Full Time Support

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Permalink Reply by Jennifer on October 12, 2009 at 3:31pm

I am by no means an FTS expert, but I imagine the paperwork to get your mom added as a dependent will be just like Active Duty folks. You will have to prove that you provide a certain amount of support to her, etc and the recruiter really doesn't have the capability over the basics for dependent paperwork. Those you will deal with at bootcamp and A school will be the experts. She won't be able to live with you at A school however and you will be in the barracks, which would be the same for any military members going to A school. So, if she can manage to stay in Houston until you get orders, that is probably the best thing to do.

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Permalink Reply by Jaimonay on October 13, 2009 at 12:08pm

Thank you... Are you allowed to get weekend passes while in A school? I guess I just don't feel too comfortable with her being that far away and me not being able to reach her in an emergency... LOL.

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Permalink Reply by Angie F.- WA: HM mom on October 18, 2009 at 12:49am

Jaimony, Recruiters sometimes tell you only what they want and need to to get you signed up. Some just aren't well informed and give incorrect information. Most are great, but check your info, READ everything on your contract before you sign and go!!! Verbal promises mean nothing (like you'll end up in Houston) it must be written in there for you to get anything for sure. I am hoping one of our Recruiters on site will drop in and answer your question. There's one I will go ask to see if he would. Over a year ago, a DEPper could sign up as a NAT (National Call to Training) Reservist. That was created so that someone who wanted to serve but also come back soon, let's say to finish a degree-or like you, who had family situation where having a more predictable path was beneficial and preferable-could do just that. They'd go to Boot Camp for 8 weeks, go to "A" school, then come home and start serving one weekend a month and 2 weeks Active duty a year. There was also a NAS contract. These Nat'l Call to Service Reservists had 15 months of Active Duty followed by 2 years of Active Reserves and finally inactive Reserves. Pretty sure one or both have been phased out, but you might check into whether they have been replaced or renamed. NAS especially was a lousy deal for many anyways.

Sure seems like you and your mom might benefit from you not having so many unknowns of the FTS contract and the potential of you being deployed, although, when you sign up to serve during a time of war, Active or Reserves, there's always a chance of deployment! The Needs of the Navy determines all once you raise your right hand and take that final oath at MEPS the day before leaving for Boot Camp. Right now, you hold all the cards and are under no legal obligation. You could still decide to change your job or contract, but it would change your ship out date and you may lose any bonuses etc. Do your homework, decide what's best for you, and your Mom. Bless you for being such a good daughter. =) Be sure she knows how to use this site so she can get LOTS of support when you leave. Once you arrive at Boot Camp, you will get a 30 second "I'm here" call and then it will be about 3 weeks before you can call home again! You may only get one more 30 minute call mid way, before your "I'm a Sailor call" right after Battlestations, the week of graduation. You will both be able to write.

IF there is a life threatening emergency, the folks back home can call the Red Cross and bring you home. You may of course be set back in your training. You'll have about two weeks of INDOC training before you class up for your "A" school training, but be aware that there's no guarantee that you'll class up right away. With the famous "Hurry up and wait" of the military, sometimes Sailors end up on hold for days, weeks or months! Bottom line, be sure this is the right thing for you before you sign and go. Don't worry about upsetting your Recruiter by having to file lots of paperwork and changes. this is your life, your career! It's almost impossible to change anything once you leave. Also, do be sure your sweet Mom has plenty of adequate help while you are gone, for however long and whenever that is. Thanks to her for her service! God Bless and best wishes to you. :-)

P.S you should join our "Leaving for Boot Camp in November" sub Group. There's a link in one of the DEPpers Group discussions. Also, please join our Navy Reserve Moms:

http://www.navyformoms.com/group/navyreserves

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Permalink Reply by Salim on October 13, 2009 at 1:04am

My dtr is at bootcamp right now and is going to Pensacola A school mid November. She was told she could claim me as a dependent but I'm not sure at what point. I'll let you know when she calls.

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Permalink Reply by Jaimonay on October 13, 2009 at 12:04pm

Ok... Thank you.

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Permalink Reply by Achseh on October 13, 2009 at 10:09am

The Navy is very careful about whom they determine to be a dependent. If she is a disabled veteran receiving some sort of payment for that, she very well may not be considered a dependent. The only way to know is to get the appropriate paperwork and file.

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Permalink Reply by Jennifer on October 13, 2009 at 8:14pm

I am not sure of the A school requirements currently, but I know they have sections in which you get more priviledges as you go on. You will be able to call home frequently.

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Permalink Reply by Salim on October 13, 2009 at 9:54pm

My dtr told me about this website; is such a great link! After I logged on, I wished I had done so BEFORE she left. You have the right idea because there is so much support here, especially when you're not hearing from your loved one. I watched the videos and I wished she had because I don't think she knew about the firearms part. All she stressed was the firefighting and swimming.

I don't understand all the military lingo and the "Navy Speaks" isn't helping. What is FTS and AS?

I finally figured out that Nuke is Nuclear but where is that written? I harped on the acronym for a while 'cause my dtr almost did that program. But because she's a dual citizen by default,she went through the tedious task of redoing paperwork & then chose aviation electronics.

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Permalink Reply by LynnDear on October 13, 2009 at 11:36pm

well, the next group that you should join is bootcamp moms to learn more about this place. I was in your place over a year ago. Go up to groups, and look down for bootcamp moms, and join.

Also, this may help. CLICK HERE

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Permalink Reply by Salim on October 14, 2009 at 4:59pm

Thanks, LynDear!

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Permalink Reply by LynnDear on October 14, 2009 at 5:13pm

You are welcome. When my son was in A school, he had night classes, watches and all his spare time was spent studying. It is very competitive. I don't recommend your mom going to Florida, because she will never see you. And she would be very lonely in a new place. Good luck to you.

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Permalink Reply by Bobbi on October 14, 2009 at 6:47pm

You are so brave and a great daughter to set this up for your mom. She will get a lot of support on here. You seem like a smart girl, so I'm sure you'll do fine. It probably isn't a good idea for her to go with you to bootcamp. Do you have siblings or family who can help care for her while you're away? I understand your situation because when my brother joined the Navy 10 years ago, I was left to hold the fort down at home. I will pray for you and your family.

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