Thanks, all, for your responses. As the mom of a a DLI person, was trying to locate a private family page for this group similar to what we benefitted from with the PIR FB page, while understanding the sensitivity of the information/sharing. If anyone knows of a private existing group please let me know. Blessings!
Our CTI2B arrived last night at DLI with the rest of cohort from graduating class. He will class up in a week. Any advice to pass on about housing, services (internet?), etc. helpful.
Hi SCNavy2015- thank you for your loved one's service. Our CTI2B classed-up in early September and it's been wonderful. Internet is very poor there. They are given top notch Macs and Ipads for coursework, and even have internet based homework but the internet is terrible- surprising when you consider Palo Alto is up the road so to speak and that our CTI's 2B are part of our "Information Dominance" force. Must be security related. Mail all goes to one address but there are apparently no personal 'mailboxes'. What we've found is that it's better to pay for the flat rate, large flat US Mail Priority Mail envelope and put cards and letters inside that. I won't quote the mailing address just in case something is different for your loved one. Housing is nice and duty is far less rigorous than Army/USMC. There are still weekly room inspections (never hurts- hygiene is good!). We also got the go ahead from our CTI2B to ship their civilian clothes about two weeks after classing up (basically 2-3 weeks after arrival) if they get the okay. The food is great and there are a lot of food trucks on base with all sorts of cuisine and also delivery services but encourage your CTI2B to go easy. They have small refrigerators (but no kitchens) and use the mess hall and save their precious $$ for weekends out (which is good mentally). The gym facilities are top-notch, too. Also volunteer for things- it's encouraged and also good for bonding, good for the mind/soul, too. Don't get a car- use UBER- they all do and it's safe but still travel in groups- it's good for class commaradarie, too. Hope that helps!
DNavyFamily thank you so much. Super helpful. Too bad about Internet quality. My son is a silicon valley boy, will probably drive him nuts. Oh well. The environment sounds fantastic. Love the volunteer recommendation. Thanks about car, we debated driving his over eventually. He really doesn't need extra cost or hassle. Looking forward to hearing more as things progress. Thanks!
BTW, if anyone is visiting their sailor in Pensacola, I just stayed at the TownPlace Suites on Creighton in Pensacola. Great place to stay and only 15 min from Corry Station. Downtown easy to get to as well. Staff is incredible and we had a suite with a kitchen and 2 rooms. Perfect for "space" which our sailor misses -- hasn't been in a house since January. Hope this helps!
Does anyone know, can a sailor have their car during "A" School? I didn't know if they could since our sons/daughters will be in "A" school for so long.
Yes hanncam. Students are allowed to have cars, but have rules regarding parking, etc. Only one sailor in my wife's division has a vehicle (besides us since we live off base).
I have been saving up and was planning on buying a car over Christmas back home and then driving back to the DLI (if all goes well with basic training that'd be about 3 months after I arrived). Is this a bad idea? Should I not get one?
Definitely! Cars out there are expensive and as long as you know you can make it back with no issues and it's noted in your leave chit you will be fine. They have Uber getting very popular out there now but a car allows you so much more freedom and really cool adventures. Parking will be terrible as they are doing a lot of construction on post but you'll get by! Seriously though my car kept me sane as there is not much to do with in Monterey county limits other than drink
By all means, if you can bring your car, do it! You most likely will be walking to class, PT, etc., but you'll want to see things in the area. Big Sur is gorgeous and only 30 mins away, San Fran is only 2 hours, silicon valley is an hour, so you'll want to see the stuff while you're here and have a way to get back to family during exodus!
Daughter uses public transportation and uber. She goes to the beach, shopping, and out to eat when not studying, pt, watch, and volunteering. She has been there for 5 months and has 13 months to go. So far she has not requested a car even though she has the money to purchase one. We advised her to look at the challenges of selling the car when she has to leave. The expense and upkeep did not equal the convience of a car.
Except I should mention he took 3 weeks leave & traveled to Europe on military flights for free - so he only had to pay for accommodations once he got there.
Help your future CTI keep a "cup half full- not half empty' good attitude. There are so many places to visit/vacation- if they avoid spending their entire paycheck on dumb cars and insurance, they'll have a ton of money saved, plenty for travel. And even if they are in Hawaii, there are cheap jaunts to the far east, or if they are at Ft. Gordon, you can go see so many great places in our own country- Hilton Head, the Appalachians, DC, Orlando, Key West- all long weekend getaways. Work hard, work out, CLEP out of some college 101 courses, and play hard on weekends or take leave. Take massive advantage of MWR trips, too. Every kid should be run through a Dave Ramsey course during basic and a refresher in A or C school. I understand though- some duty for a first enlistment can seem like it has nothing to do with seeing the world- but make the most out of it- success is more good attitude- the travel and great things will follow!
Thank you DNavyFamily for the input. I have been reading the comments and my advise to my DLI student CTI wannabe is to use her leave to be a tourist around the world. Her career in the Navy is to do her job to the best of her ability and beyond. All the Navy gives her is the perks of the job. She does not want the charge cards and debt. She does not eat out all the time and uses public transportation. Currently her job is to be the best student she can and learn her language. 13 more months to go then the DLPT. PRAYING FOR HER DAILY.
Our prayers and support for you CTI to be!!! Sounds like she has awesome family support. On a side note, I hear great things about the free tutoring, too btw. Our CTI 2 B got one and the test scores are stronger than ever. It takes up more free time after class but again parents out there, it means less rampant spending and eating out all the time and good GPA DOES have an impact on duty stations and promotability. A CTO or CTR get promoted based on proficiency with equipment use and maintenance; a CTI gets promoted in part based on language skill so good on you bbcregular and all other parents for keeping your loved one motivated, supported, and for helping them keep an eye on the prize- whether a rewarding 20-30 year career or even post college work in international commerce, the State Department, or as an educator. There are so many blessings that will come from some flat-out, agonizing at times, challenging academics there at DLI. The best is yet to come...
I also told my daughter the same thing bbcregular suggested. She had seemed disappointed about the fact that she might not travel much but when I suggested that, she perked up. I told her she gets great time off and good pay to do something that might be hard work but she still enjoys it. "Save your money and choose where you get to enjoy your time off instead of having the navy direct where you get shipped". She seems happier about it now. Like she's remembered that her goal was more about being in the Navy than about being a CTI
There is so much of an opportunity for these young adults to set themselves up for future financial success. My guy has been in for four and a half years, and he has been able to save over $50,000 (not counting his Thrift Savings Plan investment) over the course of his enlistment so far. So many wonderful things come from this opportunity. Travel might not be one of them. But there are so many others that totally make up for it.
You are awesome parents- they are still so young and that encouragement helps power their success. Also to all the others with CTIs2B out there, just because basic is over, keep writing and keep going with little care packages every once in a while. Our kiddo said that DLI is 100x harder than Basic and she loved the letters at Great Lakes but gets more energy out of the ones she gets now even though they can text, call, go out on weekends and things. It means a lot.
I am new to this site. I currently have a son who is PIR group 3/4/16. In communicating with those moms I have learned that there is someone on this sight by the name of Craig (not sure if that is a first or last name) who makes Challenge Coins. I am interested in getting in touch with him to see about getting a Challenge Coin for my son as a graduation gift. Thanks for any and all information!!
Good morning navymom- do you mean a challenge coin from Great Lakes or DLI? If you are looking for one to give him at PIR from Great Lakes, MWR sells them (and water/coffee/snacks actually during the actual PIR ceremony and they sell Great Lakes/Basic challenge coins). Get one there because that will be his first and where the adventure begins. As for a CTI/DLI one- hopefully someone else will respond for info on that. I'm sure there's one out there- just not sure on the very latest.
Keep those letters coming. They look forward to mail call so much. I had a schedule made so that everyday someone was supposed to send her a piece of mail. Since calls were few and far between it really helped her connect to home, especially since she missed Christmas. Good luck!
You can send flowers via UPS but must be the kind simply shipped in a box (1-800 flowers does that I recall) but you cannot send arrangements in a vase. Plus you have to let your CTI2B they are being delivered- you can't surprise them so to speak- all mail and UPS/FedEx goes to their Caffrey Rd mail receiving quarterdeck and is stowed until the person goes to check in with the mail petty officer and the hours are not always friendly. 75% of the time they miss getting a chance to go by and pickup mail or boxes due to class schedules not meshing with mail hours and there are no weekend pickups. HOWEVER, I hope someone can pipe in with anything different or new because our CTI2B said they just replaced the mail petty officer or something to that effect. I know we've had concerns because two very plain, no valuables or check filled letters have not been received. I'm almost about to call the command- that is one thing that is sacred to our service members whether students or deployed- you do NOT impede the mail. Sorry- had to vent.
During our CTI's time at DLI, his schedule did not mesh with the mailroom schedule at all. Packages would languish for long periods of time before he ever had an opportunity to pick them up. Some were never received by him. Honestly, this is an issue military-wide. Every time we lived in on-base housing it was virtually the same thing. My son at the Air Force Academy has the same issues.
I concur with Lisa when I was active duty, too! I hate to be biased but the individuals who go Navy Storekeeper or Mail Clerk (the actual rate escapes me now) aren't known for their high ASVABs or motivation. Nuff said.
On a positive note, we are considering getting ours an UPS Store or something mail box where they can get packages after hours and weekends and RELIABLY. When I was active duty and stationed stateside, I always got one single or married- they were far better about getting things set aside, never missed a signature delivery. Also, its a good place for them to do any power of attorney paperwork since most have a notary, make copies and things like help selling a car back home, college/high school transcripts, etc.
AND they will forward your mail PROPERLY to your next command. Once you left a command and like Lisa said- it's a military mail handing thing- you were really lucky to get any mail forwarded to your next command.
I didn't mean to imply anything negative about the AD individuals manning the mail centers. In fact, on one base on which we lived the post office was staffed by postal employees. Yet, we had the exact same problems. At the Air Force Academy, the post office is staffed by postal employees. Yet, my other son has the same problems. The short hours is one of the main issues.
It's not just mail that doesn't mesh with class schedules. Everything on base closes at 1600 or 1630 (which means 1600, apparently). PT 3 days a week at 1615, plus the time it takes to walk everywhere leaves hardly anytime to even get to the buildings after class. Because of this, lunch time is the only time to go to admin/mail/legal/TO so you're there with the rest of the base!
We shipped all her civilian clothes in numerous small boxes over time after the first few weeks and they got there, too. It seems the weakest link is on flat cards and letters- and those are what often count the most. JHubby nailed it too on their schedule- we even write in our CTI2B's language (thanks Google Translate!!!!!) about family, friends, and to offer support so that is disappointing when those don't arrive.
Rebecca...how about a priority mail box with some Dollar Store Rose petals? I also have a Marine and that's what I did for he and his roommate's Valentines. Used beautiful red and pink duct tape too...serves those Marine right!!! LOL
Babs - congratulations to your sailor!! Mine son also studied Mandarin, he's been at his duty station for about 1 1/2 years now. Your son is probably at the same place as my son...I think they pretty much go to the same spot. My son is working on renting his first (EVER) apartment! I'm super excited for him. Hoping to go visit this summer...wish I was there now to help me buy stuff for his new place....
I am unsure if I can talk about a closed FB group of which I am an Administrator for...Navy Support for Parents and Families. Medium sized group but NO DRAMA! Lots of warm, nurturing support.
Hi everyone! My boyfriend is currently at boot camp with a rating of CTI, so pending clearance, he'll be a "CTI2B." I have gotten most of my information about basic from here, but still have lots of questions about A school!
Is there a decent amount of storage space in their room for clothes, etc once they phase up?
Is it true that once they reach phase three, they are permitted overnights on weekends?
I'm sure it changes, but has there been a pattern of which airport/what time your new sailor flew to Monterey from basic?
Do most students have to wait an extended period of time before starting class?
He went into basic as E-3. I know there are tests and certain things he has to do to become E-4, but does anyone know how long that typically takes/is it usually given after A school is over?
All I can think of for now! So nice to have a group of (mostly) women to discuss things with and get support from. We are from the East Coast, so I am planning a West Coast move this summer to be closer. Any thoughts on that idea?
And one more -- I read it depends on their languages where they get stationed, but the main locations are Ft Meade, Georgia, Hawaii and Texas? True/False?
Okay so I'm not a mom but I'm actually Cti. To answer the first question he will have a lot of space I was able to manage most of the stuff. He will be able to stay out overnight but must be back for duty and class and stay within a 250 mile range. They've recently had a change of command so the 250 mile range may have changed. There is no set flight path to get there but typically they will get flown into a major airport and then flown into Monterey and picked up by the watch . If he passes then he will put on e4 either at dli if his graduation falls on a certain date or he will take on within a month of being at his duty station. I do not I do not
Cut me off twice now so I apologize but don't move out there. It's extremely expensive and then he will not be stationed out there as you stated those are the main locations dependent on language. So you would basically move across country twice. With no financial help but if you guys do get married while he's out there then the Navy will pay to have moved both of you to the next duty station. Definitely not a reason to get married unless you're absolutely sure.
agreed with ejrwelch. My now husband and I recently got married over the summer. While he was stationed at DLI i stayed back home and we made it work long distance. It is extremely expensive to live there without BAH. we got married a few months before he graduated DLI so that they would move us across the country. but yes depending on the language those are the places he can be stationed afterwards. if you have any questions, feel free to message me or email if you would like to know more. My husband graduated DLI in october and we have been stationed in our new location since november. so all very new and i know how hard it is to live away from your CTI, but if it is meant to be, trust me, it will work.
I cannot agree more and we are loving mixed civilian and active duty Navy family so we aren't seeing this through only one side or the other- I strongly concur that moving out there is not a good idea on many levels. Cost is #1- you are better off staying gainfully employed at a lower cost in your area than following your CTI2B out there. Secondly, the language instruction, military side duties, standing watch allow almost NO time for family life. It's like going to law or medical school. Look back through this thread- it's hard for a student to even get their mail time wise. We aren't talking "Oh you can help them get the mail" I'm talking that your CTI2B won't have time for even you. Not doubting at all you are in love and that love and support is a good thing, but it can and often does not work out the way you guys think it will. However, Ia couple great visits, long weekends are doable and can be a plus once he phases up. It's difficult for our UBER sharp CTI2B to even text us except weekends. It requires medical/law school dedication and focus. It's not a time for playing house.(no offense- but you know what I mean). Save it for the next duty station. You'll thank all of us. Tell your CTI2B to change rates and change now if you all can't handle this, are insecure about the separation. Save your money and you both work hard. You will be challenged to find a job out there, as well. Being there to help with laundry or cooking isn't a help if he has to be rushing out the door anyhow. AND... the cost of an apartment out there is going to be way over an E3's budget- it's a non-event. Sorry so extreme but I hate seeing this sort of thing over and over in my past Navy life and also our kids on active duty on both coasts and their friends/fellow shipmates. Patience is a virtue and that's why that saying even exists. Hang in there!!
Nita
Thanks, all, for your responses. As the mom of a a DLI person, was trying to locate a private family page for this group similar to what we benefitted from with the PIR FB page, while understanding the sensitivity of the information/sharing. If anyone knows of a private existing group please let me know. Blessings!
Oct 19, 2015
SCNavy2015
Our CTI2B arrived last night at DLI with the rest of cohort from graduating class. He will class up in a week. Any advice to pass on about housing, services (internet?), etc. helpful.
Oct 25, 2015
DNavyFamily
Hi SCNavy2015- thank you for your loved one's service. Our CTI2B classed-up in early September and it's been wonderful. Internet is very poor there. They are given top notch Macs and Ipads for coursework, and even have internet based homework but the internet is terrible- surprising when you consider Palo Alto is up the road so to speak and that our CTI's 2B are part of our "Information Dominance" force. Must be security related. Mail all goes to one address but there are apparently no personal 'mailboxes'. What we've found is that it's better to pay for the flat rate, large flat US Mail Priority Mail envelope and put cards and letters inside that. I won't quote the mailing address just in case something is different for your loved one. Housing is nice and duty is far less rigorous than Army/USMC. There are still weekly room inspections (never hurts- hygiene is good!). We also got the go ahead from our CTI2B to ship their civilian clothes about two weeks after classing up (basically 2-3 weeks after arrival) if they get the okay. The food is great and there are a lot of food trucks on base with all sorts of cuisine and also delivery services but encourage your CTI2B to go easy. They have small refrigerators (but no kitchens) and use the mess hall and save their precious $$ for weekends out (which is good mentally). The gym facilities are top-notch, too. Also volunteer for things- it's encouraged and also good for bonding, good for the mind/soul, too. Don't get a car- use UBER- they all do and it's safe but still travel in groups- it's good for class commaradarie, too. Hope that helps!
Oct 26, 2015
SCNavy2015
DNavyFamily thank you so much. Super helpful. Too bad about Internet quality. My son is a silicon valley boy, will probably drive him nuts. Oh well. The environment sounds fantastic. Love the volunteer recommendation. Thanks about car, we debated driving his over eventually. He really doesn't need extra cost or hassle. Looking forward to hearing more as things progress. Thanks!
Oct 26, 2015
Hey Lady!
Our wireless data plan is costing a fortune. Can a sailor get a dedicated line for themselves while at Corry Station? Anyone have any ideas?
Oct 26, 2015
Hey Lady!
BTW, if anyone is visiting their sailor in Pensacola, I just stayed at the TownPlace Suites on Creighton in Pensacola. Great place to stay and only 15 min from Corry Station. Downtown easy to get to as well. Staff is incredible and we had a suite with a kitchen and 2 rooms. Perfect for "space" which our sailor misses -- hasn't been in a house since January. Hope this helps!
Oct 26, 2015
hanncam
Does anyone know, can a sailor have their car during "A" School? I didn't know if they could since our sons/daughters will be in "A" school for so long.
Nov 28, 2015
JHubby
Nov 28, 2015
Jack
Thanks
Nov 28, 2015
elliluvs
Nov 28, 2015
JHubby
Nov 28, 2015
KC'smom
Nov 28, 2015
bbcregular
Nov 28, 2015
KC'smom
Jan 19, 2016
KC'smom
Jan 19, 2016
Lisa (A-Mac's mom)
Kelli,
Mine has been in four years. He has never deployed and will not deploy before his enlistment is up.
Jan 19, 2016
DNavyFamily
Help your future CTI keep a "cup half full- not half empty' good attitude. There are so many places to visit/vacation- if they avoid spending their entire paycheck on dumb cars and insurance, they'll have a ton of money saved, plenty for travel. And even if they are in Hawaii, there are cheap jaunts to the far east, or if they are at Ft. Gordon, you can go see so many great places in our own country- Hilton Head, the Appalachians, DC, Orlando, Key West- all long weekend getaways. Work hard, work out, CLEP out of some college 101 courses, and play hard on weekends or take leave. Take massive advantage of MWR trips, too. Every kid should be run through a Dave Ramsey course during basic and a refresher in A or C school. I understand though- some duty for a first enlistment can seem like it has nothing to do with seeing the world- but make the most out of it- success is more good attitude- the travel and great things will follow!
Jan 19, 2016
bbcregular
Jan 19, 2016
DNavyFamily
Our prayers and support for you CTI to be!!! Sounds like she has awesome family support. On a side note, I hear great things about the free tutoring, too btw. Our CTI 2 B got one and the test scores are stronger than ever. It takes up more free time after class but again parents out there, it means less rampant spending and eating out all the time and good GPA DOES have an impact on duty stations and promotability. A CTO or CTR get promoted based on proficiency with equipment use and maintenance; a CTI gets promoted in part based on language skill so good on you bbcregular and all other parents for keeping your loved one motivated, supported, and for helping them keep an eye on the prize- whether a rewarding 20-30 year career or even post college work in international commerce, the State Department, or as an educator. There are so many blessings that will come from some flat-out, agonizing at times, challenging academics there at DLI. The best is yet to come...
Jan 20, 2016
BrownEyedMomma
Jan 20, 2016
Lisa (A-Mac's mom)
There is so much of an opportunity for these young adults to set themselves up for future financial success. My guy has been in for four and a half years, and he has been able to save over $50,000 (not counting his Thrift Savings Plan investment) over the course of his enlistment so far. So many wonderful things come from this opportunity. Travel might not be one of them. But there are so many others that totally make up for it.
Jan 20, 2016
DNavyFamily
You are awesome parents- they are still so young and that encouragement helps power their success. Also to all the others with CTIs2B out there, just because basic is over, keep writing and keep going with little care packages every once in a while. Our kiddo said that DLI is 100x harder than Basic and she loved the letters at Great Lakes but gets more energy out of the ones she gets now even though they can text, call, go out on weekends and things. It means a lot.
Jan 20, 2016
navymom
I am new to this site. I currently have a son who is PIR group 3/4/16. In communicating with those moms I have learned that there is someone on this sight by the name of Craig (not sure if that is a first or last name) who makes Challenge Coins. I am interested in getting in touch with him to see about getting a Challenge Coin for my son as a graduation gift. Thanks for any and all information!!
Jan 31, 2016
DNavyFamily
Good morning navymom- do you mean a challenge coin from Great Lakes or DLI? If you are looking for one to give him at PIR from Great Lakes, MWR sells them (and water/coffee/snacks actually during the actual PIR ceremony and they sell Great Lakes/Basic challenge coins). Get one there because that will be his first and where the adventure begins. As for a CTI/DLI one- hopefully someone else will respond for info on that. I'm sure there's one out there- just not sure on the very latest.
Feb 1, 2016
MlsinOH
Hello fellow navymom - My daughter graduated Great Lakes January 2015 and I got her a CTI challenge coin from navy outfitters. Here is the website:
http://www.navyoutfitters.com Search for cryptologic. They also have a great lakes challenge coin.
You can have them engraved.
Keep those letters coming. They look forward to mail call so much. I had a schedule made so that everyday someone was supposed to send her a piece of mail. Since calls were few and far between it really helped her connect to home, especially since she missed Christmas. Good luck!
Feb 1, 2016
DNavyFamily
You can send flowers via UPS but must be the kind simply shipped in a box (1-800 flowers does that I recall) but you cannot send arrangements in a vase. Plus you have to let your CTI2B they are being delivered- you can't surprise them so to speak- all mail and UPS/FedEx goes to their Caffrey Rd mail receiving quarterdeck and is stowed until the person goes to check in with the mail petty officer and the hours are not always friendly. 75% of the time they miss getting a chance to go by and pickup mail or boxes due to class schedules not meshing with mail hours and there are no weekend pickups. HOWEVER, I hope someone can pipe in with anything different or new because our CTI2B said they just replaced the mail petty officer or something to that effect. I know we've had concerns because two very plain, no valuables or check filled letters have not been received. I'm almost about to call the command- that is one thing that is sacred to our service members whether students or deployed- you do NOT impede the mail. Sorry- had to vent.
Feb 5, 2016
Lisa (A-Mac's mom)
During our CTI's time at DLI, his schedule did not mesh with the mailroom schedule at all. Packages would languish for long periods of time before he ever had an opportunity to pick them up. Some were never received by him. Honestly, this is an issue military-wide. Every time we lived in on-base housing it was virtually the same thing. My son at the Air Force Academy has the same issues.
Feb 5, 2016
DNavyFamily
I concur with Lisa when I was active duty, too! I hate to be biased but the individuals who go Navy Storekeeper or Mail Clerk (the actual rate escapes me now) aren't known for their high ASVABs or motivation. Nuff said.
Feb 5, 2016
DNavyFamily
On a positive note, we are considering getting ours an UPS Store or something mail box where they can get packages after hours and weekends and RELIABLY. When I was active duty and stationed stateside, I always got one single or married- they were far better about getting things set aside, never missed a signature delivery. Also, its a good place for them to do any power of attorney paperwork since most have a notary, make copies and things like help selling a car back home, college/high school transcripts, etc.
Feb 5, 2016
DNavyFamily
AND they will forward your mail PROPERLY to your next command. Once you left a command and like Lisa said- it's a military mail handing thing- you were really lucky to get any mail forwarded to your next command.
Feb 5, 2016
Lisa (A-Mac's mom)
I didn't mean to imply anything negative about the AD individuals manning the mail centers. In fact, on one base on which we lived the post office was staffed by postal employees. Yet, we had the exact same problems. At the Air Force Academy, the post office is staffed by postal employees. Yet, my other son has the same problems. The short hours is one of the main issues.
Feb 5, 2016
JHubby
Feb 5, 2016
DNavyFamily
We shipped all her civilian clothes in numerous small boxes over time after the first few weeks and they got there, too. It seems the weakest link is on flat cards and letters- and those are what often count the most. JHubby nailed it too on their schedule- we even write in our CTI2B's language (thanks Google Translate!!!!!) about family, friends, and to offer support so that is disappointing when those don't arrive.
Feb 5, 2016
DNavyFamily
By the way- great to see so many people participating here!
Feb 5, 2016
Babs
Feb 5, 2016
Babs
Feb 5, 2016
DNavyFamily
Congratulations Babs and to your CTI!!! Did you get to attend the graduation ceremony? How was it if yes???
Feb 5, 2016
DNavyFamily
Love that box decorating- especially the Marines haha. Thank you and them for your family's service- sounds like a great family!
Feb 5, 2016
NavyDaughter/Mom
Babs - congratulations to your sailor!! Mine son also studied Mandarin, he's been at his duty station for about 1 1/2 years now. Your son is probably at the same place as my son...I think they pretty much go to the same spot. My son is working on renting his first (EVER) apartment! I'm super excited for him. Hoping to go visit this summer...wish I was there now to help me buy stuff for his new place....
Feb 5, 2016
Babs
Feb 5, 2016
Babs
Feb 5, 2016
Babs
Feb 5, 2016
Babs
Feb 5, 2016
Babs
Feb 5, 2016
Shelby
Hi everyone! My boyfriend is currently at boot camp with a rating of CTI, so pending clearance, he'll be a "CTI2B." I have gotten most of my information about basic from here, but still have lots of questions about A school!
Is there a decent amount of storage space in their room for clothes, etc once they phase up?
Is it true that once they reach phase three, they are permitted overnights on weekends?
I'm sure it changes, but has there been a pattern of which airport/what time your new sailor flew to Monterey from basic?
Do most students have to wait an extended period of time before starting class?
He went into basic as E-3. I know there are tests and certain things he has to do to become E-4, but does anyone know how long that typically takes/is it usually given after A school is over?
All I can think of for now! So nice to have a group of (mostly) women to discuss things with and get support from. We are from the East Coast, so I am planning a West Coast move this summer to be closer. Any thoughts on that idea?
Feb 11, 2016
Shelby
And one more -- I read it depends on their languages where they get stationed, but the main locations are Ft Meade, Georgia, Hawaii and Texas? True/False?
Feb 11, 2016
elliluvs
Feb 11, 2016
elliluvs
Feb 11, 2016
Desiree
agreed with ejrwelch. My now husband and I recently got married over the summer. While he was stationed at DLI i stayed back home and we made it work long distance. It is extremely expensive to live there without BAH. we got married a few months before he graduated DLI so that they would move us across the country. but yes depending on the language those are the places he can be stationed afterwards. if you have any questions, feel free to message me or email if you would like to know more. My husband graduated DLI in october and we have been stationed in our new location since november. so all very new and i know how hard it is to live away from your CTI, but if it is meant to be, trust me, it will work.
Feb 11, 2016
DNavyFamily
I cannot agree more and we are loving mixed civilian and active duty Navy family so we aren't seeing this through only one side or the other- I strongly concur that moving out there is not a good idea on many levels. Cost is #1- you are better off staying gainfully employed at a lower cost in your area than following your CTI2B out there. Secondly, the language instruction, military side duties, standing watch allow almost NO time for family life. It's like going to law or medical school. Look back through this thread- it's hard for a student to even get their mail time wise. We aren't talking "Oh you can help them get the mail" I'm talking that your CTI2B won't have time for even you. Not doubting at all you are in love and that love and support is a good thing, but it can and often does not work out the way you guys think it will. However, Ia couple great visits, long weekends are doable and can be a plus once he phases up. It's difficult for our UBER sharp CTI2B to even text us except weekends. It requires medical/law school dedication and focus. It's not a time for playing house.(no offense- but you know what I mean). Save it for the next duty station. You'll thank all of us. Tell your CTI2B to change rates and change now if you all can't handle this, are insecure about the separation. Save your money and you both work hard. You will be challenged to find a job out there, as well. Being there to help with laundry or cooking isn't a help if he has to be rushing out the door anyhow. AND... the cost of an apartment out there is going to be way over an E3's budget- it's a non-event. Sorry so extreme but I hate seeing this sort of thing over and over in my past Navy life and also our kids on active duty on both coasts and their friends/fellow shipmates. Patience is a virtue and that's why that saying even exists. Hang in there!!
Feb 11, 2016