Q & A with a recruiter...

Comment

Comment by Chris'mom-Brandy on November 18, 2009 at 4:37am

Thanks Angie, Chris' recruiter called yesterday and is taking him to MEPS on Friday for more testing for the EOD position. But we were then informed everyone is on hold and they are not bringing any new recruits in at this time? Is this true for Special Ops as well?

Comment by LuvMySailor on November 17, 2009 at 5:53pm

MLP my husband left today and there were 8 others who left with him. My husband is Reserves but the others were active duty. His recruiter also had someone who left yesterday, some for tomorrow and one or 2 more next week. There was also a slew of kids there just now getting their physicals and first swear in. Didn't look like any freeze.

Comment by Angie F.- WA: HM mom on November 17, 2009 at 5:03pm

Connie J, you are absolutely right. I just heard last week too that ALL branches had met their quotas!

Comment by Angie F.- WA: HM mom on November 17, 2009 at 4:59pm

City slick, yep, patience IS hard! LOL FYI-Recruiters are telling our "Leavin' in Dec" DEP Moms that their Recruits will either be shipped before Dec 15th or have to wait until after Jan. Some may end up on hold at GL through the holidays.:( Better to be at home with your family and get a fresh start in the New Year I say. Don't lose heart though. In light of your son's previous injuries, believe me when i say it's MUCH better to take extra time now to obtain all the necessary waivers and medical documentation. Be sure it all gets into his file and that he is truthful about EVERYTHING along the way, prior to taking his final oath (just before leaving for BC)!

Run far from any Recruiter who tells him to omit or lie about his injury or surgeries. If it disqualifies him, then so be it. It's better then being discharged from BC due to fraudulent enlistment! If that should act up and give him problems during training, at least the details will be in his medical file with the waivers and Dr.s notes. :) No problem being the squeaky wheel either, just don't tick anyone off or push too hard or his file may end up on the bottom of a very tall pile! :P Our Recruiters are working hard, doing their best to find qualified and ready Recruits and get them enlisted. Just focus on keeping your boy "psyched" and be prepared to send him on his way at any time.

Melissa is right, once they are gone, you'll all be wishing you could have had them for just a little longer! Moms, you'll send away your boys and discover grown young men at their PIR (graduation)

Still praying for you and Chris Brandy!

Comment by Connie ~Matt's Mom~ on November 17, 2009 at 4:57pm

It could be possible that not all rates are full and they are recruiting for certain areas. My son signed up in the Delayed Entry Program in 2/09 and was told from the beginning it could be up to a year before leaving. That was also in writing. He had checked into the Coast Guard in Jan 09 and was told by three different recruiters that they had already met their quota for the entire year and the wait could be up to a year or more. I believe with the "not so good" economy and jobs being scarce that the military recruitment has been better than ever. Don't give up and learn to be as patient as possible.

Comment by Angie F.- WA: HM mom on November 17, 2009 at 4:42pm

MLP. at this point, it's best not to be too picky about what job he takes, the important thing is to just get in! Be sure your hubby knows though that he will probably have to put in a full 24 months of Active service before he will be given any chance to change rates. Also, it can take a couple of paychecks in BC before any money starts to come home. His uniforms, pictures and other things will be deducted from his paychecks as well. So, be prepared. Hope you have a little cushion to draw from while you wait for all the paperwork and his full pay! Relief will probably not be immediate. :( Wish I could say otherwise.

As far as the last minute ship out change, my sympathies, but if there's one thing you learn, it's that things can always change and sometimes quickly! It's tough when you are all emotionally geared up to say goodbye (or welcome them back) and then you find there's a change of plans! Start writing things on your calendar in pencil, try to purchase refundable or exchangeable tickets for Boot Camp graduation (or buy insurance) and, after BC, don't ever buy plane tickets until the leave chits are approved and his orders are in his hand. Even, then, things can change. "Needs of the Navy" dictates all.

You have to remain patient and flexible and accept that things aren't under your control anymore. What the military does-and why-sometimes just makes no sense to us, but as frustrating as it can be (I've been in a hurry up and wait mode w/my Sailor for over a year) you just have to focus on keeping them motivated and encouraged and not waste too much time or energy trying to plan, being stressed or upset. Treasure every extra day spent with him now! This too will pass. Your hubby will soon enough belong to Ma Navy and you and your needs may have to take a back seat sometimes, most times. It's not easy, but you will have lots of support! There are many experienced Navy Wives/GFs on site who will happily advise and help teach you what it takes to stand behind your (hopefully soon to be) Sailor. =) I do hope something comes together for you at MEPS! Sorry this is so long, but I hope it helps you get a handle on how things flow, or not. Hang in there. :-)

Comment by Greenlo - 13/055 on November 17, 2009 at 2:46pm

cfbirch......my son shipped out on Nov 12, while he was at the recruiters office wating to go to meps, his recruiter said that they had 3 more enlist at meps the day before and that he was to get 4 more enlisted by the end of the month.

Comment by cityslick on November 17, 2009 at 2:43pm

Chris'mom-Brandy: i also wanted to mention we know the recruiter outside of the recruiting office - so we ask and beg and plead whenever we see him. But like someone mentioned this is on a Navy timeline, not ours!

Comment by Greenlo - 13/055 on November 17, 2009 at 2:43pm

Tiffany.....I'm not the one on klonopin pills...that was a post on another group...I just copied it to show that recruits are still being shipped out, so there must not be a hiring freeze that someone asked about....

Comment by cityslick on November 17, 2009 at 2:41pm

Closing until January??? my heart just sank! my son was told today when he went to see the recruiter that if his criminal background comes back by Thurs. that he will go to MEPS on that day. So my son is pretty psyched, but reading this makes me doubt again he will be going anywhere. I am learning to be patient, but it is hard!

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