900 Division???

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Permalink Reply by connie on October 30, 2008 at 1:12pm

Hi Kathy,
My son graduated in July in a 900 division. He was never involved in any band or choir-----he just said when he arrived at BC they just put him there (in 900 div) He ended up being a side boy( one that stands at attention when the senior leaders come in for the ceremony). As Tracy said it drove me nuts as well not knwing what my son got picked for.
I kept asking him in my letters.

There is a group on here for 900 division Sailors. I don't know if you check that out yet. Anyway, you take care and best wishes!

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Permalink Reply by Jason's Proud Mom on October 30, 2008 at 1:42pm

Kulita. . .thanks for the answer. Now, how the heck do I stop him from even THINKING about doing that???!!!!?? :)

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Permalink Reply by Karen on October 30, 2008 at 2:16pm

900 divisions are the performing division, Flags, musical, both vocal and instrument, guns. They do new division about every 3 weeks. They will perform at other graduating cermonies I believer twice before they perform at their own. This is a special event for 900 families. Do prepare to wait a little longer to see your child as they will have to change before they are released. Also when pictures are ordered have them get the DVD that will come to your house sometime after graduation. They work harder in this division because they do the same things as everyone else and learn the show they will perfom for you. Get into the videos on this site or U Tube and you will be able to see some of what they do. (plugging in Navy in U Tube willmake it easier)

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Permalink Reply by Valorie, Proud mom of this MASN on October 30, 2008 at 2:54pm

My son is in 903 and is doing Drill with the rifle. From what I understand it is an honor to be in this division. Be proud! :)

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Permalink Reply by Cynthia (#410) on October 30, 2008 at 4:35pm

Dear Kathy, The 900 divisions are the "performance" divisions - band, choir, rifle drill group, flags & color guard, etc. To be in a 900 division is a great honor. My son had JROTC experience and was color guard commander of his high school unit (among other things) so when they asked who had color guard experience, he naturally volunteered. They go through the same things as the other recruits in boot camp but also have to practice for the PIR performances.
Don't worry about his "buddy". They try to keep them together in bood camp if possible but your son was put in a 900 division; his friend might not have been. Besides, they will both make new friends. My son is in A school in Goose Creek right now and is really good about pal-ing around with the indocs -showing them around town and the base, giving "heads up" on what to expect, etc.
Good luck to Jason and his "buddy"! You will be so proud when you get to see them next. But, in the meantime, we're here for you to lean on. Hang in there, Mom, you're in for a wonderful (if somewhat stressful) ride!!
Love, hugs & prayers from Houston,
Cindy

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Permalink Reply by Debby on October 30, 2008 at 5:36pm

My son was assigned the 900 division when he went to boot camp almost 5 years ago. He was in the Honor Guard. I know mine did not volunteer for it - they just assigned it to him. PIR he and the rest of the honor guard performed and it was quite impressive. Here was my son, who could never quite get his dirty clothes in the laundry hamper, standing there, twirling a rifle and marching in unison. I was very impressed. It was beautiful.

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Permalink Reply by Ailene Martin on October 30, 2008 at 9:45pm

Kathy, My son PIR'd over Labor Day weekend, and was also in a 900 Division. We were also concerned as to why, since I kept hearing/reading that it was for musicians, and he really had no musical experience. It is actually a working, performing division. My son was in back with the officers that had special seating & speeches. He opened the doors when it was time for them to enter. It is true that they have to put away the gear after the ceremony, so they're a little bit longer getting out, but only about 10 minutes, or so.

There is a group on the site that's for Division 900 sailors, and this is something that I copied from a letter written there - hope it helps.

Copied from a note on the Division 900 group, as I thought this might be helpful .......,,,,,,

..."Recruits are chosen for the 900 divisions based on several things such as ASVAB scores, previous ROTC or other leadership experience, musical or band experience etc. There are many non musical jobs, even door holders, cake guarders and "body snatchers" :) (you'll see what they do!), to name a few. I would not go so far as to call them elite, but there is a lot of pride in being in a 900 Div. :-) Nothing they do during BC carries over beyond graduation though. I promise, PIR will be extra memorable for both you and your Sailor!

900's must work harder and more is expected of them! :) They not only have to learn everything every other recruit has to learn, but they also have extra duties as they are the division in charge of helping to run the PIR ceremony. There is a 3 way rotation: Ship Staff/Honor Guard, State Flags and Band/Bluejacket Choir/Drill team, Each new 900 Div is assigned one of these roles; at PIR the graduating 900 Div. performs their duties, supported by 2 Jr. Divs in their 6th and 7th weeks of training respectively. Be aware, their time to write on Sundays especially as PIR gets closer, is sometimes short because of the extra practice time and study required. They must be good self managers and show initiative, drive and leadership. It's truly amazing what they accomplish in just 8 weeks, or less." =)

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Permalink Reply by Michelle on October 30, 2008 at 11:48pm

My son was selected for Div. 947 that PIR'd October 10.He also had no band experience, chior, or JROTC.I also wondered why and he explained that they were expected to handle bootcamp and thier extra duties.He was part of the rifle team, he said most of them had been athletes in high school.They were expected to handle themselves as a team and take directions well.

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Permalink Reply by Angie F.- WA: HM mom on November 14, 2008 at 8:57pm

Wow, that's weird to read through a discussion thread, ready to answer, then see a former post of yours quoted! Thanks Ailene, I'm flattered that you thought that helpful! =)

All I will add then is to say that my son was in the Honor Guard (Michelle, your description fits my son too) and did a Rifle routine with his 20 teammates that was awesome to watch. What made it even more special was watching them with the 3 other DIV Moms I had gotten to know well here on N4M. Two I met in person there for the first time that morning! Very special moments of shared pride and tears for all of us!!

The HG came out early too, before the start of PIR for official pictures. They were just to the right of the 900 DIV bleacher section so we had a great view. They then sat up in the upper bleachers for the latter part of the ceremony. How visable your 900 Sailor is and how much they actively participate in the PIR ceremony does depend on the job they are doing. Oh, FYI: The lighting in the drill hall can be a little funky and my digital camera had a hard time focusing, some of my pics came out dark. My husband's did fine, he had the one with video capability too. Jason's Mom, there are video clips on my page from that 6/27 PIR if you want a sneak peak. :-)

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Permalink Reply by Linda on October 31, 2008 at 7:21am

Kathy,

My son was also in 904. He doesn't have either a singing voice or play a musical instrument. This group is a performance group, as far as graduation is concerned. I don't know what qualifications place them in this group but it is a very important group as they play a major part in the graduation ceremony. Along with a singing group there is a drum corp, a marching band, a rifle group and a group that presents all the flags of the states. It is a very impressive ceremony that you won't want to miss. I hope your son does well. Since he wants to be a diver, does that mean he is going for a Navy Seal? I have seen some programs on that and it looks like a neat program. It is pretty grueling as far as training.

My son is in Groton, CT in submarine training classes. He just got through the basic classes and did very well. It will be towards the end of November when he starts his next classes so he is on cleaning duty and doing security work around the base. He welcomes it so he doesn't have to study for a while. He is planning on coming home over the New Year holiday which will be exciting! He enlisted at the end of June and graduation was the end of August so I haven't seen him since then. It will be great to have him home for a little while.

Take Care,

Linda

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Permalink Reply by Jane Joshu on November 1, 2008 at 6:31pm

My son is a Nuke (Nuclear), his PIR was May 9th. 900 Divisions are for band, choir, drill team and all nukes. It is an honor to be placed in these divisions; however, my son said that they work you harder and expect way more out of them than any other division - but it is totally worth it. My son's division graduated with honors as a top honorable division, meaning they not only met, but excelled in every event. They are rated on a scale up to 4 and his division graduated with an average of 3.95. You should be very pleased and proud that he was chosen to be in this division!!!! My son is now in SC about to graduate his A School on 11/10 and then another 18 months of power school. When you go for PIR you will swell with pride and be amazed at the total change in your young man - who will then be a man.!!

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Permalink Reply by Beth proud mom of Garrett on November 2, 2008 at 11:05am

From reading the past posts, I guess it's already pretty clear that the 900 division isn't just limited to band. My son was n 900 division and served during PIR as a "body snatcher". He was one of the guys passing up and down the rows during the event to "catch" or escort anyone off the floor who got woosy. No one needed help in the section he was with, but about 5 people needed to leave. The most common thing that happens is that they lock their knees and it cuts off the blood flow and makes them pass out.

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