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Comment by lauren on May 5, 2009 at 10:50pm

Sherry although all sub are nuke powered........Kel is not on a "Nuke"...he is on a fast attack ...they are attack subs they go out for "up to" about 6 months at time..... and they get to go to various ports....He likes that part.He has actually just volunteered for IA ...I don't know if he is going but ....they have started his round of shots .so we'll see He is in HI and I'm hoping to go this winter break from school...although I'm not going if he doesn't having anytime off. Not going unless I can hang out with him.........although we could sneak over there when he is out to sea and stay at his place. ...."for a girls break".......heck he has 2 vehicles we wouldn't even have to rent a car...........LOL........although I'm not sure he is going to let me drive his new baby........oh well we'll make due.........lol

Comment by Mark on May 5, 2009 at 10:48pm

Hi Sherry,
Sonar is like radar underwater, but using sound waves. Sound travels miles under water, and by using very sensitive equipment and computers, is the way that a submarine finds and tracks other submarines, surface ships and even marine life. Without sonar, a submarine is blind underwater. By building a library of known sound signatures, US submarines can identify the type of submarine or ship, and often the specific one, and monitor it's speed and location. If a sonar contact is to be targeted by a torpedo, sonar provides the necessary information for guiding the torpedo to the target. Not all enlisted sailors get re-enlistment bonuses, and in fact in the last couple of months, re-enlistment bonuses were eliminated or reduced for most sailors with just a few exceptions. Nuc bonuses appear to be unchanged, most others were either reduced (a number of mostly technical rates including cryptographic, a number of electronic ratings, including most techies on subs and a number of hospital corpsman specialties) or completely eliminated (most everyone else).

What's the name of the book going around again? I'm curious enough to check it out on Amazon...though I've got two books to finish first, and we're now into full-on golf season ;) hmm...that comment's bound to score a lotta points for me (cough, cough)...

Comment by Sherry James on May 5, 2009 at 9:06pm

Hey Mark, sounds like your son is very capable and is being trained to do something that the Navy really needs. Though I cannot say I know for sure what a Sonar Tech does, but then again I couldn't really explain what it is my own daughter does either! LOL Do you know if all sailors get a bonus for re-enlistment?

Lauren, your son is a Nuke too? Wow, this group has the smart gene! How long is his re-enlistment for? Yes, it does sound like he may make it a career or at least get through this time until the economy gets stronger. Which ain't a bad idea! Interesting idea about the youngest joining and getting in the Navy band. I'll bet they get to play for some really interesting gigs!

Oh, my goodness I love THE book! Steve is right on the $$$ so far, especially how he explains the differences bet. the way women and men love. I realized of course, I knew much of what I read so far but haven't made concrete in my mind. I love the 3 P's of a man's love for a woman. He will profess it, provide for her and protect her. Do they still come equipped like that anymore?

Sandra, can you put me in your carry on next time you go to San Diego or Hawaii? I've never been to either places but have heard they are both beautiful. And I would especially love to do a Tiger Cruise with my daughter. Enjoy your time with your sailor son!

Comment by lauren on May 5, 2009 at 8:19pm

So how is the book????

Comment by lauren on May 5, 2009 at 6:17pm

Hi Sherry my son is on a sub ...but he is on a fast attack. He has reenlisted, so I'm thinking that he is going to make it a career............I think the Navy is no different that really life it has good points and bad points to every position, and is subject to change quickly. I guess a good way to look at it is on a sub their chances of being able to reenlist is very high. and they have secure employment for right now and will have a chance to increase their education..... my youngest son is a percussionist and my oldest is trying to get my youngest to join and get in the Navy band. I don't know if I want both of them in but , it is their life

Comment by Mark on May 5, 2009 at 1:47pm

Sherry: My son is actually in training for Sonar Tech - he was initially trying for nuc, but couldn't get a math waiver for a couple of Ds, even though he did plenty well enough on the nuc qualifying test. I would have liked to see him in the nuc program, mostly because he'd be pushed harder and develop more of his potential, but ST is pretty good too, and he will undoubtedly enjoy his time on the boat a lot more. STs are a lot more involved in what the boat is doing tactically, and nucs are worked very, very hard on the boats. In some ways it's unfair (to the nucs), but they are compensated with higher pay, and much higher re-enlistment bonuses.

Comment by Sherry James on May 5, 2009 at 10:59am

Mark, your son is studying to be a Nuke, right? And you were also in the nuclear program yourself. From what I've heard, that is an extremely challenging program with a few perks that some less challenging programs in the Navy don't boast. One local mom, who I've met in person, has a son who also wasn't ready for college who is now in Nuke School and performing at the top of his class. He loves the challenge! His mom loves that he has found something that he's passionate about! Although only a few parents that I've met have Nuke kids, many moms share that sense of relief that the child is being trained in something that they enjoy and are able to learn discipline and can become independent.

Of course, like any job there are things they won't like or enjoy and most will leave after one tour. My daughter has her good days and not so good days but she geniunely likes helping others and feeling purposeful. And, I believe, she's multi-talented and the Navy gives her many avenues to develop some of those talents. Now balancing other parts of their lives is a whole other story for another day!! ;>D

Anyone else want to share their kids Navy experiences so far? Has the Navy been a good experience for them? What aspects do they like the most? the least? Have they spoken about making a career of it?

Comment by Mark on May 4, 2009 at 11:01pm

It's definitely been good for my son, I think, Sherry. A lot of that though, has to do with the fact that he is eighteen, and was not ready for success in college. He needed to make the next step forward, though, and was definitely motivated to serve his country, and was looking to be part of something significant and bigger than himself. I know he will be frustrated by many things in the Navy, as I was, yet he will also enjoy the aspects of Navy life you mentioned, and the novel adventure of submarine duty. It also means a lot to me that we will have a shared formative experience like this. He will be able to get out at the age of 24 (if he chooses), with a lot more maturity than his peers who aren't serving, and be positioned better for success, with the vast majority of his adult life still in front of him. Truth be told though, most of enlisted life is not a pleasant experience, that's why most get out. For most sailors, maintaining a positive attitude day to day takes quite an effort, and many don't succeed at that; they all really deserve our thanks. It's not a picnic for the officers, either, as I'm sure you've heard; for the officers though, the pressure and responsibility is more the issue, and their treatment and duties provide them a lot more respect.

Comment by lauren on May 4, 2009 at 10:03pm

Well Sherry since We can't do the Navy ................you could come to the Peace Coprs with me.....

Comment by Sherry James on May 4, 2009 at 9:44pm

Well, Mark, I'm kinda looking for something right now and if it were possible I really believe I would gladly join the Navy myself. There is so much I love about it. The travel, the comraderie and the various job you can train for. However, I know I have "aged out" now so I will probably have to pursue things on my own.
Definitely looking to relocate from the midwest. Mark, as a single mom I cannot begin to tell you how much the Navy has done for my daughter, myself and my family! It has enriched us all in so many ways. What about you? Has the Navy been good for your son?

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