She decided to join the Navy....

[Susanw004]

Hello everyone!

My daughter has recently informed me that she will be joining the Navy.  This is something I did NOT expect from her as she is what I call a "girly girl".  She has done her homework on the Navy, she knows it will be the hardest thing she will ever do.  But she is determined to make something of her life and this is the path she has chosen.  She is 17 and will be graduating from high school in May.

When she first told me (and she was scared to death to tell me), I was shocked and kind of angry that she would want to do this.  However I didn't let her see that.  I have been 100% supportive and encouraging.  When she is not around, that is a completely different story.  I am sad.  She is my only child and I can't imagine her being gone so far away and for so long.

Tonight, for the first time, I sat outside and bawled my eyes out.  You know...the ugly cry!!  She wasn't home.  I keep remembering her a small innocent child, playing in our pool and calling me "mommy".  This is the memory that continues to go through my head when I think about her leaving.  Are there stages of emotions, like there are with death?  I would love to hear other mom's stories about how they felt with and dealt with the news that their child was going into the military. 

I look forward to getting to know all of you other moms out there as time goes on.  Thank you for reading, thank you for supporting each other and God Bless!

Susan

[Sadie]

I am with you on this one! I have yet to let my baby girl see my fear. She made the decision to join after her brother joined the AF. He has been her major cheerleader. I support my daughter 100 percent. I worry about her being safe and making friends. My daughter has always kept to herself and I must admit, I have protected her a little too much. I want her to have the best experience of her life but I think she will be more worried about me and how I'm doing. This is going to be harder than when my son left.... must be strong for her:-D. The worst part is her date to leave for BC is 4 days before my birthday. She has never traveled without me! March is right around the corner....ugh

[pommom]

My granddaughter, a girly girl, just finished her first A school. She is an only child too. I was blessed with living close to her.  She has blossomed into one fabulous person.  Her self confidence was boosted thanks to boot camp. The only drawback to the Navy is the distance.  My brother was a lifer in the Navy so I thought it wouldn't be hard.  Wrong! Silly me.  Since boot camp we have texted each other often. She sends pix and all sorts of funny and interesting info.  I am sure you will find it will be easier on you when she is out of boot camp and cqan contact you more.  Keep waving the flag!

Sharon L

[Irishmama]

I am in the same boat! My daughter is 17 and will be sworn in on he 13th. I am terrified, sad, overwhelmed but very proud of her.
She graduated in June and will go to basic right after graduation. I am terrified of her going to basic... Fearful that she will not make it!! How often do girls not make it is my question. I hate to see my kids fail at anything.. Someone help me with some facts/ numbers of success rates and such.

[lemonelephant]

Check your My Page.

[lemonelephant]

There are females in the Navy and so there are females who make it. Your encouragement will help your future Sailor to be one of the ones that makes it.

I don't know the numbers for females, but I do know that 85% of the recruits who start together will have PIR on time. Some in the 15% that do not have PIR on time do go on to be Sailors, but maybe not with a PIR.

[magsmom]

My daughter is 4'11" and weighed 95 pounds when she went off to GL, wasn't into any sports, and she did fine. They are tough on the girls but from what she said if they did what they were told they could manage it. In her group there were some girls who weren't really sure that they wanted to be there, and from what I gathered they might have been more at risk of being sent home. Like others have said before, use the support offered on this site to hang in, and then send mail like crazy reminding your daughter of how capable she really is!

[Irishmama]

So my daughter went today for her physical and ended up swearing in as well. She is 17 and will graduate in June. After several conversations with the recruiter we made it clear that she wanted to go to school for something in the medical field. Early this morning he sent me a message stating that he got her into the job that she wanted.... Then when I go to pick her up, she tells me that she was signed on as a airplane mechanic??? What??? Shen I asked her recruiter what happened, he said that the job had been taken, but she could put in for a job change. Has anyone else had this happen, and did they get the job that they wanted?? My daughter does not know anything about airplanes or mechanics!! I'm so upset about this it's hard for me to even talk about it!!!

[lemonelephant]

Her recruiter will fill out a DAR and if something comes up before her ship date for HM, then she will be offered that, but if not, she will go in with the contract she has. Sometimes things happen and someone is not able to ship, so a spot opens up. She will receive the training she needs to do whatever she ends up with.

[Melody]

Hi Susan.  I'm a new Navy mom myself.  We have raised three boys.  I am proud of them all.  I never encouraged the service, because I'm scared to lose them and they are so far away and won't be able to see them for long periods of time.  SO, well, now our youngest decided he is going in.  I have mixed emotions.  I have always told my boys that I didn't like the idea, but it was ultimately their choice in the end.   He seems excited to try his "wings" in the Navy.    WE are proud and 100% behind him all the way.  I

[trish1178]

My daughter shocked me as well with joining the Navy. It has been her and I since I was 17 now shes graduating and leaves for boot camp Sept 24th! On my part there was a lot of ugly crying while she wasn't home of course!! I am also 100% supportive of her, I respect her decision and know I am just worried about her safety, and selfishly worried about having her be gone so far away! Now we are making over her room into blue and gold before she leaves she's so excited to be apart of the Navy. I know I will cry many many more times in the next few years! Please remember you are not alone God Bless you as well!

Tricia

[AubsMama]

I know exactly how you feel. My daughter is 19 and leaves tomorrow morning for boot camp. I too was completely shocked when my daughter announced out of the blue that she was joining the Navy. Best of luck to you!

[Proud Mom03]

Hello Susan,

I guess were in the same vote, my daughter just recently joined the Navy she leaves to boot camp on July 28, I've been keeping busy planning her going away party. But once I stop and sit down for the evening my mind start to go and then I get sad. My husband and I was married for 12 years before we had her. We were told we couldn't have children but I never gave up. So she's my miracle baby. We have the best relationship and we are best friends. What am I going to do without her. I'm so glad she told me about the website. Us moms have to stick together. Good Luck to the both of us

Debbie