View Full Version : AG A-School
Campbell
05-11-2010, 05:06 PM
So, I go to boot camp next month on the 29th. Then after that I go to Kessler Air Force Base in Mississippi. I'm going to be getting married right after basic, so I was wondering if my husband is going to be able to go there with me? Will we be able to live together? Thanks, in advance. :)
Unless it is a really long school, no.
KYmom
05-11-2010, 08:14 PM
You won't be there long enough for him to move there with you.
You won't have enough time to get married between basic and A school.
If you PIR on friday and leave on friday you won't get a chance to get married that weekend, and you have to be a certain rank inorder for them to join up with you at where ever you are stationed after boot camp.
MacSteve
05-12-2010, 12:52 AM
what kymom said. if your truly ready to get married do it now and get paperwork done for it and he can come to your first duty station (after A school)
Retired Navy Chief
05-12-2010, 08:09 AM
Or just wait until you are settled in to your first duty station ... life is about to get REALLY busy for you ... not a good plan to add the stress of a wedding to the mix.
Cheers,
PISTOL
KYmom
05-12-2010, 08:34 AM
Your wedding should be a happy time, not a hurry up say I do, hop on a plane and not see each other for another 3-4 months. You won't even have a chance to spend your wedding nite with your husband.
And to add another old person's opinion here, haste makes waste.
Put off the wedding until at a minimum after your school where you will have some form of a life outside of the training realm where things are VERY controlled, more so than your first command.
Campbell
05-12-2010, 11:42 AM
So my recruiter bullshitted me when he said I was going to be able to get married right after boot camp? He said I couldn't get married before I went because it would void my contract.
Technically, you can, HOWEVER, there will be NO time for a honeymoon as you will be going to your A school right after Boot Camp, let alone time to plan the wedding.
You MIGHT have a full weekend to be with your fiance in order to get married, however, if you turn out to be a Grad N Go, then you probably won't.
He said I couldn't get married before I went because it would void my contract.
Don't know about this one, perhaps one of our resident Recruiters can answer this one.
Campbell
05-12-2010, 04:02 PM
So what will my A-school be like then? I haven't ever met another AG who wants to tell me about it. And where will I go after A-School?
KYMOM may be able to give some insight as her son is an AG. I have no knowledge of the rate or the school.
I'm not sure how long your AG A school is but if its over 16 weeks your husband can move in with you.
KYmom
05-12-2010, 09:17 PM
A school is not long enough for a spouse to go, and there is alot of studying.
You are in a dorm like setting. The first week or so is like boot camp you earn your privelages in phases.
Toward the end of school you will fill out a dream sheet of where you would like to go.
They choose according to grades, highest grades get's first choice and so forth.
School is studying weather charts, winds, clouds, etc. The places for AG's to be sent are decreasing. Most go to Norfolk, San DIego, and Japen. If your married you won't get Japen (according to the rumor mill). You will get Norfolk or San Diego more than likely. Your first 2 years after school will either be shore based or sea based, then the 2 rotation will be the other. Some of the AGs also go to a place in Mississippi, but very few go there that I am aware of.
KYmom
05-13-2010, 06:57 AM
Here is a article on some AG's that my son was with.
Certain kinds of weather conditions surrounding USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) can affect the ship’s ability to move safely through the sea.
Aerographer’s Mate Airman Benjamin Hyre, assigned to Operations Department’s OA division, uses an electronic psychrometer to measure moisture in the air to read relative humidity in order to calculate pressure and density altitude on the 0-10 level aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71).
In the event TR experiences inclement weather, aerographer’s mates are on call to provide TR Sailors a safe passage with little harm from Mother Nature.
“Aerographer’s mates tend to be highly visible within the chain of command because of the support we provide to the war fighter,” said Chief Aerographer’s Mate (AW/SW) Jessica Mihailin, OA division leading chief petty officer. “We work as a team to exploit our environment for the benefit of the pilots and troops.”
Aerographer’s mates are billeted in most areas around the world with a Navy presence.
“We operate in a lot of different places around the world,” said Mihailin. “We mainly support naval special warfare, mine warfare and undersea warfare units.”
VaBchMom
05-13-2010, 11:55 AM
Stennis Space Center is what Kymom is referring to and that's in Mississippi. I know a husband and a wife who both got stationed there about 2 years ago. My son is an AG4, he finished A school just after Kymom's son did and both of them managed to get orders to Norfolk. Worked out great for mine as he headed back to where he's lived all his life. He's currently in C school back in Biloxi and he will be there approximately 7-8 months. He's hoping for orders to San Diego this go-round and since he was shore duty first time, he should be sea duty this time.
MacSteve
05-13-2010, 12:17 PM
AG4? sure about that? lol
That's equal to a SN, correct? LOL.
VaBchMom
05-13-2010, 04:14 PM
AG4? sure about that? lol
He's an E-4 and he's an AG. And no he's not an SN....he went to boot camp and was paid as an SN not an SR or SA.
He's an E-4 and he's an AG. And no he's not an SN....he went to boot camp and was paid as an SN not an SR or SA.
We were just playing around with you. :biggrin: He is an AG3 (E-4).
KYmom
05-13-2010, 04:53 PM
AG4? sure about that? lol
I bet she meant E4
KYmom
05-13-2010, 04:54 PM
The married couple she is talking about - did not go in married. They were both AG's that meet in A school then got married.
But almost ended up in two different places, but luckily got stationed at the same place.
VaBchMom
05-13-2010, 11:27 PM
It's been a l-o-n-g day today and I had a city-wide school function this evening that made it even longer....yup, he's an AG3 and and an E-4. I was having a brain *#+@ basically.
Campbell
05-14-2010, 12:35 PM
So when would the best time be for me to get married? I want to get married ASAP after boot camp as I can, because I realllly don't want to go to Japen. AND I want to get married. Ughh so confusing lol.
KYmom
05-14-2010, 01:03 PM
Sometime after A school.
Now you do know that you could possibly go out to sea right after A school for 6-8 months.
KYmom gave the best answer that can be provided to you in the above statement you should also pay attention to one of her previous post:
Your wedding should be a happy time, not a hurry up say I do, hop on a plane and not see each other for another 3-4 months. You won't even have a chance to spend your wedding nite with your husband.
Why is there such an urgent need to get married? Just curious?
It's been a l-o-n-g day today and I had a city-wide school function this evening that made it even longer....yup, he's an AG3 and and an E-4. I was having a brain *#+@ basically.
I'm sorry. I hate day's like that.
Hope today is much better for you!
VaBchMom
05-14-2010, 01:21 PM
That's so true Delores.....
Retired Navy Chief
05-14-2010, 03:07 PM
So when would the best time be for me to get married? I want to get married ASAP after boot camp as I can, because I realllly don't want to go to Japen. AND I want to get married. Ughh so confusing lol.
Soooooo .... you want to get married so you won't have to go to Japan ???
:shakeheadno:
1) Have you ever BEEN to Japan ?? It's pretty incredible and not someplace that you should willingly miss.
2) Sailors don't look for ways to get out of doing something ... at least not the good ones.
3) Like DK3 asked ... why the urgent rush to get married ???
Are you afraid that they may not stick around if you join up and move away ??? (common concern, that's why I ask).
Cheers,
PISTOL
^+1... if you dont want to go overseas go in the national guard or something...
He's an E-4 and he's an AG. And no he's not an SN....he went to boot camp and was paid as an SN not an SR or SA.
in boot you make e1, then get back pay after boot if you are e2 or e3.
^+1... if you dont want to go overseas go in the national guard or something...
National Guard isn't a guarantee of not going overseas. The 278th Armored Calvary Regiment here in Tennessee has deployed to Iraq twice in 5 years. In fact, they just deployed for the third time in March.
I want to get married ASAP after boot camp as I can, because I realllly don't want to go to Japen.
Chief I scanned right over that. Nice catch.
Campbell, the Navy is one large team, i.e., we all work together. Do you really think that our Shipmates that are in Iraq or Afghanistan right now WANTS to be there? No, However, they have a duty because there is a need for whatever rate they are and they are honorably fulfilling their jobs/duties.
Getting married in order to NOT go to Japan, is simply wrong and is definately not being a team player. If an assignment comes up for you to go to Japan and you do a quickie marriage in order to avoid it, that means that this burden will fall on someone else who will have to pick up your slack.
I'm am really hoping that you are more of a teamplayer/Shipmate than what you are currently showing.
From those early days of naval service, certain bedrock principles or core values have carried on to today. They consist of three basic principles.
Honor: "I will bear true faith and allegiance ..." Accordingly, we will: Conduct ourselves in the highest ethical manner in all relationships with peers, superiors and subordinates; Be honest and truthful in our dealings with each other, and with those outside the Navy; Be willing to make honest recommendations and accept those of junior personnel; Encourage new ideas and deliver the bad news, even when it is unpopular; Abide by an uncompromising code of integrity, taking responsibility for our actions and keeping our word; Fulfill or exceed our legal and ethical responsibilities in our public and personal lives twenty-four hours a day. Illegal or improper behavior or even the appearance of such behavior will not be tolerated. We are accountable for our professional and personal behavior. We will be mindful of the privilege to serve our fellow Americans.
Courage: "I will support and defend ..." Accordingly, we will have: courage to meet the demands of our profession and the mission when it is hazardous, demanding, or otherwise difficult; Make decisions in the best interest of the navy and the nation, without regard to personal consequences; Meet these challenges while adhering to a higher standard of personal conduct and decency; Be loyal to our nation, ensuring the resources entrusted to us are used in an honest, careful, and efficient way. Courage is the value that gives us the moral and mental strength to do what is right, even in the face of personal or professional adversity.
Commitment: "I will obey the orders ..." Accordingly, we will: Demand respect up and down the chain of command; Care for the safety, professional, personal and spiritual well-being of our people; Show respect toward all people without regard to race, religion, or gender; Treat each individual with human dignity; Be committed to positive change and constant improvement; Exhibit the highest degree of moral character, technical excellence, quality and competence in what we have been trained to do. The day-to-day duty of every Navy man and woman is to work together as a team to improve the quality of our work, our people and ourselves.
These are the CORE VALUES of the United States Navy.
National Guard isn't a guarantee of not going overseas. The 278th Armored Calvary Regiment here in Tennessee has deployed to Iraq twice in 5 years. In fact, they just deployed for the third time in March.
you know what i meant! lol most NG units dont get deployed anyways.
VaBchMom
05-14-2010, 04:40 PM
in boot you make e1, then get back pay after boot if you are e2 or e3.
He went in and got paid from day 1 as an SN (E-3) due to having been in NJROTC for a few years. That's one of the benefits of doing it.
He went in and got paid from day 1 as an SN (E-3) due to having been in NJROTC for a few years. That's one of the benefits of doing it.
Im sorry but you are wrong. I know for a fact NO ONE gets paid for anything above e1 in boot.
KYmom
05-14-2010, 05:20 PM
I think they go back and give it to you as back pay. which when you have no access to or need is not much difference.
KYmom
05-14-2010, 05:31 PM
You don't want to go to Japen?
I would rather go to Japen then be deployed on a ship for 6-8 months if I had a choice.
You join the military to see the world, not stay home and do dishes. Sorry if that sounded mean. But you have plenty of time for that later.
I will tell you like I tell my own kids. 18-21years of age you are still maturing and changing. People grow and change military or not. I don't advise anyone to get married before the age of 21 - preferably 22 or 23 but for some that is asking too much. So I draw the line at 21. Why go from mommy & Daddy's rules to spouse rules. You need to mature as your own person for a year or two, to find out who you are after leaving the parental units.
It's called sow you oats alittle before you settle into one field.
I think they go back and give it to you as back pay. which when you have no access to or need is not much difference.
thats what i said earlier.
KYmom
05-14-2010, 05:40 PM
thats what i said earlier.
Sorry, I geuss I didn't understand... LOL..
The Japen thing got me off track..or distracted LOL...
I think we were all a bit taken back by that comment.... what I wouldnt give to go to Japan! but I guess I'll settle for an IA in afganistan! lol
KYmom
05-14-2010, 08:30 PM
Heck, I am disappointed that my son won't be going there so I can visit.
I even went and got my passport and was ready to make reservations. LOL..
haha! thats where I want to go for my next duty station, or Bahrain mobile.
KYmom
05-14-2010, 08:59 PM
He just spent a week in Bahrain.
VaBchMom
05-14-2010, 10:31 PM
Seth, I truly beg to differ. I have his LES in my hands from his first "paycheck". He was paid as an E3 and that is due to the fact he had been in NJROTC for a couple of years. I checked with my hubby (who had been in the Navy) to verify what is on it. I know this has come up on other boards and I do know of people that were paid, like my son, from their first day as an E3.
Campbell
05-15-2010, 01:12 PM
Wow, I thought that I could say how I felt here without getting attacked. I see that I was wrong. I don't think I will be coming back. I thought I was welcome here, but I feel as though I'm not now.
VaBchMom
05-15-2010, 02:24 PM
Campbell, please don't feel you need to leave. I've enjoyed seeing a another future AG coming on here since it's not a very big rating to begin with, you know? Stick around.....please?
Campbell, exactly where were you you attacked? I have looked back and don't see it.
KYmom
05-15-2010, 05:02 PM
If you mean't my comment, I didn't mean for it to come across like that.
We all are just trying to give you some well meaning advice, that doesn't always come across as it should, and trying to be honest. Unlike your recruiter.
You just need to know what all is coming your way.
Please stay with us, and understand that none of us sugar coat anything around here, but we don't mean to be mean.
we might have been a little harsh, but from what i can see thats what needed to be said.... you seem to be joining for the wrong reasons... if you are going to join, do it for yourself and explore the possibilities of every option you have.... take every opportunity and run with it. if not you will regret it once you get out.... dont live with what if's. especially in the navy where you can see the world for free and get paid for it...
Retired Navy Chief
05-15-2010, 08:24 PM
Seth, I truly beg to differ. I have his LES in my hands from his first "paycheck". He was paid as an E3 and that is due to the fact he had been in NJROTC for a couple of years. I checked with my hubby (who had been in the Navy) to verify what is on it. I know this has come up on other boards and I do know of people that were paid, like my son, from their first day as an E3.
Absolutely correct ... a person with that background comes in with a paycheck of an E-3 ..... but EVERYONE in bootcamp is a Seaman Recruit (E-1) for status.
At least that is how it has been for a long time ... so many new changes ... but I don't think they fiddled with this one !! :bigemo52:
Wow, I thought that I could say how I felt here without getting attacked. I see that I was wrong. I don't think I will be coming back. I thought I was welcome here, but I feel as though I'm not now.
No ... no one attacked you, my friend. We only say the things that the recruiters don't, can't and won't. We understand how you feel and how confusing things can be when there is a lifestyle change like this ... and since a few of us have been there, done that ... we present the information as we see it. How you take what is posted in response is up to you. Just understand that no one meant you ANY disrespect.
But, if you would rather we coddle you and tell you what you want to hear ... even if it's not accurate ... then you probably need to google another site.
Cheers,
PISTOL
VaBchMom
05-15-2010, 09:47 PM
Thanks Chief and you're absolutely right that he was treated as an E-1, just like everyone else was and he was happy he was making a little more money thanks to having been in NJROTC. It definitely came in handy preparing him for life in the Navy . :laugh:
Campbell
05-16-2010, 03:24 PM
I think saying that I wasn't a good sailor for not wanting to go to Japan was what pissed me off. Some people would love to go, I am not one of them and I don't think that that qualifies me for being a bad sailor.
Doing something in order to make yourself undeployable to a particular duty station DOES make you a bad sailor with a lack of team spirit because someone else will have to pick up your slack.
It's kind of like chicks who get knocked up in order to get off of sea duty. That means that another sailor has to pick up their slack. The only difference between them and what you are saying you are doing is that you are going to get a quickie marriage in order to avoid being stationed in Japan. So, that means someone else will have to do it regardless if they like it or not.
Although it does beg this question, you are joining the Navy. You know that there is a chance you could be stationed anywhere where the Navy has assets. There are locations you don't want to go but know you could get assigned there. Why join?
KYmom
05-16-2010, 03:45 PM
You will have no control over where you go, married or not.
They may send you to Bahrain, Japan, San Diego and be SGOT assigned to a ship. Which means unless you are (I think E4 he ain't coming with you) (you will need to check on those qualifications) . You will spend alot of time apart.
VaBchMom
05-16-2010, 04:17 PM
One of the ways that may help you when you get orders is to do very well in A school and you may stand a better chance of getting your choice on where you want to go. KYmom, do you remember that Michael chose to come back to this area as he did pretty well in school. How did Brian end up here?
That is very true and applicable. I was the Honor Student for my DK class. I was originally given orders to a carrier, however, my dream sheet I put down a destroyer.
About a week before graduation, I was asked if I still wanted a destroyer, I said yes and the orders were amended for the Caron. I reported onboard the Caron on 10/27 and we deployed for 6 months on 10/29.
KYmom
05-16-2010, 04:29 PM
One of the ways that may help you when you get orders is to do very well in A school and you may stand a better chance of getting your choice on where you want to go. KYmom, do you remember that Michael chose to come back to this area as he did pretty well in school. How did Brian end up here?
He choose the east coast because of the Europe cruises. LOL...
Had nothing to do with being close to KY, on second thought yeah he wanted close to KY because of the G/F so she could come visit. LOL...
If you are REALLY that worried about going to sea... choose a rate that isent a sea going rate... like mine, I am an MA, we are dont have alot of people on ships. our sea duty is over seas in combat zones though (or somewhere nice lol) and if you are married you can bring you spouse with you (at any rank) if its an accompanied tour.
VaBchMom
05-16-2010, 10:57 PM
And you know Michael chose Norfolk due to being from the area:smile: and now he's hoping for San Diego...which is what we hope he gets as Dan loved it out there when he was on the Shenandoah and it was built out there. He's always wanted to go back (only not in uniform).
VaBchMom
05-16-2010, 11:06 PM
If you are REALLY that worried about going to sea... choose a rate that isent a sea going rate... like mine, I am an MA, we are dont have alot of people on ships. our sea duty is over seas in combat zones though (or somewhere nice lol) and if you are married you can bring you spouse with you (at any rank) if its an accompanied tour.
On another board we all read about an MA who was stationed in Japan and his wife and son were not allowed to accompany him there. Delores, do you remember the couple on NavyDep and she and their son couldn't go there because he wasn't an E-4 or something like that?
I know I can bring my wife(if i had one) with me anywhere I go as long as its an accompanied tour. and I'm only an e2, this is first hand experience as well.
KYmom
05-17-2010, 07:29 AM
On another board we all read about an MA who was stationed in Japan and his wife and son were not allowed to accompany him there. Delores, do you remember the couple on NavyDep and she and their son couldn't go there because he wasn't an E-4 or something like that?
Yes I remeber that, there was also somebody else recently also.
That is why I told her that she needs to check that out.
Seth:
There may be different guidlines for different bases.
Some of the bases don't have any base houseing or enough of base housing. So they cut from the bottom up, plus there is a safty factor on or near some bases.
One of the couples that I know had to get special written permission from several of his division chiefs inorder to bring his new wife over to Japen because he was not a E-4 yet, and I know this for a fact on this couple.
Retired Navy Chief
05-17-2010, 08:19 AM
I think saying that I wasn't a good sailor for not wanting to go to Japan was what pissed me off. Some people would love to go, I am not one of them and I don't think that that qualifies me for being a bad sailor.
Not wanting to be stationed somewhere is not what I was talking about ... and made that clear.
Hell ... there are LOTS of places I didn't want to go to during my 20+ years... the Gulf was at the top of the list ... but found myself sweating my goodies off along side my shipmates in Bahrain and the U.A.E. There was no way I was going to be looked at as "That guy" who refused to go.
As said by another poster .. kick butt in your training and you will have more flexibility on where you go. I ALWAYS got what I asked for ...even when it was what I considered "off the wall" (not many sailors pull off orders to Hawaii, Key West AND Germany in one lifetime !!).
Cheers,
PISTOL
Seth:
There may be different guidlines for different bases.
Some of the bases don't have any base houseing or enough of base housing. So they cut from the bottom up, plus there is a safty factor on or near some bases.
One of the couples that I know had to get special written permission from several of his division chiefs inorder to bring his new wife over to Japen because he was not a E-4 yet, and I know this for a fact on this couple.
I said I would be able to if it was an accompanied tour.......
VaBchMom
05-17-2010, 05:44 PM
Even as an E-2?
Yes, as long as you are married.
VaBchMom
05-17-2010, 09:47 PM
Gotcha. I'm wondering how many actually do go that are E-3 and below though.
I'm not sure, you get more money if your spouse doesnt go lol.
Campbell
05-18-2010, 09:32 PM
Egh. Regardless if I'm married or not I DONT' want to go to Japan. Didn't say I would REFUSE to go if I had to. You guys are so judgemental around here it's awful. I bust my ass every day working out and studying and try my hardest. I was the only one out of my group that went to MEPS that got in. I work my ass off and this is something I want. Just because I don't want to go to one certain place doesnt' mean I'm a shitty sailor. I never once said I wouldn't go if I had to. And I love my fiance, that's why I want to get married.
KYmom
05-18-2010, 10:17 PM
Egh. . Didn't say I would REFUSE to go if I had to
. You guys are so judgemental around here it's awful. I bust my ass every day working out and studying and try my hardest. I was the only one out of my group that went to MEPS that got in. I work my ass off and this is something I want. Just because I don't want to go to one certain place doesnt' mean I'm a shitty sailor. I never once said I wouldn't go if I had to. And I love my fiance, that's why I want to get married.
Glad you clarified that. Because you would be surprised at the ones that get in. get there orders, don't like there orders and bail out. Which is not fair to the ones who also worked their ass off and didn't get in. Which is why some of these guys that are in the military are so critical on that issue.
Once you understand where someone is coming from and why it makes it easier to understand their opinions.
Their opinions and how they state them is what you will be dealing with once you are in.
+1 KYmom again speaks for me....
VaBchMom
05-18-2010, 11:23 PM
Have we gotten a little bit off track? Wasn't this about a future new AG that got KYmom and I interested as both of our sons are AG's. One happens to be currently out to sea and the other is at C school right now. I'll admit to going elsewhere somewhat....:laugh:
KYmom
05-19-2010, 07:22 AM
Have we gotten a little bit off track? Wasn't this about a future new AG that got KYmom and I interested as both of our sons are AG's. One happens to be currently out to sea and the other is at C school right now. I'll admit to going elsewhere somewhat....:laugh:
No, that is another thread.
Retired Navy Chief
05-19-2010, 07:54 AM
Egh. Regardless if I'm married or not I DONT' want to go to Japan. Didn't say I would REFUSE to go if I had to. You guys are so judgemental around here it's awful. I bust my ass every day working out and studying and try my hardest. I was the only one out of my group that went to MEPS that got in. I work my ass off and this is something I want. Just because I don't want to go to one certain place doesnt' mean I'm a shitty sailor. I never once said I wouldn't go if I had to. And I love my fiance, that's why I want to get married.
I guess you are right ... a few of us on here are a little judgemental. For me personally, I just don't want you to be the sailor who gets in and is faced with adversity like that ... and then claiming that your recruiter or people that knew better told you that wouldn't have to go.
If I had a nickle for every time I (MM1, DK3 or any of the other vets) heard that, I wouldn't bother spending my retirement check !!
Judging from the surface and what you have posted so far ... you appear to be a very driven young future sailor ... and I know that after you are exposed to the real Navy for a while, things will fall into place for you ... and I believe you will be a fantastic sailor who I would be proud to have protect my freedom !!
Don't take our advice for being judgemental ... we have a very soft spot in our hearts for people like you who "volunteer" to serve in the world's best military. We ALL want you to go in to this with both eyes and your mind WIDE open so that you can enjoy what you are signing up to do (like we did).
Now .... what the heck were we supposed to be talking about :confused::undecided::biggrin:
Cheers,
PISTOL
Egh. Regardless if I'm married or not I DONT' want to go to Japan. Didn't say I would REFUSE to go if I had to. You guys are so judgemental around here it's awful. I bust my ass every day working out and studying and try my hardest. I was the only one out of my group that went to MEPS that got in. I work my ass off and this is something I want. Just because I don't want to go to one certain place doesnt' mean I'm a shitty sailor. I never once said I wouldn't go if I had to. And I love my fiance, that's why I want to get married.
like everyone has said already dont take our comments as being judgmental, maybe just misunderstanding of what you said? I can understand you not really wanting to go over to Japan, but does that go for any over seas billets? or just Japan?
What you have to understand when you serve in the military, you tend to be VERY blunt (at least in my rate) you will get chiefs, first classes, Senior Chiefs who are going to basically tell you to shut your mouth and do what you are told (in not so nice of words lol). If you go into this close minded you will be disappointed in the end.
I personally just want you and every other future sailor to enjoy your enlistment and not to limit yourself. I came in, in a similar situation and was told things by my recruiter that were VERY wrong. but now my situation has changed and I'm done limiting myself, and sacrificing myself for anyone. I am making the most out of EVERY opportunity I have. for example:
I have been working where I am now for 2 weeks, I have 4 quals done(not short ones) , and already put my paperwork in to go on an IA with a SEAL team, if I dont make that cut then I will put my paperwork to go in on another IA, I am the PT PO, and have already done 4 cases (police work).
Do this for yourself, and make the most of it, thats all we want, if you dont.... you will regret it. With that being said Good Luck.
Campbell, please take what Chief, Seth and KYmom said to heart. No one here meant to be critical of you. Just think of it as a case of tough love from your Active Duty Sailors, Veterans and Momfia Fan Club.
We DO want YOU to succeed once you get out into the fleet. We just want you to succeed in a positive way that only improves you so that one day perhaps you will be posting as Retired Navy Chief, Senior Chief or Master Chief. It is ALL possible with the proper mindset and motivation.
VaBchMom
05-19-2010, 01:32 PM
No, that is another thread.
What other thread? :undecided:
What other thread? :undecided:
Here you go Mom:
http://www.thenavycafe.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2163
I'm confused as to what that thread "What to do while your loved one is at Boot Camp" had to do with Campbell being a future AG which is what this whole thing was about to begin with......but to end all of this :laugh: lets just say we have sailor that is headed to boot camp, will be the same rate as my son and we'll leave it at that:kiss:
That thread is in my signature line. That get's put on all of my post.
VaBchMom
05-19-2010, 03:21 PM
I deleted that post (or so I thought).....how can I be quoted from a post that I deleted right after I wrote it?? :lipsrsealed:
VaBchMom
05-19-2010, 04:05 PM
That you are!!!! :laugh:
VaBchMom
05-19-2010, 04:21 PM
How did you like Mississippi in the summer? Even though we're hot and humid here in Hampton Roads, Michael said it's worse down there (Biloxi) and he hasn't even hit summer yet....
Campbell
05-21-2010, 11:33 AM
So is A-School kind of like college? Will I be able to like do stuff on weekends and have a laptop and stuff?
If you don't have duty sure you are free within the confines of your phase.
Work hard, play hard. Just don't let anything get in the way of your training.
You can have a laptop.
VaBchMom
05-21-2010, 02:55 PM
You can have your cell phone and a laptop. Seeing as you're going to be in Biloxi you will also find casinos you can go into and apparently there's still several things that were damaged by Hurricane Katrina that are still not repaired. One weekend the Globetrotters were playing in New Orleans and my son and bunch of others were able to take the duty van down there to see the game. Growing up on the beach it was very disappointing to him when he saw what was there, but then, he was spoiled. LOL
Caron was in a shipyard in New Orleans for about a year. It was pretty nice living there for a while. We lived on the West Bank, otherwise, we would have been killed by the gangs on the East Bank.
It is kind of dissappointing that you can't actually get to a beach in New Orleans. We actually had to drive a couple of hours to MS to get to the beach.
When we did our sea trials after repairs and when we left, we obviously transited the Mississippi River to get to the gulf. That trip took about 2 hours.
On our trip down river during Sea Trials, the Captain flooded out a restaurant. He was axious to see what the new engines could do. He went to Flank Speed temporarly which unfortunately was next to a restaurant on the river. The developing rooster tail flooded said restaurant. From what I understood, the damage was in excess of $100k.
VaBchMom
05-21-2010, 04:51 PM
After what's going on in the Gulf with the oil spill, is any beach going to be nice to go to whether down there or if it ends up drifting up the East coast. We'll be some very angry beach bums along the coast if they have to start closing them. Dan was lucky to be on a pre-com in San Diego he said back in the early 80's. He loved it out there and has always wanted to go back to visit (which hopefully we will thanks to son heading there??):laugh:
KYmom
05-21-2010, 06:31 PM
The rooms are alike dorms with a refrigerator and a microwave. You are subject to inspections, and you have every other friday off I think. They also have a community room with a TV and stuff where everyone hangs out.
VaBchMom
05-21-2010, 11:10 PM
I just asked my son (who's currently at C school) and he said they inspect rooms at least once every week in A school. At C school he said he's only had 1 inspection and that was just over a month ago. He said to tell you to just keep your room, the floor and the bathroom clean and you'll do fine.
VaBchMom
05-29-2010, 09:53 AM
Have I just not looked hard enough - is there someplace we can post info/find answers regarding C school?
VaBchMom
06-24-2010, 05:38 PM
Campbell - you're getting close to heading to boot camp aren't you? Good luck and come on back here to let us know what's up once you get down to Keesler, okay?:cool:
Campbell
06-26-2010, 11:56 AM
Hey guys! It's been a long road and a tough one. I passed my IFA with flying colors and I'm getting ready. Tomorrow is my last full day in my home town before I head down to MEPS! I ship off on Monday. Thank you all for everything!
KYmom
06-26-2010, 01:24 PM
Best wishes and I hope you do well. Please come back and let us know how you are doing after boot camp, and remember we all are here for you if you need bare bones truth and honesty opinions.
But all in all we really do want to keep up with you and how your doing. Remeber you will be one of our AG kids before long, and we have to be sure your doing good.
Retired Navy Chief
06-26-2010, 01:35 PM
Good luck Campbell ... let us know how you do !!
Cheers,
PISTOL
Congrats! Stay safe mouth shut and ears open. We will seevyou on the other side as a U.S. Sailor!
II Kurohyou II
08-04-2010, 11:42 AM
For those of you heading into boot camp, who are thereafter going to AG "A" School in Biloxi, MS:
I am AGAA George. I'm currently stationed at Naval Oceanography and Anti-Submarine Warfare Detachment Kadena, Okinawa, Japan. It's a mouthful, but hey, thus is the Navy today. I graduated boot camp on September 11,2009 and left for Biloxi, MS right after. I was a Student Leader at "A" School (also known as a "Red Rope"). It's a great oppurunity, student leader. You have to be selected eligible, then have to go in front of a board. It'll familiarize you with the Navy's boarding process. I went up and got it my first time. Allowed me to leave "A" School with a Letter of Commendation from the Commanding Officer. But, on with the good stuff you need to know:
AG "A" School is roughly 4.5 weeks long.
When you arrive in Biloxi, you probably won't start right away. You have to wait to "class up". Meaning, you have to wait until a class has a certain number of people in it before you actually start. So, you'll be on a thing called "House Crew". Where you pretty much just sit in a room all day with a bunch of your fellow "A" school students and just sit around, play cards, watch the TV, browse the web on your laptop if you have already gotten one; and occaisionally cleaning, swabbing the deck or any other odd jobs that need to be done.
Once you do class up, the first portion of AG "A" School, you will be going through "Element I", where you'll be in class with Air Force, Marines and your fellow shipmates whom you class up with. The first element consists of basic meteorology. You'll learn about different types of clouds, precipitation, life cycles of tropical storms, tornados, interpretting satellite imagery, blah blah blah. Element I consists of 4 blocks. After each block, you have to pass a test, some of which require a good bit of studying. If you don't pass the test, you get held back and get put with a class behind you. But, once you pass all the tests in each of the four blocks, you are through with Element I. This is where you say "Toodles" to your Marine and Air Force counterparts and move into "Navy Unique".
In Navy Unique, you'll learn METOC specific to what the Navy does. So, you'll be in this portion with your friends (Just Navy!). This is where you just won't focus on Meteorology, but you start learning the basics (and I mean BASICS) of oceanography.
At the begining of Navy Unique, you will fill out the ever so popular "Dream Sheet". Don't even think that your going to get what you put down, because the Navy METOC will put you wherever they need you, whether thats somewhere you wanted to go, or somewhere you absolutely did not want to go. But, if you are single, under 21, you have a 99.9% of getting sent to Japan. But don't be discouraged, Japan is a AWSOME place to get stationed. I've never had so much fun in my life. But some of the other places you get get stationed are:
1) Yokosuka, Japan
2) Okinawa, Japan (rare orders, but that's where I'm at :D)
3) San Diego, CA
4) Norfolk, VA (most get sent here)
5) Bahrain
6) Numerous carriers, amphibs, and DDGs
7) Stennis Space Center, MS
8) Whidbey Island, WA
9) Hawaii (Very rare)
AG also gives some the oppurunity to go Naval Special Warfare. You have to be top notch, both physcially and mentally for this. You'll have to try out for it, if you want it. Those that make the preliminaries in "A" school, go to further they're training, usually in California, and get attached to a SEAL team and provide METOC support.
But that's enough of the dry stuff. Life at "A" School is pretty nice. Sure, it's not going to be the greatest, but you're only there for about 5 weeks max. But I enjoyed my time there. I met great people and had a lot of interesting experiences. Yes, every other Friday is an "Air Force Friday", and you have the day off.
When you arrive, your assigned a duty section. There are 6 duty sections. Each duty section consists of both "A" Schoolers and "C" Schooler (fleet returness). So, you'll be on duty once every 6 days. Every now and then, you'll stand quarterdeck watch. It's consists of basically standing on the Quarterdeck for four hours, scanning everyone out and in. You'll be on watch with a "C" Schooler and one marine sentry. Yes, you will be sharing the barracks with the Marines, but they are all very cool. You'll be in class with some of them.
PT is three days a week (Monday, Wednesday and Thursday) run by the Red Ropes and "A" School instructors.
During your free time, you can chill in your room, explore Biloxi, hit up the Vandenberg Club on base (it's filled every friday night), play some football with your friends, or chill in the day room (a room with a bunch of couches and big screen TV). I usually played football with my friends or went to the mall. There is a gym right across from the barracks, and also a track right behind it. So, there is no excuse for not staying in shape. There is also a basketball court right next to the barracks, and a big field for football.
You will be broken down into liberty phases, however. Here are what they consist of:
Phase I (Initials phase, last two weeks): You have to stay in uniform at all times, except in your room. Off base liberty is allowed, but you have to be in your service uniform and be back in the barracks by 2200.
Phase II (after your first two weeks): Civilian clothes are authorized both on and off base (except during duty hours). Off base libery expires at 2400.
Phase III (after two weeks of phase II): Civilian clothes are authorized both on and off base (except during duty hours). Overnight off base liberty is allowed (Except for school nights (obviously))
That about wraps it up. Hope it helps. I enjoyed my experience at "A" School and wish you the best of luck.
Tips:
Study Hard
Stay out of trouble
KYmom
08-04-2010, 03:32 PM
Thanks for the info and welcome.
MacSteve
08-04-2010, 06:02 PM
great post!
Retired Navy Chief
08-04-2010, 09:13 PM
Excellent post ... welcome to the cafe AGAA George !! Hope you hang around to give us your perspective on the Navy, your choice of duty station and hopefully, we'll follow you to pinning on a crow !!
PS ... we like to see pictures from our shipmates. Haven't seen any Oki pictures on here yet ... and mine are probably not fit for posting (hehehe). Please share for the newbies !!
Cheers,
PISTOL
MN_Jeeper
08-11-2010, 11:07 AM
Hey everyone. I'm AG and I'm heading out to basic tomorrow. I'm glad I came across this today, lots of great information! I was quite confused before and somehow I was under the impression that my A school was 8 months long so it's nice to see some information that I can believe.
Welcome Aboard!
Have fun at Basic. When you get there, keep your mouth shut and ears open!
When you are through with Basic, come on back here and share it with us.
VaBchMom
08-11-2010, 02:29 PM
Welcome to another soon-to-be AG. If you go to C school, that lasts around 7 months. School is located in Biloxi, MS where it's nice and hot and humid right now. You'll be there in a bit nicer conditions in the Fall. Glad to welcome another one with this rate! :laugh:
Campbell
09-11-2010, 11:09 AM
So I went to boot camp. And went through female wellness. Where they found a tumor on my ovary. I was on med-board for a while and then they decided to send me home becuase they didn't know if it was begin or malignant. Two weeks after I got home I got it dissolved but I have to wait a whole year to go back. Now I'm stuck with no job, no where to live, and no money. This sucks...
KYmom
09-11-2010, 01:18 PM
Sorry to hear, but glad to hear that it was benign and dissolved.
A year is not that long in the scheme of things. I know right now it seems like forever, but it really isn't.
Can you live with your parents while you look for a job and get a life back? After a scare like that they should be glad to have you there. After all you are still their baby girl.
VaBchMom
09-11-2010, 02:25 PM
I'm so sorry to hear this Campbell. I was really looking forward to hearing from you when you became our next AG. I hope things work out for you and that you're able to try once again.
Sorry to hear about this also Campbell. Like you have been told, a year isn't really THAT long. However, at your age, I'm sure you feel like it is forever. Just try to stay in shape and be ready to give it a go in a year. When is the year up, when you were discharged or the day they found it?
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