DEPS

[mom of three]

Hi,

 I am new to this site. My son is trying to enlist in the Navy but it's not been easy. He has  completed two years of college and was hoping to work in the communications area..He has been twice with recruiter to MEPS but they have nothing to offer other than cooks, or MP. Passed physical, drug test and scored an 84 on written testing.  Is this pretty common and how long might he have to wait?

 Anyone have any experience with this?

Thanks

Mom of Three

[EMC (SS)]

A lot of people seem to think that the Military is some kind of last option that is always available. The reality is quite a bit different. Right now only 28% of the current high school and college populations are eligible for military service at all. (72% are disqualified by having a felony in their record, having dependents as a single parent, being over weight, having a disqualifying medical condition or having used a disqualifying medication in the past) Even fewer still can meet the requirements of the program that they have their hearts set on or it is full. The military suffers for applicants when the economy is good and has to up its recruitment anti, by increasing the enlistment bonuses and college benefits (the standards don't change). However when the economy turns South, it has a great ability to be as picky as it wants to be and that's why you see a drop in enlistment bonuses and stopping the college loan repayment program.

[Arwen]

Every once in a while I meet up with a VERY old-school sailor, soldier or Marine, mostly Vietnam Veterans from the local VFW. Whenever someone starts talking about "the kids these days" their answer is always "well, they should be put in (Army/Marines), that will straighten them out." I try to explain to them that the military won't take troublemakers, people with criminal histories, but they won't hear it.

Most of the parents of teens and young adults these days are from that generation, from the Vietnam Draft era, and they have a very, very different view of the military. It really shocks them when they find out that high school drop-outs and GED recipients can't get in. They really do feel that the military is something you fall to, not something to aspire to.

It will take a long time for this attitude to change, until more recruit parents are from younger generations who have only known the all-volunteer military.

[David B]

In reference to WIFM-- (What's in it for me)? Nothing pay your dues like everybody else.
I tell my daughter Natalie, who will be joining the Navy, Keep your mouth shut,do what they
tell you, and work hard for what you want. Only then will you reap the benefits of your career.

Reply by David B

[DeniseInFla]

My son thought he could just waltz in and get a job, it took 5 trips to MEPS(finally offered a rate and the one he wanted last April) so when the 11 month wait was over he was very thankful to be flying out to bootcamp. He is thriving in bc and knows nothing is a gimme anymore. He joined just in time, the NC1 at his office said they were only taking Nukes now. Funny thing is he is the only one of my three sons that is NOT color blind!

[gcmb (div 327 PIR 10/1/10)]

Part of me is glad that we didn't find this sight when my son first decided he wanted to enlist. I would have been a basket case. We signed the papers and they sent him to MEPS. He had too much ear wax so they sent him to the Dr. to clean his ear, that day, per his recruiters urging. He went back the same day passed his physical, they offered him a job, he liked it and has been a DEPPER since July. Sometimes ignorance is really bliss. We were excited for him and proud, we had always thought military service was honorable and a good fit for him. We just had to wait for him to decide that too. We had no idea that things were so tight. His recruiter had told him that he really needed to sign on right away. We just thought he was being a recruiter. Turns out he was right on the money! He will be leaving at the beginning of August and defiantly gotten the "keep your mouth shut, do what they tell you and work hard for what you want, " message.

[DeniseInFla]

qcmb - I found this site just after he got a ship date. I complained about what had happened and everyone pretty much told me it was the economy. The day I took him to the recruiters office to ship out they told me the only rate they were taking for now was Nuke. I feel like we got in just in time as well. Best thing to ever happen to my son!