So I posted this in the "stupid questions" thread and didn't get any feedback. Perhaps this is the correct place. Any help is appreciated!
Hey all,
Been combing through the forum trying to wrap my head around the moving situation for the first year or so... Please let me know if/where I'm going wrong!
[I am an SNA candidate]
-Being recruited out of NRD Los Angeles.
-Get "X" number of days to travel from CA to RI for OCS. (I am considering driving...)
-Upon graduation from OCS, I get "X" number of days to move to Pensacola. (This is a PCS move I believe.)
-After API, I could end up in Corpus Christi or stay in Pensacola. If I go to Corpus Christi I would again be making a PCS move...
Does that sound about right? Also another quick question, so being that I am originally from California, how should I get my furniture, TV, etc to Pensacola after OCS?? Or should I just sell most of it and pick up new stuff in Pensacola? I don't have a ton of things but I would like to get my couch, TV, etc out to Pensacola if it makes sense...
Also I am single so no dependents (if that makes a difference).
Appreciate the help!
To answer your question:
As a recent graduate I can tell you that driving out is your best option. Pack the things you will need right away in Pensacola after OCS and the rest can be shipped. If you are a validatior i.e. you possess a private pilot license or higher plan on a shorter stay in A-Pool here in PCola. We had several members of my class and other recent ones who made the trek in the winter from the west coast to RI and they were all fine and glad they did so. You accumulate a lot of gear at OCS and it is a royal PITA if you have to find a way to fly it somewhere with you( about 3 sea bags worth). Plus you are paid for the travel and it is the best deal going. The move from Newport to PCola is not a PCS move because API is technically a TDY. Therefore you move your stuff on your own dime if you are single with no dependents.
As for the how many days from Newport to PCola, it depends on if you get OHARP or not. My class did not get OHARP and we only received 4 days travel with a report no later than date of a week post graduation day( the following Friday). If you receive OHARP it can vary for the time they need you in OHARP and where it is located. Being that you are in NRD LA, you'd get the same allotment of travel time or maybe a day shorter to get to PCola. No big deal. OHARP all depends on the pilot training pipeline, and is given at an as needed basis. Most of the time, if APool is full you get OHARP. Which depending on your OCS class date and graduation date, can vary. The point is you'll figure it out when you get Closer to OCS graduation. And you'll have worries way bigger and higher priority at OCS than moving your junk from Cali- trust me. My advice is pack your stuff so that if you need to move immediately, you can. Plan on shipping it or finding another way to get it to PCola- you don't want it sitting out in your car for 3 months.
As for Corpus it can be considered a PCS move, and as far as I know can be done from your Home of Residence. Otherwise, you'll be an officer at the end of OCS and you should be able to figure things out yourself it's not hard and you'll be making plenty of money.
In the mean time, have fun, work out and get in as best physical shape as you can for OCS. Shoot to MAX OUT the PRT standards!!! Study your appendix B study guide and know it by heart before you come!!!!!! These two things along with a humble attitude will ensure you are well prepared for some of the most mental and physical tasking months of your life. I cannot emphasize those two things enough!!Spend time with your friends and family for you may not see them again for a very long time!! Most of all have fun, enjoy life, and know your are beginning the career of your life!
Hope this helps.
V/R
A guy who has been in your shoes.