Do You Get Weekends Off in Navy "A" School?
The United States Navy’s "A" School is a type of technical training program that prepares enlisted personnel for their designated ratings (jobs). These schools typically last several months and cover a wide range of subjects, from mechanical repair to culinary arts. One question that many sailors have when considering attending "A" School is: do I get weekends off?
The Answer
The answer to this question is: it depends. While some Navy "A" Schools offer weekends off, others may require sailors to attend training on weekends. It’s essential to understand the specific training schedule and requirements for the school you’re attending to plan your personal life accordingly.
Weekend Attendance Requirements
The Navy requires sailors to attend training during weekends for certain ratings and schools. These requirements may include:
- Extended duty: Some schools, such as aviation mechanic or aviation electronics technician, require sailors to attend training for 12-14 hours a day, 6-7 days a week.
- Simulated weekend duty: Some schools, such as culinary arts or hospitality, may require sailors to work simulated weekends, where they work weekends but are paid for only weekdays.
- Voluntary attendance: Some schools, such as cybersecurity or information systems technician, may offer optional weekend training, where sailors can choose to attend training on weekends but are not required to do so.
Table: Weekend Attendance Requirements by Rating
| Rating | Weekend Attendance Requirements |
|---|---|
| Aviation Mechanic | Extended duty (12-14 hours/day, 6-7 days/week) |
| Aviation Electronics Technician | Extended duty (12-14 hours/day, 6-7 days/week) |
| Culinary Arts | Simulated weekend duty (work weekends, paid for weekdays) |
| Hospitality | Simulated weekend duty (work weekends, paid for weekdays) |
| Cybersecurity | Voluntary attendance (optional, not required) |
| Information Systems Technician | Voluntary attendance (optional, not required) |
Why Weekends Off Might Not Be an Option
There are several reasons why weekends off might not be an option for sailors in "A" School:
- Training requirements: Certain ratings or schools require specific training or simulations that can only be completed on weekends.
- Limited class size: Some schools may have limited class sizes, and weekend training is necessary to accommodate the number of sailors in the class.
- Mandatory OJT (On-the-Job Training): Some schools require sailors to participate in OJT, which may involve working weekends.
Planning Your Personal Life
If you’re considering attending "A" School, it’s essential to plan your personal life accordingly. Here are some tips:
- Communicate with your command: If you’re already serving on a ship or at a shore-based command, inform your command of your attendance requirements and any changes to your schedule.
- Make arrangements for family: If you have family obligations, make arrangements for their care during the weekends when you’ll be attending training.
- Prioritize self-care: "A" School can be intense and demanding, so make sure to prioritize self-care and take breaks when you need them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while some Navy "A" Schools offer weekends off, others may require sailors to attend training on weekends. It’s essential to understand the specific training schedule and requirements for the school you’re attending to plan your personal life accordingly. With proper planning and communication, you can successfully complete "A" School and go on to excel in your rating.
