Navy Reserve Moms

For anyone who has a Sailor in the Reserves. Lets talk...
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  • Joyellen

    He's at school in Pensacola.  And from what I've read on the Pensacola site, they shut down for the most part.  Which is why I can't figure out why he can't come home.  From what he's told me, he's just going to be sitting around doing nothing for a good chunk of the time and things are going to be closed. Who knows.  It's all new to me and I'm learning that when dates are put out there for liberty or leave, it's an estimate in the military's mind and things can change. So when he gives me dates of when school is supposed to be done or whatever else I just tell myself I'll believe it when he's standing in my living room and I'm not getting my hopes up unless I see him in person.  

  • darius mom

    I would like to know what your Sailors are doing now that they have finished Navy School.  My son is due to come home in February '13 after FMTB. 

  • CHN-B

    Joyellen- my sailor's leave request got approved so he will be home for Christmas through New Years. I heard reservists were encouraged to take leave as they don't need to save it b/c they're coming home after c school or FMBT. While actives should save theirs so they can use it at another time when they have a long stretch of duty. But idk.

    Debzz3- sometimes I feel that way. But I'm so proud of all that my sailor has accomplished. He did say he can get deployed at anytime after he finishes his FMBT training. I worry for his safety. But I've never actually have been told or been treated like him being reserves is any less so perhaps it's just me feeling that.
  • dana

    My son is Ship 11 Div 69 and is in the reserves. He is scheduled to graduate BC January 25 and is headed Pensacola for 6 months. He plans to attend college when he arrives home to finish his last year of college....then we shall see what his plans are!
  • xraylady Ship 12 Div 071

    My son's PIR is 1/25 and he will be in the Reserves.  Debzz 3, as far as Reservists being looked at as "less of", this is how I'm looking at it:  I work a job that I need to be on-call for sometimes.  I never know if I will be called in.  I have to be ready at all times, and have to be to work within 30 minutes of being called in (which can be nerve racking since I live 30 miles from my work).  I would actually rather just know I have to work and go in and work the whole shift.  I can't make any plans during the time that I am on-call because I might need to pick up and go right into work at any given time.  This is kind of how it is for our Reservists.  They can be called at any time and have to go, even if they have plans. 

  • flgirltwo

    I know that my son would have rather been active, but he's ok with being reserves.  His friends that are active don't care if he's active or reserves.  The worst part is his trying to find a job now that he's done schooling and only doing his weekend thing.  Prospective employers are not saying that is the reason, but they are definitely hinting at that.  And I do know that a few people that have been hired for a job he interviewed for are not as qualified.  He does say that when he gets a chance he will try to go active!

  • dana

    My son is toying with idea of going active after he gets his BA too.. I heard it's very difficult to go from reserves to active.  Does anyone know if that's true?

  • flgirltwo

    My son has been calling and texting me this weekend.  It's the same old hurry up and wait weekend for him (1st duty weekend which is indoc).  He's waited over 4 hours for a physical.  They sent him to get his "reserve" id and then wouldn't give it to him because his paperwork that he was "active" and now "reserve" hadn't gone through yet. (They said it could be Feb before it all goes through?)  His "active" id expires on the 20th of Dec, so has to stay an extra night to see if he can get this straightened out (at his expense).  He's the only 1 in his indoc group that is fresh from bc and A school, the others have been active and are now going reserve.  They are spewing acronyms at him and he's not understanding a lot.  He's sooo frustrated.  I told him to raise his hand and stand up and tell them that he's not "getting" everything because he has only been in the navy for 9 months!  He's really not happy right now.  He just vents to me (that's what us mama's are for), not expecting me to come up with the answers that's for sure!  Haven't heard from him for awhile, so must have finally gotten in to see the Dr.  He will need his flight physical in January and he was told that he'll have to come up on his own dime and get it when it's scheduled.  He's not happy with that either.  Thanks for listening to me vent a bit!

  • mzungu

    Hi ladies. I'll also ask this question in the GF/wives forum, but am curious if maybe one of you can help me.

    My BF is currently at RTC. He is E-2 but says that it's possible he'll make it to E-3 before the end of BT. His PIR is 1/18/2013, at which point he'll be going to San Antonio for Corpsman training and then C school in North Carolina (FMF is in his contract). He should be home at the end of summer.

    We plan on getting married sooner rather than later and when we spoke on Friday, he told me that one of his RDCs suggested we get married while he's still in A school so he collects benefits sooner (BAH, etc). I'm having trouble finding info about this for reservists online. I did read that those benefits aren't available unless they get deployed, but this was anecdotal, so I'm not sure if this is accurate or not.

    Can any of you explain this to me? As a reservist, what are the exact benefits he'll be eligible for once getting married? I am totally new to the military, so don't know much about this or who to talk to for answers.

    Thanks!
  • autibug

    I just went through this with my now husband. We were originally told that we wouldn't receive any BAH or separation pay if we married in A school but we went ahead and got married any way and we are now getting BAH and separation pay so don't let them tell you that you won't receive it. We didn't find out until after we were married. I flew out after he had been in A school 2 weeks and we just went to the court house and got married. He asked his chief and all she said was I can't stop you from getting married so there was no chit or classes or anything for us but I have heard of others having to do those things. Your SR would just need to talk to his school chief and barracks chief as soon as he got there to find out protocol for that base. If you have any more questions you can add me as a friend and I'll help where I can from what just happened with me.

  • flgirltwo

    Happy New Year to all.   And may our Reservists stay safe!

  • cjacks

    Our son, Benjamin, just signed up with the Navy Reserves.  He has been in the U.S. Navy Sea Cadets for a few years and this is his next step.  He begins the processing this week and will attend boot camp after he graduates in mid-May.  He will continue his Criminal Justice education (has attended career center for 2 years in Criminal Justice) to get at least a 4 year degree.  The Navy has been his dream for years, especially since that tragic 911 day.  By joining Navy Reserves, he will be able to get his education taken care while serving his Country where needed.  He scored excellent on his ASVAB and hopes to follow the MAA Navy career along side of Criminal Justice.  I am SO appreciative of this site.  CJ

  • flgirltwo

    @zaksmom  - my son has been in the reserves since end of November when he finished A school.  He has yet to find a job.  He's out looking as I'm writing this.  It's not supposed to matter (legally) about being hired, but I'm sure that is why he's not been hired.  We've witnessed some of the "clowns" that were hired for a job he'd applied for....He was much better qualified...But that's my opinion. 

  • Lois C T(momma T)

    Hi Moms, anyone in/near R.I. that has someone going to Chicopee Mass for drill this coming weekend, my son is in Narraganset, R.I.. and needs a ride to drill this coming weekend.

  • flgirltwo

    kimbokatbo - my prayers are with you and your son!

  • NavyMomofOnly1Girl Ship 9 DIV126

    To cjacks, The Navy Reserves only pays tuition after the Reservists has been deployed for at least 90 days.  Otherwise, they only get a monthly allowance through the Montgomery GI Bill for select reservists.  You can access info at www.gibill.va.gov.  Very disappointing news when my daughter was told by her recruitor that she would have 75% of the cost of her education paid for and it wasn't true.

  • Ellen005

    Hi NavyMomofOnly1girl...and everyone else...Seems like that is a common tale the recruits hear about tuition being paid for. A shame as these kids want to do the right thing and make educated decisions. My son is almost done with A school for Intelligence Specialist (IS), C school next, we hear that IS is almost never deployed. Guess tuition will never be a benefit...? Very disappointing. My son's spirits are still up, I hope they stay there. 

  • cjacks

    THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!  I am NOT going to be one happy Navy Reserve Mama!!!  I am going to follow up, but he has already sworn in...bootcamp in August and then A School for MAA after that.  Thanks!

  • cjacks

    Kimbokatbo - Definitely praying for not only your son but for your family.  Thanks for making your needs known.  cj

  • Rhody Navy Mom

    Hi, my son Nick joined the Navy Reserves and left for boot camp on Wednesday, 1/23/13.  He left from Boston, since we lives in RI.  He also joined because of being told about the college tuition program.  Anyone else in the RI area who wants to chat, I have brand new to the Navy Reserves.  Thanks everyone, this website has been so helpful already!  

  • Ellen005

    Basic training and A school don't count a active duty when it comes to the GI Bill.

    Judy, what is your son's rate to get tagged for deployment so fat? Glad his schooling is going well, what is his degree going to be in? Does he enjoy the monthly drill he participates in?
  • Linda Rae

    Regarding the tuition, the Navy recruiter strung my son along for a while saying there weren't a "good jobs" right now. Then is convinced my son that enlisting in the reserves was a great option and they had "good jobs". Since the eduction benefit was one of the reasons my son was interested in joining, I investigated and told him that the only education benefit for reserves (who aren't deployed at least 90 days) is the GI bill and it only pays about $323 per month if you're enrolled full time. He told his recruiter and his recruiter said he wasn't aware of that and he'd look into it further - what a bunch of bullsh*t!  My son is at Corey in A school right now and still thinks he'll be able to go "active" if he does well in school. Well, if what I read is right, that's a bunch of bs too.  I am so angry and disappointed but it's done now and was his decision.

  • kathyjune00

    Linda Rae,

    My son is in VA Beach, VA and is about ready to graduate A school. He was told when he signed (he signed with a bonus) that they would pay his last year of college. (He has 1 year to complete). So far he's not complained about not getting his college paid for. The Navy won't pay for the 3 he's already completed, but told him they would pay for his last year. Had your son already started college? I'm concerned now.

     

  • debzz3

    Does anyone know when the reservists receive their w-2 and where they will be sent? Will they be sent here to their home? I have to have my daughters before I can file my own. She just graduated A-school on Friday.

  • Linda Rae

    Kathyjune00

    My son had 3 years of college before he joined. He wants to eventually finish his degree - not sure when. If the Navy told your son they'd pay for the last year, I hope it's in his contract.

    debzz3-I haven't received my son's w-2. By law, they need to be mailed no later than January 31st.

  • cjacks

    Thanks, Judy!

  • ddotstef2003

    My son left for Chicago on Jan. 22.  What would be his graduation date?  I want to plan my trip as soon as possible.  He's Division 122 (Ship 14).  I appreciate your answers.  Also I am not a traveler and need some advice on the least expensive, but closest hotel to the Naval Training Base.  Any suggestions?  Thanks.

  • momof2sailors

    The last time I stayed in the Navy Lodge it was 65.00 a night. No tax.

  • ddotstef2003

    Thank you all so much!  I will look up the Navy Lodge.  How far is it to the Navy Lodge from the Amtrak Station, which is how I plan to get to Chicago?  Is there a bus available, or do I take a taxi,  or is it walking distance?

  • ddotstef2003

    Thank you, Betty.  I will.

  • CHN-B

    ddotstef2003- welcome! I suggest waiting for the form letter from ur SR to get the correct PIR date. Some advise to wait until the 5th week to book travel plans. U should receive the form letter 2-3weeks from the date ur SR arrived at RTC. I stayed at the Red Carpet Inn. It was $49/night, the closest to base (straight shot) that I could find, & offered free shuttle to PIR from the hotel. U can google map to determine distances btwn various places u need. :)
  • ddotstef2003

    Thank you. So now it's between the Red Carpet Inn and the Navy Lodge. Of the two, which one is better?

  • flgirltwo

    My son finally got assigned to a squadron this week.  He'll start with them in March!  Finally a little movement!  AND he finds out if he has a part time  job on Monday.  Interview went well, just need manager there to give final approval.  Of course he had a 4 day weekend!  lol!  So a little more waiting  - but maybe life is coming together for my boy!

  • Julie "Jarrod's Mom"

    My son 'classed up' today and starts training tomorrow at 6:00am! Excited for him but wish I understood everything more.
  • flgirltwo

    Yes!  My son finally got his part time job!  It took quite a while!  They are still processing him.  I had to laugh when they asked him if he was worried about the drug test or background check!  He said Nope, the Navy checked me out real good and I'm ready to go.  It took 1 day for background check!  LOL!  They couldn't believe it came back so quickly!

  • flgirltwo

    Does anyone know how the sequestration might affect our reservists?

  • PIR012513

    My sailor is currently in A school, heading home in April. Her plan was to take FTS (Full Time Support) positions as a reservist. Does anyone know how available these FTS jobs are to a Builder rate? Or how many FTS options are available on a regular basis? Thank you!

  • DsMoma

    Got some photos today off of Facebook, going to try to add them.
  • jaxx10

    Ima reservist currently in A school as IT and to answer  PIR012513 you cant go ACTIVE reservist  FTS for  2 years after graduating bootcamp.  

  • flgirltwo

    I believe that I heard that Reservists go under a different "envelope" of money and it's different at each base to what they have to spend on Reserve training.  Sure not what we were told it would be, that's for sure!

  • Debi

    Hello group! I'm new to the Reserve section of this website. I have a SR who is currently at RTC who is active duty going Nuke. His twin brother just came home from MEPS today after signing his contract for Navy Reserves. His contract is for HMFM and he leaves for boot camp June 19. I'm looking forward to getting to know what there is to know about the reserves. 

  • MomToSR-Roberts

    Hello All,

    I am a new Reserve Mom. My daughter is at RTC and has PIR on Apr 5 and will then go to A School in San Antonio at Lackland AFB. Anything specific I need to know about the Reserves or A School? Any info will be helpful :)

  • PIR012513

    Hi MomToSr-Roberts

    My sailor is reserves also, contact me. I've dug up some info on the topic I'd be glad to share :)

  • Rhody Navy Mom

    Hi MomToSR-Roberts and PIR12513 - my son is also a Reservist.  Graduating from boot camp next Friday and heading to TX for A school and then hopefully C School in CA.  Any info. you can share with me would be great, new to this life!  Thanks, Tammy

  • Darcy

    My Son signed up for the Navy Reserves in January.  He went to Boot camp 3/14/13.  He is a Utilityman(UT).  He wants to go active as soon as he can.  We are excited for him to begin this phase in his life, it helps because he was so ready to start.

  • b26kid19(13/196)

    My son leaves for bootcamp 3/26/13. I was so happy with the amount of information I found on this site. I look forward to talking with everyone in the future.

  • Mamma

    My daughter is to graduate April 12th.  She set me up on this site before she left.  The last letter mailed asked if I had talked to other mom's so now I can tell her yes. This is my first time commenting.  I am so proud of her.  She will be Virginia beach for A and C school for the summer.  7 hour drive for me.  Can not wait.  She plans on finishing her Neuro Science degree after C school.  Wondering if that will still be the plan after C school.  She will be trained as an Intelegence Specialist.  The last letter also mentioned she has been really sick and wont go to sick what ever because they are in the final weeks and she does not want to delay graduation.  I have not had a phone call from her in over 2 weeks.  I keep the phone close waiting. 

  • Debi

    Mamma your daughter will graduate one week before my sailor son #1 does. You probably won't get a call until the I'm a Sailor call comes after Battlestations 21. We are also in the "no call zone" now too with our divisions since they entered week 4-1 (aka hell week). I can only hope for detailed letters :) But like they keep telling us..no news is good news in the Navy :)

  • Debbie(13/140)

    I am a new Navy Reserve mom:) My son is at RTC and his PIR is 4/5/2013!  Really excited for his phone call, hopefully soon! He will be going to San Antonio for his A school.  Learning as I go here...this website is great and appreciate any info:) Any reserve moms going to sarge's  meet & greet on the 4th of April?

  • Chele ship 12 div 048

    Is there anyone who has a loved one that is FTS and in Aircrew ? My son is and is going thru NACCS right now. He is being told he will be a sky train flight attendant. Does anyone know what that is?