Great Lakes A School Q&A

Training Service Command.  That is all the A and C schools, other any other training/school (ATT, PACT, pre-BUDS) at Great Lakes.  Basically any student sailor cannot use the Gateway or Lodge except for graduation.  Most families do not use the Gateway unless they themselves have military ID.

My son leaves for BC on Jan. 7, 2015, and he will stay at the GL for A school (rating - GM). What is the housing situation there? I read somewhere that they can have their own blanket that they would put away during the day, as well as their own towels. I am wondering if it is somewhat set up like a college dorm room? Do they bring a tv for the room? What about a clothes hamper? Also, if they have food snacks, how are these stored? Just trying to learn as much as possible so I am prepared? i would appreciate any help.

jaron'smom- I accepted your request and I would appreciate any information you can give!

I replied here, in a general way, so if anyone had questions for any of the school barracks, they could see an overall answer.  

Having spent a few years living in barracks... they vary, even the same ones will change rules now and then.   Training command barracks are always more "bare bones" than barracks in the fleet where sailors live for a year or three.  The new Live Ashore ones by the big bases are more like suites with common living areas and mini-kitchens.  Great Lakes, not so much. In fact, the very barracks I lived in is still in use there. 

Like a dorm?  In a way, yes, but they do not get all the luxuries of a dorm room.  

Basically, there are three or four to a room.  They try to group them so they are in the same school, on the same schedule.  

They get a rack, which are usually bunk beds, a desk, a locker which is a big wardrobe with a chest of drawers in it.  (sometines the drawers are out).  There may be a shared mini-fridge, but that is really variable.  Some allow a coffee maker, some do not.  We had a shared microwave in our common lounge (until someone left it filthy, then it was taken away).

:Personal bedding, usually yes if they put it away during the day.  Electronics, yes, but don't rush to get a TV if the roommates already have one, same with game systems. Remember, they have to haul everyting when they move.  Keep it light.  They can watch TV on a laptop with Hulu or other such programs.  They will not have wifi unless they go in with other roomies (usually).  Most of the time the policy is they can leave the big electronics out if they have a special request chit approved for specific items.

I used a laundry bag which was issued in boot camp, and hung it in my locker.  A hamper is bulky and cannot be left out.  

Food:  Sealed snack food is usually okay, those plastic disposable containers are perfect.  If there gets to be a bug problem,  food can be banned, so always check on what is current after your sailor  checks in.

Apprentice Technical Training, about nine weeks.  Think of it as electronic prep school. They need it before they can jump into A school.

My son just finished bc and planing on coming home for xmas. Can anyone tell me if December 25 will be deducted from his accrued time off?

Yes, it will be charged.  Leave and liberty cannot be combined, so if he is on leave, holidays and weekends during that time period are charged as leave days.

At Jose... My son is at GL and has been on hold for GM school as well.  I believe he just started his pre-schooling tho.  He was going insane just waiting tho.  He graduated in late Sept.

G-Man's Mom- My daughter started some classes this week but they were told that A-school wouldn't be assigned till after the holidays. what ship is your son on?

Jose, he is on the USS Wisconsin, what about your daughter?

G-Man's Mom- she is on the same ship. 

G-Man's Mom- I spoke with my daughter earlier today and she knows your son. 

Jose- Oh great!  I hope that is a good thing!  :)  I think he is a GREAT young man... but how he is with his parents and in the real world...well... you just never know!  We try to raise them right!

G-Mans Mom- I'm sure he is a great young man. My daughter knew who it was immediately which is a good thing. All we can do as parents is teach them and raise them right. :) 

Hello All !  My Daughter just started her A School training today.  We have just gotten home from PIR on Friday !! What an awesome time- even though I think it may have been harder leaving her a 2nd time...   I am so Proud of her and am wondering where she may end up.. She is in EM Training now until March, 2015. 

Does anyone know how the Christmas leave from A-school during December 19- January 4 will work for the new SR?

Pollux He graduates 12/5.

If he is at his school before the stand down, they will help him with the process of requesting leave, getting his leave papers, and checking out and back in.  You do need to book the travel and pay for it, the Navy does not.  Also, he will not have earned enough leave days, so will need to borrow forward.  This could result in a negative leave balance after A school, so no time off then.  But this is one chance to have Christmas together, so most take it.

My daughter wants me to come to see her during the holiday since they have such a long time off of A-school but I'm on a very limited income so does anyone know of any organizations that may help? I hate asking but I will ask for her because she is my only child and well...I missed the boot camp graduation because I couldn't afford to get there. I live in Pennsylvania. Does anyone know of any close by, low cost hotels? Or even how I could get around to see her and to eat and well...All she wants is to see me while she is at A-School this holiday and I feel so very inadequate that I just don't have the funds. My income is only a little over 700 a month which is just enough to get by. Any ideas? This navy mom wants to give herself to her sailor daughter for the holiday. I'm in tears again...oh my

My son's PIR is 1-16. He will be staying in GL for A school. I wanted to make reservations at the Navy Lodge, however, I read it can be difficult for him to be at the Hotel since it is considered off base housing. This site states he may need to get a special "Chit" to be there with us? I don't want him to have to go through any trouble so I am thinking of reserving a room at another Hotel. I really wanted to bring our German Shepherd so I don't have anyone to watch her while we are gone, and my son will be so happy to see her. Does anyone know of a Pet Friendly Hotel that is nice?

Lisa, I think based on an earlier posting Bobbisue mentioned she was in GL.

No disrespect. But, where is everyone getting their information from? We all seem to agree that GATEWAY is off limits. But ... The navy lodge...??? Has something changed since PIR11/14? And how do you know?

What is written policy and what is chosen to be enforced harshly can vary.  While the TSC students need a chit, seems as if no one is looking to enforce it because the RTC sailors do not need the chit.   However, it is policy, so best to know about it and try to go by the rules if possible, than to cry about it later IF they crack down.   Just because many have done it does not mean they're right, they simply did not "get caught".

It's like the couples who go get married on PIR weekend.  It is against the rules, but so far, no one has been busted for it publically.  Doesn't mean it is okay, just means no one in charge has decide to make an example of the sailor.  Hasn't happened, but it could.

Well, it is not likely your sailor would get in trouble, just not 100% impossible.  

Geez people! How hard can it be!  Just have your recruit request a chit if you are going to stay at Navy Lodge.  If for some reason the chit is denied, all you have to do is get a room at a different place.  Navy Lodge would understand the reason for the change and probably even help with finding another room.

"Actually she just had her PIR the day before Thanksgiving so as far as I know she is not allowed to leave. She in on the first & most strict level. She had her first day of A-School on Mon the 1st of Dec. so I would need to go to her. This is what my understanding is at the current time. It's not gonna happen unless I can get help though & sad to say our family will not help. I may have to wait til she comes home in April sometime to see her. I would do the gofundme site but I really can't do that either being on assistance. I hate being on assistance but really have no choice in my situation as I'm on disability. I can not accept cash without reporting it & then of course they adjust the income accordingly. I get by month to month as it is & my daughter knows that but the best way to receive help is for the actual bus, or train tickets to be purchased & to actually have the hotel reservations made & paid for by the generous, loving soul(s) our Heavenly Father sends. I say it that way because we have nothing to give others until HE first give to us. I appreciate the feedback & would appreciate prayer. Our Heavenly Father will make a way if it is to happen. Blessings to you all & my prayers for your sailor, each of you, and your families." (Posted this in my other group so it's a copy & paste but still relevant here)
Also, I found the Red Carpet Inn that seems to be low rate compared to others. Not the greatest reviews but seems adequate enough for anyone who may want to look into it. Not for me but for yourselves. So which, if any, taxi cab company is available for transport from say North Chicago (where the hotel is) to the A-School in Great Lakes, IL?

@ BobbieSue

Is this something that your daughter, herself, could help you out with? I know that I read somewhere about how sometimes the sailors help out their families in getting to PIR since they are getting paid and don't really have much need for the funds during BC. I realize that your daughter is now in A school, but maybe it is something that she could help out with. Just a thought.

I'm bursting with happiness & thanksgiving right now because guess who got permission to visit over her holiday vacation!? My beloved DD is coming home from Navy A-School! She was like "but I'll only get to visit you for one day." & I'm like "that's YAHsome cause I prayed "Even if it's only one day ABBA, please make a way for me to see my DD over her holiday vacation." WOO HOO!!! & HalleluYAH!!!" \o/ I had to let y'all know...I danced & sang praises knowing our Heavenly Father has HIS hand in this. I personally see every as a gift from HIM but this was a pick me up that I so desperately needed! :D

Hello All! I was wondering if anyone has a PDF of the PIR 08.15.2014 Graduation Program they could email me.  Please inbox me for my email address. Thanks in advance!

Here is the link to purchase NEX cards:

https://www.shopmyexchange.com/scs

Does anyone know why the USS PORTER is not on the list of ships?

Just throwing this out there in case anyone knows.  My son had something wrong with his leave chit so it was denied. They allowed him to resubmit it last week and was told that it would probably be approved.  He still has not heard if it was approved or denied.  Since it's only a couple of days away, what are the odds that it's going to come through?

Pretty good for a yes. They are just processing a lot right now.

As always, you were correct, Anti M!  Leave approval and verbal orders all in one day!  He was on cloud 9 yesterday :)

My son graduates BC on 12/31/14, he will be going to A school at GL.  If I have a military ID, will I still need to drop him off at the gate when I return him each evening of liberty or can I take him closer to his barracks?  

Hi MstD85 SHIP 12 DIV 48, we drove our sailor to her barracks every time we brought her back. The sailor needs to sit up front and show his ID at the gate when driving onto the base. Everybody else needs to have their ID also, just give all that to whoever is driving while waiting in the line of cars. Have a great time on PIR weekend, it is the most wonderful ceremony you will ever see. We were blessed to have gotten to go to 2 of them, our son last year in October and just this past August our daughter.

What day are your sailors going back to A School after holidays?  January 4th or 5th? My son is confusing me.

There are a number of A schools, one for almost every rating. HM, Hospital Corpsman, did move to TX, but there are many technical A schools still located at Great Lakes.  What rating (job) is your son contracted for?

When in A school do they get to use their cell phones? If so, how often. How about skype? Just wondering how often we will get to communicate.

My boyfriend has to take Advanced Technical Training for a bit before he officially starts his Gunner's Mate A School. Will he get liberty on the weekends while in ATT?

If he does not have dut, then yes. However, he cannot have overnight liberty until he is in phase three of liberty.  Most earn that by the end of ATT, but it varies.

Thank you AntiM! That's what I thought

One more question. How long does it usually take into school for them to know where they'll be stationed? I figured it wouldn't be till close to the end, but I was just wondering if there was an exact time into schooling that they were told or something.