Great Lakes A School Q&A

Sub sailors (SECF) go to Groton, all nukes have school in Goose Creek, SC.  A few ratings go to ATT (electronic prep school) in Great Lakes, then continue on to San Diego.  Corpsmen and MA go to TX, and there's a school in Mississippi which I think is for logistic specialists/yeomen.  

Found out my son will have two c schools. Hes supposed to go to Norfolk then to San Diego then to Everett. They moved him to another BEQ this week too. He said its nicer but it's for less than an month. I just mailed him a letter this morning too. I hope they forward it. He's not taking leave in between A and C school. I'm kinda disappointed but I know his reasons.

Yeah, even though I had been in the Navy, and so had my dad, I had to come here when my nephew joined because some things had changed so much.  So much is the same though, the barracks I was in at Great Lakes is still in use!

My son just got moved in A school Great Lakes !!!!!!

Good Morning everyone! So the family survived bootcamp, with PIR being last Friday. My Sailor is officially at Great Lakes, but waiting for more info on her A-School. She says its scheduled for 4/8/14 (EN) but may be on hold. I may be asking questions...just wanted to say hi first:)

When your Sailor is put a holed....Does anyone know how long it last for (EM).... I would like to learn more about this and A school !!!!! :)

Verm68...  My son is also an EM.  Had PIR at the end of November.  Had a 3 MONTH hold!!  It just depends...  He's in "A" school, now.

Anyone on here have a son/daughter going to ATT on April 22 in GL and then to MN school in San Diego in June??

I haven't had the chance to catch up on the codes........what is ATT? or where can I find out what it means?  April 22nd is a date that is constantly on my mind! 18 days and counting!

I just found out my son is being separated due to a medical condition. does anyone know where I can find out more information about this. I am so confused. he was almost done with a school.

he is in a school. he has been in since august. they say its for constant headaches .  I don't understand the going back part , I guess and it seems silly to discharge someone for a headache. does anyone know the different types of discharges ( or codes) does he lose all benefits and all that?

praying vor PROUDMOM. 

So my daughter is learning about the hurry up and wait phenomenon. Was just advised that EN school is on hold until...well its not on hold anymore :) She also just found her rating (did I say that right?) is being eliminated in a year. PIR was 3/28/14.. I told her to hang in there, but am definitely thinking she needs some homemade chocolate chip cookies :)

Hi everyone! My son's PIR was this past Fri and is staying in GL for A school. He tells me that liberty for phase 1 to 2 has recently changed-instead of 10-14 days, its 30 days. He's trying to get clarification...anyone know of any recent changes that may not be on the website yet? We were just trying to plan for some visits!

Angie might know, or ask on Facebook. Haven't heard it yet myself, but that doesn't mean a thing.

https://www.facebook.com/TrainingSupportCenterGreatLakes

Thanks Anti M, I just posted it on FB!

Is anyone's significant other in bootcamp right now and possibly in DIV 200?!

tara388 you may want to check over at Boot Camp Moms page.  This group is folks who have graduated boot camp and are in A School.

AwaitingMySailor - I am a mom, so I'm having a different experience.  A School is not as structured as boot camp.  he will be able to leave base (but not overnight) and he can communicate with you pretty much freely.  Timewise it is not so clear cut.  My son had a hold for about 2 1/2 months before he classed up.  A school shouldn't last too long once he gets started.  When he finishes, he will get to come home before going to his first duty station.

My son has been in the Navy for almost 3 years and will be returning to Great Lakes for A school Due to a set back from an illness he had to change rates. My question is how are the barracks are they spacious, how many share a room, can they bring their flat screen tv? The last time he was there was for Boot Camp.

Everyone you share a room with, are they all in the same A school? My son will be going to IC school.

They need to have permission to leave their TV out, depending on the barracks.  Simply a matter of getting written permission on a chit. There may be a size restriction. 

Generally, they do group the barracks by school, or by type of school.  The rooms are not what I;d call spacious.  If they need to move rooms or barracks, which sometimes happens, they have to move everything themselves.  

Hello Everyone I just fond this group. My Brother is my Sailor and is at Great Lakes for his A school. His PIR was4/18. So I have a question when he signs himself out on his liberty days. Can he leave Great Lakes by himself or does he have to be in a group? he keeps hearing different answers.  

My son just started ET A school this week. They are going at night and the FCs are going to school during the day. My son moved from the Bonhomme Richarrd, which was four to a room, to the Ben Franklin. The Franklin was recently remodeled and is only two to a room, but the rooms are smaller. They have duty every four days.

I have had a few Navy operations, one at Great Lakes many years ago.

You are correct, you would not have access to the base without him.  Perhaps he could get someone to escort you, talk to his chain and see if one of the chiefs or petty officers would be willing to do that.  Not sure if he has that type of relationship with any of them, some do, some do not.

After surgery, they may or may not keep him in the hospital for a day or so.  Usually until he can pee.  No one took me from the hospital back to the barracks, so he should talk to someone so they can be there for him. At least ask if there is a duty driver.

 He will have some convalescent time, and light duty orders. They will give him written instructions for recovery.   If he requires a lower bunk, then that should be no problem.  Hopefully his roommates will be helpful.  

Mesh?  If there is a no mesh option, do ask about that.  It takes longer to heal, but there will be fewer complications.   Hernia repair is a very common fix, so the Navy docs should be good at it.  

Also, have him fill out the HIPPA paperwork so you will have access to his medical record if you need to do so.  

Just so you know, they are advised not to marry that weekend.   Some of the school commands can be strict about it. They are supposed to take a class/counseling before marriage when attached to TSC Great Lakes.  The shorter schools are less strict than the longer schools.  RTC will tell your sailor "go ahead", but they are not the ones who will be responsible for his actions.  

Google Lake County clerk marriage licenses.  You have to hustle over to get a license on Friday afternoon, then be at the courthouse on Saturday morning to get married.

Written permission?  It has to be in writing, on a form,  or it is not permission.  Period.  From boot camp?  Because that doesn't count for anything once he checks into his A school on Friday after PIR.   He may think he knows what he is doing, but new sailors often only have part of the picture.  I was Navy, I understand how new sailors get details incorrect; they simply do not have the Big Navy picture.  But hey, his decision.  

I don't know who told you active duty do not have the one day wait... but it is true.  They have to wait until the next day, just like everyone else.

http://countyclerk.lakecountyil.gov/vitalrecords/pages/marriage-lic...

Good luck and Best Wishes.

It will work out, just have to do things the Navy Way.  Which is not always fun or easy, but you'll get there!

Hi All! I'm coming here looking for some advice, suffice to say it's not for anything happy. My SO, currently at GL and on hold to start GM classes, is facing a potential medical discharge for vision problems. His appointment with medical is next week. Just because I am the "planner" in our relationship, does anyone have any insight on the process of a medical discharge while in A-School? How long it will take? Any help is greatly appreciated.

Matt's Mom, I hope everything goes smoothly for him.  Medical moves on their own schedule.  And ugh, that drink.  He may not know it, but I'm sending a lot of love and positive thoughts his way.  

Which is pretty much the same advice for Whale, medical moves on its own time.  Separation is not a swift process, until BAM! it is.