AECF FC A school and beyond

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Comment by Mary, Proud Mom on December 3, 2010 at 8:41am

I'm sorry Jim --- I've been involved in the Navy life for 25 + years so I think everyone knows the talk!

Frocking is the advancement ceremony to move them up to the next rank, they get the benefits of that rank but it can take up to six months to get paid for it. The pay is complicated - the top scores get paid the first month and then 3% more each month get paid until they get to the sixth month and then everyone finally gets paid. You WILL hear your son complaining about the process when his time comes!! lol Our son nailed the E5 test and will be in the first group to be paid but as a result he will have to move out of the barracks and into his own place within 10 days of getting paid. Things are so pricey in Hawaii that he maybe paying more for a one bedroom apartment then my house note is. However the BAH (Basic allowance for Housing) in Hawaii is $1700 per month so it's just a matter of him finding one.

Comment by NavyDads Admin (Paul) on December 3, 2010 at 8:40am

Ceremony of official promotion to a higher rank. Here is your history lesson for the day!

The below information is from the Naval Historical Center:

An early use of "frock" (15th century) referred to the long habit characteristically worn by monks. Through the centuries, frock came to describe various loose garments of some length. The "frock coat," which was a long-skirted garment coming almost to the knees, became a popular fashion for men in the early 19th century and was quickly adopted for military uniforms. It is feasible that the frock coat was so called because the length was reminiscent of earlier clothing articles.

There is an alternative explanation for the term "frock coat." An ornamental closure, called a "frog," which consisted of a spindle-shaped button passing through a loop of material or braid, was typical on military uniforms at least as early as the mid-18th century. The expression could have evolved from frog coat to frock coat.

Our assumption is that the current usage of "frocking" is in some way related to the officer's frock coats. The verb form "to frock," relating originally to the monk's cloak, meant "to invest with priestly office or privilege." Perhaps this idea of establishing position by the donning of a particular garment is resurrected here. Another explanation for the link between the term and the practice is that the early undress uniform for a midshipman was a short coat whereas that for a lieutenant was a frock coat. When a midshipman was appointed to act in the capacity of a lieutenant, he wore the uniform of the latter. In this instance, it could be said he was "frocked."

Regarding the practice of frocking itself, there are various instances in Navy Regulations at least as early as 1802 of personnel assuming the uniform of the next higher rank, not necessarily with higher pay, when appointed by proper authority to assume the duties and responsibilities of that rank prior to actual promotion. These appointments were sometimes temporary as when it was necessary rapidly to swell the ranks during war time, especially in the Civil War. Other instances concerned a commander's need to fill an unforseen vacancy for which there was no one of equal rank. In this case, a junior who was qualified for promotion would assume the uniform and duties pending approval by the Navy Department.

The practice that we currently refer to as frocking has been in common usage in one form or another throughout the Navy's history. There does not seem to be a definite point however at which the practice was first established. The original use of the term "frocking" to describe the current policy is also unclear, but probably is of recent vintage as it does not appear in earlier documents (18th-19th century). The 1974 version is the earliest Bureau of Naval Personnel Manual to contain the policy itself and refer to it as "frocking."

Comment by Jim Butler on December 3, 2010 at 8:32am

Okay...for us Navy nooobies, frocking is? ;)

Comment by Mary, Proud Mom on December 3, 2010 at 8:26am

Jim, reup bonus for FCs will depend on which NEC code he is. I know a couple of Aegis FCs they have re-upped in the last 60-90 days and they received about $25 grand.

Longer schools are always good but MK86 is not a bad assignment at all. He will love the enviroment of C school.

BR549 -- ohhh I remember our son coming home on Stand Down from GL, it was such an awesome day at the airport. The USO has a stand there to greet all the incoming military and the crowds of people were all cheering for them. It was a very emotional day. Although I was a tad embarrassed a few times when families would ask where our son was coming in from and I would say...school in GL and ask and where is your son/daughter coming from and they would say...Iraq or A'stan. Ohhhh but we miss them all just the same.

Hoping to see photos today, our son's ship is holding the frocking ceremony today. We will have an FC2 in the house soon!

Comment by Jim Butler on December 3, 2010 at 8:11am

Not a lot going on now until Chris heads for Dam Neck, and the next adventure begins :) I'm waiting to see how he feels about the MK86 assignment. I know he's looking forward to 5mos of school, but he was hoping for something longer. It is what it is ;)
Anyone have any idea of what, if anything, the re-up bonus is for FCs?

Comment by BR549 on December 3, 2010 at 7:34am

lol it has been quiet Mary I was thinking the same thing. I'm counting down the days until my son comes home from Great Lakes still hoping for orders before Christmas but that's probably not going to happen. 14 days and counting.... can't wait, he said they have to wear their dress uniforms home so I can't wait to pick him up from the airport I'm taking off work. Happy Day to all!

Comment by Jim Butler on December 3, 2010 at 7:34am

Just counting down the days ;)

Comment by Mary, Proud Mom on December 3, 2010 at 7:16am

Been quiet here, is everyone out chopping down their Christmas trees in anticipation of their sailor's arrival for the holidays?

Hope all is well!

Comment by TheresaH on November 30, 2010 at 9:19am

Oh, yes - a five month hold! He will put in to be a yeoman. Another winter in GL - lol!

Comment by Jim Butler on November 30, 2010 at 9:15am

Congrats to you and your sailor! That will be a great duty station.

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