Bad habits

[Kelleypen]

I've noticed that my son has picked up a few bad habits in the Seabees, and it's not just a colorful vocabulary. Is anyone else's son or daughter drinking more often? When I've talked to my son about it, he tells me it's just part of being in the Navy.

[Chris]

Hi, I haven't seen evidence of these bad habits,yet. My son is just getting deployed. My husband was a sailor and drinking was part of their socialization but my husband didn't drink. He told them that he made that decision long before he became a sailor and it was to set himself apart from his friends. He became a Christian and that was his way to be 'in the world but not part of the world'. He knows some of the guys had a problem with him because of his belief and were always messing with him but over time they came to respect him for his steadfastness. The Navy has a lot of programs to help with this if it becomes a problem but to me its not any different than being in college or out on your own. And because of the pressures of their job they are looking for instant relief.
No it's not part of the Navy, just like being a frat boy doesn't mean they all drink heavily. Prayer is the only answer for him. And the colorful language, man, when your around it so much it's in your head, as long as he knows when it's appropriate and when it's not. And if his Chief or superior hears him use that language in front of the ladies or mothers, well, it won't be good. So, jerk a knot in his tail and remind him of Who he is and Who he represents and that everyone is watching how he handles himself. Will make a difference in his Navy career.

[Mari~Adam & Brandon's mom]

I have a Seabee son with 6 1/2 years in. He had some difficulty with alcohol (while underage) right after A school. One thing about the Navy. They will make our kids take responsibility for their actions! Our younger son is in a squadron attached to an aircraft carrier. He has never been interested in alcohol but he has seen so many of his friends have problems. At the age of 23 he is still the designated driver! This issue is NOT a Seabee thing. It's a military thing. They will experiment but they will learn from their experiences & make wiser choices in the future. Hopefully before getting into too much trouble.

[NitaBee]

My son probably drinks more now than he did before he joined the Navy. I worry about him, but I know he has a good head on his shoulders. I also think that the love and devotion that my son and daughter-in law have for each other will help
keep things in check.

[Sara (2starbluestarmom)]

One thing that we all have to remember is that drinking isn't just a bad Navy or SeaBee habit. In this age group, binge drinking is a problem across the board. College kids do it, high school kids, and kids who stay home. I am not sure why, but I guess it is part of their culture. Anyway, when I was young (many years ago) we did it, too. I have no answers for your worries. My SeaBee does it,too. And all his buddies.But when he comes home for leave, his civie buddies all take him out, too. The Navy ( or at least his Battalion) has a two ARI (alcohol related incident) policy. Two ARI's and you are out. This has actually helped my sailor be more responsible about drinking and in particular, drinking and driving. Hopefully, he outgrows it. Right now, he only drinks heavy when there is no duty or work the next day. The smoking and using smokeless is another issue. But I don't think it can be blamed on the Navy, either as many, many young people in civillain life pick this up, too.

[Robyn Schwartz]

My son was active duty, now reserves, and picked up all this behavior, too. Thankfully the smoking stopped becasue I bugged him so much,a nd he gave me "I stopped smoking" as a Christmas present. The drinking stopped when he got out, he even went to coleg eand had a 'been there, done that' attitude, said colleg drinking was amateur level. Pray they outgrow it, boredom, peer pressure, even familiar tendencies all ajve a part.