AECF - FCs and ETs

Base pay depends on how long they're in and their paygrade.  Other allowances such as BAH and BAS, sea pay, etc.  can be found with a quick google search.  Anything which is a "pay" is taxed, allowances are untaxed.  Some states tax, some do not.

https://www.navycs.com/charts/2016-military-pay-chart.html

How do they determine if a recruit will placed as an ET or FC?  My son was recently placed as an FC for his "A" School after graduation on March 18th but originally wanted ET.  Just curious as to how they determine where to place them.

I am confused...AECF is this advanced electronics computer field...apologies for my ignorance, also what is ET and FC?

AECF is a field, comprised of two ratings, Electronics Technician and Fire Controlman.  ETs tend to work with either radar, communications, navigation, or information networks.  FCs are the operators/technicians for weapons firing systems, the big sophisticated missile systems.  Both are sea-going rates.

FC is "glamorous" because of what they do, but once they go to their long C school, that is the system they are assigned to for the rest of their career.  ETs tend to be more versatile, and often go to extra C schools between commands.  ETs have better shore duty and overseas commands are more likely.  I was an ET, so was my husband and my kid (who is not my child), is an ET, so I know more about it than FC.  I am also biased, LOL.

Anti M great info! Thanks so much :) When will my son know which he is chosen for? I think that has been posted already but I cant find it :(

Sometime during boot camp, toward the end, I believe.

 When I went through, the two ratings were separate, so I had signed specifically for ET.

Blondefaith - my son found out the last week of boot camp that he was FC.

Tinamarie105 Thanks for the info!!

Well, here I am...

Son just called me from GL.  He has about a month of A school remaining.  He has received "soft" orders to SD and will be an ISM tech.

So - what do the next few months have in store?

He will get to take leave en route to SD.  His orders will have a report date, and how many days he can take.  If he wants, he can do RAP at home, assisting the recruiter, and earn back five of his leave days.  Normally they can take a week or two.  All depends on how many earned days they have available, and when their report day is. Don't worry about plane tickets, the travel office arranges that, and he pays only for his leg home.  He will be given a couple travel days so he is not traveling on his own time.  When he reports in, he does a travel claim, and will be guided through that.

I take it ISM is his C school?  He should still get to take leave.

Hi Anti M,

Thanks for the feedback, much appreciated :)

Yes ISM will be his C school.  Sounds like after he arrives in SD he will go to Virginia for a while for that, then back to SD.

He was recently married in January.  My DIL's parents and I plan to go out to SD with them for about a week to help her get things going in their first place together.

It will be an adventure for us all!

Again thank you!

San Diego is a great place to be stationed.  Expensive, and driving is a must, but scary on the freeways.  I really enjoyed my time there, both as a sailor and as a dependent.  

Are they planning on renting, or using housing?  Housing is not on base at all, it is in privatized neighborhoods off base.   Finding a place which takes pets is a hassle, and large dogs next to impossible on a budget.   Also, renting near the base is not a great idea, as 32nd Street area is sketchy.  

My son was going to check with housing first.  I think he wanted to go that route if there was availability - otherwise they will rent for now.

No pets at this time, but I know they have talked about it.  Should probably hold off until they are settled in, but momma wont be around to tell them "No".  :)  ...and I am a dog lover - so probably would not anyway.  My DIL will want some company/house alarm for when my son is gone for periods at a time. 

Good info on housing locations.  GL is very similar - close to base is pretty sketchy... you need to get a good 10-20 minutes away. 

Never been to SD, but I have family in SF.  I hear it is quite different and still 9 or so hours away - but my aunt is closer than I am, just in case they ever need anything - gives me a little peace of mind.

Both my son and DIL are very excited to begin this chapter in their lives.  My son was hoping for SD.  After growing up in Iowa and a winter in GL they are definitely California Dreamin!

I was born in Oakland, in a Naval hospital.  So over my lifetime, dad was stationed in SD, I was, and my husband was.  I am such a Californian even though I do not live there now.  And I do love SF!  Yes, it is extremely different, like they are in different states.

The pace of life is faster there, and can be overwhelming if they let it.  There is so much to do!   Always check with MWR for tickets and specials for military leisure opportunities.  

Lincoln housing, you can browse the Navy neighborhoods, see which ones take what pets, and even look at move in specials.  There often is a wait list, but there is also a "hot list" which are units open right away.

http://lincolnmilitary.com/installations/san-diego-naval-complex/

Maybe adopt a dog once they get to SD, and see what breed they can have?  

We rented because I had been raised in Navy housing, and just didn't realize how much it had changed.  We also had three cats and had to lie on our rental application.  Our dog, a Shiba, 28 lbs, stayed with my MIL.  She was supposed to send her to us, but we could not find a place to rent we liked which took dogs.  

Hubby's commute to North Island was 10~20 minutes on his Harley, we lived in Birdland between Linda Vista and Serra Mesa.

No matter where they live, rental or housing, they will almost surely have Navy neighbors.

Another tip if they will be renting privately: the housing office on base can tell them which apartments/landlords are to be avoided, and can look over the lease to be sure the proper military clause is in it.  

Is there a group for CFs?

There is no CF rating.  AECF is either ET (electronics technician) or FC (Firecontrolman).   FT is FireControl Technician for subs, taught in Groton, and CT is cryptological technician, taught in Pensacola.  

More than a little confusing!

Here is a list of all Navy ratings:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_Navy_ratings

I meant FC! Sorry

I deleted my other PODS answers.  

Usually we went with Navy packers, they can hold a shipment for delivery without charge for up to three months.  It used to be a DIY or PPM could make money for the service member, but the Navy has closed those loopholes.  

My biggest problem with PODS is they are often different franchises, and what is on special for one area will not be for another.  Also, the paperwork must be done just right, or there is no reimbursement. 

A Navy pack out also means they unpack and take away all the materials and boxes, and the shipment is fully insured.

You can rent a truck to do the final shuttle of goods from Home Depot.  A lot of work, but doable.

Has he spoken to PPO (personal property office) about a HHG packout?  Even if he cannot be present, any trusted family member with a POA can oversee and sign for the packing.  

http://www.military.com/money/pcs-dity-move/dity-move-part-4.html

Thank you SO much for the information!!!  We have not contracted with a PODS yet.

I think my sailor originally said he would move himself not realizing all it would require.  I forwarded the information you provided onto him.  I have POA - so I can do whatever is needed.  Thanks again!!! Dont know what I would do without this group!

I have had Navy packouts pretty much all my life, as a child, a sailor, and a spouse.  It is a thousand times easier than a DIY, in my opinion.  

Until about two years ago, they could make a grand or two on a self move.  That is now old information, as the Navy doesn't have extra cash to hand out anymore  

I hope all goes well!

My son is currently deployed, has not been receiving his mail. Discovered I was sending to the wrong address (base address). Will he eventually get his packages and letters, especially many cards for his birthday? I am so upset. Hoping this all gets forwarded to his ship.

He should get it all eventually, although it may take some time.  

He will need a copy of the marriage certificate, and certified copies of your SSN, birth certificate, and driver's license to take to PSD/CPC to enroll you in DEERS/tricare, and to apply for BAH.  Do not leave your originals with him, so you will want to have notarized copies made beforehand.  After he gets your enrolled, and on his page two, he can get a form DD1172 and sign it, then mail it to you.  You can take that to a nearby base or facility and get your ID card.  Google the RAPIDS locator and it will show you where to get an ID card made, doesn't need to be Navy.  Except for waiting for the ID card form, there should not be much of a delay.  He will need to get right on top of doing your paperwork, it is on him to get the time to go do it.  His chain of command should be able to guide him as to where to go and what to do.

Are there any groups for C School in Dam Neck, VA?

“Deleting inactive members - The ad agency that handles N4M is in the process of updating the site.  If you have not been active since 12/1/15 you will be deleted to make room for new members.  You will be able to re-join.  If you don't want to be deleted you will need to post something to activate your account.  They have already started deleting members.”

A hold after school is very common, waiting for either order or funding from the command.  They get better liberty rules, and better busy-work chores.  

Also, the C in C school does not stand for college.  It is simply the old leftover from when the Navy had A, B, C schools.  Now there are no B schools, so it is just A and C.  

Looking forward to meeting others and learning more.  My son left for boot camp 12/5/16.  He was supposed to leave 7/5/16 but was postponed.  His job rate is AECF

Welcome jag47.  During boot camp your son will learn if he will be an ET (electronics technician) or an FC (firecontrolman), although now they just use NOS codes.  They are both in the advanced electronics field.  I was an ET.

My ET will be heading for C School in Norfolk and Virginia Beach.  Looking for travel/hotel/restaurant tips and recommendations

My daughter left for boot camp Monday 1/9/17 and her rate is AECF. I look forward to finding out whether she will be an FC or ET. I'm still learning how all this works but I'm wading through it with the help of this awesome site.

Hello everyone!! My son graduates Friday 1/27. When I got the "I'm a sailor " call yesterday he said that his orders just say combined school. He said he still doesn't know for sure if he is ET or FC. Is this normal??