Nuke-to-be's wife has questions

[cairobat]

Hello,
I've really enjoyed reading this forum.  My husband enlisted a few weeks ago and is scheduled to ship on April 19 '05.  Does anyone know approximately when I can join him in SC?  I know this seems to be a bit early to ask, but when you've accumulated as much stuff as I have, it's never too early to start preparing.  I have never lived more than 30 min. from the very spot I was born, so moving clear across the country from California is more than a little daunting.

Also, regarding my car, I understand that he is not allowed a vehicle for at least four weeks, but there is no problem with me having a car, right?  I don't mind driving him and his friends around.

One last question: Cats?  I have two of them, both indoor.  Are pets (plural!) welcome in base housing?  I have looked into off-base housing and found several places where they are welcome, but I am not sure when or even if we are allowed to live off-base.  Unfortunately, the website for NWS Charleston is down right now, so I can't check to see if these questions are already answered there.  My apologies if they are.  Thanks in advance for any help, advice, and replies.  Anything else a Nuke's spouse should know that I didn't ask?  Feel free to throw it in!

Tracy

[tgant]

My son is at boot camp now.It is 8 weeks. After that, they go immediately to Charleston.  I read somewhere on here that in Charleston, "A"school and beyond, they live in private apartments, so I'm sure both you and the felines may join him then.
I think in boot camp they have very limited, if any, permission to go anywhere.

What is the Charleston website?
tgant

[tgant]

Gee, I  thought I knew what I was talking about, but now I read something about dorms in SC. Sorry. I'll let the experts answer next time!
tgant

[RAD-GHOST]

This one probably wont sit so well, but it's the real deal! 

The armed forces does give some consideration for the marital status of the recruite, but their mission is to get your spouse trained.  Basic, Tech School, Whatever!  Them first, you last.  Until he's finished his training, things will be a crap shoot.  Depending on his career field, he could be bouncing around the country/world on a moments notice!  Until you hear the words, " Duty Station", I suggest you just hunker down at your present location, relax and save your money!  Once he has a duty station, the service allows for moving expenses.  Until then everything you do will be your own expense!  SC may be cheaper then Ca, but it still isn't cheap!

Each base has it's own set of rules for base housing, who can get it, who can't, usually based on availability.  Rank plays a big part also!  Pets, no pets, or maybe even size retriction.  You probably won't get a big response to your questions, because your spouse is in limbo until he gets a duty station.

Sorry for no definitive answers, but there just not available at this time.

RG 

[CharlieRock]

Once he reports into NNPTC (after finishing bootcamp), he can apply for married housing or put in a chit to move off-base (in other words, to get BAH).  The wait list for married housing varies, but can be as along as several months.  Pets (limit 2) are allowed in base housing.

While he waits to get married housing, he will live in the barracks.  These are 2 person rooms that share a head (bathroom) with another 2 or 1 man room.

[jeepgirl1]

Once he reports into NNPTC (after finishing bootcamp), he can apply for married housing or put in a chit to move off-base (in other words, to get BAH). 

Being that he's married, isn't he eligible for BAH as soon as he reports to RTC?

[Flooznie]

You will be able to move in with him after he reports to NNPTC.  There's housing at the Weapons Station, or you can move out in town if you prefer.  Married guys always did excellent in A School and power school for some reason.  I guess it was because they could come home and relax after class each day.  I know during power school I studied my balls off and I was in that classroom almost 16 hours every day.  So depending on how quick your husband retains knowledge will determine how much time you will be able to spend with him.  My biggest problem:  I couldn't stay awake in power school to save my life.  So I would have to relearn everything each night after looking at 20 pages of material I wrote down but didn't have a clue about.  You will definitely be able to spend time with him on the weekends though.  Use the weekends wisely.  It is very important you blow off steam during the weekends because you will go nuts otherwise. 

. 

ET1 (SS)

[jeepgirl1]

Tracy,
Go over to the forums at www.usmilitary.about.com.  There is a member there who goes by the screen name of HeatherHeatherHeather.  Her husband is a Nuke who's currently in school.  She's really nice and has answered similar questions.  Feel free to drop her a line.

[s_Phoenix]

Base housing in charleston is ok.  Theres no waiting list.  They have so many open that they are lossing off hole streets.  Living on base is nice since its only a short drive to  school for him.   Married personel are allowed to ride in cars right away.  Pets are allowed in most of the houseiing.  I'll ask my chief in the moring he just left    there a few months ago. 

One other thing that can be good about living on base is you huby can bike to work   and save money on gas.  As an E-3 he will not be making a lot of money.  And every penny counts. 

You should be able to ship all of your household goods to charleston as soon as he enlists.  You will not  be able to move there untill he is there.  But you can start the  paper work early.  Have hime talk with his recruiter about that.  He can get you the paper work. 

To thing to know about the base are that first its in the middle of a swamp and there are fire ants every were in housing.  So it you live there bepaired .

[cairobat]

Thanks for all of the replies!  I have been getting so much conflicting info it makes my head spin!  I'm very glad to know that I'll be able to accompany him in SC.

[RCLCPO]

While nuclear power school does not have a website (that I know of), Naval Weapons Station Charleston and the NPTU (prototype) do:

www.nwschs.navy.mil for the Weapons Station

www.nptu.nwschs.navy.mil for the prototype

The Ombudsman for the NPTU may be able to give you the contact information for the Ombudsman of NNPTC (A-school and nuclear power school).  The role of the Ombudsman is to provide an interface between the training command and the family members of the students.

Also, the Nuclear Field website is www.cnrc.navy.mil/nucfield

[taterhead]

Alot of good advice has come out here, and it has been a few years since I was a power schooler. 

Power school was a great time in my marriage, even with the extended studying and stuff.  California to SC, wow are you in for a culture shock!

Be supportive and it will pay off.  Married guys do usually perform a little better in school.  There will be times when he is completely stressed out from cramming all that info in his head.  I remember having to get up one morning after studying late...I woke up (sorta) and was staring at the alarm clock trying to extrapolate how much longer I could sleep using some random equation we had learned in class.

Congrats on your husband's decision.  You should both be proud.

Taylor (MMC)

[Roll Tide]

California to SC, wow are you in for a culture shock!

Watch Doc Hollywood (Michael J. Fox movie) (especially if you live more rural than Goose Creek, such as Moncks Corner or St. Stephen!)

[MrHazmat]

Watch Doc Hollywood (Michael J. Fox movie) (especially if you live more rural than Goose Creek, such as Moncks Corner or St. Stephens!)

Hey BUBA he B taukn bout uson! 

[Roll Tide]

My wife is from there. (And she tells everyone to watch My Cousin Vinnie as a prep to living in AL.)

[Phurst]

Nothing can prepare you for the transition! Start downtown Charleston, maybe a few walkthroughs down the Slave Market and a latte at Bubba's. Slowly work your way out through Summerville, dinner at Kelly's Barbeque (excellent) then work your way into Monks Corner, beer in the ice bucket at the local gas station and fireworks in the back. Turn right at the trailer with the pink flamingos. Third one on the right with the 57 up on blocks is the bootlegger. Probably out of business now that you can buy on Sunday. Join a private clup to get drinks in airplane bottles. WeeeeHa! Sure don't miss it.

[jayratch]

Sorry if this is redundant, but I don't think anyone from here posted teh exact process.

Your husband will get here (NNPTC) 8-9 weeks after he leaves for RTC.  I left home on Feb 10 and arrived here on Apr 13 (and will leave again on May 13 of this year... countdown...) so that's a notch over two months.

Once he gets here, he will be assigned a barracks room within about 15 minutes of his arrival, dump all his stuff there, and talk to a chief about securing his housing.  He might stick around for as much as a week or two before going on leave for the purpose of moving, and you'll pretty much see him again right away.  You'll have about a week to move all your stuff into a 3-bedroom house on base.  The houses are reasonably nice; biggest thing I've noticed about them is most of the houses I've been to are very bare for being bigger than a newlywed couple needs.  A dishwasher and washer and dryer aren't included so you might consider investing in those down the line, also I don't think much at all is provided in the way of furniture but your essentials will be there same as renting a place would be.

As far as BAH and living out on town... it's been done, but it's the exception more than the rule; that is to say, I don't know anyone who's done it, but I know the option exists on paper. 

Charleston can be a fun town to live in if you have the right attitude- anyplace will suck if you don't want to be there, so it's up to you.  If you're both over 21 there are some wonderful places to drink around here, the beaches are OK (on par with NY beaches, but warmer more often) etc.  Make sure to check out Brecks if you like steak, but your husband will doubtless have someone tell him where all the good places are so I'm going to shut up now.

Good luck, and welcome to the family. 

[s_Phoenix]

One other thing that living out on town is that you can buy a house and know that your mostl likely going to be there for 1.5 years.  If you like the area and your husband does good he can apply for staff pick at proto type.  this mean 2 more years there.  Therefor your not wasting money on rents and will have enough time to make money on your house if you sell it when you leave.  just an option.  One of my classmates did this and just left the area.  He made out nicely on his house.

[cairobat]

Thanks to all for the great advice and info.  I hope you wont mind one more question:  Will I still be moved to Charleston if he is assigned the rate of MM?  I understand that A school will only be 3 mo. long, so I'm not sure how that might affect things, since he still has NPS and prototype to go.

[taterhead]

"A" school and Power School are two different schools located in the same complex at Charleston.  That should take about a year to complete depending on how quickly he "classes up" (how quickly they fill up his class).

Prototype can also be attended in Charleston just down the road, bringing your stay there anywhere from 1.5 to 2 yrs.  There is another prototype at Ballston Spa, NY.  But that is far enough away not to worry about yet.

[cairobat]

Thanks taterhead.

I think I may have phrased that poorly.  What I meant was, will I be moved shortly after he gets there if A school is only 3 mos. long considering that he will still be there for quite some time?

I just don't want to quit my job prematurely if they aren't moving me right away.  I know that I will find out his rate while he's in basic, but honestly, that is not enough time for me to quit my job and find and train a replacement.  I have been at my job for 10 years and am the only one who knows how to do it.

[taterhead]

You will be able to move there with him almost as soon as he shows up, and remain there until he is given orders to report somewhere else (either prototye or his first command).  Unless someone has some better advice, I would get there a few days after he does so that he can check in and arrange housing. 

"A" school and Nuclear Power School, while two different schools, are both a part of NNPTC  (Naval Nuclear Power Training Command).  Reporting to A school is essentially the same as reporting to power school. 

I hope this answered your question.

Taylor (MMC)

[HydroDave63]

Thanks taterhead.

I think I may have phrased that poorly.  What I meant was, will I be moved shortly after he gets there if A school is only 3 mos. long considering that he will still be there for quite some time?

I just don't want to quit my job prematurely if they aren't moving me right away.  I know that I will find out his rate while he's in basic, but honestly, that is not enough time for me to quit my job and find and train a replacement.  I have been at my job for 10 years and am the only one who knows how to do it.

Not to be a 'wet blanket', but some things to consider:

1. As previous posters have mentioned, most of the married guys with whom I was in Nuke School relaxed and cherished their spouses and free time. However, I also had a close friend whose drama filled fight-makeup-find out she's having an affair with an MM3 in section 11 situation very nearly cost him his nuke field. Most couples don't plan quarrels and stress, but it happens. Moving causes stress! Even if you are moving to a wonderful place and starting a whole new career, it is stress. Stress causes fights. Stressed out sailors don't study well. Poor grades cause newly denuked sailors to go to sea on a rustbucket, vice a plum job on the USS Ronald Reagan.

2. Even with several months of school in SC, eventually your sailor will go to sea. Because we are still at war, deployments are longer than the good ol' Med cruises of the past. When he gets orders to a ship or sub, likely it will be based somewhere requiring you to move again.

3. It sounds like you have a good job, do they allow leaves of absence, etc. ? It could allow the option of staying employed yet spending quality time with your spouse while he is ashore.

I'm not one to give advice. I would have been much happier to have been blessed with being married to my wife when I was in the fleet, but moving on lean Navy pay has brought more than a few couples to a rocky end.

[ELTsmag]

When your husband looks at Base Housing with the people that run it make sure he requests to look at the Ranch Style Duplexs otherwise they will put you in the apartment style by default (if you have no kids).  The Ranch Style are MUCH nicer than the apartments and much bigger, which will definetly be an issue if you have as much stuff as you say you do.  If you are forced to move into the apartment style housing then expect to leave alot of your junk back home or take it to a thrift store or something, as there isn't a whole lot of room for extra stuff.  Pets are allowed in housing, cats are no problem but there IS a limit but I'm sure you're within it if you only have 2 cats.  Even if you are over the limit Base Housing doesn't go out of their way to make sure you're within spec, just as long as you don't have any complaints filed by neighbors I wouldn't worry about having too many pets.
Don't even bother with living out in the town as the drives are MUCH longer for him, you will also end up losing money on the deal since you have to pay utilities and such.  Base Housing is fairly nice housing and its free and you don't have to pay any utilities, just be ready to mow your lawn weekly or face the wrath of the "yard nazis"
I fully recommend getting an account with Navy Federal Credit Union as their rates for service members are unbeatable and I can't stress to you how much better they are than major national banks (such as Bank One and such).  Every base he could possibly go to as a nuke has a Navy Federal branch there (Does Guam have one too?) and don't let him get suckered into joining that Great Lakes bank they push your way in Boot Camp, Navy Federal is the way to go.
Invest in a washer and drier as soon as possible as it will be a pain in the ass taking baskets of laundry to the laundro-mat then paying up to $2 a load to wash them when you could just do it in the comfort of your own home (probably in your pajamas )   

Also about bonuses ,
Last I checked he will get the first 1/3 of his bonus as soon as he graduates Power School (9-12 months after checking into Charleston) so if his bonus is $12k they will take taxes out to make it around $8k and then distribute 1/3 of that so around $2500, and then the other $6k or so will come after Prototype.  If he doesn't pass prototype the first installment must be repaid.  So don't expect the bonus anytime soon.

Email me at canty.13@osu.edu if you have any questions, I just left Charleston in April '03 for Columbus Ohio (STA-21) and lived in housing there and had a wife and kids, so I can help you out with almost anything you may run into or at least get you in touch with somebody who can help you if I can't.

[jacksonMS]

I have just qualified for The Nuke program and I am engaged and have an 18 month old son.  I have a lot of questions.  If I decide to go Nuke what is the process for getting them to come to South Carolina with me.  Would I have to get married first?  After I finish all the schooling, how long approximately will I be away from them each year? Which is the vest route to go in order to be home as much as possible.  I just don't know if this for me, the whole Nuke program sounds wonderful but I am just a little nervous about joining the NAVY in general and about joining the Nuke program.