Hi! My son just signed his contract for the Reserves as a AirCrewman. His ship date is March 21/12 for boot camp. We are very excited for him. In my eyes, the Reserves is a great way to go! Kind of the best of both worlds - am I right?
emilton - There is a bunch of books on Amazon. I have not personally read any of them but the reviews might help OR you could look on Barnes and Noble too. I know that even if you have them order and send to the store...you are not obligated to buy it. Maybe you could browse through it first.
I have read a couple of wives ones...they were given to me when my hubby deployed last year (AF Reserves SFS). My son is a Seabee reservist. They do talk a little bit about Family life more from the moms end. I am sorry I can't remember how much on helping the children but I do know there was some. One was written by a Navy wife.
One book is more focused on deployment...The other is by an AF brat/"married to the Navy" mom.
Here are the books:
Seperated by Duty, United in Love - A Guide to Long Distance Relationships for Military Couples by Shellie Vandevoorde
The Homefront Club - The Hardheaded Woman's Guide to Raising a Military Family by Jacey Eckhart (This is the Navy Wife)
You can probably find them on Amazon.
(Disclaimer, I am not affiliated with either author and receive no monetary gain by suggesting their works)
As with any book I would recommend-take what works for you from it...and toss the rest. Just because SOME of the stuff doesn't work for you doesn't mean it doesn't have stuff that does!
Hello Everyone! Husband is a reservist currently in BT. He will move on to A school in San Antonio in April for Hospital Corpsman.
I am trying to understand how deployment works for him. I know there is a waiting list for active duty where we are, so I had assumed deployment odds to be low, however, the hospital corpsman get deployed with Marines sometimes, I guess that ups it? There is so much to learn! My husband is in the older category (31), so we're starting a little late here!
Hmm. Interesting. He is going to be a hospital corpsman. I understand we are bringing troops home and there is a waiting list for active, so I am thinking odds are low, but it's very helpful to know what others experience.
My son is aircrew. For those reservists going into aircrew, his timeline was almost exactly 9 months from the time he left for BC to the time he graduated his final school in Pensacola and returned home. He still has additional training needed, but it has to be scheduled through the reservist hierarchy.
@MidwestMom That's great information! My son will be heading to boot camp in about 3 weeks and will be shipped to Pensacola for Aircrew! Wondered how long it would total up to be. At least we live about 7 hours away - so we may get to visit during that 9 months!
I lived on this site before my son left and while he was in BC, but seldom log on now. The info I've learned from the other moms was invaluable!!! We visited Pensacola for Thanksgiving--great get away for those of us up north, but we didn't get a lot of time with him. They keep them busy and they need to have a buddy with them even during their free time. We were able to check him out once, but that wasn't easy either. He loved his time in FL and made a lot of great friends. It is a journey...one step done with many more to come.
Well my grandson whom I have raised for the past 10 years signed his Navy Reservist contract last Tuesday and is scheduled to leave for boot camp on July 26th. He hasn't even graduated from high school yet but has talked about joining the Navy since 8th grade. I right now, I am not happy with his decision! I guess things will get better - I don't think it could get much worse for me. He wanted to become a MA but there were no openings and the Navy decided he should be an intelligence specialist. We are trying to get information about the lengths of C schools but so far there is little or no information other than it could be anywhere from 6 to 15 weeks. Ugh! So of course I have been looking at the calendar for the past week and see him leaving in July and not returning home until the following March or April. And now I read below that there is a good chance he could be activated shortly after that. Our goal was college money but it looks like there will be no time for college! I hope things get better and my attitude improves for his sake more than mine.
Lockhartgma: I was in your shoes a little over a year ago, as a mom. My son signed up without his dad or me knowing, but he was out of high school. He signed up with the Reserves because it was the only way for him to get in quick.
I was not happy at the time either, but I can say now that HE made the very best decision/choice for HIS life!! Because HE made all of these decisions on his own, he has done extremely well from bootcamp through A school and now as a Seabee. The key ingredient for my son was the ability to make the decision to join on his own. Looking back on the past year and thinking about where he was then and where he is now is totally night and day. I'm not saying it was easy, far from it. The pride that I have a feel for my son is beyond words.
We as parent's and grandparent's have to learn to let go. This was very hard for me as my son is my only child. I'm still on the learning curve and always will be. I hope that the journey your grandson has just started is the right one for HIM. Only HE will know that for sure, but in your heart you will know also! Good luck!
Lockhartgma-each rate or specialty has a different timeline and often, the same rate has a different timeline depending on how they line up for the various schools. Mine waited several months before starting school after BC, but others go right into school and if their schooling is only a couple months long, your grandson may easily be back to start college by the Spring semester. Regardless, when he returns, he will be a great deal more mature, have made friends with countless people from all over the country and have learned to take full responsibility for his decisions, his actions and his life. My son was really wishing he'd signed an active duty contract because he loved Aircrew, but is now settling back into the idea of finishing college first. In the great scheme of things, this will go by very quickly but hopefully the benefits will last their lifetime.
gwensbf - You may want to post that question on the general discussion forum for someone like Craig to address. I know my son was told he'd probably be activated twice during his 6 yr commitment, but like most things he was told...it is probably an arbitrary comment 'someone' made. MAs were getting activated pretty regularly, but I haven't heard much chatter from other rates except for those who were volunteering for activation. My son seems to think if he does get activated, he'd still probably remain stateside in his rate (which disappoints him).
My son is at basic. then going to corpsman school,then FMF, (he is in reserves) any info about these two schools ? Just wondering what's in store for him...
My son is in the Reserves (and a Seabee), and was at PH on the west coast for A school (graduated from A school in late August 2011). We are from WA State, and his first duty station was Everett, WA. What is your girlfriends rate (job)? I read in another thread that you live on or near the east coast, and I have NO experience with that part of the country.That said, he actually drills once a month with the Marines at JBLM (Joint Base Lewis McCord), which are a combined Army and Air Force base. Are you totally confused now?
From the little I know, the Navy is in the process of disbanding the Seabee unit, and the Marines are going to incorporate them into their units. If this information is wrong, anyone, PLEASE feel free to correct me!!
Has she received orders yet? Maybe someone from your area might have more insight than I do. Look through the groups at the top of the main page and see if there is a group from your state. I hope this helps and good luck. Thank your girlfriend for me for her decision to serve her country! :-)
I'm confused and need help. My son is a reservist. He is an AD and graduates from 'A' school tomorrow. I thought he would be coming home, but his orders say that he's now being sent to Jacksonville, FL and then to Norfolk, VA. Is this possible? HELP!!!!
GRGNavyMom; is your son an Active Duty Reservist? Being "Active Duty" and just a regular Reservist are two totally different things, from what I have read and learned. My son is NOT Active Duty, so his first "duty station" out of A school happened to be Everett, WA. It worked out well as the Navy flew him to Sea-Tac Airport which is "home" for us.
I would double check with your son to see if he is Active Duty. What job is an AD? Mine is a Seabee.
@ZacsPAmom How often is your son deployed? He is an IS also a reservist ? Did he sign up for the deployment? When he finished C school did he come home right away ?
My son just had his first week of Boot Camp. He is in the Reserves and has his A school in San Antonio right after basic. He is Master at Arms which I guessing is the MA I keep seeing on the threads. Can you tell me how you find out the difference between Active Reserves and one who is not? His drilling is set to be in Springfield, MO once his training is done.
Hi Everyone! I'm new to this group, but just wanted to introduce myself. My son is a Reservist and a member of NYPD when isn't activated. He just returned from his 2nd deployment in the Persian Gulf area. He is also an MA like so many others I see.
I look forward to getting to know you better. Have a good evening!
FTS - Full Time Support (formerly TAR = Training and Administration of the Reserve) is what I think you are referring too 808mom. :-)...and maybe what meekin was looking for?
Here is a post I did on that once:
Full-Time Support – These are designated Reservists who perform full-time Active Duty service that relates to the training and administration of the Navy Reserve program. They may be assigned to shore activities and commands or operational units. They typically are not reassigned to different locations as often as those on regular Active Duty. And they receive the same pay, allowances and benefits as Active Duty members.
Here is link to the about.com page about that and the ratings that are FTS:
FTS, previously known as TAR (Training and Administration of the Reserve) serve in uniform all year round and provide administrative support to SELRES and operational support for the Navy. They are full-time career active duty personnel, but reside in the Reserve Component (RC), and perform a role similar to Active Guard and Reserve (AGR), Air Reserve Technician (ART) and Army Reserve Technician in the Air Force Reserve Command, the Air National Guard, the U.S. Army Reserve and the Army National Guard.
Here is a link to the Official Navy Reserve site on the different kinds of reservists (SELRES, IRR and FTS. Also Retired Reserves):
What Judy-Chris' Mom explained (and you're not wrong BTW!) is when a reservist goes on active duty...and yes BC, Schools, Training, Deployments fall under this.
The two week annual training is part of their commitment as a reservist (they have to serve so many days in a Fiscal year in order for it to be a "good" year...IOW that it "counts" towards their years of Service...which affects their retirement. They get paid... but they also receive points for the year that reflect this.) I am not sure exactly how it works but it is like active duty (like you said Judy) but yet different. They receive orders for it etc. in the AF at least (Hubby is AF reserves). The pay/entitlements are different for IDT (Inactive Duty Training) and his annual training.
When he was deployed he was activated from reserve staus to acive and when relesed receives a DD-214 - Release or Discharge from Active Duty. It would show "Honorable Discharge" and that he completed his active duty requirement...along with some otehr codes and notes.
My son just left for BC July 3. He is in reserves and will be going to San Antonio for A school after PIR. He is also MA. He is in Ship 2/DIV 942! I haven't recieved his box or form letter yet, but his recruiter was able to get his address today!
As you can clearly see...I got tired near the end...geez, my typing skills!
I am just starting really as a Reservist Mom (Seabee) as he just got into his Unit and did his first Drill weekend with them! Finished "A" school back in December...so have to learn the Navy Reserve way! Woo-Hoo!
@Judy - My son's Reserve Duty Station is in Groton, CT. BUT, he works for NYPD's Highway Division and his command is in the Bronx - literally across the street from the Bronx Zoo. His area covers part of the Bronx and Manhattan.
So do you live in NY? Just wondering since my son lives there we visit as often as we can.
I agree with the comments about the MAs deploying often. Hoping my son won't have to go again, but I also know you can't count on anything once your family is a military family.
I am a member here for about a month. My son is leaving for BC on the 18th of July. The countdown has started. I am nervous but also proud. Our family is form the Netherlands and now my son is going to serve The USA...our second home land. I live close to San Francisco, maybe we can connect?
Hello Kajmam! You are the 2nd Navy Mom I've met whose son is serving in the U.S. military, but they originally lived in England. Now she has 2 sons in the Navy - one a corpsman, the other at Coronado...
Add my thanks to ebigirl's, and tell your son how thankful we are for his willingness to serve his adopted country! So proud of him :)
My son left for BC on July 28th. We got his first "real letter" yesterday 7/12/12. Feel much better getting to hear from him. He seems to be doing very well. He is in DIV 266 and has PIR on 8/24/12. Anyone else going to the same PIR?
@ Bonnie P, oh wow!! I didn't know they deployed reservists there. But then there's a lot I don't know (or my hubby & sons don't tell me). They forget that I'm a Navy Mom and I have connections to find things out ... like here!! :)
Probably shouldn't have written that, my sailor "snoops" around in my groups to find out what I'm up (HI MATT!) lol Like that is going to stop me...we Moms need each other, something guys don't have wired into them I guess! (Is that right, Matt?)
Hello All, My question is when my son finishes A School, how is it determined what base he will have to do his weekends and two weeks a year? Do the Sailor get to choose what base?
djmom: IF your son is in the Reserve's, which I am assuming he is because you are a member of this group, I can share with you my son's experience. Like Bonnie P responded, my son was assigned to the Everett, WA Naval base. We are from WA State (Seattle area). Because my son is a Reserve with the Seabee's, he is now assigned to JBLM (Joint Base Lewis McCord) in Tacoma, WA and drills with a Marine detachement.
I'm very lucky to have him close to home!! Of course he can always be deployed, and can volunteer to be deployed also. I hope this answers your question.
Thanks Bonnie P and ebigirl, I supposed then he will be assigned to a Base in the San Francisco/Bay Area. He was kinda thinking he wanted to be somewhere different.
I have a question about the Navy Reserves. So I hope someone can help. My son is a reservist who went through Boot Camp this year and then A school in San Diego. He finished A school in June. Currently, he is still in San Diego awaiting 'orders'. About how long does this take? I thought he would be sent home after A school and assigned to Great Lakes which is the closest to our house. Does it take awhile to get orders?
I have a question for you more seasoned Reserve Moms. How do you cope with the rollercoaster life between civilian family and military family? Some days when I listen to the news my emotions seem to turn my life upside down. Like now, my son is on Navy leave following his deployment & he reports back to the police dept. early August. Then Iran starts rattling their sabers & I wonder if we'll be back to military family sooner than we thought.
Thanks Judy! I'm glad I'm not losing my mind here! And, then he is a member of NYPD so there is plenty of danger there. Altho I think when he is active Navy it is worse because then he is away from home.
You described it perfectly -- it is like holding your breath all the time.
Welcome Jill! I'm new too, but I think you'll find someone who knows the answers for you. My sailor just returned from someplace not too far from Bahrain. I feel like the world has been lifted from my shoulders - for a little while at least. I'm praying for no deployments for a long time, but then again, you really can't seem to count on anything relating to military. All you can do is be prepared, have your support system in place and be ready to keep busy.
I haven't posted very often...well...because my son hasn't "done" anything yet! LOL He returned home in Dec from BU school and has spent the last six months going to drill and waiting to be accepted into a unit. He finally did for one in Coronado and will do his first AT soon.
My hubby is AF reserves so I have been an AF reserve wife for 28 years (ANG first and then he transferred)...but didn't have our first deployment until 9/11. (Talk about a "shocker" after so long...it was expected but yes, going from civilian to military full time He is LE also in his "real" job) Just finished a second one last year. So, I "know" what to do as a spouse (and that is still not "second nature as they were so far apart)...but clueless to prepare for a deployment or even when he does training. As a Seabee he will have combat training and I am wondering about POA's and such. He is single so we would be his support and the ones to take care of his "stuff".
What have you all done or gotten into place for your sons and daughters?
We have always done a will and a General POA (which is ridiculous as we had to get specific ones for pay issues when they came up...the reason being "that the General is so powerful you need a special one to back it up".), medical one...so, "familiar" but don't want to go "overboard" with son.
Did anyone read an article about how they are making it "easier" to go from Reserves to Active? I saw it somewhere and didn't get a chance to read it. My son is considering this, if his other plans for schooling fall through.
Are any of you from New England? I am from MA and the MA Navy Moms are planning a 'packing party' on August 18th (a Saturday) at 1 pm in Groton, MA, not to confuse anyone with Groton, CT!! We are meeting in a home and bringing our items to pack and making a party out of it! We've done this numerous times and always had a lot of fun. Besides doing something for our troops, we get to meet others in the "same boat".
If you want more info, just leave a post or send me a message via friend request and I'll get you the info.
Hi fellow moms! I've got some questions that I hope someone can answer for me. My son is presently at bootcamp and with only about 3 weeks left before he will be sent to A School in Pensacola. He scored well on his ASVAB and was assigned the job as AV. He has dreamed of working with the jets on a carrier and was told that was exactly what he would end up doing. He's been so excited! This last week, he went to Classifications meetings and was told he is actually FTS (Full Time Service Reservist). We had no idea! It has been explained to us that it was a budgeting decision. Apparently the Regular Navy budget was low when they wanted to assign him his job so they classified him as FTS in the Reserves where there were funds to support him. OK, no problem with that, as far as we know. What has been confusing to us now and a little upsetting is that someone there is telling him that because he is FTS rather than regular active duty, he will most likely never serve on a carrier and will most likely stay stateside working a regular 9 - 5 job. We admit that we are rookies to everything military and just don't understand or really even know what questions to ask. I would like to write him back and be able to tell him that he has been misinformed as to what his navy future looks like. He is really proud to become a Sailor and is really trying hard to keep a positive attitude, but any information or words of encouragement would be appreciated. Thanks.
Tsam... I know that he can go in full time when there is an opening. He will just have to stay on that once he gets his orders. I would not be all that worried things are changing all of the time. Hope it all works out for him.
flgirltwo; My son is in the "regular" Reserves. When he enlisted in Nov. 2010, his recruiter told him to enlist as a Reserve in order to get into and through bootcamp faster. He was also told that he could "transfer" to "Active Duty" after he was done with bootcamp.
What he was told was a total lie. Switching from the Reserves to Active Duty is all but impossible, according to what I have read and learned. Yes, it has everything to do with the budget. The Navy is at 130% capacity, so going Full Time Active Duty might not be as easy as they make it sound.
What makes me angry is that the Recruiters are allowed to flat out lie to people who are willing to serve their country and put their lives on the line. This is the total opposite of what the Military is suppose to be about!!
I'd love to read the article if you can remember where you saw it. Many thanks in advance!
I found the article in the Navy Times but have no idea how to save it or share the link! But if you search navy times and then search reserves to active duty. Basically the article says that they are in the process of making it as easy to go from reserves to active as it is from active to reserves. Apparently cutting out some physicals - paperwork. BUT as you say - there has to be an opening for the job!
flgirltwo
Hi! My son just signed his contract for the Reserves as a AirCrewman. His ship date is March 21/12 for boot camp. We are very excited for him. In my eyes, the Reserves is a great way to go! Kind of the best of both worlds - am I right?
Jan 20, 2012
FireTeamLeaderWife aka FTLW
earlzagurl*Flip'sMom* - What a great pic!
emilton - There is a bunch of books on Amazon. I have not personally read any of them but the reviews might help OR you could look on Barnes and Noble too. I know that even if you have them order and send to the store...you are not obligated to buy it. Maybe you could browse through it first.
I have read a couple of wives ones...they were given to me when my hubby deployed last year (AF Reserves SFS). My son is a Seabee reservist. They do talk a little bit about Family life more from the moms end. I am sorry I can't remember how much on helping the children but I do know there was some. One was written by a Navy wife.
One book is more focused on deployment...The other is by an AF brat/"married to the Navy" mom.
Here are the books:
Seperated by Duty, United in Love - A Guide to Long Distance Relationships for Military Couples by Shellie Vandevoorde
The Homefront Club - The Hardheaded Woman's Guide to Raising a Military Family by Jacey Eckhart (This is the Navy Wife)
You can probably find them on Amazon.
(Disclaimer, I am not affiliated with either author and receive no monetary gain by suggesting their works)
As with any book I would recommend-take what works for you from it...and toss the rest. Just because SOME of the stuff doesn't work for you doesn't mean it doesn't have stuff that does!
Jan 29, 2012
Amac23
Hello Everyone! Husband is a reservist currently in BT. He will move on to A school in San Antonio in April for Hospital Corpsman.
I am trying to understand how deployment works for him. I know there is a waiting list for active duty where we are, so I had assumed deployment odds to be low, however, the hospital corpsman get deployed with Marines sometimes, I guess that ups it? There is so much to learn! My husband is in the older category (31), so we're starting a little late here!
Feb 22, 2012
Amac23
Hmm. Interesting. He is going to be a hospital corpsman. I understand we are bringing troops home and there is a waiting list for active, so I am thinking odds are low, but it's very helpful to know what others experience.
Feb 25, 2012
MidwestMom
My son is aircrew. For those reservists going into aircrew, his timeline was almost exactly 9 months from the time he left for BC to the time he graduated his final school in Pensacola and returned home. He still has additional training needed, but it has to be scheduled through the reservist hierarchy.
Feb 28, 2012
flgirltwo
@MidwestMom That's great information! My son will be heading to boot camp in about 3 weeks and will be shipped to Pensacola for Aircrew! Wondered how long it would total up to be. At least we live about 7 hours away - so we may get to visit during that 9 months!
Feb 29, 2012
MidwestMom
I lived on this site before my son left and while he was in BC, but seldom log on now. The info I've learned from the other moms was invaluable!!! We visited Pensacola for Thanksgiving--great get away for those of us up north, but we didn't get a lot of time with him. They keep them busy and they need to have a buddy with them even during their free time. We were able to check him out once, but that wasn't easy either. He loved his time in FL and made a lot of great friends. It is a journey...one step done with many more to come.
Mar 8, 2012
Lockhartgma
Well my grandson whom I have raised for the past 10 years signed his Navy Reservist contract last Tuesday and is scheduled to leave for boot camp on July 26th. He hasn't even graduated from high school yet but has talked about joining the Navy since 8th grade. I right now, I am not happy with his decision! I guess things will get better - I don't think it could get much worse for me. He wanted to become a MA but there were no openings and the Navy decided he should be an intelligence specialist. We are trying to get information about the lengths of C schools but so far there is little or no information other than it could be anywhere from 6 to 15 weeks. Ugh! So of course I have been looking at the calendar for the past week and see him leaving in July and not returning home until the following March or April. And now I read below that there is a good chance he could be activated shortly after that. Our goal was college money but it looks like there will be no time for college! I hope things get better and my attitude improves for his sake more than mine.
Mar 20, 2012
ebigirl
Lockhartgma: I was in your shoes a little over a year ago, as a mom. My son signed up without his dad or me knowing, but he was out of high school. He signed up with the Reserves because it was the only way for him to get in quick.
I was not happy at the time either, but I can say now that HE made the very best decision/choice for HIS life!! Because HE made all of these decisions on his own, he has done extremely well from bootcamp through A school and now as a Seabee. The key ingredient for my son was the ability to make the decision to join on his own. Looking back on the past year and thinking about where he was then and where he is now is totally night and day. I'm not saying it was easy, far from it. The pride that I have a feel for my son is beyond words.
We as parent's and grandparent's have to learn to let go. This was very hard for me as my son is my only child. I'm still on the learning curve and always will be. I hope that the journey your grandson has just started is the right one for HIM. Only HE will know that for sure, but in your heart you will know also! Good luck!
Mar 26, 2012
MidwestMom
Lockhartgma-each rate or specialty has a different timeline and often, the same rate has a different timeline depending on how they line up for the various schools. Mine waited several months before starting school after BC, but others go right into school and if their schooling is only a couple months long, your grandson may easily be back to start college by the Spring semester. Regardless, when he returns, he will be a great deal more mature, have made friends with countless people from all over the country and have learned to take full responsibility for his decisions, his actions and his life. My son was really wishing he'd signed an active duty contract because he loved Aircrew, but is now settling back into the idea of finishing college first. In the great scheme of things, this will go by very quickly but hopefully the benefits will last their lifetime.
Mar 29, 2012
MidwestMom
gwensbf - You may want to post that question on the general discussion forum for someone like Craig to address. I know my son was told he'd probably be activated twice during his 6 yr commitment, but like most things he was told...it is probably an arbitrary comment 'someone' made. MAs were getting activated pretty regularly, but I haven't heard much chatter from other rates except for those who were volunteering for activation. My son seems to think if he does get activated, he'd still probably remain stateside in his rate (which disappoints him).
May 8, 2012
Ryansgirl12/148
I am looking to connect with other moms/SO of IS reservist!
May 14, 2012
MDM4_Mom
My son is at basic. then going to corpsman school,then FMF, (he is in reserves) any info about these two schools ? Just wondering what's in store for him...
May 17, 2012
ebigirl
My son is in the Reserves (and a Seabee), and was at PH on the west coast for A school (graduated from A school in late August 2011). We are from WA State, and his first duty station was Everett, WA. What is your girlfriends rate (job)? I read in another thread that you live on or near the east coast, and I have NO experience with that part of the country.That said, he actually drills once a month with the Marines at JBLM (Joint Base Lewis McCord), which are a combined Army and Air Force base. Are you totally confused now?
From the little I know, the Navy is in the process of disbanding the Seabee unit, and the Marines are going to incorporate them into their units. If this information is wrong, anyone, PLEASE feel free to correct me!!
Has she received orders yet? Maybe someone from your area might have more insight than I do. Look through the groups at the top of the main page and see if there is a group from your state. I hope this helps and good luck. Thank your girlfriend for me for her decision to serve her country! :-)
Jun 2, 2012
CRGNavyMom
I'm confused and need help. My son is a reservist. He is an AD and graduates from 'A' school tomorrow. I thought he would be coming home, but his orders say that he's now being sent to Jacksonville, FL and then to Norfolk, VA. Is this possible? HELP!!!!
Jun 14, 2012
ebigirl
GRGNavyMom; is your son an Active Duty Reservist? Being "Active Duty" and just a regular Reservist are two totally different things, from what I have read and learned. My son is NOT Active Duty, so his first "duty station" out of A school happened to be Everett, WA. It worked out well as the Navy flew him to Sea-Tac Airport which is "home" for us.
I would double check with your son to see if he is Active Duty. What job is an AD? Mine is a Seabee.
Jun 18, 2012
Ryansgirl12/148
Jun 21, 2012
Ryansgirl12/148
Jul 2, 2012
meekinn
My son just had his first week of Boot Camp. He is in the Reserves and has his A school in San Antonio right after basic. He is Master at Arms which I guessing is the MA I keep seeing on the threads. Can you tell me how you find out the difference between Active Reserves and one who is not? His drilling is set to be in Springfield, MO once his training is done.
Jul 9, 2012
Proud Navy/NYPD Mom (Donna)
Hi Everyone! I'm new to this group, but just wanted to introduce myself. My son is a Reservist and a member of NYPD when isn't activated. He just returned from his 2nd deployment in the Persian Gulf area. He is also an MA like so many others I see.
I look forward to getting to know you better. Have a good evening!
Jul 9, 2012
Ryansgirl12/148
Jul 9, 2012
FireTeamLeaderWife aka FTLW
FTS - Full Time Support (formerly TAR = Training and Administration of the Reserve) is what I think you are referring too 808mom. :-)...and maybe what meekin was looking for?
Here is a post I did on that once:
Here is link to the about.com page about that and the ratings that are FTS:
http://usmilitary.about.com/od/guardandreserve/a/fts.htm
Also, this is from WIkipedia:
FTS, previously known as TAR (Training and Administration of the Reserve) serve in uniform all year round and provide administrative support to SELRES and operational support for the Navy. They are full-time career active duty personnel, but reside in the Reserve Component (RC), and perform a role similar to Active Guard and Reserve (AGR), Air Reserve Technician (ART) and Army Reserve Technician in the Air Force Reserve Command, the Air National Guard, the U.S. Army Reserve and the Army National Guard.
Here is a link to the Official Navy Reserve site on the different kinds of reservists (SELRES, IRR and FTS. Also Retired Reserves):
http://www.navyreserve.com/about/structure.html
What Judy-Chris' Mom explained (and you're not wrong BTW!) is when a reservist goes on active duty...and yes BC, Schools, Training, Deployments fall under this.
The two week annual training is part of their commitment as a reservist (they have to serve so many days in a Fiscal year in order for it to be a "good" year...IOW that it "counts" towards their years of Service...which affects their retirement. They get paid... but they also receive points for the year that reflect this.) I am not sure exactly how it works but it is like active duty (like you said Judy) but yet different. They receive orders for it etc. in the AF at least (Hubby is AF reserves). The pay/entitlements are different for IDT (Inactive Duty Training) and his annual training.
When he was deployed he was activated from reserve staus to acive and when relesed receives a DD-214 - Release or Discharge from Active Duty. It would show "Honorable Discharge" and that he completed his active duty requirement...along with some otehr codes and notes.
Here are some other Reserve Links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Navy_Reserve
http://www.ehow.com/about_6516250_navy-reserve-annual-training.html
I just did a search on these :-)
...and ummm...I'm long-winded...sorry!
Jul 9, 2012
nursecat(ship 2/ DIV 942)
My son just left for BC July 3. He is in reserves and will be going to San Antonio for A school after PIR. He is also MA. He is in Ship 2/DIV 942! I haven't recieved his box or form letter yet, but his recruiter was able to get his address today!
Jul 9, 2012
FireTeamLeaderWife aka FTLW
As you can clearly see...I got tired near the end...geez, my typing skills!
I am just starting really as a Reservist Mom (Seabee) as he just got into his Unit and did his first Drill weekend with them! Finished "A" school back in December...so have to learn the Navy Reserve way! Woo-Hoo!
Jul 10, 2012
Proud Navy/NYPD Mom (Donna)
@Judy - My son's Reserve Duty Station is in Groton, CT. BUT, he works for NYPD's Highway Division and his command is in the Bronx - literally across the street from the Bronx Zoo. His area covers part of the Bronx and Manhattan.
So do you live in NY? Just wondering since my son lives there we visit as often as we can.
I agree with the comments about the MAs deploying often. Hoping my son won't have to go again, but I also know you can't count on anything once your family is a military family.
Jul 10, 2012
Kajmam
Hello Ladies,
I am a member here for about a month. My son is leaving for BC on the 18th of July. The countdown has started. I am nervous but also proud. Our family is form the Netherlands and now my son is going to serve The USA...our second home land. I live close to San Francisco, maybe we can connect?
Jul 11, 2012
ebigirl
Welcome Kajmam. I live in the Seattle area of WA. Please thank your son for me for his decision to serve our country!
Jul 11, 2012
Proud Navy/NYPD Mom (Donna)
Hello Kajmam! You are the 2nd Navy Mom I've met whose son is serving in the U.S. military, but they originally lived in England. Now she has 2 sons in the Navy - one a corpsman, the other at Coronado...
Add my thanks to ebigirl's, and tell your son how thankful we are for his willingness to serve his adopted country! So proud of him :)
Jul 12, 2012
Proud Navy/NYPD Mom (Donna)
Judy - Chris' Mom: My son has just signed his re-enlistment for 4 more yrs. He's already been in for 6. Here's hoping that this is the end.
Jul 12, 2012
meekinn
My son left for BC on July 28th. We got his first "real letter" yesterday 7/12/12. Feel much better getting to hear from him. He seems to be doing very well. He is in DIV 266 and has PIR on 8/24/12. Anyone else going to the same PIR?
Jul 13, 2012
Proud Navy/NYPD Mom (Donna)
@ Bonnie P, oh wow!! I didn't know they deployed reservists there. But then there's a lot I don't know (or my hubby & sons don't tell me). They forget that I'm a Navy Mom and I have connections to find things out ... like here!! :)
Probably shouldn't have written that, my sailor "snoops" around in my groups to find out what I'm up (HI MATT!) lol Like that is going to stop me...we Moms need each other, something guys don't have wired into them I guess! (Is that right, Matt?)
Jul 13, 2012
darius mom
Hello All, My question is when my son finishes A School, how is it determined what base he will have to do his weekends and two weeks a year? Do the Sailor get to choose what base?
Jul 13, 2012
ebigirl
djmom: IF your son is in the Reserve's, which I am assuming he is because you are a member of this group, I can share with you my son's experience. Like Bonnie P responded, my son was assigned to the Everett, WA Naval base. We are from WA State (Seattle area). Because my son is a Reserve with the Seabee's, he is now assigned to JBLM (Joint Base Lewis McCord) in Tacoma, WA and drills with a Marine detachement.
I'm very lucky to have him close to home!! Of course he can always be deployed, and can volunteer to be deployed also. I hope this answers your question.
Jul 13, 2012
darius mom
Thanks Bonnie P and ebigirl, I supposed then he will be assigned to a Base in the San Francisco/Bay Area. He was kinda thinking he wanted to be somewhere different.
Jul 13, 2012
lmcjjc
I have a question about the Navy Reserves. So I hope someone can help. My son is a reservist who went through Boot Camp this year and then A school in San Diego. He finished A school in June. Currently, he is still in San Diego awaiting 'orders'. About how long does this take? I thought he would be sent home after A school and assigned to Great Lakes which is the closest to our house. Does it take awhile to get orders?
Jul 14, 2012
Proud Navy/NYPD Mom (Donna)
I have a question for you more seasoned Reserve Moms. How do you cope with the rollercoaster life between civilian family and military family? Some days when I listen to the news my emotions seem to turn my life upside down. Like now, my son is on Navy leave following his deployment & he reports back to the police dept. early August. Then Iran starts rattling their sabers & I wonder if we'll be back to military family sooner than we thought.
Anybody else have these feelings, too?
Jul 15, 2012
Proud Navy/NYPD Mom (Donna)
Thanks Judy! I'm glad I'm not losing my mind here! And, then he is a member of NYPD so there is plenty of danger there. Altho I think when he is active Navy it is worse because then he is away from home.
You described it perfectly -- it is like holding your breath all the time.
Thank you for the encouraging thoughts <3
Jul 17, 2012
Proud Navy/NYPD Mom (Donna)
Welcome Jill! I'm new too, but I think you'll find someone who knows the answers for you. My sailor just returned from someplace not too far from Bahrain. I feel like the world has been lifted from my shoulders - for a little while at least. I'm praying for no deployments for a long time, but then again, you really can't seem to count on anything relating to military. All you can do is be prepared, have your support system in place and be ready to keep busy.
Jul 19, 2012
FireTeamLeaderWife aka FTLW
I haven't posted very often...well...because my son hasn't "done" anything yet! LOL He returned home in Dec from BU school and has spent the last six months going to drill and waiting to be accepted into a unit. He finally did for one in Coronado and will do his first AT soon.
My hubby is AF reserves so I have been an AF reserve wife for 28 years (ANG first and then he transferred)...but didn't have our first deployment until 9/11. (Talk about a "shocker" after so long...it was expected but yes, going from civilian to military full time He is LE also in his "real" job) Just finished a second one last year. So, I "know" what to do as a spouse (and that is still not "second nature as they were so far apart)...but clueless to prepare for a deployment or even when he does training. As a Seabee he will have combat training and I am wondering about POA's and such. He is single so we would be his support and the ones to take care of his "stuff".
What have you all done or gotten into place for your sons and daughters?
We have always done a will and a General POA (which is ridiculous as we had to get specific ones for pay issues when they came up...the reason being "that the General is so powerful you need a special one to back it up".), medical one...so, "familiar" but don't want to go "overboard" with son.
Thanks!
Jul 19, 2012
darius mom
Vbriggs, My son arrived at Great Lakes last night.
Jul 19, 2012
flgirltwo
Did anyone read an article about how they are making it "easier" to go from Reserves to Active? I saw it somewhere and didn't get a chance to read it. My son is considering this, if his other plans for schooling fall through.
Jul 31, 2012
Proud Navy/NYPD Mom (Donna)
Are any of you from New England? I am from MA and the MA Navy Moms are planning a 'packing party' on August 18th (a Saturday) at 1 pm in Groton, MA, not to confuse anyone with Groton, CT!! We are meeting in a home and bringing our items to pack and making a party out of it! We've done this numerous times and always had a lot of fun. Besides doing something for our troops, we get to meet others in the "same boat".
If you want more info, just leave a post or send me a message via friend request and I'll get you the info.
Aug 1, 2012
Tsam
Hi fellow moms! I've got some questions that I hope someone can answer for me. My son is presently at bootcamp and with only about 3 weeks left before he will be sent to A School in Pensacola. He scored well on his ASVAB and was assigned the job as AV. He has dreamed of working with the jets on a carrier and was told that was exactly what he would end up doing. He's been so excited! This last week, he went to Classifications meetings and was told he is actually FTS (Full Time Service Reservist). We had no idea! It has been explained to us that it was a budgeting decision. Apparently the Regular Navy budget was low when they wanted to assign him his job so they classified him as FTS in the Reserves where there were funds to support him. OK, no problem with that, as far as we know. What has been confusing to us now and a little upsetting is that someone there is telling him that because he is FTS rather than regular active duty, he will most likely never serve on a carrier and will most likely stay stateside working a regular 9 - 5 job. We admit that we are rookies to everything military and just don't understand or really even know what questions to ask. I would like to write him back and be able to tell him that he has been misinformed as to what his navy future looks like. He is really proud to become a Sailor and is really trying hard to keep a positive attitude, but any information or words of encouragement would be appreciated. Thanks.
Aug 1, 2012
808mom
Tsam, did you get any more information about your son's situation? I have never heard of anything like it. Wish I could help...
Aug 2, 2012
Parrothdgal
Tsam... I know that he can go in full time when there is an opening. He will just have to stay on that once he gets his orders. I would not be all that worried things are changing all of the time. Hope it all works out for him.
Aug 3, 2012
Parrothdgal
flgirltwo My daughter is also wanting to do this. According to her its all about openings; but not hard at all
Aug 3, 2012
ebigirl
flgirltwo; My son is in the "regular" Reserves. When he enlisted in Nov. 2010, his recruiter told him to enlist as a Reserve in order to get into and through bootcamp faster. He was also told that he could "transfer" to "Active Duty" after he was done with bootcamp.
What he was told was a total lie. Switching from the Reserves to Active Duty is all but impossible, according to what I have read and learned. Yes, it has everything to do with the budget. The Navy is at 130% capacity, so going Full Time Active Duty might not be as easy as they make it sound.
What makes me angry is that the Recruiters are allowed to flat out lie to people who are willing to serve their country and put their lives on the line. This is the total opposite of what the Military is suppose to be about!!
I'd love to read the article if you can remember where you saw it. Many thanks in advance!
Aug 3, 2012
darius mom
Any other Reservist in Boot Camp right now? My son is Ship 2 Div 944.
Aug 4, 2012
nursecat(ship 2/ DIV 942)
My son is a reservist in BC now. Div 942, PIR 8/31!
Aug 4, 2012
flgirltwo
I found the article in the Navy Times but have no idea how to save it or share the link! But if you search navy times and then search reserves to active duty. Basically the article says that they are in the process of making it as easy to go from reserves to active as it is from active to reserves. Apparently cutting out some physicals - paperwork. BUT as you say - there has to be an opening for the job!
Aug 6, 2012