SECF - ET & FT & STS

This site is for ETs & FTs & STS who are in the submarine field. My son is an ET/COMM
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  • hvnlysentxoxo

    Hi there! My husband just got to Groton 2 weeks ago! He's FT. Was wondering if anyone here has a son/husband that went FT and how long the entire schooling process took before he got his first duty station? Thank you :)

  • LaxDogsMom

    I just uploaded photos from the ET Radio Graduation on 7/24/2014.  Look for your sailor here!

    http://navyformoms.com/photo/albums/groton-a-school-et-radio-grad-7...

  • Ladyrocker

    My sailor son is also a FT and arrived in Groton on June 15th. he will be graduating this Friday the 22nd from BESS 2nd in his class with a 99.5 GPA! One proud Momma here. Wish I was able to attend but unfortunately I can not. It was also his first choice. God bless all our Sailors and their families.

  • Bainite

    My sailor is currently in the 8-week BESS school.  What week do they find out their rating?  (ET Radio/ET Nav/Fire Control/Sonar).  Also, do they get to state their preference?

  • Rhonda8881

    I think they find out toward the end of the class. They can request, but if the teachers think they would be better at something else they can be given a different rating.  When my sailor was in BESS (7.5 years ago) he wanted FT. He was told he would be ET/Nav. He was angry at first but after talking about it with others he realized it was better for him and it has been.  His roommate at the time was teasing him about not getting FT like the roommate did. We found out you have to score higher to be ET/Nav and once he knew that he was okay with it.  He has been very successful in his rate.

  • LindaGirl

    Hi everyone, just happened to come across this group, while browsing through comments on Sub Moms & thought I scould be in this group as well. My son is STS on a sub that is currently deployed, so I can't ask him anything, but does STS stand for Sonar Tech Specialst? I'm just guessing, as I can't think of anything else that would make sense, considering those initials.
  • LindaGirl

    Also, what do all the other abreviations in this group stand for: SECF, ET, and FT? Thanks any info.
  • Ladyrocker

    Like baby dukie's mama FT=Fire Control Tech. My son is one also. Graduates A school on April 10 and although its close right now he is first in his class. He got his orders on Thursday and will stay in Groton. He was assigned to the USS Minnesota .......

  • Jujugirl

    I am glad to find this group. My son just arrived in Groton and is on two week hold before starting BESS. I am new to military life and am glad to be able to read information about what he has chosen to do. Thank you for allowing me to join.
  • Ichiban71

    My son just signed his contract to join. His boot camp is on August 27th. Then it's off to Groton for A school. He scored well on his ASVAB but he really wanted to do CTI but didn't do so well Dlab test and the next thing wanted to do is electrical and/or computer. I hope that he made the right decision.
  • Jujugirl

    Got a message from my son. He got the rate he wanted. He will be FT. Very happy for him.
  • tidefan

    My sailor finishes A school in July. He has his orders but his "boat" is being built. He had hoped to do ride a longs to work on his dolphins. One of the instructors told him that he might have to go to more classes while waiting for his boat.What classes. His rate is STS

  • itskrma4u

    My son is in Boot camp...22 days remaining....where will his A School be for SECF?  He is writing something about "flying out" the day after graduation on August 14, 2015.  I am guessing that means he is headed to Connecticut?  Any input appreciated....any input for past mom's on where to stay for graduation and how all that timeline plays out...would also be appreciated! :)

  • Bri'sMom940

     itskrma4u

    Looks like your son left the same day my daughter did.  She flew out on Sun afternoon the 16th.  In CT now for sub school/ A school.

  • Rhonda8881

    Just stopped by to say hello!  I hope all of your sailors are doing well.

  • DianaLynn

    My son is in BESS and recently got his job...an ET-NAV, which wasn't his first choice, but he is getting positive comments from others so it is growing on him. :)   Seems like a good fit for my kid who loved going to the electronics section of the resale shop, purchase electronics, and take them apart. :)  Also, his dad worked in the IT Navigation field for many years. 

    Glad to be learning a little more about the next steps of his journey!

  • DianaLynn

    He arrived on 8/29. When he told us his job last week, he was under the impression he was learning it early so I am not sure if this is typical.

  • Rhonda8881

    DianaLynn, my sailor is an ETNav and it wasn't his first choice either.  He wanted FT but the Navy decided Nav would be his job.  He has never regretted it!  He has been enlisted for almost 9 years now and has done a fantastic job. That position requires a very smart person so your son should feel good about that.

  • DianaLynn

    Rhonda8881, thanks for sharing. That is encouraging!

  • Rhonda8881

    baby dukie's mama....

    Maybe the Navy decided that it would be better if my sailor had nothing to do with the weapons!!!!!!!  Hahahahahaha!

  • Texasmom

    My son just enlisted tO'Day at meps, for SECF. Said he'll go to A school in CT for 9 wks and then to San Diego or VA for C school. His twin brother just graduated bootcamp 11/13, CTN, and is at A school pennsacola.
    Any direction as to what to read online here or grps to join, etc, appreciated. My just married prior to meps. So have a newly married, young couple. Any info welcome.
  • Texasmom

    Do all the rates, et, ft and sts all go out to sea, "in a tiny submarine" the same amount if time. Or are certain rates out more?
    Do all three of those rates have a school at groton, or which go to maine? Ga? May have tjose bases wrong
  • Texasmom

    And my son 8s married so will navy move wife there? I understand has to be after bess. Well is it after bess when sailirs allowed off base? Do spouses come before sometimes, make the move and get settled in, even 8f can't see sailor.
  • Texasmom

    Thanks mimi. How did he decide on et/radio? And was it h8s first choice? Do yu know if any of the rates go to other bases for a schools? Will yur son have a C school? And will he be out on sub, at sea alot? That's alot of questions. Just answer if yu got anything to share. Thanks!!
  • Texasmom

    Do they not only put in a first second third choice,, but also have to test for rates?
  • Texasmom

    And am I understanding that some rates will complete A school in bangor WA , and some in kings bay georgia? Know Which ones ?
  • Texasmom

    Ok I have Another question for my son and h8s wife. Hell be going to groton for S schll after bootcamp. He and h8s wife are trying to get an idea of what t9 expect for her mov8ng there asap. They know he'll leave bc day after pir, and be required to stay on base for a time after arriving till phases up to a can leave base phase. Sooo, when can wife come, get an apt, or maybe stay in hotel, ??
  • Texasmom

    Typos! !!! A SCHOOL.
  • KKristen

    Merry Christmas! Is anyone else's son in Newport News, Va?
  • Rhonda8881

    Welcome Navymom9828. My sailor has been working as ET/NAV for over 8 years now. He is stationed in Hawaii and loves his job. The Navy has been great for him.

  • tidefan

    I have been a member here just did not post. My sailor is stationed in Groton on the Colorado. Any other Colorado moms here?

  • Texasmom

    Comment by Texasmom 35 minutes ago
    Delete Comment
    Hi. It's been a while since I was last on sight. 3 weeks till married son ships out to bootcamp and then to groton ct. Trying to understand a bit further, what son and daughter-n-law can expect as far as her getting to ct to accompany hubby. My understanding is bc, then to ct for indoc and tgen BESS basic sub schooling, then just prior to graduating from BESS, will get orders for Which job, thus which A school. Then qualufy for accompany orders for wide to join him.
    Has anyone recently gone thru the process, who can share some details. Anything they need to do before he leaves for bootcamp to assure best transition? Anyone's spouse move up sooner, see hubby at his,availability during his first wks at school, prior to his being completely qualified for navy housing, navy move? Does wife have to be on this end when navy moves belongings up to ct, or can i, his mom be here for shipping household goods? Any recommendations greatly appreciated on any of this! Thanks!!!!
  • Texasmom

    Dani1324, thanks bunches. Great info!! How,are yu looking for housing? Craigslist? And apartment? How close to base? What area yu looking in? Or just looking blindly? Will yu be moving household belongings after gets his orders after bess? Or just moving up wth yurself and suitcase? I understand the not wanting to wait more time for bess to end. Are yu basically handling the housing search and moving details yurself, since hubby busy wth school and limited contact? Or do yu have gelp from family members or plenty of opportunity to communicate wth hubby and wrk on this together? Thanks for sharing yur experience. It will greatly enhance my son and dtr n laws upcoming plans. Best wishes and prayers
  • Texasmom

    Dani1324, great. Thanks for further communication when yur available. Mines prob set to private? Due to son's twin brothers security rating... But if so can friend. Thanks bunches!!
  • Texasmom

    Dani1324, thanks. Just accepted
  • Mandy

    Question. How often does Sub school start? My son is on hold.
  • Mandy

    Thanks!
  • Confetti

    Love all the great input from everyone thanks for keeping me in the loop & apart of this group.

  • Rhonda8881

    Just want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

  • TheRedheadsWife

    Does anyone know where I can find more information on A school? Anyone had any experience with A school having dependents?

  • Rhonda8881

    I suggest you look at the Sub Moms group if you can.  There is a lot of information on their page. Or search for A school if you haven't yet.  Good luck

  • Hazel_04

    Hi everyone! I'm new here. My fiancée is in boot camp right now and she'll be going to Groton for A school. Signed up for SECF and is planning to take STS for specialization.

  • CM

    Hello Hazel_04.   So glad you posted. This group is not very active, but ive kept my settings so that if anyone posts I get alerted!   My son graduated from Boot Camp June 15th, and is in BESS school for SECF.  He is doing fantastic.  This site was wonderful for support and answering questions.  

  • Hazel_04

    Thanks for replying, CM 2. Im glad someone is still active in this group. I just have a question. After BESS, are they given a break before starting A school?

  • CM

    Hazel, no way to know. Sometimes they have to wait .....sometimes start right away. :) 

  • Hazel_04

    Oh, I see. Thanks! What specialization is your son planning to take, by the way?

  • CM

    You're welcome! He thinks his orders are for sonar. 

  • Hazel_04

    CM: Nice! My fiancée likes to take up sonar for specialization too. 

  • Gloria P.

    Hi everyone. I haven't been on here for a long while. I hope all on my group are doing well and enjoy telling stories or question on their sailors. My son is no longer serving. We are so proud of the 8 years he did. Now he is in college getting a degree in Electrical Engineering. We will always be a Navy family. To all who are serving our great Nation....FAIR WINDS AND FOLLOWING SEAS

  • LindaGirl

    Best of luck to your son, Gloria in his new career after he completes his Engineering Degree.  Thank him for his 8 years of Service.  I’m sure looking back now, it probably went by really fast!