Yes, DarcieR, this is the group for the Electronics Tech, Fire Tech and Sonar Tech ratings. When will he be arriving in Groton? My sailor is an ET Navigations and has been a sailor for over 5 years now.
A great group to try out..... Lots of knowledge, big broad shoulders and hugs.
"Safe Harbor" A place to set down the sails and relax with each other. Whatever brings you here.. be it anxiety about your sailor, questions and fears... or just to visit.. You can be sure to find it here...Safe harbor where we chat , kick back, and offer support to each other. A place to celebrate life.. the good times and the low times.
My boyfriend is an ET Nuke on the USS Virginia. I am trying to figure out how all of these groups, discussions, forums, and all the other things work so that I may communicate with others who are in my situation or have been in my position with dating a Nuke.
alpha - this group is for the non-nuc, or "coner ETs", as your BF would refer to them. They don't work in the nuclear spaces, but on navigation, sonar and weapons control systems. Some groups you may want to check out are, "Sub Moms", "Nuke Moms", and another one aimed at GFs of nucs - not sure of the exact name of that one. There may also be a group for submarines based in Groton that could be fairly active. There is probably a group for the Virginia itself, but it probably only has a handful of members, and little to no activity, since submarine crews are quite small.
Yay! My husband just passed as well. He knows who your son is and wanted to poke fun at him and say his score was just a little bit better. ;) Congrats!
That's great MamaMiri! However my son would just come back with something like...well, I had watch all night last night and took the test on no sleep...so there! :) The guys all get along and loooovvveee to poke fun at each other!! Will you be at graduation?
Lol! Yes, sometimes I just shake my head at the exchanges my husband tells me about. Sub guys...they are just weird. :D Yes, I will be at graduation! You?
MamaMiri Our family is coming for graduation. We are staying at the Navy Lodge. It would be really great if we could meet each other. Where is your husband going? S is going to Kings Bay, Georgia.
We are staying here. :) We were interested in going to the west coast but I think this will be a good place for us. We have a toddler and another on the way in May, and have become familiar with the area since we've been here nearly a year now, so with a young family I feel like it's easier for us to stay. How does S feel about going to Kings Bay?
He choose it for the boat he'll be on. We wanted him to choose San Diego, at least that's in the same state as us!!! But no... he didn't like any of the boats offered there...picky, picky, picky... :) He is thrilled with going back to warmer weather though. He's had enough snow and cold weather to last a lifetime! The up side is we will get to go on vacation in Georgia!
That's great! Glad he is happy with his choice. My husband was excited to get on a Virginia-class boat and I gather there is something to getting to qualify on certain boats. I hate heat and humidity and would much rather live with cold and snow so Georgia was the last place on my list. ;)
Well my son PIR'd 2/10 and now he is in Groton awaiting his sub school to start...feels great to be able to text and talk to him again...anyone else from 07/063 here on this site???
Are you sure something wasn't garbled over the phone? TCNO, a self-paced class on the computer that takes about a month is done by STS, FT, and ET-NAV. It stands for "Tactical Computer Network Operator", I think. I've never heard of the other...
Small error - TCNO is done after/with ATT (again all three), which is also self-paced. The two together usually take about a month. ATT means "Advanced Technical Training" - basic electricity and electronics stuff.
You're right, it's just not a separate class, but is part of the "A" school curriculum that all three ratings get (STS, FT, ET-Nav). I've cut and pasted the following from the sub school website, and you'll find oceanography listed in there...
Submarine Electronics Computer Field
The SECF "A" school combines a core curriculum of Electronics, Fire Control and Sonar Technician skills and abilities while emphasizing team training and cross rating familiarization.
The Submarine Electronics Computer Field Apprenticeship (SECF) training school is an eighteen-week course of instruction combining three ratings, Sonar Technician, Fire Control Technician and Electronic Technician in the same classroom along with instructors from all three ratings.
SECF encompasses topics such as basic computer and electronic training and fire control systems, trigonometry and pre-calculus, AC/DC circuits, basic power supplies, digital systems, radar and microwave theory and operation, basic sound propagation, passive/active theory, Gram Analysis, oceanography, naval security, acoustic systems fundamentals, sonar underwater acoustics, acoustics analysis, submarine target motion analysis, computer technology and maintenance fundamentals, sonar watch standing and shipboard noise control.
Sailors learn theoretical and practical knowledge of their respective ratings in an interactive multimedia forum with emphasis on hands-on skills and team concepts. Approximately fifty percent of the course is taught in the Combined Operational Acoustic Employment trainer (COAET).
The Sailors' learned and practiced skills are taught in four knowledge segments: Basic Maintenance, Underway Steaming, Section Tracking Party and Surface Transit. Each graduating student is better prepared to meet the challenges of the fleet and has the knowledge and skill to be a productive member as soon as he crosses the brow of his submarine.
Thank you for explaining everything to us. As I am starting to understand ...ST training as well as all of the other rates...just keep learning all of the time. There is always another step up from what they have gotten in A school. An extra class of this or that. Fine tweaking...getting ahead or staying on top of everything!
I am new to this group. My son is in Groton and will graduate BESS on March 23rd. He then goes to A-school for ET-radioman. Anyone going to graduation on March 23rd? We will be there for about 5 days. Very excited. I guess this graduation is not as big a deal as bootcamp but can't wait to see our son anyway.
palmbeachnavymom, you will love the graduation from bess. Bring your camera. They will stop so you can have your sailor pose for the photo. It much smaller then PIR. You will have to meet your sailor at the pass building to get on base. If you are driving on base with a rental , be sure to bring your rental agreemen with. We had to go back to the hotel to get ours. Luckily we had time. Yikes. Enjoy. We even drove to New York City. Had a blast
Hello SECF Moms, My son graduates from A school April 5th and then is coming back to WA(HURRAY!!!!) to join the USS Kentucky in Bangor. Obviously, I'm late to this group as far as school goes, but am hoping to learn more about the next 4+ years as he continues as a STS. I'm excited about going to his graduation(really regret missing BESS) and plan to remember to maintain "proper military bearing" with all the hugs! Sooo hard to do: }
lynnvikings-Thank you for the heads up on the rental car. We are actually going up on Wed and going snowboarding on the weekend with our submariner as he just received his blue card. YIPPEE! Can't wait.
Palmbeachnavymom, Enjoy your time with your Sailor. Snowboarding will be a blast!! You will Love BESS GRADUATION! We even went down to the port and got to see the subs that were there. Eight of them were there, they were fast attack subs....hmmmm i will have to study.
Hi new to the site and group. My husband leaves for boot camp on 6/6 and will be in the SECF program why I am here. So I thought I would say hi to everyone.
Well, my son's graduation from BESS is this Monday, March 26th. We were going to go but he said he would rather us wait and come to his graduation from A-school in 6 months. He said it is bigger and more exciting. I feel bad we won't be there but he assured us that it was no big deal. Am I being bushwacked by my sailor? Should I just show up on Sunday night and say "surprise" or should I save my money and go when he graduates from A-school? We are from FL and the airfare is expensive. Help!
I loved the BESS graduation. i have not heard much at all about attending A school graduation in groton...has anyone attended A school graduation in Groton ? BESS is a great one to attend.!!! i loved it.
The BESS graduation is great! The A School graduation is a little bit smaller since it's only the SECF classes and not the MMs and the other guys that go to BESS as well, but it's a much bigger deal and a much bigger accomplishment. I went to both since I moved here to be with my husband a week before he graduated from BESS. Personally I would say if you can only attend one then go to the A School graduation.
Hi everyone! My husband leaves for boot camp on 6/6 and will be in the SECF program why I am here. He is looking forward to it and we are excited for him.
Hi palmbeachnavymom, I had planned on attending BESS graduation but due to some bizarre circumstances(my car was stolen, the thief got in a wreck, etc,etc)it didn't seem like it would work out, however I thought I could still "surprise" him and just "show" up. Well, as it turned out, there was a change of command on the original graduation date so the actual graduation was the day before I had planned the "surprise!" (He had not told me about the change because he didn't think I was coming, but fortunately I found out just in time about the command/graduation change. Unfortunately. I was not able to accommodate the new date, so, in the end, I did miss BESS graduation, which I regret.) So, if your son is a great communicator(or at least better than mine) and you're confident you won't be the one surprised(!) I think BESS would be great. However, I am going to my son's A school graduation on April 5th(CHANGED from April 6th!!!) One other thing to consider:I believe I would have been able to spend more time w my son post BESS graduation than I am now. He is flying out April 6th for his new station! Remind anyone of GL?!?
Hi Kaitlin! All through my son's boot camp and during this time he has been on the opposite coast, I have thought about all the very different and very very difficult challenges wives have needed to face. Thank you to you (and your husband!) for making this commitment. Well, Re SEFC: One of the best things to happen is more COMMUNICATION!!! Hopefully, he will get his phone before flying out from Chicago, or even better, a laptop w Skype, which will improve things almost instantly: ) So, on arrival in Groton he will start working on some mandatory reqiurements known as "qualifications" aka "quals." His first class will be BESS(Basic Enlisted Submarine School) which may start right away or may be delayed if he needs to "class up", simply meaning they won't start until there are enough there for a full class. During BESS he will also "phase up." Phasing up is related to "liberty cards"(white, yellow, blue) each having some restrictions but also more freedoms. Unfortunately, if someone in his class behaves immaturely, everyone is effected and all will lose privileges. Beware of getting "bleached!" BESS is a set 8 weeks. More hands on, such as more intense fire and water control and the infamous "escape trainer", etc, There is a very special graduation at the end BESS. All the "moms" highly reccommend attending if you possibly can. As of now, the next schools are ATT (Apprentice Technical Training) and TCNO (Tactical Computer Network Operator). These classes are self paced and are intense in a different way. My son labeled TCNO "The Beast" It seems everyone is on their own in these classes as no one is particularly interested in "study groups." Sigh. Wait times between these classes is also possible. No graduation ceremony related to finishing these. And, finally, is SEFC. My son had a great instructor, which of course, was a real advantage for him. Hoping the same for your husband. So, between boot and BESS and ATT and TCNO and A school, it takes about a year. My son graduates on April 5th which is one week and one day shy from when he left MEPS. Hopefully, you two will be together ASAP. I have seen posts from "subby'swife" in the Groton group which I'm sure will be a great help to you. She is living there now so she is definitely the one to get to know. Be sure to look at the "pages" on the Groton and Sub moms site, too. Well, hope this wasn't TMI! Truly wishing the best for you and yours and your Navy future together: )
Kaitlin. Oops. After that very looong entry, I noticed I didn't specify SEFC "A" school as the final class. My son is STS but I believe all the rates take the same pre classes but w the SEFC "A" school specific to them. I will appreciate a correction if this is inccurate: )
Missing definitely gave some great info. I did go to BESS grad f or my son and loved it. It's smaller than PIR because there will be less than 100 sailors. They take time to let you get pics and in fact I took quite a few of other sailors and mailed them out to moms that couldn't be there. Very nice and then I got to spend the whole weekend with my son. I know his STS grad will be even smaller but hoping to go to that one in July as well.
We stayed at the Hamden Inn in Mystic which was fine and I'm trying to remember one of the places we had dinner in Mystic - captain something maybe, but great tilapia there. :-)
Argh! Of course, SECF!!! Earlier this evening I was telling my daughter we were going to her brother's "Submarine Electronics Computer Field" A school graduation so I had the letters in the correct order then but now I'm not certain if that's what the letters mean!
Generally they try to get you to wait until after BESS- mostly I think because such a large number of guys either get sent surface or get processed out of the Navy for various reasons before completing school, and many of that number don't even finish BESS. But, technically, you qualify for the move as soon as they get assigned their rate (FT, ETcomm/nav, or STS) and they get their orders to the rest of school which since he is married will include orders for relocation with dependents. He will need to get official permission from his chain of command to move you before the end of BESS (I believe because it involves him then living out of the barracks when you arrive), which involves talking to his Chiefs, possibly Master Chief but I can't remember for sure, it was over a year ago now that we went through this. I moved with our son the week before he graduated from BESS, but found out later that we could have moved 2 weeks sooner but his Petty Officer gave him wrong information. Not all of the instructors are really informed on what is allowed for married Sailors because so few of the students are married. But, you definitely cannot move until he gets his orders- housing, personal property, and PSD will all need those orders (and I seem to remember something about 342 instead of 341 if I have the numbers right, authorizing a move with dependents rather than without) before they will do anything on the Navy's dime.
If he is a submariner in the SECF field, then yes, Groton is where he is going. :) BESS is 8 weeks, and he will be assigned his specific rate (ET, FT, or STS) during BESS, a few weeks in. His orders for the rest of school will be posted shortly after, I think within a week or two after he gets his rate. He will need to proactively check for them though, his instructor won't just tell him when they have been posted because for most of the other guys, it doesn't really matter. Once the orders are posted, you are authorized to live in housing and the Navy will pay for your move. BUT. Your husband will still need to get permission from the Chiefs if you move before the end of BESS because it means he moves out of the barracks. Don't neglect that step or he will get in trouble.
As far as dogs, in housing you can have 2 pets. I don't believe there is a weight limit, but certain breeds are not allowed. Check with Belfour Beatty, they are the company that owns/runs the housing here, which is privatized. We don't have any pets right now so I'm not sure of specifics beyond that.
No worries. Being on a sub is a pretty good gig as far as jobs in the Navy go. Classes for this rate last about a year so you also get that long together before he starts going on deployments which is really nice. I was afraid at first that being on a sub would mean that I would never see him, I had read some things that said they are out to sea all the time and have frequent deployments. The reality is yes, deployments are more frequent than surface ships, but they are also shorter. There are also short underways which are a couple weeks to a couple months long, not a full deployment. They also spend a pretty good amount of time in port and you won't have the types of deployments where they are gone for 12-18 months straight. Works for me. Roll with it and enjoy the adventure. He will do well if he works hard and stays out of trouble.
My grandson just finished his schooling in Groton and is now stationed in New Hampshire. He just moved his wife and daughter out there. Your sailor has to arrange for the mover to come and get your stuff, they will pack it and move it. I takes about 2-3 weeks to get there. In his case his wife was staying with his Mom so she did not move till the furniture got there so she just flew out on Sunday and they are reimbursing him for her flight. Another piece of good info is that Southwest Airlines allows you 9 bags when flying on military orders. She had 7 bags much needed with flying/moving with a 1 year old. But he needs to start the process. The movers will also take the furniture to storage should you need it done that way. They do NOT pay for the move of a car that you pay out of pocket
If you move yourself (called a DITY move) you can get a percentage of the cost for moving your goods up front, but make sure your Sailor (once he has orders) sits down and has an in-depth appointment with Personal Property before doing ANYTHING. They skimped on talking in detail with my husband and we claimed too much, and ended up owing the Navy some of that money back (but they took months to let us know about it...ugh). Otherwise, the Navy will handle the move and you won't pay out of pocket, their movers come and pack and transport everything. They will not pay anything up front for your travel/car. You pay that out of pocket, file when you get there and then will be reimbursed for it.
When is BESS? Is that right after boot camp? I am also trying to find out when the soonest I can be with my husband, but he is still in boot. graduates may 25th.
Yes, BESS is 8 weeks long, right after boot camp, in Groton. The soonest you can move out with the Navy paying for your move and eligible to live in "base" housing (it's not actually on base, but around the base, and owned/managed by a private/civilian company therefore referred to as "privatized" housing, but it is what we commonly think of as base housing) is after he gets his new/updated orders for after BESS which is usually a few weeks in. They prefer that you not move until after BESS though, and if you do, he needs to get it signed off by the Chiefs before housing and personal property (which handles the move) will work with you, if I recall it's mostly because he needs permission to move out of the barracks. But you CAN move once he has his orders and they have 342 orders on them, which means authorized to move WITH dependents.
DarcieR (Ship 11 Div 62)
My husband will be joining a-school for electrical on subs.. this the right place to be? =)
Dec 16, 2011
Rhonda8881
Yes, DarcieR, this is the group for the Electronics Tech, Fire Tech and Sonar Tech ratings. When will he be arriving in Groton? My sailor is an ET Navigations and has been a sailor for over 5 years now.
When is his PIR? Welcome!
Dec 19, 2011
Rhonda8881
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Thank you to all for sharing your sons and daughters with us through the US Navy! God Bless.
Dec 24, 2011
Gloria P.
Wishing everyone a very MERRY CHRISTMAS hope you all have a wonderful time.
Dec 24, 2011
Gloria P.
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dec 31, 2011
Eileen (USS Albany)
Jan 8, 2012
Rhonda8881
Eileen......search for a group for the Albany. If there is one you can join and make lots of new friends. If not, you can start one! Good Luck.
Jan 8, 2012
Rhonda8881
A great group to try out..... Lots of knowledge, big broad shoulders and hugs.
"Safe Harbor" A place to set down the sails and relax with each other. Whatever brings you here.. be it anxiety about your sailor, questions and fears... or just to visit.. You can be sure to find it here...Safe harbor where we chat , kick back, and offer support to each other. A place to celebrate life.. the good times and the low times.
Jan 17, 2012
alpha Pavonis
My boyfriend is an ET Nuke on the USS Virginia. I am trying to figure out how all of these groups, discussions, forums, and all the other things work so that I may communicate with others who are in my situation or have been in my position with dating a Nuke.
Jan 22, 2012
Mark
alpha - this group is for the non-nuc, or "coner ETs", as your BF would refer to them. They don't work in the nuclear spaces, but on navigation, sonar and weapons control systems. Some groups you may want to check out are, "Sub Moms", "Nuke Moms", and another one aimed at GFs of nucs - not sure of the exact name of that one. There may also be a group for submarines based in Groton that could be fairly active. There is probably a group for the Virginia itself, but it probably only has a handful of members, and little to no activity, since submarine crews are quite small.
Jan 22, 2012
alpha Pavonis
Jan 23, 2012
Gloria P.
Hello everyone its a while since I've been on, with work and all. just want to welcome all the new members to this group. Glad to have you :-)
Jan 25, 2012
SSMom
Whoo Hoo! My son just passed his FT A School final!!! I am now officially the very proud Mom of an FT!!!!
Jan 26, 2012
MamaMiri (FT)
Yay! My husband just passed as well. He knows who your son is and wanted to poke fun at him and say his score was just a little bit better. ;) Congrats!
Jan 26, 2012
SSMom
That's great MamaMiri! However my son would just come back with something like...well, I had watch all night last night and took the test on no sleep...so there! :) The guys all get along and loooovvveee to poke fun at each other!! Will you be at graduation?
Jan 26, 2012
MamaMiri (FT)
Lol! Yes, sometimes I just shake my head at the exchanges my husband tells me about. Sub guys...they are just weird. :D Yes, I will be at graduation! You?
Jan 26, 2012
SSMom
MamaMiri Our family is coming for graduation. We are staying at the Navy Lodge. It would be really great if we could meet each other. Where is your husband going? S is going to Kings Bay, Georgia.
Jan 26, 2012
MamaMiri (FT)
We are staying here. :) We were interested in going to the west coast but I think this will be a good place for us. We have a toddler and another on the way in May, and have become familiar with the area since we've been here nearly a year now, so with a young family I feel like it's easier for us to stay. How does S feel about going to Kings Bay?
Jan 26, 2012
SSMom
He choose it for the boat he'll be on. We wanted him to choose San Diego, at least that's in the same state as us!!! But no... he didn't like any of the boats offered there...picky, picky, picky... :) He is thrilled with going back to warmer weather though. He's had enough snow and cold weather to last a lifetime! The up side is we will get to go on vacation in Georgia!
Congratulations on the new little one coming!
Jan 26, 2012
MamaMiri (FT)
That's great! Glad he is happy with his choice. My husband was excited to get on a Virginia-class boat and I gather there is something to getting to qualify on certain boats. I hate heat and humidity and would much rather live with cold and snow so Georgia was the last place on my list. ;)
Jan 26, 2012
mhseimears ship 7 division 63
Well my son PIR'd 2/10 and now he is in Groton awaiting his sub school to start...feels great to be able to text and talk to him again...anyone else from 07/063 here on this site???
Feb 13, 2012
Gayle
Hi,
I have a question. What is Tactical Oceanography class? How long is it? Does everyone complete it? My son is STS.
Feb 20, 2012
Mark
Are you sure something wasn't garbled over the phone? TCNO, a self-paced class on the computer that takes about a month is done by STS, FT, and ET-NAV. It stands for "Tactical Computer Network Operator", I think. I've never heard of the other...
Feb 22, 2012
Mark
Small error - TCNO is done after/with ATT (again all three), which is also self-paced. The two together usually take about a month. ATT means "Advanced Technical Training" - basic electricity and electronics stuff.
Feb 22, 2012
Mark
You're right, it's just not a separate class, but is part of the "A" school curriculum that all three ratings get (STS, FT, ET-Nav). I've cut and pasted the following from the sub school website, and you'll find oceanography listed in there...
Submarine Electronics Computer Field
The SECF "A" school combines a core curriculum of Electronics, Fire Control and Sonar Technician skills and abilities while emphasizing team training and cross rating familiarization.
The Submarine Electronics Computer Field Apprenticeship (SECF) training school is an eighteen-week course of instruction combining three ratings, Sonar Technician, Fire Control Technician and Electronic Technician in the same classroom along with instructors from all three ratings.
SECF encompasses topics such as basic computer and electronic training and fire control systems, trigonometry and pre-calculus, AC/DC circuits, basic power supplies, digital systems, radar and microwave theory and operation, basic sound propagation, passive/active theory, Gram Analysis, oceanography, naval security, acoustic systems fundamentals, sonar underwater acoustics, acoustics analysis, submarine target motion analysis, computer technology and maintenance fundamentals, sonar watch standing and shipboard noise control.
Sailors learn theoretical and practical knowledge of their respective ratings in an interactive multimedia forum with emphasis on hands-on skills and team concepts. Approximately fifty percent of the course is taught in the Combined Operational Acoustic Employment trainer (COAET).
The Sailors' learned and practiced skills are taught in four knowledge segments: Basic Maintenance, Underway Steaming, Section Tracking Party and Surface Transit. Each graduating student is better prepared to meet the challenges of the fleet and has the knowledge and skill to be a productive member as soon as he crosses the brow of his submarine.
Feb 22, 2012
Gayle
Mark,
Thank you for explaining everything to us. As I am starting to understand ...ST training as well as all of the other rates...just keep learning all of the time. There is always another step up from what they have gotten in A school. An extra class of this or that. Fine tweaking...getting ahead or staying on top of everything!
Feb 22, 2012
palmbeachnavymom
Hi everyone,
I am new to this group. My son is in Groton and will graduate BESS on March 23rd. He then goes to A-school for ET-radioman. Anyone going to graduation on March 23rd? We will be there for about 5 days. Very excited. I guess this graduation is not as big a deal as bootcamp but can't wait to see our son anyway.
Feb 27, 2012
AlohagirlinCA (Mom of MT)
Does anyone know of a group on here to join for Moms of MT's?
Feb 29, 2012
lynnvikings
palmbeachnavymom, you will love the graduation from bess. Bring your camera. They will stop so you can have your sailor pose for the photo. It much smaller then PIR. You will have to meet your sailor at the pass building to get on base. If you are driving on base with a rental , be sure to bring your rental agreemen with. We had to go back to the hotel to get ours. Luckily we had time. Yikes. Enjoy. We even drove to New York City. Had a blast
Mar 10, 2012
missin'mybrowneyedboy
Hello SECF Moms, My son graduates from A school April 5th and then is coming back to WA(HURRAY!!!!) to join the USS Kentucky in Bangor. Obviously, I'm late to this group as far as school goes, but am hoping to learn more about the next 4+ years as he continues as a STS. I'm excited about going to his graduation(really regret missing BESS) and plan to remember to maintain "proper military bearing" with all the hugs! Sooo hard to do: }
Mar 11, 2012
palmbeachnavymom
lynnvikings-Thank you for the heads up on the rental car. We are actually going up on Wed and going snowboarding on the weekend with our submariner as he just received his blue card. YIPPEE! Can't wait.
Mar 11, 2012
lynnvikings
Palmbeachnavymom, Enjoy your time with your Sailor. Snowboarding will be a blast!! You will Love BESS GRADUATION! We even went down to the port and got to see the subs that were there. Eight of them were there, they were fast attack subs....hmmmm i will have to study.
Mar 11, 2012
Kaitlin
Hi new to the site and group. My husband leaves for boot camp on 6/6 and will be in the SECF program why I am here. So I thought I would say hi to everyone.
Mar 21, 2012
palmbeachnavymom
Well, my son's graduation from BESS is this Monday, March 26th. We were going to go but he said he would rather us wait and come to his graduation from A-school in 6 months. He said it is bigger and more exciting. I feel bad we won't be there but he assured us that it was no big deal. Am I being bushwacked by my sailor? Should I just show up on Sunday night and say "surprise" or should I save my money and go when he graduates from A-school? We are from FL and the airfare is expensive. Help!
Mar 21, 2012
lynnvikings
I loved the BESS graduation. i have not heard much at all about attending A school graduation in groton...has anyone attended A school graduation in Groton ? BESS is a great one to attend.!!! i loved it.
Mar 21, 2012
MamaMiri (FT)
The BESS graduation is great! The A School graduation is a little bit smaller since it's only the SECF classes and not the MMs and the other guys that go to BESS as well, but it's a much bigger deal and a much bigger accomplishment. I went to both since I moved here to be with my husband a week before he graduated from BESS. Personally I would say if you can only attend one then go to the A School graduation.
Mar 21, 2012
Kaitlin
Hi everyone! My husband leaves for boot camp on 6/6 and will be in the SECF program why I am here. He is looking forward to it and we are excited for him.
Mar 21, 2012
missin'mybrowneyedboy
Hi palmbeachnavymom, I had planned on attending BESS graduation but due to some bizarre circumstances(my car was stolen, the thief got in a wreck, etc,etc)it didn't seem like it would work out, however I thought I could still "surprise" him and just "show" up. Well, as it turned out, there was a change of command on the original graduation date so the actual graduation was the day before I had planned the "surprise!" (He had not told me about the change because he didn't think I was coming, but fortunately I found out just in time about the command/graduation change. Unfortunately. I was not able to accommodate the new date, so, in the end, I did miss BESS graduation, which I regret.) So, if your son is a great communicator(or at least better than mine) and you're confident you won't be the one surprised(!) I think BESS would be great. However, I am going to my son's A school graduation on April 5th(CHANGED from April 6th!!!) One other thing to consider:I believe I would have been able to spend more time w my son post BESS graduation than I am now. He is flying out April 6th for his new station! Remind anyone of GL?!?
Mar 24, 2012
missin'mybrowneyedboy
Hi Kaitlin! All through my son's boot camp and during this time he has been on the opposite coast, I have thought about all the very different and very very difficult challenges wives have needed to face. Thank you to you (and your husband!) for making this commitment. Well, Re SEFC: One of the best things to happen is more COMMUNICATION!!! Hopefully, he will get his phone before flying out from Chicago, or even better, a laptop w Skype, which will improve things almost instantly: ) So, on arrival in Groton he will start working on some mandatory reqiurements known as "qualifications" aka "quals." His first class will be BESS(Basic Enlisted Submarine School) which may start right away or may be delayed if he needs to "class up", simply meaning they won't start until there are enough there for a full class. During BESS he will also "phase up." Phasing up is related to "liberty cards"(white, yellow, blue) each having some restrictions but also more freedoms. Unfortunately, if someone in his class behaves immaturely, everyone is effected and all will lose privileges. Beware of getting "bleached!" BESS is a set 8 weeks. More hands on, such as more intense fire and water control and the infamous "escape trainer", etc, There is a very special graduation at the end BESS. All the "moms" highly reccommend attending if you possibly can. As of now, the next schools are ATT (Apprentice Technical Training) and TCNO (Tactical Computer Network Operator). These classes are self paced and are intense in a different way. My son labeled TCNO "The Beast" It seems everyone is on their own in these classes as no one is particularly interested in "study groups." Sigh. Wait times between these classes is also possible. No graduation ceremony related to finishing these. And, finally, is SEFC. My son had a great instructor, which of course, was a real advantage for him. Hoping the same for your husband. So, between boot and BESS and ATT and TCNO and A school, it takes about a year. My son graduates on April 5th which is one week and one day shy from when he left MEPS. Hopefully, you two will be together ASAP. I have seen posts from "subby'swife" in the Groton group which I'm sure will be a great help to you. She is living there now so she is definitely the one to get to know. Be sure to look at the "pages" on the Groton and Sub moms site, too. Well, hope this wasn't TMI! Truly wishing the best for you and yours and your Navy future together: )
Mar 28, 2012
missin'mybrowneyedboy
Kaitlin. Oops. After that very looong entry, I noticed I didn't specify SEFC "A" school as the final class. My son is STS but I believe all the rates take the same pre classes but w the SEFC "A" school specific to them. I will appreciate a correction if this is inccurate: )
Mar 28, 2012
Mark
You pretty much nailed it - nice job. It's actually SECF, though... :)
Mar 28, 2012
KathyMmom
We stayed at the Hamden Inn in Mystic which was fine and I'm trying to remember one of the places we had dinner in Mystic - captain something maybe, but great tilapia there. :-)
Mar 28, 2012
missin'mybrowneyedboy
Argh! Of course, SECF!!! Earlier this evening I was telling my daughter we were going to her brother's "Submarine Electronics Computer Field" A school graduation so I had the letters in the correct order then but now I'm not certain if that's what the letters mean!
Mar 29, 2012
MamaMiri (FT)
Generally they try to get you to wait until after BESS- mostly I think because such a large number of guys either get sent surface or get processed out of the Navy for various reasons before completing school, and many of that number don't even finish BESS. But, technically, you qualify for the move as soon as they get assigned their rate (FT, ETcomm/nav, or STS) and they get their orders to the rest of school which since he is married will include orders for relocation with dependents. He will need to get official permission from his chain of command to move you before the end of BESS (I believe because it involves him then living out of the barracks when you arrive), which involves talking to his Chiefs, possibly Master Chief but I can't remember for sure, it was over a year ago now that we went through this. I moved with our son the week before he graduated from BESS, but found out later that we could have moved 2 weeks sooner but his Petty Officer gave him wrong information. Not all of the instructors are really informed on what is allowed for married Sailors because so few of the students are married. But, you definitely cannot move until he gets his orders- housing, personal property, and PSD will all need those orders (and I seem to remember something about 342 instead of 341 if I have the numbers right, authorizing a move with dependents rather than without) before they will do anything on the Navy's dime.
Apr 10, 2012
MamaMiri (FT)
If he is a submariner in the SECF field, then yes, Groton is where he is going. :) BESS is 8 weeks, and he will be assigned his specific rate (ET, FT, or STS) during BESS, a few weeks in. His orders for the rest of school will be posted shortly after, I think within a week or two after he gets his rate. He will need to proactively check for them though, his instructor won't just tell him when they have been posted because for most of the other guys, it doesn't really matter. Once the orders are posted, you are authorized to live in housing and the Navy will pay for your move. BUT. Your husband will still need to get permission from the Chiefs if you move before the end of BESS because it means he moves out of the barracks. Don't neglect that step or he will get in trouble.
As far as dogs, in housing you can have 2 pets. I don't believe there is a weight limit, but certain breeds are not allowed. Check with Belfour Beatty, they are the company that owns/runs the housing here, which is privatized. We don't have any pets right now so I'm not sure of specifics beyond that.
Apr 10, 2012
MamaMiri (FT)
No worries. Being on a sub is a pretty good gig as far as jobs in the Navy go. Classes for this rate last about a year so you also get that long together before he starts going on deployments which is really nice. I was afraid at first that being on a sub would mean that I would never see him, I had read some things that said they are out to sea all the time and have frequent deployments. The reality is yes, deployments are more frequent than surface ships, but they are also shorter. There are also short underways which are a couple weeks to a couple months long, not a full deployment. They also spend a pretty good amount of time in port and you won't have the types of deployments where they are gone for 12-18 months straight. Works for me. Roll with it and enjoy the adventure. He will do well if he works hard and stays out of trouble.
Apr 10, 2012
Nana Donna (nanaTo2Saliors)
My grandson just finished his schooling in Groton and is now stationed in New Hampshire. He just moved his wife and daughter out there. Your sailor has to arrange for the mover to come and get your stuff, they will pack it and move it. I takes about 2-3 weeks to get there. In his case his wife was staying with his Mom so she did not move till the furniture got there so she just flew out on Sunday and they are reimbursing him for her flight. Another piece of good info is that Southwest Airlines allows you 9 bags when flying on military orders. She had 7 bags much needed with flying/moving with a 1 year old. But he needs to start the process. The movers will also take the furniture to storage should you need it done that way. They do NOT pay for the move of a car that you pay out of pocket
Apr 11, 2012
MamaMiri (FT)
If you move yourself (called a DITY move) you can get a percentage of the cost for moving your goods up front, but make sure your Sailor (once he has orders) sits down and has an in-depth appointment with Personal Property before doing ANYTHING. They skimped on talking in detail with my husband and we claimed too much, and ended up owing the Navy some of that money back (but they took months to let us know about it...ugh). Otherwise, the Navy will handle the move and you won't pay out of pocket, their movers come and pack and transport everything. They will not pay anything up front for your travel/car. You pay that out of pocket, file when you get there and then will be reimbursed for it.
Apr 11, 2012
KLSchisler
When is BESS? Is that right after boot camp? I am also trying to find out when the soonest I can be with my husband, but he is still in boot. graduates may 25th.
Apr 16, 2012
MamaMiri (FT)
Yes, BESS is 8 weeks long, right after boot camp, in Groton. The soonest you can move out with the Navy paying for your move and eligible to live in "base" housing (it's not actually on base, but around the base, and owned/managed by a private/civilian company therefore referred to as "privatized" housing, but it is what we commonly think of as base housing) is after he gets his new/updated orders for after BESS which is usually a few weeks in. They prefer that you not move until after BESS though, and if you do, he needs to get it signed off by the Chiefs before housing and personal property (which handles the move) will work with you, if I recall it's mostly because he needs permission to move out of the barracks. But you CAN move once he has his orders and they have 342 orders on them, which means authorized to move WITH dependents.
Apr 16, 2012