I know one thing I was always trying to find out about while I was still in boot camp was what life is like here at the Navy Detachment, DINFOS.
The answer is rather nice – it’s really good here.
We’re in a brand new barracks, just been refurbished and remodeled completely, the AC and heat even work!
The first two weeks here are spent in Phase 1. In phase 1, you can have your cell phone, but no other electronic devices, and you aren’t allowed civilian clothes. You still need to make your bed boot-camp style and use issue linens. This is a huge improvement over boot camp, obviously! Still, wearing your uniform off base isn’t great, and you have to muster at 2145 for accountability, lights out by 2200.
After you’ve passed two room inspections, done your General Military Training, and been Watch Qualified, you can phase up (2 weeks in Phase 1 minimum). In Phase 2, you are allowed any electronics, civilian clothes, a personal vehicle if you have one or buy one, and basically your life actually starts. No more evening curfew, lights out at 2300 on school nights, and midnight on weekends. It used to be you moved into a nicer room at this phase, but not anymore.
After a few weeks of Phase 2, and if you’re keeping your grades up, you can move up to Phase 3. (That’s where I am now!) At this phase the big changes are getting overnight liberty, as long as you put a chit in for it. Curfew is 2300 on weeknights, and 0300 on weekends. Awesome! This is the phase you’ll be in for most of your 6 months at A-school, just keep your grades up and don’t get in trouble!
You can see a picture looking out from my bunk, showing the new wall lockers... Each room has its own head & shower & sink. There are currently 3 people per room. You can see my locker open there, with one of the big hobbies of MC A-school – nerf guns. Everyone has them. Even the instructors at the school have them. It’s a good safe way to blow off some energy.
Each room does have a TV, but the issue TV’s aren’t as nice as the one we’ve got, thanks to our roommate. Ooh-rah hi-def! Currently, there isn’t any cable to the barracks because Comcast is being stupid.
The rooms also have a refrigerator and microwave, unfortunately, no hot-plates or rice cookers are allowed. It’s ok to have a teakettle or coffee maker, though. (Ramen! Nom....)
The chow hall, or Dining Facility (DFAC) serves great, fresh food. Just get used to having the exact same options every meal every day.
Our new barracks have plenty of washers and dryers, too. (pictures coming soon!) In the day room, we have two great pool tables, a ton of couches and a huge TV, and even a ping-pong table.
It’s a nice place to live, I almost wish I was here a little longer than just 6 months, because once we’re stationed on a ship we live ON the ship.
