New to Navy, ODS, Portsmouth-need any help? - page 5
Hi there, I've been a nurse since 2010 and graduated from University of Portland, Oregon. I worked in mental health and with the red cross for a year before applying for the Navy. 13 mos later I... Read More
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0May 11, '12 by The TikiFOR ODS: Do men have to shave their heads? Do you have a private bathroom for your room or is there a large community shower? When does O1 pay start? (I am guessing the day you graduate from ODS?
Thank you.Last edit by The Tiki on May 11, '12 : Reason: additional info, for clarrifcation -
0May 11, '12 by deftonez188No head shaving at ODS (enlisted is another story). Community showers rock if you have a ton of people who need to get clean quick. If you're bashful, you'll get over it quick
(from what I've read they are semi-private stalls however).
O-1 pay, I'd imagine, starts at the next pay period. Typically the 1st and 15th of each month.
Are you heading out soon? -
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0May 12, '12 by Sw88tpeaMen in OCS have to shave their head, not in ODS (medical, lawyers, chaplains, nukes). There are community shower stalls with curtains. Shower shoes are on the to-bring list for sure. The bathrooms are located in the p-ways like in a dorm situation. In your room there are two war lockers, two desks and chairs, two beds. -
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0May 15, '12 by AG_RNODS Graduates,
I am a little concussed. If we don't buy our uniforms until ODS, then we just wear civilian cloths for our Commissioning and Oath, correct? From that point, are we Ensigns? If that is the case, when do you receive our bars, ODS graduation? I am just wondering because I am interested in having my Uncle who is a retired CDR put my bars on.
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0May 16, '12 by Sw88tpeaSo the answer is... yes. You will not get your uniform until at ODS at which point you will put your bars on that night and wear the uniform the next day. I commissioned in civilian clothes a month before I left and yes you are an ensign from then on. I do not recommend buying uniforms before you go because if you get it wrong... you just spent a lot of money.
ODS graduation is where you can have a more meaningful moment. You could, and I recommend, inviting your uncle to graduation and saluting him there, giving him a coin, etc. (I did this with my stepdad-he didn't have a uniform or anything but we didn't care, I surprised him with and he loved it). Also though-my stepdad purchased butter bars and gave them to me at my commissioning. My mom pinned on my nursing insignia to my civilian shirt for a photo. It was good.
ROTC folks already have their uniforms and usually have a commissioning ceremony with friends and family upon graduating from a university. Some ODS folks had their friends and family there. It's usually done by your recruiter. I did not know the person who swore me in-they have to be active duty or retired (20 yrs). For another ODS friend their recruiter did it, sitting down, in Starbucks. She had no idea what a significant event it was.
I recommend making a big deal of your commissioning. Invite your recruiter to come to you with the paperwork etc. Have it at your home town's 'downtown,' at a monument, or at a party. Take photos. Enjoy and celebrate the first day of your naval career and the love and support of friends and family. -
0May 17, '12 by jrg127Thank you for posting all this great information! I did Direct Accession too and received my orders as of 14 May. I report to ODS on 8 July and report to San Diego 20 August. I'm very excited, and so thankful that you posted this information on ODS because I have no idea what to expect. Most of my friends that are in the Navy are enlisted, so I have no resource there
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0May 17, '12 by Sw88tpeaYour welcome!
You can absolutely have your car with you (I did). You're 'supposed' to get a decal but we never really had this opportunity and it wasn't much of a problem. Having a car was great for liberty-we drove to Boston. Just know that it will be parked-out of your sight-and you won't have much regular access to it. Secure it and leave it.
