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Comment by gracie21 on October 23, 2014 at 9:37am

I would not count on speaking with him everyday.  Their days are really long.  My sons girlfriend broke up with him at the beginning of this journey.  Decided military wasn't for her.  Even though he was devastated at the start, he tells me it is actually for the best.  Trying to communicate with her and meet her expectations for attention and contact were impossible causing him added stress that he didn't need.  We spoke to our son on Sundays and were able to skype most Sundays.  Anything more than that was asking too much.  You need to learn to wean yourself from thinking that he can communicate with your daily because it will not be possible once he is in the fleet. You will learn to appreciate contact when it comes.  Sometimes you have to wait quite awhile.

Comment by NavyMom93 on October 23, 2014 at 8:53am

I would second what gracie21 has said.  You will be able to have contact with him, but my son was very busy over the entire course of DINFOS. They can have their cell phones, but not during school. I did not talk to him much during the week, maybe a message or two on facebook, but we fell into a routine of him calling me every Sunday.  We always talk for hours then!  I agree with gracie, support, don't distract and don't put any added pressure on him.  My son did find DINFOS demanding, as well as adjusting to military life.  He has loved being at Ft. Meade and he will graduate next week, then he's home on leave! 

Comment by gracie21 on October 23, 2014 at 8:26am

My son started A school in mid July last year and graduated in early Jan the following year. He was the distinguished honor grad of the class.  They are also eligible for the Bobby McRill award.  If your Sailors thrive on recognition, the opportunity is there.  Besides their studies, they have to stand watch, and will be given leadership rolls for many things.  There is more going on than just going to school. We traveled there last Sept so that we could spend a weekend with him.  We already had a vacation scheduled in Virginia and decided it was so close that we would drive up for a weekend.  Even though he should have been free Friday after school, he had to stand watch.  We were able to pick him up early Sat am and had to return him Sun around 5.  He had to seek written permission just to do that.  We were happy to see him and I was happy to see his living arrangements.  Also:   It's quite a distance to walk to DINFOS if you don't have transportation.    That takes quite a bit of time each day too.  My Sailor got a vehicle about 6 wks into it and it helped a lot.  Good luck.  My son loved his time at Ft Meade but it was demanding and academically intense.  My motto was support but don't distract and don't add pressure or expectations for my personal needs.  They carried enough of a load as it was.  Hope this helps.

Comment by Dede04 on October 22, 2014 at 11:33pm

Gracie said that so incredibly well. My husband graduated A school mid September. It was difficult to see him. I went there once a month...unless he was swamped. One time I skipped a month because he was stretched so thin that I thought he should rest. It sucked but he graduated with his class and didn't get recycled( failing out of the class you came in with and then having to be permitted in another class). That extends his 6 months there so believe me waiting and understanding and seeing him every month or less is in your best interest too.

Comment by gracie21 on October 22, 2014 at 11:03pm

Wow, it's nice to see activity in this group.  My son is a MC and I longed for others to chat with here in this exchange.  I want to just share something mainly for the benefit of the gal who wants to visit for 1-2 wks to share an anniversary.  "A" school for MC's is very difficult.  They must phase up before any type of weekend liberty is granted and many times they may only leave Ft. Meade with other liberty buddies.  I doubt that you will have much time at all with your boyfriend.  Once in the Navy, you will learn quickly that birthdays, Christmas, any type of special occasion will most likely be missed by your Sailor. A school is so difficult that I would not have wanted my son distracted from his studies.  Many fail this program and must face dismissal or if lucky, be rerated for another job.  There is very little time for personal outings and relaxation.  It is intense.  I just don't think your Sailor is going to have the time to spend with you, nor the ability or liberty to do so.  I would encourage him but not distract.  He will need everything he has to complete this course and continue on as a MC.  It is a great opportunity.  I'm sure you want to see him make it!  Good luck on the journey. Please tell him to pay attention to detail ALWAYS.

Comment by Joje on October 22, 2014 at 5:37pm

Welcome heyma313!  We are planning to attend the Meet and Greet.  MommaJ - there are four of us now!  We are all in together ;) I would love to know what to expect for Christmas if any of the Veteran moms have info!!

Comment by heyma313 on October 22, 2014 at 4:31pm

Hi All, does anyone have any information on Thanksgiving and Christmas at Ft. Meade. My son's PIR is 11/21/14. I was wondering since my SR is graduating the week before Thanksgiving, will the base have dinner or something where he and the other newbies won't feel so alone?

Comment by MommaJ on October 22, 2014 at 2:17pm

Hello Ladies, I just found out, about your group, from a veteran mom on the PIR 11/26/14 group.  My SR started, at RTC, on Oct 1, and will be heading to Maryland for A school.  Laura, and Joje our SR's are all in together! 

Comment by heyma313 on October 8, 2014 at 3:41pm

Good Afternoon Ladies, I just received my form letter from my SR (ship 04 DIV 17/ PIR 11/21/14).  He will be at Ft Meade for A School and will be a Mass Communications Specialists.  Looking forward to sharing our experiences.

Comment by Joje on October 7, 2014 at 12:03pm

Laura - I meant to ask in my comment - when did your son arrive at RTC?

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