Has anyone heard any rumors that they will not be doing the Special Branching Program for this year's accessions. Saw some rumblings about it somewhere else and just thought I'd see if anyone here has heard anything one way or the other.
Yep. We were told that during our assession briefing, the oml bonus given to stem majors replaces special branching.
I am about halfway done with CLC right now, btw.
And you're able to surf the internet...
Apparently they are able to keep their phones now and use them on personal time, when they're not attending concerts or 4th of July Celebrations.
^according to CNN (the Cadet News Network), the decision to give us our phones back came from a cadet who's wife was pregnant and could go into labor at any minute, and he needed to stay in contact with her. Since they couldn't give just one person the privilege, they gave everyone their phone.
Funny... I went to TBS when we had cell phones. We were in the field for 10 days when a guy in my fire team was expecting (obviously his wife was). She had a duty phone number to call, they had a heads up this could happen, instructions were left to contact our platoon via radio or the field cell phone our SPC had if she went into labor. He left at about day 4. Plenty of folks have dealt with this scenario before cell phones existed, even while overseas, where cell phones aren't allowed or no reception, and it all works out. So I sort of find that excuse pretty sad if that is why phones were kept. Hey I get you are just passing what is going on Bulldog and just the messenger. Good luck at training!
Funny... I went to TBS when we had cell phones. We were in the field for 10 days when a guy in my fire team was expecting (obviously his wife was). She had a duty phone number to call, they had a heads up this could happen, instructions were left to contact our platoon via radio or the field cell phone our SPC had if she went into labor. He left at about day 4. Plenty of folks have dealt with this scenario before cell phones existed, even while overseas, where cell phones aren't allowed or no reception, and it all works out. So I sort of find that excuse pretty sad if that is why phones were kept. Hey I get you are just passing what is going on Bulldog and just the messenger. Good luck at training!
The whole phone thing puzzles me, I guess I'm just to old to understand.
On another board there was a thread discussing CLC and CIET. The number one question on the thread was "Do we get to keep our phones, how long do we have them, when can we use them, when do we get them back" Maybe it's just me but I just do not understand this obsession with the phones. Is it to much to ask to spend 28 days training without a phone. What will they do if they attend Ranger School, any of the selection schools, SERE, how will they make it through without texts, instagram, facebook, and twitter.
I agree with NavyHoops, I'm sure they would be able to get word to the cadet whose wife is pregnant rather quickly given current technology. Giving phones back to every cadet just seems a bit over the top. Like I asked before, will they give everyone time off if they let this cadet leave when his wife goes into labor.
^according to CNN (the Cadet News Network), the decision to give us our phones back came from a cadet who's wife was pregnant and could go into labor at any minute, and he needed to stay in contact with her. Since they couldn't give just one person the privilege, they gave everyone their phone.
I went through OSUT training as an enlisted guy many moons ago. I can't imagine having this kind of stuff or freedom during training. Maybe that is why we always had to train the young LT's when they actually gone in a line platoon. I would imagine the Drill Sgt's have a tough time toning it down a bit. They are honestly lucky. We went weeks without calling home and it was the Red Cross who called our parents and told them were there. Emergencies had to go through the Red Cross. Oh well, technology changes many things.
I went through OSUT training as an enlisted guy many moons ago. I can't imagine having this kind of stuff or freedom during training. Maybe that is why we always had to train the young LT's when they actually gone in a line platoon. I would imagine the Drill Sgt's have a tough time toning it down a bit. They are honestly lucky. We went weeks without calling home and it was the Red Cross who called our parents and told them were there. Emergencies had to go through the Red Cross. Oh well, technology changes many things.
Herdsman - My son is currently at BCT at Fort Benning. Cell phones are definitely taken away and communication restricted. He went in June 22nd and I've only received one 2-minute phone call from him. If they are allowed to call, it's generally on Sundays - but it depends on the Drill Sgt. and the privilege is taken away if anyone in their company has messed up.
And yes, we've been told that the only way to reach them in case of a family emergency is through the Red Cross.