»» Welcome to the MEPS and DEP group ««

Proud mom of a Sailor, your page is fine now. I also gave you the info on your recruit's rating (job).

My son left on 3/29/17 he was supposed to leave in May, He was called by his recruiter on 3/21/17 telling him he had to leave on the 29th, I was not prepared for this news, he came by work to tell me and it was very emotional, the next few days were hard. Saying goodbye to your child is difficult especially when you know you will get that last call then not hear from them for sometime, Wednesday was a very hard day, I pray that he is doing fine. I cant wait to get his form letter so that I can send his letters.

Our SR ships 4/12/17. I'm really trying to focus on "right now". My mind has been trying to race ahead to the day he checks in at MEPS , his ship day, BC, PIR and his next ship day. I own a yoga studio so I'm trying to practice everything I've learned about trying to be in the moment and avoid anxiety. I'm a planner so I'm trying to take care of the things that I can take care of now and let the rest unfold . BUT there's not much to stop the sudden outburst of tears. I hope to figure that out next. lol

If your future Sailor has yet to ship, then be sure to check out the discussion, Things to Do in the Last Month before Your Future Sailor Leaves for....

If you have not yet joined Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones), now is a good time to do so (especially if you have a recruit at the RTC) and to begin checking out the Pages (found under the pictures of the Members) starting with OPSEC and PERSEC (Making Changes to Your Profile) (some of you have changes that you need to make--at least change 3; make change 4 if your profile pic includes your future Sailor or recruit) and then go on to Arrival and What Happens at the RTC.

Good morning everyone,

PLEASE!!!! make sure your loved one takes a calling card to boot camp and or send them one ASA you have their address!!!!!!!

My daughter could not call home for 4 weeks because of lack of a calling card. They can buy one there but it takes time :(

Hello Everyone!  My son leaves for Boot Camp July 20th.  My son and I read the article "What to do the Last Month" together and I'll tell you what, I started crying!  I'm super excited for him to go into the Navy, but reading that kind of made it serious!  I was there with him at MEPS, he's been in DEP since December and I've been there every step of the way, but NOW it's getting real!  Thank you for letting me join this group, I know I'm going to have a ton of questions in the next couple of months!

Hello everyone,

PLEASE!!!! make sure your loved one takes a calling card to boot camp and or send them one ASA you have their address!!!!!!!

My daughter could not call home for 4 weeks because of lack of a calling card. They can buy one there but it takes time :(

@Sasysweet my SR left May 1st and it was very surreal up until the day he shipped off. They won't have much time to talk on the phone during bc, but you get a few phone calls here and there. I have talked to my son twice for 1 minute each time and it was very rushed, but he sounded good. His recruiter should be able to tell you everything that he will need, but for right now its nothing. I would advise to not wear anything that he cares about to bc because they have to pay to ship the stuff back. My son wore some old shoes and opted to throw them away. It will be okay...you will battle with missing your son, but like you said, he made a good decision. What job did he pick?

@Sasysweet, my son is a CS. Once he gets on the bus they won't let him use the phone until he gets to RTC. Everything will be okay...just try and relax. :)

My boy will be leaving for RTC on June 5. We are so excited! Our oldest went through bootcamp 2 years ago. It is an exciting time ladies! When my son classes up, and finds out his division, I'll be contacting you so we can go through this experience together! 

Everyone, Make it a habit to check your My Page because you may have comments from Members and not even know it if you have the notifications turned off for comments on your My Page. To reply to someone who leaves a comment on your My Page, click on "Comment Back" or "View Thread" (you will have to do that if the person has their profile set to "Just My Friends") below the comment. Also check in the upper left to see if you have Friend requests or any new messages in your Inbox.

Good morning to all of you Navy Moms out there! Wishing you a wonderful Wednesday! Saying prayers for our young men and women at bootcamp, A and C Schools and serving our country! What a fine group of individuals! Hooyah! 

Hi. New to the group. I've had two sons go through Navy boot camp already and a third about to sign up for DEP. Better late than never on joining the group. :-)

Thanks! 

BDunksMom, welcome to the journey. Did he enter DEP today or leave for the RTC?

Sassysweet, he will not have much extra room at "A" School and he will already have his Seabag, hanging bag and black backpack to carry and has to be able to carry all of his things himself. Take things that he can add to his black backpack and don't add another piece of luggage.See the info in PIR Day and Liberty during PIR Weekend. (That link is also in the info I previously left on your My Page.)

Hello.  My son arrived at Great Lakes last night!  Got my call around 1130.  Been worrying about his 1st day all day.

Quick question:  My son is getting ready to enlist (waiting on paperwork review) and his wisdom teeth are bothering him.  He doesn't want to let the recruiter know they are hurting.  Should he just have them out?  He's worried what it will be like if they take them out at BC....Any thoughts?

ttinaz I would have them out now before going in. I manage a large dental practice and if he could get them out before going in with sedation it will be more comfortable for him. They do not do sedation at BC- just a thought though

AofR-unit, I don't think you can take the RV onto the RTC. You will need to take a taxi or shuttle. You can set that up with Sarge. You can check with the PAO to be sure. There are places to park an RV. You may want to check with MWR for the locations.

Mammagoose, I am sorry to see that.

Hello again,

I got my letter today. He left July 18th, got his box Tuesday the 25th and his letter today. Graduation date is 09.15.2017.

Ship 03, Div 287.

Any others?

Hey!  A little nervous here..

Mine is supposed to sign the initial papers today.  He is a Senior and just started school 3 days ago.  Is there an advantage to signing sooner than later?    

Thanks!

My son signed up when he was a junior in high school, now I dont know about the Recruiters anywhere else but my son's recruiter was awesome, he trained with my son at the colleges they have a boot camp trainining there so when your son does attend he is already ready for the fitness and the swimming. The recruiter did all that for my son. so there was no worries. but I dont know how they are everywhere else.

Thank you Phoenixmom!

The recruiter said the kids that have been to MEPS and are waiting to go meet 2 times a month to do Navy Training stuff to prepare them for training.  I am not sure what that entails but will find out.  

Is there anything we should be careful of when he signs?  

yes they will meet and every time they go they will be drug tested and they will be doing exercises and fitness because they want to make sure they can do as many push ups sit ups chin ups in like 2 min. because they have to do that in boot camp so get to know the recruiter and he will guide you along every step.And honestly they set them up for success, and make sure they will be able to pass boot camp, and work with them until they meet their goal. and then they will work on the swimming part and  running to show them what is expected in boot camp. its all good. and then once in awhile your sons recruiting office will have them compete against all other military offices my son enjoyed that.

My son signed up at the beginning of his senior year as well.  He has DEP meetings once or twice a month (it varies) and has been training a few days a week as well, more so since he graduated in May.

My son's recruiter has been awesome as well.  When he origianlly signed up, it was just for Reserve but since going to the DEP meetings and physical training - he is now fully enlisted.  He leaves at the end of September and while I know it's what he wants - I'm still worried.  More worried that something will happen and he won't get the job he's after and he'll be disappointed but - I also know he will give 110% to get the job he wants. Hoping for the best!

Now from my understanding not all offices in different states do this, but look into it, also they test them to see where your son scores the highest for job opportunities or palcement. they give them alot of information he will come home with so you can go over it as well and they do alot of physicals. nothing to worry about. just make sure your son works out alot and do alot of running or jogging.

when your son leaves to boot camp the Recruiter will stay in touch with you, and believe me they will get them where they need to be before entering boot camp. they will be fine. whatever he scores and it meets that job qualification then that is what then go in for, my son was already enlisted in his job placement that he chose so that is what they go to A school for and then they will be placed at that school who trains for that placement, so from boot camp he may be shipped to that school wherever it may be.

If you can find out what your sons rating (job) or field is going to be then from there you can find more info like A school and so on.

Thank you so much for all of the information. 

He took the military test last year and scored ok (67) on it.  The job listing the recruiter had showed he qualified for most jobs as far as the military test. He said the physical test may narrow that down some and asked my son to figure out his top 5 job choices.  He will be 18 in June.  Do you know how long (typically) after they graduate and turn 18 they leave for training.  I understand the departure time is based on when the job is available and the school begins for that school.  The recruiter explained that the Navy builds backwards from those times to send the kids to training so that they go straight from training to school.  But in your experience was that within a few weeks or months of graduation/18th birthday.   

I really should have held him back a year so he would be 18 before he graduated instead of 3 weeks after.  :)

He runs track and cross country and I have encouraged him to keep his running up so that will be easier.  He will have to work on the chin ups and swimming.  I am not sure he understands how much work this is going to be for him (mentally and physically) but he is determined to join.  

I really do appreciate all the information and advice you guys have shared!!  Also, I love this site.  It has helped so much.

To me all info is good info and you are welcome my son graduated the end of may of this year and he swore in on July 5th and was sent that day to boot camp. the recruiter will know when your son will be shipped, and your son should already know also what he chooses as far as placement and job before he leaves and where he will be attending his A school. Dont hesitate to Talk to the recruiter he will tell you my son didnt just come out and let me know I had to ask him I dont know if its a guy thing but we have right to know these things right!

there is website called Naval training centers and it give a run down of where the A school will be for that specific training I usually just google to get info if I cant find it elsewhere.

Congrats to your son, Phoenixmom!  I bet you are so proud.  So, he is currently in training?   How is it going for you?

I am very proud thank you, for a minute there he was not liking it, even though they may be fit and can do the routine they tend to change it up, but I had to continue letting him know why he is there and that he needs to stay focused. so far he has been doing great with the fitness and all that part of it, havent heard anything in regards to the academics part so I'm hoping and praying no news is good news. I was a mess when my son left, I cried for a whole week, me and my son are very close as all mothers but he never was away for more than a day. I was nervous, worried. but then my hubby kept saying he is fine. I think it was more of him not being near and not being able to communicate with him. I'm ok now just routing for all that they can come together as one, not knowing the next person and their way of doing things can probably be a struggle for them. Just counting down the days to see and hold my son, but then we go to the next step which is A school, he will be staying there in Great Lakes.

I hope they can too!  Will you get a few days after graduation to spend with him before he goes to A School?

I have "liked" a US Navy Recruiting FB page that has pics from several different graduation ceremonies.  I get emotional seeing those and mine isn't even there yet.   

This is going to be a whole new experience and one he will have to take on his own.  I admire the boys and girls that take that step.  They so brave to leave everything that is familiar and make that type of commitment so young. 

Thanks again for all the info!  I appreciate it!

It is different for them and it was for him totally but when they start meeting friends it gets easier, So is your son not in as of yet? It's hard when you get calls and they sound tired and fustrated, you have ones that are serious and then you have the ones that goof off all the time and when one gets in trouble for goofing off the whole division gets in trouble,  but as time goes on they starting weeding them out one by one. there is alot of emotions going on the first few weeks but then it should get easier. they are just strangers to each other that need to come together as a Div. and as team Brothers and learn to work with each other. I pray over the phone with my son and he will tell me thanks mom I needed that, they just need to be reassured, but need to stay focused at the same time. I am proud of all the Sons and Daughter who have the Will, Courage, Strength, Confidence to continue on a journey they have chosen for themselves.

No, mine just started his SR year in HS.  But has been talking about joining the Navy for almost 2 years.  He is supposed to be signing the enlistment papers tonight and setting up a time to go to MEPS for the physical exam.

It sounds like ya'll are about a year ahead in your journey than we are.  :)

I have been a member of this site for several months but today is the first time I have interacted on the site. With him actually signing papers I wanted to get some info from moms who have gone through this already.  :) 

Your son will be fine, he is in good hands. they just have to remember Boot Camp is hard for a reason and they will be broken down, and it may not be what they expect but in the end it is all worth it and they will be shaped into great good men and Women. The proudest moment for Mothers and Fathers to see their Loved ones in a Sailor suit. My son is expected to Graduate Boot camp Sept. 1st. and by this time now they are counting down the days. LOL

FF3577, Every recruit must turn 18 within 60 days after shipping to the RTC, so that will affect when your son will be able to ship to the RTC.