Is your Spouse/Significant Other off to Air Military School at Maxwell AFB? Then you may find this blog to be very helpful. We just got back last week (May 17, 2014) from Maxwell AFB, my Husband Jason graduated from AMS.
3: AMS Week to Week
Day 1 of AMS- The very first day of AMS- I am sure your OC has found blogs and videos regarding AMS- it is all true. 4:30am wake up...yelling, push ups, running... You will get a text this day, with the address and contact info. They are told to send you this info, but that is it. You can now start writing snail mail.
Week 2 of AMS: Similar to week 1, except you will probably get more "quick check in" texts. Again, it's up to your OC. I chose to not expect to hear from my husband, this made things easier. As the weeks progress they seem to become more lax on the cell phone use (the OC's choice, not the directions of the flight commanders). Don't forget to write- these first 3 weeks are the roughest and they all get mail 4 days a week. Monday-Thursdays were days they for "sure" got mail. I tried to write daily... and used Shutterfly to send photos directly to him. You will also get your 1st letter this week- There is a standard letter they have to send to you- contact info, chaplain info, etc.
Week 3 of AMS: the 1st biggest test is this week. They all pass... they can "phase up" to Phase 2. It happens pretty must 1/3 of the way in- they break up the 8 weeks into thirds. Once they Phase up, they get access to their phones when off duty. So here is where you talk to your OC daily in the evening time.
Grad Parade: 10am- sadly I cannot talk about this event- ours was cancelled. Rained/Lightening Stormed out :( Imagine all of us family members RUNNING in the rain to the auditorium to watch the Federal Oath. The newly ranked officers took their Federal Oath and the magic words were announced "YOU ARE DISMISSED". That means it's over...they are released from Maxwell, they get to go home.
First, I will probably refer to the Officer Candidates (OC's) as males, I do apologize- if your WIFE is off to AMS, she is a Rockstar in my book!
1: Background
We are from Fresno, CA and my husband is out of the Fresno 144th. He is a 6th grade teacher in civilian life, I am a High School Guidance Counselor. Advice is my life- I work with 300+ high school students. I love getting advice as much as I love giving it. There was very little on the "Google" when I was doing my research before I left, this is why I started this blog. We have a 3 year old son and I was pregnant with our 2nd (5-7months) during his leave to Maxwell. (Don't ask me how I did it... really, I am still not sure)
NOTE: my husband was the part of the very 1st flight that was 8 weeks long! Everything online talks about a 6 week course. It's wrong... 8 weeks is the new course and we got to be the "guinea pigs" to try new things. I am sure things will be modified, I hope you can add to my blog any changes since May 2014.
2: Before your Airman leaves
Once your OC (Officer Candidate- this is their new title at AMS) gets his orders- start looking at travel arrangements, but do not book just yet. He will book with a travel agent, once he books, you can then book your travel plans. I made sure my husband and I were on the SAME flight (even got seats together on 1 plane) on the way home (use the 24 hour hold feature on your booking- once he booked, I then just paid for our flights). I arrived 6 days BEFORE graduation- He graduated on Wednesday, we flew in on Friday- late night. The OC's have weekends off in Phase 3 (more details later) and I knew this by doing research. So I banked on being able to spend time with my OC Sat & Sunday before the Graduation week, it worked out well. (details to follow). We then spent a couple days in Florida (2 hour drive)-relaxed on the beach. We then flew back home on the Saturday after graduation.
Budget: The website says they need $300-$400 for AMS- WRONG...WAY WRONG. Try $1000-$1200! The Mess Dress is now required and is $500, then alterations AND all the dry cleanings- $600+. The rest of the money needed... I will explain later. Just start budgeting & make financial arrangements to cover this.
Packing.... leave him alone. Seriously! The amount of stuff they require him to take is enormous. Just stand back, leave him alone. Because he will be on orders, there is NO LIMIT on weight and the amount of checked bags he takes. Here is where you can help..... remember that tub of military stuff he has in the attic/closet...go and get it down. There will be things he has NEVER used since Basic Training that he will be required to bring (long blue trench coat- yup, he needs it).
Make sure he packs: A computer & printer w/ink cartridges (do not skip this, I promise your OC will thank me). Everything on the list they send him. A 4x6 photo frame, they can have 1 photo in a basic frame on the desk. Comfortable undergarments, don't ask.
What he doesn't need: Civilian clothing- my OC was not able to wear them until the very last 2 days. So...have him pack 2 T shirts, 1 shorts, 1 pant, etc. Most Toiletries- to save weight/space- there is a BX on base and they will give him a list of things they need for day 1- let him buy stuff there.
His Travel Day. Your OC gets his room assignment, meets his new roommate-unpacks. You will hear from him frequently on this day.
Set up Day: (Sunday)- 8am meeting where he will get a LONG list of "get this done by tonight" and sadly, you won't hear from him much this day. The list is long and seemingly impossible to complete all the tasks. This is the day my OC spent over $100 at the BX on stuff he was told to by "as per list". (remember that $1200 you need to budget...yeah, keep totaling as I go). Enjoy your last phone call on this night- it will be a while before you hear from him again.
3: AMS Week to Week
Day 1 of AMS- The very first day of AMS- I am sure your OC has found blogs and videos regarding AMS- it is all true. 4:30am wake up...yelling, push ups, running... You will get a text this day, with the address and contact info. They are told to send you this info, but that is it. You can now start writing snail mail.
Day 2-5, maybe 6, maybe Day 7: Your OC is on the honor system. He has his phone off in a locked box in his room... sure he has access to it, and sure he can call/text. But honor code + pure exhaustion, you probably will not hear from him until later in the week. Many variables play into this- if the roommate is more lax and on his phone, well then- you will probably get a "hi, I'm alive" text daily. If the entire flight is more serious and following the rules, then you may not hear from your OC until Day 7-Sunday. I did hear from my OC on Thurs/Fri of that week- a quick text... "Hi, things are going good, I can talk on Sunday". On Sunday (their only "day off") they were granted a 10 minutes phone call. Again, on honor code, they are in their dorm rooms making calls--no one is watching/monitoring.
Week 2 of AMS: Similar to week 1, except you will probably get more "quick check in" texts. Again, it's up to your OC. I chose to not expect to hear from my husband, this made things easier. As the weeks progress they seem to become more lax on the cell phone use (the OC's choice, not the directions of the flight commanders). Don't forget to write- these first 3 weeks are the roughest and they all get mail 4 days a week. Monday-Thursdays were days they for "sure" got mail. I tried to write daily... and used Shutterfly to send photos directly to him. You will also get your 1st letter this week- There is a standard letter they have to send to you- contact info, chaplain info, etc.
Week 3 of AMS: the 1st biggest test is this week. They all pass... they can "phase up" to Phase 2. It happens pretty must 1/3 of the way in- they break up the 8 weeks into thirds. Once they Phase up, they get access to their phones when off duty. So here is where you talk to your OC daily in the evening time.
Budget update: at this point my OC has bought his expensive Mess Dress, paid for numerous dry cleanings of the Dress Blues, and needed to buy $75 shoes (mess). And other visits to the BX for needed items.
Week 4-5 of AMS: Phase 2. At some point your OC takes his formal Photos. Add that to the budget.
Week 5-6-at some point this week they Phase up to 3. This just means they can eat on base (golf course + other eateries), have a beer with meals (which they are most excited about), and have more freedom. They all went to a baseball game, and ventured off base on weekends to restaurants in the area.
Week 7: Your OC will leave for 2 days for "Field training"- camping. They play war games, get to shoot at each other with paintball guns and sleep in the woods.
4: GRADUATION TIME:
Ok, so my son and I flew in on Friday before Graduation (Wed). My flight got in late and I would love to tell you about my travel experience into Alabama... in May, where the weather is very unpredictable. I arrived at 10:30pm (flight was late) to rain. The airport is TINY, only 1 baggage carousal. It took 45 minutes to get bags to said carousal. I was smart and got my rental car 1st (Hertz) because the window closes at 11pm! They wait for ALL the late flights to come in, THEN they pull all baggage off those planes at the same time. So 45 min later we got our bags. Southern Hospitality- is amazing. A airport staff member offered to get my rental car for me and pull it around. Ummm...in California, we don't do that nor would I ever take them up on that offer. A police officer heard him offer his services and heard my hesitation, she quickly told me "he does it all the time, this is Southern Hospitality at it's finest". And sure enough, he pulled my car around and parked right in front- and helped me with all my bags. There are NO baggage carts. Did I mention this airport is tiny? Pack light!
Now it's 11:30pm and I am driving in pouring rain to our hotel. I chose the Homewood Suites by Hilton- AMAZING hotel. Full kitchen, comfortable beds, the best service. Coin Laundry on the 2nd floor, I suggest you don't "check" bags and just wash everything from your carry on! I would never have packed so much if I would have known about the washer/dryer.
12am: still raining- I have arrived and time to sleep.
Saturday before Grad: your OC will prob have parade practice then may be dismissed around noon? Maybe later. I had gotten up and headed straight for Target- a 10 min drive to East Chase area. Bought my needed toiletries and snacks/water. There is a Walmart even closer, only 1 freeway entrance away. Again: PACK LIGHT!
Note: there are NO maps of Maxwell AFB, even at front gate there are NO maps! My husband told me "meet me at the track by the AMS complex"- ok, this was way more difficult than I thought. As I pulled into base I asked "do you have a map?"- nope. "where is the OTS (Officer Training School) Complex?" Here was the response I got: "go down to the fork, turn right. then a left. then another left. then a right. it will be on your left". yup.... I knew I was set up for failure at that exact moment. Jason even "dropped a pin" on the iPhone for me... didn't work. Bases are not set up in iMaps for a reason. So, can you imagine my frustration for the next 30 min! Here is my best advice: go tour the base alone the day before. Drive around the entire base (it's really not that big), and get to know the base. By driving around you will find the OTS signs that point to the complex. Have your Airmen meet you at the "field" where Parade will be held. The field with stands is visible from the road. Your OC is able to leave with you, but must return by curfew that night.
Sunday before Grad: they had the day off and we spent the day together. Your OC will be in Blues or ABU's- no civilian clothing (but will want to change when he gets back to the hotel with you).
Monday: your OC has a full day- practice, training, meetings. I did not see Jason until about 5pm. We had dinner together and I took him back to the dorm by curfew.
Tuesday: let the ceremonies begin! Noon-2pm: Open house. You are able to tour his dorm room, classrooms, and other places on the OTS Complex. This is not a formal event, they aren't even monitored. Do not worry about showing up right at Noon- it was a very relaxed event. 2:30pm- Awards ceremony in the auditorium. Once that is over it's HUSTLE time...the formal Dining Out event (the reason your OC had to buy the expensive Mess Dress) starts at 6pm. Your OC can come back to the hotel with you to get ready, then travel with you to the event- which is OFF base. This event ends at 10pm, then you must get your OC back to his dorm- and you are up back at the base tomorrow by 7:15am. A VERY long day, short night, and with kids- it's torture. My advice: let your OC find a ride back to the base with someone else. You take the kids back to the hotel to get some rest. Daycare is provided at Dining Out by qualified base preschool teachers. If you really want to do this day right... Get a room at the Dining Out hotel! This way you can get ready before the event there, and just walk up to your room after to sleep!
Wednesday- Graduation Day. Get up early- get to the base by 7:10am. 140 graduates, Pinning Ceremonies all over the base- get there early for a parking spot and to catch the bus over to the place you need to be. Your OC will be with you. The Pinning Ceremony is just his flight- you get to watch all 16 get "pinned"- meaning he gets is LT rank :) They are officially Officers after this ceremony, no longer OC's. They do a great job catering to families, it's very intimate, you will get to take lots of photos!
Grad Parade: 10am- sadly I cannot talk about this event- ours was cancelled. Rained/Lightening Stormed out :( Imagine all of us family members RUNNING in the rain to the auditorium to watch the Federal Oath. The newly ranked officers took their Federal Oath and the magic words were announced "YOU ARE DISMISSED". That means it's over...they are released from Maxwell, they get to go home.
Please ask your OC to have their bags packed and ready BEFORE this day. Jason spent lots of time with us over the weekend and he was not ready to leave. So... Jason and I got to pack up his dorm together- I felt like we were behind schedule and his Flight Commander wanted this done before.
This is where you get to take the awesome selfie of your family together again, no more nights in the dorm- it's going home time. We decided to doing Florida for 2 days, then flew back to Cali on Saturday.
This is where you get to take the awesome selfie of your family together again, no more nights in the dorm- it's going home time. We decided to doing Florida for 2 days, then flew back to Cali on Saturday.
I hope this was helpful. If you are a spouse and went to AMS Graduation AFTER me, and things have changed. PLEASE post changes on here. I want people to have the correct information when making plans.
As always I explain our my family spends 25K a year on vacations while still have a $630 a month daycare bill.
1) Working REWARDS!
a) Disney Chase Credit card. 2% back. Use if for EVERYTHING except 3 things. We have one of us cruise for free on Disney every other year. AND Disney Vacations are 6 months 0 % interest.
b) Costco Citi card! We make over $1500 a year back from 2 cards and the Executive Membership. That cash (sent as checks you cash at Costco registers) is used to pay for our entire Carnival Cruise this spring break!
c) Alaskan Airlines Credit Card- companion fares, free baggage, miles.
d) EBATES! In 8 days I have made $63 in cash and $30 is pending travel. You start at the EBATES website and simply shop like normal online. The referral link within Ebates makes you money.
ex: Amazon says "hey EBATES send me people to shop" Ebates loads up the % back and posts it. You start on Ebates and click the Amazon link, it sends you to Amazon KNOWING you will earn cash back. You shop on Amazon like normal (be sure to stay in that referral link) and BAM % back in your EBATE account the next day. It is THAT easy!
Cash is sent to your Paypal account (or paper check) every quarter. This alone pays for our spending money for our Thanksgiving Cancun Trip. Here is my snip-it proving what I have earned and (promise, legit)! And the link to sign up.
Below in the photo #1) All money made on Ebates to date (8 days people)! #2) My last PayPal deposit. #3) how I earned cash back on shopping.
LINK to sign up: https://www.ebates.com/r/OOGIEN3?eeid=28187
2) We do not have car payments. Hubby drives a 2003 Accord, me a 2010 Swag Van we paid off in 2 years (hence, didn't travel much those years).
3) Our mortgage is lower. We are both full time educators and could have afforded over 2K a month on a mortgage, instead we opted for a cheaper home for a cheaper mortgage.
4) Shop travel deals online during good sales. Our entire April spring break Carnival cruise is $1400 for all of us. Our Alaskan Cruise we got the alcohol package for FREE when we upgraded to a Balcony (which I had always wanted). In Mexico always Kids Stay FREE deals.
5) YNAB! You Need a Budget is an online cloud budget tool. It is budgeting on steroids! You have to account for EVERY penny! I have been using YNAB for 5 years and I am able to FULLY fund my vacations thru budgeting each month. I set aside 2k a month for travel, this tool allows me to budget monthly and set goals. It tells me what we spend the most money on (ahem, food and shopping) and allows us to have discussions about habits we NEED to change to reach our goals. They have amazing training videos, and a FREE 30 day trial. Try it, no obligation (it is better than MINT which I used for 2 years and EveryDollar). Try it here: https://ynab.com/referral/?ref=G6Kp8nTV4XKAQNSX&utm_source=customer_referral
Travel on Everyone!
As always I explain our my family spends 25K a year on vacations while still have a $630 a month daycare bill.
1) Working REWARDS!
a) Disney Chase Credit card. 2% back. Use if for EVERYTHING except 3 things. We have one of us cruise for free on Disney every other year. AND Disney Vacations are 6 months 0 % interest.
b) Costco Citi card! We make over $1500 a year back from 2 cards and the Executive Membership. That cash (sent as checks you cash at Costco registers) is used to pay for our entire Carnival Cruise this spring break!
c) Alaskan Airlines Credit Card- companion fares, free baggage, miles.
d) EBATES! In 8 days I have made $63 in cash and $30 is pending travel. You start at the EBATES website and simply shop like normal online. The referral link within Ebates makes you money.
ex: Amazon says "hey EBATES send me people to shop" Ebates loads up the % back and posts it. You start on Ebates and click the Amazon link, it sends you to Amazon KNOWING you will earn cash back. You shop on Amazon like normal (be sure to stay in that referral link) and BAM % back in your EBATE account the next day. It is THAT easy!
Cash is sent to your Paypal account (or paper check) every quarter. This alone pays for our spending money for our Thanksgiving Cancun Trip. Here is my snip-it proving what I have earned and (promise, legit)! And the link to sign up.
Below in the photo #1) All money made on Ebates to date (8 days people)! #2) My last PayPal deposit. #3) how I earned cash back on shopping.
LINK to sign up: https://www.ebates.com/r/OOGIEN3?eeid=28187
2) We do not have car payments. Hubby drives a 2003 Accord, me a 2010 Swag Van we paid off in 2 years (hence, didn't travel much those years).
3) Our mortgage is lower. We are both full time educators and could have afforded over 2K a month on a mortgage, instead we opted for a cheaper home for a cheaper mortgage.
4) Shop travel deals online during good sales. Our entire April spring break Carnival cruise is $1400 for all of us. Our Alaskan Cruise we got the alcohol package for FREE when we upgraded to a Balcony (which I had always wanted). In Mexico always Kids Stay FREE deals.
5) YNAB! You Need a Budget is an online cloud budget tool. It is budgeting on steroids! You have to account for EVERY penny! I have been using YNAB for 5 years and I am able to FULLY fund my vacations thru budgeting each month. I set aside 2k a month for travel, this tool allows me to budget monthly and set goals. It tells me what we spend the most money on (ahem, food and shopping) and allows us to have discussions about habits we NEED to change to reach our goals. They have amazing training videos, and a FREE 30 day trial. Try it, no obligation (it is better than MINT which I used for 2 years and EveryDollar). Try it here: https://ynab.com/referral/?ref=G6Kp8nTV4XKAQNSX&utm_source=customer_referral
Travel on Everyone!
Comments
Post a Comment