I was wondering how the holidays work once my SR arrives for A school. His PIR is scheduled for November 16th. I am assuming he will not be able to go anywhere for Thanksgiving--other than local. As for Christmas, will he be able to take time to come home? If not, can family come visit over the holidays?
Hi Viola. Your sailor will probably not get time off for Thanksgiving or Christmas since he will be arriving in Groton mid-November, but as far as I know that should not limit you from visiting them. He'll have to let you know what his training and watch standing schedule is, and you'd have to work around that.
Our sailor has been in Groton since March and was able to come home in September for a short visit (9 days). He won't be able to take off for Thanksgiving, but is trying to get off for Christmas. We've already decided if he can't get home for Christmas we are going there and will visit with him as much as schedule will allow.
Thank you! I really appreciate the information. In my heart, I have him coming home for Christmas. Obviously, we are at the whim of the Navy and not my deepest wishes, lol. I'll just have to adjust my thinking.
Piggybacking off of this. My SO decided to stay on base for both holidays. (They arrived late last month).
Are they able to take leave later on in the year when they've acquired more days?
I don't travel well; especially to colder climates so I won't be able to visit him during the holidays either but I'm wondering if he can take leave later on during March/April or August?
Viola, the training commands typically do a Christmas stand-down, so it is quite likely your son will be able to come home for Christmas, or somewhere close to it, assuming he wants to shell out for the plane tickets (from PVD or BDL). Deva, a lot depends on which rating you SO is training for. Your SO might be able to swing leave in between phases. They will almost always get a relocation/transfer leave before reporting to their first command. I say "almost" because certainty just isn't a thing in the Navy. They accumulate 2 days of leave time per month, the problem is always arranging the time to get away. In training, they have to work around the academic schedule, in active service the watches still have to be manned, so they have to take leave in rotation.
My sailor has arrived in Groton for BESS the week before Thanksgiving. He was not on "duty" or had academic classes over the weekend and enjoyed the first free time he has had since he left for boot camp in September. Any words of advice for what to expect next? He says he will graduate BESS on February 1st and then he will go on to A school. His rating is for "radioman" or ETR.
Hi Viola, my sailor graduated BESS mid-October (on a Friday) and began his A-school (ITS) right there in Groton the very next Monday. Sometimes, I understand, they might have to wait for a class to fill before starting, but his was ready to go immediately. At BESS, they'll be spending time in hands on trainers, as well as having classroom instruction. They'll be busy, also, getting some quals completed in some basic "Navy" stuff (watch-standing, etc.). They'll also have routine PT, marching, etc. It's better than boot camp, but still pretty regimented. Once he gets to A school, he'll have a bit more freedom.
I'm sure no expert on any of this, but I'm happy to share my experiences as my son goes through the process.
Thank you, SunflowerLynn! My sailor son says he has been studying for basic quals--seems to have much more freedom right now as he waits for BESS to start. I am talking to him every day since he graduated boot camp which is nice. Are there a lot of quals? He says right now he is in Life Skill classes until BESS begins.
Viola, I LOVED hearing from my son every day! That was the biggest and best change from boot camp (for me). We still talk or at least text pretty much every day, and we Skype often, too.
I really don't know how many quals they're getting while in BESS. Enough to keep them busy, I guess! They still have room inspections, and that (along with other things) affect what kind of liberty card they receive (white, yellow, etc.). The color of their card determines whether they can leave the base, how far off base they can go, etc. It's a big motivator!
I did attend his BESS school graduation last month, and it is much more low key than the PIR, of course. But I was so glad I went. My son's a twin, and I took his twin brother with me. It was great for them to get to see each other.
I have a question about leave for Christmas. My Sailor put in his request on the days he was told he can take leave over the holiday. We wanted to purchase his plane ticket home, prices are going up and we don't know if we should wait for some of approval beforehand? We know the days he was told to request, but not time? Do you know what time leave would start? Is this on an individual basis? Any help or clarification would be greatly appreciated!
Viola - My son got a chit for the second half of stand down. For him leave starts on the 28th, but he isn't flying out until early morning on the 29th because he was not sure what time to book a flight since there will be hundreds of sailors trying to check out for leave.
My son also told me that he needed to have his travel itinerary in order for his request to be approved because they would want that. I am not totally sure if the leave won't be approved without the itinerary or not, but that is what he told me.
For flights, Southwest does not charge change fees. Delta and the other major airlines offer military fares with no change fee. You will need to call a special number for the fares (may have limited hours).
Matt's Mom--thank you! That is great information to know. I'll go ahead and book his ticket through one of those airlines and if we need to change it for whatever reason, we will be able to!
Can anyone explain what to expect once my SR has completed at RTC? I guess I am just wondering what your experiences were as far as what airport they fly out of to go from IL to CT? Did they fly out the day after PIR or have to be put on hold to fly to CT? When they get to CT do they check in with someone at the airport? How often can they call you when at BESS? I am just wondering how it all will go after RTC. Thank you for sharing your experiences.
eBearFlorida
It could be different for you as far as airport and timing, etc, but here is what our experience was: Our son flew out of O'Hare the next morning. There will be a group leader, which my son was, that is responsible to make sure everyone gets on the flight, etc. His group flew to Boston, which is about a 2 hour drive to Groton. My son had to call the bus to come and pick them up once they got to Boston. They will get checked in and assigned to their room that same day.
As far as how often they can call when they get there, you can take your sailor their cell phone at the airport before they leave. They cannot take their phone back to RTC the night of graduation, which is why you have to take it to the airport. After that they are free to use it at will, except when they are in class.
Hi eBearFlorida, my son's PIR was Aug. 3rd of this year, and he flew out of Chicago O'Hare on Saturday morning around 9:00am, if I remember correctly. He flew into Providence, RI with 7 other sailors. Again, if my memory serves, they contacted the Sub School in Groton when they arrived, and a van was dispatched to pick them up. (Or possibly the van was already there, because the base knows when they're coming in. I'm not 100% sure which way it went, but I do know they were on the base within about 90 minutes to an hour of landing in Providence. Either way, your SR's ground transport from Providence to Groton will be provided by the Navy.) Sometimes, I was told, the sailors bound for Groton will be flown into Hartford, CT. The Providence airport is about 45 minutes from the base, Hartford is about an hour.
When my son was at BESS, he could call (or text or Skype) pretty much as often as he wanted, when he wasn't in class or on duty. They definitely have more freedom at BESS, though some of it is still fairly regimented. E.g., every afternoon they line up outside their barracks and march to chow at the galley in formation. They muster in the mornings before going to class. They have group PT. Etc.
Living arrangements while at BESS are in barracks set up sort of like college dorms. My son shared a room with one other sailor, and they shared a bathroom with the room next door. So there were 4 sailors sharing the bathroom, but two to a bedroom, if that makes sense. They also had a refrigerator and microwave in their room.
They'll spend time in class, in hands-on trainers, getting quals in various "basic sailoring" areas (watch-standing, etc.). Depending on their liberty card color (white, yellow, blue, etc.), they might be allowed to leave the base for short periods, usually restricted to a certain number of miles radius of the base, and with a set time they have to be back on base. On base, there's a really, really nice NEX and commissary, also a Subway, and a food court at the NEX with a hamburger stand and coffee stand (Green Bean Coffee...really good!). There's a theater on base that shows a couple movies each week, and a golf course. There's also a nice Liberty Center for young sailors where they have video game consoles, music rooms, etc.
Warn your SR that the base is pretty hilly, and he (or she) will be doing a lot of walking to get down to the NEX, theater, etc. He'll be in great shape. Oh, also, there's a branch of Navy Federal Credit Union right on base, so if his/her account is there, banking is pretty easy.
If you have any other questions I might answer, feel free to ask.
Thank you! That was all super informative. I am crossing my fingers that he does fly out of O'Hare obviously because that is where I have tickets to fly out of also. I am so glad to hear that he will be able to call home or us call him whenever we want other than class time. The no communication has been so hard now while he's at RTC.
Forgot to add, eBearFlorida...be sure to tell your sailor that Dominos Pizza delivers right to the barracks on base. They have delivery drivers who are sailors moonlighting for extra money. Lol! You wouldn't believe how many deliveries they make to the base each day.
Our son flew to Groton, Ct. on November 17th. He was group leader for the 22 sailors that were going there as well. His group flew out of Midway Airport on Saturday afternoon. Our flight was out of O'Hare unfortunately. It turned out to be okay--just a little less convenient. We just met his group at 3:00 am at Midway (though his group did not show up until around 6:00 am because they dropped a group of sailors off at O'Hare before heading to Midway, lol), spent the morning with him and left for the O'Hare airport early afternoon to catch our early evening flight. O'Hare is less than an hour away. I do caution you to check drive times between Midway and O'Hare if you are in the same situation as us. The drive time varied wildly depending on time of the day. Luckily this all takes place on a Saturday, which benefits the drive time expectancy. He was exhausted as he had watch after after we took him back after graduation and only had one hour of sleep before leaving for the airport. He went to the USO and slept until his flight left.
Question about liberty. My SO is graduating BESS this month and I plan to visit them in Feb. So they should be in 'A' school for about a month at that point.
I plan on visiting when they have duty day on a Thursday so that their whole weekend is free. I assume unless something happens and he has to go back a phase, that he'll be in Phase III liberty at the time I visit.
Does this mean he will be able to stay overnight with me Fri-Sat night and return back Sunday night or does he still need to return back to his barracks each night?
I'm confused on if phase III allows overnight liberty the entire night and not just until a certain time.
Great question Deva. I don't know if I will be able to visit my son when he is there, but does anyone know if there is any opportunity for him to come home for a couple of days? I would actually prefer to go to him but wonder about both scenarios.
Deva - Depending on your SO's rate, I would say he will have overnight liberty on the weekend. Not having high enough grades in training classes can set liberty phases back, so just something to be aware of.
We visited our sailor over Thanksgiving weekend, and he spend Wed-Sat nights with us in our hotel and had to be back on base by 10:00 Sunday night.
eBearFlorida - Depending on how long your son is there he may have a leave opportunity. During school leave is typically around Holidays though, since they really can't afford to miss class. For those that have been there long enough, there is a two week stand down at Christmas and sailors are allowed to take leave for 1/2 of it, so some get the first half and some the second. They accrue leave over time, just like vacation days, so they also have to have enough leave time built up.
So far he's been getting 90's+ in classes so I'm not too worried about him academically. It just seems that someone recently punched a hole in a wall somewhere and everyone is upset about it and might ding everyone in terms of punishment unless that's already been resolved.
Glad that unless someone super crazy happens that he should ideally have overnight liberty when I visit!
Good Afternoon Moms! I have a situation. My son is in BESS at Groton. He was supposed to take leave before Christmas and was denied because he had been exposed to TB while at GL and they re-tested him and 13 other men and told them they had to wait for the test results to return. He then requested leave to start today and his request was never signed. We bought him a plane ticket for tomorrow. Does anyone have any idea how we can help get it signed? Is it too late? He just won't advocate for himself.
I am sorry to hear that your son is struggling to get approved for leave. If his test results are in and he is cleared I would urge him to talk to his command about getting his chit approved. Unfortunately, I don't think there is anything that you can do to help him, he has to take the initiative on this one.
We visited my son for Thanksgiving and he and my husband had hockey tickets to go to NYC the night before Thanksgiving and then he got assigned to a rotation of night classes starting that week. Initially he thought there was no way he would be able to get out of class and go to the hockey game. He ended up approaching the instructor and the instructor told him that if he felt like he could be prepared to take the test they were taking Wednesday night, he would proxy the test for him over his lunch hour on Wednesday and then he could miss class. He took the test, passed with flying colors, and headed out to a hockey game with his dad.
I tell that story just to show that even the Officers/chiefs/instructors are human, and your son should take the initiative to at least try.
My son arrived at BESS on late Sunday night. Been Snapchatting him since he arrived there and we arrived home in FL. I'm so excited to be able to communicate with him! What Div was your daughter in at RTC?
My son is in BESS now. The lasl I knew he was supposed to graduate from BESS this past Friday, but his girlfriend, the only person he has spoken too at any length, said he was pushed back a few weeks. He also told her he has no access to his cell phone. None of this makes any sense. Can anyone explexp what may be happening?
They may have pushed your sailor back to the next BESS class because of not passing the final test, if he was that close. I have not heard of them not able to have their phone.
I continue to not hear at all from my son. His phone goes directly to voicemail and all the apps I can use to contact him go unanswered. I am pretty concerned that we have heard nothing from him. I don't know what to think. His girlfriend seems to think its just normal protocol, nothing is wrong. Any reassuring words for a worried mom?
Our son left Boot Camp on January 19 for Connecticut. We have a lot of communication with him text and phone. Maybe you could private message me his building number and maybe it’s the same as our sons.Or maybe he would know him and could find out for you.
That doesn’t sound right! The minute my baby hit Groton I’ve been hearing from him everyday. We sleep on the fone together. He got to Groton in sept. Even when he was on legal hold I still heard from him. Your even allowed to leave base after you achieve the specific quails (or something)
Something is fishy. Sub School isn't like boot camp, they have regular hours and they all have phones and internet when not in class. Hate to say it, but I suspect the GF isn't telling you something. Your options for official channels are limited and they may or may not be permitted to tell you anything. You might try the Chaplain at the Naval Submarine School. I've never actually talked to a Chaplain, but I would think they would at least be sympathetic, and can maintain confidentiality in both directions.
Cindy, I certainly did! And yes, there were family members present for the BESS graduation. It obviously isn't as elaborate as PIR, but I thought it was a really nice ceremony.
Thank you sunflowerLynn! I feel a little lost since he arrived at Groton . We had so much information about boot camp and then almost nothing. We would be traveling from AZ, I’m going to look in to our options. ❤️
Cindy, feel free to ask me anything. I'm no expert, but my son has been in Groton for BESS, A-school, and now C-school so I may have answers to other questions that come up based on my experiences.
If you do travel to Groton for BESS graduation, there's a pretty nice Navy Lodge just 5 minutes from the base, and I believe your son can get you a room there. Rates are reasonable ($79/night last time I checked) and they don't charge any sales or room taxes, either. Flying into Providence, RI is closest (45 minutes from Groton), but you can also fly into Hartford, CT (about an hour from Groton).
Well, today is day two for my Sailor! He is now a member of the Groton Ct. Sub School. I am excited for all things new and building on the knowledge from Boot Camp. He graduated Nov. 1, 2019.
Hi Dmom...I asked my son who went through Groton last year. He said your son should have been assigned a mailbox at the base post office at Bledsoe Hall, probably has info about it in a packet he would have received the first or second day of BESS. If he can't find it, he should go down to the PO at Bledsoe Hall and talk to them about it. They can also explain how he can receive packages, which if I remember correctly he will only be able to do during the hours the post office is staffed.
Viola
Good Afternoon!
I was wondering how the holidays work once my SR arrives for A school. His PIR is scheduled for November 16th. I am assuming he will not be able to go anywhere for Thanksgiving--other than local. As for Christmas, will he be able to take time to come home? If not, can family come visit over the holidays?
Thank you for your help!
Nov 5, 2018
TexGal75
Hi Viola. Your sailor will probably not get time off for Thanksgiving or Christmas since he will be arriving in Groton mid-November, but as far as I know that should not limit you from visiting them. He'll have to let you know what his training and watch standing schedule is, and you'd have to work around that.
Our sailor has been in Groton since March and was able to come home in September for a short visit (9 days). He won't be able to take off for Thanksgiving, but is trying to get off for Christmas. We've already decided if he can't get home for Christmas we are going there and will visit with him as much as schedule will allow.
Nov 5, 2018
Viola
TexGal75
Thank you! I really appreciate the information. In my heart, I have him coming home for Christmas. Obviously, we are at the whim of the Navy and not my deepest wishes, lol. I'll just have to adjust my thinking.
--
Nov 5, 2018
Deva
Piggybacking off of this. My SO decided to stay on base for both holidays. (They arrived late last month).
Are they able to take leave later on in the year when they've acquired more days?
I don't travel well; especially to colder climates so I won't be able to visit him during the holidays either but I'm wondering if he can take leave later on during March/April or August?
Nov 5, 2018
WearsLargeHats
Viola, the training commands typically do a Christmas stand-down, so it is quite likely your son will be able to come home for Christmas, or somewhere close to it, assuming he wants to shell out for the plane tickets (from PVD or BDL).
Deva, a lot depends on which rating you SO is training for. Your SO might be able to swing leave in between phases.
They will almost always get a relocation/transfer leave before reporting to their first command. I say "almost" because certainty just isn't a thing in the Navy.
They accumulate 2 days of leave time per month, the problem is always arranging the time to get away. In training, they have to work around the academic schedule, in active service the watches still have to be manned, so they have to take leave in rotation.
Nov 5, 2018
Viola
Good Morning!
My sailor has arrived in Groton for BESS the week before Thanksgiving. He was not on "duty" or had academic classes over the weekend and enjoyed the first free time he has had since he left for boot camp in September. Any words of advice for what to expect next? He says he will graduate BESS on February 1st and then he will go on to A school. His rating is for "radioman" or ETR.
Thank you,
Viola
Nov 26, 2018
SunflowerLynn
Hi Viola, my sailor graduated BESS mid-October (on a Friday) and began his A-school (ITS) right there in Groton the very next Monday. Sometimes, I understand, they might have to wait for a class to fill before starting, but his was ready to go immediately. At BESS, they'll be spending time in hands on trainers, as well as having classroom instruction. They'll be busy, also, getting some quals completed in some basic "Navy" stuff (watch-standing, etc.). They'll also have routine PT, marching, etc. It's better than boot camp, but still pretty regimented. Once he gets to A school, he'll have a bit more freedom.
I'm sure no expert on any of this, but I'm happy to share my experiences as my son goes through the process.
Lynn
Nov 26, 2018
Viola
Thank you, SunflowerLynn! My sailor son says he has been studying for basic quals--seems to have much more freedom right now as he waits for BESS to start. I am talking to him every day since he graduated boot camp which is nice. Are there a lot of quals? He says right now he is in Life Skill classes until BESS begins.
Viola
Nov 28, 2018
SunflowerLynn
Viola, I LOVED hearing from my son every day! That was the biggest and best change from boot camp (for me). We still talk or at least text pretty much every day, and we Skype often, too.
I really don't know how many quals they're getting while in BESS. Enough to keep them busy, I guess! They still have room inspections, and that (along with other things) affect what kind of liberty card they receive (white, yellow, etc.). The color of their card determines whether they can leave the base, how far off base they can go, etc. It's a big motivator!
I did attend his BESS school graduation last month, and it is much more low key than the PIR, of course. But I was so glad I went. My son's a twin, and I took his twin brother with me. It was great for them to get to see each other.
Best to you and your sailor!
Nov 28, 2018
Viola
Good Morning Sailor Moms!
I have a question about leave for Christmas. My Sailor put in his request on the days he was told he can take leave over the holiday. We wanted to purchase his plane ticket home, prices are going up and we don't know if we should wait for some of approval beforehand? We know the days he was told to request, but not time? Do you know what time leave would start? Is this on an individual basis? Any help or clarification would be greatly appreciated!
Viola
Dec 5, 2018
CarlaB
Viola - My son got a chit for the second half of stand down. For him leave starts on the 28th, but he isn't flying out until early morning on the 29th because he was not sure what time to book a flight since there will be hundreds of sailors trying to check out for leave.
My son also told me that he needed to have his travel itinerary in order for his request to be approved because they would want that. I am not totally sure if the leave won't be approved without the itinerary or not, but that is what he told me.
Dec 5, 2018
Viola
Thank you CarlaB, I'll call my Sailor tonight and ask him about itinerary. Thank you!
Dec 5, 2018
IL Matt's Mom
For flights, Southwest does not charge change fees. Delta and the other major airlines offer military fares with no change fee. You will need to call a special number for the fares (may have limited hours).
Dec 5, 2018
Viola
Matt's Mom--thank you! That is great information to know. I'll go ahead and book his ticket through one of those airlines and if we need to change it for whatever reason, we will be able to!
Thank you,
Viola
Dec 6, 2018
eBearFlorida
Can anyone explain what to expect once my SR has completed at RTC? I guess I am just wondering what your experiences were as far as what airport they fly out of to go from IL to CT? Did they fly out the day after PIR or have to be put on hold to fly to CT? When they get to CT do they check in with someone at the airport? How often can they call you when at BESS? I am just wondering how it all will go after RTC. Thank you for sharing your experiences.
Dec 8, 2018
CarlaB
It could be different for you as far as airport and timing, etc, but here is what our experience was: Our son flew out of O'Hare the next morning. There will be a group leader, which my son was, that is responsible to make sure everyone gets on the flight, etc. His group flew to Boston, which is about a 2 hour drive to Groton. My son had to call the bus to come and pick them up once they got to Boston. They will get checked in and assigned to their room that same day.
As far as how often they can call when they get there, you can take your sailor their cell phone at the airport before they leave. They cannot take their phone back to RTC the night of graduation, which is why you have to take it to the airport. After that they are free to use it at will, except when they are in class.
Dec 8, 2018
SunflowerLynn
Hi eBearFlorida, my son's PIR was Aug. 3rd of this year, and he flew out of Chicago O'Hare on Saturday morning around 9:00am, if I remember correctly. He flew into Providence, RI with 7 other sailors. Again, if my memory serves, they contacted the Sub School in Groton when they arrived, and a van was dispatched to pick them up. (Or possibly the van was already there, because the base knows when they're coming in. I'm not 100% sure which way it went, but I do know they were on the base within about 90 minutes to an hour of landing in Providence. Either way, your SR's ground transport from Providence to Groton will be provided by the Navy.) Sometimes, I was told, the sailors bound for Groton will be flown into Hartford, CT. The Providence airport is about 45 minutes from the base, Hartford is about an hour.
When my son was at BESS, he could call (or text or Skype) pretty much as often as he wanted, when he wasn't in class or on duty. They definitely have more freedom at BESS, though some of it is still fairly regimented. E.g., every afternoon they line up outside their barracks and march to chow at the galley in formation. They muster in the mornings before going to class. They have group PT. Etc.
Living arrangements while at BESS are in barracks set up sort of like college dorms. My son shared a room with one other sailor, and they shared a bathroom with the room next door. So there were 4 sailors sharing the bathroom, but two to a bedroom, if that makes sense. They also had a refrigerator and microwave in their room.
They'll spend time in class, in hands-on trainers, getting quals in various "basic sailoring" areas (watch-standing, etc.). Depending on their liberty card color (white, yellow, blue, etc.), they might be allowed to leave the base for short periods, usually restricted to a certain number of miles radius of the base, and with a set time they have to be back on base. On base, there's a really, really nice NEX and commissary, also a Subway, and a food court at the NEX with a hamburger stand and coffee stand (Green Bean Coffee...really good!). There's a theater on base that shows a couple movies each week, and a golf course. There's also a nice Liberty Center for young sailors where they have video game consoles, music rooms, etc.
Warn your SR that the base is pretty hilly, and he (or she) will be doing a lot of walking to get down to the NEX, theater, etc. He'll be in great shape. Oh, also, there's a branch of Navy Federal Credit Union right on base, so if his/her account is there, banking is pretty easy.
If you have any other questions I might answer, feel free to ask.
Dec 8, 2018
eBearFlorida
Thank you! That was all super informative. I am crossing my fingers that he does fly out of O'Hare obviously because that is where I have tickets to fly out of also. I am so glad to hear that he will be able to call home or us call him whenever we want other than class time. The no communication has been so hard now while he's at RTC.
Dec 8, 2018
SunflowerLynn
Forgot to add, eBearFlorida...be sure to tell your sailor that Dominos Pizza delivers right to the barracks on base. They have delivery drivers who are sailors moonlighting for extra money. Lol! You wouldn't believe how many deliveries they make to the base each day.
Dec 8, 2018
Viola
eBearFlorida,
Our son flew to Groton, Ct. on November 17th. He was group leader for the 22 sailors that were going there as well. His group flew out of Midway Airport on Saturday afternoon. Our flight was out of O'Hare unfortunately. It turned out to be okay--just a little less convenient. We just met his group at 3:00 am at Midway (though his group did not show up until around 6:00 am because they dropped a group of sailors off at O'Hare before heading to Midway, lol), spent the morning with him and left for the O'Hare airport early afternoon to catch our early evening flight. O'Hare is less than an hour away. I do caution you to check drive times between Midway and O'Hare if you are in the same situation as us. The drive time varied wildly depending on time of the day. Luckily this all takes place on a Saturday, which benefits the drive time expectancy. He was exhausted as he had watch after after we took him back after graduation and only had one hour of sleep before leaving for the airport. He went to the USO and slept until his flight left.
Dec 10, 2018
Deva
Question about liberty. My SO is graduating BESS this month and I plan to visit them in Feb. So they should be in 'A' school for about a month at that point.
I plan on visiting when they have duty day on a Thursday so that their whole weekend is free. I assume unless something happens and he has to go back a phase, that he'll be in Phase III liberty at the time I visit.
Does this mean he will be able to stay overnight with me Fri-Sat night and return back Sunday night or does he still need to return back to his barracks each night?
I'm confused on if phase III allows overnight liberty the entire night and not just until a certain time.
Dec 11, 2018
eBearFlorida
Great question Deva. I don't know if I will be able to visit my son when he is there, but does anyone know if there is any opportunity for him to come home for a couple of days? I would actually prefer to go to him but wonder about both scenarios.
Dec 11, 2018
CarlaB
Deva - Depending on your SO's rate, I would say he will have overnight liberty on the weekend. Not having high enough grades in training classes can set liberty phases back, so just something to be aware of.
We visited our sailor over Thanksgiving weekend, and he spend Wed-Sat nights with us in our hotel and had to be back on base by 10:00 Sunday night.
eBearFlorida - Depending on how long your son is there he may have a leave opportunity. During school leave is typically around Holidays though, since they really can't afford to miss class. For those that have been there long enough, there is a two week stand down at Christmas and sailors are allowed to take leave for 1/2 of it, so some get the first half and some the second. They accrue leave over time, just like vacation days, so they also have to have enough leave time built up.
Dec 12, 2018
Deva
Thanks Carla!
So far he's been getting 90's+ in classes so I'm not too worried about him academically. It just seems that someone recently punched a hole in a wall somewhere and everyone is upset about it and might ding everyone in terms of punishment unless that's already been resolved.
Glad that unless someone super crazy happens that he should ideally have overnight liberty when I visit!
Dec 12, 2018
Viola
Good Afternoon Moms! I have a situation. My son is in BESS at Groton. He was supposed to take leave before Christmas and was denied because he had been exposed to TB while at GL and they re-tested him and 13 other men and told them they had to wait for the test results to return. He then requested leave to start today and his request was never signed. We bought him a plane ticket for tomorrow. Does anyone have any idea how we can help get it signed? Is it too late? He just won't advocate for himself.
Dec 28, 2018
Deva
For tomorrow Viola? No way.
For holiday leave he would’ve had to have been approved months ago. Hope you got refundable tickets
Dec 28, 2018
CarlaB
Viola
I am sorry to hear that your son is struggling to get approved for leave. If his test results are in and he is cleared I would urge him to talk to his command about getting his chit approved. Unfortunately, I don't think there is anything that you can do to help him, he has to take the initiative on this one.
We visited my son for Thanksgiving and he and my husband had hockey tickets to go to NYC the night before Thanksgiving and then he got assigned to a rotation of night classes starting that week. Initially he thought there was no way he would be able to get out of class and go to the hockey game. He ended up approaching the instructor and the instructor told him that if he felt like he could be prepared to take the test they were taking Wednesday night, he would proxy the test for him over his lunch hour on Wednesday and then he could miss class. He took the test, passed with flying colors, and headed out to a hockey game with his dad.
I tell that story just to show that even the Officers/chiefs/instructors are human, and your son should take the initiative to at least try.
Dec 28, 2018
Melissa
Hello. My daughter just graduated BC and is now in school in Groton. So proud of her.
Jan 8, 2019
eBearFlorida
My son arrived at BESS on late Sunday night. Been Snapchatting him since he arrived there and we arrived home in FL. I'm so excited to be able to communicate with him! What Div was your daughter in at RTC?
Jan 8, 2019
Melissa
Division o66 and I agree it's a relief to be able to communicate with them, I still worry just not as much.
Jan 8, 2019
eBearFlorida
My son is in BESS now. The lasl I knew he was supposed to graduate from BESS this past Friday, but his girlfriend, the only person he has spoken too at any length, said he was pushed back a few weeks. He also told her he has no access to his cell phone. None of this makes any sense. Can anyone explexp what may be happening?
Mar 3, 2019
RhondaA
Mar 4, 2019
eBearFlorida
I continue to not hear at all from my son. His phone goes directly to voicemail and all the apps I can use to contact him go unanswered. I am pretty concerned that we have heard nothing from him. I don't know what to think. His girlfriend seems to think its just normal protocol, nothing is wrong. Any reassuring words for a worried mom?
Mar 10, 2019
Cindy
@eBearFlordia
how long has your son been at Groton?
Mar 10, 2019
eBearFlorida
January 4th he left boot camp.
Mar 10, 2019
eBearFlorida
He was supposed to be going to GA on March 1st
Mar 10, 2019
Cindy
Our son left Boot Camp on January 19 for Connecticut. We have a lot of communication with him text and phone. Maybe you could private message me his building number and maybe it’s the same as our sons.Or maybe he would know him and could find out for you.
Mar 10, 2019
Cindy
I sent a friend request to you on your private page
Mar 10, 2019
sailorsgirl
Mar 10, 2019
WearsLargeHats
Something is fishy. Sub School isn't like boot camp, they have regular hours and they all have phones and internet when not in class. Hate to say it, but I suspect the GF isn't telling you something. Your options for official channels are limited and they may or may not be permitted to tell you anything. You might try the Chaplain at the Naval Submarine School. I've never actually talked to a Chaplain, but I would think they would at least be sympathetic, and can maintain confidentiality in both directions.
Mar 10, 2019
Cindy
Do families attend the graduation from BESS? You
Mar 16, 2019
SunflowerLynn
Cindy, I certainly did! And yes, there were family members present for the BESS graduation. It obviously isn't as elaborate as PIR, but I thought it was a really nice ceremony.
Mar 16, 2019
Cindy
Thank you sunflowerLynn! I feel a little lost since he arrived at Groton . We had so much information about boot camp and then almost nothing. We would be traveling from AZ, I’m going to look in to our options. ❤️
Mar 17, 2019
SunflowerLynn
Cindy, feel free to ask me anything. I'm no expert, but my son has been in Groton for BESS, A-school, and now C-school so I may have answers to other questions that come up based on my experiences.
If you do travel to Groton for BESS graduation, there's a pretty nice Navy Lodge just 5 minutes from the base, and I believe your son can get you a room there. Rates are reasonable ($79/night last time I checked) and they don't charge any sales or room taxes, either. Flying into Providence, RI is closest (45 minutes from Groton), but you can also fly into Hartford, CT (about an hour from Groton).
Mar 18, 2019
tazangel227
Hey y’all...my son just left for BC on Tuesday and after PIR he’ll be going to Groton. Thought I’d stop in to say hi...
Apr 12, 2019
SunflowerLynn
Hello, tazangel! Good to “meet” you! All best wishes to your son as he makes the journey through GL, and then on to Groton.
Apr 12, 2019
Sailormom01
My son will graduate boot camp on Nov. 1, then off to BESS!!!
Sep 24, 2019
Sailormom01
Well, today is day two for my Sailor! He is now a member of the Groton Ct. Sub School. I am excited for all things new and building on the knowledge from Boot Camp. He graduated Nov. 1, 2019.
Nov 5, 2019
jillybean
My Sailor has arrived in CT. I hope he likes the cold!
Jan 21, 2020
SunflowerLynn
Hi Dmom...I asked my son who went through Groton last year. He said your son should have been assigned a mailbox at the base post office at Bledsoe Hall, probably has info about it in a packet he would have received the first or second day of BESS. If he can't find it, he should go down to the PO at Bledsoe Hall and talk to them about it. They can also explain how he can receive packages, which if I remember correctly he will only be able to do during the hours the post office is staffed.
Aug 3, 2020