Tiffany22

Divisions 187 and 188 are brother divisions and train together and will have Battle Stations-21 (BST) together, so look for others with loved ones in either division. Since your recruit is in one of the first two regular divisions in the TG, expect the "I'm a Sailor!" call about a week before PIR (probably on Friday). Write to your recruit and ask when Battle Stations-21 (BST) will be so you will know for sure when to expect the call.

Since your recruit has a contract for Culinary Specialist (CS), join CS (Culinary Specialist) Moms. You will also want to check out Joint Culinary Center of Excellence Facebook Page and Joint Culinary Training Directorate (JCTD).

The Rating Information Card for CS can be found at https://www.cool.navy.mil/usn/enlisted/rating_info_cards/cs.pdf. (If you get the security warning, it is safe to go there.) That indicates that “A” School is approximately 9 weeks long, but it is about 5 weeks after arriving at Ft. Lee.

All Sailors heading to “A” School for CS spend at LEAST one week at Great Lakes Naval Base for Naval Indoctrination (INDOC). These are classes on how things are done in the fleet, which most get at “A” School, but since Ft. Lee is an Army base, this INDOC must be done before the Sailors arrive there. Sometimes Sailors going to Ft. Lee are in the THU at GL for 1 to 3 additional weeks before flying to VA because Ft. Lee must not have additional quarters for those who are not ready to begin classes.

Since your Sailor will stay in GL for INDOC, you will have extra time with your Sailor PIR weekend. Plan to leave late Sunday or on Monday if you are able to do that. See PIR Day and Liberty during PIR Weekend to help you know how to plan your weekend.

(Those with the CS rating who will be on Subs go to Fort Lee after GL and then to Groton for BESS.  If your recruit has a contract for CSS, then you will also want to join Sub Moms and check out Naval Submarine Base New London Facebook Page.)