Q & A with a recruiter...

Comment

Comment by Connie ~Matt's Mom~ on November 22, 2009 at 3:58pm

My son graduated 9/18/09 and we also stayed at the Marriott Residence Inn at Waukegan (it was everything we thought and more) and we also used the shuttle service. As long as your name is on the list that is really all you need. We did have ID. The schuttle is the way to go. No waiting in lines, no random searches, no gate passes, etc. and they have pick up times after the ceremony that varies so you want have to be in such a rush to leave. I would suggest you all go in together and his wife should have all that is needed. They only allow 4 in per pass and those names have to be on the list that he provided. If there are more than 4 people in your group some may have to wait so to see if seating is available after all the others on the list has been seated. You will certainly enjoy it and most of all you will get to see your sailor. Good Luck!

Comment by Deborah on November 22, 2009 at 2:27pm

For my son-in-law's PIR we stayed at the Marriott Residence Inn @ Waukegon and used the taxi/shuttle they arrange for. It was WELL worth it! $3.00/each way, and you get dropped off at the gate and picked up at the gate. We were SOOOOO thankful that we did that! And the Residence Inn was wonderful, also. (Another Navy Mom recommended it.) Free continental breakfast, and on Thursday evening there were appetizers for free also. And there is a drink station in the atrium area where you can get free soft drinks.
The rooms were spacious, clean, and the staff very friendly. I'd stay there again in a heartbeat!

Comment by Ryan's Mom (Dawn) Ship11Div 017 on November 22, 2009 at 12:55pm

My son's PIR is 12/4. I know I"m on the list but don't have any paperwork. Do I need any paperwork, or will just my drivers license be good? Also, I didn't get any information on the graduation information (it goes to his wife) or the pass word to download the parking pass. What do I do in this case? Should I just not worry about downloading the pass and take a cab or shuttle?

Comment by Chris'mom-Brandy on November 21, 2009 at 2:32am

ConnieJ- He will be leaving after Christmas. Doesn't give me much time to plan anything for him (going away party). At least all of our family will be here for Christmas Eve so he can see everyone before he goes!!! I do not know if I can mentally prepare myself for my son leaving, he is my first to leave the nest and it is going to be extremly difficult for me not to be able to talk to him everyday. We do everything together. To know that this will be cut out of our lives soon really bites!! I gotta go. I am too emotional right now to talk about this I am sorry..

Comment by Connie ~Matt's Mom~ on November 21, 2009 at 1:58am

Will he be leaving after Thanksgiving or Christmas. Just mentially get prepared because there will be nothing that he will actually have to take with him. Maybe a phone card & address book, some stamps. $20 - $25 and the Navy will give him everything else. I know you are a wreck because I remember not being able to think clearly. I felt like I was suppose to do something immediately but I didn't know what to do. I felt at loss. Hard to explain but that got better little by little. I am excited for you and your family and especially for your new sailor "to be". Let me know how things go for you. God Bless you!

Comment by Chris'mom-Brandy on November 21, 2009 at 1:19am

I am an emotional wreck!!! Chris is leaving right after the holidays!!

Comment by Marcia V on November 20, 2009 at 7:27pm

About the jobs-my son was really lucky. He went to MEPS on the last Wednesday in August, no job. He went back the next day, sat all day, no job. His recruiter said, "There might be something in the morning. You can go if you want to, but I can guarantee that if you aren't there you won't get a job!" He went, and the rest is history. He not only got a job, but a ship out to GL date of exactly 1 month. He had worked with his recruiter for about 3 months. (Our recruiter was in Southaven, MS, and was absolutely awesome! We were lucky all the way around!) Hang in there, and good luck!

Comment by cityslick on November 20, 2009 at 10:38am

Angie F.- WA: HM mom: Thanks - as you can see i have not been on the site for a couple of days. My son's criminal background did not come in yet- so hopefully next week. He has provided all the medical records himself to the recruiter so hopefully everything will make it to MEPS with him. I will reinforce to him that he needs to be honest - but as long as all the medical records make it to MEPS it should be good. We all are remaining very optimistic and as much as i appreciate having the time with him now i am anxious for him to get started in his life - but overall great feedback thank you!

Comment by Angie F.- WA: HM mom on November 19, 2009 at 4:04pm

I thought Recruiter Brandon's answer to Brandy might be of interest to some other Moms too:

"Well, it has been kind of hit and miss. Every district is different but right now we have had some good luck on getting people in. I have three in right now since the beginning of the month and that's more than I have put in since July! As long as you don't have any issues then...some you can get in right now. With us anyway. And high school seniors are the easiest to get in because they can stay in DEP forever it seems! If you're out of high school, they usually won't put you in a job that leaves over 9-12 months from now, so that is screwing over our high school grads. But I put in a grad last week that is leaving in March, so he got lucky. It's all about luck (and timing) right now and you have to find a Recruiter that is willing to take the time and roll the dice!
Oh and we are still really looking for Special Warfare (Spec Opps) and Nukes, but like I said you can get lucky!"

Bottom line, IMHO, the new fiscal year wasn't as significant and helpful this year as in years past. They are just starting to get caught up on the back up and get things flowing again, as much as they can. Your ASVAB score, job choice and recruiting district as well as the openings (including unexpected slots suddenly appearing when someone is disqualified, changes rates, or is discharged) and "needs of the Navy"-along with some luck and good timing-seems to be determining factors. They are not going to be in a big hurry to process people the closer to mid December they get. Some offices have already shut down. Brandy, I really can't say, but I think you'll know more tomorrow. :) I do know that Pre Buds at GL is backed up and our newly graduated Sailors are facing some hold times (2 weeks or more) before they will continue their training. So, like me, I think you can probably plan on enjoying having your son home for one more Christmas, but then who knows?!

Comment by Angie F.- WA: HM mom on November 19, 2009 at 3:52pm

Hi Queenie. Congrats on a successful launch! =) 7.5-9 weeks from now, you will officially be a new Navy Mom staring in awe at your handsome new Sailor at his PIR (graduation) in Great Lakes. It's truly an amazing experiance!! If this is your first child to go into the military, if you are new to the Navy or even just N4MS, please take some time to familiarize yourself with the OPSEC rules and community guidelines on the main page.

I recommend that you peek in on all the useful discussions on our DEPPER Group (esp. the BC videos) then go join our Boot Camp Moms Group. Make your announcement there and you'll quickly find others who have also just sent their Recruits off. :) Once you get the form letter with his address and grad date, you can then join groups for your son's Division and PIR. :) If you like, you can also join your State Group, one for his Rate ("A" school he'll be attending and job he'll be doing) and a myriad of others as you go. Welcome aboard! :-)

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