Im Scared!!!!

[sonj]

My son I has decided to join the navy and Im trying to get prepared. He haas yet to meet with the recruiter but I want to be prepared so I know what he\she is talking about. I want him prepared and I mostly because I want to be a good support gor him. Is there any place that can put this in a package so I dont have to search so many places to get so many different answers? I am a single divorced mom and have read many forums and am looking forward to having all your support as my son goes forth with his endeavor..
As a mom He is my only and I am also looking for help and support during this time... Any help would be great.....

[Heidi]

My son has been in the Navy for 3 years now. I was as scared as you are now. I have come to accept and appreciate my sons choice to join the Navy. I am proud of all he has accomplished and of the man the Navy has helped him become. Boot camp is the hardest time you will have with limited phone calls. You will get used to it, really you will. When you and all the other parents watch your child graduate you will be amazed at the way they have changed and grown. I still get weepy when i think of that day.
We have all been through it and we will all help you any way we can

[DA BUSCH!]

Sonj,
This is normal. Joining the Navy is unlike any other job in civilian life. It is a life changing experience. If you go down to a fast food restaurant or other service industry jobs and you don't like it. You can quit. The Navy isn't like that. We are looking for a committment of service, usually 3-4 years initially. In exchange, the Navy is training him for an important position in the Navy. The Navy will groom him, promote him, offer many opportunities for self improvement. You will see your little boy grow and mature to man with broad shoulders, ability to work with a team, to seize the day and solve problems. He will be away. But in the separation you will grow closer together than when he lived at home. Hewill rely on you to help with decisions, the choices, the opportunities. You will be proud. Being scared. It's normal. Its okay. We are always scared of things we know little about that may affect our lives. As you learn, you grow. Lean on these moms for emotional comfort and strength. Don't be afraid to ask questions of the recruiter. Go to Navy.com and search the site. If your son doesn't have a recruiter, you can log in your zip code and find the office closest to you. The Navy isn't for everyone, but for those who take the challenge the rewards, both in personal satisfaction and monetary benefits are great.

It great you and your son are going through this together. My son and I have a stronger bond as camrades in arms. You and your son, are embarking on a journey of discovery. If its right for him, you are in for an adventure of a lifetime. Let's put this way. If the Navy is his cup of tea, you will have plenty to put in the annual family newslewtter.

Best of luck.

DA BUSCH!

[MJ__JM's Mom]

Nothing to be "scared" about, hon. I, too, have only ONE child...and she's going to Boot Camp next week. It's the BEST decision she's ever made, in my opinion. If you want answers, this site gives a LOT of them, but DO also visit other Navy sites on the web. There's a whole mess of info. out there for you. Nowadays, the Navy puts would-be recruits into the Delayed Entry Program (I guess because the waiting list for Navy is so long right now) which basically entails the recruit taking a physical exam, going to the recruiter's office every week and being partially trained for the Navy (PT, which is physical training...Not difficult), reading a hand book about the Navy, etc. My daughter absolutely LOVES it. She's already earned becoming an E2 (E1 is at the bottom) just because she listened and learned while in the DEP. Boot Camp isn't easy, but I'm absolutely positive that it will make her a stronger, more reliable, respectful and more mature woman (at 19), and she'll be learning a trade that will push her career into overdrive. I'm not looking forward to her being away without my being there to help her, but I know it will be great for her in the long run. Many of my family members were in the Navy...their careers now are very strong thanks to this branch of the Military. Also, the recruit is not "officially" IN the Navy until they take their Oath right before Boot Camp. Let your son go speak to a recruiter...it cannot hurt.

[MJ__JM's Mom]

Oh, and I forgot that not all recruiters in the rest of the country work the same as far as DEP is concerned...I live in Upstate NY, and I hear that my daughter's DEP is being considered for the rest of the country...with physical training and what not. It really is a wonderful program for those planning on signing on for the Navy. In any case, you've got a LOT of great advice here...good luck to your son and you as well.

[Linda]

What better way for your child to exercise their independence in a proven, positive, and truly controlled and safe situation. Stay positive and encouraging. Ask any detail you are not clear on. A good recruiter should want you and your child to be informed. My husband has been Active Duty for 23 years and we more than know what to expect but when one of our 3 boys was talking to a recruiter and felt he was not getting a straight scoop on what was possible after several months he decided to back off for a couple of weeks and seek out a 'Second Opinion'. He found another recruiting office in the next town over who was more than willing to focus on what he wanted to know. Our son was in the Delayed Entry Program within two weeks with his desired rating choice and a ship date several months away to start planning on. In this economy the security and peace of mind offered by the military is a comfort for parents to have as their kids join the 'real' world.

[Diane Awbrey]

My son graduated from boot camp in May and is now school - it has changed him so much - he matured and became the young man I always knew he would be - you will both be fine and you will see such a wonderful change in your son. I am so thankful for what my son has become and for what the future holds for him. We are so blessed. May God bless both you and your son. Diane

[Eira Posada-Stapf]

Hello Scared Mom?.. My name is Eira and I Know how you fell...But you don't have to be afraid. When my first son Dave went to the Navy, don't was to long after, that he went to the war in Iraq, and I cry so much for him and everybody in the ship every time I heard the new on TV or radio of the war, at my work at home,in the car I cry. But thank to GOD everybody came home safe...But you have to be strong and remember this ..... Psalm 27:1 The LORD is my light and my salvation whom should I fear?...... The Lord is the stronghold of my life of whom should I be afraid?... Psalm 27: 3
Though an Army deploy against me, my heart is not afraid. Though war break out against me still I am confident.
Put God first in everything you do.
Now I have my second son too in the Navy, but thanks GOD he is ''New Christian''..

I agree with the reply of Paula...Some recruiter's can be sweet takers, don't sign anything until everything is understand. They told my son Kenny that he will be E3 went he finish basic training and that never came true.
GOD BE WITH YOU AND YOUR SON ALWAYS..
Eira

[Ann Briggs]

I was scared too! I wanted nothing to do with my son joining the military. (It's a MOM thing). I had to support his decision, and now I am soooooooo GLAD he did. He currenty is in boot camp. It's hard when you cant talk to them everyday, (again a MOM thing), but what conversations I have had with him, makes me SOOO PROUD. This is the very best thing that he could have done. Only 3 weeks into Basic Training, and he already sounded older. "My little MAN" He has about 2 weeks left until graduation, and I cant wait to see him. JUST STAY POSITIVE all the way through, even if you are worried, or hurtin, aching to talk to or see him. This will help him get through the biggest change of his life. Thank him for me, for joining when and if he does. :)

[Judi]

We may not have all the answers,but we sure do have lots of support. We all know the feeling of our kids going away to become men. This is the place for support. Come here often and you will see. Especially at nite.,when most people are home from work. There are no stupid questions here. Ask anything about your sailor and you will get help to get the right answer. Even down to things he says to you,(Navy lingo) I hope everything goes along well for you.

[sonj]

Thank you Judi and all the others before you for all your support and suggestions!
I do have a few questions for anyone who would or can answer. What will be expected of them spefically in their physical test? How much traveling do we as parents will be expected to follow our children(BC,MEPS, etc,) When will we be able to communicate ? How is it done? I think someone told me about letters and how to address. I cannot find that note. When can they get care packages and what can we send? Will all this be outlined for me? Thanks in advance!!! Sonja

[Tammy (Hunter-Ship 11 Div. 327)]

Hi! Sonj and welcome! Kmom412 answered just about the exact way I would. My son is in his 4th week of BC now -- he left 7/27. Prior to that he was in the DEP program since August '08. I too was leary. I now realize what an advantage young men and women have if they sign up for DEP. They work with them, teach them, test them, etc., throughout their time until they reach they're BC leave date. This prepares them so much more than someone who makes a quick decision to join. I encourage your son to study for his ASVAB test. The better his score, the better his opportunities. My son scored very high, so he had a nice range in job (rate) choices. The higher the score, the more the choices/opportunities. There are study books you can purchase in a book store. He also needs to prepare his body. The great thing about DEP is the recruiters help groom them and insure they're ready for BC. I too was worried, but after meeting with the recruiter, I was at ease. I had my dad join us. He happens to be a Navy veteran. I recommend you have anyone you trust join you. It's nice to have another set of ears there to take notes so you can discuss the meeting afterwards. Don't feel pressured to make any rash decisions. Help your son take his time and make sure his decision is exactly what he KNOWS he wants.

[Anti M]

You will get the address, do send lots of letters, but not too thick and try to use plain white envelopes, no stickers. Print pictures on a single sheet to save room. No packages in boot camp, but in school and the fleet, yes!