Wife and mother considering joining the Navy!

[C.H.TX]

Hello all,

   I am a 25 year old wife and mother (7 year old son) that is considering joining the Navy. My husband is a civilian and is 100% supportive and encouraging in my decision either way. I grew up in a retired Marine based household and I joined (and loved) the Air Force ROTC program in high school but I ended up becoming pregnant with my son at the very young age of 17. Since I was a young single mom I put any and all thoughts about the military on the back burner for a long time because I could not bear the thought of leaving my son at such a young age. However, now that I am married and my son is almost 8 I am starting to reconsider.

I guess what I would like to know the most is just some information on what families go through. What benefits are typically provided? Any advice or information on helping make my decision would be greatly appreciated! 

Thanks!

Claudia

[C.H.TX]

@BunkerQB...

I have a good career now. I have been working in administrative healthcare for the last 6 years but I'm just burnt out on it at this point. I eventually want to go to school to either get me a degree (another thing the Navy can help me with) that can get me into a higher office position or to go in a complete opposite direction. I'm ready for something new. Big. Rewarding. We are well aware of the pay cut that I would be taking by joining the military but my husband makes enough to cover the offset and with the extra benefits I'll be receiving it should be around the same. Being away from my son is one of main concerns mostly for his sake. I don't want him to feel like I am "abandoning him". Although with my husband and his biological father around I know he will have family to keep him busy depending on where we are stationed. Idk. It's like you said there is still a lot to think about.

Thanks for your reply! 

[jaime2maggie]

C.H.TX

It is something that you need to take time to consider all things that come with been in the military, but i found it to be rewarding to do my small part for my country . I also feel proud when my children tell their friends that her parents were in the military.  If your husband is supportive then it should be easier.  I also felt that i was abandoning my daughter, but then i knew that i was doing this for her.

Good Luck

 

[BunkerQB]

It's a tough decision. You want to do something for yourself. You want to stay being a good mom, good wife, good daughter. Know that whatever decision you make there will be an occasion when you question your decision. If you have thought it thru and feel good about your decision, when that moment of doubt comes, know that it's normal - don't let it consume you. Having a second child definitely stalled my career. But I have never regretted having a second baby (he is 26!). I do think back on all the things I could have done. But thankful for the life I have had and the having my family around me. If you don't go in the military, I would suggest start taking classes and get your degree. The health care industry will have strong employment opportunities in the future. But if you are burned out, are there related fields where you can find employment but where your background as an administrator is useful?  Sales? Marketing?  Best regards, BQB.

[C.H.TX]

Thank you! :)

[BrownEyedMomma]

If you qualify for I.T., you can do the reserves as full time active support. It was my daughter's original rating until she decided to head the path of cryptology. It would be ideal for a family situation, I think. Getting an I.T. position is not gauranteed (hope I spelled that right). It depends of availability and your testing, but it seemed like it could be an ideal position. You'd be full time and you would have more control over your duty station, plus you tend to stay in the same location for longer.

[C.H.TX]

Thank you!

[AzMom]

I have a daughter in bootcamp but I was also a young mother (years before my recruit was born). I sent you a friend request . I will share my experience, obviously overall positive because I encouraged my daughter when she expressed interest. But I'd like to share some insights as a mother who did two deployments with a young child at home.

[C.H.TX]

Thank you and yes, I would love to hear your experiences. I just accepted your friend request and look forward to hearing from you! 

[C.H.TX]

Thank you everyone who has taken the time to respond to my questions! I really appreciate the advice. It gives my family and I a lot to consider. In the end I am sure I will make the right decision one way or the other.