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!
Amac - Being a reservist doesn't always mean 2 weeks per year. You can deploy longer if the needs of the Navy require it. They need to have these guys fully trained to augment those on active duty (if necessary).
txbaby - Are you saying that FMF does have it's own "C" school?
You've got to admit, those FMF guys look pretty spiffy in their uniforms. Kind of confuses those that don't know about the marine cover on a Navy sailor. It cover (hat) is a dead giveaway, but also the entire uniform too....
I just witnessed the graduation of Corpsman Class 120. It was beautiful and so much more personal than PIR. I would encourage all of you to attend if you can and not buy into the philosophy that it isn't a big deal. The remarks by the Senior Chief about his 25 years were personal and brought me to tears knowing my son is following that path and going green side. The Sailor' Hymn and the recitation of the Corpsman oath gave me chills (and it's hot and humid here). I am so proud of HABronson and his class mates. Bravo Zulu Class 120!!
Kayla. Thank you so much for the info! I'll relay that to him. Good luck to you two. I have more questions so I think I'm gonna start a new discussion cause they're related but not.
Also, Craig, thank you for the good info you post! And I agree with you about women in that position. I have no military experience myself so I'm not sure how much I have to say about but I'm curious to know the reasons why women aren't allowed to serve in that capacity. I saw someone posted about it but I wonder what all the reasons are and what the basis is. I feel like the strongest woman trained to her best physical condition cannot be as strong as the strongest man trained to his best physical condition but I don't think that's a valid reason to prevent an entire gender from providing medical care and only an extreme.
Craig, ya' gotta love a guy or gal in uniform! Sitting waiting for my Sailor outside Anderson Hall watching all the students from the Navy, Army and AF. I'm a little partial to the Navy. Thanks for posting the FMF photo. :-)
I need some good vibes sent for my Sailor son. He is at Doc right now. They did two tests. He has a reoccurring sore throat and this weekend when we went to see him by Sunday it was the worst yet. He went to doc Monday morning and was told to take two aspirins and come back in the morning. (Guess we know where the saying came from). He did that and does not feel any better. Just ants to sleep, not eat or drink. He has as fever. Hope its not too serious! Will keep you posted. I guess they have to see their doc before they can be sent to clinic.
Craig- good point. That was a real duh moment for me. Well, he is mighty nervous. Called me last night and said he heard the Pendleton wont have space available until January so he thinks he is going to SC. It really is such a bummer. Oceanside is right next to us so I've been holding onto that as my consolation prize!
Katz90210 my son was just siq with strep throat last week. I have a feeling it is going around. I hope for his sake he doesn't have it but I wanted to worn you anyway. Keeping my fingers crossed for you!
Ok was he put on light duty or rolled back in any way? Still waiting to hear from him. I hope that means he can't talk/text right now cause he was sent back to class and that I won't hear until after 16:00 hours when he gets done for the day!
I bet that is what Katze son has. Luckily he's and adult and his immune system is much stronger than an infant. He'll just feel like crap for the next week. With the holiday coming up, I hope they give him a lot of antibiotics. Those antibiotic "Tri Pak" work wonders. He should request for that.
Just curious, has any of your sailors requested to change their "state of residence"?
I wrote this last year to help those in the Cryptology section. It's against the rules to do this for monetary gain (saving a bunch on taxes), however, if you like Texas, and decided to take up residence there, then it really simple to do. You make a will, and submit a form.
When I was in, I immediately changed my residence to Florida (which pays no taxes). For the next 18 years I was a Florida residence. When I finally retired, I changed mine back to Colorado. Thus for the previous 18 years I paid no taxes, not that I did it for monetary gain This only really works for those states that milks our military out of money when they don't physically live in that state. Just some food for thought....
Craig - My recruit wrote in his first letter home that they pay no state taxes (we live in IL). I have also read on other forums that some states make it difficult to NOT change your residency to that state. For instance, I think VA was the example. In order to be employed, you have to have a VA state ID, and getting said ID changes your residency. Is this accurate? And if so, what state department would one search to find out the residency requirements, would you check with the Motor Vehicle Department?
Also, my SR mentioned that he thought he would not have to renew his Driver's License while he was in the Navy, unless he came back to IL (because they can't expect you to go all the way to your home state to renew a license unless you're stationed there, was the explanation he got, not sure from whom). That sounded.... not right. What are the rules for active duty military and their licenses, and also the spouse's licenses. I plan on coming home frequently to visit family, but would still like to know the rules.
Thanks! You're so enlightening! I love getting these bits of info that I don't specifically need RIGHT now, but I know I will. It helps me feel way more prepared.
So he texted me and said it is strep! I'm waiting for him to call so I can ask him if that means light duty or back to business as usual! Thanks for all the well wishes
Katze - Woo-hoo! At least they found it before the holiday.
Nicks - If you live in a state that you don't pay tax, or, if a state that only collects tax while you're in it, then you're ok. I totally believe if you are stationed in that states you should pay taxes. What I don't believe in is when states charge our military members taxes when they don't use any of their resources for 20 years. They are just milking out military members out of their money.
The only true rule you must follow is the "TRI-STATE LAW". You cannot have a license from one state, registration from any another, and insurance from a third. Two of the three have to match. Read more here:
txbaby - I love all the info that is passed between us. Makes for an interesting read. I did not know about the Military Spouse Residency Relief Act. I only knew the military side.
I always thought the spouses got screwed because of this. Thank God they got it corrected. The spouse should not get the raw end just because they decide to follow their spouse. Now I need to read up on the MSRRA to pass it along too. Thanks!
NavyGirlzMom...My son flew out the next day. He was dropped off at O'Hare at 0630 for a flight that didn't leave until 1845 (6:45 pm) so his girlfriend and I spent all day at the airport with him (and about a dozen other Sailors) going to SA. It was great to have all that time with him and get to hear some boot camp stories and meet his buddies. We had planned to stay for the whole weekend (which we did since changing a flight is really expensive) and ended up doing some sight-seeing.
My son flew out on Sat. From o'hare also, but he arrived at 6:30 am for a 10:30 flight. I have heard of One group that left on Sunday, but the vast majority leave on Saturday. They find out their travel plans just a day or two before PIR. We planned our return flight for Sunday just to be safe.
Navygirlzmon. My son flew out on Sunday and we flew home Sarurday so we missed spending the whole day with him Saturday and seeing him off Sunday! I recommend if you can to fly home Sunday and I'd she flies out Saturday then use the extra time site seeing. If your daughter is not a Reservist then she may have a 6 to 8 week wait time before she will start school. Reservist and people returning from fleet will get first dibs on seats. Then the enlisted get to fill any empty seats.
It took about a month before my son "classed up" or started classes. He was rolled back once. Being rolled back is really common and as noted in Katze's comments, reservists and those returning from the fleet get first dibs. During that time as he described it he marched, cleaned, did laundry, stood watch, PT, repeat. He was not just sitting around, that's for sure!! We were just talking about this when I was at his graduation. We talked about the Phases of being allowed off base. Phase I is allowed off base in uniform, Phase II is allowed off base in civvies and must return to base at night. Phase III is allowed off base for the full weekend (Friday to Sunday night). I just got back from spending the great weekend and seeing his graduation on Monday. It was so wonderful to be there.
One thing to tell your Sailors...be careful about all the things they will acquire while in training because they have to be packed up and taken with you when you leave! I think my son learned a valuable lesson as we ended up with his seabag, backpack, extra suitcase, guitar, canvas bag and things that wouldn't fit were added to my suitcase. In anticipation of this I had brought my largest suitcase when a much smaller one would have done for me for the weekend. In hindsight, which is ALWAYS 20/20, he said he should have started shipping things home a couple of weeks earlier (a suggestion I had made!). There is a UPS store in SA and there is the Post Office on base. I think he will be much more thoughtful about this in the future.
Hi everyone. My son is PIR 7/27 then headed to A school in SA. Do you get tired of always having to start over giving information to the newbies?
This is most informative and I'm sure it will become even more so as he gets closer to A school.
Craig, do the new Sailors receive counsel on the tax issues, etc? I don't want to be a meddling mom, but want to be informed so I can offer advice when asked.
Oh, and enjoy the 4th of July and try to stay cool, everyone.
Craig, my son and I were just talking about the tax issue. The state taxes in Oregon are just killing him and yet he won't be living here for the next two years. I am not quite sure because when I start reading about tax information, I go into a coma. That's why I have an accountant. So who should he talk to about this? Does he need to change his residence to California since that's where he will be living (Camp P and 29 Palms)? Also, what happens when they are deployed (he is attached to a ship so when it goes, he goes).
Navy girl-we have family in SA and they picked up our son the first Saturday he was there and took him off base. He had to be in uniform and had a curfew, but he definitely could see family right away.
Ohaha & Drama - They don't teach tax stuff. It's actually against the rule to go into base legal and say "I'm changing my state residence so I don't have to pay taxes". However, if you say you're changing because you like Texas then that meets the requirements. Remember, the link to the form I posted? The easiest way to change your state of Residence is to make a will (as the form says). You don't even need to go to base legal to do it. Anyone can do the will for you, but base legal will do it free. Then you just fill out the DD-2058 form I posted and submit it to your personnelman. It's that simple.
Per Drama's question about California. California is a good state to be a residence of, as long as you are not stationed there. California you don't pay taxes if you not stationed in that state, but they will sock it to you when you are. Again I changed my to Florida, my son changed his to Florida, just because we were stationed there for school. Texas is another one of those states that doesn't pay taxes ever. So it's a good one too. I'm from Colorado, our state wants it money either way. Which to me, really screws our military over.
Craig - Funny you bring up that the Arizona hadn't been used in a long time. in the PIR group on N4M, the USS Chicago is being put into "dry dock" for repairs, so divs on that shop are being moved to the USS Arizona next week. I know 221 & 222 are on the Chicago, but I don't know if there are more.
NavyGirlz - I like this forum because it's not boring. It keeps moving with all sorts of stuff. Everyone has a piece of the puzzle. Whether your a newbie or a veteran. We all learn stuff. My deal is I run a forum website myself. I need new and fresh information that I can pass along to those about to enter the Navy. Without new and fresh information, then it gets boring. So I really enjoy when newbies ask questions. You will soon be a veteran too. When newbie come and ask questions, relish them, because you are "paying it forward". It's all about helping your shipmate! Yea, some of the questions might be something we've seen before, but it keeps everyone up-to-date with fresh ideas. So post on woman...
Lastly, per what txbaby says, during the summer RTC pumps out way more sailors since most graduated High School. This is what the Navy calls a "Surge". The ships (barracks) in Great Lakes have movable walls so if they have too many recruits, they just move the walls and make even more living spaces. If you see this diagram, during non-surge times the barracks are set up in the 1-2-1 concept. However during the surge, they can be reconfigured to the 3-3-3 concept. BUT THIS IS ONLY WHEN THE SHIPS ARE FULL. Many of the ships (barracks) are abandoned because the Navy isn't taking in as many recruits. Ships like the Constitution (ship 6), Enterprise (ship 10), Arizona (ship 14) have been used in over 2 years. In fact the Marvin Shields (ship 13) was recently activated just this month after sitting empty for 2 1/2 years. I would hate to be a recruit on that ship since everything would be really dusty.
I know you guys with sailors at Fort Sam don't care about this, but this is for those that still have sailors in Great Lakes:
Here is the info on the compartments in Great Lakes are. You see how the walls are movable? This is when the "Surge" is on.
Navygirlzmom- my sr has not written me about it, but I haven't gotten anything from him in almost 4 Weeks, so... Anyway, on a FB group I've joined, one of the moms emailed public affairs whose response was suspect to me. He basically said, no that's not happening, don't believe what you read online and was just very dismissive. But he did say that if recruits are moved, they will forward the mail. So unless your sr tells you otherwise, I would keep writing to the address you have.
Thanks for making me feel free to ask questions. I'm creating a list of information to share with my SR once he's a Sailor :) a will and the DD-2058 are now on that list.
My son was DEP. I was under the impression they set his report date based on when there would be an expected opening in A school. Even though, it sounds like he could have a little wait for school to begin.
Let me ask an unrelated question. My son does not currently have a car. Will that be an issue in SA? What do Sailors do with cars when they are deployed. My son is single.
In corpsman world, what is the normal progression after A school? Another school or are they stationed someplace for a period of time? Is there a "normal" progression?
txbabydocmom...Now I think about meeting you! Now that I am back home! Thanks for all your good info. I made several trips to the base on Monday getting things from my Sailor that would end up in my suitcase 'cause he had a LOT of stuff. It was kinda cool sitting in my car waiting for him near dusk in the parking lot in front of Janke (I think that's right). I was listening to the Sailors (men and women) talk as I had my windows rolled down. I laughed so hard I almost wet my pants. Then there was a signal and they all stopped immediately what they were doing, turned and stood at attention. (Their hands exactly curled the same and their feet in perfect position.) I am guessing that the Colors were being taken down. Then another signal and they went back to what they were doing telling each other jokes or stories and the language made me laugh. Salty and scatalogical for sure!! But here they were...young men and women...and the camaraderie was a beautiful thing to behold.
OmahaRudy...my son was in DEP for 7 months waiting based on when openings would be available in the program. He still had a 4 week wait to class up or start classes once he got to SA. His philosophy is to just go with the flow because he noticed in the Navy the motto is 'hurry up and wait'!! :-)
Ok! So he COULD be in SA for a while. I will warn him about taxi's and let him figure out when he should consider getting a car. He is so excited about being a corpsman. While he was discussing enlistment with his recruiter he considered many options but kept going back to corpsman. He said it was what felt right.
Now that he is completing week 4 of BC he's really enjoying all that he is learning. I am thrilled with his excitement and pleasure at being in the Navy.
OmahaRudy...check out Craig's NAVY.DEP.com site if you haven't already. LOTS of information AND the best day-by-day description of what is going on! My son told me we moms knew more about boot camp than they did!!
OmahaRudy...yep. That's what I did and it was the best thing I ever did. As I said, my son said we knew more than they did and he was right because we could see what was coming! It was very reassuring to check that each day since we have only snail mail contact.
DramaSoul. Can you give me more info about A School graduation? How long was it? How many people were there? Were they accomadating? Did you get there Sunday and come home tuesday? Do they need to know you are coming ? Do you need to be out on a list? Sorry but I need to know. I really want to try and go but airfare alone would be around $800 for my husband and I to go. Then there's the hotel and food and car rental. I would start saving now and maybe we could go at the end of august
Katze - I'm a little confused by you breakdown in cost. I clicked on you name and it says you're from Jersey. Why can't you fly out of Newark (EWR) to San Antonio (SAT) on Southwest airlines. It cost $110 p/p. Flying back is the same cost $110. So it's $220 x 2 = $440. Then your hotel will cost $39 per night. So 5 nights is $39 x 5 = $195. Then the car rental is about $19 per day (Hotwire) x 5 days = $130. So all in all I figure your out $765 for everything.
I will post some hotel info for you later tonight when I have time.
Just trying to help you get the San Antonio to see your sailor....
Omaha - My website is mostly open to the general public. I have certain section blocked because I don't some of the things the Deppers say open to everyone. But all in all, most of it's open without having to register.
Sorry Craig. I didn't mean to give out misinformation. I remember filling out something on your website and noting I was a family member and not a depper! If I could I would put up the icon where I am blushing out of shame. The LAST thing I wanna do is give out WRONG info about YOU!! You have gotten me through this far and I have tremendous respect for your service, your humor and your knowledge.
When I flew out this last time only United had flights Thursday to Sunday and the cost of round trip non stop was $432.00! I won't be able to book till last minute because we are still not sure of the date. I will def check out Southwest if we go in aug. Wow do I do it wrong! LOL I paid Avis $120.00 for thursday night to sunday afternoon.Thanks Craig I will shop better next time. Ugh
Drama - I just wanted to point out that you don't need to register to see most of the stuff on my website. I recently had a mom try to get into the ratings section and couldn't (which was strange to me). What I found is the HTML files I have there allow hackers a easy way in my website so I block any non-registered user from seeing those files just because I don't know if their hacker or not.
When people register at my website I can see exactly where they are coming from in the world. When I see China and Russia IP addresses then I kill those IP's from ever trying to get to my website again. It's all about keeping the families and sailors safe on my website.
My view is unlike most websites. My website doesn't have advertisements so I'm not looking for people to stay so they can buy stuff. It all about your sailors that I'm concerned with. All member that want to help their sailors should go anywhere you can, to find the information you can, that will help your sailor. If my website doesn't have it, I will be the 1st to recommend another that does. I'm a member at Military.com, if you post any outside weblinks there they get really ticked off. Why? Because they want you to buy stuff on their website. Again, I'm not looking for anyone to buy anything. My whole entire reason for that website is to help a sailor and/or family member.
I have about 320 active members, which means they have logged in at least 5 times in the past 30 days. This doesn't include people that just like to look around that aren't registered users.
The website was only meant to be a "Mom & Pop" website I made, and has evolved into way more than that now. I truly can't keep up with all the questions the deppers ask. Luckily, I have a bunch of active duty members that 1st started on my website now passing on their info to the newbies. Which is really cool. I love it when active duty guys come back.
Lastly, one post a Navy gal did for me now has almost 34,000 views. It is the one you mentioned. It is an awesome thread that has helped sooo many families...I bet it will help Omaha too.
Craig, I just read http://www.navydep.com/forums/showthread.php?t=433. VERY interesting. I also read your response to me about HMDA. I do hope it provides him a lot of opportunity and chance to grow! That's what he joined for!! He's ready to take on the world. :)
Craig...you amaze me. Thank you again for all you are doing. I think it is awesome that active duty are helping the newbies. That post, BTW, got me through some very dark days/nights.
Craig, I am originally from California and have no desire to live there again! I will talk with my Sailor about the will and form DD2058. I will check with my accountant to see if there is anything we can do but I am guessing Oregon is like Colorado in that department. He doesn't want to get out of paying taxes.
Also....when my son was asked by a family friend as to why he chose the Navy/Corpsman/FMTB route he replied "To learn a skill, to give back, to make a difference in someone's life." What more can one ask? I am so proud of him.
Katse - Check the post I did above in the discussion area. I want you to think about that hotel. Very clean and cheap...
Per the cost of the flight, remember Southwest you can change your flight dates without penalty. Just call them up to make sure because some web specials don't follow that rule.
Thanks Craig I will. Do you know anything about the A School graduation? Im not sure Dramasoul saw my post. He won't graduate till the end of August so I have some time before I need to book and we are not sure of the exact date
Craig
Amac - Being a reservist doesn't always mean 2 weeks per year. You can deploy longer if the needs of the Navy require it. They need to have these guys fully trained to augment those on active duty (if necessary).
txbaby - Are you saying that FMF does have it's own "C" school?
You've got to admit, those FMF guys look pretty spiffy in their uniforms. Kind of confuses those that don't know about the marine cover on a Navy sailor. It cover (hat) is a dead giveaway, but also the entire uniform too....
Jul 2, 2012
DramaSoul
Craig, hoping to see Randolph AFB this afternoon.
Jul 2, 2012
Renee
Congratulations Dramasoul! I completely agree with you about the ceremony - very inspiring!
Enjoy your visit and Bravo Zulu to your sailor!!!
Jul 2, 2012
Maltobella (HM - San Antonio)
Also, Craig, thank you for the good info you post! And I agree with you about women in that position. I have no military experience myself so I'm not sure how much I have to say about but I'm curious to know the reasons why women aren't allowed to serve in that capacity. I saw someone posted about it but I wonder what all the reasons are and what the basis is. I feel like the strongest woman trained to her best physical condition cannot be as strong as the strongest man trained to his best physical condition but I don't think that's a valid reason to prevent an entire gender from providing medical care and only an extreme.
Jul 2, 2012
DramaSoul
Jul 2, 2012
DramaSoul
Jul 2, 2012
DramaSoul
Jul 2, 2012
Katze90210 (3/113)
I need some good vibes sent for my Sailor son. He is at Doc right now. They did two tests. He has a reoccurring sore throat and this weekend when we went to see him by Sunday it was the worst yet. He went to doc Monday morning and was told to take two aspirins and come back in the morning. (Guess we know where the saying came from). He did that and does not feel any better. Just ants to sleep, not eat or drink. He has as fever. Hope its not too serious! Will keep you posted. I guess they have to see their doc before they can be sent to clinic.
Jul 3, 2012
Amac23
Oh no, Katze! Boooo. Prayers for him!
Craig- good point. That was a real duh moment for me. Well, he is mighty nervous. Called me last night and said he heard the Pendleton wont have space available until January so he thinks he is going to SC. It really is such a bummer. Oceanside is right next to us so I've been holding onto that as my consolation prize!
Jul 3, 2012
OKCsuzieq
Katz90210 my son was just siq with strep throat last week. I have a feeling it is going around. I hope for his sake he doesn't have it but I wanted to worn you anyway. Keeping my fingers crossed for you!
Jul 3, 2012
Katze90210 (3/113)
Jul 3, 2012
Craig
I bet that is what Katze son has. Luckily he's and adult and his immune system is much stronger than an infant. He'll just feel like crap for the next week. With the holiday coming up, I hope they give him a lot of antibiotics. Those antibiotic "Tri Pak" work wonders. He should request for that.
Jul 3, 2012
Craig
Just curious, has any of your sailors requested to change their "state of residence"?
I wrote this last year to help those in the Cryptology section. It's against the rules to do this for monetary gain (saving a bunch on taxes), however, if you like Texas, and decided to take up residence there, then it really simple to do. You make a will, and submit a form.
When I was in, I immediately changed my residence to Florida (which pays no taxes). For the next 18 years I was a Florida residence. When I finally retired, I changed mine back to Colorado. Thus for the previous 18 years I paid no taxes, not that I did it for monetary gain
This only really works for those states that milks our military out of money when they don't physically live in that state. Just some food for thought....
http://www.navyformoms.com/group/ctratemoms/forum/topics/most-sailo...
Jul 3, 2012
Jenn_NicksWifey
Craig - My recruit wrote in his first letter home that they pay no state taxes (we live in IL). I have also read on other forums that some states make it difficult to NOT change your residency to that state. For instance, I think VA was the example. In order to be employed, you have to have a VA state ID, and getting said ID changes your residency. Is this accurate? And if so, what state department would one search to find out the residency requirements, would you check with the Motor Vehicle Department?
Also, my SR mentioned that he thought he would not have to renew his Driver's License while he was in the Navy, unless he came back to IL (because they can't expect you to go all the way to your home state to renew a license unless you're stationed there, was the explanation he got, not sure from whom). That sounded.... not right. What are the rules for active duty military and their licenses, and also the spouse's licenses. I plan on coming home frequently to visit family, but would still like to know the rules.
Thanks! You're so enlightening! I love getting these bits of info that I don't specifically need RIGHT now, but I know I will. It helps me feel way more prepared.
Jul 3, 2012
Katze90210 (3/113)
Jul 3, 2012
Craig
Katze - Woo-hoo! At least they found it before the holiday.
Nicks - If you live in a state that you don't pay tax, or, if a state that only collects tax while you're in it, then you're ok. I totally believe if you are stationed in that states you should pay taxes. What I don't believe in is when states charge our military members taxes when they don't use any of their resources for 20 years. They are just milking out military members out of their money.
The only true rule you must follow is the "TRI-STATE LAW". You cannot have a license from one state, registration from any another, and insurance from a third. Two of the three have to match. Read more here:
http://www.militaryinstallations.dod.mil/pls/psgprod/f?p=MI:CONTENT...
Jul 3, 2012
Craig
txbaby - I love all the info that is passed between us. Makes for an interesting read. I did not know about the Military Spouse Residency Relief Act. I only knew the military side.
I always thought the spouses got screwed because of this. Thank God they got it corrected. The spouse should not get the raw end just because they decide to follow their spouse. Now I need to read up on the MSRRA to pass it along too. Thanks!
Jul 3, 2012
DramaSoul
NavyGirlzMom...My son flew out the next day. He was dropped off at O'Hare at 0630 for a flight that didn't leave until 1845 (6:45 pm) so his girlfriend and I spent all day at the airport with him (and about a dozen other Sailors) going to SA. It was great to have all that time with him and get to hear some boot camp stories and meet his buddies. We had planned to stay for the whole weekend (which we did since changing a flight is really expensive) and ended up doing some sight-seeing.
Jul 4, 2012
Hm-in-the-Fam-Mom
Jul 4, 2012
Teach
Jul 4, 2012
Katze90210 (3/113)
Jul 4, 2012
Katze90210 (3/113)
Jul 4, 2012
DramaSoul
It took about a month before my son "classed up" or started classes. He was rolled back once. Being rolled back is really common and as noted in Katze's comments, reservists and those returning from the fleet get first dibs. During that time as he described it he marched, cleaned, did laundry, stood watch, PT, repeat. He was not just sitting around, that's for sure!! We were just talking about this when I was at his graduation. We talked about the Phases of being allowed off base. Phase I is allowed off base in uniform, Phase II is allowed off base in civvies and must return to base at night. Phase III is allowed off base for the full weekend (Friday to Sunday night). I just got back from spending the great weekend and seeing his graduation on Monday. It was so wonderful to be there.
One thing to tell your Sailors...be careful about all the things they will acquire while in training because they have to be packed up and taken with you when you leave! I think my son learned a valuable lesson as we ended up with his seabag, backpack, extra suitcase, guitar, canvas bag and things that wouldn't fit were added to my suitcase. In anticipation of this I had brought my largest suitcase when a much smaller one would have done for me for the weekend. In hindsight, which is ALWAYS 20/20, he said he should have started shipping things home a couple of weeks earlier (a suggestion I had made!). There is a UPS store in SA and there is the Post Office on base. I think he will be much more thoughtful about this in the future.
Jul 4, 2012
OmahaRudy
This is most informative and I'm sure it will become even more so as he gets closer to A school.
Craig, do the new Sailors receive counsel on the tax issues, etc? I don't want to be a meddling mom, but want to be informed so I can offer advice when asked.
Oh, and enjoy the 4th of July and try to stay cool, everyone.
Jul 4, 2012
DramaSoul
Craig, my son and I were just talking about the tax issue. The state taxes in Oregon are just killing him and yet he won't be living here for the next two years. I am not quite sure because when I start reading about tax information, I go into a coma. That's why I have an accountant. So who should he talk to about this? Does he need to change his residence to California since that's where he will be living (Camp P and 29 Palms)? Also, what happens when they are deployed (he is attached to a ship so when it goes, he goes).
Jul 4, 2012
Maltobella (HM - San Antonio)
Jul 4, 2012
Teach
Jul 4, 2012
Craig
Ohaha & Drama - They don't teach tax stuff. It's actually against the rule to go into base legal and say "I'm changing my state residence so I don't have to pay taxes". However, if you say you're changing because you like Texas then that meets the requirements. Remember, the link to the form I posted? The easiest way to change your state of Residence is to make a will (as the form says). You don't even need to go to base legal to do it. Anyone can do the will for you, but base legal will do it free. Then you just fill out the DD-2058 form I posted and submit it to your personnelman. It's that simple.
Per Drama's question about California. California is a good state to be a residence of, as long as you are not stationed there. California you don't pay taxes if you not stationed in that state, but they will sock it to you when you are. Again I changed my to Florida, my son changed his to Florida, just because we were stationed there for school. Texas is another one of those states that doesn't pay taxes ever. So it's a good one too. I'm from Colorado, our state wants it money either way. Which to me, really screws our military over.
Jul 4, 2012
Jenn_NicksWifey
Jul 4, 2012
Craig
NavyGirlz - I like this forum because it's not boring. It keeps moving with all sorts of stuff. Everyone has a piece of the puzzle. Whether your a newbie or a veteran. We all learn stuff. My deal is I run a forum website myself. I need new and fresh information that I can pass along to those about to enter the Navy. Without new and fresh information, then it gets boring. So I really enjoy when newbies ask questions. You will soon be a veteran too. When newbie come and ask questions, relish them, because you are "paying it forward". It's all about helping your shipmate! Yea, some of the questions might be something we've seen before, but it keeps everyone up-to-date with fresh ideas. So post on woman...
Lastly, per what txbaby says, during the summer RTC pumps out way more sailors since most graduated High School. This is what the Navy calls a "Surge". The ships (barracks) in Great Lakes have movable walls so if they have too many recruits, they just move the walls and make even more living spaces. If you see this diagram, during non-surge times the barracks are set up in the 1-2-1 concept. However during the surge, they can be reconfigured to the 3-3-3 concept. BUT THIS IS ONLY WHEN THE SHIPS ARE FULL. Many of the ships (barracks) are abandoned because the Navy isn't taking in as many recruits. Ships like the Constitution (ship 6), Enterprise (ship 10), Arizona (ship 14) have been used in over 2 years. In fact the Marvin Shields (ship 13) was recently activated just this month after sitting empty for 2 1/2 years. I would hate to be a recruit on that ship since everything would be really dusty.
I know you guys with sailors at Fort Sam don't care about this, but this is for those that still have sailors in Great Lakes:
Here is the info on the compartments in Great Lakes are. You see how the walls are movable? This is when the "Surge" is on.
http://www.navydep.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1701
and here is the official memo for it:
https://www.netc.navy.mil/_documents/NSTCNotices/doc77171.pdf
Jul 4, 2012
Jenn_NicksWifey
Jul 4, 2012
OmahaRudy
My son was DEP. I was under the impression they set his report date based on when there would be an expected opening in A school. Even though, it sounds like he could have a little wait for school to begin.
Let me ask an unrelated question. My son does not currently have a car. Will that be an issue in SA? What do Sailors do with cars when they are deployed. My son is single.
In corpsman world, what is the normal progression after A school? Another school or are they stationed someplace for a period of time? Is there a "normal" progression?
Jul 4, 2012
DramaSoul
txbabydocmom...Now I think about meeting you! Now that I am back home! Thanks for all your good info. I made several trips to the base on Monday getting things from my Sailor that would end up in my suitcase 'cause he had a LOT of stuff. It was kinda cool sitting in my car waiting for him near dusk in the parking lot in front of Janke (I think that's right). I was listening to the Sailors (men and women) talk as I had my windows rolled down. I laughed so hard I almost wet my pants. Then there was a signal and they all stopped immediately what they were doing, turned and stood at attention. (Their hands exactly curled the same and their feet in perfect position.) I am guessing that the Colors were being taken down. Then another signal and they went back to what they were doing telling each other jokes or stories and the language made me laugh. Salty and scatalogical for sure!! But here they were...young men and women...and the camaraderie was a beautiful thing to behold.
Jul 4, 2012
DramaSoul
OmahaRudy...my son was in DEP for 7 months waiting based on when openings would be available in the program. He still had a 4 week wait to class up or start classes once he got to SA. His philosophy is to just go with the flow because he noticed in the Navy the motto is 'hurry up and wait'!! :-)
Jul 4, 2012
OmahaRudy
Now that he is completing week 4 of BC he's really enjoying all that he is learning. I am thrilled with his excitement and pleasure at being in the Navy.
Jul 4, 2012
DramaSoul
OmahaRudy...check out Craig's NAVY.DEP.com site if you haven't already. LOTS of information AND the best day-by-day description of what is going on! My son told me we moms knew more about boot camp than they did!!
Jul 4, 2012
OmahaRudy
Thanks, DramaSoul.
Jul 4, 2012
DramaSoul
OmahaRudy...yep. That's what I did and it was the best thing I ever did. As I said, my son said we knew more than they did and he was right because we could see what was coming! It was very reassuring to check that each day since we have only snail mail contact.
Jul 4, 2012
Katze90210 (3/113)
Jul 4, 2012
Craig
Katze - I'm a little confused by you breakdown in cost. I clicked on you name and it says you're from Jersey. Why can't you fly out of Newark (EWR) to San Antonio (SAT) on Southwest airlines. It cost $110 p/p. Flying back is the same cost $110. So it's $220 x 2 = $440. Then your hotel will cost $39 per night. So 5 nights is $39 x 5 = $195. Then the car rental is about $19 per day (Hotwire) x 5 days = $130. So all in all I figure your out $765 for everything.
I will post some hotel info for you later tonight when I have time.
Just trying to help you get the San Antonio to see your sailor....
Omaha - My website is mostly open to the general public. I have certain section blocked because I don't some of the things the Deppers say open to everyone. But all in all, most of it's open without having to register.
Jul 4, 2012
DramaSoul
Jul 4, 2012
Katze90210 (3/113)
When I flew out this last time only United had flights Thursday to Sunday and the cost of round trip non stop was $432.00! I won't be able to book till last minute because we are still not sure of the date. I will def check out Southwest if we go in aug. Wow do I do it wrong! LOL I paid Avis $120.00 for thursday night to sunday afternoon.Thanks Craig I will shop better next time. Ugh
Jul 4, 2012
Craig
Drama - I just wanted to point out that you don't need to register to see most of the stuff on my website. I recently had a mom try to get into the ratings section and couldn't (which was strange to me). What I found is the HTML files I have there allow hackers a easy way in my website so I block any non-registered user from seeing those files just because I don't know if their hacker or not.
When people register at my website I can see exactly where they are coming from in the world. When I see China and Russia IP addresses then I kill those IP's from ever trying to get to my website again. It's all about keeping the families and sailors safe on my website.
My view is unlike most websites. My website doesn't have advertisements so I'm not looking for people to stay so they can buy stuff. It all about your sailors that I'm concerned with. All member that want to help their sailors should go anywhere you can, to find the information you can, that will help your sailor. If my website doesn't have it, I will be the 1st to recommend another that does. I'm a member at Military.com, if you post any outside weblinks there they get really ticked off. Why? Because they want you to buy stuff on their website. Again, I'm not looking for anyone to buy anything. My whole entire reason for that website is to help a sailor and/or family member.
I have about 320 active members, which means they have logged in at least 5 times in the past 30 days. This doesn't include people that just like to look around that aren't registered users.
The website was only meant to be a "Mom & Pop" website I made, and has evolved into way more than that now. I truly can't keep up with all the questions the deppers ask. Luckily, I have a bunch of active duty members that 1st started on my website now passing on their info to the newbies. Which is really cool. I love it when active duty guys come back.
Lastly, one post a Navy gal did for me now has almost 34,000 views. It is the one you mentioned. It is an awesome thread that has helped sooo many families...I bet it will help Omaha too.
http://www.navydep.com/forums/showthread.php?t=433
Jul 4, 2012
OmahaRudy
Jul 4, 2012
DramaSoul
Jul 4, 2012
Craig
Ohama - Some people live their whole life wondering if they will ever make a difference! My son is a US Sailor, He doesn't have that problem!
Jul 4, 2012
DramaSoul
Also....when my son was asked by a family friend as to why he chose the Navy/Corpsman/FMTB route he replied "To learn a skill, to give back, to make a difference in someone's life." What more can one ask? I am so proud of him.
Jul 4, 2012
Craig
Katse - Check the post I did above in the discussion area. I want you to think about that hotel. Very clean and cheap...
Per the cost of the flight, remember Southwest you can change your flight dates without penalty. Just call them up to make sure because some web specials don't follow that rule.
Jul 4, 2012
Katze90210 (3/113)
Jul 4, 2012
Craig
I haven't a clue about the HM stuff. Just general Navy stuff.
Jul 4, 2012