Son Thinking of Joining Navy any words of advice

[Jessica~~mother of Mike(Gregory)]

Hello My son is thinking of joining the Navy any words of advice for him or me?

[Shirlee Howard]

Go talk to a recruiter. Make sure they understand that you want complete answers to your questions. Get all the facts. Think long and hard as this is a very important decision. Have your son talk to as many other navy guys as he can find.

Make sure your son understands that this is his decision. HE has to make it.

For you, find other parents (like on this site) to talk to about your fears, emotions, etc. You need an outlet so that when you are interacting with your son, you are supportive and positive. The last thing he needs is to think you won't be ok when he leaves. This is something he should not base his decision on.

I hope this helps.

[PAULA DAVIS]

Excellent advice. Give your blessing and be proud of him as well as yourself. You obviously have raised a young man to love his country, himself and his family. This decision that he is making is HIS decision. It is one that will make him proud of himself and will make you proud of him. I have been a NAVY MOM for almost 8 yrs. My son decided after Boot Camp that the Navy was going to be his life / career. He has been deployed 4 times. He has seen many fabulous places. I have received many gifts from these fabulous places. The hardest thing about deployment is not being able talk to our Sailors while they are on the ship. But the second they arrive at another port, that phone call comes and it's wonderful. I, again, agree with the advice regarding yourself -- talk to other parents -- you, also, need a support system and we are here for you.
Good luck to your son and to you. He will make the right decision and will make you proud.

[Pelican]

I'm also considering the Navy. I would say to keep a notebook with you at all times (or at least in your car or house). I would recommend that if you or he have any questions, write them down and ask the recruiter when you go to see him/her. If you have any questions, hesitations, fears, etc. talk to the recruiter about them. This is a big commitment, not to be taken lightly. He should feel comfortable and confident with whatever decision he makes.
-Caitlin

[Doreen Stokes]

Caitlin - I agree with you, but do you realize that there are some recruiters who will tell you anything to get you to sign! You are correct in stating to write down your questions and keep a journal.

My son joined the National Guard in CO a few years ago. Was promised a huge signup bonus. But somehow the papers "got lost" and he never got that bonus. So be aware of promises. Recruiters have a monthly quota to make.

Good luck and God bless you. Thanks for wanting to serve our wonderful country. My husband and I were in the Navy during Vietnam (I had to get out when I married him - those were the rules back them - darn it). Take care and thanks for keeping this great country safe. Also, thank you parents for raising a son/daughter that is conscience and respectful.

[Donna Moynihan]

My son signed on the dotted line about 2 months ago. I have encouraged him from the first day he asked me what I would think if he talked to a recruiter? He doesn't leave for basic until January 21, 2010, but I have seen him change both emotionally and physically in that short a time. He has matured a great deal in a 2 month period. By all means, support him in his decision, encourage his talking to a recruiter, and be his sounding board. Be proud and tell him so....often. Best of luck to you and your son!

[Jonah the Corpsman]

well, you are goin to cry, he is going to be nervous. he will get to call you when he gets there to tell you he made it and thats it. he is not goin to sleep the first night and they are goin to be rough, not physically, but mentally. its a mind game now. just push thru it, do your best and good luck. just do what your told to the best of your abilities and you will be good to go. when your done with boot camp, you will look back and think it was a joke. its all worth it in the end for both of you. i went to boot camp march 4, 2008, and graduated may 2, 2008. the most you will be doing is cleaning all the time, marching, ironing your uniform at night, watch, preparing for inspections, and folding your clothes aggressively..i dont think i spelled that right, oh well. i still remember all of it, so if you got any specific questions about any of it, i will give you the God honest truth to the best of my memory. please ask me any questions you can think of.

[Anti M]

LOL, Jonah, I remember all of boot camp and I went through 30 years ago. Some things never change!

[beth griffin]

Jonah,
My son is ready to join, he's 24 and has a BS in history, but not the grade to become an officer. last month he was told he needed to loose 2 dress sizes and come back in a month. well he did that, now they say he has to loose another 1 1/2 to 2 inches. be was beside himself at first, and now just going to loose the weight. My question is. Is the recruiter just toying with him or does in the last month has the navy changed requirements to join? Jay's been working as a dishwasher since high school, and finally has a direction to go to. My support is always with him. just want to make sure he's getting the right information. thanks to you and anyone who replies. by the way we live in Buffalo, New York

[Lori (OH)]

The Navy did recently change its height/weight requirements. My son was 40 lbs overweight when he first visited the recruiter, that was back in February last year. He left March 30th for BC, at that point he was 15 lbs under max weight. If they want this bad enough, they will work for it!

[Jessica~~mother of Mike(Gregory)]

Thank you everyone for your advice. My son Mike signed papers on Monday and went down to MEPS today, I will go down tomorrow to be with him when he signs his job papers and be there when he signs in. I am so very proud of him. I got a call earlier tonight telling me that he had made it to the hotel and he was nervous I told him that he would do ok and try not to be nervous and that I loved him and I would see him tomorrow.
I am very nervous and sad because I will be loosing my oldest baby but will be getting a man back when it is over. Oh Lord please give me strength to be positive for him.
Thanks

[Heidi]

Just wait for the letters you will get from boot camp! It seems like forever ago and like yesterday when my son decided to join the Navy. He truly did leave a boy and come back a man. Be prepared to be sad and worried. But know that when you see him at graduation, you'll feel just like the day he was born.

[Mrs. Maribel V. Tamez]

Our son, Bobby joined at age 17 just before graduating from HS and went to basic training in July '08. He absolutely loves it even tough his A- school (Nuclear) is extremely hard. At age 18 and 4 months, he just became a 3RD Class Petty Officer and looks, acts and feels like a true man. His favorite thing is the 'band of brothers' he has formed with his mates. Go for it!