Son just started sub school in Groton

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Permalink Reply by Jan aka Chris' Mom on June 26, 2008 at 4:16pm

My son has gone to the beach i believe there is on very close to base, as for the phone calls Chris called me the first day (my oldest her hubby is stationed there too) so he had his cell pretty quickly but now we talk mostly on the weekends.

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Permalink Reply by Dianne (Drew's Mom) on June 26, 2008 at 7:02pm

I still haven't heard a thing. I'm starting to wonder if he's there at all! No, he doesn't have his cell phone, but he does have a calling card or two. He is in the Electronics Computer Field, but was hoping to get into weapons. John's been there a little over a week longer than Drew. Drew got there on June 22nd. I wonder if classes have started already for him?

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Permalink Reply by Nan Pearl mom of Matt on July 26, 2008 at 7:47pm

Don't worry about the lack of calls, I'm sure the guys are busy. When they get free time they are busy enjoying their freedom and trying not to miss home too much by thinking about it. Also it is hard to get phone time if you do not have a cell phone.

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Permalink Reply by Janeine Hunter on June 26, 2008 at 8:22pm

John just got qualified for watch today, he is happy to have something else to do. He also will be receiving his yellow card which will allow him to leave base during the week too. I would prefer they had to stay on base and devote time to studying when the time comes.

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Permalink Reply by Jan aka Chris' Mom on June 27, 2008 at 12:36pm

as far as the study goes until they get their blue card (I think that is the one) they have mandatory study group everynight. so unless they are doing very well or have the right color card they have to study at least those nights

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Permalink Reply by Karolee on June 28, 2008 at 12:21am

Hi all

Patrick seemed to think it was pretty easy.
He enjoyed sub school (He is currently finishing C school in Kingsbay, Georgia) With a cell phone, you can have all the contact you want which is a big parental plus after bootcamp. They can also have computers or any other electronics there. We met him in the airport after leaving Great Lakes so he could take his cell phone, Ipod and DS with him to sub school. It was like heaven for him.

The big thing that the guys seem to like is getting their cards that allow liberty, so they can hang out at the mall and the freedom to wear civilians while out and about. The downside on this is a bunch of young men with easy access to the mall and a fair amount of money in their pockets. Most of the girls are used to seeing sailors, so the uniform isn't a big deal (thankfully).

There is so much more freedom in school than there is at bootcamp, for better or worse.

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Permalink Reply by Janeine Hunter on June 28, 2008 at 9:00pm

What is the differance between A and C school? My son doesn't volunteer alot of information. He is having more freedom than I would like to see right now. His buddies are of drinking age which bothers me too. I know kids try to resist but can be drawn in easily. They do have fun going to the mall and today talked about going to the beach, they received their first liberty cards. He hasn't talked about any mandatory study groups but they haven't really started much in classes either.

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Permalink Reply by Linda (SS) on July 3, 2008 at 5:08pm

Hi Janeine!
In A school he'll be learning about being on a sub -- things that every Submariner should know before they step on a boat. (Subs are boats, not ships. Some Subamariners are real sticklers about this.) But he'll learn very little about his rating/job.

In C school hel'll be learning about his rating/job. Is he going to be a mechanic? Then they'll teach him the mechanic skills he'll need. Is he going to be a cook? Then they'll teach him to cook. I'm sure you get the idea.

As for the underaged drinking, yes it is a problem in the Navy. However, the Navy deals with it with a very heavy hand, especially while they're in school. Keep in mind, if your son does get caught with one of his older buddies, the Navy may actually come down harder on the buddy than your son. The older guys are supposed to take responsibility for the younger ones. The Navy wants the older guys to know that they'll burn too. I know as a mom, you'll still worry, but hopefully you'll feel a little better knowing that not only does your son have to make the decision to drink, another Sailor is going to have to be willing to take the risk.

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Permalink Reply by April , PNM of Tyler on June 29, 2008 at 3:27pm

When they receive their "yellow cards" they are allowed to syat off base from Friday evening and report back on Sunday. Our son received his about 2 weeks after arriving at Groton from a suprise room inspection. Glad to see he picks things up now!! :)

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Permalink Reply by Lois on June 29, 2008 at 8:58pm

Does anyone know if they are just arriving and due time off will they let them go off base for 4th of July

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Permalink Reply by Linda (SS) on July 3, 2008 at 5:50pm

Forgive me if I'm wrong, but I "think" what you're asking is, will he be allowed to take leave? No.

Keep in mind there's a difference between leave and liberty. I'm assuming when you say "due time off," you're talking about the leave time he's earned. Leave is something he would take when he wants to go outside the limits his command as set. Every command can be different, but 300 miles is pretty common.

While he's in school, liberty is simply leaving the base, but staying inside that limit. Keep in mind that in the beginning his limit will MUCH less than the 300 miles. They don't keep track of liberty time. It's given, or lost, based on his conduct and grades. Each different colored card he earns will "loosen the noose" a little more.

I hope this helps a little.

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Permalink Reply by Ruth in Connecticut on July 3, 2008 at 3:56pm

My son Bill graduated from sub school in April of 2008. He is a sonar tech. He enjoyed his stay in Groton, as CT is home for him. We live about an hour and a half from the base, so he was able to come home many weekends. The Groton base isnt much to look at, but for a year Bill called it "home", and made lots of friends. If your son is looking for a beautiful beach (for swimming, etc) Rhode Island (15 mins away from Groton) is the place to go. Rhode Island's Misquamicut State beach is close by, clean water, nice surf, and facilities.

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