OK, I'm confused. Is there an A school in Texas for Seabee's? My understanding was there were two. PH on the west coast and Gulfport in Miss. Can someone clear this up for me? Thanks!
they also go to MO to a Army base as well. It just depends on what job they will be doing as to where they do A-school. My daughter is a CE so Sheppard was where she was at.
Today (tonight for us here in the states) Kayla is having surgery, finally. I am very nervous. As any good momma would be. she is in good hands many other Seabee's have said they are going to take turns helping to care for her. She will not be able to eat for about 30 days. Her jaw will be wired shut. God will get her thru all of this and comfort my fears. she will not be in the awful pain she has been in and that is the main prognosis for this. Function is gonna be a bonus if this is achieved.
For any of you that have a Sailor that's a CE could you tell me a little about the job...friend me if it is information you can't post on here, I would really love to know what it is all about. My daughter called me tonight all freaked out about some stuff she heard at school today about her job. I told her it sounded like they were just giving all the information in the "worst case senerio" type format. I would love to be able to ease her fears. Thank you!
KarlaJean-- My son was in the same PIR as your daughter and is also a CE. I'm thinking that the first week or so is going to be mostly safety.... it can be a very dangerous field. I would also like more information about the job. By the way, congratulations on your new Sailor! The ceremony was wonderful!
Thank you ProudMamma and congratulations on your new Sailor as well! The ceremony was beautiful, and I am so thankful we had a small PIR group that place was full, I couldn't imagine it with double the Sailor's and families.
Thank you for letting me know that there is another A school for Seabee's. We really do learn something new everyday! My son is a CM in the Reserves, and went to A school at PH. He drills with the Marines at JBLM, an Army and Air Force Base south of Tacoma, WA. Hard to keep track of who goes where anymore!! I'm just VERY lucky that he is close to home (Seattle/Everett area). :-)
To every mom who is new...welcome. I've been really busy and on and off the site, so lost track. This group is one of the best, in my opinion!!
Kym proud mom; were you the Kym whose son started bc in March 2011? Your screen name sounds so familiar. I think he PIR'd a couple of weeks before my son did. Mine was ship 12/div 157 PIR 5/6/2011. Do you live in WA?
Oh Ebigirl you are lucky to have your Sailor close to home...I am in the Vancouver area and would love if my daughter could be closer once she is done with A-school. Not quite sure where they station the Seabees, we were told there was two in San Diego, CA and one in Mississippi somewhere....but her Senior Chief from the recruiting office where she first joined called her yesterday and said that all the Seabees end up on the East Coast...I really hope he is wrong, but I guess if not we will survive.
KarlaJean-seabees are stationed in Port Hueneme, CA and Gulfport, MS primarily. They can be stationed overseas and in other parts of the US, as well. Not sure why her Senior Chief would have said East Coast. She will find out her orders a few weeks before she graduates. My husband was set to graduate in Feb 2011, and we found out his orders in Dec 2010.
Oh thank you so much SeebeeWife, thats what we had been told origionally, I am not sure why he said that either...unless he was just teasing her, he knows she really wants to be as close to home as possible. That is very good to know, she graduates A-School the middle of August so maybe by July we may know more.
Hi Corinne, my son just joined his battalion after completing A school and ECS. You will enjoy being able to resume cell and email contact again. You will be amazed how fast the time goes too.
CE is a good job, yes can be dangerous. My daughter is a CE. They will learn about wiring, as well as pole climbing. Scary yes, never let the guard down. My kiddo is deployed, she is setting poles for the parking lot. It just depends on what project they are on. I think she may be mixing some of ECS school. They learn about guns and they go to the range. They are taught how to use different guns. They go into the woods (jungle) in Gulf Port. It is exciting as well a lot of learning. Have her set up with her class mates a study group. They do class with the AF. This is an AF base. They get along, just some playful bantering goes on. They will also see, Army and Marines. This is the school aspect, when she gets to GP it becomes Seabee aspect. Just a note, I get yelled at when I call my kiddo a Sailor. They are this, but have earned the title Seabee. They are called by some "dirt Sailors" or "Sand Sailors". I was nevous at first, she never was. I will say this, her worst day was falling off the pole while climbing. They put her in a situation that she could not be afraid, made her climb again as soon as possible. The underground (manhole) is tight and can be scary, they do rescues as practice and this helps them to know that they will be ok.
I will freind you both, any other questions let me know.
Is there a graduation ceremony when they complete A-school at Sheppard for CE's? Are there many who do not complete training on schedule? My son is there now and is scheduled to complete in mid-August.
My son is a BU in Gulfport. He graduated A school 2nonths ago. There is a simple small graduation that most families do not attend. However photos were posted on Facebook so I did not miss anything and then my don came home as soon as he got orders so it was great!
my husband took liberty after A school graduation when he was in gulfport he had to wait for his orders to come in and the date he had to report to combat training so that took a little but he grad dec 9 and came home the 13 i believe! and had to report to ecs by the 4th of January
Yes leave may be taken after completing A school once the Seabee receives orders with the date to report to ECS. After ECS is completed the Seabee will report to their battallion. My son came home for 10 days the day that he got his orders which took about 5 days after he finished A school.
leave depends on when you are to report to ECS, duty stations.
Also when the chit is put in and if anyone with senority is leaving (odd enough I was told that even though Seabee's are not trained at the point of ECS they will not be granted leave if many Seabee's are having leave), I know my daughter is planning a trip home in late July, as is most of the battalion. There will be many Seabee's who are upset they do not get leave granted then. I am just going by heresay and that those returning from deployment will be granted first. Again, not 100 percent on that.
ECS is only done in Gulfport. yes this is combat training. They will have further training when they get to the base they are going to. Keeps them sharp, things such as "live fire" as well as FTX (this is anywhere from 3 weeks to 5 weeks. They do FTX to prepare for deployment. They live outside, no luxuries. Most come back with uniforms in sad sad shape... The men love it due to the fact that they do not shave after a certain point. not sure about gulfport FTX, but PH is started on the flat land and ends in the hills. many degrees of temps are felt. They were on theirs for 4.5 weeks. I went to PH just after they were back, my daughters uniform was torn and a mess, many men had no rearends in theirs!! It is exciting for them, also a big learning time. They eat nothing but MRE's. They do not get packages from home. They were told not to ask as that would show weakness. I do know some have gotten them and they were made fun of, so they just dont. lol
let me back up, they do get to take food and such, it is not much and this becomes a bargaining tool.... lol My kiddo had a ton of applesauce. as well as water packets (flavorings), and she had babywipes to stay clean. They showers become few and far between.
ECS is across the street from A school on Gulfport. When ECS is finished they report to their battalions. My son is preparing for. FTX and said that it is 20 days of roughing it and no communication.
Silly question but I am curious....what are the rooms like at Sheppard AFB where my future Seabee daughter will go to A school? I can't find pics anywhere.
fmsnavymom- my daughter is not a UT, she is a CE. Was at the same base yours will be for school. Yes she loves her job. Again not a UT though. If your daughter is serious about learning and wants to do a job that gets her dirty she will do great.
Some have limits, they will find it and work through it. Otherwise a man will step up and do the job they were to do, there by labeling the her. My daughter does not like when a man says "Here let me do that for you", he reason, if I can not do it, I need to ask for help, if I can and was never given the chance< how will I ever know. She will do great. I do know some female UT's. They do not seem to hate the job they have. Also she will actually learn some of the other jobs. Ut's usually are right there to lend a hand so, picking up the basics will always help.
Thanks to those who responded to my questions. I appreciate the feedback. Re the video of the dorm....looks fine..utilitarian and what I would expect. Surprised to see messiness...I did not expect they would tolerate that. I guess that's only in bootcamp.
Hi any folks in Gulfport willing to accept a care package for my son who is on FTX and bring to the QD for it to be delivered to my son???? I would be so grateful. I live in New York and do not know anyone in the Gulfport area to do this HUGE favor for me. I know now that care packages can be sent to our Seabees. Please message me if anyone can help!!!!
Julie, I am trying to send a message, but the cursor keeps circling and reading "sending". I think that main room chat box is slowing down this site or something, but I can't get it to close.
Dona, you probably need to turn the "chat" feature off. Down on the right hand side of your screen. I've seen others post that having the feature on slows your computer wayyyy down.
Julieb, I can also take things to the QD for you. My husband is also on FTX. So either your son is in 1 or 133. I live on base and can send you my address. Although, they should be returning soon so not sure how much time you have to get it here (at least 133 is returning soon). Care package boxes must not be any bigger than a shoe box and can't have any illegal items in them (guns, knives, etc.). I'm sure you knew that, but just in case lol. I was reading some of the questions posted and wanted to respond to a few myself, because I have gone through most of this side-by-side with my husband.
"A" (Apprentice) School-UT & CE's go to Sheppard AFB in Wichita Falls, TX. It's a small town with very little to do. Most of them stay on base in their dorms and study. When my husband wasn't studying, he was sleeping. He came home to me on the weekends, because I moved to Texas with him. His graduation was about 10 minutes long and they take lots of pictures for you. We then came to MS, where SOME not all will report for ECS. There were several people my hubby went to A school with that were sent directly overseas to their new duty station....one to Italy, another to Japan, etc. When they leave A school, depending on report day, they can take leave. They usually give them about 10 days with no problems.
ECS- is about a month to two months of training. It depends on hold times and how well the class is doing. It won't just be those fresh out of A school either. My husband had officers and many tenured sailors in his class. They have long days of learning-medical training, gun training, etc. They will stay in the barracks during this time and have very little rules to follow. As long as they show up the next day for class, they don't really care what they do. Since my husband was stationed in Gulfport after ECS, we already had a home. So he lived with me during ECS. Directly after ECS he reported to his battalion (and actually deployed to Japan 2 weeks later). Usually they know all this before they even leave A school. My husband graduated in February from A school, but we knew in December where he was going to be stationed. It depends on how quickly they can process the orders during a certain time.
Once in the battalion, they will begin using all those skills they have learned. My husband has also cross-trained learning many of the other jobs. There were actually days where he didn't even do his job, but someone else's. It's a great learning experience for them. I would suggest to any of you that when your kids bring up SCWs (Seabee Combat Warfare), that you strongly encourage them to get their pins as quickly as possible. When at homeport, they have certain jobs they will be doing but there is A LOT of downtime too. There is no reason they can't focus on getting it finished. It looks better in their "portfolio" and can help when it comes time to advance. They go through a long process of testing and taskings, then have a huge "Murder Board" they go through. They sit in front of a panel and have to answer questions and do many other things. Once they pass this they become Seabee Combat Warfare qualified. They also have to go through FTX to get this. My husband finished all the paperwork last year in July. He just went through his first FTX this month and was awared his SCWs pin yesterday. It's long, boring, and not always fun.....but if they try hard enough and work hard enough and try to enjoy their jobs, the military is one of the best jobs they can have (at least in my opinion). Hope this helps out with some of the newer mom's, wives, girlfriends!
Seabeewife20 thanks for the awesome info and offer to help. I was able to get my box mailed and Dona's brother will take it to the QD for me. My son is in 133 and I was able to see him in some terrific photos on Facebook. I am going thru withdrawal from the inability to be in touch with him until he returns to base. It looks like this training is really keeping them all busy. I know that he will be really surprised to get my care package since he did not seem to know that he could even receive a package from home. I hope that this experience brings the guys closer as my son is new to this battalion. All his A school and ECS buddies went to another battalion that has already deployed so I know my son had to hook up with a new group of buddies. I really appreciate all of the support from everyone. He only left home last July when he graduated high school. He turned 19 while in Gulfport. I miss him a lot but so comforted that he doing somthing that he is meant to do with his life.
Julieb-I understand how difficult the separation can be. When my husband left for boot camp, that was the longest amount of time we'd gone being completely apart. We were two hours away from each other while he was on college, but we had Skype, phones, and we drove to see each other frequently. It was very difficult for both of us. We grew so much in those two months and it brought us much closer. Even though I lived one mile down the road while he was in A school, there were many days when I got a five minute phone call or a short dinner on base with him. He was so busy with other things that those three months were spent pretty separated too. Mississippi wasn't much different. He got into ECS and was gone during the days and I was working. He joined the battalion and literally two weeks later he left for 8 months to Japan. It was a long, hard 8 months. We figured out the time difference and the best times to talk. Many mornings I was up at 3,4,5am talking to him because he was getting ready for bed. He was new to the battalion, had never met any of the guys he was thrown in to work with, and had no idea what to expect. He was welcomed with open arms by most and those that didn't eventually came around lol. The military is a family. You don't have to like everyone you come across; but when you are stuck in a different country with none of your family/friends, you build a bond and relationship that is unlike any other. Things may change when you get home, but that's okay. You made it through that difficult time together. With your son joining the battalion while in home port, he will have the opportunity to meet lots of people. He will be able to see the ins and outs of the job. He also got to go to FTX so he can see what's expected of him and how to do his job properly. This training is very crucial, regardless if they ever actually use it while deployed. My husband told me that the people grading them on this FTX were so impressed they took a helicopter shot of the camp to show as an example to other battalions. You probably saw that picture in the Facebook album. Your son is definitely in a great battalion for his first one! The Runnin' Roos are the best. If he needs anything at all let me know. Maybe my husband can give him a hand with things if he needs it!
Seabeewife20 thanks so much for your support and encouragement. It makes such a difference to reach out to those of us who really know how this feels and to be there for each other to get through this all in one piece!
SeabeeWife20: Congrats on your husband's SCW; my son also received his!
Julieb1019: My son turned 20 on deployment, but he is loving what he is doing. On Mother's Day he even made a comment that he and his brothers are doing for real what they used to play when they were little! (I also have a firefighter, a Soldier, and a Marine). Life is certainly not boring!!!! LOL!!! Denise- A Seabee's Mom is right: join your son's command facebook page; it helps to know what's going on with them.
If you type in NMCB and your seabee's battalion number, it will usually pop up in the search box. You can also search for the FRG (Family Readiness Group) and the Ombudsman page. Not everyone's pages are labeled the same so sometimes it's a little more difficult to find. They post pictures, updates, alerts and many other things on the pages.
If he's still in school he probably doesn't know what battalion he is in yet. That won't come until closer to the end of his schooling. Unless he is there for ECS, then he may have a battalion he's going to afterwards. He's the only one who is going to know though. So you're going to have to ask him in order to add the Facebook page.
How do I get on base in Everett when a ship comes in? If I have my son with me (he's in the Reserves), would it be easier? Thanks in advance for your help.
Thank you to all the SeaBee's families for allowing us to follow your happiness and pain along the way while our loved ones are serving in the military in order to try to keep the USA safe and protecting our freedom. We Stand Together!
Many of you are sitting back reflecting on our sons and daughters who proudly serve the US. Thanks to our loved ones who make such a sacrifice to protect our freedom and to keep us safe! Thanks also to all of you who have provided a wealth of information, with whom I have shared tears and laughter. I truly treasure the friendships I have made along the way. Thanks for helping me along in this journey! Please keep our children safe!
I'm trying to find out how to get on base in Everett when a ship comes in. Yes, my son is a Seabee, and I know Seabee's don't go on ships!! LOL!! This is not for him. There is a Sailor on a ship that I would like to greet when the ship comes in sometime in the next month. I'll check with the ombudsmen as you advised. Thanks!
I will be in Gulfport for a few weeks as my son can't tell me when he will be coming home... If anyone wants to meet up for lunch or a cocktail let me know..
Hi proud mama. Welcome to the Seabee group. I am a Seabee Wife (my husband is also a UT) and have been for about two years now. I have a little information for you that will help you understand what your daughter will do during and after boot camp.
During boot camp you will have little to no communication. Depending on her division and her instructors, she could have reward calls home or none at all. She will send you a box, often referred to "kid in a box," and she will send home every item she takes with her on her trip to Chicago that isn't authorized. This will include her clothes, any electronics she takes, etc. You will get this within the first week or so of her being gone. She will pretty much go through hell the first week, these are called "P" days. This is where uniform sizes are taken, shots and medical information is done, and all the other important paperwork she will do. After that she'll he sent to her ship and begin her 7 to 8 weeks of boot camp (depends on how long P days are...my husband was only there for 7 weeks). You will receive the information packet within the first three weeks. This will examine her graduation date, rules of attending members, and her address. Once you get the address start sending letters!! She will need these letters to help keep her morale up. I wrote my husband every day from the moment he left, and he still didn't get a letter at every mail call. She will start writing you around the second week. They are only supposed to write during down time, which is normally Sunday. A lot of time they will try to sneak in a letter at night before bed. I don't recommend that because she will need all the sleep she can get. She will go through long hours of class and training. She will do great. Once she finishes her final task, she will call and say "I'm a sailor!" PIR Ceremony will come after and it is AMAZING! The long 8 weeks with no communication, heart ache, worry, and every other emotion is so worth it at that moment. The pride you feel when your sailor walks into that Hall makes you undertstand why they would want to join the military. You will watch as she graduates with hundreds of other sailors. She is now part of a larger family that only 1% of American's get to experience. So when you're missing her, look forward to this moment. Now, just a little explanation of Seabee's. They are a construction group. UT is Utilitiesman and is basically a plumber in the civilian world. Seabees are often referred to as dirt sailors, because they will probably never step foot on a ship. The post above has information which will explain the after boot camp stages.
ebigirl
OK, I'm confused. Is there an A school in Texas for Seabee's? My understanding was there were two. PH on the west coast and Gulfport in Miss. Can someone clear this up for me? Thanks!
Apr 24, 2012
chelsealoo
Apr 24, 2012
Tobianne
they also go to MO to a Army base as well. It just depends on what job they will be doing as to where they do A-school. My daughter is a CE so Sheppard was where she was at.
Today (tonight for us here in the states) Kayla is having surgery, finally. I am very nervous. As any good momma would be. she is in good hands many other Seabee's have said they are going to take turns helping to care for her. She will not be able to eat for about 30 days. Her jaw will be wired shut. God will get her thru all of this and comfort my fears. she will not be in the awful pain she has been in and that is the main prognosis for this. Function is gonna be a bonus if this is achieved.
Apr 24, 2012
KarlaJean (Seabee Mom)
For any of you that have a Sailor that's a CE could you tell me a little about the job...friend me if it is information you can't post on here, I would really love to know what it is all about. My daughter called me tonight all freaked out about some stuff she heard at school today about her job. I told her it sounded like they were just giving all the information in the "worst case senerio" type format. I would love to be able to ease her fears. Thank you!
Apr 25, 2012
ProudMamma
KarlaJean-- My son was in the same PIR as your daughter and is also a CE. I'm thinking that the first week or so is going to be mostly safety.... it can be a very dangerous field. I would also like more information about the job. By the way, congratulations on your new Sailor! The ceremony was wonderful!
Apr 25, 2012
KarlaJean (Seabee Mom)
Thank you ProudMamma and congratulations on your new Sailor as well! The ceremony was beautiful, and I am so thankful we had a small PIR group that place was full, I couldn't imagine it with double the Sailor's and families.
Apr 25, 2012
ebigirl
Thank you for letting me know that there is another A school for Seabee's. We really do learn something new everyday! My son is a CM in the Reserves, and went to A school at PH. He drills with the Marines at JBLM, an Army and Air Force Base south of Tacoma, WA. Hard to keep track of who goes where anymore!! I'm just VERY lucky that he is close to home (Seattle/Everett area). :-)
To every mom who is new...welcome. I've been really busy and on and off the site, so lost track. This group is one of the best, in my opinion!!
Apr 25, 2012
ebigirl
Kym proud mom; were you the Kym whose son started bc in March 2011? Your screen name sounds so familiar. I think he PIR'd a couple of weeks before my son did. Mine was ship 12/div 157 PIR 5/6/2011. Do you live in WA?
If your not that Kym...sorry.
Apr 25, 2012
KarlaJean (Seabee Mom)
Oh Ebigirl you are lucky to have your Sailor close to home...I am in the Vancouver area and would love if my daughter could be closer once she is done with A-school. Not quite sure where they station the Seabees, we were told there was two in San Diego, CA and one in Mississippi somewhere....but her Senior Chief from the recruiting office where she first joined called her yesterday and said that all the Seabees end up on the East Coast...I really hope he is wrong, but I guess if not we will survive.
Apr 26, 2012
SeabeeWife20
KarlaJean-seabees are stationed in Port Hueneme, CA and Gulfport, MS primarily. They can be stationed overseas and in other parts of the US, as well. Not sure why her Senior Chief would have said East Coast. She will find out her orders a few weeks before she graduates. My husband was set to graduate in Feb 2011, and we found out his orders in Dec 2010.
Apr 26, 2012
KarlaJean (Seabee Mom)
Oh thank you so much SeebeeWife, thats what we had been told origionally, I am not sure why he said that either...unless he was just teasing her, he knows she really wants to be as close to home as possible. That is very good to know, she graduates A-School the middle of August so maybe by July we may know more.
Apr 26, 2012
ebigirl
KarlaJean-my son is close to home because he is in the Reserves, not on active duty with the Navy. I am very lucky though...he's a great kid!!
Apr 26, 2012
julieb1019
Apr 27, 2012
Tobianne
CE is a good job, yes can be dangerous. My daughter is a CE. They will learn about wiring, as well as pole climbing. Scary yes, never let the guard down. My kiddo is deployed, she is setting poles for the parking lot. It just depends on what project they are on. I think she may be mixing some of ECS school. They learn about guns and they go to the range. They are taught how to use different guns. They go into the woods (jungle) in Gulf Port. It is exciting as well a lot of learning. Have her set up with her class mates a study group. They do class with the AF. This is an AF base. They get along, just some playful bantering goes on. They will also see, Army and Marines. This is the school aspect, when she gets to GP it becomes Seabee aspect. Just a note, I get yelled at when I call my kiddo a Sailor. They are this, but have earned the title Seabee. They are called by some "dirt Sailors" or "Sand Sailors". I was nevous at first, she never was. I will say this, her worst day was falling off the pole while climbing. They put her in a situation that she could not be afraid, made her climb again as soon as possible. The underground (manhole) is tight and can be scary, they do rescues as practice and this helps them to know that they will be ok.
I will freind you both, any other questions let me know.
Apr 28, 2012
KarlaJean (Seabee Mom)
Thank you Tobianne that helps alot!
Apr 29, 2012
ProudMamma
Is there a graduation ceremony when they complete A-school at Sheppard for CE's? Are there many who do not complete training on schedule? My son is there now and is scheduled to complete in mid-August.
Apr 30, 2012
Tobianne
they all have a graduation, not big and very informal.
Apr 30, 2012
Tobianne
Sheppard is where the CE's and UT's do thier school.
Apr 30, 2012
julieb1019
Apr 30, 2012
sondra.marie
my husband took liberty after A school graduation when he was in gulfport he had to wait for his orders to come in and the date he had to report to combat training so that took a little but he grad dec 9 and came home the 13 i believe! and had to report to ecs by the 4th of January
Apr 30, 2012
Philip'sMom (Deb)
Kym,
Thanks for the Seebee link. You can download the Seebee magazine there.
May 1, 2012
julieb1019
Yes leave may be taken after completing A school once the Seabee receives orders with the date to report to ECS. After ECS is completed the Seabee will report to their battallion. My son came home for 10 days the day that he got his orders which took about 5 days after he finished A school.
May 1, 2012
Tobianne
leave depends on when you are to report to ECS, duty stations.
Also when the chit is put in and if anyone with senority is leaving (odd enough I was told that even though Seabee's are not trained at the point of ECS they will not be granted leave if many Seabee's are having leave), I know my daughter is planning a trip home in late July, as is most of the battalion. There will be many Seabee's who are upset they do not get leave granted then. I am just going by heresay and that those returning from deployment will be granted first. Again, not 100 percent on that.
May 1, 2012
Tobianne
ECS is only done in Gulfport. yes this is combat training. They will have further training when they get to the base they are going to. Keeps them sharp, things such as "live fire" as well as FTX (this is anywhere from 3 weeks to 5 weeks. They do FTX to prepare for deployment. They live outside, no luxuries. Most come back with uniforms in sad sad shape... The men love it due to the fact that they do not shave after a certain point. not sure about gulfport FTX, but PH is started on the flat land and ends in the hills. many degrees of temps are felt. They were on theirs for 4.5 weeks. I went to PH just after they were back, my daughters uniform was torn and a mess, many men had no rearends in theirs!! It is exciting for them, also a big learning time. They eat nothing but MRE's. They do not get packages from home. They were told not to ask as that would show weakness. I do know some have gotten them and they were made fun of, so they just dont. lol
May 1, 2012
Tobianne
let me back up, they do get to take food and such, it is not much and this becomes a bargaining tool.... lol My kiddo had a ton of applesauce. as well as water packets (flavorings), and she had babywipes to stay clean. They showers become few and far between.
May 1, 2012
julieb1019
May 1, 2012
fmsnavymom
My daughter is a depper but is going to be a Seabee after bootcamp. For mom's of Seabee girls (UT) do they seem to like it?
May 2, 2012
fmsnavymom
Silly question but I am curious....what are the rooms like at Sheppard AFB where my future Seabee daughter will go to A school? I can't find pics anywhere.
May 11, 2012
Tobianne
fmsnavymom- my daughter is not a UT, she is a CE. Was at the same base yours will be for school. Yes she loves her job. Again not a UT though. If your daughter is serious about learning and wants to do a job that gets her dirty she will do great.
Some have limits, they will find it and work through it. Otherwise a man will step up and do the job they were to do, there by labeling the her. My daughter does not like when a man says "Here let me do that for you", he reason, if I can not do it, I need to ask for help, if I can and was never given the chance< how will I ever know. She will do great. I do know some female UT's. They do not seem to hate the job they have. Also she will actually learn some of the other jobs. Ut's usually are right there to lend a hand so, picking up the basics will always help.
May 14, 2012
fmsnavymom
Thanks to those who responded to my questions. I appreciate the feedback. Re the video of the dorm....looks fine..utilitarian and what I would expect. Surprised to see messiness...I did not expect they would tolerate that. I guess that's only in bootcamp.
May 14, 2012
julieb1019
Hi any folks in Gulfport willing to accept a care package for my son who is on FTX and bring to the QD for it to be delivered to my son???? I would be so grateful. I live in New York and do not know anyone in the Gulfport area to do this HUGE favor for me. I know now that care packages can be sent to our Seabees. Please message me if anyone can help!!!!
May 16, 2012
Dona
julieb-I have a brother who works on base there-retired Chief. Let me know if you still need some assistance with this. PM me.
May 16, 2012
julieb1019
May 16, 2012
Dona
Julie, I am trying to send a message, but the cursor keeps circling and reading "sending". I think that main room chat box is slowing down this site or something, but I can't get it to close.
May 16, 2012
ebigirl
Dona, you probably need to turn the "chat" feature off. Down on the right hand side of your screen. I've seen others post that having the feature on slows your computer wayyyy down.
May 17, 2012
SeabeeWife20
Julieb, I can also take things to the QD for you. My husband is also on FTX. So either your son is in 1 or 133. I live on base and can send you my address. Although, they should be returning soon so not sure how much time you have to get it here (at least 133 is returning soon). Care package boxes must not be any bigger than a shoe box and can't have any illegal items in them (guns, knives, etc.). I'm sure you knew that, but just in case lol. I was reading some of the questions posted and wanted to respond to a few myself, because I have gone through most of this side-by-side with my husband.
"A" (Apprentice) School-UT & CE's go to Sheppard AFB in Wichita Falls, TX. It's a small town with very little to do. Most of them stay on base in their dorms and study. When my husband wasn't studying, he was sleeping. He came home to me on the weekends, because I moved to Texas with him. His graduation was about 10 minutes long and they take lots of pictures for you. We then came to MS, where SOME not all will report for ECS. There were several people my hubby went to A school with that were sent directly overseas to their new duty station....one to Italy, another to Japan, etc. When they leave A school, depending on report day, they can take leave. They usually give them about 10 days with no problems.
ECS- is about a month to two months of training. It depends on hold times and how well the class is doing. It won't just be those fresh out of A school either. My husband had officers and many tenured sailors in his class. They have long days of learning-medical training, gun training, etc. They will stay in the barracks during this time and have very little rules to follow. As long as they show up the next day for class, they don't really care what they do. Since my husband was stationed in Gulfport after ECS, we already had a home. So he lived with me during ECS. Directly after ECS he reported to his battalion (and actually deployed to Japan 2 weeks later). Usually they know all this before they even leave A school. My husband graduated in February from A school, but we knew in December where he was going to be stationed. It depends on how quickly they can process the orders during a certain time.
Once in the battalion, they will begin using all those skills they have learned. My husband has also cross-trained learning many of the other jobs. There were actually days where he didn't even do his job, but someone else's. It's a great learning experience for them. I would suggest to any of you that when your kids bring up SCWs (Seabee Combat Warfare), that you strongly encourage them to get their pins as quickly as possible. When at homeport, they have certain jobs they will be doing but there is A LOT of downtime too. There is no reason they can't focus on getting it finished. It looks better in their "portfolio" and can help when it comes time to advance. They go through a long process of testing and taskings, then have a huge "Murder Board" they go through. They sit in front of a panel and have to answer questions and do many other things. Once they pass this they become Seabee Combat Warfare qualified. They also have to go through FTX to get this. My husband finished all the paperwork last year in July. He just went through his first FTX this month and was awared his SCWs pin yesterday. It's long, boring, and not always fun.....but if they try hard enough and work hard enough and try to enjoy their jobs, the military is one of the best jobs they can have (at least in my opinion). Hope this helps out with some of the newer mom's, wives, girlfriends!
May 21, 2012
julieb1019
May 21, 2012
SeabeeWife20
May 21, 2012
julieb1019
Seabeewife20 thanks so much for your support and encouragement. It makes such a difference to reach out to those of us who really know how this feels and to be there for each other to get through this all in one piece!
May 22, 2012
Momofahousefull
SeabeeWife20: Congrats on your husband's SCW; my son also received his!
Julieb1019: My son turned 20 on deployment, but he is loving what he is doing. On Mother's Day he even made a comment that he and his brothers are doing for real what they used to play when they were little! (I also have a firefighter, a Soldier, and a Marine). Life is certainly not boring!!!! LOL!!! Denise- A Seabee's Mom is right: join your son's command facebook page; it helps to know what's going on with them.
May 22, 2012
SeabeeWife20
May 22, 2012
SeabeeWife20
May 22, 2012
Philip'sMom (Deb)
Thank you for all of the information! You all have been so patient with us new moms and provided so much valuable information!
May 24, 2012
ebigirl
Hey Denise,
How do I get on base in Everett when a ship comes in? If I have my son with me (he's in the Reserves), would it be easier? Thanks in advance for your help.
May 26, 2012
mama bear
Thank you to all the SeaBee's families for allowing us to follow your happiness and pain along the way while our loved ones are serving in the military in order to try to keep the USA safe and protecting our freedom. We Stand Together!
May 28, 2012
Philip'sMom (Deb)
Many of you are sitting back reflecting on our sons and daughters who proudly serve the US. Thanks to our loved ones who make such a sacrifice to protect our freedom and to keep us safe! Thanks also to all of you who have provided a wealth of information, with whom I have shared tears and laughter. I truly treasure the friendships I have made along the way. Thanks for helping me along in this journey! Please keep our children safe!
May 28, 2012
ebigirl
I'm trying to find out how to get on base in Everett when a ship comes in. Yes, my son is a Seabee, and I know Seabee's don't go on ships!! LOL!! This is not for him. There is a Sailor on a ship that I would like to greet when the ship comes in sometime in the next month. I'll check with the ombudsmen as you advised. Thanks!
May 28, 2012
Ann-Marie(Proud Mom of Nick)
Hey Ladies,
I will be in Gulfport for a few weeks as my son can't tell me when he will be coming home... If anyone wants to meet up for lunch or a cocktail let me know..
May 31, 2012
Steph Proud AG Mom
Hi, I am new to this group- my daughter leaves for bc in the Fall and will be a UT, Any suggestions, or advise????
Jun 6, 2012
SeabeeWife20
During boot camp you will have little to no communication. Depending on her division and her instructors, she could have reward calls home or none at all. She will send you a box, often referred to "kid in a box," and she will send home every item she takes with her on her trip to Chicago that isn't authorized. This will include her clothes, any electronics she takes, etc. You will get this within the first week or so of her being gone. She will pretty much go through hell the first week, these are called "P" days. This is where uniform sizes are taken, shots and medical information is done, and all the other important paperwork she will do. After that she'll he sent to her ship and begin her 7 to 8 weeks of boot camp (depends on how long P days are...my husband was only there for 7 weeks). You will receive the information packet within the first three weeks. This will examine her graduation date, rules of attending members, and her address. Once you get the address start sending letters!! She will need these letters to help keep her morale up. I wrote my husband every day from the moment he left, and he still didn't get a letter at every mail call. She will start writing you around the second week. They are only supposed to write during down time, which is normally Sunday. A lot of time they will try to sneak in a letter at night before bed. I don't recommend that because she will need all the sleep she can get. She will go through long hours of class and training. She will do great. Once she finishes her final task, she will call and say "I'm a sailor!" PIR Ceremony will come after and it is AMAZING! The long 8 weeks with no communication, heart ache, worry, and every other emotion is so worth it at that moment. The pride you feel when your sailor walks into that Hall makes you undertstand why they would want to join the military. You will watch as she graduates with hundreds of other sailors. She is now part of a larger family that only 1% of American's get to experience. So when you're missing her, look forward to this moment. Now, just a little explanation of Seabee's. They are a construction group. UT is Utilitiesman and is basically a plumber in the civilian world. Seabees are often referred to as dirt sailors, because they will probably never step foot on a ship. The post above has information which will explain the after boot camp stages.
Jun 11, 2012