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!
So, Wednesday graduation...hmm, well that maybe a tough one to work out for my husband. How many graduations do they have a month? My son's graduation should be in January when they return from Christmas break.
No guarantees in the military, that's for sure. We just plain lucked out that my son was home every Christmas. It was pure accidental timing, starting with when he enlisted. A couple of times he returned to the USA right at the end of November from deployments, that worked for a Christmas leave those years. He really didn't use his leave except at Christmas the other years, it was the only time he came home except for one leave when his Iraq deployment was postponed for a month, so he decided to drive his car home and stayed a few days.
Just a reminder to watch how much information we share on public social media boards like this one. One response by the Navy has been to limit how much information our deployed troops can share with those at home due to too much information getting out and about online. It's the old "Loose Lips Sink Ships" theory.The other concern most admins have is that connections can be made between our kids and those at home. We had a mom share this story the other day on our Deployed board....and this is why we do not share names, specific locations, arrival and departure dates, etc online with anyone. We also need to remember that when our sailors share something with us, they are talking to mom or dad and not an online group filled with people we may like but we do not really know very well.
She wrote: "When our oldest was deployed a couple of years ago, (on a Sub), someone tried to extort $ from my parents (living alone @ the time, in their 80's) over the phone. It was a scam for the deployed. My parents actually believed the caller b/c the caller identified himself as our son using our sons name & knew "their" names as well. He said he got himself in trouble & was in the brigg overseas, needed $ to get out & would call back on how to send it.He Begged my parents "NOT" to say a word to us. My parents "sat" on that info for a couple of days before they informed me b/c they actually thought it was true. Now mind you, our son never got in any trouble throughout his whole life. (A Goody 2 Shoes). I informed our ombudsman who assured me they were well under the sea. My husband had to contact an officer in charge of those issues. About a week "Prior" to this call, our son's sub pulled into a port & he made a phone call to them using the Skype method. At that time we lived in NJ & several months later, sure enough on the news, there had been a big sting operation in the Phila area that caught several scam artists doing this. So, that's why I sounded so "Protective" with giving out address info."
Always watch your back and the back of your sailor. That's the priority!
Glo - The Navy revolves around Christmas and Holiday Routine. The least of my worries would be if he coming home for Christmas while he is in "A" school. It's kind-of a sacred holiday that they really never mess with. The school house closes and they truly are just "Fire & Security" sailors at that time. He will be home (in my opinion).
Even in the fleet, they try to get those that want to go home on Christmas leave out of there.
my son graduates A school January 8th and he is coming home for Thanksgiving which was approved early October , he said he was most likely staying in San Antonio for Xmas and hoping to do extra clinical work at Ft Sam Hospital in rehab. He has gotten close to a Marine at Ft Sam whom was wounded in Afg. and lost a limb. He feels compelled to give back and stay over the holiday. As much as I would love for him to come home , I am pretty proud that he wants to stay and learn and work with the wounded warriors.
Thanks Craig, It's hard being in this new roll of Navy Mom. I'm getting use to it, but some of it is hard to get use too. Less than 4 months ago, I was a full time mom to this 18 year old teenager, now he is 19 and an independent man.
Thank you TexDocMom. I am becoming more and more frustrated with the public asking of "where is your son" on facebook. What he does on his facebook page is his business as he knows the rules. But on my page, I won't answer that question. Everyone (for the most part) I'm sure are well meaning, but it's the people I don't know, who might see it that worry me. So I usually take down the question. The nice man at the post office asked me today where my son is and I just said overseas. He pressed me for a more specific answer and I said he's currently deployed overseas. He was looking right at the address on the box I was sending. You can't tell from the FPO and I'm sure he wasn't a bad person but there is all that info on the box. Just throwing in my two cents again to say I agree with TexasDocMom... be careful. Don't PM people you don't know very well. Do your research. Make sure they have kid(s) in military, believe it or not there are those who lie. Watch out for those who want to cozy up to you and give you advice and help constantly.
That being said I have met wonderful moms on this site, on facebook sites for the Navy and other military sites and made some great new friends. Do Your Homework. Creep on Their Facebook Pages. Those who have nothing to hide (other than protecting their sailors) won't mind.
Glo Mom...I know what you mean in that it is an adjustment and my son is at his duty station having finished his training thus far. While I have been a working mom, it is still an adjustment to know that they have their own lives and Ma Navy is in charge!
alexcmom....I am in agreement with you. I try to be aware of what is being said and who is saying it within my circle. No specifics!
Glo - I hear ya... It is so amazing how these "kids" turn out to be very capable and mature sailors.
I find it incredible how we, as parents, can give the Navy our children, and in 8 short weeks they can return to us mature and capable young men and women. They will have the foundation to be leaders, and they will have ability and knowledge to be a successful person in life.
What parents soon realize is that for 18 years or so we have been the "referee" in our sailors life. As parents we were the rule setter and the penalty enforcer. But as our sailors life changes, so will ours. The parents will now become the "cheerleader" for them. They will watch and cheer as they works his way through the advancement system, the qualification standards, and simple things like just folding their towels correctly. They will stand and scream at the PIR as there division enters, and they will cheer as their ship enters San Diego or Norfolk after a deployment. I have decided long ago it is far more important for me to be a cheerleader than a referee. I try not to waste my time on sadness, I try to focus my feelings on the positive things that help my son and daughter.
I want you to watch this video by Ollie North. Play it a couple times. Its not only enjoyable, it is riveting! Talk about making a kid self sufficient! Woo-hoo, I love when recruits become sailors.... It makes my day!
The very last of the video talks about a Navy Corpsman. Woo-hoo!
I love this last part..... GO NAVY!
This came from the Oct 28th 1940 copy of Life Magazine. May all of our sailors sleep well tonight!
Ok Craig, thanks for getting my waterproof mascara to run!!! Thanks, really. I am the proud mom of a Navy Corpsman. Yeah...and if my emoticon thingy was working, I would have my cheerleaders out in full force.
I marveled at my son ironing his NSW's when he was home on leave doing RAP duty. Or the fact that he had already polished his boots and made sure his hair was cut. His sister and brother-in-law came to visit. They had not seen him for about 6 months. When she saw him and say "THAT'S my baby brother???" Not exactly a baby, needless to say! When I had the privilege of driving him and his buddy to their first duty station, I watched these two young men in their dress whites, making sure every part of their uniform was as it should be, walking up to check in at the quarterdeck. I was so proud. I am so proud.
Thank you Craig could have not been said any better. I am very moved and tears in my eyes. My Sailor will be graduating soon. I look back and remember when I use to come in from work and asked "Did job come for him today". Because of his choice I can only support and cheer him all the way. I plan to be at every graduation no matter what it takes. Thank you and everyone who have posted. (I am mostly a reader).
wow Craig thank for sharing your amazing daughter's experience! It is so incredible to hear about the young men and women maturing and following their dreams, Your daughter sounds very fulfilled; and as a parent, it is a dream come true.
I get teary-eyed at the drop of a pin when it comes to kids, but it is true that it is so much better to enjoy your son or daughter as they mature and find a new path. Every moment we've been there for them, especially those very special moments you never forget. PIR was amazing as we kept pinching ourselves that it was really happening. To just hug him and savour every minute.... and now we look forward to HM graduation in December. What a journey. We are very proud!
Thanks, Craig for helping all of us Moms have the courage to be cheerleaders...it is true, it is such a wonderful feeling.
Drama. Funny how your experiences always seem to mirror mine. When I took my son and his Sailor Buddyvto their duty station we had to stop somewhere for them to change into their whites. As I stood there and watched them fuss over the little details I wondered "when did this happen". I was so proud of them and so happy my son was doing so well!
Good morning all.. my son is at Fort Sam now and he gave me his add as well, if I will send something to him he has to pick this up in the post office? Also I am a new sailor mom, to the veterans, do you guys go to thier graduation? how does this work? by reading all the comments/discussions I have learned a lot but have not get an exact answer to my kind of silly Question... Thank you
Paolo'sMom...I haven't missed a graduation and I felt each of them were sooo worth the trip. The graduation from A school is nothing like PIR as it is far more personal and intimate. I had a great weekend visiting with him before his graduation...we played tourist in SA. If you can afford to do it, I would recommend it.
Just curious, how many of you guys sailors put on their Dress Blues or Whites uniform when flying just to see if they can be bumped up to 1st class on the plane? Mine does....
My daughter was told not to fly home on leave in her dress blues. She was told to arrive in her next duty station in dress. Since she is still in SA for C school, I haven't seen her in blues yet. She graduated A school in whites and came home in jeans...
Paolo - Graduation is really cool. I liked it... Not many parents though. I think the cost of just going to PIR, and then going to San Antonio two months later just cost too much for most people....
linizzi - Just curious, do they even go into dress blues in San Antonio? I've never heard anyone talk about if they have a uniform change down there...
It's weird that they told them not to fly in uniform. Maybe because they are nearer to the drug cartels? My son odds so far about getting bumped to 1st class in uniform is about 1/3....
My son never flew in his uniform. If there are problems on a plane, it's preferred that the troublemaker not be able to identify military personnel by their clothes. We are in war time right now. He also was very uncomfortable with people trying to buy him food or drink, said he didn't feel it was appropriate to accept it with his buddies in a war zone.
He graduated from A School in 05 ( I think..?) in GL. When I said something about going, he said most are grad and go, and it'd be waste of money and time. He told me that the next graduation he'd invite us to would be his college graduation when he left the Navy. He felt the Navy was his job, and would I expect to go to his job promotions if he was a civilian? Finally when he was pinned when he was stationed in SA, he said it'd be okay if I went...and they held the darn ceremony at 6AM! I live 90 minutes away! So then he asked if I wanted to drive all that way for a 30 minute ceremony. One of the 3 wives that showed up sent me a photo.
I think the only thing I regret missing over those years was not being able to be at his Homecoming from deployments. I may still have to make one of those, preferably the one of the very last Marines and Corpsmen returning from Afghanistan!
TDM...my son said the only time he flew in his uniform was from GL to SA because they were required to. He has never flown in uniform since. Prefers to 'fly under the radar' for the reasons you have mentioned.
@ Craig - my son is in dress blues now - they changed October 1st. He was excited - he loves his blues over whites. My son also said when he flys home he has to be in his peanut butters - but when he flys back he has to be in his dress - something about reporting to an officer when he comes back - but when he leaves he is leaving class - some darn procedures - he said they never fly in digis unlike Army - Im use to Army procedures
Hi Paolo'sMom. No question is a silly question. That's why we're all here, to ask and learn. Trust me, I'm still doing plenty of both! My son told me to put his cell phone number at the bottom of his address so that when the package reached the base they could call him and let him know to come pick it up. That seemed to work just fine for us. As far as graduation... From what I hear it's very nice, a far smaller ceremony than PIR. Because of finances I could not attend. Plus, my son and I talked about it... we knew that very soon after he graduated he would be coming home for a visit before going to his first assignment. So that meant I would be flying home on one plane and he would have been flying home on another (assuming it was the day after graduation and that's a mighty big assumption) and it just seemed like a waste of time and money to us. The photographer on base takes amazing pictures of the ceremony and of each sailor getting their certificate and then posts them to the website. So you will get a pic even if you don't go. I would have loved to have been there of course, but I got to see him soon after and he really was fine with it. PIR was a much bigger deal. And I did go and visit with him in TX and spent a few days with him there in a more relaxed setting, which was nice. If you want the in(s) and out(s) of graduation I'm sure the other moms will help out! Hope this helped. :)
TinaD... Same thing happened to my son last month. They "lost" his orders. I'm not sure about the two weeks, He was in holding for a week and a half and he still received 10 days. The thing is since he's such a plan a head type of person, his 10 days were still a week and a half before he was due to arrive at his new station. So the day he left, was the day before the original assignment date. Meaning the Navy never had to change his orders. I hope your daughter gets to come home soon! ;)
My son went overseas last month and it was right before the switch to dress blues. I asked him if he had to wear his uniform, he said he was told yes back on base. I said why don't you call your mentor and find out. I bet you don't, since you're flying military. Sure enough, no uniform required. If they're going overseas and they have a mentor, have them call or email and ask. As much as we're proud and want to show them off, remember that uniform draws the eye in both good and bad ways. These days it can be a bullseye. Really not worth a first class seat.
Well - my son wont be asking for first class anyway - all of his flights are on the "regional" carriers ( smaller jets RJ700's), no first class, no business class - one class - and wont be flying overseas anytime soon; just doing what he is told ; If he had it his way - he would be flying in his jeans and cowboy boots thats for sure
Akexcmom, you have a very good point, they have I fhink 2 weeks break after A School, although I have ralative in TX still the plane fare is a waste of money since he will be spending his break with us. Also its not like BC that we can't call him, now I got to talk to him every night since he move to A School. So I guess save that money and spend it somewhere with him and the rest of the family before he goes to his assignment. thank you so much for rhe wonderfull idea.
Paolo'sMom... sure thing! They do get that break, although like TinaD was saying don't count on anything being for sure, with the Navy thats the one sure thing. lol
Myself and my daughter went to TX to visit him and spent a few days just visiting and hanging out. Had a very nice time. We were visiting with other relatives in TX as well so it all worked out. Wouldn't have made sense to do it again at graduation time when we just didn't know exactly when he could leave but we did know we wouldn't be leaving together. Also, because we knew that he was going to gone for years I wanted to save my money to do the holidays when he came home after A school. We had Thanksgiving, Christmas and his Birthday all in one week. And he happened to be home over my birthday. So we did a lot of celebrating. Was very worth it to save for all of that. I have a lot of memories to last me for the next couple of years. :)
This is a huge fear of mine. My son is in A school for HM now. He began classes on October 9th, with my counting the weeks and include all the weeks of holidays he is looking at graduation in February. So I have the worry of him not being able to come home :( for holiday at all. I dont know what I will do if i have to deal with the first Christmas without my Son . So worried :(
txbabydocmom - Woo-hoo! Outstanding! Japan here he comes.... That is really, really cool.....
Make sure he gets his passport. The MWR always has trips to other places and you must get a passport to take advantage of them. Make sure it's a normal civilian passpost. The government issued military (no-fee) passports do not work.
Here is some great info concerning "civilian vs military (no-fee)" passports:
Dani - When we pulled into Hong Kong (before it became part of China) they told the crew "Those that have (tourist) passports can have a 4 day special liberty and go to China. Back then, since China and Hong Kong were at odds, you had to go through a 3rd country call Macau. So while we that had passports and were having fun, there others left behind had to pick up the slack. They were fuming when we came back with all the stuff we bought....
Tina - Guam was the last duty station I was at before I retired. A lot of people complained about it, but those were the ones that just sat in their barracks room playing computer or Playstation. If you get off your butt and get out and do stuff it is a great place to be.
One of the top things to do there is scuba diving. It is extremely cheap for the sailors and it is so much fun. I got mine license. Once she gets her scuba license she can fly to place like Truk Lagoon. Truk Lagoon is the same exact thing that happened to us in Pearl Harbor, but we did it to the Japanese in WW2. We whacked them. We destroyed their Navy.
The rest of Asia is there too. The MWR fund is always doing trips to different countries. It is really cheap. I know she'll say it cost too much, but remind her that she doesn't pay rent, food, medical, dental, so spend that money on memories that she will remember till she's 90 years old.
Again, she needs to get out and do something, don't be a barrack rat....
I thought I had read something about my question somewhere on this forum, but I can't seem to find it, so I'll ask again...what happens if they are failing in the program? Do they get kicked out? And then what? Our daughter just started classes today and she was never the best student in HS when it came to studying. We hope she has turned over a new leaf but...
lgallagher...my son didn't apply himself in high school...his theory was it was all AP courses and his average was 10 points higher for it anyway. I worried too...and when I finally asked him about it...he said "mom, don't worry, I'm not going to tell some bleeding Marine that I didn't read that page.". He loved A School, he loved FMTB...and he did really well. She got through GL, didn't she? She can do this, mom. Just watch!
(by the way, now he's out and going to college taking 18 hours a semester, he regrets A LOT not working harder those first two years in college before he enlisted. Actually heard him telling his nephew not to "screw up your GPA like I did"...so they learn. )
so confused on a couple of things. First what do they get off for christmas? Have heard so many things it unreal. Second son said he had to be top of class to move from E1 to E2 and up. Is this true
All I know is when my son was telling me about one experience in Iraq, I asked "why did you end up doing that?" and his response was "I was the only one that had clearance for it"....so maybe some do, some don't.
Mrs.SeniorChief
So, Wednesday graduation...hmm, well that maybe a tough one to work out for my husband. How many graduations do they have a month? My son's graduation should be in January when they return from Christmas break.
Oct 22, 2012
TexasDocMom
No guarantees in the military, that's for sure. We just plain lucked out that my son was home every Christmas. It was pure accidental timing, starting with when he enlisted. A couple of times he returned to the USA right at the end of November from deployments, that worked for a Christmas leave those years. He really didn't use his leave except at Christmas the other years, it was the only time he came home except for one leave when his Iraq deployment was postponed for a month, so he decided to drive his car home and stayed a few days.
Just a reminder to watch how much information we share on public social media boards like this one. One response by the Navy has been to limit how much information our deployed troops can share with those at home due to too much information getting out and about online. It's the old "Loose Lips Sink Ships" theory.The other concern most admins have is that connections can be made between our kids and those at home. We had a mom share this story the other day on our Deployed board....and this is why we do not share names, specific locations, arrival and departure dates, etc online with anyone. We also need to remember that when our sailors share something with us, they are talking to mom or dad and not an online group filled with people we may like but we do not really know very well.
She wrote: "When our oldest was deployed a couple of years ago, (on a Sub), someone tried to extort $ from my parents (living alone @ the time, in their 80's) over the phone. It was a scam for the deployed. My parents actually believed the caller b/c the caller identified himself as our son using our sons name & knew "their" names as well. He said he got himself in trouble & was in the brigg overseas, needed $ to get out & would call back on how to send it.He Begged my parents "NOT" to say a word to us. My parents "sat" on that info for a couple of days before they informed me b/c they actually thought it was true. Now mind you, our son never got in any trouble throughout his whole life. (A Goody 2 Shoes). I informed our ombudsman who assured me they were well under the sea. My husband had to contact an officer in charge of those issues. About a week "Prior" to this call, our son's sub pulled into a port & he made a phone call to them using the Skype method. At that time we lived in NJ & several months later, sure enough on the news, there had been a big sting operation in the Phila area that caught several scam artists doing this. So, that's why I sounded so "Protective" with giving out address info."
Always watch your back and the back of your sailor. That's the priority!
Oct 22, 2012
Craig
Glo - The Navy revolves around Christmas and Holiday Routine. The least of my worries would be if he coming home for Christmas while he is in "A" school. It's kind-of a sacred holiday that they really never mess with. The school house closes and they truly are just "Fire & Security" sailors at that time. He will be home (in my opinion).
Even in the fleet, they try to get those that want to go home on Christmas leave out of there.
Oct 22, 2012
Jenn(RJs Mom) Ship 09 Div 273
my son graduates A school January 8th and he is coming home for Thanksgiving which was approved early October , he said he was most likely staying in San Antonio for Xmas and hoping to do extra clinical work at Ft Sam Hospital in rehab. He has gotten close to a Marine at Ft Sam whom was wounded in Afg. and lost a limb. He feels compelled to give back and stay over the holiday. As much as I would love for him to come home , I am pretty proud that he wants to stay and learn and work with the wounded warriors.
Oct 22, 2012
Glo Mom of Future Officer
Thanks Craig, It's hard being in this new roll of Navy Mom. I'm getting use to it, but some of it is hard to get use too. Less than 4 months ago, I was a full time mom to this 18 year old teenager, now he is 19 and an independent man.
Oct 22, 2012
alexcmom
Thank you TexDocMom. I am becoming more and more frustrated with the public asking of "where is your son" on facebook. What he does on his facebook page is his business as he knows the rules. But on my page, I won't answer that question. Everyone (for the most part) I'm sure are well meaning, but it's the people I don't know, who might see it that worry me. So I usually take down the question. The nice man at the post office asked me today where my son is and I just said overseas. He pressed me for a more specific answer and I said he's currently deployed overseas. He was looking right at the address on the box I was sending. You can't tell from the FPO and I'm sure he wasn't a bad person but there is all that info on the box. Just throwing in my two cents again to say I agree with TexasDocMom... be careful. Don't PM people you don't know very well. Do your research. Make sure they have kid(s) in military, believe it or not there are those who lie. Watch out for those who want to cozy up to you and give you advice and help constantly.
That being said I have met wonderful moms on this site, on facebook sites for the Navy and other military sites and made some great new friends. Do Your Homework. Creep on Their Facebook Pages. Those who have nothing to hide (other than protecting their sailors) won't mind.
Oct 22, 2012
CHN-B
Oct 22, 2012
DramaSoul
Glo Mom...I know what you mean in that it is an adjustment and my son is at his duty station having finished his training thus far. While I have been a working mom, it is still an adjustment to know that they have their own lives and Ma Navy is in charge!
alexcmom....I am in agreement with you. I try to be aware of what is being said and who is saying it within my circle. No specifics!
As always...thanks for the OPSEC reminders TDM!!
Oct 22, 2012
Craig
Glo - I hear ya... It is so amazing how these "kids" turn out to be very capable and mature sailors.
I find it incredible how we, as parents, can give the Navy our children, and in 8 short weeks they can return to us mature and capable young men and women. They will have the foundation to be leaders, and they will have ability and knowledge to be a successful person in life.
What parents soon realize is that for 18 years or so we have been the "referee" in our sailors life. As parents we were the rule setter and the penalty enforcer. But as our sailors life changes, so will ours. The parents will now become the "cheerleader" for them. They will watch and cheer as they works his way through the advancement system, the qualification standards, and simple things like just folding their towels correctly. They will stand and scream at the PIR as there division enters, and they will cheer as their ship enters San Diego or Norfolk after a deployment. I have decided long ago it is far more important for me to be a cheerleader than a referee. I try not to waste my time on sadness, I try to focus my feelings on the positive things that help my son and daughter.
I want you to watch this video by Ollie North. Play it a couple times. Its not only enjoyable, it is riveting! Talk about making a kid self sufficient! Woo-hoo, I love when recruits become sailors.... It makes my day!
The very last of the video talks about a Navy Corpsman. Woo-hoo!
I love this last part..... GO NAVY!
This came from the Oct 28th 1940 copy of Life Magazine. May all of our sailors sleep well tonight!
Oct 22, 2012
DramaSoul
Ok Craig, thanks for getting my waterproof mascara to run!!! Thanks, really. I am the proud mom of a Navy Corpsman. Yeah...and if my emoticon thingy was working, I would have my cheerleaders out in full force.
I marveled at my son ironing his NSW's when he was home on leave doing RAP duty. Or the fact that he had already polished his boots and made sure his hair was cut. His sister and brother-in-law came to visit. They had not seen him for about 6 months. When she saw him and say "THAT'S my baby brother???" Not exactly a baby, needless to say! When I had the privilege of driving him and his buddy to their first duty station, I watched these two young men in their dress whites, making sure every part of their uniform was as it should be, walking up to check in at the quarterdeck. I was so proud. I am so proud.
Oct 22, 2012
Lee57
Oct 22, 2012
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Check it out! :) http://navylive.dodlive.mil/2012/10/22/warfighting-medical-community/
Oct 23, 2012
dianevdb
wow Craig thank for sharing your amazing daughter's experience! It is so incredible to hear about the young men and women maturing and following their dreams, Your daughter sounds very fulfilled; and as a parent, it is a dream come true.
I get teary-eyed at the drop of a pin when it comes to kids, but it is true that it is so much better to enjoy your son or daughter as they mature and find a new path. Every moment we've been there for them, especially those very special moments you never forget. PIR was amazing as we kept pinching ourselves that it was really happening. To just hug him and savour every minute.... and now we look forward to HM graduation in December. What a journey. We are very proud!
Thanks, Craig for helping all of us Moms have the courage to be cheerleaders...it is true, it is such a wonderful feeling.
Oct 23, 2012
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Just added more up top, this link http://navylive.dodlive.mil/2012/10/22/warfighting-medical-community/ and this pdf of the HM Rating Card - HM Rating Card.
Oct 23, 2012
Katze90210 (3/113)
Oct 23, 2012
MorningGlory (SHIP 14 DIV 343)
Craig:
"What is it with women and bugs or mice? Why do you guys always freak? j/k"
You kidding? I'm the one who goes, "Ooooh, look at that one, it's so interesting!" Wildlife is fascinating (even when it is indoors). :)
Oct 23, 2012
mikes mom
Awesome Marcy !
I wish I had all this info 4 years ago when my son was going through all his training...
Oct 23, 2012
ProudUSNCorpsmanMom
Oct 23, 2012
DramaSoul
Katze...we are living parallel lives!
Thanks, Marcy, good info.
Paolo'sMom...I haven't missed a graduation and I felt each of them were sooo worth the trip. The graduation from A school is nothing like PIR as it is far more personal and intimate. I had a great weekend visiting with him before his graduation...we played tourist in SA. If you can afford to do it, I would recommend it.
Oct 23, 2012
Craig
MorningGlory - What's funny is I was teasing a woman on another forum about being scared of spiders...
Her response was with this comic, with "Ok Craig, I guess it's time YOU get a Brazilian"....
She won
Oct 23, 2012
Craig
Just curious, how many of you guys sailors put on their Dress Blues or Whites uniform when flying just to see if they can be bumped up to 1st class on the plane? Mine does....
Oct 23, 2012
lizinnj
My daughter was told not to fly home on leave in her dress blues. She was told to arrive in her next duty station in dress. Since she is still in SA for C school, I haven't seen her in blues yet. She graduated A school in whites and came home in jeans...
Oct 23, 2012
Craig
Paolo - Graduation is really cool. I liked it... Not many parents though. I think the cost of just going to PIR, and then going to San Antonio two months later just cost too much for most people....
Oct 23, 2012
Craig
linizzi - Just curious, do they even go into dress blues in San Antonio? I've never heard anyone talk about if they have a uniform change down there...
It's weird that they told them not to fly in uniform. Maybe because they are nearer to the drug cartels? My son odds so far about getting bumped to 1st class in uniform is about 1/3....
Oct 23, 2012
TexasDocMom
My son never flew in his uniform. If there are problems on a plane, it's preferred that the troublemaker not be able to identify military personnel by their clothes. We are in war time right now. He also was very uncomfortable with people trying to buy him food or drink, said he didn't feel it was appropriate to accept it with his buddies in a war zone.
He graduated from A School in 05 ( I think..?) in GL. When I said something about going, he said most are grad and go, and it'd be waste of money and time. He told me that the next graduation he'd invite us to would be his college graduation when he left the Navy. He felt the Navy was his job, and would I expect to go to his job promotions if he was a civilian? Finally when he was pinned when he was stationed in SA, he said it'd be okay if I went...and they held the darn ceremony at 6AM! I live 90 minutes away! So then he asked if I wanted to drive all that way for a 30 minute ceremony. One of the 3 wives that showed up sent me a photo.
I think the only thing I regret missing over those years was not being able to be at his Homecoming from deployments. I may still have to make one of those, preferably the one of the very last Marines and Corpsmen returning from Afghanistan!
Oct 23, 2012
DramaSoul
TDM...my son said the only time he flew in his uniform was from GL to SA because they were required to. He has never flown in uniform since. Prefers to 'fly under the radar' for the reasons you have mentioned.
Oct 23, 2012
Jenn(RJs Mom) Ship 09 Div 273
@ Craig - my son is in dress blues now - they changed October 1st. He was excited - he loves his blues over whites. My son also said when he flys home he has to be in his peanut butters - but when he flys back he has to be in his dress - something about reporting to an officer when he comes back - but when he leaves he is leaving class - some darn procedures - he said they never fly in digis unlike Army - Im use to Army procedures
Oct 23, 2012
alexcmom
Hi Paolo'sMom. No question is a silly question. That's why we're all here, to ask and learn. Trust me, I'm still doing plenty of both! My son told me to put his cell phone number at the bottom of his address so that when the package reached the base they could call him and let him know to come pick it up. That seemed to work just fine for us. As far as graduation... From what I hear it's very nice, a far smaller ceremony than PIR. Because of finances I could not attend. Plus, my son and I talked about it... we knew that very soon after he graduated he would be coming home for a visit before going to his first assignment. So that meant I would be flying home on one plane and he would have been flying home on another (assuming it was the day after graduation and that's a mighty big assumption) and it just seemed like a waste of time and money to us. The photographer on base takes amazing pictures of the ceremony and of each sailor getting their certificate and then posts them to the website. So you will get a pic even if you don't go. I would have loved to have been there of course, but I got to see him soon after and he really was fine with it. PIR was a much bigger deal. And I did go and visit with him in TX and spent a few days with him there in a more relaxed setting, which was nice. If you want the in(s) and out(s) of graduation I'm sure the other moms will help out! Hope this helped. :)
Oct 23, 2012
alexcmom
TinaD... Same thing happened to my son last month. They "lost" his orders. I'm not sure about the two weeks, He was in holding for a week and a half and he still received 10 days. The thing is since he's such a plan a head type of person, his 10 days were still a week and a half before he was due to arrive at his new station. So the day he left, was the day before the original assignment date. Meaning the Navy never had to change his orders. I hope your daughter gets to come home soon! ;)
Oct 23, 2012
alexcmom
My son went overseas last month and it was right before the switch to dress blues. I asked him if he had to wear his uniform, he said he was told yes back on base. I said why don't you call your mentor and find out. I bet you don't, since you're flying military. Sure enough, no uniform required. If they're going overseas and they have a mentor, have them call or email and ask. As much as we're proud and want to show them off, remember that uniform draws the eye in both good and bad ways. These days it can be a bullseye. Really not worth a first class seat.
Oct 23, 2012
Jenn(RJs Mom) Ship 09 Div 273
Well - my son wont be asking for first class anyway - all of his flights are on the "regional" carriers ( smaller jets RJ700's), no first class, no business class - one class - and wont be flying overseas anytime soon; just doing what he is told ; If he had it his way - he would be flying in his jeans and cowboy boots thats for sure
Oct 23, 2012
alexcmom
Congrats to your son txbabydocmom for getting his pic! And it's always nice for us to finally know where they're going. :)
Oct 23, 2012
ProudUSNCorpsmanMom
Oct 23, 2012
alexcmom
Paolo'sMom... sure thing! They do get that break, although like TinaD was saying don't count on anything being for sure, with the Navy thats the one sure thing. lol
Myself and my daughter went to TX to visit him and spent a few days just visiting and hanging out. Had a very nice time. We were visiting with other relatives in TX as well so it all worked out. Wouldn't have made sense to do it again at graduation time when we just didn't know exactly when he could leave but we did know we wouldn't be leaving together. Also, because we knew that he was going to gone for years I wanted to save my money to do the holidays when he came home after A school. We had Thanksgiving, Christmas and his Birthday all in one week. And he happened to be home over my birthday. So we did a lot of celebrating. Was very worth it to save for all of that. I have a lot of memories to last me for the next couple of years. :)
Oct 23, 2012
Craig
For those that plan to attend the HM "A" school graduation, here's some food for thought:
Oct 23, 2012
Navymassmomship13div313
Oct 23, 2012
Craig
txbabydocmom - Woo-hoo! Outstanding! Japan here he comes.... That is really, really cool.....
Make sure he gets his passport. The MWR always has trips to other places and you must get a passport to take advantage of them. Make sure it's a normal civilian passpost. The government issued military (no-fee) passports do not work.
Here is some great info concerning "civilian vs military (no-fee)" passports:
http://www.japanbases.com/forums/aft/1856.aspx
Oct 23, 2012
DramaSoul
Congrats txbabydocmom....it's been a long haul but so worth it. Bravo Zulu!!!
Oct 23, 2012
DaniHMItalyMom
txbabydoc mom - congratulations.
Craig - Nice tip on the passport info - who new!?!
Oct 23, 2012
Craig
Dani - When we pulled into Hong Kong (before it became part of China) they told the crew "Those that have (tourist) passports can have a 4 day special liberty and go to China. Back then, since China and Hong Kong were at odds, you had to go through a 3rd country call Macau. So while we that had passports and were having fun, there others left behind had to pick up the slack. They were fuming when we came back with all the stuff we bought....
Oct 24, 2012
DramaSoul
This is me pushing the 'LIKE' button to the last couple of posts (including Craig's pix!).
Oct 24, 2012
Craig
Tina - Guam was the last duty station I was at before I retired. A lot of people complained about it, but those were the ones that just sat in their barracks room playing computer or Playstation. If you get off your butt and get out and do stuff it is a great place to be.
One of the top things to do there is scuba diving. It is extremely cheap for the sailors and it is so much fun. I got mine license. Once she gets her scuba license she can fly to place like Truk Lagoon. Truk Lagoon is the same exact thing that happened to us in Pearl Harbor, but we did it to the Japanese in WW2. We whacked them. We destroyed their Navy.
The rest of Asia is there too. The MWR fund is always doing trips to different countries. It is really cheap. I know she'll say it cost too much, but remind her that she doesn't pay rent, food, medical, dental, so spend that money on memories that she will remember till she's 90 years old.
Again, she needs to get out and do something, don't be a barrack rat....
http://www.guam-online.com/activities/activities.htm
Oct 25, 2012
dianevdb
Concerning Pay Ratings..
Anyone here know about an automatic pay rate going up based on active time?
Heard that E1 to E2 or E2 to E3 could elevate by 9 months of active time. "TIR" I think it is called?
Oct 25, 2012
DramaSoul
Oct 25, 2012
DramaSoul
Oct 25, 2012
lgallagher16
I thought I had read something about my question somewhere on this forum, but I can't seem to find it, so I'll ask again...what happens if they are failing in the program? Do they get kicked out? And then what? Our daughter just started classes today and she was never the best student in HS when it came to studying. We hope she has turned over a new leaf but...
Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.
Oct 25, 2012
TexasDocMom
lgallagher...my son didn't apply himself in high school...his theory was it was all AP courses and his average was 10 points higher for it anyway. I worried too...and when I finally asked him about it...he said "mom, don't worry, I'm not going to tell some bleeding Marine that I didn't read that page.". He loved A School, he loved FMTB...and he did really well. She got through GL, didn't she? She can do this, mom. Just watch!
(by the way, now he's out and going to college taking 18 hours a semester, he regrets A LOT not working harder those first two years in college before he enlisted. Actually heard him telling his nephew not to "screw up your GPA like I did"...so they learn. )
Oct 25, 2012
Huggy
so confused on a couple of things. First what do they get off for christmas? Have heard so many things it unreal. Second son said he had to be top of class to move from E1 to E2 and up. Is this true
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Oct 26, 2012
Craig
All - I have a depper on my website that ask this question. Does anyone know the answer?
Craig, I know Corpsman dont need security clearances, but some assignments do, Do you know if FMF Corpsman fall under the ladder?
Oct 26, 2012
TexasDocMom
All I know is when my son was telling me about one experience in Iraq, I asked "why did you end up doing that?" and his response was "I was the only one that had clearance for it"....so maybe some do, some don't.
Oct 26, 2012