OCS 7-20

[Rachel]

Hi everyone! Does anyone have a loved one in this class ? I would love to hear any helpful information anyone has. My son just started today. Thanks

[Aloha Mom]

Aloha Rachel, What exciting times for your son! What is his designator?
Our daughter recently graduated OCS. Keep those letters going DAILY if you can, the mail is the highlight every evening! mail to: I/C last name, first name, OCS class 07-20, officer training command Newport, 1356 Meyerkord Ave, Newport, RI 02841.  We wrote postcards daily with motivational sayings.  Those first 3 weeks of INDOC are really tough! Especially as cold as it is there now, that sandpit on first Friday and Sucky Saturday will be awful! ;) (events on the INDOC weeks are: the physical test, first Friday, Sucky Saturday, Fast Cruise, RLP).
Send amazon items also, simple things like deodorant, stationery, baby wipes, lint rollers, soap, ziplock bags, but no food items or playing cards or books. 
On Friday nights have him go to the Game Night! This was a HUGE morale booster and a chance to relax and EAT. 
You are welcome to join the FB groups of previous classes. I am the admin of a few of them and welcome you if you would like to read and catch up on helpful info (our daughter rolled because of a severe illness she caught there and had to be hospitalized, rolling to "h" gives them time to recover or to get stronger if they fail to pass a physical test).  you can search for the FB groups under class name followed by friends & family (ex: Navy OCS 03-20 friends & family)
Best wishes to your candidate! 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/351634332390502/

[Rachel]

Thanks for all the information. I’m pretty much in the dark about what to expect. I tried to research as much as I could before he left. I didn’t think they could receive packages yet . I would love to send him the things we forgot from Amazon. He’s a Florida boy so I know he is suffering in the cold. He is SWO. Congratulations on your daughter’s graduation! You must be so proud. I’ll check out those groups, thank you !

[Aloha Mom]

Oh goodness, write him and tell him to get a fuzzy blanket on one of his Saturday NEX trips! Our daughter did this (and kept it locked away in her drawer) we are from Hawaii, and she was FREEZING! An upperclassman suggested that to her and it made a lot of difference, she was so happy to be warm! ;)  Yes they can receive packages from Day 1, they just have to learn how to properly ask for them in the mailroom. They will also have to open in front of the command. He will never get in trouble if something is sent that is "contraband", he will then have the option to put it in his "lucky bag" (suitcase) or toss. 
Again, DAILY write letters, send memes, newspaper clippings, comic clippings, photocopies of current events, etc. I can't express how important that evening mail call is, especially during the first 6 weeks! 
Best wishes! 
Aloha 

[Tan’s mom]

Hello Rachel! 

My son too is a Florida boy (goooo Gators!) and I just want to reach out to someone who has gone through what I'm about to go through. He just got sworn in today in Gainesville and have to be in RI February 9. Any tips, suggestions and recommendations will be greatly appreciated. 

Thank you and looking forward to hearing from you.

[Rachel]

Thank you so much! It’s hard when you don’t know what’s allowed and you can’t ask them. I’m sure he’s freezing. I’ll write him and tell him to get a blanket. Thanks again.

[ProudMom]

Congratulations to you and your son!  Here is a link to the OCS Facebook page... there are already photos from Class 07-20.  You can also use filters to search the Military photos (DVIDS link here), they may have different photos than on the Facebook page.  Check them often and I hope you get to see your Candidate.  BZ

[Rachel]

I saw him standing in line on arrival yesterday on the OCS FB Page ! I will check the other link as well. Thank you !

[Tan’s mom]

Hello! I was wondering how often a new class starts. Since you son started in November, I'm wondering if my son's class will be 08-20 or will there be other classes between November 2019 and February 9, 2020.

Still trying to get as much information as I can before we head up to RI.

Thank you and have a great night!

[ProudMom]

Good morning.  A new class usually starts every three weeks.  If your son is scheduled to begin February 9th then I believe he will be in class 10-20 (class 09-20 is already in session).  See the above comments from Aloha Mom about getting in those Facebook groups, she is amazing and keeps everyone filled in on what is happening week by week.  Also, Here is a link to the OCS Facebook page... they usually post photos of each class pretty regularly (although not as regularly as us moms would like).  You can also use filters to search the Military photos (DVIDS link here), they may have different photos than on the Facebook page.  Check them often and I hope you get to see your Candidate.  BZ

[Tan’s mom]

Thank you very much!!

Another question: would you recommend my OC bring a suitcase for his required items or just a duffle bag? 

And should he have cash with him? I read on the manual he received after his swearing in ceremony, that he has to pay $10 for his haircut. It says "$300 will be collected upon arrival and will pay for the first haircut. The remaining balance will be necessary for miscellaneous expenses"

Thanks again!!

[Rachel]

My son only went up with about 100.00. He didn’t mention needing any money but it’s nice if they have some to pick up what they need at the Navy Exchange. He took a small duffle with him but they get a seabag that is pretty big. My son started in 7-20 but got rolled because of RLP so now he’s in 8-20. It’s all good , he is very happy. Good luck !

[Tan’s mom]

Thank you so much Rachel! I'm glad your son is very happy. I hope my son will be too! It's been a long journey for us to get to this point. Please say a prayer if you believe in prayers.

Have a wonderful day!!