Got questions? Your recruiting office is there for you, too.

[Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom]

N4M is a good place for sharing experiences and info, but the best place to get reliable answers is your sailor's recruiter - or anyone at the recruiting office. They can make a welfare inquiry at boot camp, discuss rates, educate about available programs, research info, find bibliographies for advancement tests, etc. If your recruiter isn't able to satisfactorily respond, then speak with another recruiter or with whoever is in charge of that recruiting station.  

If you haven't already, go ahead and establish a good, positive and respectful relationship with that office. It's best done in person, so make an appointment - and keep it. Bring your written questions with you. The ideal time to start this is before boot camp, but better late than never.

it is so great that Who has stepped up to volunteer her knowledge, this is just another avenue.  

[proudmom]

Unfortunately I don't feel liike I can trust my son's recruiters. We have found that they lied to us about pretty much every thing they told us.

[Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom]

That's a shame. My son didn't click with the first recruiter he encountered and so we 'shopped' for one who was motivated and knowledgeable, and it made such a difference.

Our Arizona Moms group had a brunch yesterday, and the commanding officer of Navy Recruiting District Phoenix (a huge area) joined us. He happens to be the person who swore my son into the Navy three years ago, and I've met him at several occasions since. He is a fine person and sincerely encourages feedback. Perhaps you could have a meeting with someone at your NRD and get better support now. At the least you may help improve things for future recruits at that office.

[Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom]

I didn't know anything about the Navy - or the military - initially. I did a lot of research, and realized that no one should place their faith totally in the recruiter. The internet, fortunately, is a great avenue for research - but it's not the sole answer either. I read books and articles and asked friends and work associates, for example.

I DO believe that if your son or daughter is young (i.e., in high school or recently graduated and hasn't much job experience) that parents ought to get involved and help their sons and daughters as they negotiate their way. At the outset, the Navy experience is complicated, but the benefits are outstanding.

Just as in civilian life, nothing's perfect. But the responsibility ultimately lies upon the us and our future sailors to do the best we can. The benefits of a stable job, great health care, and career training, and SO much more, can't be beat - in my opinion :)

[dannysmom]

sorry this is the third time i am posting this question on here, because we are in a bit of a shock, my son was scheduled to leave for bc nov 1st, but now was just told he has to go to college first and get 15 credit because the small private hs he just graduated from is tier 2, not tier 1, whatever that means. my question is, is that set in stone, or is there a way around that, i think i already know the answer.

[Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom]

So sorry I can't help you with this!  I haven't got a clue what that's all about.  Is it due to the rate he is enlisting for?  Please give us more info on the details of the program he's enlisting for and keep us posted so we all can learn from this.