swearing in ceremony

[Valerie (Adam's Mom)]

I have been wondering about the swearing in ceremony, like, is there one. When I take him up there should I stay for the next day? Is that when it all goes down? I feel completly clueless about everything. I feel like I am handing my son over and that is that. Should I talk to his recruiter?

[Julie (Adam's Mom)]

Hi Valerie,
My son, Adam, took his oath of enlistment in Buffalo on July 17. I was unable to go, but his dad and sis went. They were able to be there to see it. They took pictures and my daughter even took a video of it for me. I guess the people there were very nice and said they were welcome to walk around the room for photos. The oath itself takes about a minute at most. They were able to spend about an hour and a half with Adam before the oath which took place at 10 am. I don't know if you are going to Buffalo or not, but that was our experience. Probably wouldn't hurt to talk to the recruiter, Adam's was very helpful.
Hope this info helps.
Julie

[Lynne Meeks]

We did not go to Meps with Adam. We live 2 hours away from where he had to go. We dropped him off at the recruiter's office and he left in a shuttle bus for Meps. Family members are allowed to go and are able to take pictures. I saw Adam in the pictures of another N4M member. She lives in the same town as Meps and went to the swearing in. So, I guess it is really up to you to decide if you want to go. I wish I had, but it was a long drive and the recruiter said he couldn't tell up an exact time that it would be held.

[Chris A.]

We never got the opportunity to go as our son went to MEPS on his own and then called us and said "Hi Mom! I'm in the Navy!" Of course he's older so it was entirely up to him what he did and MEPS was 5 hours drive away. I didn't realise that family could be there and he probably never told us ahead of time as he figured it would be too far for us to drive for a short ceremony.

[Leann <3's Douglas]

Your sons recruiter should tell you when your son is going to swear in, ( date and time) I went to Douglas' and took my husband, daughter, and grandparents. They let us video tape it and take tons of pictures. Our son's recruiter called and told us to head up. he gave us about 1 1/2 hr notice. I ask every question I could think of and told him If I miss Douglas swear in i will be so upset. He and I still talk, I just talked to him Friday last week and Douglas has been in for a yr now. Ask him every question!!! Thats what he's there for. If I can help in anyway just let me know. The same day as he swears in he will also sign his Contract and we got to be there for that with him and take pictures..I think it's right after they swear in. Good luck Valerie. Im here if you need. I love to talk. When does your son go to GL for bootcamp??

[Dianne C]

Yes you can go and I didn't know this until after the fact. Spend as much time with him now as you can and go. You will not regret it even if it is a long drive.

[Denise]

Hi, Valerie my son shipped out for bc on yesterday I attended his swearing in at MEPS and met him at the airport to see him off talk with his recruiter for the actual time you should be able to attend and spend time with before he leaves for bc. No, your not just handing him over and that's the end his recruiter she keep you abreast of everything before he departs and even assit you with getting his address within a week of his departure. Say strong and hang in there.

[Barbara]

I went to the recruiter several times with my son Stephen. I am very involved with what goes on with him. I would ask alot of questions and don't hesitate to call them. Once they are gone to bootcamp though, they seem to not want to help out any more. This site has helped me so much. Also, go on to the website: http://usmilitary.about.com/cs/joiningup/a/recruiter.htm (this is "what the recruiter never told you"). It has lots of great information.

I definitely would go with him to MEPS. He not only will swear in, he will also sign his contract. If things are not right with it and he signs it, he is out of luck. I made them reprint Stephen's 5 times. First they did not have his bonus, then they did not have his rank, etc. I would go with him. Ask alot of questions and take your camera. \

Good Luck, and let me know if you have any more questions.

[Karyn (Michael's mom)]

We dropped my son off in Phoenix, (we live 20 minutes away), even though we live close, he still had to go to the hotel the night before. The next day, we went to MEPS and waited to watch our son swear in and spend any possible time left with him. We did that, video'd it, took pictures and just hung out. Even went to the airport for a last minute hug and kiss goodbye (no other parents did this, maybe they don't live close or didn't know they could) if at all possible, don't miss it, it is a wonderful thing to watch. :-)

[Kirsten]

Hi Valerie,

if you do have the chance go with him and stay with him at the hotel the night before, he will be sworn in again the next morning. You don't want to miss it. I am so glad we went.
They did the swearing in took about 10 min. some let you make pictures in between but we wheren't able too, we where in the same room but we had to wait til we could take pictures. He will sign the papers then in front of you and you can make pictures of it . :)
Kris

[Roxanna S.]

We live just outside of St. Louis. I took my son downtown to the hotel he was staying at and then I asked the recruiter to call and find out what time my son would be sworn in so I could be there. Make sure you arrived early! The recruiter said between 9:30-10:00 am, I arrived at 8:50 and was told he'd be sworn in at 9:00. Turns out they were running behind and it was more like 9:20. I was able to take video as well as pictures. It was awesome! Turns out one of the wives of the guys didn't know she could come so I had pictures to share with others as well. I have a couple pics on my page.

[Karyn (Michael's mom)]

Valerie, if you go to my page, I have a video of my son's swearing in if you like to see it to get an idea of what it is like...:-)

[Ramona]

Yes ...you are allowed to go and are encouraged to do so....I saw so many young men and women with no one there to see them off to the most unbelievable journeys of their lives....I am so thankful that I went and took pics....and ....they treat the family like royalty at Meps!!...Hope this helps!!
Ramona