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!
Tina D tell her to hang in there and stay focused. My son hooked up with a study group. And even though they went out on weekends. They brought their books and devoted an hour each day to review. As a result he got 90s on his tests!
Tina....my daughter said all the same things. She has strong words for the amount of "extra curricular" activites that go on. She complains about the cabs constantly. Tell you daughter to hang in there. It slowly gets better once classes start and studying takes up time.
Thank God a female brought up about the "extra curricular" activities. The same thing is going on with the Air Force.
This is another problem that the base needs to solve. When the drinking age went up to 21 years ago, the base could not support the base clubs without the liquor revenue. So they closed all the base clubs where you could dance and meet the opposite sex. What took months for a guy to reach his goals to play the "hide the sausage" game, now happens in 1 night. Which is sad. Where is the motivation to get dressed up, go out, and get to know each other first? Open up a place that these young adult can dance and talk, like most of the world Not all young adults are into LAN party's playing xbox or playstation.
Secondly,
The Navy need to start allowing these young adults to be responsible. The sailors can't go into the opposite sex rooms because the Navy think "extra curricular" activities will go on. The Navy need to get with the times, this is the 2010's. Let face it, sex has been going on since the beginning of time. It not going to stop. If we can trust these sailors to fire a weapon and take a human life, or to shoot a missile, then we need to give them some slack. Just put a curfew on it. Heck, the only ones that are benefiting from this is the lesbians and homosexuals that can be romantically involved since they are in their "partner" room. I can actually see why so many young military couples get married. They want to live off base where they actually live a normal life. I have so many "contract" marriages, just so these young adult earn the right to move off base. Sad way to start a marriage!
2thldy and Tina D (Ship7, Div194) - Thanks for letting me know your kids are in 195. I hope we can share stories about the class our kids are in. My daughter's name is Roxanne although I don't know if she is in Alpha Bravo or Charlie, I'm sure she told me but I will need to ask her again. She is the guide-on and carries the class flag. She graduated from boot camp on 6/22 and was Ship 7 Div 193.
I can honestly say she has spent some money since arriving, but nothing like stories she tells of some of the others. It's crazy how unresponsible some of these kids can be. Tina, maybe our girls will meet and start hanging out. She not looking to get drunk or get lucky, lol.
Before she left for boot camp, a "friend" called her a whore and said "she better get use to it because all military girls are either whores or lesbians". This hurt her feelings and made her made, but also made her determined to prove him wrong! I hope there are lots of young women out there who take this stand with her and show they can be responsible, respected and have fun!
I am so against the 18 year old not drinking thing. Our society sends mixed messages all the time. They want to treat everyone as a child, yet, if a 15 year old brings a gun to school and kills their teacher or classmate, then our society want them tried as adults. Reaching a certain age doesn't make you an adult,
- Our sailors can save, or take a life at 18. - Get a hotel room - Call some "900" numbers - Gamble in casino in certain states - Gamble online - Donate blood (without parental permission) - Sign a legal contract - Smoke a cigarette - Chew tobacco - Go to an adult jail - Be convicted as an adult - Become an undercover cop - Purchase "the patch" , and "the pill" - Buy the abortion pill RU-486 - Drive any time of day - Visit a porn site - Visit a porn store - Become a stripper - Work in an alcohol serving establishment - Work in bar - Get a business license - Go to a strip club - Work in a strip club - Work in a night club - Vote - Buy a Gun (rifle) - Carry a weapon (w/ a license) - Rent a port-a-potty in most states (just had to add that) - Get drafted for the military - Date men or women as old as you want (over 16) - No curfews apply in the US - Lease an apartment - Rent a house - Finance a car - Serve (not pour) alcohol in restaurants. - Sign yourself out of school - Work practically anywhere - Start your own business in your own name - Buy nitrous oxide - Give a lap dance - Get a lap dance - Buy a house - Breaks at work are no longer required - Star in an adult film - Get a passport without parental consent - Buy over the counter medication - Get summoned for Jury Duty - Get a medicinal marijuana card in California without parental consent. - Buy tobacco products - Change your name - Get a tattoo - Get a piercing - Buy spray paint - File a lawsuit - Be sued - Pawn something - Get married - Get divorced - Adopt a child - Be on Jerry Springer
DramaSoul...thanks for pointing me to your post about A school graduation. Pardon me if you have already answered this question...I flipped through all the postings and did not see it.....the day before graduation (Monday) how much time did you have with your sailor? I saw that you mentioned meeting at the airport in the early AM hours on the day following graduation.....is it much like when they left GL.....they go to the airport early, but may wait there all day before flying out? Thanks again for all your help.
dcmont...My son's graduation was on a Monday at 0900. We had the Saturday and Sunday before to spend together and he stayed with me off base doing tourist things until 2200 on Sunday. On the morning of his graduation, families were allowed into Anderson Hall at 0815. It was very informal and I got to meet his friends and instructors. After graduation (on that Monday) he had an admin briefing where he picked up his plane ticket. He chose the earliest plane out of SA which was the same time as mine, although we were on different airlines. Soooo....I picked him up at the base in front of the Navy barracks at 0315 on Tuesday so we could check in at 0400 for our 0605 flights. He was coming home for 14 days before he reported to Camp Pendleton. So...it wasn't a hurry up and wait situation this time! I saved him the cab fare it would've cost him to get to the airport and had time to visit with him. Funny thing...our flights landed within 20 minutes of each other in Portland and it was 63 degrees which felt GREAT to me. However, after 4 months in SA, he was a little chilly! I am more than happy to share my information any time!!
txbabydocmom...I can see that by having a Sailor who was of age was a blessing since the underage drinking wasn't an issue. He understood what it meant tho' as he had friends who were not of age. Peer pressure is a very powerful force! I am with Craig. There needs to be some changes in how the Navy addresses these things in a more realistic manner.
My Sailor is on his way to Camp Pendleton for FMTB...put him on the plane this morning. After which I managed to break a toe in a Yoga class. Sent him a text and he confirmed what I thought I should do. He's been home for 14 days and I got kinda used to him around with his wickedly sarcastic irreverent and salty sense of humor. I noticed that while he was talking on the phone, he cleaned up the mess he had made in the kitchen. Last night he was ironing his dress whites and rolling clothes to fit in his seabag and backpack. This is not the same kid who left on 3 January for GLRTC. This is a young man who is confident and focused, who is not afraid to tackle the unknown and who is looking forward to the next phase of training. Okay...gonna go wipe the tears. Thanks for listening to me! I am so proud of my son...
Oh DramaSoul I could read your posts over and over again! Except for the ones that make me cry! LOL As I'm reading about your son ironing and rolling up his clothes, I'm picture my son when he gets to come home and instantly my eyes well up. Then I finish reading your post and how you are wiping away your tears too. Funny cause they are not just sad tears, but tears of pride too! At least for me that's what they are. Thanks so much for sharing!
When I was talking to my son last night he was telling me all about his plans for when he gets to VA after NC for Marine Boot Camp. He mentioned that he and 2 other guys want to look for an apartment off base. Can they do that, that soon? Also when he goes to boot camp in NC will he be allowed to have his phone and lap top? I understand that while the psychical part of boot camp will be rough, I heard it won't be as strict and that they will get liberty and be able to have their phones and lap tops.
Katze...I am so proud of him. While he was home he asked me to clean his teeth (been doin' it since he first started to cut teeth!) so he came into one of my offices (I work in 2) and he was my last patient of the day. Everyone I work with said the same thing...they have never seen him more confident. He was joking and sharing some stories with them. It was a thing to behold. My daughter and her husband got together with us last weekend and my daughter had a chance to spend some one-on-one time with him. She said the same thing...she has never seen her brother like this. She is almost 6 years older. (He thought he had two moms when he was growing up!) I am still not used to seeing him iron his clothes!
Katze while it is Boot Camp Part Deux as my son calls it, it isn't the same as GLRTC. They can have laptops, phones and liberty. He has sent me some texts as he was waiting to go to check in at Camp P. My son starts 10 days of clinicals before beginning FMTB. And as I understand it, once that is completed and if they are not deployed, they can get an apartment off base. He will be at 29 Palms which is basically in the middle of nowhere.
Drama when I left my son after his PIR I was a basket case. I think my other son and husband thought they would have to have me committed. I think it was just a strong overflow of emotions. I was even a wreck 2 days after getting home. My mom was like if you are that bad after seeing him there, then you better not go see him in SA! Well after seeing how well he was doing in SA and how he settled right in, it was no problem coming home. I didn't have a break down ( although I did have to get my mind off of it a couple of times) because I knew for the first time that he was going to be alright!!! :-)
Boot Camp Part Deux!! I love it. My son said he is not sure when he would leave SA after graduation because it depends on when Marine boot camp (Boot Camp Deux) will start. How did that work with your son? He is supposed to graduate on 8/20 or 8/21 not sure. But he says he may fly out the next day or 3 weeks later. He is not sure yet. But we hope he will be able to come home before he goes to NC. We live in NJ. I'm hoping you or Craig will know how that works. Haven't heard much from Craig today!
Katze90210...our son just graduated SA on June 15th and got his two week leave before heading to Camp LeJeune. A few things I can tell you to help out your son in making sure everything goes smoothly, as our son had quite a mess to deal with in the transition of orders, leave and arriving at Camp LeJeune yesterday. First, once our son graduated SA he had to remain down there for one extra week to do clinicals and was supposed to fly out the Sunday after the clinicals were complete. Two days before his flight (which happened to be a Friday and at 4:00 pm) they lost his orders and so he had to rearrange his flight with Sato Travel (which is the official government travel agency). He could not rearrange his flight until he spoke with his CO on Monday. Once Monday rolled around he was told they lost his physical he had done for FMTB and delayed him yet again. Finally after another 5 days Friday rolled around and they told him everything was set and gave him his orders. Now our son called Sato Travel, paid the necessary exchange fee (which was $35.00) to rearrange his flight date and reroute the ticket to fly from home to Camp LeJeune instead of from SA to Camp Lejeune. Our son arrived home safely and all was well until he got an email from Sato Travel and they messed up the date for him to fly to NC. They had him leaving a week early. They would not fix the error and said the ticket was non refundable and there was nothing they could do. We went round and round with Sato Travel. They were rude and even lied to us by saying they got my son on a recording accepting the wrong date. When we asked them to play the recording they said they don't have one. It was awful dealing with them. So we went to the airline to exchange the date, they rearranged the ticket and said there was no fee. Well when we got to the airport this past Friday the 13th Delta said the ticket was not paid for and had to look into it. They called Sato and of course Sato said the ticket was non refundable and they went round and round for 45 minutes. Funny thing is we never wanted a refund, we just wanted it corrected since now the ticket was not paid for at all. I will say Delta was awesome. They said they saw the notes where we were communicating back and forth with Sato, so they got a manager who waived all fees and got our Sailor on his flight. Delta apologized profusely and even escorted our son through security and to his gate to make sure he got there with no other problems, while bumping him up to first class.....they took great care of our Sailor....so props to them big time!!!! Our son arrived in NC Friday, got settled into his room, paid for his monthly WIFI and all was good. When he reported yesterday morning they asked what he was doing there and said he was not supposed to report until August 13th and he didn't need to check in yet. They had no place for him to stay so they made him move out of his room, pack all his stuff and move to another base a few miles away and stay in what he called a bay. He had to stay there last night and has to move again today. He said he has to move around until August 13th. I don't understand this and why he was not explained that he could have stayed home longer. He would of loved to have the extra time and it would have been so wonderful to have him longer. Now he is being treated like a nomad and I think that is awful.
So, I am sorry for the long winded email...however I share this story so everyone can make sure their Sailors check their orders, make sure when they have to report and how long they have for leave. If they are coming home on leave they will have to reroute their airline tickets through Sato Travel and make very clear on what dates of travel they are. Sato is a nightmare and have since heard many horror stories about them. Not all orders are the same, so if one Sailor goes to NC another may have different report dates, even if they graduate the same day...
mome2jord....OH HOW AWFUL!! Our experience was nothing like that. My son re-routed his ticket from SA to SD. He went SA to Portland to San Diego with a 14 day stay at home. He reported today to Camp Pendleton today and as far as I can tell, he is ready to start clinicals tomorrow. He was one of a few in his class who didn't do clinicals before leaving. I have heard that Sato is a nightmare. My son had to re-route his own ticket with the airlines (Southwest) and they were great. I think the airlines go out of their way to help those serving in the military.
Craig or txbabydocmom...any information regarding travel stuff?
DramaSoul....I am so happy to hear things went well for your son. I think they normally do go well, just sometimes things happen and one thing we have learned real quick is we have to roll with the punches. I just don't like my son not having a permanent place to stay. Not to mention he paid for the monthly WIFI that he can't even use now. I know he will be fine, it's just you know us parents, we worry so much...lol! Glad your son made it safe!!!:)
txbabydocmom...My son and I talked about the UMCJ because although he is old enough to drink, many of his friends weren't. I want to thank you and Craig again for all of the great information and discussion you facilitate here!
Mom2jord. So sorry to hear that.K I just read your post to my son so he knows. Hope for the best with my fingers crossed. Hope your son is taken care of soon and thanks for the heads up
Katze...thank you very much! And I think things will go smooth with your son...I always say my prayers for our Sailors as they only deserve the BEST!!!
Just as heads up it looks like they are starting to do clinicals before graduation now. Bf originally suppose to graduate today but it got pushed back to next Tuesday (24th) and they started clinicals today. Not sure if this is how they are going to do it from now on but just letting everyone know.
Also I know for bf he only gets 2 days off before having to report to Pendleton and once FMTB is done he will get his two weeks off. Anyway just sharing what is happening with us.
Boy, clinical schedule sure has changed. My son was there in when they 1st started Corpman classes in SA and i think his clinicals lasted 6-8 weeks. Best of luck to all.
Just so what I'm talking about when I talk to my daughter... Are the sailors in division kind of like boot camp? When you say, for an example, class 195 is that going to graduate on a certain date? Then the next batch will be class 196, then 197, and so on?
Secondly, I saw that Tina's daughter is in class 195A. What does the "A" mean?
Craig....the classes are divided up, I think, to keep them in more manageable sizes for the practical lab stuff. For example, my son was in Class 120 which had 88 Sailors (not counting the Airmen in some of their nursing classes). He was in Class 120 B and some of his friends were in 120 A...there was no "C" class. They all graduated together and the A, B or C class division played no part in the graduation. Also, he had originally been in Class 115 but was rolled back when some reservists showed up. And that class graduated a week before his did...or so I was told. So I am not sure if the order is the same but it would appear to be.
Txbabydocmom....HOOYAH!!!!!! This is wonderful news. Congrats to you, your family and your new Sailor.
1windhaven...yeah, I don't understand the whole clinicals thing except that I know my son is doing 10 days at Camp P of basic clinicals before he starts FMTB and he did not do them before he came home on leave. I can't wait to hear from him how that is going. Today is his first day. I am wondering with all of the HM training now being at Ft. Sam if there will be some change once all of the branches are integrated into one program.
To expand on what txbaby said, the UCMJ is really broad were the military can get you. We have all different "Articles" that have different meanings. You have one for:
Article 133 - Conduct unbecoming of an officer and gentleman
If they can't get you on any of those, then they have a "Catch All". Anything not covered by any of the normal ones can be covered by "Article 134'. It covers all that are not covered. Examples are.
- Jumping for a vessel into the water
- Indecent acts with another
- Adultery
- Debt, dishonorably failing to pay
Article 134 makes punishable acts in three categories of offenses not specifically covered in any other article of the code.
These are referred to as “clauses 1, 2, and 3” of Article 134.
Clause 1 offenses involve disorders and neglects to the prejudice of good order and discipline in the armed forces.
Clause 2 offenses involve conduct of a nature to bring discredit upon the armed forces.
Clause 3 offenses involve noncapital crimes or offenses which violate Federal law including law made applicable through the Federal Assimilative Crimes Act. If any conduct of this nature is specifically made punishable by another article of the code, it must be charged as a violation of that article.
What that means is if you Murdered someone, then you have to be charged with Article 118, and not Article 134.
Sometimes when a sailor is on a midnight watch it is extremely boring so they find ways and things to do to keep them occupied. One of the items at my work is they try to find the "worst military guy of the night". They look through the official reports and see who can top who as far as finding the baddest dude.
The 2004 crimes were written pretty good. The newer ones (2012) the military started censoring some of them. It will open your eyes, that's for sure....
Drama - The company is releasing the JFK Ship 9 challenge coin this week. The coin looks awesome (from the the handed edged version I was given). JFK didn't turn out to be Al Jolson after all ~ha. I'll send you a link once they give it to me and you'll be able to see it. I was impressed.
I just proofed and signed off on the USS Chicago Ship 7 two days ago. That one gets released at the end of the month.... That one really looks "bad @ss"....
Craig--what I have noticed is that the classes do not go in sequential order. They may advance numerically, but not one right after the other and then it starts over at some point. When my son went to A school (he graduated in December) there were 2 classes with the same number. One was A and one was B, but they both graduated together. The A stands for Alpha and the B stands for Bravo. I think it is just a way of differentiating the classes. I had never heard of C until recently on here, but I have no idea what that stands for.
C in A School stands for Charlie. My son was in 150 B but when Airmen joined their group they created a new group 150C which he is now in. So 150 now has A , B, C. All graduating on the same day.
Just thought i'd share our update in case it helps anyone. My husband got his orders (reservist). He is class 135, graduating July 31, then moving onto Pendleton. He will work in a hospital for 67 days and then start with the FMF....done around December!
Hi everyone! My husband is in SA and has been for what feels like forever, but I think it's only been a few weeks! He hasn't classed up yet but I think he will soon. I'm actually visiting him next weekend and will be staying on base. Has anyone stayed there before?
I was there a couple of weeks ago although I did not stay on base. It was hot and humid. 97 with 90% humidity. There was a pretty good breeze part of the time. I left the NW and it was mid-60's which is comfy for me so I was a little uncomfortable in SA. I loved the Riverwalk, though.
Thanks, Craig, for the info on the JFK Challenge Coin. I am looking to buy a few coins for my Sailor and one for his favorite instructor at A school. BTW, I read that JAG report. Sheesh.
Katze & Kathy - My website doesn't sell them. I'm just the writer and designer for the coin. The company, PIRGifts, only knows a little bit about the Navy and asked me to help them. They are actually donating part of their profits to help maintain my website for the time I'm spending helping them.
Luckily, they are still building their own website and buying materials so they actually are forwarding people to my website (NavyDEP.com). Which is great since it would be sitting there idle anyways.
If you guys are bored, here is the write up I made for them for the USS Triton coin. They are actually hounding me to get the write up about the USS Kennedy out there, but I'm really tire when I get off of work, and I still have to maintain my own website. Luckily the way I wrote the 1st one can easily be changed for the Kennedy with a few page changes....
Anyways, I can bet after reading the below, you'll know more about the RTC crest (emblem) and what the USS Triton represents than 99% of the active duty staff at RTC.. I can guarantee it....
They are temporarily selling them on Ebay while their website is being built. Just type in "Triton" & "Ship 12" or "JFK" & "Ship 9", you'll find them....
My son just flew out this morning after completing his leave. Last night he and a friend were going to go out to be the 1st ones to attend the premier of the The Dark Knight Rises movie. They wanted the 1st showing at midnight, but it was sold out. So they got the 3am showing. The theater which is 5 miles from my house is the one with today's shooting. Talking about freaking me out.... He actually came running up to my bedroom and told me to watch the tv immediately. Holy crap...
God was looking out for my family today....
Prayers to all victims of this senseless act, especially to the 2 Air Force and 1 Navy member from my base that were shot..... God bless them all....
Oh Craig--so glad your son was not there and yes, God is good and I rejoice that he was watching out for your family. My prayers are with them all and their families.
Oh My G*d....Craig I am so very glad your son was not there. I just now read this. My heart and prayers go out to all of the families. I had a friend who's daughter lived in Littleton at the time of the Columbine shootings (she went to a different school). She had friends who went to Columbine. It is so traumatic and so senseless. I just don't understand this type of thing at all.
Craig, I too am glad your family is safe. My son just sent me a message that one of his buddies there in SA in his class is from Aurora; and that the buddy's sister was there at the movie and his best friend was one who was shoot and wounded and that he knows one of the girls that was killed.
This is so far reaching but shows how small this world is. My prayers are being lifted for all those that are affected, even remotely, by this.
Katze90210 (3/113)
Jul 15, 2012
lizinnj
Tina....my daughter said all the same things. She has strong words for the amount of "extra curricular" activites that go on. She complains about the cabs constantly. Tell you daughter to hang in there. It slowly gets better once classes start and studying takes up time.
Jul 15, 2012
Craig
Thank God a female brought up about the "extra curricular" activities. The same thing is going on with the Air Force.
This is another problem that the base needs to solve. When the drinking age went up to 21 years ago, the base could not support the base clubs without the liquor revenue. So they closed all the base clubs where you could dance and meet the opposite sex. What took months for a guy to reach his goals to play the "hide the sausage" game, now happens in 1 night. Which is sad. Where is the motivation to get dressed up, go out, and get to know each other first? Open up a place that these young adult can dance and talk, like most of the world Not all young adults are into LAN party's playing xbox or playstation.
Secondly,
The Navy need to start allowing these young adults to be responsible. The sailors can't go into the opposite sex rooms because the Navy think "extra curricular" activities will go on. The Navy need to get with the times, this is the 2010's. Let face it, sex has been going on since the beginning of time. It not going to stop. If we can trust these sailors to fire a weapon and take a human life, or to shoot a missile, then we need to give them some slack. Just put a curfew on it. Heck, the only ones that are benefiting from this is the lesbians and homosexuals that can be romantically involved since they are in their "partner" room. I can actually see why so many young military couples get married. They want to live off base where they actually live a normal life. I have so many "contract" marriages, just so these young adult earn the right to move off base. Sad way to start a marriage!
Jul 16, 2012
Cathy...Corpmen Roxy's Mom
2thldy and Tina D (Ship7, Div194) - Thanks for letting me know your kids are in 195. I hope we can share stories about the class our kids are in. My daughter's name is Roxanne although I don't know if she is in Alpha Bravo or Charlie, I'm sure she told me but I will need to ask her again. She is the guide-on and carries the class flag. She graduated from boot camp on 6/22 and was Ship 7 Div 193.
I can honestly say she has spent some money since arriving, but nothing like stories she tells of some of the others. It's crazy how unresponsible some of these kids can be. Tina, maybe our girls will meet and start hanging out. She not looking to get drunk or get lucky, lol.
Before she left for boot camp, a "friend" called her a whore and said "she better get use to it because all military girls are either whores or lesbians". This hurt her feelings and made her made, but also made her determined to prove him wrong! I hope there are lots of young women out there who take this stand with her and show they can be responsible, respected and have fun!
Jul 16, 2012
Craig
I am so against the 18 year old not drinking thing. Our society sends mixed messages all the time. They want to treat everyone as a child, yet, if a 15 year old brings a gun to school and kills their teacher or classmate, then our society want them tried as adults. Reaching a certain age doesn't make you an adult,
- Our sailors can save, or take a life at 18.
- Get a hotel room
- Call some "900" numbers
- Gamble in casino in certain states
- Gamble online
- Donate blood (without parental permission)
- Sign a legal contract
- Smoke a cigarette
- Chew tobacco
- Go to an adult jail
- Be convicted as an adult
- Become an undercover cop
- Purchase "the patch" , and "the pill"
- Buy the abortion pill RU-486
- Drive any time of day
- Visit a porn site
- Visit a porn store
- Become a stripper
- Work in an alcohol serving establishment
- Work in bar
- Get a business license
- Go to a strip club
- Work in a strip club
- Work in a night club
- Vote
- Buy a Gun (rifle)
- Carry a weapon (w/ a license)
- Rent a port-a-potty in most states (just had to add that)
- Get drafted for the military
- Date men or women as old as you want (over 16)
- No curfews apply in the US
- Lease an apartment
- Rent a house
- Finance a car
- Serve (not pour) alcohol in restaurants.
- Sign yourself out of school
- Work practically anywhere
- Start your own business in your own name
- Buy nitrous oxide
- Give a lap dance
- Get a lap dance
- Buy a house
- Breaks at work are no longer required
- Star in an adult film
- Get a passport without parental consent
- Buy over the counter medication
- Get summoned for Jury Duty
- Get a medicinal marijuana card in California without parental consent.
- Buy tobacco products
- Change your name
- Get a tattoo
- Get a piercing
- Buy spray paint
- File a lawsuit
- Be sued
- Pawn something
- Get married
- Get divorced
- Adopt a child
- Be on Jerry Springer
Jul 16, 2012
DramaSoul
I agree with Craig.
Jul 17, 2012
dcmont (Ship 2 DIV 925)
DramaSoul...thanks for pointing me to your post about A school graduation. Pardon me if you have already answered this question...I flipped through all the postings and did not see it.....the day before graduation (Monday) how much time did you have with your sailor? I saw that you mentioned meeting at the airport in the early AM hours on the day following graduation.....is it much like when they left GL.....they go to the airport early, but may wait there all day before flying out? Thanks again for all your help.
Jul 17, 2012
DramaSoul
dcmont...My son's graduation was on a Monday at 0900. We had the Saturday and Sunday before to spend together and he stayed with me off base doing tourist things until 2200 on Sunday. On the morning of his graduation, families were allowed into Anderson Hall at 0815. It was very informal and I got to meet his friends and instructors. After graduation (on that Monday) he had an admin briefing where he picked up his plane ticket. He chose the earliest plane out of SA which was the same time as mine, although we were on different airlines. Soooo....I picked him up at the base in front of the Navy barracks at 0315 on Tuesday so we could check in at 0400 for our 0605 flights. He was coming home for 14 days before he reported to Camp Pendleton. So...it wasn't a hurry up and wait situation this time! I saved him the cab fare it would've cost him to get to the airport and had time to visit with him. Funny thing...our flights landed within 20 minutes of each other in Portland and it was 63 degrees which felt GREAT to me. However, after 4 months in SA, he was a little chilly! I am more than happy to share my information any time!!
Jul 17, 2012
DramaSoul
txbabydocmom...I can see that by having a Sailor who was of age was a blessing since the underage drinking wasn't an issue. He understood what it meant tho' as he had friends who were not of age. Peer pressure is a very powerful force! I am with Craig. There needs to be some changes in how the Navy addresses these things in a more realistic manner.
Jul 17, 2012
DramaSoul
My Sailor is on his way to Camp Pendleton for FMTB...put him on the plane this morning. After which I managed to break a toe in a Yoga class. Sent him a text and he confirmed what I thought I should do. He's been home for 14 days and I got kinda used to him around with his wickedly sarcastic irreverent and salty sense of humor. I noticed that while he was talking on the phone, he cleaned up the mess he had made in the kitchen. Last night he was ironing his dress whites and rolling clothes to fit in his seabag and backpack. This is not the same kid who left on 3 January for GLRTC. This is a young man who is confident and focused, who is not afraid to tackle the unknown and who is looking forward to the next phase of training. Okay...gonna go wipe the tears. Thanks for listening to me! I am so proud of my son...
Jul 17, 2012
Katze90210 (3/113)
Oh DramaSoul I could read your posts over and over again! Except for the ones that make me cry! LOL As I'm reading about your son ironing and rolling up his clothes, I'm picture my son when he gets to come home and instantly my eyes well up. Then I finish reading your post and how you are wiping away your tears too. Funny cause they are not just sad tears, but tears of pride too! At least for me that's what they are. Thanks so much for sharing!
Jul 17, 2012
Katze90210 (3/113)
When I was talking to my son last night he was telling me all about his plans for when he gets to VA after NC for Marine Boot Camp. He mentioned that he and 2 other guys want to look for an apartment off base. Can they do that, that soon? Also when he goes to boot camp in NC will he be allowed to have his phone and lap top? I understand that while the psychical part of boot camp will be rough, I heard it won't be as strict and that they will get liberty and be able to have their phones and lap tops.
Jul 17, 2012
DramaSoul
Katze...I am so proud of him. While he was home he asked me to clean his teeth (been doin' it since he first started to cut teeth!) so he came into one of my offices (I work in 2) and he was my last patient of the day. Everyone I work with said the same thing...they have never seen him more confident. He was joking and sharing some stories with them. It was a thing to behold. My daughter and her husband got together with us last weekend and my daughter had a chance to spend some one-on-one time with him. She said the same thing...she has never seen her brother like this. She is almost 6 years older. (He thought he had two moms when he was growing up!) I am still not used to seeing him iron his clothes!
Jul 17, 2012
DramaSoul
Katze while it is Boot Camp Part Deux as my son calls it, it isn't the same as GLRTC. They can have laptops, phones and liberty. He has sent me some texts as he was waiting to go to check in at Camp P. My son starts 10 days of clinicals before beginning FMTB. And as I understand it, once that is completed and if they are not deployed, they can get an apartment off base. He will be at 29 Palms which is basically in the middle of nowhere.
Jul 17, 2012
Katze90210 (3/113)
Drama when I left my son after his PIR I was a basket case. I think my other son and husband thought they would have to have me committed. I think it was just a strong overflow of emotions. I was even a wreck 2 days after getting home. My mom was like if you are that bad after seeing him there, then you better not go see him in SA! Well after seeing how well he was doing in SA and how he settled right in, it was no problem coming home. I didn't have a break down ( although I did have to get my mind off of it a couple of times) because I knew for the first time that he was going to be alright!!! :-)
Jul 17, 2012
Katze90210 (3/113)
Boot Camp Part Deux!! I love it. My son said he is not sure when he would leave SA after graduation because it depends on when Marine boot camp (Boot Camp Deux) will start. How did that work with your son? He is supposed to graduate on 8/20 or 8/21 not sure. But he says he may fly out the next day or 3 weeks later. He is not sure yet. But we hope he will be able to come home before he goes to NC. We live in NJ. I'm hoping you or Craig will know how that works. Haven't heard much from Craig today!
Jul 17, 2012
mome2jord
Katze90210...our son just graduated SA on June 15th and got his two week leave before heading to Camp LeJeune. A few things I can tell you to help out your son in making sure everything goes smoothly, as our son had quite a mess to deal with in the transition of orders, leave and arriving at Camp LeJeune yesterday. First, once our son graduated SA he had to remain down there for one extra week to do clinicals and was supposed to fly out the Sunday after the clinicals were complete. Two days before his flight (which happened to be a Friday and at 4:00 pm) they lost his orders and so he had to rearrange his flight with Sato Travel (which is the official government travel agency). He could not rearrange his flight until he spoke with his CO on Monday. Once Monday rolled around he was told they lost his physical he had done for FMTB and delayed him yet again. Finally after another 5 days Friday rolled around and they told him everything was set and gave him his orders. Now our son called Sato Travel, paid the necessary exchange fee (which was $35.00) to rearrange his flight date and reroute the ticket to fly from home to Camp LeJeune instead of from SA to Camp Lejeune. Our son arrived home safely and all was well until he got an email from Sato Travel and they messed up the date for him to fly to NC. They had him leaving a week early. They would not fix the error and said the ticket was non refundable and there was nothing they could do. We went round and round with Sato Travel. They were rude and even lied to us by saying they got my son on a recording accepting the wrong date. When we asked them to play the recording they said they don't have one. It was awful dealing with them. So we went to the airline to exchange the date, they rearranged the ticket and said there was no fee. Well when we got to the airport this past Friday the 13th Delta said the ticket was not paid for and had to look into it. They called Sato and of course Sato said the ticket was non refundable and they went round and round for 45 minutes. Funny thing is we never wanted a refund, we just wanted it corrected since now the ticket was not paid for at all. I will say Delta was awesome. They said they saw the notes where we were communicating back and forth with Sato, so they got a manager who waived all fees and got our Sailor on his flight. Delta apologized profusely and even escorted our son through security and to his gate to make sure he got there with no other problems, while bumping him up to first class.....they took great care of our Sailor....so props to them big time!!!! Our son arrived in NC Friday, got settled into his room, paid for his monthly WIFI and all was good. When he reported yesterday morning they asked what he was doing there and said he was not supposed to report until August 13th and he didn't need to check in yet. They had no place for him to stay so they made him move out of his room, pack all his stuff and move to another base a few miles away and stay in what he called a bay. He had to stay there last night and has to move again today. He said he has to move around until August 13th. I don't understand this and why he was not explained that he could have stayed home longer. He would of loved to have the extra time and it would have been so wonderful to have him longer. Now he is being treated like a nomad and I think that is awful.
So, I am sorry for the long winded email...however I share this story so everyone can make sure their Sailors check their orders, make sure when they have to report and how long they have for leave. If they are coming home on leave they will have to reroute their airline tickets through Sato Travel and make very clear on what dates of travel they are. Sato is a nightmare and have since heard many horror stories about them. Not all orders are the same, so if one Sailor goes to NC another may have different report dates, even if they graduate the same day...
Jul 17, 2012
DramaSoul
mome2jord....OH HOW AWFUL!! Our experience was nothing like that. My son re-routed his ticket from SA to SD. He went SA to Portland to San Diego with a 14 day stay at home. He reported today to Camp Pendleton today and as far as I can tell, he is ready to start clinicals tomorrow. He was one of a few in his class who didn't do clinicals before leaving. I have heard that Sato is a nightmare. My son had to re-route his own ticket with the airlines (Southwest) and they were great. I think the airlines go out of their way to help those serving in the military.
Craig or txbabydocmom...any information regarding travel stuff?
Jul 17, 2012
mome2jord
DramaSoul....I am so happy to hear things went well for your son. I think they normally do go well, just sometimes things happen and one thing we have learned real quick is we have to roll with the punches. I just don't like my son not having a permanent place to stay. Not to mention he paid for the monthly WIFI that he can't even use now. I know he will be fine, it's just you know us parents, we worry so much...lol! Glad your son made it safe!!!:)
Jul 17, 2012
DramaSoul
mome2jord...yeah...I am learning the whole roll with the punches thing. I know exactly what you mean about being a parent! Worry is my middle name!!!
Jul 17, 2012
DramaSoul
txbabydocmom...My son and I talked about the UMCJ because although he is old enough to drink, many of his friends weren't. I want to thank you and Craig again for all of the great information and discussion you facilitate here!
Jul 17, 2012
Katze90210 (3/113)
Jul 17, 2012
mome2jord
Katze...thank you very much! And I think things will go smooth with your son...I always say my prayers for our Sailors as they only deserve the BEST!!!
Jul 17, 2012
KaylaRae
Hi all,
Just as heads up it looks like they are starting to do clinicals before graduation now. Bf originally suppose to graduate today but it got pushed back to next Tuesday (24th) and they started clinicals today. Not sure if this is how they are going to do it from now on but just letting everyone know.
Also I know for bf he only gets 2 days off before having to report to Pendleton and once FMTB is done he will get his two weeks off. Anyway just sharing what is happening with us.
Jul 17, 2012
Katze90210 (3/113)
Jul 18, 2012
Maria ( 9/132 - HM- 04-2011)
Jul 18, 2012
Maria ( 9/132 - HM- 04-2011)
Jul 18, 2012
Craig
Just so what I'm talking about when I talk to my daughter... Are the sailors in division kind of like boot camp? When you say, for an example, class 195 is that going to graduate on a certain date? Then the next batch will be class 196, then 197, and so on?
Secondly, I saw that Tina's daughter is in class 195A. What does the "A" mean?
Jul 18, 2012
stormy1123 ship 12 div 203
Congratulations Txbabydocmom! It wasn't but a few weeks ago that I was starting out to make that same trip myself...Have a great time!
Jul 18, 2012
DramaSoul
Craig....the classes are divided up, I think, to keep them in more manageable sizes for the practical lab stuff. For example, my son was in Class 120 which had 88 Sailors (not counting the Airmen in some of their nursing classes). He was in Class 120 B and some of his friends were in 120 A...there was no "C" class. They all graduated together and the A, B or C class division played no part in the graduation. Also, he had originally been in Class 115 but was rolled back when some reservists showed up. And that class graduated a week before his did...or so I was told. So I am not sure if the order is the same but it would appear to be.
Txbabydocmom....HOOYAH!!!!!! This is wonderful news. Congrats to you, your family and your new Sailor.
1windhaven...yeah, I don't understand the whole clinicals thing except that I know my son is doing 10 days at Camp P of basic clinicals before he starts FMTB and he did not do them before he came home on leave. I can't wait to hear from him how that is going. Today is his first day. I am wondering with all of the HM training now being at Ft. Sam if there will be some change once all of the branches are integrated into one program.
Jul 18, 2012
DramaSoul
Oh, Craig...nice to have you back. How are the Challenge Coins coming? Let me know when the Kennedy is done. I would love to get one for my son.
Jul 18, 2012
Craig
To expand on what txbaby said, the UCMJ is really broad were the military can get you. We have all different "Articles" that have different meanings. You have one for:
Article 91 - Insubordinate conduct toward warrant officer, NCO, or PO.
Article 107 - False Offical Statement.
Article 117 - Provoking speeches or gestures.
Article 118 - Murder.
Article 120 - Rape and carnal knowledge.
Article 133 - Conduct unbecoming of an officer and gentleman
If they can't get you on any of those, then they have a "Catch All". Anything not covered by any of the normal ones can be covered by "Article 134'. It covers all that are not covered. Examples are.
- Jumping for a vessel into the water
- Indecent acts with another
- Adultery
- Debt, dishonorably failing to pay
Article 134 makes punishable acts in three categories of offenses not specifically covered in any other article of the code.
These are referred to as “clauses 1, 2, and 3” of Article 134.
Clause 1 offenses involve disorders and neglects to the prejudice of good order and discipline in the armed forces.
Clause 2 offenses involve conduct of a nature to bring discredit upon the armed forces.
Clause 3 offenses involve noncapital crimes or offenses which violate Federal law including law made applicable through the Federal Assimilative Crimes Act. If any conduct of this nature is specifically made punishable by another article of the code, it must be charged as a violation of that article.
What that means is if you Murdered someone, then you have to be charged with Article 118, and not Article 134.
Jul 18, 2012
Craig
For you taxpayers:
Sometimes when a sailor is on a midnight watch it is extremely boring so they find ways and things to do to keep them occupied. One of the items at my work is they try to find the "worst military guy of the night". They look through the official reports and see who can top who as far as finding the baddest dude.
Some of them are really graphic.
Here is an example of one:
http://www.jag.navy.mil/courts/documents/archive/2004/200000198%20U...
Here is the master list:
http://www.jag.navy.mil/courts/opinion_archive_2004.htm
The 2004 crimes were written pretty good. The newer ones (2012) the military started censoring some of them. It will open your eyes, that's for sure....
Jul 18, 2012
Craig
Drama - The company is releasing the JFK Ship 9 challenge coin this week. The coin looks awesome (from the the handed edged version I was given). JFK didn't turn out to be Al Jolson after all ~ha. I'll send you a link once they give it to me and you'll be able to see it. I was impressed.
I just proofed and signed off on the USS Chicago Ship 7 two days ago. That one gets released at the end of the month.... That one really looks "bad @ss"....
Jul 18, 2012
Jana
Craig--what I have noticed is that the classes do not go in sequential order. They may advance numerically, but not one right after the other and then it starts over at some point. When my son went to A school (he graduated in December) there were 2 classes with the same number. One was A and one was B, but they both graduated together. The A stands for Alpha and the B stands for Bravo. I think it is just a way of differentiating the classes. I had never heard of C until recently on here, but I have no idea what that stands for.
Jul 18, 2012
Katze90210 (3/113)
Jul 18, 2012
Amac23
Just thought i'd share our update in case it helps anyone. My husband got his orders (reservist). He is class 135, graduating July 31, then moving onto Pendleton. He will work in a hospital for 67 days and then start with the FMF....done around December!
Jul 18, 2012
JillyBean
Hi everyone! My husband is in SA and has been for what feels like forever, but I think it's only been a few weeks! He hasn't classed up yet but I think he will soon. I'm actually visiting him next weekend and will be staying on base. Has anyone stayed there before?
Jul 18, 2012
MommasHeart
Hi JillyBean. Me and my husband just got back from staying a week there in June. It is beautiful!
Jul 18, 2012
DramaSoul
I was there a couple of weeks ago although I did not stay on base. It was hot and humid. 97 with 90% humidity. There was a pretty good breeze part of the time. I left the NW and it was mid-60's which is comfy for me so I was a little uncomfortable in SA. I loved the Riverwalk, though.
Jul 18, 2012
DramaSoul
Thanks, Craig, for the info on the JFK Challenge Coin. I am looking to buy a few coins for my Sailor and one for his favorite instructor at A school. BTW, I read that JAG report. Sheesh.
Jul 18, 2012
Craig
Here is the JFK coin. It was just released today.... Woo-hoo.....
Jul 19, 2012
Katze90210 (3/113)
Jul 19, 2012
OmahaRudy
Jul 19, 2012
Craig
Katze & Kathy - My website doesn't sell them. I'm just the writer and designer for the coin. The company, PIRGifts, only knows a little bit about the Navy and asked me to help them. They are actually donating part of their profits to help maintain my website for the time I'm spending helping them.
Luckily, they are still building their own website and buying materials so they actually are forwarding people to my website (NavyDEP.com). Which is great since it would be sitting there idle anyways.
If you guys are bored, here is the write up I made for them for the USS Triton coin. They are actually hounding me to get the write up about the USS Kennedy out there, but I'm really tire when I get off of work, and I still have to maintain my own website. Luckily the way I wrote the 1st one can easily be changed for the Kennedy with a few page changes....
Anyways, I can bet after reading the below, you'll know more about the RTC crest (emblem) and what the USS Triton represents than 99% of the active duty staff at RTC.. I can guarantee it....
They are temporarily selling them on Ebay while their website is being built. Just type in "Triton" & "Ship 12" or "JFK" & "Ship 9", you'll find them....
Ship_12_USS_Triton_Chapter_1_of_4.pdf
Ship_12_USS_Triton_Chapter_2_of_4.pdf
Ship_12_USS_Triton_Chapter_3_of_4.pdf
Ship_12_USS_Triton_Chapter_4_of_4.pdf
Jul 20, 2012
Craig
Wow, what a day....
My son just flew out this morning after completing his leave. Last night he and a friend were going to go out to be the 1st ones to attend the premier of the The Dark Knight Rises movie. They wanted the 1st showing at midnight, but it was sold out. So they got the 3am showing. The theater which is 5 miles from my house is the one with today's shooting. Talking about freaking me out.... He actually came running up to my bedroom and told me to watch the tv immediately. Holy crap...
God was looking out for my family today....
Prayers to all victims of this senseless act, especially to the 2 Air Force and 1 Navy member from my base that were shot..... God bless them all....
Craig
Jul 20, 2012
Jana
Oh Craig--so glad your son was not there and yes, God is good and I rejoice that he was watching out for your family. My prayers are with them all and their families.
Jul 20, 2012
Craig
I think we lost two sailors....
http://www.cnn.com/2012/07/20/us/colorado-shooting-military-victims...
Jul 20, 2012
DramaSoul
Oh My G*d....Craig I am so very glad your son was not there. I just now read this. My heart and prayers go out to all of the families. I had a friend who's daughter lived in Littleton at the time of the Columbine shootings (she went to a different school). She had friends who went to Columbine. It is so traumatic and so senseless. I just don't understand this type of thing at all.
Jul 20, 2012
cindylou61
Craig, I too am glad your family is safe. My son just sent me a message that one of his buddies there in SA in his class is from Aurora; and that the buddy's sister was there at the movie and his best friend was one who was shoot and wounded and that he knows one of the girls that was killed.
This is so far reaching but shows how small this world is. My prayers are being lifted for all those that are affected, even remotely, by this.
Jul 20, 2012