CTN

ekauwe - Most people that ask your type of question are the ones that suck at running.  They need another way to pass the PFA other than running.  So a sailor could do the treadmill, Elliptical, Stationary Bike, Swim, or the run for the PFA.

Doing anything other than the run is up to the CO's discretion.  ie  Participation in an alternative cardio-respiratory event is not an entitlement.

So, I wouldn't worry about it.  You'll do great!

momoffour - What he should do is use NFCU's automatic bill pay.  Anytime a bill comes it, it automatically pays it.  He does nothing.  I use mine all the time.  When credit card bills come it, the they get paid....  For other bills, ie electric, phone, garbage I have them automatically debited from my account.  That why, if they don't get paid, then it's their own fault.  

Per the car, they have storage lots on the base for deployments.  But there is alot of mice and rats.  So, it is recommended to just let a "trusted" friend take care of the car when he's gone.  That why, both people get win....

Does anyone know what comes after JCAC?  

USNproudMom,

  My son graduated in May. He took 10 days leave and then reported to Ft, Meade. He had a temp job on the Honor Guard while his clearance was finalized. He started his real CTN job about the second week of October. He has a lot of on the job training. They have to get to certain levels in training in certain time frames. It depends on where you are and what "group" you are in as to how hard it is. My son was excelling and working very hard to get to the next "level' so he got moved to a more advanced area. Now they expect more from him in less time but he's learning quickly. He's also taking certification classes too. I'm not sure if this is how it is at all the stations but I'm sure it's similar. One thing about Ft. Meade is he was told it has the most opportunities to learn all there is to know about CTN. That is why he wanted to go there.

Son graduated JCAC today! We're excited for him, though sad because we couldn't make it today to the ceremony. He's official!

Congratulations Chimelle to you and your son. It's quite an accomplishment to get through that tough course. 

Hi all,

Here's a picture of us with our son at the finish of the JFK 50 mile Ultramarathon. He finished in 11hrs and 45 minutes. A good time for him since he only half trains for it. This year he ran to raise money for Operation Second Chance. It's a wonderful charity based near Baltimore that supports wounded soldiers and their families while they are in military hospitals and after they are discharged. I've become a volunteer also, helping get family sponsors for holiday gifts and finding businesses willing to take a donation jar. If any of you are interested in helping or donating let me know. The organization is growing and getting more and more requests from families for help. Check them out on facebook or on their website www.operationsecondchance.org.

What a great pic of your Sailor! He is a handsome guy! I cannot even imagine be able to run that far and for that length of time. I know you are very proud! I got to chat with my son tonight and he has decided not to take much leave at Christmas because he wants to keep it to take after he returns from deployment. He was able to give me an exact date he will be leaving so it has become much too real. Is it possible to skype with them?

There is a set graduation date but if they get rolled to another class it changes. They also have tests right up to the week of graduation which could change their class or date. My son said there weren't usually failures or rolls in the last month  but the class has changed since he graduated last May so not sure if that holds true. My husband and I flew into Panama City on Southwest because they let you change your flight for no extra charge. You do have to pay if the new flight costs more but only the difference in cost. It's about a 2 hour drive to Pensacola but it's a pretty drive along the coast.

Actually I found out it is not voluntary really for his job, they all take turns. He is looking forward to it and me not so much lol! I know now it is not a IA (after finding out what that is lol) Good new is after the six months, it would be a long while before he leaves again. One of my other kids left today to live 2700 miles away! Wishing I could make them little again!

Hi! My son arrived at Corry on 12/17 after his PIR.  I joined your group but didn't see anything recent so I've just been sitting tight! If I have any questions or comments I'll post them - thanks!

Hi, Karen.  My son PIR'd on 12/16, went down to Pensacola 12/17 and then flew back home from 12/22 to 12/31.  He used what leave time he had and went "into the hole" for the remaining days.  Once A School starts, I really don't expect him home until he finishes unless he can get a cheap ticket for a long weekend, etc.  He also is bored!

Yes,  my son estimated maybe late summer before he's finished, so I really don't expect to see him until then.  (And even if he could come home, he had to spend so much for his airfare over the holidays I don't think he would do it for a weekend!)  But he's been away at college, etc., so he's used to being away from home.

Robin - he hasn't started A School yet, he's waiting.  I think they wait to start it until there are enough sailors for the class, so they may be waiting for your daughter!. If I hear anything from my son about when he thinks it will start I will let you know.

Robin - the way it works is that he gets "liberty" from the time the PIR is finished until she needs to be back at her billet (sic?); my son wanted to make triple sure he wasn't late so he went back early about 7:30 p.m.  We just hung around and went and had an early dinner.  Then all the sailors (those who are not staying at Great Lakes for ASchool) are taken via bus at 1:00 or 2:00 a.m. to whichever airport their flight is taking off from and they sit around the USO until their plane leaves (mine left from Midway at 6:20 p.m. Saturday). I had to head home, so he and some of his friends went into Chicago for part of the day.  So no you won't get the weekend unless there's a flight issue and then you would have to pick him up at GL drop him off in the evening.  Also, I stayed at the Ramada but I wish I had known because the Navy Lodge is right by the base and is much cheaper (and it's nice).

My son's PIR date is 01/27/2012 and he should be heading down to Florida.  I have not heard on when his schooling will officially start. I'm not even sure if he even had his flight info after graduation..

Yes, it just depends on where their A School is and how the flights are.  Since my son PIR'd so close to Christmas, the sailors whose A School was at Great Lakes got the whole weekend with family.  But if they're flying out expect them to go the next day barring unforeseen circumstances.

CariD - he'll have his flight information by PIR (but since you probably won't talk to him before that you won't know until that day).  I'm not sure when school starts - if I hear from my son I'll post but it sounds like they may be waiting for the sailors who are graduating this month (at least).

Debbie G- Thanks for the info. I have only had one call and that was a month ago. I guess when I get to Great Lakes, I'll know more... It definitely does sound like all our kid will be in school together...

Yeah, I never got any calls either lol!  Seriously, no news is good news.

Did they change how they leave from BC? It use to be that it was according to thier division number. I think it was the highest number (I think) that was grad and go (I felt sorry for their parents) and the rest got the weekend to hang out with the family (had to be back in the evening). Once I found out, I was able to look at the division numbers and know that he was not a grad and go. On another note, is there any CTN moms who have gone through a deployment? I am just wondering how often you heard from them and how you survived LOL! If they are on a ship and deployed there are the ships groups but not for people like us LOL. I have eight or nine weeks till he leaves and it hit me that I probably will only get emails and not hear his voice or see his face for six months ( I know that not a huge amount of time but....it will be hard). 

Susan R - what is IA?

Susan - I'm in Cleveland too!

That IS a coincidence!

Sorry! But once clockard gets all that snow in Geneva - if it ever gets here - you'll be glad you're on the west coast!

Guess so!  (Mine are LOL!)

You betcha - all smart kids! We should arrange to meet!  Maybe you'll get snow this weekend!

we should plan to meet - let's make a date!

And we should plan on something centrally located for everyone.  Susan, where do you live (city)?  We got snow bot obviously not as much as Geneva!

Congrats Susan on your son's promotion!! I got a call from mine last night and he is off training for several weeks and stuck in the hotel room with food poisoning! LOL! He sounds miserable but hopes to be back after just staying in bed for one day. That is of course a mom moment where you feel helpless!

Thanks Clockard, He called last night from Walmart asking where to find something like adult pedialite , he is still feeling rough.

Hey Karen, Been there and am praying for your son. 

Hey Karen,

 Praying they will roll him back to the next class and not make him leave the school.

Karen - That is totally sad.  Prayers be with him.

I'm not sure if your son is eligible, but he might want to look into this early out program which runs until Sept 2013.

http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/reference/messages/Documents/...

Read this too...

http://www.navytimes.com/news/2011/04/navy-early-out-program-042511w/

My son already had "secret" clearance from BUDs but it was about a month and 1/2 before he classed up. When he got to Meade it was around 4 months on hold until he got his final clearance and could start work. The Navy is a lot of hurry up and wait but once they are finally in their job it's great.

My son was in the process of obtaining his clearance for CTN when he first entered BC.  I did have a "visitor", and so did several other moms in my PIR group.  All told, it took all of BC and then a few weeks at Corry.  He received his "badge" to enter the buildings for class about a week before he classed up.  It may be that the SBI clearance takes a little longer as opposed to the other lower clearances.

So glad to hear that, Karen!

good news, karen! these kids sure seem to rebound and prosper. good for him.

Robin, my CTN is sitting here with me right now. i asked for course advice. Your daughter should quickly get with people from the classes above her and learn the effective way to study for the course. Study groups are great, It takes a little while to gauge the course, but after a short time you will develop a pattern and it will get "easier". It feels like it takes forever to get to 1/2 way point, and after that the course flies and is over before you know it. Good luck to her.

yay, Robin! One test at a time. That is the way to get to the end in one piece! Good for her.

Robin, LOL, I totally understand... it is an immense feeling. Oh, and waiting for them to call and tell you, nerve-racking! Then there was that one time I received the tearful "I failed" call at about noon my time. Each test day noon became the doomsday hour! LOL. All part of the experience and great memories. ENJOY!

Oh dear. LOL. Did I say something the wrong way? Of course you are proud of her! As you should be! These kids are doing great things.