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.

[Laura Person]

I am confused with your posting, why did the recruiter need to Train him, a recruiters job is not easy. They are there to sign up people, not to babysit. Yes, some of them promise the stars and the moon, but others are very committed to the job, just like any other job. If you had an issue with the recruiter you should have talked to his superior, All parents need to go with there kids when they go and sign up. These kids have no idea what they are signing.
The recruiters job is very difficult, long hours and it's all about the Numbers. Boot camp can be difficult for some, but others it's very easy. It teaches them disipline, which alot of young people lack these days. Sorry if I seem to be harsh, the military is not easy for some, others it's wonderful. My oldest son was in for 4 years and had issues, did not reup, my other son has been in for 11 years now.

[Cheryl Proud to be Allen's Mom]

I would spend hours on the navy websites that I could find and when my son was graduating from Great Lakes I spent lots of time on their website too. My son's recruiter was there for me anytime that I need to ask questions. He understood just what I was going through. Especially when I went to him in tears during Allen's basic training when I didn't get any mail at first. My son is my "baby" and it was the first time I had to REALLY let go and allow him to grow up.

[glenda]

My son is my "baby" too and the recruiter completely screwed him up. He'll probably be home soon after less than two weeks at boot. You got lucky with your son's recruiter. My son probably went through hell trying to make it work! I'm really angry about it and not a whole lot I can do now. The recruiter was never there for him or us. He would say he was busy or had to be out of town and this went on for 6 months. my husband even called his superior (senior chief?) and basically got stalled.
Well, anyway, as I've been writing here, I do believe in men/women joining the Navy but you really have to watch the bad apples!!!!!!!!! And push them to give you a copy of any contracts that he/she is asked to sign. Since our kids are over 18 when they go in, they are considered adults and there isn't a whole lot we as parents can dol except try. and hope for the best.

[Beth proud mom of Chris]

Their going to promise him the moon, but will follow through on none. If he wants to sign on just to be in the Navy that's fine, but if he wants anything in particular don't count on it.

[glenda]

I concur and if you read some of my replies to others here you'll know what I mean and I am not anti-military or anti-navy.

[Quadralene]

Ask about the related job openings. According to your son's score he has to be classified for specific jobs, get all the details of the related jobs. Ask about enlistment bonuses. Certain jobs provide an enlistment bonus ask if his job is one of them. If your son has scored low on the test ask if he can retake the test. The higher the score the better the job. Certain jobs require him to be attached to a fleet marine force (FMF) which means that he will be assigned to a marine unit and working with them for the rest of his enlistment (it happened to my son). FMF requires them to travel to war zones so please ask questions. I wish you and your son well. If you ever need to talk email me at [e-mail].

[Alyse]

My son finished boot camp 4 weeks ago. Even though it was hard, he knew it was something he had to complete to move on. One thing you want to know-even though your recruiter guarantees your job with the Navy in a contract, if there are ANY problems that turn up later like large credit card debt, your job can be changed about 3-4 weeks into boot camp. I'm not at all implying this applies to your son but just be up front in the beginning if there are any concerns. Other than that, I think it's a great opportunity to learn a trade and get good benefits. Don't get me wrong, of course I will worry about him all the time but my husband and I think it was a good decision for him. I don't know how far your son has gotten with the recruiter. One of the first things you have to do is take the ASVAB test (like an aptitude test). Different jobs require different scores. Also, depending on his education, that will determine his rank and pay grade going in. They all do boot camp for 8 weeks in Great Lakes, IL. Then they go to a school to learn their job before they get sent to their work destination. They do this job for 2 years before they can transfer to something else if they want to. Ask if there is any sign on bonus. Hope this helps some.

[Lynn Winfree]

Hi .......I agree with Alyse....maybe you and your son, can write a list of questions that you think that is very important to ask before you get there, like how long is boot camp, do I get a sign-on bonus, is everything
in writing, of course there is the ASVAB Test, which is an apptitude which guides them which job that will
better suit them and your son's interests. I would read everything like any job, before you sign the papers,
we as humans do make mistakes and its better to get it right the first time..My son was in the DEP program in High School, and left for BC right after High School Graduation he is going on his l4 year and loves it.
Be very supportive of your child, give them the encouragement they need for this new transition in their lives, knowing that it will help them to develop as a person and as an adult..Best of Luck to you and yours, you
will or he will never regret joining...Lynn a Navy Mom and Proud of It...

[Michael]

I joined the Navy right after I graduated H.S. and it was the best thing for me - it made me into the person I am today. And I am now 45 years old, so it had a lifelong effect. I also enlisted, but if my son wants to join the Navy I would support that decision but not by enlisting. I would want him to go in as an Officer. If I had the forsight then that I have now I would have become an officer and made a career out of the Navy. There is nothing wrong with enlisting and working your way up to chief petty officer or commissioned officer from the enlisted ranks, but it is such a better deal being a Navy officer. You don't live all cramped up with the crew, the pay is much better, you are served your meals, you are afforded great respect. Don't worry about your son's decision about joining the Navy. I would not want to see any child of mine join any other branch. But the Navy is different. If he enlists he'll have to take a test which will determine what jobs are open to him. This is not up to the recruter but the detailer which is stationed at the intake facility where he takes his physical. Only after he passes his physical will he see a detailer. That is the critical juncture, because the detailer is charged with steering recruits into jobs that the Navy has a more urgent need for, which may not be what your son wants. You should make sure that you are there with him during the detailing process.

[Donna (Jodi)]

I have one suggestion....get everything in writing! Very important!

[NCC (AW) Rich Crayne]

Rachel, I am currently a Navy Recruiter so please feel free to ask any questions.

[Chris A.]

The advice to get everything in writing is absolutely correct. Not only that but the final papers he signs before leaving for bootcamp are the only ones that really count. If it isn't on the final paperwork, it doesn't count. My son was due for his enlistment bonus and called me to ask me to see if the amount was written in on the final papers (I had the copies) otherwise they wouldn't honor it. Fortunately it was and he got his bonus. Tell your son to read all the fine print and if he doesn't understand something....ASK!