Waiting game...

[Austinsmom]

My son has never wavered about joining the US Navy. Since our trip to DC in the first grade he wanted to join the Military and since the 6th grade he has said the Navy.

He scored well on his ASVAB but it expired this last November. He graduated High School in May 2015, but it took him until this past December (2015) to make weight. We started collecting medical records in October and all was sent for medical review once he made weight in December. At the beginning of January he was told he would go to MEPs to re-take his ASVAB and medical for waiver (ADHD). That same week he completed background check application and over two hours of paperwork. We were excited because he was finally going to MEPs!

Well...January is over and now 'maybe' he will go the 3rd week of February.

I've wanted him to enroll in community college and get a job, but he keeps hoping he is leaving soon and spending money on classes will be a waste. However at this point, he could have completed 1 year. Even if he went to MEPs in February, he probably wouldn't leave for Boot Camp for months.

I'm I being unreasonable asking that he enroll in school and find a job?

[Concernedad]

Craig, your points are valid, although I'm not sure what it means to have a "general studies" degree? Eventually you have to pick some sort of specific degree, but in your first couple years, you can take basic courses that won't go away. 

To your point, going to a trade school can also be helpful for many jobs in the Navy.

As much as you have done working with DEPpers, I'm sure you've seen your share of kids who were removed for getting into trouble before shipping out. I don't know that many and yet I know of two specifically. The Navy gave my son a ship date one year into the future. I saw zero benefit of doing nothing for that year. Community college courses were $60 per hour. Easily affordable without taking any loans. 

With all that said, I've always had the belief that keeping your kids busy will keep them out of trouble. Be it sports, band or ROTC after school, I was a firm believer in them doing something, but that's just my opinion, and it worked very well for both my great kids. 
For what it's worth, I guess we've given both sides of the debate for Austinsmom to make up her mind. 

[Austinsmom]

Thank you both Craig and concerneddad.

You've both given me much to chew on. I wrote this article in frustration as I was again told 'maybe next week or the week after' 'it's looking good'.

He is a good young man and as his mom I'm being challenged by this process which seems to reward those who aren't as sure of their commitment to join. Those still in high school get scheduled and sent while those who have jumped through hoops are always wait-listed for the two spots per week that they can send to MEPs.

As we approach the anniversary of his high school graduation and I realize it could be another year before he goes, I felt he should/could be doing something constructive.

Your input have been eye-opening and I appreciate it.

[Anti M]

My AA was in general studies, using the most basic of my classes.  What that did was "preserve" then until I could finish the work on my major, years later.  It is still very much a thing.