My hubby is an FT, still in sub school. As I understand it, FT is not just about "point and shoot" with missiles, but also about understanding and maintaining the whole computer/electronics equipment that relates to weapons systems. It's marketable in the civilian world because there is a lot of crossover when it comes to using and maintaining advanced computer and electronics systems, even if it doesn't specifically deal with weapons. I know somewhere there is a list of potential civilian job fields that it could relate to, but I can't remember where I saw it now. Maybe someone else here has a link.
ATT and Techno both have to do with basic skills for operating on a sub, kind of like sub school (BESS). All submariners go through those classes, and it's very important for every Sailor on a sub to understand and be able to operate the various systems on board, not just the things to do with their own rate. My husband hasn't gone through those classes yet so I haven't heard anything beyond that. After that they will start A School for training specific to the FT rate.
I think all rates in SECF have to do with keeping the systems up and running. So there will be many fields for them to work in when leaving the Navy. Each rate is on a different system, but the training is valuable to many companies. A lot of companies will hire anyone who was successful in the Navy because they know that our Sailors are well trained, work hard and are dependable. My husband's company hired 3 or 4 former Sailors last year because of their training and work ethic.
My favorite place to stay there is probably the most reasonably priced hotel that is actually on the beach. It's the Best Western Blue Sea Lodge. There's nothing like staying on the beach when in San Diego. It's about 20 minutes from there to the Sub Base at the end of Pt. Loma. I don't believe there's a Navy Lodge at Sub Base. If I can't get the Blue Sea, the Hacienda in Old Town is also very nice, and is near the trolley line also. I'm not much of a fan of the places on Hotel Circle - they're nice enough, but the location isn't nearly as good.
Hello all! (And Mom (Cath ;) )) It has been quite a long time now, and I've progressed along very well here in Groton. A huge thank you to this site for preparing me and answering my questions. I hope I can return in kind to any who have questions about the current happenings at SUBASE NLON. I'm currently the "senior" class in SECF "A" School, meaning we've been here the longest and are gearing up to relieve those Submariners who have put in their time in the fleet. Hope I can help in any way :)
Fast attacks go to sea quite frequently, so unless his boat is undergoing a significant maintenance period, it won't be long before he's underway for the first time. SSNs go to sea for anytime from a few days to six-to-nine months. They generally have a lot of notice (months) before the longer deployments. Good luck to him - San Diego is one of the best duty stations, for sure.
Hello everyone. My son has PIR tomorrow 4/22( so proud) and is leaving for CT BESS Saturday. Just wondering if anyone can tell me what to kind of expect, any info will be more than i have now.
Hello everyone I've been busy with work and all. I see we have a lot more members to our group and just want to say welcome to all of you. May everyone have a great Easter. :)
Just curious if anyone here knows where FT C School is IF a student gets sent to C School. I know it's a long ways off if he were even to get sent to C School (he just finished BESS and is on ATT hold) but I'm curious about where it would be.
My son is an STS3, been on the boat a year and a half, and he says their C schools are scattered around at different submarine bases. He thinks FT is probably similar - bear in mind that there are probably more than one FT C schools. He also says he's never heard of anyone lately in SECF getting a C school straight out of A school, because the fleet is shorthanded now, and they need bodies as soon as they can get them.
He doesn't know his rate yet, Kate? That's a change. Only recently they knew what their rate would be about halfway through BESS. I know you and he are anxious to get to a boat; just about everyone is - but enjoy the easy life while you have it ;)...
Hi all! It has been a few weeks since I have stopped by.
I have good news from my Sailor. He received an Early Promote with his evaluation a couple of months ago. Then last week he received his 2nd Navy Achievement Medal and............was named Junior Operations Sailor of the Year for his squadron!!!!! I am one proud Momma! He is an ET2 based at Pearl Harbor. And is working on his 5th year with 5 more to go. He is planning to be career Navy.
Hi everyone how all is well. This pass Sunday was my son's 21st birthday funny how it was also Mother's Day. I was able to talk to him on his special day. He had a great time with his friends went out to the bar...he didn't drive and stay at a friends house after the partying. Glad he had a fun time. Now he's a man but will always be my baby boy lol. Can't wait for him to come home for a visit so then he can go with his Dad to the bar and have a drink lol.
Hi Nancy, I am in the same position, cannot keep up with the Navy talk and trying to keep up with each step of the way. My son is in CT at submarine school. I believe he is in A school right now. He has finished BESS, ATT, and I think something else which I cannot remember. How long has your son been out?
How is your son doing? Is he on a submarine? How are you doing? How old is your son? I'm not sure where my son wants to be stationed. I believe he graduates from A school in August. How long is A school? Does anyone know if they get a break before graduating?
Hi Nancy, I miss my son a lot too! How long has your son been stationed on the Henry M Jackson? Do you talk to him often? I have so much to figure out with this Navy thing, so I'm sorry for all the questions. Did your son go to Groton, CT for school? My son is working towards becoming a NAVET - Navigational ET.
timsmom - my son is a NAV/ET. He has been in for 4.5 years now and is stationed in Hawaii. He did get time off to visit home after graduation from Sub School, before he went to Hawaii. He loves his job. He finished his first deployment last December and re-enlisted for 6 years in October.
Sparkeys Piglet, you've got it, basically. He will come to Groton after PIR, he might be a Saturday Departure (leaving RTC on Saturday) depending on the schedule, but will not be Grad & Go. Only Sailors moving to the Great Lakes A School side are called Grad & Go, because they literally transfer their stuff over immediately following the PIR ceremony. But, also depending on when the schedule, he might wait around at RTC for a while. My husband left for Groton the following Wednesday after PIR.
Once he arrives, he may wait for a week or more to begin BESS, but once he starts it is approximately 8 weeks long. They strongly prefer you to wait to move until after BESS graduation, but if you have extenuating circumstances (lease ending due to not knowing when you would be moving, etc.) then he should go through the chain of command. After BESS, he may have a hold. ATT and TCNO are both approximately 4-5 weeks long, but are self-paced computer courses so some students finish sooner while others take a little extra time. If you fall too far behind though, they will require you to go to night study to catch up. There might be a hold between ATT and TCNO and A School, but it all depends on how full the classes are and whether there is room to class up. My husband was in hold for 4 weeks between BESS and ATT, but that is a very long hold and he would have classed up sooner if he wasn't working on painting a mural for Master Chief. Most have holds that are about 1-2 weeks if at all.
The exact length of A school depends on his specific rate in the SECF field, which is determined during the second half of BESS. He will have a chance to state his preference but the final assignment will depend on the needs of the Navy. I have yet to really get accurate numbers on how long each of the schools are. From what I hear though, most students are in training for about a year, from the start of BESS to A school graduation, including holds. Some a little less, some a little more depending on holds or being set back (which really only happens if they are messing around and not doing their work!). All of the SECF schools though, are long enough for you to qualify to join your husband here in Groton- the Navy will pay for your move, and you can live in family housing, as long as you follow procedure for getting your move set up and filling out all the appropriate paperwork, etc.
Hope that helps, and let us know if you have more questions!
Shirley, I can sympathize with you. My son went on his first deployment last summer. It is difficult at first, but will get easier if you just stay busy. Once he can email you, you won't feel as bad. But remember... no news is good news when on deployment. If he is still working on his qualifications, he may not have time to email, but if he is already qualified, you should receive a note as soon as he is able to send communications. Our shoulders are big enough to hold your tears and we are all willing to do so. Take care (((Hugs)))
hi just be very careful we had have three teachers get into trouble with the law due to their spouse being away
do you have kids ?
that is where the teachers got into trouble they did not have babysitters for their kids so they could go out on the town with their girls friends but sure you have a very good support system in place.
Sounds like your stepson might be in the AECF field- the surface fleet's counterpart to the SECF field, which is for submarines only. SECF training is in Groton, CT, and AECF training is in Great Lakes, IL. Looks like there is a group just for them at: http://www.navyformoms.com/group/fcsfirecontrol Hope you can get some accurate information there!
He just started TCNO this week. He was on hold for a month before ATT while he painted a mural for Master Chief, and then finished ATT a few days late because of appointments with medical (strain during command PT because the PO wasn't really paying attention to safety...he wasn't the only one who got injured). I don't mind being here longer though, we're planning for our second baby sometime next spring and I'd rather not move and have to find a new midwife a month before I give birth. :P
@sciteacher.....my son is also in the ET program at Great Lakes. I have had weeks gone by where I haven't heard from him either or at least very little. How long has your stepson been in Great Lakes? When did he graduate from bootcamp? My son graduated from bootcamp in October and is at the very last part of his training before he get stationed somewhere. I know he is working really hard right now!
Cheri, I like it well enough here and have already made friends and would be happy to stay. But I'd be just as happy to move too. :) My husband is fine with anywhere but GA. Given the choice I would probably prefer the west coast, but probably wouldn't mind VA either. I'm not really keen on HI.
Timsmom, there is a separate group for the AECF rates on surface ships. I linked it further down here- you will find more specific information and support for your son on that group. This group is only for the SECF rates on submarines, with training in Groton. :)
Hi MamaMiri & sciteacher - I am obviously confused because I just realized that sciteacher's stepson is in Great Lakes and my son is in Groton, CT right now. So I am in the right group because my son is ET. He has completed BESS, ATT, TCNO and I'm really not sure what this last step is...What comes after TCNO? A school....Does anyone have a son in Groton, CT that is finishing up sub school? I'm told my son will graduate in August.
Timsmom, in that case you are in the right place. :) This group is for the SECF rates- ET, FT, and STS, which are all on submarines and training is in Groton, CT. The surface fleet has a corresponding rate, AECF which has I think their own ET and FT, and they do similar work but on surface ships. Their training is in Great Lakes.
Training for SECF fields includes BESS, ATT, TCNO, and A School. If he has already completed TCNO and said he will graduate in August, that means he is in A School and is almost done! Congrats. :) He will probably find out soon where he will be going for his first duty station!
Yeah, my biggest objection with HI is that it's expensive and I have heard the local communities are not very accepting of military families. Plus you have to fly everywhere and oh wait, that's more expensive, lol. GA is just hot...
So nice to get a call from our sailor while out on deployment. Having a busy but great time. Can't wait for the next call. So nice to hear the ports he's been to. missing him as always.
Gloria, is your son still in Hawaii? How does he like it there? Have you heard anything about a couple of the subs in Hawaii being transferred to Guam?
Hi timsmom/S12/D344/PIR10/15 my son is station in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. He will be there for about the next 3 years. Right now thou he is out on deployment with his sub. I don't know anything about subs being transferred to Guam. Are you sure you heard right. He loves being in Hawaii. He is so used to the warm weather out there that when he does come home for a visit he freezes. Since he seems to always come around the New Year and we live in New York. I see from your name your son will be graduating in October 15th. My best to your son.
Gloria, My son graduated bootcamp October 2010. He just got his orders that he is going to be stationed in Hawaii. I'm not sure where or who I heard about subs being transferred to Guam is true or not - would you son know? Maybe it is nothing to worry about. How long has your son been in Hawaii?
Cheri, as far as I understand that's only for Sailors with dependents, because moving overseas for a family is so much more complicated. They want families to have a PCS within the continental US under their belt first before they send them overseas.
Hawaii is not bad for temps. I think the average is 84 or somewhere close year round. It is not that hot because the wind blows a good bit. My son has been there for nearly 4 years. I know a lot of people wear shorts year round and the only shoes my son has other than Navy uniform is sandals and of course his running shoes.! He had to buy a new pair of tennis shoes when he came home to visit last year at Christmas!
timsmom, check Navy.mil website to find out about subs being transferred. Do you know what boat he will be assigned to yet???
Hi Rhonda, Hawaii does sound like the perfect temperature. How does your son like it? I'm not sure what sub he will be on yet. Thanks everyone for the information...
Hi timsmom, my son Daniel has been in Hawaii now 2 years and loves it. Has for sailors going to bases out of the main land I know if they are single they will be able to be station in Hawaii or Guam also. If they are married thier 1st station most likely will not be off the main land from what I hear. Hope that helps and also does your son know which sumarine he will be on. My boy is on the USS Cheyenne.
Gloria, I'm so glad to hear that you son Daniel loves it in Hawaii! My son does not want to go to Guam, he is single...I don't even thing he is that excited about Hawaii (why? I like Hawaii). I am just hoping that when he gets there he learns to love it!
I do not know what sub my son will be on yet. He has to finish up in CT, I think he had a couple more tests. When I find out, I will definitely share.
timsmom....I'm confused. Is your son in CT now? When is his graduation? My son is in CT and he is graduating Sept. 15. He didn't receive his order yet. One of his best friends from down here and they are together in CT, graduated last Friday and he is going to Guam, he is single.
I can understand being confused. I get going and typing and sometimes I'm not really clear. My son is in CT right now. I've heard graduation for him will be August 25th, so he has about 2.5 weeks left. He did just get his orders this week that he will be going to Hawaii. My son is single.
Thats great news he will get to love Hawaii. Whats not to love about it LOL. So what sub is he going to be on. He should have that also when he got his orders. Will he be coming home before he gets ship out there? I wish him the very best!!
Kimberly
Mar 22, 2011
MamaMiri (FT)
My hubby is an FT, still in sub school. As I understand it, FT is not just about "point and shoot" with missiles, but also about understanding and maintaining the whole computer/electronics equipment that relates to weapons systems. It's marketable in the civilian world because there is a lot of crossover when it comes to using and maintaining advanced computer and electronics systems, even if it doesn't specifically deal with weapons. I know somewhere there is a list of potential civilian job fields that it could relate to, but I can't remember where I saw it now. Maybe someone else here has a link.
ATT and Techno both have to do with basic skills for operating on a sub, kind of like sub school (BESS). All submariners go through those classes, and it's very important for every Sailor on a sub to understand and be able to operate the various systems on board, not just the things to do with their own rate. My husband hasn't gone through those classes yet so I haven't heard anything beyond that. After that they will start A School for training specific to the FT rate.
Mar 22, 2011
Kimberly
Mar 22, 2011
Rhonda8881
Apr 6, 2011
Mark
Apr 19, 2011
terribowens
Apr 19, 2011
Josh-oooh-ahhhh
Apr 19, 2011
Mark
Cath,
Fast attacks go to sea quite frequently, so unless his boat is undergoing a significant maintenance period, it won't be long before he's underway for the first time. SSNs go to sea for anytime from a few days to six-to-nine months. They generally have a lot of notice (months) before the longer deployments. Good luck to him - San Diego is one of the best duty stations, for sure.
Apr 19, 2011
gratefulmom
Apr 21, 2011
Gloria P.
Apr 22, 2011
MamaMiri (FT)
Apr 23, 2011
Mark
Apr 23, 2011
MamaMiri (FT)
Apr 23, 2011
Mark
May 3, 2011
timsmom submariner
May 4, 2011
Rhonda8881
Hi all! It has been a few weeks since I have stopped by.
I have good news from my Sailor. He received an Early Promote with his evaluation a couple of months ago. Then last week he received his 2nd Navy Achievement Medal and............was named Junior Operations Sailor of the Year for his squadron!!!!! I am one proud Momma! He is an ET2 based at Pearl Harbor. And is working on his 5th year with 5 more to go. He is planning to be career Navy.
May 4, 2011
Gloria P.
May 12, 2011
timsmom submariner
May 18, 2011
timsmom submariner
Nancy -
How is your son doing? Is he on a submarine? How are you doing? How old is your son? I'm not sure where my son wants to be stationed. I believe he graduates from A school in August. How long is A school? Does anyone know if they get a break before graduating?
May 18, 2011
timsmom submariner
May 23, 2011
Rhonda8881
Jun 12, 2011
jean
Rhonda8881 so glad your son has a job
ellenB so glad USS Pasadena is back did you get to go to the homecomming?
we went to our son's homecomming
Jul 12, 2011
MamaMiri (FT)
Sparkeys Piglet, you've got it, basically. He will come to Groton after PIR, he might be a Saturday Departure (leaving RTC on Saturday) depending on the schedule, but will not be Grad & Go. Only Sailors moving to the Great Lakes A School side are called Grad & Go, because they literally transfer their stuff over immediately following the PIR ceremony. But, also depending on when the schedule, he might wait around at RTC for a while. My husband left for Groton the following Wednesday after PIR.
Once he arrives, he may wait for a week or more to begin BESS, but once he starts it is approximately 8 weeks long. They strongly prefer you to wait to move until after BESS graduation, but if you have extenuating circumstances (lease ending due to not knowing when you would be moving, etc.) then he should go through the chain of command. After BESS, he may have a hold. ATT and TCNO are both approximately 4-5 weeks long, but are self-paced computer courses so some students finish sooner while others take a little extra time. If you fall too far behind though, they will require you to go to night study to catch up. There might be a hold between ATT and TCNO and A School, but it all depends on how full the classes are and whether there is room to class up. My husband was in hold for 4 weeks between BESS and ATT, but that is a very long hold and he would have classed up sooner if he wasn't working on painting a mural for Master Chief. Most have holds that are about 1-2 weeks if at all.
The exact length of A school depends on his specific rate in the SECF field, which is determined during the second half of BESS. He will have a chance to state his preference but the final assignment will depend on the needs of the Navy. I have yet to really get accurate numbers on how long each of the schools are. From what I hear though, most students are in training for about a year, from the start of BESS to A school graduation, including holds. Some a little less, some a little more depending on holds or being set back (which really only happens if they are messing around and not doing their work!). All of the SECF schools though, are long enough for you to qualify to join your husband here in Groton- the Navy will pay for your move, and you can live in family housing, as long as you follow procedure for getting your move set up and filling out all the appropriate paperwork, etc.
Hope that helps, and let us know if you have more questions!
Jul 13, 2011
Rhonda8881
Jul 15, 2011
jean
sparkerys
hi just be very careful we had have three teachers get into trouble with the law due to their spouse being away
do you have kids ?
that is where the teachers got into trouble they did not have babysitters for their kids so they could go out on the town with their girls friends but sure you have a very good support system in place.
thanks
Jul 16, 2011
MamaMiri (FT)
Jul 17, 2011
Rose7..Norfolk
Jul 26, 2011
MamaMiri (FT)
Jul 26, 2011
MamaMiri (FT)
Jul 27, 2011
timsmom submariner
Jul 27, 2011
MamaMiri (FT)
Cheri, I like it well enough here and have already made friends and would be happy to stay. But I'd be just as happy to move too. :) My husband is fine with anywhere but GA. Given the choice I would probably prefer the west coast, but probably wouldn't mind VA either. I'm not really keen on HI.
Timsmom, there is a separate group for the AECF rates on surface ships. I linked it further down here- you will find more specific information and support for your son on that group. This group is only for the SECF rates on submarines, with training in Groton. :)
Jul 27, 2011
timsmom submariner
Jul 27, 2011
MamaMiri (FT)
Timsmom, in that case you are in the right place. :) This group is for the SECF rates- ET, FT, and STS, which are all on submarines and training is in Groton, CT. The surface fleet has a corresponding rate, AECF which has I think their own ET and FT, and they do similar work but on surface ships. Their training is in Great Lakes.
Training for SECF fields includes BESS, ATT, TCNO, and A School. If he has already completed TCNO and said he will graduate in August, that means he is in A School and is almost done! Congrats. :) He will probably find out soon where he will be going for his first duty station!
Jul 27, 2011
Rose7..Norfolk
Jul 27, 2011
MamaMiri (FT)
Jul 28, 2011
Gloria P.
Aug 3, 2011
timsmom submariner
Gloria, is your son still in Hawaii? How does he like it there? Have you heard anything about a couple of the subs in Hawaii being transferred to Guam?
Aug 8, 2011
timsmom submariner
Anyone's son or daughter in CT who got their orders for their duty station?
Aug 8, 2011
Gloria P.
Aug 8, 2011
timsmom submariner
Aug 8, 2011
MamaMiri (FT)
Aug 8, 2011
Rhonda8881
Hawaii is not bad for temps. I think the average is 84 or somewhere close year round. It is not that hot because the wind blows a good bit. My son has been there for nearly 4 years. I know a lot of people wear shorts year round and the only shoes my son has other than Navy uniform is sandals and of course his running shoes.! He had to buy a new pair of tennis shoes when he came home to visit last year at Christmas!
timsmom, check Navy.mil website to find out about subs being transferred. Do you know what boat he will be assigned to yet???
Aug 8, 2011
timsmom submariner
Hi Rhonda, Hawaii does sound like the perfect temperature. How does your son like it? I'm not sure what sub he will be on yet. Thanks everyone for the information...
Aug 9, 2011
Gloria P.
Aug 9, 2011
timsmom submariner
Gloria, I'm so glad to hear that you son Daniel loves it in Hawaii! My son does not want to go to Guam, he is single...I don't even thing he is that excited about Hawaii (why? I like Hawaii). I am just hoping that when he gets there he learns to love it!
I do not know what sub my son will be on yet. He has to finish up in CT, I think he had a couple more tests. When I find out, I will definitely share.
Aug 10, 2011
Rose7..Norfolk
Aug 10, 2011
timsmom submariner
Hi Rose 7, are you in CT?
I can understand being confused. I get going and typing and sometimes I'm not really clear. My son is in CT right now. I've heard graduation for him will be August 25th, so he has about 2.5 weeks left. He did just get his orders this week that he will be going to Hawaii. My son is single.
Aug 10, 2011
Gloria P.
Aug 10, 2011
Rose7..Norfolk
Aug 10, 2011
jean
welcome to the HI group
HI is wonderful we went to visit it in May
Aug 11, 2011