new to Navy- anxious mom

[Patrice]

My 23 yr old son Graduated from USC last May with a biomedical engineering degree. He announced to us this summer that he had decided to join the Navy. He signed up for the Nuke program - delayed entry and has been going through the process of applying to OSC. We just found out that he has been invited to the interviews next week in Washington DC. His recruiter is working with him to prepare for the interviews and he has been studying a lot!
I am beside myself with anxiety- first about joining the military at all and the inherent risks involved and now about how he will do in the interviews. Since he has basically enlisted, my understanding is that if he is not accepted into the OCS (NUPOC) he will go in as an enlisted sailor. He is quite determined and basically told me that one way or the other he plans to become a Navy officer.
I have read that the acceptance rate after the interviews is 85-90% but I have no idea how people "blow" their interview. my son is a calm, self assured young man. I just hope I can contain my own anxiety so that MY feelings are not an additional burden for him.
Regardless of next week's outcome it sounds like I will be part of the navy family for a while.

[Lynn]

Congratulations Patrice! Does this mean that your son will go right into OCS school? My 21 year old daughter graduated from college in April with her degree in criminal justice and could not find a job so she enlisted in August. She hopes to apply and be accepted into OCS sometime within the next year. So many people have asked me why she enlisted when she already had her degree. She just wasn't sure how long it would take to get into OCS and chose to enlist to get started. She has a mind of her own and we just support her as best we can. Congrats again!! You must be so very proud.

[Ruthann]

Patrice...Welcome to the N4M's family! I've read all the posts so far, and trust me, this IS a "family". I wish your son the best, he sounds like quite a bright kid and I sure your very proud of him!!....he'll be a great addition to the United States Navy. And congrats on his acceptance.....he sure is on the right track! Again...welcome...and happy holidays!!

[Lani - Proud Navy Mom]

Congratulations to your son. What a wonderful opportunity he will have. To me, it sounds like he'll have no problems with qualifying for OCS. The Navy has been so awesome for my son. He's in his 2nd year. He has matured so beautifully. I couldn't be more pleased. As for you, mom ~ congratulations to you, you raised a fine young man! Merry Christmas, Lani

[Lynn M]

How exciting gor your son. I understand the nerves for mom though. Pride and nerves that is. My son is enlisted and finishing his degree, then he wants to go to OCS. At first I wasn't sure but now I see the Navy is a perfect fit. My son is also a "self assured" and determined young man that can be a little intense at times but the Navy makes those quality shine like the morning sun.
Congratulations to you and your son. OCS will be wonderful experience for both of you.

[Veteran Navy Wife & Mom]

Raise up Old Glory and salute! Another fine, educated man has decided to join the ranks as an officer in the United States NAVY!
It is perfectly normal for a mother to be apprehensive about things you are not familiar with. However, take comfort within our ranks as we will guide you and help you with this transition.

I was the proud wife of a career Navy officer for nearly 40 years. My husband passed away this last year and at the funeral when it was time for the flag to be folded and presented to me......six young Navy officers folded the flag and gave it to me. They told me they had flown in from Norfolk, Gtmo, San Diego, and San Antonio. I told them how grateful I was they were able to attend and they told me how they had served under my husband as JG's and they knew that "The commander would have kicked our behinds if we were not here for you today mam"
How proud do you suppose their mothers would have been?

The pride knowing two of my children are serving this great country brings tears to my eyes. My heart is full of pride every time I hear the Star Spangled Banner or see the flag being raised.
It is our children who are now in charge of our destiny. Our freedom and our future are in their hands.

Do not worry about the interviews, your son could not have gained a biomedical degree if he did not know how to handle himself. Do not display your anxiety openly to him, simply tell him that you are proud of him and you know that he will be successful. His recruiter knows what to do so just be supportive and let his recruiter do "his job" and prepare your son for the interviews.

Sleep well tonight Navy mother for my son is flying the skies to protect us all and my daughter is running gun boats protecting our shores from acts of war. Soon, your son will be doing his job is protecting our great nation!

[Kim]

thanks so much for supporting this anxious mother! this is just what we need to hear!

your simple story of your husband's funeral brought tears to my eyes. your husband helped develop those six young people into leaders and they will never forget his influence and guidance. thank you for the sacrifices your family has made and is continuing to make for our country. you and your children will be in my prayers.

[Kym]

I remember when my son announced he was joining the navy.All the things you are feeling. A week before and the day he left I cried and cried. I too was nervous about the interviews . But most of the kids dont make it because of there actions while in boot camp.But the interviewing is important we are sending these people maybe to war some day and they need to be smart and calm in their actions.Sounds like your son fits that category. I know you posted on Dec 10th have you heard anything ? Kym

[linda liptak]

My 21 yr old daughter Sarah has joined the Navy recently, she also is on delayed entry. She will graduate from Ursuline College in May of 09 with a double major in communications and public relations. She also will be applying to OSC. I am so very proud of her, but also very concerned, as she is my youngest and my only daughter. She has set her goals and I know and hope and pray daily that she will be accepted and succeed in it. I am so proud of her. I know she will be safe, but i too am so very nervous for her. I wish your son well on his exam, I will pray for him. I want to thank all the men and women who are serving our country for all they have done. They make us all proud to be Americans. To all the Moms and Dads who's son's and daughters are serving, thank you also, you have brought up fine young men and women.

[Lynn C]

Hi Patrice,
It sounds like the journey has just started and it is an exciting one. My son was in the NUPOC program and went through the entire interview process that you are describing. He joined the Navy while he was still in college and then he went to OCS as soon as he graduated. The interview was a big deal, I had to buy him a nice new suit and get him a haircut. First, it is important, I think, that he look and act like a Naval Officer. He bearing and demeanor is important. If there are any cracks in his resume, he will need to be prepared to defend/explain that. My son was asked why his verbal SAT score was not higher. That is what I mean by a crack. The Navy is looking for leaders and as long as he is smart and self-assured, I don't think he will have any problems. Please let us know how it all turns out.
Right now, my son is in the Pacific Ocean and is about the drive his boat into Hawaii still learning and still training to master all the parts of his job on the sub. It is a fantastic opportunity and certainly worth all the anxiety.
So, take a deep breath and trust that your son can handle what they throw at him.
Good luck and take care, Lynn

[Cheryl Proud to be Allen's Mom]

Welcome Aboard! You are definitely logged onto the right place to get support.

[Debora Xifos]

My son joined the Navy straight out of high school, he has taken some college courses since being in the Navy these last 3 years, he has now applied to the Seaman to Admiral program, he has made the first 2 steps in obtaining the commendation from his commander to apply and passing the ACT, now he is moving forward, he too is a very calm, self assured young man. They will all take different paths and it will most definately lead them to Greatness no matter what copacity they serve. I have two sons, one Navy, one Marine.........I miss them dearly and worry about them every day all day, but my PRIDE out shines it all..................................God Bless America!

[Kate H]

Congratulations to your son and Congratulations to you for raising such a fine young man! Keep in mind that our kids seem be fine with their decisions, challenges, etc. It's us parents who are the basket cases :) Keep the faith.