Sailors becoming Hospital Corpsmen at A School in San Antonio, TX - best rating in the Navy! The Hospital Corps is the Navy's only enlisted Corps and the most decorated in the Navy. Families, friends and loved ones, join in!
Internet service is expensive($54) a month but is needed. He doesn't have a smart phone.Everything seems very expensive there-He bought sunscreen -it was $9.00-I thought the military gave discounts-doesn't seem like it! I can get it cheaper here in Philadelphia-think I will send care packages.
Thanks for the photos! I have asked my son to take pix but that hasn't been high on his list!! Wow...sure different from the room my SA left behind at home!!! I have heard about how they clean the 'brightwork'. This is great.
I finalized all of my travel and thought I'd post the info I found here in case it's helpful to someone else:
Airfare: 304 RT San Diego to San Antonio with Southwests web special. (Normally non refundable/ transferrable but they make exceptions for military and dependants).
Hotel: Howard Johnson Express- $224.00 dollars for three nights with military discount.
Car: $56 for 4 days through Hotwire (7.95 a day plus fees).
I am thrilled at the deals to be found!! Hope everyone gets a good visit soon :)
Does anyone know how to go about moving your car from one state to the other? Husband got orders to stay in TX, my son and i will be coming down. How do we move our car as well? Is it free? Does the navy do it?
fab - I haven't a clue about the HM rating stuff, however, I am an expert in Navy stuff. What you need to do is read "It's your Move". It has the entire picture about moving.
Per the car, you must drive it (which the Navy will pay for) or ship it yourself (on your dime). The Navy has very strict rules about how a car is shipped in CONUS. For the Navy to ship it in the states you either would have to die (I don't think you would be too concerned with the car is that happened), to have a medical condition that won't allow you to drive, or a change in ports (ships). I have never seen anyone get the Navy to ship the car within CONUS.
Craig, our son uses clear wireless...weird they don't provide it for your daughter. You could try a hot spot through your cell phone carrier as shinystuff suggested. Our cell phone provider is Sprint and their service is not fantastic at Fort Sam Houston so it wouldn't work great for a hot spot. The clear WIFI is a bit expensive to start as the modem is $150 and around $50 a month. @JanRN, I agree that things are so expensive there for them, I too thought things would have a better discount. Although when they are out in town they don't hesitate to use their Sailor status to get discounts at restaurant, the movies and every where else they go...lol
Mommasheart: The 'Wanna get away?' web specials on Southwest are open to anyone, but because I have military ID, they will let me get a refund or change if I need to.
Hotwire rate for rental car is public.
Hotel was through Howard Johnson, and they give a great discount if you have a military ID as well.
Good question: not sure. I have my own ID as his dependent. Since it's only the hotel that was really an issue, I would call them. Also, I am picking my SR up friday before I check into the hotel, since he will be phase three by then. If you did that, he can check in with his ID.
Amac - You need to be really careful with Southwest. Yes, they will allow you to change your flight, but you will be charged.
We found out my daughter would also have Sunday off for graduation (air force boot camp). So we wanted to switch her flight until Monday. Since the cost of the airline was more, ie our flight was originally $89 San Antonio to Denver, and now the flight was $299, we had to pay $210 more (which was well worth it to us).
My flight I had already booked on Monday since I wanted to talk to some of my friends, so I wanted to switch my flight to an earlier flight to match my wife's. My flight was at 1pm, hers was at 9am. I couldn't without paying $255 dollars. I asked "Can't I just fly standby, and if you have an empty seat I could fill it?" They said "Yes, you can, as long as you pay the $255 dollar fee". The reason was there was not seats for the same price I originally paid. So even if they have empty seats, you still need to pay the price difference.
MommasHeart... My son is also waiting to "class up" at METC. We were able to visit him last week and his girlfriend and her family are visiting him this weekend. The sailors just seem to have things to do during the week. My son had liberty all day Saturdays and Sundays, but we weren't able to see him until after 4:30pm M-F because he was doing something every day (cleaning, pt, etc.) Just had to show picture ID to drive onto the base.
Craig- thanks for the heads up! I did call and ask about that first, and they said yes, there is a fee unless you have a military ID as either the active member or a dependent, so I am good. Unless that information was inaccurate, which I wouldn't be surprised ...
Amac - Thanks for the info. I never even thought of using the military ID part. My wife would have been able to do that. Everyday I learn something here at N4M's. I will pass this on to my own website....
Navy2011 - Will your son start classes on the 29th? My daughter said that is when she starts. She's still in indoc...
Well, got word today that our Sailor starts classes on the 29th after being on hold for a month! He said he's ready to get going. Can't wait to get down to San Antonio to see him.
Got a late Mother's day surprise...my sailor came home for Memorial Day weekend. Long drive (13 hours) for a two day visit, but so worth it to have him home.
Wow, it seems like almost yesterday that my son was arriving in SA for school! He graduated from AVT C school this past Tuesday and is now headed to WA state, and will be stationed at NAS Whidbey Island. How ironic that we lived in the southern part of that state when the kids were young, and now he chooses to go back! Many blessings to you and your sailors as they move through their corpsman training and onward into their careers! We have been fortunate to attend all 3 graduations (bootcamp, A school, & C school) and have met so many great young sailors. It really is a great Navy family!
@Craig...wow that was a great price of $89 on your original flight. I cannot seem to be so lucky to find inexpensive airfare....I need to become a flight attendant so we can fly for free...lol!
Craig & ShinyStuff... Looks like our sailors will be starting classes together. YIPEE!!! Actually, my son thought he'd be starting on Wed., the 29th, but the 29th isn't Wed., so I'm thinking it is probably today -- he isn't the best with dates, so I'll give him a break -- today. LOL! Can hardly wait to hear how classes are.
@navy2011mom: Wow, I didn't realize that we are in the same group! Cool! My Sailor said that they were supposed to start this past Tuesday the 29th likeyou said, but then he sent a text saying they were on hold again for a couple more days, so I'm assuming they were going to start today. Hope so! He's starting to get a little antsy. I hope they all do well, I'm excited for them! Can't wait to get down there.
My Sailor's comment (he is about half-way through HM school in SA) when referring to the Navy is "hurry up and wait". He said if you are in a hurry in the Navy, you are going to be disappointed.
ShinyStuff... Hoping you get there too. We really enjoyed our visit to San Antonio. Since we weren't able to see our son during the day (except on the weekend), there is LOTS to do in the area so we were able to easily get back in the late afternoon each day to see him. Of course, just sitting at a table next to the Riverwalk sipping margaritas was the highlight of MY day -- LOL!! I hope you get the chance to go see your sailor very soon!!!
Hello Ladies. My husband is currently in boot camp. I was wondering if you could tell me if there is a stilll a wait to class up in A School? Last time I came on here there was about a 4 week wait.
Avaya - Class up and start class are two different things. They have been experiencing about 4-5 weeks to wait for class to start. However, they Class Up to civies after about a week, then after another about another 2-3 weeks, they class up to being able to stay out over night.
Oh okay. Thank you Teach. :) I thought to "phase up" (Phase 1, 2 and 3) was when they get to start wearing civilian clothes and staying away longer. And that to "class up" was waiting for their classes to get full enough to start. Good to know. Thank you for the help.
Appreciate all the information shared here. My son's PIR was 4 May, and he started class the 23rd; he's a reservist. In one week of class, they have covered seven EMT chapters and have had two tests. A couple of weeks ago, the weekend of 19 May - his class (Class 155B) was already in Phase 3. He loves San Antonio and is doing really well in class. We are looking forward to visiting him the first of July. Any others in this class?
KathyProudCorpsmanmom....that is precisely what my son told me about the difference between phasing up and classing up. I couldn't have said it better! My son was at SA for a month before classing up but was in phase 3 by the time he classed up. He is in class 120B and they are in the section on nursing. The EMT section...5 weeks in what takes 14 weeks in the civilian world...was really intense. He has picked his billet (goin' "green side") and says the pace in the nursing section is slower. It is nice to be able to breathe! He is lovin' it.
@navy2011mom: So, you've already had a chance to get to SA? Do you live very far from there? I'm hoping we can get down there (from KS) by the end of June or at least mid July for sure. Any suggestions on hotels? Sitting at the Riverwalk sipping Margaritas sounds like an excellent idea! ;)
My son got his orders and he get to go to San Diego Im so excited he is doing very goood he loves it only 6 more weeks then he can come home for a couple of weeks before he has to be in SD!
KathyProudCorpsmanmom...he is going to Camp P. He has two buddies going as well so they are working out together knowing they need to be in shape. Lots of running!! And yes, we have talked about how important it is to keep his grades up. He struggled a bit at first with the EMT stuff and is counting on this next phase to improve his GPA. He is very pumped about FMTB and being on the west coast (we live in the NW).
ShinyStuff... We live in So. Calif., so going to S.A. was quite a trip for us. If you live in KS, you'll probably be able to drive, right? That would be great!! We ended up staying at the Travelodge right next to the base. In fact, the back fence of the parking lot is onto the base. It's not the nicest motel, but it's clean and wasn't bad at all. We couldn't have asked for a better location -- at least as far as we were concerned. We were much less than a mile from the Binz Engleman (sp) entrance to the base. Took us only minutes to get onto the base to pick up our son each time he called for us to meet him. There were several places right there next to the Travelodge (Howard Johnson, Microtel, Clarion and more.) The place was pretty much central to getting around S.A., so it really ended up working out well for us. The drive to the Riverwalk then was just minutes. I think it was about 5 miles away from where we stayed.
BTW, there are some GREAT museums on the base. The medical museum was AMAZING!!! Goes from before the Civil War to present. Anyway, I hope you do get the chance to go visit your son soon -- and be sure to have a margarita for me -- LOL!
How can a sailor tell if his wife is on his orders or not? Do we simply have to have an updated page 2? Also how do clinicals work if a sailor has to stat and do them? Will he simply come home a week later or is there a waiting period?
KathyProudCorpsmanmom - I am going to the graduation. I haven't missed a graduation of his since he started Pre-school! Since graduation is 2 July, I am flying in the weekend before so we can have some time together and do some sight-seeing things. He was sooo excited to get this billet as we live in Oregon (although I am originally from SoCal). From the beginning, he has wanted to go 'green side' and wanted Camp P. I know I am gonna need the tissues for his graduation. Just thinking of PIR has me tearing up!
JanRN
Internet service is expensive($54) a month but is needed. He doesn't have a smart phone.Everything seems very expensive there-He bought sunscreen -it was $9.00-I thought the military gave discounts-doesn't seem like it! I can get it cheaper here in Philadelphia-think I will send care packages.
May 23, 2012
DramaSoul
Thanks for the photos! I have asked my son to take pix but that hasn't been high on his list!! Wow...sure different from the room my SA left behind at home!!! I have heard about how they clean the 'brightwork'. This is great.
May 23, 2012
DramaSoul
I think my sailor has been using his smartphone as well. He said the wifi in the rooms is a little sketchy.
May 23, 2012
Craig
Thanks Shiny....
May 23, 2012
Amac23
I finalized all of my travel and thought I'd post the info I found here in case it's helpful to someone else:
Airfare: 304 RT San Diego to San Antonio with Southwests web special. (Normally non refundable/ transferrable but they make exceptions for military and dependants).
Hotel: Howard Johnson Express- $224.00 dollars for three nights with military discount.
Car: $56 for 4 days through Hotwire (7.95 a day plus fees).
I am thrilled at the deals to be found!! Hope everyone gets a good visit soon :)
May 23, 2012
fab229
Does anyone know how to go about moving your car from one state to the other? Husband got orders to stay in TX, my son and i will be coming down. How do we move our car as well? Is it free? Does the navy do it?
May 23, 2012
MommasHeart
Amac23 Ship 09, Div 112, How did you get the discounts? Can you get those b/c you are a military family?
May 23, 2012
MommasHeart
mome2jord how funny!!! LOL!
May 23, 2012
MommasHeart
cindylou61 Thank you so much! That helps!
May 23, 2012
Craig
fab - I haven't a clue about the HM rating stuff, however, I am an expert in Navy stuff. What you need to do is read "It's your Move". It has the entire picture about moving.
http://www.transcom.mil/dtr/part-iv/dtr_part_iv_app_k_1.pdf
Per the car, you must drive it (which the Navy will pay for) or ship it yourself (on your dime). The Navy has very strict rules about how a car is shipped in CONUS. For the Navy to ship it in the states you either would have to die (I don't think you would be too concerned with the car is that happened), to have a medical condition that won't allow you to drive, or a change in ports (ships). I have never seen anyone get the Navy to ship the car within CONUS.
Here is the rules on Cars:
http://www.transcom.mil/j5/pt/dtrpart4/dtr_part_iv_app_k_3.pdf
You can find a lot more info here:
http://www.move.mil/dod.htm#beforeBegin_dodBeforeMove
May 23, 2012
MommasHeart
Does anyone know if while they are waiting to start classes, can they get visits on base by family? Yes, I am still trying to find out. :)
May 23, 2012
mome2jord
Craig, our son uses clear wireless...weird they don't provide it for your daughter. You could try a hot spot through your cell phone carrier as shinystuff suggested. Our cell phone provider is Sprint and their service is not fantastic at Fort Sam Houston so it wouldn't work great for a hot spot. The clear WIFI is a bit expensive to start as the modem is $150 and around $50 a month. @JanRN, I agree that things are so expensive there for them, I too thought things would have a better discount. Although when they are out in town they don't hesitate to use their Sailor status to get discounts at restaurant, the movies and every where else they go...lol
May 24, 2012
Amac23
Mommasheart: The 'Wanna get away?' web specials on Southwest are open to anyone, but because I have military ID, they will let me get a refund or change if I need to.
Hotwire rate for rental car is public.
Hotel was through Howard Johnson, and they give a great discount if you have a military ID as well.
May 24, 2012
MommasHeart
Amac... is it YOUR ID or your your loved ones? I am wondering if my SR's ID will help us get the discounts needed to visit?
May 24, 2012
Amac23
Good question: not sure. I have my own ID as his dependent. Since it's only the hotel that was really an issue, I would call them. Also, I am picking my SR up friday before I check into the hotel, since he will be phase three by then. If you did that, he can check in with his ID.
May 24, 2012
MommasHeart
I see! Thanks for the ifo Amac! Hope all goes well for you Friday!
May 24, 2012
Amac23
Well, it's not for 60 more days. (grr) but it is something to look forward to. Good luck to you as well!
May 24, 2012
Craig
Amac - You need to be really careful with Southwest. Yes, they will allow you to change your flight, but you will be charged.
We found out my daughter would also have Sunday off for graduation (air force boot camp). So we wanted to switch her flight until Monday. Since the cost of the airline was more, ie our flight was originally $89 San Antonio to Denver, and now the flight was $299, we had to pay $210 more (which was well worth it to us).
My flight I had already booked on Monday since I wanted to talk to some of my friends, so I wanted to switch my flight to an earlier flight to match my wife's. My flight was at 1pm, hers was at 9am. I couldn't without paying $255 dollars. I asked "Can't I just fly standby, and if you have an empty seat I could fill it?" They said "Yes, you can, as long as you pay the $255 dollar fee". The reason was there was not seats for the same price I originally paid. So even if they have empty seats, you still need to pay the price difference.
May 25, 2012
Navy2011Mom
MommasHeart... My son is also waiting to "class up" at METC. We were able to visit him last week and his girlfriend and her family are visiting him this weekend. The sailors just seem to have things to do during the week. My son had liberty all day Saturdays and Sundays, but we weren't able to see him until after 4:30pm M-F because he was doing something every day (cleaning, pt, etc.) Just had to show picture ID to drive onto the base.
May 25, 2012
Amac23
Craig- thanks for the heads up! I did call and ask about that first, and they said yes, there is a fee unless you have a military ID as either the active member or a dependent, so I am good. Unless that information was inaccurate, which I wouldn't be surprised ...
May 25, 2012
Craig
Amac - Thanks for the info. I never even thought of using the military ID part. My wife would have been able to do that. Everyday I learn something here at N4M's. I will pass this on to my own website....
Navy2011 - Will your son start classes on the 29th? My daughter said that is when she starts. She's still in indoc...
May 26, 2012
shinystuff
Well, got word today that our Sailor starts classes on the 29th after being on hold for a month! He said he's ready to get going. Can't wait to get down to San Antonio to see him.
May 26, 2012
Teach
May 26, 2012
JanRN
That's wonderful teach--enjoy your visit!
May 27, 2012
MommasHeart
Navy2011Mom.... THANK YOU so much!!! Sometimes Moms gotta do what Moms gotta do!!! Your info was very much appreciated!
May 27, 2012
jenn724 Ship7 Division 161
My daughter graduated Boot camp Friday, and starts classes 6/11.
May 28, 2012
Renee
Wow, it seems like almost yesterday that my son was arriving in SA for school! He graduated from AVT C school this past Tuesday and is now headed to WA state, and will be stationed at NAS Whidbey Island. How ironic that we lived in the southern part of that state when the kids were young, and now he chooses to go back! Many blessings to you and your sailors as they move through their corpsman training and onward into their careers! We have been fortunate to attend all 3 graduations (bootcamp, A school, & C school) and have met so many great young sailors. It really is a great Navy family!
May 28, 2012
mome2jord
@Craig...wow that was a great price of $89 on your original flight. I cannot seem to be so lucky to find inexpensive airfare....I need to become a flight attendant so we can fly for free...lol!
May 28, 2012
Navy2011Mom
Craig & ShinyStuff... Looks like our sailors will be starting classes together. YIPEE!!! Actually, my son thought he'd be starting on Wed., the 29th, but the 29th isn't Wed., so I'm thinking it is probably today -- he isn't the best with dates, so I'll give him a break -- today. LOL! Can hardly wait to hear how classes are.
May 29, 2012
JanRN
My son found out his classes start next Wednesday,6/6.
May 29, 2012
Katze90210 (3/113)
May 29, 2012
Craig
Heck I haven't heard from my daughter all weekend. I guess she's enjoying her freedom & scoping out the new digs... (and dude's for that matter).
May 30, 2012
Navy2011Mom
Heard from our son and he absolutely loves his classes!! What a relief!! Hopefully if he likes it he will do well, right?
May 30, 2012
Katze90210 (3/113)
My son he is doing really well also, loves his instructors. Says they make the class easy to pay attention
May 30, 2012
shinystuff
@navy2011mom: Wow, I didn't realize that we are in the same group! Cool! My Sailor said that they were supposed to start this past Tuesday the 29th likeyou said, but then he sent a text saying they were on hold again for a couple more days, so I'm assuming they were going to start today. Hope so! He's starting to get a little antsy. I hope they all do well, I'm excited for them! Can't wait to get down there.
May 31, 2012
DramaSoul
My Sailor's comment (he is about half-way through HM school in SA) when referring to the Navy is "hurry up and wait". He said if you are in a hurry in the Navy, you are going to be disappointed.
May 31, 2012
Navy2011Mom
ShinyStuff... Hoping you get there too. We really enjoyed our visit to San Antonio. Since we weren't able to see our son during the day (except on the weekend), there is LOTS to do in the area so we were able to easily get back in the late afternoon each day to see him. Of course, just sitting at a table next to the Riverwalk sipping margaritas was the highlight of MY day -- LOL!! I hope you get the chance to go see your sailor very soon!!!
May 31, 2012
Avaya0805 (Ship 9/ Division 201)
Hello Ladies. My husband is currently in boot camp. I was wondering if you could tell me if there is a stilll a wait to class up in A School? Last time I came on here there was about a 4 week wait.
May 31, 2012
Teach
Avaya - Class up and start class are two different things. They have been experiencing about 4-5 weeks to wait for class to start. However, they Class Up to civies after about a week, then after another about another 2-3 weeks, they class up to being able to stay out over night.
May 31, 2012
Avaya0805 (Ship 9/ Division 201)
Oh okay. Thank you Teach. :) I thought to "phase up" (Phase 1, 2 and 3) was when they get to start wearing civilian clothes and staying away longer. And that to "class up" was waiting for their classes to get full enough to start. Good to know. Thank you for the help.
May 31, 2012
dcmont (Ship 2 DIV 925)
Appreciate all the information shared here. My son's PIR was 4 May, and he started class the 23rd; he's a reservist. In one week of class, they have covered seven EMT chapters and have had two tests. A couple of weeks ago, the weekend of 19 May - his class (Class 155B) was already in Phase 3. He loves San Antonio and is doing really well in class. We are looking forward to visiting him the first of July. Any others in this class?
May 31, 2012
DramaSoul
KathyProudCorpsmanmom....that is precisely what my son told me about the difference between phasing up and classing up. I couldn't have said it better! My son was at SA for a month before classing up but was in phase 3 by the time he classed up. He is in class 120B and they are in the section on nursing. The EMT section...5 weeks in what takes 14 weeks in the civilian world...was really intense. He has picked his billet (goin' "green side") and says the pace in the nursing section is slower. It is nice to be able to breathe! He is lovin' it.
May 31, 2012
Katze90210 (3/113)
My son is in Class 150 B he started school May 9th got to SA April 8th.
May 31, 2012
shinystuff
@navy2011mom: So, you've already had a chance to get to SA? Do you live very far from there? I'm hoping we can get down there (from KS) by the end of June or at least mid July for sure. Any suggestions on hotels? Sitting at the Riverwalk sipping Margaritas sounds like an excellent idea! ;)
Jun 1, 2012
Katze90210 (3/113)
Jun 1, 2012
candy 125 Corpsman mom
My son got his orders and he get to go to San Diego Im so excited he is doing very goood he loves it only 6 more weeks then he can come home for a couple of weeks before he has to be in SD!
Jun 1, 2012
DramaSoul
KathyProudCorpsmanmom...he is going to Camp P. He has two buddies going as well so they are working out together knowing they need to be in shape. Lots of running!! And yes, we have talked about how important it is to keep his grades up. He struggled a bit at first with the EMT stuff and is counting on this next phase to improve his GPA. He is very pumped about FMTB and being on the west coast (we live in the NW).
Jun 1, 2012
Navy2011Mom
ShinyStuff... We live in So. Calif., so going to S.A. was quite a trip for us. If you live in KS, you'll probably be able to drive, right? That would be great!! We ended up staying at the Travelodge right next to the base. In fact, the back fence of the parking lot is onto the base. It's not the nicest motel, but it's clean and wasn't bad at all. We couldn't have asked for a better location -- at least as far as we were concerned. We were much less than a mile from the Binz Engleman (sp) entrance to the base. Took us only minutes to get onto the base to pick up our son each time he called for us to meet him. There were several places right there next to the Travelodge (Howard Johnson, Microtel, Clarion and more.) The place was pretty much central to getting around S.A., so it really ended up working out well for us. The drive to the Riverwalk then was just minutes. I think it was about 5 miles away from where we stayed.
BTW, there are some GREAT museums on the base. The medical museum was AMAZING!!! Goes from before the Civil War to present. Anyway, I hope you do get the chance to go visit your son soon -- and be sure to have a margarita for me -- LOL!
Jun 1, 2012
brandon'sgirl
How can a sailor tell if his wife is on his orders or not? Do we simply have to have an updated page 2? Also how do clinicals work if a sailor has to stat and do them? Will he simply come home a week later or is there a waiting period?
Jun 1, 2012
DramaSoul
KathyProudCorpsmanmom - I am going to the graduation. I haven't missed a graduation of his since he started Pre-school! Since graduation is 2 July, I am flying in the weekend before so we can have some time together and do some sight-seeing things. He was sooo excited to get this billet as we live in Oregon (although I am originally from SoCal). From the beginning, he has wanted to go 'green side' and wanted Camp P. I know I am gonna need the tissues for his graduation. Just thinking of PIR has me tearing up!
Jun 1, 2012