Practical Matters for Incoming Freshman

[SusanW]

Hi experienced Navy NROTC moms,

Now that son's senior year is almost over, I am starting to worry about what to expect in the late summer and fall. We've gotten only one communication from his NROTC unit, so I know that orientation week will begin in late August, but don't know much else. Son is attending a cross-town affiliate school, so things are probably a little different than if he were attending college where the unit is located.

My first question has to do with how much parents should be involved in making certain that everything - financial aid and payments, accomodations for the required classes/PT at the unit, etc. - is all set to go. I know that it is time for son to start taking control of his life, but he seems to feel that the school and the unit will give him the guidance he needs when the time is right. I, of course, want to know that everything is set NOW. I know that I will not be there in three months to push him to do what has to be done, so I'm wondering if this is the time to back off (as hard as that may be).

I imagine that son will start to hear some things from the unit soon. When does that typically start happening?

Another big concern is about finances and the payment of tuition, fees, and the kids' stipends. How does it all work? Is there a delay in the payment, so that we need to be prepared to cover the first semester's costs - at least for awhile?

I have a million other questions, but I guess for now I need some advice on what my role should be at this point in my future midshipman's life? (I don't suppose that you can tell that son is my oldest?)

Thanks a bunch!

[Paulette - NROTC mom]

My daughter has also found that the kids within the unit have been great with swapping books or selling them to each other dirt cheap. After the first semester (which cost a flipping fortune) she has been able to get her books, or share them for very, very little in comparison :)

[Kay M.]

Thanks, Daria and Paulette and others, too. I can't tell you how helpful you all have been in anticipating this first year. My husband and son always look forward to the new information you've told me! Kay

[SusanW]

OK ladies, we've covered the sock issue well...now what about underwear? My son's list for orientation week lists something like 10 pairs of white ankle socks and 4 crew neck t-shirts, but what about the underwear? Son has been a boxer kind of guy for his whole life, but I suspect that might be about to change. So gals, what type of undies do the boys need? Certainly not as important as the financial stuff.... :)

[maggiedaniel (Mary's mom)]

Well, I don't have a son, but my daughter had to deal with wearing underwear that I would be comfortable in rather than the "5 cents worth of material" Victoria Secret $7.50 a pair type. In high school JROTC, she had to wear uniforms once a week, so she was used to all of the undergarment requirements. At Texas A&M Galveston, she is required to wear her uniforms Monday through Friday when she has classes until 6:00 pm. If she has any type of weekend duty, she is also required to wear uniforms.

[Beth hokiemom]

My son does wear boxers, but his regular uniform has gray pants. I think he wears white underarmor shorts (kind of like jammer swimsuits) under his white uniform pants. There's also an in-between variety that might work called boxer briefs.

[KP]

Hi Kay,
You sound exactly like us in terms of wondering how the RPI bill will be covered! Haven't heard a word. I think, without forewarning parents, it would be assuming a lot to expect them to bridge the gap - but, who knows, we are new new new to this NROTC thing!

On another note, who knew so much could be said about socks??!!!!!

Have a great rest of your day today!

[Kay M.]

LOL! And here I was ready to jump on and mention that I found 89% cotton black socks today! ;-) (At Kohls, if anyone else is looking.)

We are going to student orientation next week, July 15-16. I'm going to make sure I get an answer to the bill question, but it sounds like it will work out. The lady who handles NROTC funds wasn't in this week when I called.

[SusanW]

I think that it is great that we can feel comfortable talking about mundane things like socks and undies. It is nice to have a place to express concerns that might get you blank stares anywhere else. : )

[Kay M.]

KP: just got back from SO I at RPI. It was very fun and exciting! I talked to the bursar's office yesterday, and they said we don't have to cover anything. The Navy doesn't pay until about October, but as long as they know what's coming and how much (that was shown on our ebill) it's considered covered. Hope this helps! Got to meet the CO as well, who was terrific. Make sure your student sees them at some point...they have cool NROTC backpacks for the students!

[SusanW]

Hi again everyone. This is a tough topic to bring up, but I have to ask. Given the military's 'no tolerance' position when it comes to drug and alcohol use and abuse, how do your kids handle the pressure to resist the partying that seems to be common on college campuses? Of course, we've talked with our son many times about the topic and he says he gets it', but sometimes those 18 year-old brains don't have the impulse control that we'd hope for.

[NavyMomXXXY]

HI Susan - it seems that they tend to party with other ROTC students - that way they are all under the same prohibitions, and all get in the same trouble if anything is going on. Alcohol and underclassmen is a big problem - but it's worse for an upperclassman who provides it/sponsors a party where underage drinking is going on. One of my daughter's classmates threw a party 6 weeks before graduation, and was busted for having underage midshipmen there. He was allowed to graduate, but it was delayed for 6 months, and there was a serious question about whether he should be commissioned. It's good to remember that it is not unusual to have to submit to a drug screen when returning to school after a break - in fact you can almost count on it happening. Marijuana and opioids stay in the system long enough that they can be found much later. It also depends on the CO - some will tolerate a single incident before it becomes a problem, some won't. The last CO in my daughter's unit was an absolute bear on it - a single infraction and you were out. It definitely keeps the kids on a much straighter path when they know their college education is on the line.

[Paulette - NROTC mom]

The 1st random p$#&* test the kids have to do will wake them up somewhat. Especially when they find out they will be watched closely throughout the entire process. And I do mean--- the entire process (gulp). I think my poor daughter tried about 3 times before she finally managed to go. Now they end up standing in the hall chugging more bottles of water than humanly possible I think before they even try- lol. And yes- the test are surprises.

I guess you need to also ask your sons and daughters- Is your scholarship worth it??