Confused

[Jane]

I have a son thinking about joining the Navy. I have heard so many positive,but I know there has to be negative things about it to. He has talked to me and I know he wants to but is just scared that there is stuff he just don't know about it. Please can someone help me.

[navytwins]

Dear Jane

 

I currently have two children in the Navy (twins - a daughter and a son). I would be happy to help any way I can - My knowledge is not as extensive as many others on this site but I have been through this process twice with our kids. What are your concerns?

 

[Jane]

I don't know where to being I love my son more then life and worry if this is the right thing for him, but don't want to say anything to him. He is a good kid but does not like to do to much in the line of work so I'm concerned if he will be able to handle it.

[navytwins]

Jane

 

I have shipped off both of my kids off this year. They are my only children. It was hard - I miss them terribly -  I love them more than life it's self.

Like you - I was worried that my son would not be able to handle it. My son is a wonderful kid but a bit lazy. He super sweet and a good kid. But he just doesn't put a whole lot of effort in to anything unless it really interests him. I hate to say that but it's true. I was afraid that maybe he wasn't ambitious or strong enough to make it through. Boy were we wrong!!!

Our son is enjoying boot camp - strange but true. Yes, he misses home and yes, we miss him terribly. But the change in him so far is remarkable. He is excelling in his training. His dad and I are shocked. I feel bad that we were so shocked.  He is even doing well so far in his testing. Which has always been a big struggle for him.

 

I can honestly say that joining the Navy was the best choice he ever made - It has changed him from a boy to a young man - capable of make adult decisions. In never thought he would grow up but he has. It's wonderful to see

 

Our daugher has changed also. She is stronger, confident and resilent. She makes her own adult decisions and deals with all her own affairs. I still have to check myself and not interfer with her life and try to fix everything. She still asks for advice but still takes care of things on her own. Our daughter is leaving for her first deployment at the end of the month. She is so excited to see the world.

 

Both of our children love the Navy and are so far very happy with the choice to join.  It's a great adventure for these kids.

 

Find out a much information as you can about the Navy. That will help you feel better. Ask lots of questions and do lots of research. I drove my kids nuts with all my research - but we were all very well informed and it makes a big difference.

[Jane]

Thank you, as I read that it sounded like I was writing about my own son. I know I'm worried that things wont go as planned and I worry that the recruiter made it sound so good and my son will be disappointed in his decision. Can you tell me some good places to do some research, I've been on here looking for days and it does sound like it would be a great thing for him.

[navytwins]

Jane

 

There are horror stories out there about recruitersmaking thing sound too good to kids. Most of the recruiters are pretty good. Our's was great and really worked well with both my kids. Ask him lots of honest questions. Don't shy or worry you might offend them. Just ask them not to sugar coat it. They are used to the questions and usually will give good honest anwsers. Has your son taken the ASVAB yet?

 

This site is really good for research. But sometimes it's hard to find the infomation. Asking questions on this site is the easiest way to get anwsers. Post a question to the discussion portion. There are alot of people on this site that are currently in the Navy or have been in the Navy. And tons of people with loved one in the Navy. They will always give you straight anwsers to your questions and it's usually real life experience.

 Here are some sites I used:

Navy.mil

Navy.com

Wikipedia - Some info can be out of date or old but lots of historical info and rating information

US Military.com 

Navy Times - Mostly Military related News reports but interesting to read and informative on what going on in the Navy.

 

**also google for specific information you might want to know about the Navy. I did this more often than not. 

If I can anwser any questions for you I will be happy to.

 

[Jane]

No he has not taken the ASVAB yet he is to meet the recruiter tomorrow to start the paper work. He is only 17 and a senior that's why I'm trying to find out as much as possible before tomorrow.

[Jane]

Hello, My son took his ASVAB test today he scored a 55 which I think is a low score, but he said they said it's not. Do you know anything about the scoring.

[BunkerQB]

The info below from comments posted on New Moms Stop Here group recently

Comment by me.

This is what I read somewhere.

The 49 represents the "a composite percentage achieved" in other words, she scored better than 49% of (some statistical sample size). I read somewhere once, that she should find out what sub tests she should ace to get the job she wants. For example, if for mass communications, her verbal scores are more important, then it would make sense for her to work on improvement those scores rather than the math. Although general improvement on all sections is probably good.

Here are several web site to look at.  

http://usmilitary.about.com/od/navy/l/blasvabscores.htm   Some very interesting stuff - the requirement for job is a total score of the various subtests.

I also found this ad for a study guide. I have not idea if anyone has used this. Maybe someone can report back in.

http://www.mo-media.com/asvab/

Here is another site with some good explanations

http://www.ehow.com/how_7569540_read-asvab-scores-navy.html 

http://www.ehow.com/list_6567535_navy-asvab-qualifications.html

 

Comment by Angie 

Not being rude, but a 49 on the ASVAB isn't the best.  All my sailors who have less than a 60, we recommend they retake the test. 

People need to be open minded as to the job they might get with the USN.  If people are head strong only wanting one job, they might not get into the USN.  People should look at communties not jobs, for which they might like to be in.

http://usmilitary.about.com/od/enlistedjob1/a/navyjobs.htm

Not being rude, but a 49 on the ASVAB isn't the best.  All my sailors who have less than a 60, we recommend they retake the test. 

People need to be open minded as to the job they might get with the USN.  If people are head strong only wanting one job, they might not get into the USN.  People should look at communties not jobs, for which they might like to be in.

http://usmilitary.about.com/od/enlistedjob1/a/navyjobs.htm

[Anti M]

I was a bit older when I joined the Navy, my parents were working overseas.  My letter informing them I'd enlisted didn't reach them until I in boot camp!  On a visit, years later, dad was amazed I'd made E-6 so quickly; he was a retired Masterchief and I'd advanced quicker than anyone he'd ever known.  (Partly from the program I was in...).  Anyway, mom popped up with, "And we didn't even think you could make it through boot camp."  Ha!  Not only did I make it through boot camp, I made it through a difficult technical training and was doing well.

 

Your child will amaze you.

 

And yes, there is stuff he doesn't know, but that's alright.  He'll learn. He won't like it all, none of us do/did. But support his opportunity to grow!

[Jane]

Thank you I am just worried and scared for him all at the same time.

[navytwins]

Jane

That is normal to feel that way - I felt that way too! The more information you and your son have the better you will feel about the decision.

[Jane]

Today is the big day for my son, I think he might be second guessing what he wants to do, he is afraid to be so far away. I don't know what to even say to him about that,maybe u can help me with it.