View Full Version : I'm back, as a sailor this time.
sketch
02-14-2010, 01:23 PM
Hey guys, Im back. Graduated from boot last Friday. Got to my A School in San Diego yesterday afternoon. Boot wasnt that bad actually. Im E1 cus I got very sick before my advancement PFA but im not too bothered by it. Im in great shape now. Just did a nice 3 mile run this morning for the hell of it. Anywho yea just wanted to give an update :D
ABH Oldtimer
02-14-2010, 01:25 PM
congratz!
Congratulatons shipmate!!!
Navyboy19
02-14-2010, 01:27 PM
How was it was it hard, crazy, what was your first day like lol i have 8 days till i ship
By the way. Can you post a little info about boot camp for the depper coming after you?
KYmom
02-14-2010, 03:47 PM
Congratulations
AlexRiot
02-14-2010, 06:26 PM
congrats :)
MacSteve
02-14-2010, 08:30 PM
congrats and welcome back
Lynette
02-14-2010, 10:04 PM
Congratulations!
Retired Navy Chief
02-15-2010, 01:43 AM
Congrats and welcome back !!!
Do you think you were under-prepared or over-prepared for bootcamp ??
What things do you thing the new deppers should focus on before shipping out ??
Head over to the Silver Strand and PT with "the boys" a while ... that'll help you keep in shape !!
Cheers,
PISTOL
sketch
02-15-2010, 10:23 AM
under prepared. mostly with PT. Also I didnt know any of the general orders or creed or anything like that. granted i was only in dep a few days but those are things new deppers NEEEED to focus on.
Also in regards to the PFA standards. Do not go by the age standard you see in your books and such. RDCs dont care, you need to push for 12 minutes or less if you are a male. If you cant make around that things get a lot tougher for you.
In addition you are going to get sick, it sucks but it happens. Dont volonteer for head crew, dont sneak food into the compartment, learn bullseyes before they even tell you about them (cant tell you why, but just trust me you need to know how to read them).
theres a lot I could say but basically just know your general orders, the sailors creed, and study the UCMJ if you can. Also move quickly all the time and learn to be efficient with what you do and prioritize intelligently. That will make your life a lot easier at RTC.
OH one more thing, dont take anything the RDCs say as truth if its negative. My Div (912, staff) took CNO Gold (top div) and won captains cup (almost took hall of fame but didnt get battlestations flag). However if we had listened to our RDCs we would think we were the worst thing to hit this country since Soulja boi.
in the end I found it easy. Some of the younger kids had trouble conforming. Just remember this is a career, a job and the less you fight it the easier it is for you.
Kristie
02-15-2010, 11:11 AM
Congratulations and welcome back....your status has been changed to "US Sailor"
Navyboy19
02-15-2010, 02:54 PM
How big is freedom hall
sketch
02-15-2010, 09:43 PM
How big is freedom hall
pretty big actually. 2 stories (at least the only 2 you can go on) with 4 tracks total (12 laps = 1.5 miles)
its pretty decent. just dont ever put your face on the deck while your doing leg stretches. kinda dirty in a sweaty, pukey way.
boudc1022
02-15-2010, 10:15 PM
What are bullseyes?
dragonsi
02-15-2010, 11:28 PM
What are bullseyes?
www.officersguide.org/3.html
Found this on the internet. Scroll halfway down the page. Not sure if this is what bullseye stands for but thought I would give it a shot.
Retired Navy Chief
02-16-2010, 11:38 AM
www.officersguide.org/3.html
Found this on the internet. Scroll halfway down the page. Not sure if this is what bullseye stands for but thought I would give it a shot.
You got the basics of it ... very good !!
A bulls eye is an identification marker placed on the bulkhead (we don't have walls on ships) of pretty much every space on a ship ... they are there to let you know where you are on the ship, what the space is used for and what department is in charge of the space for maintaining damage control.
Inside the skin of the ship, these bullseyes will be painted in a yellow photoluminescent paint (glow in the dark) and the lettering is sometimes painted black and sometimes reflective for you to see with your battle lanterns and flashlights. This is all important to keep in mind for visibility when the lights go out - (think battle damage).
Any spaces that would be visible to a passing ship if the doors were open ... would not have photoluminescent bullseyes ... when a ship goes to a condition called "Darken Ship" ... we want it to be as black and hidden as possible with the exception of the running lights ... a big old glow in the dark sign is not a good thing for the enemy to see .... you trackin ??
You'll learn this stuff and much more in great detail during bootcamp ... just thought you could use a little head start :cool:
Cheers,
PISTOL
sketch
02-16-2010, 09:56 PM
A bit more advice I think I can give to the new guys. Boot will start off as a shock at first. How much depends on the person but EVERYONE will face some small bit of it. Dont let it bring you down at all. Find some mental trick to keep yourself motivated. For me every time things got tough at first id think (or write over and over) "Be strong dont quit!" and that would help keep me focused.
Also Some RDCs may be extremely negative about you guys the entire time, just know its all bs. Let yourself build confidence, but dont get complacent either. Also the more willing you are to just go with the flow of things without complaining the easier it will be for you at every turn.
Oh yea and the Gas Chamber (confidence room) is NOT bad. Its tear gas which is not very harmful. Just remember that before you start freaking out.
sketch
02-16-2010, 10:05 PM
A bit more advice I think I can give to the new guys. Boot will start off as a shock at first. How much depends on the person but EVERYONE will face some small bit of it. Dont let it bring you down at all. Find some mental trick to keep yourself motivated. For me every time things got tough at first id think (or write over and over) "Be strong dont quit!" and that would help keep me focused.
Also Some RDCs may be extremely negative about you guys the entire time, just know its all bs. Let yourself build confidence, but dont get complacent either. Also the more willing you are to just go with the flow of things without complaining the easier it will be for you at every turn.
Oh yea and the Gas Chamber (confidence room) is NOT bad. Its tear gas which is not very harmful. Just remember that before you start freaking out.
Navyboy19
02-17-2010, 05:09 PM
ok i got 6 days left
dragonsi
02-19-2010, 10:13 PM
Sketch, do you remember how much of your first paycheck was deducted for uniforms etc? I'm gonna have a limited amount in my checking account before I go to boot on 3/16 so I'm counting on those paychecks to help with bills while I'm gone....
MacSteve
02-20-2010, 01:47 AM
if you can, figure it out so your one of the last ones in the gas room, meaning your one of the first ones out and you can see everybody coming out and throwing up. its quite the experience
sketch
02-21-2010, 04:43 PM
haha that was me in the gas chamber first one out, very lucky.
as for the money it kinda sucks, they took out a big chunk from my january checks. I came out with around 1800 from bootcamp money when all was said and done.
boudc1022
02-21-2010, 05:16 PM
haha that was me in the gas chamber first one out, very lucky.
as for the money it kinda sucks, they took out a big chunk from my january checks. I came out with around 1800 from bootcamp money when all was said and done.
Did you go in as an E1?
cpawelec
02-27-2010, 10:32 PM
you were 912!? i was 908...i was ships staff yeoman...if i remember correctly did you have petty officer bracey? or was he 913? congrats by the way and good luck with everything
sketch
03-03-2010, 10:48 PM
Yep STG1 Bracey. As well as Chief Carlos and Chief Reed
edit: Yea I am an E1
Retired Navy Chief
03-04-2010, 07:07 AM
as for the money it kinda sucks, they took out a big chunk from my january checks. I came out with around 1800 from bootcamp money when all was said and done.
That may be all the "spending money" that you came out with .... but lets not forget that your housing, utilities, food, medical/dental insurance and (hopefully) college savings have all been PAID !!!
Not to mention ... how many days (yes, days ... not hours) of paid vacation have you earned in the short time you have been in the Navy ?? There is good money to be counted there too.
You have to keep these tangibles in mind ... because you earn them and they need to be factored in to your salary.
When is your TIR (Time In Rank) up for you to make E-2 ?? How much of an immediate pay jump will that be ??
Cheers,
PISTOL
amanduhkatherine
03-04-2010, 09:29 AM
Hey yall! i leave in 60 days for bootcamp...im SO NERVOUS! Im pretty sure im gonna stick out being that im 6'1 and a pretty girl but im sure ill look like shit there when they cut all my hair off. What do you think the best way is to learn the general orders...i cant freakin remember those things! ive got my sailors creed down though...thanks
amanda katherine
No one looks wonderful during bootcamp. Lack of sleep, can't do anything right, always on the go, etc, etc...
The two bootcamps that I went through, I was always the tallest male in my platoon/ship (6'2"). I didn't get targeted too much, but I was noticed.
Most of the times when I was targeted, it was of my own making.
amanduhkatherine
03-04-2010, 10:02 AM
ok cool. hopefully im not pointed out much...
ABH Oldtimer
03-04-2010, 12:14 PM
i made flash cards. i can learn anything within a hour if it can be put on flashcards. but anyway...thats what i did, i think it worked out pretty good.
http://cueflash.com/Decks/Navy_11_General_Orders/
amanduhkatherine
03-04-2010, 01:38 PM
thanks
Retired Navy Chief
03-04-2010, 05:16 PM
Im pretty sure im gonna stick out being that im 6'1 .....
amanda katherine
You are gonna have a few knots on your forehead from forgetting to duck when you are doing your Damage Control training !!!
Those shipboard water-tight doors are definitely NOT 6'1" !!!! :undecided:
Cheers,
PISTOL
I definately remember that! When I first reported onboard the Caron, I know I left several pounds of flesh on those doors. :eterollll:
sketch
03-29-2010, 01:15 PM
Oh I am very happy with the money I make. The fact that I dont have to pay rent, utilities, medical, or dental is extraordinary. I am finally able to pay for my student loans, and still have a good time.
As for the 11 general orders and such, that is all easy. You will have plenty of time to memorize that on your first 2 days, its pretty much all you do (that and stay awake.) What you really want to get a head start on memorization wise is the UCMJ. For me that was the hardest topic covered. I had more trouble with UCMJ questions than any other in all 3 tests.
Study UCMJ (you can look it up online or get a copy from your recruiter im sure), get those general orders down (youll get that easy, dont sweat it) and conform conform conform. Do that and you will be fine. First week (P days) sucks really hard, worst week in boot in my opinion. But after that It gets busier which makes the days go by quicker and makes things more meaningful.
Again conform conform conform. Dont buck the system. As a marine buddy told me, "Shut your mouth and do what you are told." You do that and things go real smooth and easy for you. Even if you mess up (I had a hard time folding things at first) as long as you keep quiet and listen the RDCs shouldnt give you too much trouble.
OH YEA one more thing. Sound off! If you are real quiet with your responses it looks bad. So sound off loud and proud with your "AYE AYE PETTY OFFICER" or Master/Senior/Chief. Excellent Millitary bearing will get you noticed and take you very far at boot camp.
edit:
"When is your TIR (Time In Rank) up for you to make E-2 ?? How much of an immediate pay jump will that be ??"
Forgot this one. I hit E2 in either october or November. From this exact time that is a $300 increase per month ( :O) but I also get a small (well 100 per month isnt that small) pay raise next month for the E1 over 4 advancement. So with all that in mind, including medical and dental and such, the amount of civilian equivellent money is kind of staggering to me.
Johnsgmom
05-03-2010, 12:00 PM
Thanks for the good info. Gson left last Tues 4/27/10 for bc. Guess he is getting beat up pretty bad. He was having a hard time with the 11 general orders.
edit:
"When is your TIR (Time In Rank) up for you to make E-2 ?? How much of an immediate pay jump will that be ??"
Forgot this one. I hit E2 in either october or November. From this exact time that is a $300 increase per month ( :O) but I also get a small (well 100 per month isnt that small) pay raise next month for the E1 over 4 advancement. So with all that in mind, including medical and dental and such, the amount of civilian equivellent money is kind of staggering to me.
you wont make an extra 300 from e1 to e2; you see about 100 a month, and you dont really see much of that extra 100 from e1 over 4 months lol
topcopsailor
05-04-2010, 07:19 PM
You are gonna have a few knots on your forehead from forgetting to duck when you are doing your Damage Control training !!!
Those shipboard water-tight doors are definitely NOT 6'1" !!!! :undecided:
Cheers,
PISTOL
That sucks so bad because im 6'5"!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm 6'2" and let me tell you. You're first few weeks onboard a ship will be educational (forehead wise).....:(
topcopsailor
05-04-2010, 08:02 PM
under prepared. mostly with PT. Also I didnt know any of the general orders or creed or anything like that. granted i was only in dep a few days but those are things new deppers NEEEED to focus on.
Also in regards to the PFA standards. Do not go by the age standard you see in your books and such. RDCs dont care, you need to push for 12 minutes or less if you are a male. If you cant make around that things get a lot tougher for you.
In addition you are going to get sick, it sucks but it happens. Dont volonteer for head crew, dont sneak food into the compartment, learn bullseyes before they even tell you about them (cant tell you why, but just trust me you need to know how to read them).
theres a lot I could say but basically just know your general orders, the sailors creed, and study the UCMJ if you can. Also move quickly all the time and learn to be efficient with what you do and prioritize intelligently. That will make your life a lot easier at RTC.
OH one more thing, dont take anything the RDCs say as truth if its negative. My Div (912, staff) took CNO Gold (top div) and won captains cup (almost took hall of fame but didnt get battlestations flag). However if we had listened to our RDCs we would think we were the worst thing to hit this country since Soulja boi.
in the end I found it easy. Some of the younger kids had trouble conforming. Just remember this is a career, a job and the less you fight it the easier it is for you.
why shouldnt you volenteer for head crew?
why shouldnt you volenteer for head crew?
bc you work your ass off!
Retired Navy Chief
05-05-2010, 06:31 AM
.... and shins .... and if you ain't careful ... fingers !! (solid steel is rather un-forgiving)
Cheers,
PISTOL
sketch
06-22-2010, 12:01 PM
why shouldnt you volenteer for head crew?
Several reasons.
A. You will be promised compensation, and will not recieve such.
B. Being on headcrew does not grant you a promotion. While your busy scrubbing peoples shit, the guy who paints a pretty picture on the wall will get the advancement to the next paygrade.
C. It really is one of the hardest, most demanding, and most disgusting jobs in Bootcamp (which Is why I took it, expecting a promotion out of it...) You will see, and clean up some pretty horrible stuff.
D. No one gives a rats ass about you doing the work. You will spend a lot of time in there, and even miss some chow time (if you are head PO and squared away) to make sure everything is Tip Top. Doesnt matter. People will still use secured units, people will still refuse to flush. People will not wipe down the urinals. People will not put the toilet paper at 12 o'clock, people will not dry off in one area (thus causing flooding), etc. No one cares.
All in all it really wasnt worth it. Sure it was very fun to lead a team (I enjoy leading a great deal,) but considering how little people respect you and your team and how None of you get compensation, its just not worth it.
That was the worst thing too. My team had been told since Day 1 that we would get "something" by the end of boot camp. As the end came near I started realizing that I wouldnt get a damn thing. Despite that I pushed very hard to try to get my guys on head crew at least a little something. Even had a few rounds with the RDCs to try and achieve that. No go, the RDCs werent having it.
So for the last week of Boot, I did the only thing i could for the guys. I relieved them and made it a volonteer group (usually no one volonteered so I did most of it myself). Figured if the RDCs wouldnt give em anything Id try to.
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