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Comment by Arwen on November 5, 2014 at 1:46am

Hi. I'm Arwen. I am former Navy enlisted, as is my husband and older son. I've been on this site for more than 5 years (for my son), but the officer process thing is new to me. My daughter is currently in NJROTC, and is going through the process to apply for an NROTC scholarship, at U Washington, Washington State U, U Idaho, U Colorado Boulder, and U California, San Diego. She's also applying to Annapolis. So, any tips for helping her through this would be appreciated.

Comment by J/J Mom on November 4, 2014 at 11:55pm

Our son spent less than $200 to get all his officer uniform stuff outfitted.  They got to keep everything that had been issued by the Unit & he just bought a new cover and all the bars, etc to change out.  Some of the pieces don't fit like a glove like the expensive custom uniforms, but he rarely wears dress whites or dress blues, so he doesn't care.  And, they do still fit & look nice.  He's waiting to spend his $$ on the stuff he will wear every day, so he is comfortable on a daily basis. -- one of his LtJG sister's suggestions.

Comment by USMC Mom on November 4, 2014 at 5:36pm

I agree on the $4000 comment .. I've also heard that.   Like Suzie said, if you buy every single piece (and brand new), it'll probably cost you that much. yikes.  My son has also got some pants from other marines who no longer need them. That saved us money as well.  No one has mentioned the sword - I believe that's a pretty penny also.  yes?

Comment by Jake's Mom on November 4, 2014 at 8:56am

Can any of you provide insight on the uniform process for a NROTC senior? My son claims that uniforms cost $4000 and it is his responsibility to purchase them before commissioning. Any information would be  appreciated.

Thanks, Jill

Comment by J/J Mom on October 2, 2014 at 4:48pm

thanks lasersailor & MattsMom, the more info the better!!  i appreciate you ALL taking the time to respond!! 

Comment by lasersailor on October 1, 2014 at 11:29pm

Always had a full move for DITY move but from the 11 moves I remember as a Navy brat and active duty, no two moves were the same. Put all your son's items in a single room or area. Some movers are known to take things so you need to watch over the packing and loading. Some movers will take packed boxes, but others won't. Some packers are paid by time on the job and some want to ensure a good packing job to minimize breakage. If there is a lot of stuff, there might be one or two days of packers, then the movers (truck driver and helper or two) will come to load the van. Most likely there won't be that much so the movers will be putting your load with others so it is important all the items are marked/labeled.  Ensure your son calls the Navy household goods coordinator BEFORE the truck is to arrive. If the truck arrives in the area and your son hasn't called, the stuff will go into storage. That's more handling so more to break and get lost. Also, some areas items cannot be stored wrapped in blankets so they will be repacked in paper allowing for theft and damage to happen. It will be more difficult for a claim because they will be a battle of whose at fault - the shipper or the storage company.

Ensure the packers made out a good inventory list and get it to your son to have on hand when the goods arrive. The best moves are when the van driver goes from your house then to your son's place without any delays in between.  Hope this helps.  

Comment by J/J Mom on October 1, 2014 at 4:39pm

Thanks for the advise.  I think he just wants the Navy to do it.  Our daughter moved herself across the country (she & i drove a big Penske truck & pulled her car behind) & she did not come out ahead financially.  And, it was NOT because we weren't frugal along the way!   

He has friends that have told him how easy it is to have the Navy move you & that sounds better to him than renting a truck & getting it weighed at both ends & packing himself, etc. It doesn't cost him anything for navy to move him, except gas to get to his location when he drives his car there, so financially, he's good.  

So, anyone else with tips, i'm still open to them!!

Comment by helenp on October 1, 2014 at 2:10pm

My son just did this on Monday! He also found it more financially economical to move himself and then get reimbursed for his moving expenses. He rented a U Haul trailer and moved himself from St. Louis to Pensacola. He is unloading and carrying his stuff up the stairs to his 3rd floor apt as I type this. The Navy has Moving Consultants for information and advice that he called often. That's all I know because he did it all himself. All I did is help load the trailer.

Comment by J/J Mom on October 1, 2014 at 1:38pm

If there are any moms "lingering" from when you had Midshipmen ... 

Did any of your Ensigns have their belongings packed up & moved from YOUR home after they were commissioned?

Most of our Ensign's belongings are at our home.  He just has a small amount of his stuff at the apartment where he is living while being "stashed" by the Navy before he reports in November.

Do you have any tips or suggestions for me to help this process ... for example, how to ensure they only pack his stuff & not any of ours; where would it be best to "collect" his stuff for the packing process, etc ??  

Is it true that even if i pack some of the stuff (clothes that will be stored) the Navy movers will unpack & re-pack it all??

Anything else i should know??

thanks for your assistance!!

Comment by kgrmom on September 26, 2014 at 8:21am

I have heard it said - and find a lot of truth in it- that ROTC should not be used only for the scholarship money. You will be unsuccessful or miserable. You need to want to serve.

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