NEW FAO/RAS/PAS moving to Monterey?
The FAO Association of Monterey is happy to help you out with any questions you might have about the move out here, class registration, books etc.
Most people end up buying books online but you can also check out CALLDIBS. It's a free app on ITUNES--basically a CraigsList for people associated with the military. Anyway, people are also starting to post their books there. You can usually get away with not having any books the first week of class.
You can comment here with questions, or email me at FAOAMWebmaster@gmail.com. I will probably be slow in responding till after Friday since that is when my finals are done.
The FAO Association of Monterey is happy to help you out with any questions you might have about the move out here, class registration, books etc.
Most people end up buying books online but you can also check out CALLDIBS. It's a free app on ITUNES--basically a CraigsList for people associated with the military. Anyway, people are also starting to post their books there. You can usually get away with not having any books the first week of class.
You can comment here with questions, or email me at FAOAMWebmaster@gmail.com. I will probably be slow in responding till after Friday since that is when my finals are done.
Moving to Monterey in December and here's my list of questions:
ReplyDeleteWith a wife and two kids, where's the best place to live? Base housing good?
If I report into the quarterdeck during the holidays, is the report day (Jan 2) my first day?
How do I find out my class schedule? Are classes everyday?
Dress requirements for Mondays and the other days? The student packet makes it sound stricter than others I've talked to. (polo shirts and beards, etc)
What is the coarse load like? When can one start the thesis and how large is it?
My graduation date is Mar 2013, when do I do my country immersion training? Do I PCS first and then do it?
What tools would be good to have/bring to class? Laptops, tablets, etc?
Where do I go to take care of Air Force stuff? The closest base isn't too close.
I'm sure I have more questions and will post then as I remember them. Thanks for this resource.
I heard parking is crazy at NPS, do people ride bikes or walk?
ReplyDeleteI will answer a couple of your questions as best I can here and then I will put you in touch with some Air Forces RAS/PAS's over email.
ReplyDeleteParking: It can be crazy but it's not unmanageable. If I lived closer (I live in PG) I would walk or ride a bike though). Some people also take the bus.
Housing: I live in PG and I don't think the prices are too bad--we have two dogs which made finding housing harder. But with luck you can find a place out in town and save some of your BAH if that's a priority. Otherwise, base housing can also be a good option (especially if you can live in La Mesa Housing area which is right by school as opposed to up in Ft Ord). As for as schools for kids, both of mine are infants so I can't answer that.
CHECK IN DAY: I think if you check in during the holidays you can stop your leave timer which is a good option if you are going to be in the local area. If you do this, you should only have to muster via the internet every day.
Class Schedule: You will get all that set up your first week of school. You will also get assigned a "mentor" who can answer class schedules. Classes are typcially Monday through Thursday. Most people take 4 courses a quarter, so this equates to 2 classes (4 hours total) a day.
Dress requirements: Business casual. This means slacks (basically anything but jeans) and a button down or polo with a belt. If you were a hawaiian style shirt I don't think you have to tuck it in. They will go over this during your indoc week though. Uniforms are on Tuesdays only (unless they change it for a special event). Tuesday afternoons (3-5pm) are typically reserved for SGLs (guest speakers) which don't occur every week.
If you are here on the 18 month program, you start your thesis during your 4th (of 6) quarter. If you can, start it earlier--when you get access to the library website, you can search and read other past theses to get an idea on the length etc.
I am not sure on the immersion training--I will defer to other Air Force RASPAS' here.
Most people take notes on tables or computers. The library has printers, so you don't really need one of those.
I will defer to the air force stuff to the other RASPAS'.
Hope this helps! Let us know if you have more questions.