My son is a character, that is for sure! Hope it doesn't get him into trouble, lol! Vbriggs, that is so great! I can only hope for such a nice letter. Mine will probably say, he is writing me because he is bored, or because he took pity on me. :)
Hi everyone, I just joined this group. My son will be returning home from Pensacola after A school shortly....about 5-6 weeks. He will then return to college to finish his degree.
Hi, Jim&Ben's Mom, I've been in the background for awhile not making comments, but reading them. My daughter graduated A school in 6/2011. She is a Reservists. Her recruiter told her that she would get 75% of the cost of a private college paid for. I don't know what you've been told, but I sure wished I did research before she even signed up. Reservists are covered by the Montgomery GI Bill for Select Reservists. You can go to www.gibill.va.gov for info & benefits. Essentially they get a monthly amount that takes about 2-3 months to kick in. Your reservists will not have anything paid for towards tuition until AFTER they have been deployed for at least 90 days. There is an application that the reservists "higer ups" have to sign, which initiates another form. Quite complex. My daughter, however, also joined her State Naval Militia that pays for the costs of tuition up to the cost of a State college. Don't know what state you live in, but you might want to look up any military benefits at the State Government level. Good Luck. It was a big disappointment for us, but we're trying to make it work with what she's got.
Hi ladies. My son left for RTC on Aug 21 and then will head to Dam Neck, VA for A school, then I think C school. He plans on returning home then to finish college. Sounds kind of like there is a lot of gray area with the Reserves...I just hope things work out for my son as he is hoping. Got a letter from him today (first letter!) and he sounds great...learned to listen and do as told when told...finally! He is a good kid. He is on Ship 11, Div 339. I am looking forward to graduation, miss him a ton. My son's Reserves drill group turns out to be 5 hours from our home...surprise. Its good to read your comments, lots of unknowns though, huh? Sounds like kathyjune00's son and mine might be at RTC together and then maybe A school??
Another question! My son says his orders say that the has to report to his base within 72 hours of graduation from school in Pensacola. Then he says that it says something about going at least 2x's a week for the 1st 90 days? It's a 2 hour drive to his base from home - and no good chance to get a job or go to school if he's driving back and forth from base 2 x's a week. Does this sound right to anyone - I wish I was there to see his paperwork! I told him to take the papers and ask someone!
Hi, flgirltwo, My daughter had to report right after coming home from A school. The orders are the orders. If they live 50 miles away from their reserve center, they can fill out forms, and get approved to stay in a hotel at military expense. He could also get meal vouchers. He'd have to apply from his Reserve base when he comes home.
Thanks for the info NavyMomofOnly1Girl! He's definitely going to have to look into that! A 4 hour drive roundtrip is a bit much to make several days a week!
We live in WA State and my son was assigned to Everett Naval Base right out of A school. They quickly changed his orders to JBLM in Tacoma because it is closer to where he lives and he is a Reserve with the Seabee's. He trains and drills with the Marines at JBLM one weekend a month. I haven't heard about multiple times per week, but is your son considered Full Time Active Reserve? Just a thought.
Hey guys :) So i'm not exactly a navy reserve mom - more like a navy reserve fiance, so I hope you don't mind my presence. As of right now, my fiance is enduring week 3 of boot camp - haven't communicated with him since he had left so I'm patiently awaiting on a possible call and his letters soon. Anyways can you guys give me some insight on Reserve life after they finish A School? After BC my fiance goes to Pensacola FL for 4 months then returns home. I understand they do this one weekend a month at their stationed base - and 2 weeks out of the year they are gone - and also there's always a chance of a deployment. Anyone can give me some inner depth to the lifestyle and what I should expect once he returns home? This is all very new to me...thanks!
Juliette: YES, your more than welcome here. What you have described is my understanding of what my son does. He has a fulltime civilian job and drills once a month.
lukesmom: My son was told the very same thing. Don't count on it to happen. Judy's understanding of switching is the same as mine. I'm still steamed about the recruiter lying to my son, when the Military is based on honesty! My son has been out of bc for 1 1/2 years now, and the subject is still a VERY sore one. Sorry to have to tell you that.
Thanks :) So...here's one of my concerns....do most reservist usually come to the conclusion that they should of done active and decide they want to do that? I've had long long chats with my fiance about the military lifestyle/joining the navy and such....I was never encouraging at first because I didn't want him to leave me - but through much discussion we both agreed on reserves because of the ability to live a civilian lifestyle and be with your family while serving. I'm fearful that once he gets back home he's going to want to do active...and unfortunately I just can't support that. Is it something most do? I've been reading it alot lately.....so I'm worried to say the least.
My son already and always wished he had been active. He signed reserves because he was told that was the only way he was going to get in any time soon. His recruiter said the navy was full up and this was the only way he'd get in. But he's going to stick to the reserves and then when his contract's up, see about going active or at least Full Time Active Reserve.
Juliette, he might be "want" to go active, but he most likely will not be able to. Every situation is different, but the % of those who go from reserve to active is almost 0%.
Judy, it sounds as if it will be a little easier in the future to go from RC to AC. It will still be depend on what your rate is, your skill set and on your command, and,yes, what the Navy's needs are. I don't think they are overstaffed throughout, some rates and billets need to be filled and as I understood the article they are looking at reserves now because they are already trained and available.
Thank you Judy
For the info. Im hanging in there waiting for that call and 1stletter letter.
Got myself under control and am keeping busy learning all I can about MA's and the Navy reserves. Again, thank you!
Debzz3
did your girl just leave? My girl arrived at RTC Oct. 1 . Haven't heard from her yet but looking forward to visiting her at A school, as I will not be able to make her graduation...this saddens me but work obligations and finances leave me no choice. I hope to find a mom that can take pics and send me some of graduation.
Good luck to you and your curling her naval career.
Thanks for the info. Bonnie P. We have family in SA Tx where my daughter will be going to A school. Her recruiter also told us that her father (retired Marine ) could pin her badge on at A school grad. We also will be driving her back home to save her money on flight ticket. Sort of making it a family vacation for the year.
We are in Central California and she will be drilling at Lemoore Naval Station.
if she doesn't volunteer to go elsewhere...
Will they know their addresses once they get to A school? My daughter wants her laptop and cell sent ASAP after arriving at A school.
My husband graduated from RTC in January and went to train in San Antonio. We had time to spend with him on Saturday after graduation because his flight didn't leave until evening and they get recent grads out of there early! I think he was out of there and at O'hare by 4:30 am. Once they are out of RTC and at the airport they can have their belongings back. I brought him new toiletries and some of his own clothes (they get to wear them after a few weeks at A school). I also brought his phone/charger/laptop. They will get their addresses after the weekend of processing if you can't get to them at the airport. Most people are able to though. We went out to Chicago that day so they are no longer under RTC's orders once they are off base.
Hey all
my daughter left for boot camp Oct. 1.
I just received my Kid in a box today. The mailman thought I was crazy when I broke down and cried, "My kid in a box". I thought I had this controlled but seeing her clothes and smelling her perfume really got to me! I can't believe I am so emotional over smelly clothes!
Waiting on that form letter and first letter from her..will be stalking the mailman for the next few weeks.
Linda
Brand newbie here and looking for any info. My son will be going to Basics in Feb and then to A school in SA Tx for Medical Corpsman. My question is, what will come after that point.... does he go to C schoo?; go to train with the Marines? come home? When does he find out this info, or should he already have this on his contract? He seems not to know about what will happen at this point. Can I call his Recruiter and ask him?
Hi all. Mariafisk- mine is currently in SA. Has already started his classes. He already had his A school info & C school info from his recruiter before he left for basic. The info was stated in the documents he signed when he joined. It wouldn't hurt to ask ur recruiter, if he doesn't know at least he can help find the info or point u in the right direction. Mine will not be coming home until after C school. But the holiday shut down is in Dec so he might use his leave to come home. We're not sure yet, trying to find out what the best option is. They said since he's reserve, & will come home after C school, there's no need to save his leave time.???
Thank you ecrmom
WOW...you are almost thru this roller coater ride. So happy for you!
I am holding up well now that I received my box..I know she's in good hands and will be well taken care of so, I'm breathing easier and much calmer. Not being able to communicate with her is my prime annoyance right now as we talked daily. Daily thru cell or FB.
Bugsmama my boy graduates from PIR Oct 26 and will be heading to Texas for MA school. We are from the Central Valley too. He will be based out of Lemoore as well since we live within 10 miles of the base.
Beckyt so you are1/2 thru, YAY! My daughter was going to school when her work slowed so she decided to go reserves to help get money to finish school. I'm sure she's wondering what she got herself into! Lol..she's a tough kid so she can handle it! Were 40miles from base so she's not too far from her drill base.
Good luck to you and your son in his career. I'm sure he will do well!
Ecrmom SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!!
I know you have to be so excited....The Countdown. Has begun for you!
I have a long way to go but am expecting to be just as Proud and Happy when its my turn!
Enjoy your day with your Sailor!!!!
ecrmom - did you order the dvd of the graduation? I had forgotten that I had - and when it came - I put it in and watched it and I had missed so many things because my eyes were glued onto my sailor! lol! It's awesome!
ok - I know I'm harping on this - but is there any other navy reserve moms of aircrewman? My sailor says because he's reserve he won't be sent to SERE school even though it's in his contract that he will go. He says it's an online course for Reservists and he's already done it. Does anyone know if this is true? It's just bugging me because actual training and online training are soo different - and if worst came to worst - would the online training provide enough for him to survive etc?
The dvd came seperately for me - about 6 weeks after PIR, came in seperate from the yearbook too. But my son clamed the dvd, so ordered another for me!
My son graduated last week from A school and is now stationed at NAS Jacksonville! His first duty weekend is mid-December for indoc! Nice to have him home and those hugs!
rksteinke (Ship 11-Div 32) - my son is ship 11, div 32 and is reserve. He's scheduled to go to CTR school in Corry Station, FL. If I hear anything about leave in the reserves, I'll let you know. Right now, I am waiting to see if I hear from him this weekend and if he has any updates.
Hooray, Hooray! I got my kid in a box today:) It took me a minute to gather myself before opening it, but it felt so good to touch his things that he recently wore and to know that we've gotten through another step. Now I await the letter!
Congrats xraylady! Next will be your formal letter and then the "real" letters will be coming. Don't be discouraged or too worried if the 1st letter is depressing. My son told me he was in"hell" and more awful stuff. I worried and worried till I got the 2nd letter and he still complained a bit, but much more upbeat overall and they got better and better!
Has anyone on here ever felt like their sailor was being thought "less of" because they are in the reserves and not active duty. And if so, what was your response. Just a little issue that came up that makes me curious.
My son was told he couldn't come home for Christmas because he was in reserves. I thought that was kind of weird, because at first he was told he could and they gave him two options of dates - one during Christmas, and one a week later. I never really say much about it to him because it's not his fault what he's being told and I don't want him to feel bad that it makes me sad. We could fly down there after Christmas, but that would be 3 plane tickets and a hotel and car rental vs just one plane ticket and he could stay in his own room for free. But whatever. There's not anything I can do about it, so it doesn't make much sense to get real upset about it. He's an adult and this is what he wants to do, so I can only support him. (Hard lesson for mom, but I'm learning.)
ebigirl
That story sounds just like something my son would do! Thanks for the great laugh!
Aug 30, 2012
dis5150
My son is a character, that is for sure! Hope it doesn't get him into trouble, lol! Vbriggs, that is so great! I can only hope for such a nice letter. Mine will probably say, he is writing me because he is bored, or because he took pity on me. :)
Aug 31, 2012
Mommanavyboy1112
Hi everyone, I just joined this group. My son will be returning home from Pensacola after A school shortly....about 5-6 weeks. He will then return to college to finish his degree.
Sep 2, 2012
NavyMomofOnly1Girl Ship 9 DIV126
Hi, Jim&Ben's Mom, I've been in the background for awhile not making comments, but reading them. My daughter graduated A school in 6/2011. She is a Reservists. Her recruiter told her that she would get 75% of the cost of a private college paid for. I don't know what you've been told, but I sure wished I did research before she even signed up. Reservists are covered by the Montgomery GI Bill for Select Reservists. You can go to www.gibill.va.gov for info & benefits. Essentially they get a monthly amount that takes about 2-3 months to kick in. Your reservists will not have anything paid for towards tuition until AFTER they have been deployed for at least 90 days. There is an application that the reservists "higer ups" have to sign, which initiates another form. Quite complex. My daughter, however, also joined her State Naval Militia that pays for the costs of tuition up to the cost of a State college. Don't know what state you live in, but you might want to look up any military benefits at the State Government level. Good Luck. It was a big disappointment for us, but we're trying to make it work with what she's got.
Sep 4, 2012
Ellen005
Hi ladies. My son left for RTC on Aug 21 and then will head to Dam Neck, VA for A school, then I think C school. He plans on returning home then to finish college. Sounds kind of like there is a lot of gray area with the Reserves...I just hope things work out for my son as he is hoping. Got a letter from him today (first letter!) and he sounds great...learned to listen and do as told when told...finally! He is a good kid. He is on Ship 11, Div 339. I am looking forward to graduation, miss him a ton. My son's Reserves drill group turns out to be 5 hours from our home...surprise. Its good to read your comments, lots of unknowns though, huh? Sounds like kathyjune00's son and mine might be at RTC together and then maybe A school??
Sep 7, 2012
flgirltwo
Another question! My son says his orders say that the has to report to his base within 72 hours of graduation from school in Pensacola. Then he says that it says something about going at least 2x's a week for the 1st 90 days? It's a 2 hour drive to his base from home - and no good chance to get a job or go to school if he's driving back and forth from base 2 x's a week. Does this sound right to anyone - I wish I was there to see his paperwork! I told him to take the papers and ask someone!
Sep 7, 2012
NavyMomofOnly1Girl Ship 9 DIV126
Hi, flgirltwo, My daughter had to report right after coming home from A school. The orders are the orders. If they live 50 miles away from their reserve center, they can fill out forms, and get approved to stay in a hotel at military expense. He could also get meal vouchers. He'd have to apply from his Reserve base when he comes home.
Sep 9, 2012
flgirltwo
Thanks for the info NavyMomofOnly1Girl! He's definitely going to have to look into that! A 4 hour drive roundtrip is a bit much to make several days a week!
Sep 16, 2012
ebigirl
We live in WA State and my son was assigned to Everett Naval Base right out of A school. They quickly changed his orders to JBLM in Tacoma because it is closer to where he lives and he is a Reserve with the Seabee's. He trains and drills with the Marines at JBLM one weekend a month. I haven't heard about multiple times per week, but is your son considered Full Time Active Reserve? Just a thought.
Sep 21, 2012
darius mom
Who will determine after A School if a Reservist will be Full Time Active Reserve?
Sep 21, 2012
lukesmom
Our son was told by recruiter that if he joined Reserves he could go right into Active after A school. Doesn't sound like that will be a sure thing!
Sep 21, 2012
Juliette
Hey guys :) So i'm not exactly a navy reserve mom - more like a navy reserve fiance, so I hope you don't mind my presence. As of right now, my fiance is enduring week 3 of boot camp - haven't communicated with him since he had left so I'm patiently awaiting on a possible call and his letters soon. Anyways can you guys give me some insight on Reserve life after they finish A School? After BC my fiance goes to Pensacola FL for 4 months then returns home. I understand they do this one weekend a month at their stationed base - and 2 weeks out of the year they are gone - and also there's always a chance of a deployment. Anyone can give me some inner depth to the lifestyle and what I should expect once he returns home? This is all very new to me...thanks!
Sep 26, 2012
ebigirl
Juliette: YES, your more than welcome here. What you have described is my understanding of what my son does. He has a fulltime civilian job and drills once a month.
lukesmom: My son was told the very same thing. Don't count on it to happen. Judy's understanding of switching is the same as mine. I'm still steamed about the recruiter lying to my son, when the Military is based on honesty! My son has been out of bc for 1 1/2 years now, and the subject is still a VERY sore one. Sorry to have to tell you that.
Sep 26, 2012
Juliette
Thanks :) So...here's one of my concerns....do most reservist usually come to the conclusion that they should of done active and decide they want to do that? I've had long long chats with my fiance about the military lifestyle/joining the navy and such....I was never encouraging at first because I didn't want him to leave me - but through much discussion we both agreed on reserves because of the ability to live a civilian lifestyle and be with your family while serving. I'm fearful that once he gets back home he's going to want to do active...and unfortunately I just can't support that. Is it something most do? I've been reading it alot lately.....so I'm worried to say the least.
Sep 27, 2012
flgirltwo
My son already and always wished he had been active. He signed reserves because he was told that was the only way he was going to get in any time soon. His recruiter said the navy was full up and this was the only way he'd get in. But he's going to stick to the reserves and then when his contract's up, see about going active or at least Full Time Active Reserve.
Sep 28, 2012
ebigirl
Juliette, he might be "want" to go active, but he most likely will not be able to. Every situation is different, but the % of those who go from reserve to active is almost 0%.
Sep 28, 2012
808mom
A new policy came out Sep. 9 regarding the RC to AC program.
Sep 28, 2012
808mom
Judy, it sounds as if it will be a little easier in the future to go from RC to AC. It will still be depend on what your rate is, your skill set and on your command, and,yes, what the Navy's needs are. I don't think they are overstaffed throughout, some rates and billets need to be filled and as I understood the article they are looking at reserves now because they are already trained and available.
Sep 28, 2012
Bugsmama
Daughter left this morning for BC. She will be a MA and us scheduled to go to A school in SA, Tx. Does anyone know how long A school is?
Oct 1, 2012
Bugsmama
For the info. Im hanging in there waiting for that call and 1stletter letter.
Got myself under control and am keeping busy learning all I can about MA's and the Navy reserves. Again, thank you!
Oct 2, 2012
debzz3
My daughter will be going to MA school after basic
Oct 2, 2012
Bugsmama
did your girl just leave? My girl arrived at RTC Oct. 1 . Haven't heard from her yet but looking forward to visiting her at A school, as I will not be able to make her graduation...this saddens me but work obligations and finances leave me no choice. I hope to find a mom that can take pics and send me some of graduation.
Good luck to you and your curling her naval career.
Oct 3, 2012
Bugsmama
We are in Central California and she will be drilling at Lemoore Naval Station.
if she doesn't volunteer to go elsewhere...
Will they know their addresses once they get to A school? My daughter wants her laptop and cell sent ASAP after arriving at A school.
Oct 3, 2012
Katie
Bugsmama,
My husband graduated from RTC in January and went to train in San Antonio. We had time to spend with him on Saturday after graduation because his flight didn't leave until evening and they get recent grads out of there early! I think he was out of there and at O'hare by 4:30 am. Once they are out of RTC and at the airport they can have their belongings back. I brought him new toiletries and some of his own clothes (they get to wear them after a few weeks at A school). I also brought his phone/charger/laptop. They will get their addresses after the weekend of processing if you can't get to them at the airport. Most people are able to though. We went out to Chicago that day so they are no longer under RTC's orders once they are off base.
Oct 3, 2012
Bugsmama
my daughter left for boot camp Oct. 1.
I just received my Kid in a box today. The mailman thought I was crazy when I broke down and cried, "My kid in a box". I thought I had this controlled but seeing her clothes and smelling her perfume really got to me! I can't believe I am so emotional over smelly clothes!
Waiting on that form letter and first letter from her..will be stalking the mailman for the next few weeks.
Linda
Oct 4, 2012
mariafisk
Hi everyone,
Brand newbie here and looking for any info. My son will be going to Basics in Feb and then to A school in SA Tx for Medical Corpsman. My question is, what will come after that point.... does he go to C schoo?; go to train with the Marines? come home? When does he find out this info, or should he already have this on his contract? He seems not to know about what will happen at this point. Can I call his Recruiter and ask him?
Thanks for any and all info.
Oct 4, 2012
CHN-B
Oct 5, 2012
mariafisk
Ok, thanks for all your info. I'll be calling his recruiter on Monday.
Oct 5, 2012
Bugsmama
WOW...you are almost thru this roller coater ride. So happy for you!
I am holding up well now that I received my box..I know she's in good hands and will be well taken care of so, I'm breathing easier and much calmer. Not being able to communicate with her is my prime annoyance right now as we talked daily. Daily thru cell or FB.
Oct 7, 2012
Beckyt559 Ship 12 Div 347
Oct 7, 2012
Bugsmama
Good luck to you and your son in his career. I'm sure he will do well!
Oct 8, 2012
Bugsmama
I know you have to be so excited....The Countdown. Has begun for you!
I have a long way to go but am expecting to be just as Proud and Happy when its my turn!
Enjoy your day with your Sailor!!!!
Oct 9, 2012
flgirltwo
Congratulations ecrmom429! It's a wonderful experience! Enjoy your time with your new sailor!
Oct 17, 2012
Bugsmama
Oct 20, 2012
flgirltwo
ecrmom - did you order the dvd of the graduation? I had forgotten that I had - and when it came - I put it in and watched it and I had missed so many things because my eyes were glued onto my sailor! lol! It's awesome!
Oct 22, 2012
flgirltwo
ok - I know I'm harping on this - but is there any other navy reserve moms of aircrewman? My sailor says because he's reserve he won't be sent to SERE school even though it's in his contract that he will go. He says it's an online course for Reservists and he's already done it. Does anyone know if this is true? It's just bugging me because actual training and online training are soo different - and if worst came to worst - would the online training provide enough for him to survive etc?
Oct 22, 2012
flgirltwo
The dvd came seperately for me - about 6 weeks after PIR, came in seperate from the yearbook too. But my son clamed the dvd, so ordered another for me!
Oct 23, 2012
dianevdb
Hi..
Anyone familiar w Ratings?
I wanted to know if a sailor is an E1, is there an automatic promotion to E2 based on TIR? (time in rate)?
I heard this applies to both E1 to E2, or E2 to E3
Thanks..
Oct 25, 2012
Bugsmama
Oct 26, 2012
Bugsmama
Oct 26, 2012
happyfeet(ship 09/Div 288)
ecrmom~ the Keel is included with the large pic pkg. The DVD is separate. Good for you to order one because they are not available for very long.
Nov 1, 2012
sdbeck22
hello any moms out there have son or daughter on ship 11 div 31
Nov 29, 2012
rksteinke (Ship 11-Div 32)
Nov 29, 2012
flgirltwo
My son graduated last week from A school and is now stationed at NAS Jacksonville! His first duty weekend is mid-December for indoc! Nice to have him home and those hugs!
Nov 29, 2012
Linda Rae
rksteinke (Ship 11-Div 32) - my son is ship 11, div 32 and is reserve. He's scheduled to go to CTR school in Corry Station, FL. If I hear anything about leave in the reserves, I'll let you know. Right now, I am waiting to see if I hear from him this weekend and if he has any updates.
Nov 29, 2012
dianevdb
hi reserves moms..anyone out there have a hoepital corpsman about the graduate at San Antonio? How about continuing into the dental assisting course?
Mine will graduate next Thursday w 225A and B class. Then onto dental assisting.
Nov 29, 2012
xraylady Ship 12 Div 071
Hooray, Hooray! I got my kid in a box today:) It took me a minute to gather myself before opening it, but it felt so good to touch his things that he recently wore and to know that we've gotten through another step. Now I await the letter!
Dec 5, 2012
flgirltwo
Congrats xraylady! Next will be your formal letter and then the "real" letters will be coming. Don't be discouraged or too worried if the 1st letter is depressing. My son told me he was in"hell" and more awful stuff. I worried and worried till I got the 2nd letter and he still complained a bit, but much more upbeat overall and they got better and better!
Dec 5, 2012
debzz3
Has anyone on here ever felt like their sailor was being thought "less of" because they are in the reserves and not active duty. And if so, what was your response. Just a little issue that came up that makes me curious.
Dec 11, 2012
Joyellen
My son was told he couldn't come home for Christmas because he was in reserves. I thought that was kind of weird, because at first he was told he could and they gave him two options of dates - one during Christmas, and one a week later. I never really say much about it to him because it's not his fault what he's being told and I don't want him to feel bad that it makes me sad. We could fly down there after Christmas, but that would be 3 plane tickets and a hotel and car rental vs just one plane ticket and he could stay in his own room for free. But whatever. There's not anything I can do about it, so it doesn't make much sense to get real upset about it. He's an adult and this is what he wants to do, so I can only support him. (Hard lesson for mom, but I'm learning.)
Dec 11, 2012