AECF - FCs and ETs

Thanks, Allison! That was a very helpful reply!

@ ismenia

Are you in the boot camp group too?  It is much more active and will give you more answers about basic and graduation.

http://navyformoms.ning.com/group/bootcampmoms

https://www.navytimes.com/

Allison, the changes certainly seem interesting.  I can see it for some ratings, but for AECF, not so much.  But then, they are always changing something.  I had a module on vacuum tubes...

thank you, all of this info helps.

Thanks for posting the link. The article was interesting but the comments were even more so!!!

Does anyone know if there are there any links to Dahlgren pages, for C school?

Allison, I was in Great Lakes when they began the idea of putting ET and FC under the same umbrella.  I was taking FC tests during BE/E (which is now ATT).  Any time they implement a change, there is resistance, and mistakes will be made.

In theory, this makes sense.  However, you are correct, the amount of content for AECF is massive, and a lot of it is fundamentals.  ET used to be split into radar and communications, right before I began A school, I missed the old split by weeks.  The first ten weeks were basics, then I had the new curriculum which set me up for either, but went less into depth on specific types of gear.  My husband had the old program, but still went to both types of C schools, and worked on just about anything while I was strictly secure voice and general electronics.  Still, unless it was restricted crypto gear, ETs were expected to be able to fix anything.  I could have used a more in depth antenna course, for sure.  It might make sense for ETs in that way, as we went to a LOT of C schools, online learning could make it possible to pick up new knowledge without sending the sailor TDY to yet another C school.  
FCs are far more specialized, so I don't know how to gauge how it will affect the readiness of new sailors.

@ Tinamarie ... there is not a Dahlgren group on N4M, but the command has a FB page.  

https://www.facebook.com/NSWCDD/

Welcome Smidgee.  This group is more for those in AECF who have moved on to A school.  While you are totally welcome, be sure you are also in the boot camp group, which is much more active, and will have up to the minute advice and information about RTC and PIR.

http://navyformoms.ning.com/group/bootcampmoms

My son is in BC. Then to A School in GL for AECF. As I understand-they don't have a rate until partway in to BC, right? I really don't understand-everyone asks "What's his rate?" But is AECF more of a group with rates within?

Is your son's PIR 5/12?

Thanks so much Allison! That was what I was thinking, but got confused when other moms know already the specific job of their guys. Your answer helps a lot.

                Comment by ScoutToNavyMom just nowDelete Comment

The contract is confusing, as it is four years, then he sign a two year extension.  I was an ET, and it confused me!

You'll get the hang of rolling with it.  The Navy is great at teaching both flexibility and hurry up and wait.

Yes, you get the weekend. Yay!

Hello, my son has a PIR date of June 2.  He will be attending AECF at Great Lakes.  I am planning on taking his laptop and cell phone to give him after PIR.  I am a little confused as "the letter" says he cannot have his cell phone while on Liberty.  Since he is staying at Great Lakes, and is in right after PIR, Is he allowed to have those items before we leave on Saturday?

I think it goes like this-they can't have their stuff right after PIR because they have to go back to the boot camp barracks to check out and move to A School across the street. I think they can then have their stuff after they move to A School when they are no longer going to be in the boot camp area.

My son will be AECF A School in GL too. His PIR is 5/12.

Thanks everyone.  That does clear up a lot of questions.  

Happy 8th Navy Anniversary to my sailor! She reenlisted for six more. She must like it. Thank you to all my Navy Mom friends who comfort me in the hard times and rejoice with me in the good times. I guess you all are stuck with me for a few more years.

Congrats on her reenlistment, Vickyrun.  Now she'll be within the window where the 20 years looks good and doable.  My husband made it to 20, and it was so worth it.  I got to 9, and for various reasons, did not go further.  

My son went in AECF. Now is ET. Says he is on "holds" and hasn't started classes yet. Has done some fire fighting schooling, but doesn't know when he will actually start his "A school". Anyone have experience with this? He also says that there is a sailor who's been there almost a year after finishing A School because there isn't room in the fleet yet. :( 

My son leaves for Bootcamp on June 27.    He will then go into AECF and would like to be FC.    Any more info on wait time?

scouttonavymom when did your son graduate?

congratulations

My son graduates this coming Friday and mentioned a few weeks ago that word is there's a lot of sailors waiting around in AECF school for spots

Yes, that is completely normal.  It is hard to pin down how long the hold may be.  Just stay supportive, this is a test of patience.  They'll be given some work to do, cleaning mostly, although there are other assignments.  There's enough to do on base, MWR has good programs, and the gym is pretty good.  There is not much they can do in the way of studying, although they can finish their advancement courses.  

For ETs, they tend to go directly to a C school, as there are many options.  FCs have fewer C schools, so the wait for those are longer.  Now and then they'll send an FC directly to the fleet without a C school, but a quad zero FC doesn't do a ship much good. It isn't that there is not room in the fleet, there are no seats in the C schools.

Thank you Anti M  :) That helps.

Anti M, Thanks so much for always giving us great answers and advice!!!

Pooter527, It stands for Advanced Electronic Computer Field