Leaving July 9, 2014

[Momof3]

My daughter just started her Senior year in HS but took her oath this past June.  She is excited and I am extremely proud of her.  She knows what she'll be doing (F/T cook) and even though she wasn't looking forward to that job at first, she is starting to think it's a great opportunity for her now.  I am not too nervous right now as her departure isn't for another 10 months, but I'm glad to have found a community that can help me understand what will be going on and encourage and uplift me as the date gets closer.  I am looking forward to being a more active participant in this group.

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[M4W]

Thanks so much for the reply.So many things shoot to my head right now and I am not keeping track of what to ask the recruiter. I was kind of thinking along those paths.  If they already had their physical do they have to go through the whole intense one again that they had when they swore in? I know my son was not too fond of the physical:), but he got through it.

[lemonelephant]

Recruits are shipped to the RTC Monday through Thursday and arrive at the RTC Monday through the wee hours of Friday. This allows the RTC to fill one to four divisions every day so that they are not on the same training schedule. See Arrival and What Happens at the RTC and Ship/Division--How it Works. Yes, the future Sailors must go through another physical prior to shipping to the RTC before being sworn in to be sure that they are fit for full duty (FFD) and able to begin training once they arrive at the RTC. Even a small cut or blister on a hand, knee, or foot could cause a future Sailor not to be able to ship.

[Sierrascrapper (ETN2)]

Zacksmom...My son is also going Nuke. Since my son leaves on a holiday week, they might have the same PIR date. Maybe they will be in the same Nuke class together when they get to GC. Don't be afraid, this is the BEST choice your son can make for his future. It will be an adventure, with plenty of ups and downs, but we will make it through because we raised these kids and they are going to make us proud!

[M4W]

I am following this thread with you-my son is leaving the same day.  It seems lately I am just having such a hard time sleeping-I find my mind drifting into so many questions about the upcoming things he is about to go through.  It was a lot easier when I sent my older son to college! Anyone else having difficult times already or just me?

[Sierrascrapper (ETN2)]

M4W...I know how you feel.  Some nights I have the same problem.  It was REALLY bad for about a month or so after my son signed into DEP.  I was reading and reading and reading on N4M and I would go to bed thinking about it and dreaming about it even.  I almost couldn't shut my mind up.  I still have that problem sometimes, but not nearly as much.  I have found that it's better for me if I'm not reading on N4M just before bedtime.  Maybe that will help you too. Also, I don't know how much searching you've done on N4M, but as I learned more, I was more comfortable about my son leaving and what he would be going through.  As I learned more about his rating and what he would be doing, it seemed to calm me down.  Have you checked out all the sidebar pages in the BootCamp Moms group? There is a lot of helpful info there.  We are all in this together and we will get through this together too.  Just hang in there and don't let it occupy your mind.  You can do this!

[Momof3]

So it seems my daughter has decided to switch to Reserves, but even that she's not sure of.  She's driving me crazy.  I'm trying to get her to understand that if she pulls out completely, she won't be able to join the service ever again.  There's a lot going on in my family right now and I'm just emotionally drained.  I could use some prayers.

[Melissa]

My son went throught the same doubts right after signing up and it lasted a couple of months! It drove me crazy because as much as I don't want him to leave, I do know it's the right thing for him. He watched a live graduation ceremony online and it definately pumped him up for it. Maybe that would help her also? It's a hard age for them to make such big decisions and it's not easy for us as parents! Will pray for you, and your family :)

 

[Momof3]

I will see if I can get her to do that.  We don't have internet at the house (had to drop it to  cut expenses) and I know that checking the Navy blogs/sites for her was good.  It is a big decision and I know in my heart this is the best decision for her, but I can't make her do it.  I just pray she makes the decision she feels led to make.  Thanks for the prayers.

[M4W]

My son is a senior in high school.  I think with the ending of the school year, there is a lot of kids talking, planning, not knowing what they want to do (at least around here there are).  Going into the Navy is completely different than everything else everyone is doing.  My son has talked to many retired Navy men this year who love to hear about his choice.  He is learning so much.  He just went to a training with the Naval Sea Cadets in December (it is similar to Jr.ROTC is the best way I can describe it.)  They watched some movies on leadership.  One really outstanding one was a true movie "Men of Honor" it was out in 2000.  It was very inspiring. Just a thought-not to persuade -just to watch.  Keeping you in our prayers. July is coming fast it seems.

[Sierrascrapper (ETN2)]

I LOVED the movie Men Of Honor.  It was so moving to see.  We bought it shortly after my son swore in as it was recommended to me.  Well worth it.

Yes July is coming FAST!  Now that graduation is so close, all the LASTS are starting to hit close to my heart.  I feel stronger now than I was when he first swore into DEP, but I still have plenty of moments.  My son is so READY to go though.  He can't wait to get started on his future. 

Hope you all are hanging in there and Momof3...hope things are improving for you too.  Keeping your family in my prayers. 

[Momof3]

Thanks Sierrascrapper.  I am happy to say my daughter has decided to stick with the FTSCS and will still be leaving in July. So now it's real and it's starting to sink in that she's leaving soon.  As we begin to wind down her Sr. Year, we are experiencing the first of our 'lasts'.  She's been part of the music/drama program since she was a little girl.  This weekend she'll be performing in her final HS musical.  Sunday they will give all the seniors a rose and thank them for their time and talents and I will be a weepy mess. lol.  But I know there is so much to look forward to as she says goodbye to HS and moves on into the Navy.  Thanks for being here for me ladies.  I will be relying on this board a lot more now that she has made her final decision to go.  :)

[M4W]

I think it is hitting all of our kids who are seniors right now -the fact they are REALLY going.  My son just ended basketball and now it is really setting in.  He had missed several DEP meetings because of BB games.  The questions and answers are getting more serious-but it is good.  This site is really good and I  still can not believe there are so many moms out there who have children going the same week I do.  I am glad we are there together.  We can also pray for all of them who are going through the same things.