New to Navy LIfe

[TCarp0328]

Hey Ladies,

 

My name is Tamara. My husband is getting ready to leave for bootcamp, September 6, 2010. I am just looking for any advice: bootcamp, graudation, A school, A school graduation, moving, benefits, and whatever else you may possibly think of. I am pretty knowledgeable about bootcamp and graduation. I know he goes in, calls me, and thats all phone contact he gets. I know he can start writing and I get info about graduation and benefits 2 weeks after he leaves. I am really wanting to find out info about when he is done with his schooling. He is going to be a MA and training is in San Antonio, TX. Once he graduates does the Navy have to move our stuff or can we do it ourself?? Someone told me that the first time that HAVE to. Also we are from Florida and are looking to hopefully be stationed out of state. We want to see and experience a new place. But just wondering if any one has found some favorite places or if they like or dislike where they are currently at?? We are possibly considering Charleston, SC something close with good weather. I also know that his first check will come in about a month after he is in basic and not to expect a lot because of deductions. Paydays are the 1 and 15 unless its a weekend then its that Friday. Oh one thing that I do want to get some info on is how do I get his education fund. I was told my schooling will be paid for because he is in the Navy, so how does that work and does how much does it cover? If anyone has any good information or wants to add please let me know. I am really excited for our future with the Navy.

[Christine]

I moved our stuff ourselves and it was a pain. You have to pack all yourself, that includes getting bubble wrap, paper to wrap fragile stuff and then you have to unload all the stuff yourself. I just moved to San Diego myself and we moved all our stuff. We had to go up three flights of stars. I am not happy with moving ourself unless he moves back to MO. I suggest you have Navy do it, if you move. If literally hurt my back moving. Go to militaryonesource.com for more information if you need help with anything.

[TCarp0328]

Thanks Christine for the advice. I am going to talk to him to see what he wants to do. One problem that I am having is that we were in TN before we move to Central FL and we have storage up there with some of our stuff. So I have stuff in 2 places. I have a 5x10 storage unit with a some boxes, table, and my bedroom furniture. Then here in Florida I have most of our stuff. I have a new bedroom set, bed, and a few more boxes. Will the Navy come get our stuff out of both locations or only one and we have to worry about the other?? Some advice here would be appreciated.

[Smoke]

One thing I've learned as a wife, don't be too timid when dealing with any Navy people, especially if your mannerism screams civilian dependent. Be very polite, be humble, be receptive, but also know when to make an argument in the form of a one-sentence statement. "I was hoping that _____ because of ______." And then drop it and thank them if the new information doesn't change what they're telling you. Don't try that every time, just when it's reasonable or important. I don't think that tactic ever works twice for the same thing.

If you're corrected, often "Thank You" is a more confident response than "I'm Sorry." (If someone tells you that the cellphone isn't to leave your pocket, if they chase you away from a doorway, etc.) You're not apologizing for a willing wrongdoing, you are thanking them for a tidbit of helpful information.


As far as where he's going to be stationed... The location of his A-school depends on his rate. The better he does there, the better his chances of requesting what he wants. However, the choice is an illusion.

[Mrs. PB]

Just to add onto your part about the educational fund.. a number of university have big military discounts and grants. My husband is just graduating from boot camp this Friday, but I talked to the university I am attending for my masters and I get a cap on my credit hours price and $2000 a semester. A lot of universities have this and other grants. So if you want to get started you can go to school for almost nothing, or even nothing without using the GI bill.

[TCarp0328]

Thanks ladies for the advice. We will most likey move ourself the first time or have the Navy come here and get our stuff and as we drive to our new location stop in TN and get it. As for my education I do get Financial Aid but I think once he is in we might make too much so I will see how that goes. I will also check on Military benefits at the campus as well. I am wanting to get my Bachelors in Elementary Education. So it will be fun. I hope it isnt hard to get a job at a school for being a military spouse so we will see. Thanks again for all of the great advice.

[TCarp0328]

So while he is in A school I am going to go and get our stuff. But question when they are in A school they earn rights to have their cell phone right after two or three weeks? We are going to go ahead and bring everything here so the Navy can move it. I am very excited about this although we wont be making the money but hey I dont have to do the work so it works for me.