Parents meeting the Recruiter for the 1st time....

[About2bNavyMom(Jody'smom)]

My son has met with them 2 times and meets again tommorrow but we (his dad and I) are supposed to meet with them next week...what do questions do we need to ask?

[Achseh]

Just listen very carefully to any "promises" the recruiter might make and then go with your son when he signs his contract with the classifier to make sure those "promises" get into the contract. Write down what they tell you so you don't forget because if it's not in the contract, it doesn't exist.

[Michele D]

Yes, I agree, make sure you read over the contract very carefully and keep the contract in a safe place. Make sure the contract says everything it's supposed to about the exact school/education he is requesting, etc. That is important.

[Paula]

Be a Mom & Dad ask whatever comes to your mind. No question is a stupid question, this is regarding your child.

[Denise 2]

If you think of questions before you meet with the recruiter write them down a head of time so you don't forget. I agree with Achseh if something is promised make sure it is in writing before signing on the dotted line. If it doesn't appear in print it will be as if it wasn't said. Good luck with your meeting. This is your son and find out whatever you can. Also talk to your son before you go so you are all on the same page. Look at what he is wanting to do once he joins the Navy. From Job to duty stations for school and such. Look at this just like you are doing a college visit with your son.

[Alaina {Bob's Mom}]

Funny you should post this today. I just met with my son's recruiter for the first time. We've been in DEP since October and I've kept my questions to myself, but I couldn't stay quiet anymore. My advice would be to ask any and all questions in your mind. Our experience was very pleasant, the recruiter gave us all the information we were looking for and then some (and, of coarse, loaded us up with Navy paraphenalia). Best of Luck to you.

[Peggy]

Meet on your turf. That way you and your husband will be more comfortable. I agree, write every question down. Go online and look at the Navy site. You may come up with things you never thought about. So far , my sons recruiter has turned out to be quite honest. Everything he said has been true. Granted he is only in Bootcamp and has 12 days left. Ask about the Navy short budget and everything being put on hold until October when the new physical year starts. A lot of A Schools are backed up from duty budget problems so this could mean your son is away from home longer than anticipated. There are no discounts in airfare traveling back and forth. Also if he doesn't know tell him to find out thats his job. Most important make sure it is in writing on the contract as stated before. If its not in writing is null

[Navy Dad Mark]

Although we weren't included in meeting with the local recruiter, our son made a great decision to enlist into the Navy and it has been a very positive move and he's on a great career path as an Optician Technician.

Count your blessings, however, that you have an opportunity to be included to meet with the recruiter, since it seems that most parents don't.

[Susanne]

Thank goodness you found this site, I only found out about it 10 days ago. It helped me survive the last week of Boot Camp. Wished I had known about it from the start. Our son was not quite out of high school when we sign the papers for him to join as he was only 17. He has had a military interest for sometime. He met with the recruiter several times before we became involved. When he was sure, the recruiter came to our home, and our convenience to meet with all of us. Our son wanted to be a Medic and travel with the Marines. His test scores were quite high and they asked to reconsider and take the test for the Nuclear Program. Needless to say he got in. This changed his rate (job) and instead of leaving in Oct 08 he had to wait until March 09. Yesterday he graduated boot camp and ships out to Charleston, SC on Wed a.m. Any time you change your rate, the contract has to be rewritten, best to know first time around what you want, he needs to make sure it is all included in the contract or it doesn't matter what he was told. We were not there when he signed his contract, recruiter always picked him up from our home and took him to their station. All I can say is those 8 weeks are as rough for the mom as their son. Average is 1 phone call when they arrive and one phone call after they pass their last test (Battle Stations) just days before graduating. Most important is to send letters almost everyday, no matter how short they are, they need to receive mail at the end of each day. They can only mail out on Sunday night, so don't expect much from them, they need you!

[Anita]

My son, has just finished bootcamp and is in florida for "A" school. I would be very concerned about what they tell him. I personally, If I had it to do again, I would not have let my son talk to them alone. Don't forget every person they sign up they get commission, so they'll tell them anything to get them to sign on the dotted line.

I think the biggest thing is that he do well on his ASVAB test, make sure he studies before taking the 1st test. This determines what type of job and training he gets. My son waited 8mos. (late deployment) after high school before confirming to anything. Now, my son says, that everything the recruiter told him was a lie. Yes, they meet with you and don't give you a lot of information. I had to find out most everything on this site. Just make sure you investigate well about what rank he's going in at E-1,E-2 etc. My son is 18 and is doing well and adjusting well. :)

[Mary]

You also want to check the paperwork as far as the bonus is concerned. Some recruiters don't tell you the inside story about the bonuses. I have heard horror stories on here in reference to that very thing. I made myself completely visible with my son's recruiter and informed him that if my son is not given what he was promised, I will take it all the way to Recruiting Command. I was in the service (Army) many years ago and I too was screwed by my recruiter. I informed my son's recruiter that if you are lying to him, I will have him take it whereever it has to go. I filed a complaint with the Inspector General and was found to be telling the truth and my recruiter was severely reprimanded. They do not like complaints. I don't know if it is the same today as it was for me back in 1976 but the loudest wheel usually gets oiled and that is something that never changes. However, you don't want your child to suffer either if it doesn't come out in his/her favor. So you have to be careful. They now have them sign a paper stating that THEY understand everything they are signing and that form basically covers the recruiter. Just make sure you READ everything - no matter how trivial - completely. Have the recruiter explain the job he will be doing and make sure that this is what your son was told.

[Michele D]

Very important thing you should know. When your son goes to boot camp, they will send his civilian clothes home in a box. If I hadn't known - I would have been a basket case.
OTher questions to ask is - what is the deal about government funding not being available for school in the Navy. Some have written on this site that because of so many enlistments because of the economy there are a lot in school and in the navy so they're saying there isn't enough government funding available for school. I know that my son has started his first electronic course and he is on hold till October because of the backup. But is attending school at Great Lakes.
You want to make sure that the recruiter contacts you immediately after your son gets to boot camp with an address where you can write him. Unfortunately there aren't too many chances for letters and phone calls during boot camp, but now that my son is in school we talk to him a lot and send e-mails and IM each other. It's a lot different than boot camp.
Well, anything I could help you with, feel free.l.

[Michele D]

ask about the government funding being put on hold??????is it true??