shoppinmomma - welcome to the NukeMoms group. It looks like you just recently joined and you have a daughter at BC. Sailors that fly out from GL are not allowed to have their cell phones or laptops at RTC, but you may meet them at the airport and give them their phones or laptops, favorite tennis shoes, which they may transport to GC (Goose Creek), SC.
Sometimes there are hold issues or flight issues that cause the sailors to have to fly to A school without those items, and so it is important to encourage your sailor to contact you as soon as possible with their mailing address.
shoppinmomma - your reply came in while I was typing the other one, but I am also on BC for Moms group and checked your profile. There are a few moms with daughters here on our group. According to my son, the females have the BEQ closest to the galley and yes I double checked theirs is called a BEQ as well (Bachelor Enlisted Quarters.)
Shoppinmomma, my Nuke is a female also. The journey for them is the same yet slightly different. What is her rating? If there is anything I can help you with let me know. My daughter has successfully navigated the pipeline and is now in the fleet.
Hello! It has been so long since I have been able to post because of a broken computer! I had the beeps of death! FInally got a new computer - it is bigger (from 13" to 15") so I am having a hard time typing! Went from a dell to an HP also because of the pricing this time around.
My son is supposed to PIR 0209 - but he called and doesn't think he will make it because he is 2minutes out on his run. A few more negative things which I will share on the PIR board because it was a pretty negative call.
He gave me great news though - he was chosen for ET - which is the position he wanted!! So, I am excited about that.
I want to thank all of you ladies for the very humorous photo's from Los Vegas and the Nuc cartoons!
Another great thing he said to me is that I probably know about the stuff he was talking about from the navyformoms web site - and I did! It was nice to hear him say that I "knew" something! lol (normally moms don't know anything about it you know!)
You all lift my spirits - even though I couldn't reply.
Thank you both so much for the information. I was able to gather quite a bit of information from a few moms that her recruiters put me in contact with. Our plan was to be at the airport with her and visit with her while she waited on her flight. We're not sure how realistic that is, but I know one of the other moms was able to accomplish it, so I'm hoping for the same good fortune. Could you ladies fill me in on some other items that she is allowed/not allowed to take with her to GC? My plan was to pack her a carry on with her laptop, cell phone, her shoes, and a set or 2 of civilian clothes. Will she be allowed them yet?
shoppinmomma - regarding an extra carry on or checked bag, I think your daughter will be able to at least check another bag, because if I recall, on orders they can have up to 5 free checked bags. In Aug my son had two checked bags and his backpack which had enough room to put his tennis shoes and a pair of shorts. He didn't want extra clothes but they are allowed to wear their civilian clothes in their BEQ before they phase up. I would still make the extra carry on small and something with wheels if possible. When in dress uniform, they carry their sea bag on their back and then they had a garment bag and were also issued a black backpack. In uniform they can't carry the backpack on their shoulders, so they have to carry that. It is a load and then once they get to Charleston and get a transport they have to put all of their stuff in there as well.
Chipmunk--Thank you! Is the extra bag something that she will be able to take to the airport herself from RTC, or will I need to transport that to the airport for her?
shoppinmomma - you will have to take the extra bag to the airport yourself. She is not allowed to take any electronics back to RTC the night of PIR and most likely she will have her sea bag already packed and full without room to add anything else to it.
Shoppinmomma - We got a family pass at the airport and stayed with our son all the way to the gate at boarding. We did the same thing here at home when he left to go back to GC after Christmas break. That extra time with them becomes so special! Just make sure to bring your ID and know you'll be going through security. Congrats!
Shoppinmomma, the things my daughter asked for were her own bras and underwear, her running shoes and her phone. We met her at the airport and she had left room in her seabag for her shoes and the rest went into her backpack. On our drive home from PIR she called us with her address and a list of items she wanted us to ship to her.
I'd consider taking her essentials and shipping my the rest.
As I recall, we handed our daughter her electronics and she stuffed them into her bags. The bags were so big and heavy! We got the family pass, too, and waited at the gate with her till they left, around 6AM the next day. She called just now and I asked her what she thought was important to have...she said the Navy supplies most things, but that for many people GC is their first experience with a "grown-up " economy--where you have money and can spend it how you want to. So, new Sailors should be a bit cautious at first till they learn their limits. And...Care packages from home are always SO welcome!
TahoeZephyr- thanks I think I’m going to send him his comfy cozy blanket when he gets settled. He sent a list of top priority needs and things he’d like but can survive without for awhile.
Mostly I’m just trying to keep him focused and motivated when he’s tired and grouchy abt BC by having him make a list of things I need to remember to send. And remind him BC isn’t going to last forever.
Ok forgive my lame question but which ratings, oh gosh hope that’s right word, go on subs? My son didn’t mention which he got and I’m not even sure which he wanted but he did say he might get put on a sub eventually which was not what he wanted ideally but he was like whatever about it...
he got talked into nuc by his recruiter he originally contracted in for something else so everything got confusing towards the end...
Tracie - I hate to hear that recruits are "talked into" going nuke. All 3 rates are on subs. It is my understanding that one must volunteer to go on a sub. In fact, I think they sign some sort of paper w/ the recruiter regarding whether or not they want to be on a sub. He shouldn't "just end up" on one.
3B’smom-there wasn’t any arm twisting or hyping it to him, he thought about it and such but wasn’t his first choice, he actually wanted to be a linguist but he messed up timing on his test so didn’t pass.
I think he thought he signed he didn’t want to be on a sub but might have actually signed saying he wld be ok with it. He’s not stressing about it though.
Tracie - regarding sub duty, I concur with 3B'smom...sub duty is voluntary; my son wants to see the sky so he is not interested in sub duty :) As for PIR, you will be so proud to see your sailor graduate and to see how much pride he has in his new venture! Be ready for all the acronyms, though...the whirlwind 7 hrs we had with our son was filled with "Navy speak"!
TahoeZephyr- oh my goodness Navy Speak is hard! I try to learn something new each day to write in my SR letter for solidarity although I’m sure I get a lot of it wrong which will give him a good giggle so that’s fine too
Tracie - Recruiters do hype and encourage qualified candidates to be Nukes, but that is different than sub duty. Pressure to be a Nuke but zero pressure for subs. With our sailor, he said no to subs and that was it. Nobody is forced onto a sub.
As for ratings on subs, there are a lot of ratings in addition to the Nukes. There are non-nuclear MMs, ETs, and EMs. There are Fire Control Techs (FT) and Missile Techs (MT); in addition to many ratings found on any ship.
Our recruiter hyped it up, but mainly because they had no openings for corpsman, which is what my son originally wanted. He did sign a contract for IT, but once his nuke clearance went through, he signed a new contract. He seemed excited at PIR as there were several nukes in his division with whom he made friends.
Unless something has changed, they have to volunteer for sub duty and then they go through some psychological testing to help confirm that they'll be okay.
My son-in-law is an MM on a sub (yes he volunteered for sub duty). Since he is on the shorter and skinnier side he is the one tapped to slink into the access/maintenance tunnels that the bigger guys can't fit in. He was telling us one story about the access being so tight that he had to strip down and then he kept bumping up against the hot pipes. Yowza! Not for me. I do have this picture in my head that makes me laugh though. :)
Well, just got back from Power School graduation Friday.
It was awesome but COLD. I think it was 23 degrees when the ceremony started and YES it was outside. They were waffeling on letting the sailors wear their p-coats but not everyone had their coat patched and they must look alike so they had to stand in their winter dress in that COLD.
Some things to note for power school graduation......
Get there early and try to get a center seat. They will let you get up and take photos as your sailors' section comes up to the stage, so don't worry, they know photos are important.
They line up the sailors by height, so nothing is in alphabetical order.
The sailors must be out of their barracks shortly after graduation so it's another scramble to get signed out and get orders after the ceremony.
Book hotels early....so many people were booking through Kayak and then the hotel was sold out so they had to find other choices. When you call the hotels direct they often give you a military discount if you're going to a graduation.
Don't forget to bring your invitation to the gate along with ID and remember if you're renting a car you may have to show your proof of insurance. They didn't ask us, but I heard they were asking some.
Boot Camp graduation is certainly the most exciting, A school is intimate and not much ceremony and Power School is one step below. In warmer weather it would be very special, but it was so cold we didn't linger.
There's plenty to do in Charleston as well with lots of military specials....sailors in uniform get into Patriots Point, Ft. Sumpter at no charge as well as other discounts for entry to museums and/or events even meals.
Our sailor is off to BS NY and we're hopeful the Congress will get this budget mess worked out soon so our military and their familys don't suffer.
JayDee659- that makes me feel better abt the psych testing, no way I could do it but my son was very nonchalant abt it until he learned about hot racks. Very different thinking about and actually understanding working conditions.
Lazerguppie- my son said there are a lot of nucs in his PIR group as well. Guess recruiters doing a good job at recruiting.
My SR contracted in almost 18 months ago, his original pick was full, he kept getting pushed back, recruiter brought up nuc and said he would probably get pushed through quicker so he finally decided he was game.... 12 months later he was sent to BC.
He learned Navy Time is its own time and patience is a necessity and ya just gotta roll with it.
CSW congratulations to your sailor. And thank you for posting all of the great info about Power School graduation. Sorry it was so good though. I'm glad our sons is in May - just hope its not raining.
ProudOfK- Thanks! We've seen college graduations, but the military does an extra special job. They do a great job of reiterating the feeling of family/brotherhood. In terms of the rain, they have canopies over the seats and over the stage and over the sitting sailors so I think they're used to dealing with that weather.
In terms of sub duty and passing comps we met two sailors who didn't pass comps. One sailor was being re-rated and she seem relieved. She was on mandatory 30 hours additional study and even though she's one smart cookie, it just wasn't fitting. She and the Navy worked out a new plan and it seems to work for both.
The other sailor got set back to take comp again with the next class.
Sub vols are special people and it's clear the Navy works hard to make sure it's a good fit. Our sailor said you're hot bunking pretty much until you're a chief. They purchase sleeping bags and move those from rack to rack. Sub vols do get higher pay and they seem to be on a pretty fast track for advancement as a payback for the difficulty. Their tours can also be shorter than ships which is another benefit.
Tracie, I got my SIL a set of sheets from Rack Sheets and he uses these. After he's done in the rack he just rolls up his sheets and it's ready for the next sailor. Having your own bedding makes it a little more personal.
CSW glad you got to go to graduation! My daughter's power school graduation was cancelled as they were all evacuating ahead of a hurricane. Hurricane season does start May 1 in the Atlantic and runs through November, so make sure you always book a room that can be cancelled! My husbands siblings lost their money as they booked an Air B&B and didn't buy the insurance. oops...
My son has been on a sub for over 5 years; he volunteered because he felt the smaller crew would help him advance. He will be teaching soon but intends to go back to another boat when his instructor tour is over. He has been giving serious consideration to making a long career out of the Navy. Some part of his decision is financial and I believe some of it is because he likes his ELT position. He is also, pretty much, the old man of his boat, and has the ability to compartmentalize his life. It's nice to know that my son is making the choices he feels are best for him. I also know that Mr. B would be very proud of him and he is honoring his Daddy's memory. I am also quite proud of him.
We were there for A school grad. It was 26* when we got back to the car after it was over. I was sooo glad to be indoors! Kudos to you and all of the other families and sailors that sat in the cold.
Wow, just because it's the South, don't expect it to be warm...and in some cases when it is colder they don't have the infrastructure to deal with it. They really don't do snow/ice well at all!
For those of you mom's who already have a Nuke submariner...thanks for paving the way. It can be a difficult life, but life is a challenge in itself. I have learned a lot about how to be supportive from you all. THANKS!
Lots of chatter this weekend I see. Hopefully everyone is getting their questions answered. If not be sure to ask again - sometimes a question can get lost in all the comments. Don't be afraid to ask again!
NonnaB - I'm sure Mr B is looking down and smiling on your sailor!
Hopefully none of you are worried about sub duty - it is definitely volunteer only. Although my son would often talk about how they were "voluntold" to do things, but they won't do that with subs. They have more volunteers than positions available.
JayDee659 - Yikes!!! Can't imagine slipping in to tight spaces like that. I can't even do an MRI without freaking out. In fact, I hyperventilate so badly when enclosed that it just can't be done. I have tried the MRI locations where it is just top and bottom like the 2 pieces of bread of a sandwich and me in the middle and even then with my head sticking out, the tech had to hold my hand. I'm such a baby when it comes to enclosed spaces. I blame it all on Alfred Hitchcock. It was an episode a long time ago when I was a very little girl. They didn't rate TV back then, but this should definitely have been PG-13. But the episode is one where so inmate pays off the caretaker with his plan to escape being that he would slip inside the coffin of a dead inmate and then the caretaker would come dig him up. So all I remember is the guy in the coffin waiting and waiting and he keeps lighting matches to look at his watch which eats up his oxygen and then finally looks at the dead body next to him and yep - it's the caretaker. Freaked me out!!!! Literally. I couldn't sleep for weeks. Still remember.
Tracie- a year! WOW! My son was in BC in 4 months after signing original IT contract, 3 after Nuke contract. It took a while for his clearance to go through, so they pushed his ship date back. Then, 2 days later, told him he was leaving in a week! Gotta love the Navy!
Lazerguppie, same here. My daughter started her process the end of September, signed her Nuke contract on Oct 3rd and received an original ship out date of March 19th. They called her in December and asked if she wanted to ship out the next week. We already had a family vacation planned, so they changed her to January 16th. I was surprised at how quickly she was able to ship out.
I have been enjoying all the discussions on this site. The weather for graduations, and volunteering for sub duty. My son has been in the sub fleet since August 2017. He is an ET. He is very much enjoying his experiences so far. He is stationed in San Diego and will leave in April on his first deployment. They will be gone for 6 months
In regards to all the recruiters pushing for more nukes, my son mentioned that after his deployment several of his division will be leaving the Navy. I am sure this is one reason why there is a push for more nukes, especially on subs.
When my son graduated from A school, I was able to attend the ceremony and then spend the remainder of the weekend with him. We did have plans in place to go to Power School Graduation, but Hurricane Matthew had other plans. Charleston is such a wonderful city to visit. It is hard to believe that they were so cold and had all the snow this year.
Have a great week everyone. I need to work harder at getting on this website and sharing.
Lazerguppie- my son had to wait a long time for clearance to come back. He used his Dep time to help recruits get into physical shape prior to leaving. Was a really good experience for him but I was all mmmhmmm are the recruiters holding ya back cuz ya keep bringing in new recruits? Haha
Soccermom19– umm thank you for my future nightmares and every time I have to get mri I’m going to think of that now!
Momc, it sounds like our sailors had the same power school graduation date. My sailor was also getting married the next day. Lost my money on a wedding cake. :( The good news is that my kids came here and since her sister had time off she came home too. Last time both the girls have been home together.
Well that's creepy but the guy was trying to escape from prison. Hmm.
I hate to be the one to tell you but the racks on a carrier are very similar to stacked coffins. Despite this I can report that I slept like a baby, and I even had the dreaded middle rack.
On a totally unrelated topic - I am curious - my son is a single guy - if he's in for 6 years he'll be about 25 when he comes out - but he may stay for quite a bit longer (my cousin just retired nuke out of NY after 20 yrs the same day my son went into BC!)
How do they meet girls? Or girls - how did they meet boys?
My cousin was already dating the girl he married before he went in.
I know it's crazy - but I would like to see him married some day! LOL
kai cat, my daughter met her husband at boot camp. They didn't start dating until after A school, but they knew each other at bc. A friend of theirs married a lovely young lady who worked at GC. My daughters roommate at GC married another Nuke that she met at GC. Worry not, opportunities abound!
JayDee659 - lol thanks for sharing! You definitely relieved my mind. I just realized too that question probably sounds pretty creepy like I'm trying to pick up chicks or dudes from this web site! Lol..not my intention...
kai cat - THU is Temporary Holding Unit - I assume it is a term used in various places, but at least here it refers to sailors being held at GL before they are transferred to their A school.
kai cat, my son met his wife in the Navy; she was also in the Nuke program. Things did not work out for her in the Navy, but worked out well for she and my son. They've been married 7 years.
shoppinmomma
Thank you for your quick reply. My sailor is my daughter. It will be interesting to see how her experience is in such a male dominated field..lol
Jan 21, 2018
Chipmunk
shoppinmomma - welcome to the NukeMoms group. It looks like you just recently joined and you have a daughter at BC. Sailors that fly out from GL are not allowed to have their cell phones or laptops at RTC, but you may meet them at the airport and give them their phones or laptops, favorite tennis shoes, which they may transport to GC (Goose Creek), SC.
Sometimes there are hold issues or flight issues that cause the sailors to have to fly to A school without those items, and so it is important to encourage your sailor to contact you as soon as possible with their mailing address.
Jan 21, 2018
Chipmunk
shoppinmomma - your reply came in while I was typing the other one, but I am also on BC for Moms group and checked your profile. There are a few moms with daughters here on our group. According to my son, the females have the BEQ closest to the galley and yes I double checked theirs is called a BEQ as well (Bachelor Enlisted Quarters.)
Jan 21, 2018
JayDee659
Shoppinmomma, my Nuke is a female also. The journey for them is the same yet slightly different. What is her rating? If there is anything I can help you with let me know. My daughter has successfully navigated the pipeline and is now in the fleet.
Jan 21, 2018
kai cat
Hello! It has been so long since I have been able to post because of a broken computer! I had the beeps of death! FInally got a new computer - it is bigger (from 13" to 15") so I am having a hard time typing! Went from a dell to an HP also because of the pricing this time around.
My son is supposed to PIR 0209 - but he called and doesn't think he will make it because he is 2minutes out on his run. A few more negative things which I will share on the PIR board because it was a pretty negative call.
He gave me great news though - he was chosen for ET - which is the position he wanted!! So, I am excited about that.
I want to thank all of you ladies for the very humorous photo's from Los Vegas and the Nuc cartoons!
Another great thing he said to me is that I probably know about the stuff he was talking about from the navyformoms web site - and I did! It was nice to hear him say that I "knew" something! lol (normally moms don't know anything about it you know!)
You all lift my spirits - even though I couldn't reply.
Thanks :)
Jan 21, 2018
shoppinmomma
Thank you both so much for the information. I was able to gather quite a bit of information from a few moms that her recruiters put me in contact with. Our plan was to be at the airport with her and visit with her while she waited on her flight. We're not sure how realistic that is, but I know one of the other moms was able to accomplish it, so I'm hoping for the same good fortune. Could you ladies fill me in on some other items that she is allowed/not allowed to take with her to GC? My plan was to pack her a carry on with her laptop, cell phone, her shoes, and a set or 2 of civilian clothes. Will she be allowed them yet?
Jan 21, 2018
Chipmunk
shoppinmomma - regarding an extra carry on or checked bag, I think your daughter will be able to at least check another bag, because if I recall, on orders they can have up to 5 free checked bags. In Aug my son had two checked bags and his backpack which had enough room to put his tennis shoes and a pair of shorts. He didn't want extra clothes but they are allowed to wear their civilian clothes in their BEQ before they phase up. I would still make the extra carry on small and something with wheels if possible. When in dress uniform, they carry their sea bag on their back and then they had a garment bag and were also issued a black backpack. In uniform they can't carry the backpack on their shoulders, so they have to carry that. It is a load and then once they get to Charleston and get a transport they have to put all of their stuff in there as well.
Jan 21, 2018
shoppinmomma
Chipmunk--Thank you! Is the extra bag something that she will be able to take to the airport herself from RTC, or will I need to transport that to the airport for her?
Jan 21, 2018
Chipmunk
shoppinmomma - you will have to take the extra bag to the airport yourself. She is not allowed to take any electronics back to RTC the night of PIR and most likely she will have her sea bag already packed and full without room to add anything else to it.
Jan 21, 2018
A'sMom
Jan 21, 2018
JayDee659
Shoppinmomma, the things my daughter asked for were her own bras and underwear, her running shoes and her phone. We met her at the airport and she had left room in her seabag for her shoes and the rest went into her backpack. On our drive home from PIR she called us with her address and a list of items she wanted us to ship to her.
I'd consider taking her essentials and shipping my the rest.
Jan 21, 2018
SailorsLIMom
As I recall, we handed our daughter her electronics and she stuffed them into her bags. The bags were so big and heavy! We got the family pass, too, and waited at the gate with her till they left, around 6AM the next day. She called just now and I asked her what she thought was important to have...she said the Navy supplies most things, but that for many people GC is their first experience with a "grown-up " economy--where you have money and can spend it how you want to. So, new Sailors should be a bit cautious at first till they learn their limits. And...Care packages from home are always SO welcome!
Jan 21, 2018
Tracie
TahoeZephyr- thanks I think I’m going to send him his comfy cozy blanket when he gets settled. He sent a list of top priority needs and things he’d like but can survive without for awhile.
Mostly I’m just trying to keep him focused and motivated when he’s tired and grouchy abt BC by having him make a list of things I need to remember to send. And remind him BC isn’t going to last forever.
Jan 21, 2018
Tracie
Ok forgive my lame question but which ratings, oh gosh hope that’s right word, go on subs? My son didn’t mention which he got and I’m not even sure which he wanted but he did say he might get put on a sub eventually which was not what he wanted ideally but he was like whatever about it...
he got talked into nuc by his recruiter he originally contracted in for something else so everything got confusing towards the end...
Jan 21, 2018
Lazerguppie
Thank you, Chipmunk! I appreciate any info.
Jan 21, 2018
Lazerguppie
My sailor is an ET, BTW. He did call me at the airport from a borrowed phone. Said he would call or email with an addy asap.
Jan 21, 2018
3B'smom
Tracie - I hate to hear that recruits are "talked into" going nuke. All 3 rates are on subs. It is my understanding that one must volunteer to go on a sub. In fact, I think they sign some sort of paper w/ the recruiter regarding whether or not they want to be on a sub. He shouldn't "just end up" on one.
Jan 21, 2018
Lazerguppie
My son volunteered for sub duty.
Jan 21, 2018
Tracie
3B’smom-there wasn’t any arm twisting or hyping it to him, he thought about it and such but wasn’t his first choice, he actually wanted to be a linguist but he messed up timing on his test so didn’t pass.
I think he thought he signed he didn’t want to be on a sub but might have actually signed saying he wld be ok with it. He’s not stressing about it though.
Jan 21, 2018
TahoeZephyr
Tracie - regarding sub duty, I concur with 3B'smom...sub duty is voluntary; my son wants to see the sky so he is not interested in sub duty :) As for PIR, you will be so proud to see your sailor graduate and to see how much pride he has in his new venture! Be ready for all the acronyms, though...the whirlwind 7 hrs we had with our son was filled with "Navy speak"!
Jan 21, 2018
Tracie
TahoeZephyr- oh my goodness Navy Speak is hard! I try to learn something new each day to write in my SR letter for solidarity although I’m sure I get a lot of it wrong which will give him a good giggle so that’s fine too
Jan 21, 2018
Gmom
Tracie - Recruiters do hype and encourage qualified candidates to be Nukes, but that is different than sub duty. Pressure to be a Nuke but zero pressure for subs. With our sailor, he said no to subs and that was it. Nobody is forced onto a sub.
As for ratings on subs, there are a lot of ratings in addition to the Nukes. There are non-nuclear MMs, ETs, and EMs. There are Fire Control Techs (FT) and Missile Techs (MT); in addition to many ratings found on any ship.
Jan 21, 2018
Lazerguppie
Our recruiter hyped it up, but mainly because they had no openings for corpsman, which is what my son originally wanted. He did sign a contract for IT, but once his nuke clearance went through, he signed a new contract. He seemed excited at PIR as there were several nukes in his division with whom he made friends.
Jan 22, 2018
JayDee659
Unless something has changed, they have to volunteer for sub duty and then they go through some psychological testing to help confirm that they'll be okay.
My son-in-law is an MM on a sub (yes he volunteered for sub duty). Since he is on the shorter and skinnier side he is the one tapped to slink into the access/maintenance tunnels that the bigger guys can't fit in. He was telling us one story about the access being so tight that he had to strip down and then he kept bumping up against the hot pipes. Yowza! Not for me. I do have this picture in my head that makes me laugh though. :)
Jan 22, 2018
CSW
Well, just got back from Power School graduation Friday.
It was awesome but COLD. I think it was 23 degrees when the ceremony started and YES it was outside. They were waffeling on letting the sailors wear their p-coats but not everyone had their coat patched and they must look alike so they had to stand in their winter dress in that COLD.
Some things to note for power school graduation......
Get there early and try to get a center seat. They will let you get up and take photos as your sailors' section comes up to the stage, so don't worry, they know photos are important.
They line up the sailors by height, so nothing is in alphabetical order.
The sailors must be out of their barracks shortly after graduation so it's another scramble to get signed out and get orders after the ceremony.
Book hotels early....so many people were booking through Kayak and then the hotel was sold out so they had to find other choices. When you call the hotels direct they often give you a military discount if you're going to a graduation.
Don't forget to bring your invitation to the gate along with ID and remember if you're renting a car you may have to show your proof of insurance. They didn't ask us, but I heard they were asking some.
Boot Camp graduation is certainly the most exciting, A school is intimate and not much ceremony and Power School is one step below. In warmer weather it would be very special, but it was so cold we didn't linger.
There's plenty to do in Charleston as well with lots of military specials....sailors in uniform get into Patriots Point, Ft. Sumpter at no charge as well as other discounts for entry to museums and/or events even meals.
Our sailor is off to BS NY and we're hopeful the Congress will get this budget mess worked out soon so our military and their familys don't suffer.
Jan 22, 2018
Tracie
JayDee659- that makes me feel better abt the psych testing, no way I could do it but my son was very nonchalant abt it until he learned about hot racks. Very different thinking about and actually understanding working conditions.
Lazerguppie- my son said there are a lot of nucs in his PIR group as well. Guess recruiters doing a good job at recruiting.
My SR contracted in almost 18 months ago, his original pick was full, he kept getting pushed back, recruiter brought up nuc and said he would probably get pushed through quicker so he finally decided he was game.... 12 months later he was sent to BC.
He learned Navy Time is its own time and patience is a necessity and ya just gotta roll with it.
Jan 22, 2018
ProudOfK
CSW congratulations to your sailor. And thank you for posting all of the great info about Power School graduation. Sorry it was so good though. I'm glad our sons is in May - just hope its not raining.
Jan 22, 2018
ProudOfK
That was supposed to say sorry it was so cold though
Jan 22, 2018
CSW
ProudOfK- Thanks! We've seen college graduations, but the military does an extra special job. They do a great job of reiterating the feeling of family/brotherhood. In terms of the rain, they have canopies over the seats and over the stage and over the sitting sailors so I think they're used to dealing with that weather.
In terms of sub duty and passing comps we met two sailors who didn't pass comps. One sailor was being re-rated and she seem relieved. She was on mandatory 30 hours additional study and even though she's one smart cookie, it just wasn't fitting. She and the Navy worked out a new plan and it seems to work for both.
The other sailor got set back to take comp again with the next class.
Sub vols are special people and it's clear the Navy works hard to make sure it's a good fit. Our sailor said you're hot bunking pretty much until you're a chief. They purchase sleeping bags and move those from rack to rack. Sub vols do get higher pay and they seem to be on a pretty fast track for advancement as a payback for the difficulty. Their tours can also be shorter than ships which is another benefit.
Jan 22, 2018
JayDee659
Tracie, I got my SIL a set of sheets from Rack Sheets and he uses these. After he's done in the rack he just rolls up his sheets and it's ready for the next sailor. Having your own bedding makes it a little more personal.
CSW glad you got to go to graduation! My daughter's power school graduation was cancelled as they were all evacuating ahead of a hurricane. Hurricane season does start May 1 in the Atlantic and runs through November, so make sure you always book a room that can be cancelled! My husbands siblings lost their money as they booked an Air B&B and didn't buy the insurance. oops...
Jan 22, 2018
NonnaB
My son has been on a sub for over 5 years; he volunteered because he felt the smaller crew would help him advance. He will be teaching soon but intends to go back to another boat when his instructor tour is over. He has been giving serious consideration to making a long career out of the Navy. Some part of his decision is financial and I believe some of it is because he likes his ELT position. He is also, pretty much, the old man of his boat, and has the ability to compartmentalize his life. It's nice to know that my son is making the choices he feels are best for him. I also know that Mr. B would be very proud of him and he is honoring his Daddy's memory. I am also quite proud of him.
Jan 22, 2018
3B'smom
CSW -
We were there for A school grad. It was 26* when we got back to the car after it was over. I was sooo glad to be indoors! Kudos to you and all of the other families and sailors that sat in the cold.
Jan 22, 2018
CSW
3B'sMom.....
Wow, just because it's the South, don't expect it to be warm...and in some cases when it is colder they don't have the infrastructure to deal with it. They really don't do snow/ice well at all!
For those of you mom's who already have a Nuke submariner...thanks for paving the way. It can be a difficult life, but life is a challenge in itself. I have learned a lot about how to be supportive from you all. THANKS!
Jan 22, 2018
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Hi all - Happy Monday!
Lots of chatter this weekend I see. Hopefully everyone is getting their questions answered. If not be sure to ask again - sometimes a question can get lost in all the comments. Don't be afraid to ask again!
NonnaB - I'm sure Mr B is looking down and smiling on your sailor!
Hopefully none of you are worried about sub duty - it is definitely volunteer only. Although my son would often talk about how they were "voluntold" to do things, but they won't do that with subs. They have more volunteers than positions available.
Jan 22, 2018
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Welcome to our newest member ~ Shoppinmomma! I see you've already jumped right in to the conversation!
Jan 22, 2018
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Tracie - here's the link to the "Navy Speak". I'll also add it up above in the "NEW MEMBER" section:
http://navyformoms.ning.com/custom/media/pdf/NavySpeak.pdf
Jan 22, 2018
Tracie
Thanks for the link!
Jan 22, 2018
soccermom19
JayDee659 - Yikes!!! Can't imagine slipping in to tight spaces like that. I can't even do an MRI without freaking out. In fact, I hyperventilate so badly when enclosed that it just can't be done. I have tried the MRI locations where it is just top and bottom like the 2 pieces of bread of a sandwich and me in the middle and even then with my head sticking out, the tech had to hold my hand. I'm such a baby when it comes to enclosed spaces. I blame it all on Alfred Hitchcock. It was an episode a long time ago when I was a very little girl. They didn't rate TV back then, but this should definitely have been PG-13. But the episode is one where so inmate pays off the caretaker with his plan to escape being that he would slip inside the coffin of a dead inmate and then the caretaker would come dig him up. So all I remember is the guy in the coffin waiting and waiting and he keeps lighting matches to look at his watch which eats up his oxygen and then finally looks at the dead body next to him and yep - it's the caretaker. Freaked me out!!!! Literally. I couldn't sleep for weeks. Still remember.
Jan 22, 2018
Lazerguppie
Tracie- a year! WOW! My son was in BC in 4 months after signing original IT contract, 3 after Nuke contract. It took a while for his clearance to go through, so they pushed his ship date back. Then, 2 days later, told him he was leaving in a week! Gotta love the Navy!
Jan 22, 2018
shoppinmomma
Lazerguppie, same here. My daughter started her process the end of September, signed her Nuke contract on Oct 3rd and received an original ship out date of March 19th. They called her in December and asked if she wanted to ship out the next week. We already had a family vacation planned, so they changed her to January 16th. I was surprised at how quickly she was able to ship out.
Jan 22, 2018
momc
I have been enjoying all the discussions on this site. The weather for graduations, and volunteering for sub duty. My son has been in the sub fleet since August 2017. He is an ET. He is very much enjoying his experiences so far. He is stationed in San Diego and will leave in April on his first deployment. They will be gone for 6 months
In regards to all the recruiters pushing for more nukes, my son mentioned that after his deployment several of his division will be leaving the Navy. I am sure this is one reason why there is a push for more nukes, especially on subs.
When my son graduated from A school, I was able to attend the ceremony and then spend the remainder of the weekend with him. We did have plans in place to go to Power School Graduation, but Hurricane Matthew had other plans. Charleston is such a wonderful city to visit. It is hard to believe that they were so cold and had all the snow this year.
Have a great week everyone. I need to work harder at getting on this website and sharing.
Jan 22, 2018
Tracie
Lazerguppie- my son had to wait a long time for clearance to come back. He used his Dep time to help recruits get into physical shape prior to leaving. Was a really good experience for him but I was all mmmhmmm are the recruiters holding ya back cuz ya keep bringing in new recruits? Haha
Soccermom19– umm thank you for my future nightmares and every time I have to get mri I’m going to think of that now!
Jan 22, 2018
JayDee659
Momc, it sounds like our sailors had the same power school graduation date. My sailor was also getting married the next day. Lost my money on a wedding cake. :( The good news is that my kids came here and since her sister had time off she came home too. Last time both the girls have been home together.
Jan 22, 2018
JayDee659
Well that's creepy but the guy was trying to escape from prison. Hmm.
I hate to be the one to tell you but the racks on a carrier are very similar to stacked coffins. Despite this I can report that I slept like a baby, and I even had the dreaded middle rack.
Jan 22, 2018
kai cat
On a totally unrelated topic - I am curious - my son is a single guy - if he's in for 6 years he'll be about 25 when he comes out - but he may stay for quite a bit longer (my cousin just retired nuke out of NY after 20 yrs the same day my son went into BC!)
How do they meet girls? Or girls - how did they meet boys?
My cousin was already dating the girl he married before he went in.
I know it's crazy - but I would like to see him married some day! LOL
Jan 22, 2018
JayDee659
kai cat, my daughter met her husband at boot camp. They didn't start dating until after A school, but they knew each other at bc. A friend of theirs married a lovely young lady who worked at GC. My daughters roommate at GC married another Nuke that she met at GC. Worry not, opportunities abound!
Jan 22, 2018
kai cat
JayDee659 - lol thanks for sharing! You definitely relieved my mind. I just realized too that question probably sounds pretty creepy like I'm trying to pick up chicks or dudes from this web site! Lol..not my intention...
Jan 23, 2018
kai cat
What is THU? Sometimes you guy's use it to talk about a location? Or boot camp? Or an airport?
Jan 23, 2018
Chipmunk
kai cat - THU is Temporary Holding Unit - I assume it is a term used in various places, but at least here it refers to sailors being held at GL before they are transferred to their A school.
Jan 23, 2018
NonnaB
kai cat, my son met his wife in the Navy; she was also in the Nuke program. Things did not work out for her in the Navy, but worked out well for she and my son. They've been married 7 years.
Jan 23, 2018