Soon to be a Navy Mom

[Rachel]

My 22 year old son has made the decision to join the Navy. Gene, his dad and I will be meeting with a recruiter very soon. Can anyone give us some insight on how this meeting will proceed? And, what are some questions we should be prepared to ask? I'm not happy about my son enlisting but of course this is his choice I will support him all the way. I just want to make sure this is a wise decision.

[Brenda Sue]

Check out this topic:

http://www.navyformoms.com/forum/topics/how-to-get-the-absolute-very

I would spend HOURS on this website reading - and getting questions from there. It all depends on your son and his abilities. What does he want to do in the Navy? For how long? Goals in life? Dreams??

[Navy11years]

Rachel,

From a prior recruiter and serving for 11yrs there is nothing to be worried about. Be sure to ask all and any questions you may have to his recruiter. His recruiter should answer all questions truthfully and honestly, if not, turn and ask another recruiter. The Navy has a lot to offer your son at 22. The biggest reason for someone to join is college and there is nothing wrong with this. Be sure to ask what programs are available for him.

There is no real question I can give you specificlly to ask the recruiter because there is many questions out there that I had when I was recruiting. I have had the basic questions such as what is boot camp like to the most difficult questions as in what is the Navy life really like. My answer would always be, there are good days and bad days, but what in life doesn't have those days.

My biggest suggestion would be before meeting with the recruiter, write down your question, this way they are in front of you. Most people forget what questions they have when the finally arrive. Think of it as a question and answer session, because just as you and your son will have question for the recruiter he will have questions for both of you.

[glenda]

Hopefully you were a better recruiter than the liar my son ended up with.

[Vikki]

Dear Rachel,
My son planned to go into the Navy right after high school. He left that summer the day after he turned 18. We were are are thrilled with his decision and he has been very happy.
Rachel and Brenda Sue give great advice. I would also add that the recruiters are always happy to answer questions. If we thought of something or wanted to visit with them more, we just called or stopped in. In fact my husband still stops by and chats with them because they were so great to work with. Write your questions down and go back if you think of more (you will). They are use to nervous Moms and Dads! ~ Vikki

[Vikki]

Oh - I forgot to add that my son did not really have a good idea of what type of job he wanted to do as he was only 17 when he started the DEP program. But after taking his tests the recruiter showed him the fields he qualified to work in and talked to him about each and every one. Tim did research on his own and loves his job - says he can't wait to get into work each day - so that is pretty cool! ~ Vikki

[Paula]

Navy11years said it perfectly. Just write down your questions, not what is expected but a question that you as a Mom would ask. You might annoy yoru son but TUFF. Get your mind at ease. I was not thrilled either you know the old saying Do what I say not as I do. I know my son made the right decision, he will be getting his degree and doing what he wants to do! Even becomming an Officer, anything is possible in the world. Your child just has to make the decision.

Best of Luck !

[Arge Miller]

Ask your Child the reason:
Why he/she wants to join the Millitary:
Job oportunity/ Civilian world
School/ Civilian World
travel/ Civilian world

Military is like marriage:
Is a committment,
UNLESS you make your 3 yrs or 4 yr contract and
change your mind......

[Laura Person]

And why are you not happy about him joining. I was so proud when my son joined, he's been in for over 10 years now. Yes, it has it's ups and downs but I always try and look for the good in things. They do not have layoffs, the pay is pretty good, if you work hard you can advance and recieve more $$, they have bonus programs, decent medical plan, great vacation, go to many places near and far, yes it's hard if you decide to have a family but so is civilian life. Civilian life is so unsure right now, especially with the job situation. They do go to places we would prefer they not but we need to be protected from others and our sons and daughters wives and husbands have been doing this for us for hundreds of years.

As a mother I do understand your concerns, it is very very difficult when they go off to far away lands, I have cried many a night. But I am so proud and thankful that he has chosen this career path.

It will be okay, we are all hear for you. Don't hesitate to send me a message.

[Suzie B]

Make sure your son know what he wants to do before he talks to the recruiter. They dont always give them all the right information. Research each Job.

[glenda]

absolutely! They just need the points for adding another recruit (no they aren't all bad I'm sure).

[Maxine]

First of all Study for the ASVB if he hasn't already taken it. Make sure he gets a contract for a school. To do this I believe he must get at least a 50 on the test but not sure. Think of the recruiter as a used car salesman. Some are excellent, ours was. Some of them, not as honest as they should be. Some rates will give him more of a chance to be on the ground battle areas overseas than others. Corpsman are one of these. Many of them go on deployment as Marines rather than Navy. My son in law got this surprise. Although in Boot camp they talk about Hell week being the worst week the first 2 weeks are the hardest. Start doing situps and pushups NOW. Good Luck and God Bless.

[glenda]

Hi. It's too bad my son's recruiter didn't train him and get him ready like he should have. I can't imagine what he's been going through and wasn't anywhere near ready! He's been at Great Lake for a little over a week and don't think he's making it. I am extremely angry that the recruiter just blew him off constantly for over 6 months.
Hope others make sure the recruiter does what he promises and he/she isn't get in touch with his superiors and don't give up until your son or daughter gets ALL THE HELP THEY NEED.