To Tammy Just attended A school graduation GC on 20 October without receiving any passes. However my grandson was instructed by command to drive us through the gate as we were disabled and needed handicap parking. The ceremony started promptly 0900 hours. We arrived 8:05 and a good many people already there. All graduates were in their whites with E4 on the left shoulder and sat on left side facing the stage. Guests on the right. You get a program listing the class and order of receiving diplomas. You are encouraged to get up close in front for photos and also afterwords on stage or with staff. They are now all Petty Officers.
Hope that helps
Thank you Sgtsixpack, that's so helpful! Our daughter won't be graduating A school for a few more months (fingers crossed!) but she keeps us up to date on each stage of the way. You must be so proud of your grandson! All the best to him and your family!
Colagrl, best wishes to your sailor at his new rating. Others have mentioned that former nukes are well thought of at a new rating. Stay with our group, your sailors' experiences may help another nuke.
Hello to my fellow Nuke moms! My son will graduate from boot camp on 12/15, and as we understand it, will head to Charleston the very next day. Are sailors offered any liberties from A School over the Christmas holiday? I’m sorry if I’m not using lingo appropriately- it’s all still so new to me. All I really want to know is if we can possibly see our son over the Christmas holiday. Thank you!
Hi Blueberry, I have a new sailor in A school since October and so far what I've heard about Christmas is that school does stand down for two weeks over the Christmas/New Year's holiday, but they don't all get to leave at the same time. Some will be off for Christmas and some will be after...makes it hard to plan, but any time is better than no time!! :) I'm not sure when they find out what time they have off....
Mammagoose- I didn’t get your fiends request yet. I’ll look back over the info we got. If I can do it, I’m there! As of now I can’t remember reading about the meet and greet. Lol!
Congrats to those who had family members graduate school today. I wasn't able to make it but my son said there were over 300 enlisted and over 50 officers who completed this school. He is now on his way to Balston Spa for prototype. He will stop by home in NJ long enough to say hi and celebrate early birthday.
Mammagoose and Blueberry, Be sure to try and attend Sarge's Meet & Greet. Lots of fun and he gives you lots of helpful tips to make PIR attendance easier!
A quick chime in: Ladies, for those at GC - at least A school, your sailors should have Friday off (unless they have to stand watch, or are studying). I recommend you call and talk to them about Christmas leave. - My son confirmed with me again today, that at least he has to purchase his plane tickets and show his itinerary before he can turn in the CHIT to apply for leave. Leave time is from after class on Fri Dec 15 - Jan. 3 (he is recommended to return by the 30/31st.) . He has told me that if he takes leave, he has to take the entire time off, even if he returns early, because he won't be there to stand watch. This does not agree with the information I had heard as well that they would have some off one week and some off another week. I don't know if it depends on what stage of A school they are in or not, which is why I suggest you talk to your sailors. They should be able to speak to their SLPO, unless they have not classed up, and then they may not be able to make any arrangements yet, which can be frustrating to us Moms. But your sailors will have more accurate information than what we can speculate on here.
Ladies, just a little heads up. My daughter flew home for Christmas when she was at GC with the intention of driving her car back. She had to turn in a detailed driving plan which include a mandatory 15 minute break each 2 hours. She could only drive a total of 8 hours in a day. It took some planning but we got it done.
My son (in A school with a graduation date of 1/26) has also been told that he will have the full Christmas break from Dec 15- Jan 3. But he was told the reason for this was because they will not be getting the two weeks off between A school and T Track as they were originally told because their grad date is so close to the holidays. Not sure if this will hold true for all but he is in MM A school
Good Friday morning all - I just asked my husband to go out in the cold and hang out our flag, which reminded me that it was also Friday. Happy Veteran's Day to all, and remember your RED - for the new mom's we wear red on Friday to Remember Everyone Deployed.
Can anyone advise on a place to stay in San Diego that is close to the Navy Base. My sailors sister and husband are visiting later this month. My sailor is currently underway, so we are unable to get information from him. Thank you!
Some places we have been in the past as a family - Sears/ Willis Tower (was tallest building in America for awhile) http://theskydeck.com/ , Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, Museum of Science and Industry (not meant for a short visit!!)
I don't know what the Thanksgiving Schedule is for sailors flying out after PIR 11/22 - but keep in mind, your time could be limited and they will still have to be back by about 7:30 - 8:00 pm at RTC, which traffic in to drop off gets backed up and they may not be dropped off to walk on to RTC. - But if he just wants to see Chicago, I would head to the Sears / Willis Tower first, then have deep dish pizza some place.
Google search will find you almost anything you are looking for, including times and prices.
For pizza in Chicago, we went to Lou Malnati's and it was pretty good, but I'm told by my son and my friend that grew up there, that Giordano's is THE PLACE to go. Really wish I had! :)
Nukelukesmom - my son is also in MM school and he told us the same info - Christmas break in leu of break between schools - but I did not get the graduation date from him. i will put the Jan date on my radar. He is enjoying the area and getting to know his shipmates I think.
Hello, I am not on this site as often as I would like. All of you are so helpful and compassionate. I need advise, I am very sad to say that my husband and I will not be able to attend our son's upcoming graduation in December. I am concerned that our son may be the only one without parents present. Do any of you know from experience if there are any without parents attending? Also, is there a photographer present that we may be able to purchase pictures from. Thank you in advance for any information!
Saw your email and asked my daughter, whose grad date from A school is in January and happened to call just now. She said grad from Power school is the really big deal, that A school graduation is a much milder ceremony, and that her friend who graduated a few weeks ago asked fellow Sailors to take pix to send home. Based on that, I'm sure your son won't be the only one! And congratulations to him and you!
Don't worry about it. "A" school graduation is pretty low-key. As J's said, mostly local. You can celebrate when he comes home for Christmas. Power School is a much bigger show.
I was not able to make it to my sailor’s A school graduation last month, either. He said very few had family there, and that it wasn’t a big deal. It is to we moms (and dad’s!), but he definitely shouldn’t be the only one. I am already planning to be there for power school graduation. As others have said, that one is the big deal.
Thank you so much MoMom, WearsLargeHats and J'sMom, that certainly makes me feel better knowing that he probably will not be the only one with parents. And a good point is I am sure the classmates will celebrate! Thanks again for the input, I really appreciate it!
Made it back safe & sound - the wedding was beautiful and the weather was cold! On Friday it was 25 but felt like 17!!! yikes! It even snowed on us a bit as we were headed to the Football Hall of Fame. But we had fun - also got to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Lake View Cemetery where James Garfield, Rockefeller and Elliot Ness to name a few are buried. Once I get caught up at work I'll spend some time & get caught up on here - I see we have some new members I need to acknowledge too.
NavyMom456 I just saw your message. I am planning on going to the A school graduation Dec 15. I can try to get pictures for you if you'd like me to. You can PM me if you want to.
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MM - Welcome home! Glad you had a nice visit with family and friends. I believe your children here behaved ourselves in your absence. We have missed your pictures!
New product to ship to your sailor - Birthday Cake Idea
I came across Duncan Hines new Perfect Size for 1 desserts. I found it on our Neighborhood WM grocery shelf. 4 individual pouches - bake in a microwave mug. It just needs 3 Tbs of water or milk, and you may add in other things. - I bought the caramel cake one for my son and he said it was really good.
I had a plastic microwave mug my eldest daughter no longer wanted, and some older metal measuring spoons that I shipped to my son with some of his clothes. I ended up having to take the pouches out of the box and flattened it so he would have the directions. I think it was about $2.49 for a box, which is more than a cake mix, but when you can't bake a cake for their birthday. - I contemplated sending a candle but wasn't sure that would be allowed and didn't know if he had matches. (I sent cookies for his actual b'day because I ran out of room - so this was part of his Halloween care pkg.)
Lots of new members to welcome ~ Sweetestmama, SantaBabs81, TxNukeMom, CamtheNukeMan'sMom and Imtsat!
Please be sure to read the pages to the right (11), especially "Your Sailor's Schedule Upon Arrival to GC" and "Nuke A School daily schedule-a sailor's perspective-from 2017".
Lots of good info there - also review the OPSEC info up above.
And of course, feel free to ask any questions you may have!
bigsky21- Yes you did wear your red. I lounged in my maroon jammies all day, but I did have my husband put the flag out!
Welcome aboard new moms - tell us a little about yourselves, where you are in your Navy Mom journey, and if you know PIR dates, Nuke ratings, or other graduation dates it will help others connect with you and your journey.
Thanks for the warm welcome. My Nuke will be graduating from his first phase of school December 15. It has been a struggle for him with the testing and mandatory hours. With grace though he will keep pushing through!!!
No ma’am. We are coming up for Thanksgiving and then plan to fly him back after graduation. I can’t seem to get a straight answer on if they are off for Thanksgiving break, or if we have to have him back nightly. Does anyone know? Same with Christmas break being so close to graduation. I’m a planner and not knowing makes me crazy.
Ladies enjoy PIR - I think we have a few going this weekend, NukeBoyzMom, CountryMomOfASailor#47, Kathryn, and Imtsat, forgive me if I left anyone out. Enjoy your time with your sailor.
Sweetestmama: I believe they get Thanksgiving Day off because it's a Federal holiday, but must be in class Friday.
Our sailor also struggled in A School, but eventually his determination got him through the program. And a lot of encouragement from everyone at home helped.
Sgtsixpack
Hope that helps
Nov 8, 2017
E's ⚓proud⚓ mom
Nov 8, 2017
SailorsLIMom
Thank you Sgtsixpack, that's so helpful! Our daughter won't be graduating A school for a few more months (fingers crossed!) but she keeps us up to date on each stage of the way. You must be so proud of your grandson! All the best to him and your family!
Nov 8, 2017
Buzzbeck
Nov 9, 2017
Blueberry
Nov 9, 2017
Mammagoose
Nov 9, 2017
Blueberry
Nov 9, 2017
Mammagoose
Nov 9, 2017
Mammagoose
Nov 9, 2017
bigsky21
Hi Blueberry, I have a new sailor in A school since October and so far what I've heard about Christmas is that school does stand down for two weeks over the Christmas/New Year's holiday, but they don't all get to leave at the same time. Some will be off for Christmas and some will be after...makes it hard to plan, but any time is better than no time!! :) I'm not sure when they find out what time they have off....
Nov 9, 2017
Blueberry
Nov 9, 2017
Blueberry
Nov 9, 2017
Duchess2006
Congrats to those who had family members graduate school today. I wasn't able to make it but my son said there were over 300 enlisted and over 50 officers who completed this school. He is now on his way to Balston Spa for prototype. He will stop by home in NJ long enough to say hi and celebrate early birthday.
Nov 9, 2017
Pat L. in IL
Mammagoose and Blueberry, Be sure to try and attend Sarge's Meet & Greet. Lots of fun and he gives you lots of helpful tips to make PIR attendance easier!
Nov 9, 2017
Chipmunk
A quick chime in: Ladies, for those at GC - at least A school, your sailors should have Friday off (unless they have to stand watch, or are studying). I recommend you call and talk to them about Christmas leave. - My son confirmed with me again today, that at least he has to purchase his plane tickets and show his itinerary before he can turn in the CHIT to apply for leave. Leave time is from after class on Fri Dec 15 - Jan. 3 (he is recommended to return by the 30/31st.) . He has told me that if he takes leave, he has to take the entire time off, even if he returns early, because he won't be there to stand watch. This does not agree with the information I had heard as well that they would have some off one week and some off another week. I don't know if it depends on what stage of A school they are in or not, which is why I suggest you talk to your sailors. They should be able to speak to their SLPO, unless they have not classed up, and then they may not be able to make any arrangements yet, which can be frustrating to us Moms. But your sailors will have more accurate information than what we can speculate on here.
Nov 9, 2017
JayDee659
Nov 9, 2017
Blueberry
Nov 10, 2017
Nukelukesmom
My son (in A school with a graduation date of 1/26) has also been told that he will have the full Christmas break from Dec 15- Jan 3. But he was told the reason for this was because they will not be getting the two weeks off between A school and T Track as they were originally told because their grad date is so close to the holidays. Not sure if this will hold true for all but he is in MM A school
Nov 10, 2017
Chipmunk
Good Friday morning all - I just asked my husband to go out in the cold and hang out our flag, which reminded me that it was also Friday. Happy Veteran's Day to all, and remember your RED - for the new mom's we wear red on Friday to Remember Everyone Deployed.
Nov 10, 2017
bigsky21
I remembered my red today!!! :)
Nov 10, 2017
momc
Can anyone advise on a place to stay in San Diego that is close to the Navy Base. My sailors sister and husband are visiting later this month. My sailor is currently underway, so we are unable to get information from him. Thank you!
Nov 10, 2017
Chipmunk
jjckjj -- Here is a link to some free events in Nov in Chicago - https://www.timeout.com/chicago/events-calendar/november-events-cal... -
Active duty discounts - http://illinoisjoiningforces.org/48-hours-in-chicago-for-active-dut...
http://usoofillinois.org/military-discounts-in-chicago/
Some places we have been in the past as a family - Sears/ Willis Tower (was tallest building in America for awhile) http://theskydeck.com/ , Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, Museum of Science and Industry (not meant for a short visit!!)
I don't know what the Thanksgiving Schedule is for sailors flying out after PIR 11/22 - but keep in mind, your time could be limited and they will still have to be back by about 7:30 - 8:00 pm at RTC, which traffic in to drop off gets backed up and they may not be dropped off to walk on to RTC. - But if he just wants to see Chicago, I would head to the Sears / Willis Tower first, then have deep dish pizza some place.
Google search will find you almost anything you are looking for, including times and prices.
Nov 11, 2017
WonderGeekWoman
Nov 11, 2017
Qenime
Nov 13, 2017
Chipmunk
Qenime - Thanks for sharing with us, we are sorry to see you go. All the best to your son in his new rating.
Nov 13, 2017
workingatit
Nukelukesmom - my son is also in MM school and he told us the same info - Christmas break in leu of break between schools - but I did not get the graduation date from him. i will put the Jan date on my radar. He is enjoying the area and getting to know his shipmates I think.
Nov 13, 2017
NavyMom456
Hello, I am not on this site as often as I would like. All of you are so helpful and compassionate. I need advise, I am very sad to say that my husband and I will not be able to attend our son's upcoming graduation in December. I am concerned that our son may be the only one without parents present. Do any of you know from experience if there are any without parents attending? Also, is there a photographer present that we may be able to purchase pictures from. Thank you in advance for any information!
Nov 14, 2017
E's ⚓proud⚓ mom
Nov 14, 2017
SailorsLIMom
Saw your email and asked my daughter, whose grad date from A school is in January and happened to call just now. She said grad from Power school is the really big deal, that A school graduation is a much milder ceremony, and that her friend who graduated a few weeks ago asked fellow Sailors to take pix to send home. Based on that, I'm sure your son won't be the only one! And congratulations to him and you!
Nov 14, 2017
NavyMom456
I apologize I failed to add he is graduating from A School December 15th
Nov 14, 2017
WearsLargeHats
Nov 14, 2017
MoMom
Nov 14, 2017
NavyMom456
Thank you so much MoMom, WearsLargeHats and J'sMom, that certainly makes me feel better knowing that he probably will not be the only one with parents. And a good point is I am sure the classmates will celebrate! Thanks again for the input, I really appreciate it!
Nov 14, 2017
NavyMom456
and thank you SailorLIMom! I hope he does give his phone to a friend for pictures!
Nov 14, 2017
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Made it back safe & sound - the wedding was beautiful and the weather was cold! On Friday it was 25 but felt like 17!!! yikes! It even snowed on us a bit as we were headed to the Football Hall of Fame. But we had fun - also got to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Lake View Cemetery where James Garfield, Rockefeller and Elliot Ness to name a few are buried. Once I get caught up at work I'll spend some time & get caught up on here - I see we have some new members I need to acknowledge too.
Nov 14, 2017
AZ2OH2IL2UT
NavyMom456 I just saw your message. I am planning on going to the A school graduation Dec 15. I can try to get pictures for you if you'd like me to. You can PM me if you want to.
Nov 14, 2017
Chipmunk
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MM - Welcome home! Glad you had a nice visit with family and friends. I believe your children here behaved ourselves in your absence. We have missed your pictures!
Nov 15, 2017
Chipmunk
New product to ship to your sailor - Birthday Cake Idea
I came across Duncan Hines new Perfect Size for 1 desserts. I found it on our Neighborhood WM grocery shelf. 4 individual pouches - bake in a microwave mug. It just needs 3 Tbs of water or milk, and you may add in other things. - I bought the caramel cake one for my son and he said it was really good.
I had a plastic microwave mug my eldest daughter no longer wanted, and some older metal measuring spoons that I shipped to my son with some of his clothes. I ended up having to take the pouches out of the box and flattened it so he would have the directions. I think it was about $2.49 for a box, which is more than a cake mix, but when you can't bake a cake for their birthday. - I contemplated sending a candle but wasn't sure that would be allowed and didn't know if he had matches. (I sent cookies for his actual b'day because I ran out of room - so this was part of his Halloween care pkg.)
Nov 15, 2017
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Hi all - Happy Wednesday!
Thanks Chipmunk ~ I knew I could count on all of you to behave :)
The Duncan Hines dessert sounds perfect!
I can't believe Thanksgiving is next week - man this year has gone by fast.......
Nov 15, 2017
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Lots of new members to welcome ~ Sweetestmama, SantaBabs81, TxNukeMom, CamtheNukeMan'sMom and Imtsat!
Please be sure to read the pages to the right (11), especially "Your Sailor's Schedule Upon Arrival to GC" and "Nuke A School daily schedule-a sailor's perspective-from 2017".
Lots of good info there - also review the OPSEC info up above.
And of course, feel free to ask any questions you may have!
Nov 15, 2017
bigsky21
ummm, Chipmunk and B'sNukeMoM⚓️MM, I might have misbehaved a little.....but I did remember to wear my red last Friday!! :D
Nov 15, 2017
Chipmunk
bigsky21- Yes you did wear your red. I lounged in my maroon jammies all day, but I did have my husband put the flag out!
Welcome aboard new moms - tell us a little about yourselves, where you are in your Navy Mom journey, and if you know PIR dates, Nuke ratings, or other graduation dates it will help others connect with you and your journey.
Nov 15, 2017
Sweetestmama
Nov 15, 2017
NavyMom456
Sweetestmama, My son is also graduating from A School on December 15th! Are you going to attend graduation?
Nov 15, 2017
Sweetestmama
Nov 15, 2017
Chipmunk
Ladies enjoy PIR - I think we have a few going this weekend, NukeBoyzMom, CountryMomOfASailor#47, Kathryn, and Imtsat, forgive me if I left anyone out. Enjoy your time with your sailor.
Nov 15, 2017
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Welcome to our 2 newest members ~ Sheltibear and NukeWife. Please tell us a little about yourself.
Nov 15, 2017
Buzzbeck
Our sailor also struggled in A School, but eventually his determination got him through the program. And a lot of encouragement from everyone at home helped.
Nov 16, 2017
NNLori
My ET classed up yesterday!!! FINALLY!!! He is anxious to finally get the show on the road. Being in INDOC for a month is more than enough!!
Nov 16, 2017
Sweetestmama
Nov 16, 2017