Sonofabeach, why do you think I should not pin on the crab -do you think the officers/other grads would make a judgment about him and/or that he would be embarassed? His Dad is deceased; he is my only child and I have always been his mainstay. He told me that in the last graduation it was mostly officers and one dad--but also said, "It's up to you Mom--this is for you" But I want to do the right thing so would appreciate hearing more. Comments from anyone else? Kathy, NJNavyMom?
nancyp I think if want to pin your son and his ok with it you should. If my son had asked me I would have done in a heart beat. Don't let anyone that away from you and your son.
My son was supposed to go to Virginia, but got changed to Guam and he loves there.
Kathy #1Fan- How exciting going to Japan. Hope you have a great time. How long has your son been in the Navy?
Our son said Guam is just beautiful. We have talked about a visit, just not sure it will work out with our work schedules .
Our older son just moved to Florida so I'm trying to talk my husband into moving south. Our sailor said he's never coming back to Michigan, so I think we might as well be close to one of our to boys.
To braelen's mom, sorry to hear that he is not in the program anymore. I hope that he has found a rate that he enjoys and wish the best for him and you.
I have a question for those of you whose son's are going through the very difficult training to be EOD. If your son's are fortunate enough to graduate, don't you think you will need this site for support when your sons are deployed?
It doesn't matter, I already checked with administration and this site if for Navy Mom's of EOD. PERIOD! We need this site for as long as our sons are EOD just as much as mothers of trainees!
I hope this clears this matter up.
I hope sonofabeach can find it in her heart to understand this and accept it.
Now I suggest we all move on to supporting one another :-)
I have been happy having this site even though my son graduated over 3 years ago. I like to offer encouragement and keep all of them in prayers as they start this journey and as they move on to their duty station and more training. Here to support all and can't wait for my son and dil to be back stateside this fall.
wow, i had no idea, there was so much going on here lately. as far as a mom pinning their child, i guess it is up to the sailor. my son's group made an effort to make sure all their instructors got to pin someone. the father's that pinned people were former military, but if a mom can, go for it.
as far as being rolled. don't get upset. my son had 88 in bootcamp and had 7 out of them graduate with him. he was rolled also, which means, so were they. being rolled, he met new people and are close to them also.
the graduation from any other school is no big deal, as far as the guys were concerned. most got their certificate and got on the next plan to where they needed to be.
my son is in rota, spain and loves it. he has been there since feb of this year. it is lots of training and practice. his first deployment will be next year.
and yes, our kids are daredevils, but would we really have it any other way.
Hello all: Earlier I posted about pinning my son at his July 30 graduation--I did, and we were so happy! At this ceremony, pinning was done by 3 moms, a Dad, a grandfather, several wives, one of which carried their young child who the graduate held during the pinning. The others were pinned by the chief or other military. I was so glad I did it, and proud of my son--there were 19 graduates, 15 in his original class (much reduced from boot camp and dive school at Panama City) and 4 from other classes. The weather and ceremony were perfect- and the Commanding Officer was very friendly.
Narob01-good luck to your son. It's a tough program but hope he hangs in there!
Nancyp, so glad you got to pin your son. Now how disappointed will I be if he doesn't ask me. That's a long way away though.
A friend was talking to a man who had been a EOD trainer thru April. I asked if he had any advice for my son and for me. He said for him to study and not talk. He said for me to not ask my son what he does. I'm not sure that was reassuring.
I had a long talk with my son Monday. He sounded very happy and excited.
Hi narob01- It just came up in my email that you had posted.I am so glad to hear that your son is still hanging in there! So, he is in Pennsacola? I agree that you should NOT ask them anything that they do..nor what is done to them. I would also not watch those videos that some moms will suggest that you watch! Ignorance is bliss.
My son has adjusted to being back in training and the fact that he will be joining the Fleet and not Special Warfare as he hoped. He says he will try again in two years, but I hope that he does not. I hope everyone is doing well and your sons are all in my prayers.
I have stayed in this group because I would love to know how many, if any, are still in the training program for EOD. All of the ones that I knew about are no longer in. Anyone else out there from PIR 3-28-14?
nancyp- Congratulations on your son's graduation! I know that you must have been bursting with pride!
hey liberty !!!! we are still hanging in ....
he got to Eglin last week. He bought a truck a few weeks ago,very used against our advice) - he's so stubborn! he doesn't seem to care much for the area (shocking to me ) but hoping he starts to enjoy it there.
My son is in boot camp now and he has his contract for E O D...thank u for advice not to ask about what is done to him or what he has to do...Good council...Blessings
D- Hunter!! That is great news! I had not heard from you in a while and thought that he was no longer in EOD training. Good for him! I am surprised that he doesn't like the area also, but hopefully that will change. Stubborn I understand! I hope that the truck will be a good one and trouble free. Hi zacattack- Welcome! I hope that your son has a great experience. Make sure you write to him often. They really love getting mail. I hope that you are going to be able to go to graduation. It is quite an experience! Best of luck to your son!
Thank u so very much for your response... making arrangements for graduation....yippiiee!!! I'm writing everyday.. hoping he's getting mail...thank u for your support ... it really helps... Blessings and smiles
Well thanks for all your prayers and encouragement, but our sailor did not make it, he can try again in October. I am so sad for him, he trained so hard for it.
Conny- I am sorry to hear that. Please tell him that he should be proud of himself for trying. This experience is full of many highs and lows from what I have seen so far. It is not for the faint of heart.I hope that he will have better luck next time or that he will find another job that he enjoys.
Conny, best of luck to your sailor. October is not that far off so maybe he can keep training and he will be good to go. As Liberty said, this program is full of highs and lows and I will keep him in prayers that things go well in October.
Thank you for your comments and prayers, it really helps to have people to talk to who understand. He actually did really well, had more points than others, but some from the fleet had priority. I asked him to look and see what other jobs he may be interested in but he said, No Way, I am doing EOD and nothing else.
Hi everyone! I have some questions about EOD and hopefully you can give me some answers. My son was in BUDS last year and had to drop because of a stomach virus. He was devastated as were we. He has been an undes. airman since and has put together a packet for EOD. He has very high ASVAB scores & PSTs, great recommendations. He has been waiting & waiting & waiting to hear if gets picked up by EOD. Do any of you know how long it takes to get picked up? And... do any of you know how many training classes they have a year? He was hoping to get picked up and head out to GL for the October class, but now that doesn't look like it's going to happen. ANY info you could give would be most appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Cosmo242, I do not have any answers for you. When my son went into EOD he came out of the fleet. He put his package together while deployed and when they came back to port he had his orders to report to GL. He has been EOD for 3 1/2 years so some stuff is fading from memory.
Thanks Karenlee! Do you remember how long it was between the time he submitted his package and got his orders? I'm just trying to get an idea. If you don't remember, that's okay.
I think he turned his package in August and they reached their home port in Oct so a couple of months. He was off most of the month of nov- drove half way across the country to come home in between stations and headed to Gl to start the 1st of Dec.
Thanks again Karenlee... I appreciate the info... gives me some perspective. He submitted his package in August, so we just need to sit tight and be patient...which is so hard!
cosmo242- My son dor'd BUDs over a yr. ago. He was undes. assigned to a ship until this past June when he started EOD. While on the ship he got his Surface Warfare Pin & SARS (Search & Rescue). He said those were very helpful additions in his package. Your son may want to find a mentor/leader to look over his package to see if there is a different way to turn it in. My son helped some of the guys on his ship get jobs they had been looked over for in the past. Tell him to be patient, keep trying & stay in shape. EOD training is rigorous.
Thanks NavyMom... I will pass this info along to him. He has had a mentor/leader to help him submit his package. Just seems like it's taking a long time to get an answer. Thanks again for your advice.
Cosmo242,talked to my son about how long it took to get his orders. If your son is on the fleet side it is up to the CO. If he is willing to let him go early then the process is super fast, if not they can hang for awhile. Has he run his paperwork up the command and received anything back? Hope this helps.
My son has been training since January with a mentor - first trying for Seal, but was picked up by EOD in May. Going to boot camp in three weeks. Should we expect any surprises after boot camp as far as the EOD training? He's in excellent condition and mentally tough. How many drafted actually get through entire training?
Sportsmomof2 my son finished bootcamp and is waiting to get in ...35 are allowed in and 25 or so will get dropped from it or pushed back another month my son was doing the same thing went for seal picked up for eod and has just finished bootcamp...good luck to your son and god bless you momma
Well, my experience ( or the experience of our Sailor) is much different. They had 42 guys and 3 actually went on to school to Florida. All other either got pushed back or got a different job. The next tryout is in October, good luck to you all!
My daughter just finished bootcamp and is one of the very few females in EOD program. She unfortunately did not get the training she needed to keep up her conditioning because they could not make a mixed division with only 5 females. The males on the other hand get into an EOD group or SPEC warfare and they keep their conditioning. I was very disappointed after all the work she had done prior to bootcamp.
Stay strong DHunter maybe they will let him retake. My daughter starts dive prep soon I'm so worried for her. She's tough but I know that program is too!
D-hunter you are right, no part of EOD school is easy. I remember going through this with my son. I said a lot of prayers. If this is the first test that he failed he should just be rolled back. What section is he in? The middle part seems to be the hardest and then it gets somewhat easier. The best part is the end when they dive again. I will keep him in my prayers.
He is going on I think week 10 ??? First time he failed and I didn't expect him to be dropped but rolled yes - because 2 others got dropped on their 3rd test they failed . Yesterday he had to go in front of someone (chief? Board ?) then he had to write a letter .... I tried to text him and he said he doesn't want to talk....
My son also had to go in front of the board. Not sure who sits on the board. From what I remember they look at what he has done so far and he tells them why he should be able to stay in and they decide if he stays or go's. I am sure that with what your son has done so far he will get to stay. 3 failed test is not a good thing. I know EOD is hard from the mom end. Keep positive thoughts and things will turn out ok.
Well I feel a little better knowing there is even a slight chance .... He turned in letter today but I don't know if he heard back or still waiting ... He's really not wanting to talk .... Stubborn !:(
After nine months of it all my son was dropped :(
I'm sad for him because I know he wanted it so badly but I told him he will be fine. He has a new rating (think that's what it's called ) and he is now AC bound! Thanks for being awesome support!
nancyp
Regina, thanks. My son is going to Virginia.
Jul 10, 2014
nancyp
Sonofabeach, why do you think I should not pin on the crab -do you think the officers/other grads would make a judgment about him and/or that he would be embarassed? His Dad is deceased; he is my only child and I have always been his mainstay. He told me that in the last graduation it was mostly officers and one dad--but also said, "It's up to you Mom--this is for you" But I want to do the right thing so would appreciate hearing more. Comments from anyone else? Kathy, NJNavyMom?
Jul 10, 2014
Regina
nancyp I think if want to pin your son and his ok with it you should. If my son had asked me I would have done in a heart beat. Don't let anyone that away from you and your son.
My son was supposed to go to Virginia, but got changed to Guam and he loves there.
Jul 10, 2014
Regina
Kathy #1Fan- How exciting going to Japan. Hope you have a great time. How long has your son been in the Navy?
Our son said Guam is just beautiful. We have talked about a visit, just not sure it will work out with our work schedules .
Our older son just moved to Florida so I'm trying to talk my husband into moving south. Our sailor said he's never coming back to Michigan, so I think we might as well be close to one of our to boys.
Jul 11, 2014
Karenlee
Jul 11, 2014
NJNavyMom
I have a question for those of you whose son's are going through the very difficult training to be EOD. If your son's are fortunate enough to graduate, don't you think you will need this site for support when your sons are deployed?
It doesn't matter, I already checked with administration and this site if for Navy Mom's of EOD. PERIOD! We need this site for as long as our sons are EOD just as much as mothers of trainees!
I hope this clears this matter up.
I hope sonofabeach can find it in her heart to understand this and accept it.
Now I suggest we all move on to supporting one another :-)
THAT IS WHAT THIS SITE IS ALL ABOUT!
Jul 11, 2014
Karenlee
Jul 11, 2014
addy62
wow, i had no idea, there was so much going on here lately. as far as a mom pinning their child, i guess it is up to the sailor. my son's group made an effort to make sure all their instructors got to pin someone. the father's that pinned people were former military, but if a mom can, go for it.
as far as being rolled. don't get upset. my son had 88 in bootcamp and had 7 out of them graduate with him. he was rolled also, which means, so were they. being rolled, he met new people and are close to them also.
the graduation from any other school is no big deal, as far as the guys were concerned. most got their certificate and got on the next plan to where they needed to be.
my son is in rota, spain and loves it. he has been there since feb of this year. it is lots of training and practice. his first deployment will be next year.
and yes, our kids are daredevils, but would we really have it any other way.
hope this helped
proud mom
Jul 12, 2014
Beachgirl13
Jul 15, 2014
NJNavyMom
Beachgirl13 Good luck to your and your son!
Jul 15, 2014
Karenlee
Jul 15, 2014
zacattack
Aug 5, 2014
Karenlee
Aug 6, 2014
nancyp
Hello all: Earlier I posted about pinning my son at his July 30 graduation--I did, and we were so happy! At this ceremony, pinning was done by 3 moms, a Dad, a grandfather, several wives, one of which carried their young child who the graduate held during the pinning. The others were pinned by the chief or other military. I was so glad I did it, and proud of my son--there were 19 graduates, 15 in his original class (much reduced from boot camp and dive school at Panama City) and 4 from other classes. The weather and ceremony were perfect- and the Commanding Officer was very friendly.
Narob01-good luck to your son. It's a tough program but hope he hangs in there!
Aug 6, 2014
narob01
Nancyp, so glad you got to pin your son. Now how disappointed will I be if he doesn't ask me. That's a long way away though.
A friend was talking to a man who had been a EOD trainer thru April. I asked if he had any advice for my son and for me. He said for him to study and not talk. He said for me to not ask my son what he does. I'm not sure that was reassuring.
I had a long talk with my son Monday. He sounded very happy and excited.
Hope everyone is well.
Aug 7, 2014
Liberty
Hi narob01- It just came up in my email that you had posted.I am so glad to hear that your son is still hanging in there! So, he is in Pennsacola? I agree that you should NOT ask them anything that they do..nor what is done to them. I would also not watch those videos that some moms will suggest that you watch! Ignorance is bliss.
My son has adjusted to being back in training and the fact that he will be joining the Fleet and not Special Warfare as he hoped. He says he will try again in two years, but I hope that he does not. I hope everyone is doing well and your sons are all in my prayers.
I have stayed in this group because I would love to know how many, if any, are still in the training program for EOD. All of the ones that I knew about are no longer in. Anyone else out there from PIR 3-28-14?
nancyp- Congratulations on your son's graduation! I know that you must have been bursting with pride!
I hope that everyone is doing well.
Aug 7, 2014
D-hunter
he got to Eglin last week. He bought a truck a few weeks ago,very used against our advice) - he's so stubborn! he doesn't seem to care much for the area (shocking to me ) but hoping he starts to enjoy it there.
Aug 8, 2014
zacattack
Aug 8, 2014
Liberty
D- Hunter!! That is great news! I had not heard from you in a while and thought that he was no longer in EOD training. Good for him! I am surprised that he doesn't like the area also, but hopefully that will change. Stubborn I understand! I hope that the truck will be a good one and trouble free. Hi zacattack- Welcome! I hope that your son has a great experience. Make sure you write to him often. They really love getting mail. I hope that you are going to be able to go to graduation. It is quite an experience! Best of luck to your son!
Aug 9, 2014
zacattack
Aug 9, 2014
Karenlee
Aug 24, 2014
NJNavyMom
Connie, prayers and NMH's!!!
Aug 24, 2014
Conny
Well thanks for all your prayers and encouragement, but our sailor did not make it, he can try again in October. I am so sad for him, he trained so hard for it.
Aug 29, 2014
Liberty
Conny- I am sorry to hear that. Please tell him that he should be proud of himself for trying. This experience is full of many highs and lows from what I have seen so far. It is not for the faint of heart.I hope that he will have better luck next time or that he will find another job that he enjoys.
Aug 30, 2014
Karenlee
Aug 30, 2014
Conny
Thank you for your comments and prayers, it really helps to have people to talk to who understand. He actually did really well, had more points than others, but some from the fleet had priority. I asked him to look and see what other jobs he may be interested in but he said, No Way, I am doing EOD and nothing else.
Aug 30, 2014
2navykids
Aug 30, 2014
Conny
He got out of Boot Camp 8/8/14 and is in GL for prep.
Aug 31, 2014
NJNavyMom
Connie, he will try harder in October. Prayers and NMH's!
Aug 31, 2014
cosmo242
Hi everyone! I have some questions about EOD and hopefully you can give me some answers. My son was in BUDS last year and had to drop because of a stomach virus. He was devastated as were we. He has been an undes. airman since and has put together a packet for EOD. He has very high ASVAB scores & PSTs, great recommendations. He has been waiting & waiting & waiting to hear if gets picked up by EOD. Do any of you know how long it takes to get picked up? And... do any of you know how many training classes they have a year? He was hoping to get picked up and head out to GL for the October class, but now that doesn't look like it's going to happen. ANY info you could give would be most appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Sep 21, 2014
Karenlee
Sep 21, 2014
cosmo242
Thanks Karenlee! Do you remember how long it was between the time he submitted his package and got his orders? I'm just trying to get an idea. If you don't remember, that's okay.
Sep 21, 2014
Karenlee
Sep 21, 2014
cosmo242
Thanks again Karenlee... I appreciate the info... gives me some perspective. He submitted his package in August, so we just need to sit tight and be patient...which is so hard!
Sep 21, 2014
NavyM♥m
cosmo242- My son dor'd BUDs over a yr. ago. He was undes. assigned to a ship until this past June when he started EOD. While on the ship he got his Surface Warfare Pin & SARS (Search & Rescue). He said those were very helpful additions in his package. Your son may want to find a mentor/leader to look over his package to see if there is a different way to turn it in. My son helped some of the guys on his ship get jobs they had been looked over for in the past. Tell him to be patient, keep trying & stay in shape. EOD training is rigorous.
Sep 21, 2014
cosmo242
Thanks NavyMom... I will pass this info along to him. He has had a mentor/leader to help him submit his package. Just seems like it's taking a long time to get an answer. Thanks again for your advice.
Sep 21, 2014
Karenlee
Sep 23, 2014
sportsmomof2
My son has been training since January with a mentor - first trying for Seal, but was picked up by EOD in May. Going to boot camp in three weeks. Should we expect any surprises after boot camp as far as the EOD training? He's in excellent condition and mentally tough. How many drafted actually get through entire training?
Sep 28, 2014
2navykids
Sep 28, 2014
Conny
Well, my experience ( or the experience of our Sailor) is much different. They had 42 guys and 3 actually went on to school to Florida. All other either got pushed back or got a different job. The next tryout is in October, good luck to you all!
Sep 28, 2014
Boogie'sMom
Sep 28, 2014
Boogie'sMom
Oct 1, 2014
Karenlee
Oct 1, 2014
D-hunter
Oct 1, 2014
Karenlee
Oct 1, 2014
D-hunter
Oct 1, 2014
Karenlee
Oct 1, 2014
D-hunter
I'm sad for him because I know he wanted it so badly but I told him he will be fine. He has a new rating (think that's what it's called ) and he is now AC bound! Thanks for being awesome support!
Oct 15, 2014
Karenlee
Oct 15, 2014
D-hunter
Oct 15, 2014