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Link to Navy Speak - Navy Terms & Acronyms: Navy Speak
All Hands Magazine's full length documentary "Making a Sailor": This video follows four recruits through Boot Camp in the spring of 2018 who were assigned to DIV 229, an integrated division, which had PIR on 05/25/2018.
Boot Camp: Making a Sailor (Full Length Documentary - 2018)
Boot Camp: Behind the Scenes at RTC
...and visit Navy.com - America's Navy and Navy.mil also Navy Live - The Official Blog of the Navy to learn more.
OPSEC - Navy Operations Security
Always keep Navy Operations Security in mind. In the Navy, it's essential to remember that "loose lips sink ships." OPSEC is everyone's responsibility.
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DO be smart, use your head, always think OPSEC when using texts, email, phone, and social media, and watch this video: "Importance of Navy OPSEC."
Follow this link for OPSEC Guidelines:
Events
**UPDATE as of 11/10/2022 PIR vaccination is no longer required.
FOLLOW THIS LINK FOR UP TO DATE INFO:
RESUMING LIVE PIR - 8/13/2021
Please note! Changes to this guide happened in October 2017. Tickets are now issued for all guests, and all guests must have a ticket to enter base. A separate parking pass is no longer needed to drive on to base for parking.
Please see changes to attending PIR in the PAGES column. The PAGES are located under the member icons on the right side.
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Navy.com Para Familias
Visite esta página para explorar en su idioma las oportunidades de educación y carreras para sus hijos en el Navy. Navy.com
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Im Freaking out a little!
Really, I can't help but freak out a bit here. I am literally up at night thinking about my daughter signing up in DEP as a S-PACT. I found out when I arrived at MEPS to watch her swear in. I am ex navy myself. Was a CTT for five years back in the mid to late 80's and am so proud of my daughter for making the decision to join the Navy. But then... I found out there were very few jobs to choose from so she went S-PACT because they told her that it is an apprenticeship program where they get to try all these things and then just choose whatever they want. Well, I am not that naïve and I know that she will completely be driven by the "needs of the Navy" and will have limited rates that she can strike into.... or that was what I understand it to be like. She is very interested in becoming a Rescue Swimmer, which she can qualify for while she is in DEP. So if she can get into that program (which is very physically demanding) then she will do that, but it is very competitive and she only has 6 months before she ships out to BC. She seems to be pretty neutral about the whole thing. I just keep telling myself that she will get some serious experiences that will help her grow while she is earning her GI Bill and no matter what happens she will be able to go to college and get a an education once her enlistment is up... if she chooses to get out. I don't know... I am just worried about this undes thing.... feel like she was mislead by the job detailer at MEPS. I remain positive when talking to her... but I am seriously debating having a very direct discussion with her recruiter about getting her switched into one of the job areas that she was interested in... there were several, just none available on the date that she went to MEPS. Should I engage or should I just stay out of this? It was her decision to join.... I guess it is her life to live. I am just all twisted up about this thing and worried about her! I just can't seem to kick the negative feeling I have about this. Anyone have any ideas or advice?
Tracey (Kenzie's Dad)
Views: 513
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Kyle'sMom (Karen) on
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I completely understand your feelings. My son signed A-PACT and leaves Nov. 18th. I did everything in my power to talk him out of it but he wanted to start his career sooner rather than later.
He got the same lines as your daughter did - follow jobs, pick the one you want, etc. The real truth is they can only pick a rating that's open, and even then there's no guarantee the rating they pick has good advancement. They generally do get the crap jobs when they first hit the ships, but during my research on the PACT program, I find that ALL sailors, designated or not, get crap jobs in the beginning.
The upside to this is even if they don't get a rating they find they really like, they will definitely know what rating they DON'T want.
Best of luck to your daughter!
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I remember doing some crap jobs when I was assigned to my first duty station. The saving grace of that was that I knew it was only going to last a few months. Then I would start doing the job I had went to "A" School for. Also, just going to "A" school after basic was a great transition. Still had some restrictions, but earned some freedom month at a time. S-Pact do not attend any type of "A" School I don't think. Just a few weeks or basic seamanship or something right after basic.
Thanks for the encouragement.
Tracey
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My son will be going to A school for three weeks after boot camp, but instead of staying for specific schooling, he will be sent to a duty station. I'm nervous for him, but also realize he needs to start making his own decisions, and then live with those decisions. In the end, I know he will be OK :D
I'm dreading the day he leaves. It's going to be sooooo hard!
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Yep... they will learn from those experiences that occurred from the choices they make... we all did! ;)
Thanks,
Tracey
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Permalink Reply by Josh Mom 2015 on
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My son is at boot camp now and will graduate 10/9. He did an S-PACT because there was not a rating available that he wanted. I posted something on the FB PIR page and got some flack from a navy veteran. Then one of the admins posted that her husband went in on a PACT agreement and is now a Chief Petty Officer. He said he will recommend his sons go on a PACT. His advice... It is what you make of it.
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How is your son doing in boot camp?
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Great as far as I know. I'm on the week that no news is great news (final PFA and academic test). He got to call this past Friday and sounded really excited about upcoming BS. Has your son shipped yet?
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Thanks Josh Mom! I am sure everything will work out for all of our kids! They obviously have supportive parents! ;)
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Permalink Reply by Vickie360 on
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My son has been in since December. He is A-Pact and I worried at first when I started reading online. But my son told me he would be just fine. It has actually worked out better for him because he changed his mind from the job he thought he wanted. He finally got transferred to the area he wanted because he was a hard worker and they noticed. I'm still not understanding how all the "strike for a rate" works but for now at least he is working in the department he enjoys!
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Permalink Reply by jojosmom on
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My son is E-Pact. He had is PIR in July, did his few weeks in GL for BECC training and home for 10 days. Now he is in San Diego. As a parent we just want the BEST for our kids. I know that is how I felt when he signed up. I had my reservations about the PACT program.. But my son said he likes it better this way, he is anxious to deploy out and see the world. Of course right now he is learning a lot and probably doing some crappy jobs as well.. But hard work and determination will get him where he wants to be.The best thing we can do is support are children's choices and help guide them when needed. I am sure your daughter will do great, especially with a dad who cares like you!
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Permalink Reply by shellyh on
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Hey MomofMegan,
How is your daughter doing in the PACT program? My son is in BC now and is graduating soon and will be going to A-PACT as undesignated. Does she like what she is doing? Where is her first duty station? Any advice to this worried Navy Mom would be appreciated..thanks in advance!
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