks, I didn't try to send anything, they can call whenever and we spoke regularly.
Apr 6, 2017
therevbev
bellagirl - One thing good about shore duty is the chance to specialize if she wants. On ship, you kind of do whatever is needed. Enjoy. (Mine's on the carrier that was just moved to the "western pacific" instead of Australia - a bit scary).
Apr 15, 2017
therevbev
Apr 15, 2017
SunflowerMom
bellagirl, yes I am out here! Just staying busy! You are not alone!
May 3, 2017
Lisa
Hello, My sailor just arrived to Fort Lee on Saturday. He is having a hard time adjusting. I told him to give it time, any other sailors have a hard time?
May 8, 2017
therevbev
It is certainly different than boot and the wait at GL. But he should be looking forward to a bit more freedom. My son said it took a week to adjust to class and the new group, but then it was great. They all get a bit anxious waiting for that first assignment.
May 8, 2017
MaryJul
My Sailor couldn't wait to get out of Fort Lee, I think it's a bit overwhelming because it is an Army base but good thing it is only 5 weeks!
May 8, 2017
MaryJul
I have a question, some of our Sailors were assigned to squadrons, I have no idea what that will entail since they are not station on ships, can anyone give us info or point us to the right direction for further info??
TIA
May 8, 2017
therevbev
Lisa - yes, there is fast food ON base at Fort Lee (McDs is close to the barracks) and I think my son had pizza delivered once.
May 9, 2017
MaryJul
My son said the food was horrible, he lived off protein shakes and pizza, Chinese deliveries lol.
He was very excited about wearing civilian clothes and after a while he was constantly going to the mall and "hanging out" with friends.
May 9, 2017
Lisa
Hello, My son received orders but was told that he will probably be on hold because his ship is out. He will graduate A school and then be on hold. Not sure what the hold means, does this mean he cannot come home at all before he leaves?
May 30, 2017
MaryJul
Yes he goes home, he will just report to the base and wait for the ship until it arrives. Hold just means he will wait.
May 30, 2017
Lisa
Thank you :)
May 30, 2017
Tiffany22
Hello my sailor is leaving gl next saturday to fort lee. does anyone know how the liberty process work there
Jun 21, 2017
Lisa
Hello, my son just graduated from Fort Lee on June 9. School is Monday thru Friday, they always have to have a buddy even when walking on base. Liberty was Friday-Sunday unless they had a watch then he could not leave.
Jun 22, 2017
Tiffany22
so will family be able to visit on their liberty ?
Jun 22, 2017
Lisa
I think it all depends on the liberty and if he stays off base, he would have to fill out a chit sheet. I am not sure because we live in Kansas City and my husband only got to go see him one time. When he did he filled out the chit and had him the whole weekend.
Jun 23, 2017
cuanmi
Good Morning everyone! My daughter will be going thru PIR this Friday (God willing). She will be a CS, any helpful tips on what this mom can expect this next phase in her amazing journey? Will she fly out to CS (Virginia) after PIR, someone mentioned she may be in GL for at least a week. This planning mom is trying to figure out how long to stay in GL. Once in Virginia, will she have weekend liberty? Any help would be greatly appreciated. -- M
Aug 22, 2017
therevbev
Hi, cuanmi! Welcome. Since it's been awhile I am reposting the relative schedule you can expect....
The CS all stay at GL for at least 2 and sometimes 4 weeks, or more, until the class is ready in VA. The first week is indoc classes (a Navy necessity) followed by a lot of cleaning and standing watch. That's just the way of it. As to PIR weekend, you can plan it as it fits your schedule (they have liberty throughout the whole weekend.. must stay at base each night, but you can sign them out Fri. afternoon, Sat & Sun.) since he'll be in Great Lakes, IL for several more weeks.
School is about 5 weeks in Fort Lee, Petersburg, VA. It's there that they will be assigned their first duty station just before the schooling is finished. There is a nice graduation ceremony (about 45 min) with about 1/3rd of the sailors having family present. USUALLY they will finally be permitted leave before reporting to their duty station or ship (my son went immediately to Guam after 10 days to catch a carrier that was already deployed).
This is the "normal" schedule... at least it is the average timing. The thing to always remember is that it is the military and THAT means nothing is ever written in stone. Not dates, not leave, it's always up in the air! As my Marine parents group says..."Semper Gumby" (always flexible).
AS to the questions about CS ... if your sailor has asked for sea duty, the odds are they will get that at least for a year or two. The shore duty often goes to those reenlisted or need to be on land. The # per ship depends on the ship and needs; my son is on an aircraft carrier for his second deployment - 3 general galleys plus the officers and chief's mess. Also, general supply is part of CS duty so this time he's not cooking at all, he stocks the galleys every night with the needs for the next day. All part of "Supply" - the general department that includes the cooks. Submarine school is a whole other school and they have to be assigned there after tests.
Once your sailor is given their assignment, you can find the ship, unit, base etc.. page to meet up with others.
Aug 22, 2017
cuanmi
Thank you therevbev for the quick response! This is very helpful. I wish I knew about this site when my daughter first went to BC. Better late than never!
Aug 22, 2017
MaryJul
Congratulations on PIR cuanmi!
Should you have any more questions please feel free to ask :)
Aug 22, 2017