Ship 5 Moms(Formerly Ship 17)

For loved ones and graduates of Ship 5(17) no critics!This is a haven for the above, not for those seeking to attack those in need of support! PLEASE READ THRU MASTHEAD. MANY QUESTIONS ANSWERED HERE!

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  • Camsproudmom

    Got the call last night that no parent wants to get they r sending my son home saying he is having panic attacks of anxiety with only a few min call hard to know what is going on. I have done some research & found that if your thyroid is not working properly it can give u the same symptoms as anxiety. Will have that checked ASAP once checkers home & if that is the case hoping hecmay be able to re-enlist.
  • Camsproudmom

    Huntersmom I have been following your post. I hope all works out for your son such a shame to get through the full process to have it taken away. I have a question do they have to appeal prior to being sent home? We have only had 1 very short call from our son so still in the dark on what is really going on or how to help him not make a uninformed choice.
  • HuntersMom

    Camsproudmom im really sorry to hear about your son I know the feeling. Yes they have to appeal it right away. My son appealed his the day after he found out. Has to go to legal dept. Ask for second opinion from a civilian dr. Of course every situation is different. Did he have anxiety issues before he went in? Low cortisol can cause anxiety too. That's what I have. Anxiety can be caused by many different things. Hugs
  • Camsproudmom

    Can anyone give me any help? My son has been in ship 5 since last tue we had 1 short call & I missed a call on wed & since then no other communication, we have no idea what is going on with him I am desperate for information. Anyone know who I can contact for any info at all?
  • xsubman

    boys call tue,thur and on sunday. calls are made from the px, and only if no trouble in compartment rules violation and such his first call was probably his i'm at ship 5 it is scripted and more than likely being monitored as he read from script next phone call was probably after his indoc into ship 5 longer call I believe now you will hopefully hear something on sunday we had some luck with facebook they can get on the internet but cost 5 bucks and got a few msg off that way on occasion but unfortunately it is not the best of place or enjoyable they are still considered recruits and treated accordingly as long as fit for travel wait time is approx 21days that is business days but every case is differen he now waits for legal will sign papers then couple business days will see travel and then be home shortly after travel 

  • Camsproudmom

    Xsubman, thak you so much for that information. I will hope to get a call tomorrow I hope it don't make a difference that it is Easter Sunday. Besides finding out how Nevis & what is going on we want to let him know we will be driving to Chicago to pick him up as I am sure they will be putting him on a bus & a 5 or 6 hour bus ride is the last thing he needs at this point. Again thank you for the information.
  • xsubman

    I'm sure it will all work out in the end, every case is different and or unique in its own way but their is probably a good chance the navy will fly him home, mine was flown home, so hang in there, and hopefully you'll hear from him soon

  • Camsproudmom

    Xsubman, I read that because he was under 180 days he would not be flown home. How is your son doing? I can't even begin to imagine how my son is feeling as the Navy is all he ever wanted to do & we have several Family members in the Navy including a commander. Wondering what u mean by it's not the best of places? I can understand not being enjoyable as the r still considered as recruits & I am sure treated as such.
  • MyKidIsInNavy

    When you are sent to Ship 5 for SEPS, it is well known that you are on your way home, many times not anything you intentionally did to cause it, but once there, the RDC's are not the nicest.  You will hear from other's their SR was told they are the worst ever, not meant for the Navy etc.  You will also hear stories about those who never wanted to join but went in and many mental issues and fighting among SR's.  It is not a happy place to be.  Write him and tell him to stay to himself and keep his mouth closed and away from everyone

  • HuntersMom

    I sure hope that's not true my son got pulled out at the end of battle stations he passed everything. He got pulled out over scar tissue in his ear from a old surgery! Treating them boys like that can really mess them up and if I do find out that's how they are treated don't think I won't file a complaint with my congressman. These boys can't help they are there.
  • xsubman

    Thanks mykid hit the nail on the head. The navy is responsible for returning our kids to their home of record. Now that being said at the convenience of government bus, train or airplane, but our son was there about 36hrs and was flown home, and though its been said, and he left that day with 62 kids none by bus. It's a slow process, but back to work at grocery store, and in the fall he will be starting back to school to complete is EMT, already has his firefighting card, and with some luck starting to take some civil service exams to pursue a career in the fire service. Was hard on him really was a goal, dream to serve in the Navy both I and my wife served in the Navy, so he was looking forward to serving.  His 180 days are up in August, and he now seems to be talking and leaning toward completing his waiver and returning to the Navy, but It has been hard on us, and will support his decision , however this new Navy and cutbacks, we are not understanding how they can just get rid of these young people for some of the craziest things I ever heard of, just deeply concerns us, and do we want to go through this again, but respect his decision and will support him, just wonder if that was a sign, and we should look down other avenues.

  • Camsproudmom

    I am with huntersmom if I find out my son was treated badly my congressman will know who I am on a first name base! If a kid is separated for a medical this is not anything they have control over & I would think that since the Navy is suppose to instill honor, courage & pride they should treat these young men & women with respect. I am now more worried about my son & his well being & hope I get a call Sunday.
  • MyKidIsInNavy

    I was not trying to upset anyone, but the questions were asked and I wanted to answer them the best I could.  Just tell your SR's to stay to themselves and keep their mouth's closed and all will be fine.  Keep in mind, Ship 5 is loaded with anyone and everyone being sent home, so it is a melting pot of personalities and attitudes and the process to get home will take between 21-37 days depending on the case and if they need to be declared FFT (fit for travel).  MOST do fly home, but again, you can make arrangements to meet them at the train station right outside the gate at RTC or at the aiport before they board their flights if you want to road trip.

  • Camsproudmom

    Mykidsinthensvy, I have been reading a lot of pld post in this group & I am now worried sick about my son seeings how he has been at ship 5 for over a week & I have nor been able to talk to him. I see some post that say if u call public affairs they will have your SR call back pretty fast wondering if this is true & if this is a call I should make?
  • MyKidIsInNavy

    Calling PAO will not really get you anywhere, I suggest you write to your SR and overnight the letter telling them to be sure to sign off the paperwork with legal to allow then to discuss the situation with you.  You can try calling Legal or Ship 5 Admin if this has already been done.  They will have chances to call you and also check emails and facebook too IF they have money to do so.  Try not to worry, remember, they are adults and strong people.

  • Camsproudmom

    Mykidsinthenavy I was told they allowed to call tue, thur & Sundays so I am hoping I will get a call tomorrow. If nit I will overnight a letter first thing Monday & also call legal & admin. I know he has a phone card & did have money when he left for bc not sure now. I did mail him out a letter a few days ago to ship 5 soon as I learned he was moved however I did not know to tell him to sign papers at that time.
  • Camsproudmom

    I have been reading a lot of past post. Is it true they will come home in a sweat suit & they have to pay for the uniforms after they r home if their pay did not cover them? I would think if they have to pay for them they should be able to keep them I don't understand having to pay for something u never used nor that u don't get to keep.
  • xsubman

    Yes they will travel in there pt gear/sweats yes they will pay for the things they were given not sure how long your son was there, mine was Feb 13 issued all the cold weather gear was about 700 bucks still get paid up to singing of paper work so he broke about even got 23 bucks back on his first and only payday now less weather gear i hear runs around 500 bucks and everyone in bootcamp is payed E1 about maybe 50 bucks a day give or take pending taxes now again every case is different and yes because of being over loaded with SR the navy is recycling alot of things my son had to return his boots and the digital BDU  but not being charged for them 

  • Camsproudmom

    My son went in on April 8th. Seems every unfair they have to pay for the stuff & have to give it back.
  • HuntersMom

    My Son Got a E-8, So that is good right? Does that mean he can reinlist? I just wanted to make sure. It doesn't seem fair that they are sent home just in a sweatsuit after paying for all those uniforms. Looks like they could at least keep one. Just my opinion.. 

  • diannep

    HuntersMom:  Looks like he cannot re enlist without a waiver.  Here is the link to the discharge codes:

    http://www.navycs.com/military-re-codes.html

    Hoping that he is able to get that waiver and re enlist!

  • diannep

    The discharge codes are also listed above on this page.

  • Camsproudmom

    Dose anyone know if u pick up your kid & they have a plane ticket can they turn that ticket in for a refund?
  • Camsproudmom

    My son is home so time to say good bye thanks to those who were a support during this very trying time. I wish you all the best.
  • sweetpea

    Hi all, 

    I am a newbie here. My sailor just texted me and told me that a PO at TPU told him to get ready to get kicked out. He is upset, frustrated and heartbroken after talking to the PO, and so am I. 

    Here is the story. He just finished A school and suppose to be flew out to his ship this week. However, he has been having a groin problem since he was in bootcamp. He went to the doctor while he was in bootcamp (doctor told him that he might have or about to have one). Went through bootcamp with pain. Finally finished A school a few weeks ago and went to the doctor at a local base while he was on leave.  Confirmed its not hernia. Checked in at his 1st duty station a week ago, went to another doctor at his duty station. Doctor refer him to a sports doctor (tomorrow) and wrote him a note for MRI (next week) and he is on LLD for 30 days right now. 

    What is next? Is he definitely going to be discharged like the PO told him, or he still have hope staying in? How long is it going to take to know whether his is going to be discharged or not? 

    Thanks

  • yellowdog

    Horror story; Hi all.  I wanted to share my son's story.  He graduated boot camp 7/11/2014 with div 816 (Seal contract). In June at a special medical physical, the doc saw a mild tremor in his hands.  The doc sent him to a neurologist on June 16 where a brain MRI and blood work was done. The neuro told him it was just a mild physiological tremor which many people have and it would not get in the way of the SEAL contract and he was good to go. The week of graduation, it was noticed in his records that he was supposed to have a followup with the neuro.  So he saw the neuro and the dive doctor.  Both docs said they would write a wavier because the tremor would not be a problem.  After PIR on 7/11/14, he was sent to THU because the wavier paperwork wasn't in the file yet.  He was given the impression that he would only be there a couple of days while the wavier was filed and orders issued.  At THU he could not have his electronic stuff so we left his stuff with a sailor from his division who was now across the street.  My son would get it from him when he was moved across the street.  After a few days, my son checked at medical to see what was going on and they told him the wavier had to be reviewed.  Two weeks later, when he asked again they told him his case was in SpecWar in CA.  The next day he asked another corpsman and they said his case was at legal.  Today I mailed him his civilian clothes because he can have them now.  Today he was told that he has been disqualified from his SEAL contract.  They gave him 4 careers to choose from, CTN, Hospital Corpsman, Seabee, MAA.  He had a bachelor's degree and asked about OCS.  They said no.  He asked about getting into Navy intelligence and they said no.  Pick from these 4 or get out.  He is devastated.  He has worked many years getting and staying in shape for his contract.  He would also like to work in intelligence or language, but they will not let him.  He has decided to separate.  Tomorrow he will move to separations and now cannot have his electronics or the clothes I just mailed to him.  We don't know how we can get this items.  I cannot believe how the Navy treats young men like him.

  • SailorMoon9506

    Hi all. Got the call today that our daughter was being medically separated. She left her June 24th to go to the RTC. By July first she was SIQ and then LLD for pneumonia. She spent the entire month of July being either LLD or SIQ. She is finally free of the pneumonia and to make sure they do a CT scan because her chest is constantly in pain. Something shows up on the scan, no clue what it is. She saw a cardiologist Monday, who said it wasn't her heart. Hoping it is some left over inflammation from the pneumonia. She said that they told her that if she came home, saw her doctor, and was medically cleared, she could re-enlist in 3-6 months. She feels like she has completely failed. She has never quit anything before, and being forced to quit has crushed her spirit. I could hear it in her voice. 

  • Camsproudmom

    Yellowdog & sailormoon9506 you can find a lot of support & very helpful info on Facebook we have a group called ship 5 seps. I joined over 2 months ago when my son was in seps. It is a closed private group. I am sure like all of use you have many questions this group can shed light on them.
  • SailorMoon9506

    Received another call from our daughter this morning with some more info. I told her to make sure to sign medical and legal papers in case I had to call. She already did. She was joking and being a little more like her old sarcastic self today. When I asked her if she was going back she said not without finishing her degree, and not unless she could skip P-Days, and then laughed. She will be home in 2-3 weeks, flying in. She also said she was told that she would be getting paid until the 24 hours before she left. And then very quietly, in her please don't tell me no to my next question mommy, voice, asked if I would keep her on my medical and dental. Hoping her spirit stays up. 

  • yellowdog

    PART 2

    In June at one of the special medical physicals they give to spec war guys, his hands were shaking during some kind of pointing test.  He was sent to a neurologist and a brain MRI and blood work was done.  The neuro said he would not lose his SEAL contract because it was a mild physiological tremor and would not be a detriment to his job.  Then the week of boot camp graduation, he was told he needed to followup with the neuro, so he went to see him again.  He met with the neurologist and the dive doctor and both said it was not a problem and that they would write a wavier.  He graduated bootcamp on July 11 after which he was transferred to the Temporary Hold Unit (THU) waiting for a medical wavier to get processed. 

    He was expecting to be there a couple of days but in his third week he was told that he had been disqualified from any Special Ops ratings.  They sent him to reclassify where they offered him four ratings that were at the bottom of the barrel sort to speak.  He asked if he could get into intelligence or language or OCS.  He was told to pick from those he was offered or get out.  I understand medical decisions, because we would not want to jeopardize his well being or his team’s well being, but you would think the Navy would try to hold on to someone who has so much to offer.

    He chose to leave, because there will be better things for him somewhere else.  One more kicker, while in THU he was assigned duty as the duty driver.  It’s a 24 hour duty and your job is to transport people to various places.  At night he slept in his duty pants so that if he got a call to give someone a ride he could get there faster.  He was written up (counseling chit) for sleeping in his pants.  I thank him for using his brain and wanting to do the best job possible!

    I am a Navy veteran and my Navy treated sailors with more respect.

    Wishing the best to all in SEPARATIONS!  You can do IT!

  • yellowdog

    My blab was too long for one posting, so this is

    PART 1

    My son will be home tomorrow, and we are so excited.  I would like to share his story with you in hopes that someone in the Navy would learn to treat their sailors with a little more respect.  My son has wanted to be nothing except a SEAL since high school.  He made all his choices based on what would best help him become a SEAL.  He earned his Eagle Scout at the age of 13. He was on the high school swim team, Army JROTC, National Honor Society, and worked year round as a life guard on Ft. Knox.  He attended the local community college at night after his high school day was over so that he could take college algebra and trigonometry.  He applied and was awarded a NROTC scholarship to the University of Utah to learn Arabic.  Before moving to Utah, he studied Arabic at a school in Morocco.  About half way through his first semester at the U of U, the Navy asked what he wanted to do in the Navy.  When he told them a SEAL, they told him he was in the wrong program because SEALS get their officers from the Naval Academy and from current SEALs in the ROTC program.  They said he should go in the Navy as enlisted. 

    He completed the semester and relinquished his scholarship so that he could enlist and try for a SEAL contract.  The CO of the ROTC program at Utah was angry because he gave up scholarship and told him he would be flipping burgers the rest of his life.

    When he came home from Utah, I talked him in to finishing his degree, because the odds of making it through the SEAL program is not that good.  I told him that maybe with a bachelors degree if he didn’t make it through the program, hopefully the Navy would offer him a better career choice.  He told me he would make it through, but I reminded him that even though he had the willpower and strength, he could still get hurt and be medically disqualified.  So he went ahead and finished his degree in 2013. After graduation, he headed to Ocean City, MD for the summer as a member of their beach rescue team because he wanted to get more experience swimming in the ocean.

    After his summer job was over he came home and started the process of enlisting in the Navy.  To get a SEAL contract, you first have to enlist in delayed entry and then you apply for a SEAL contract.  His ASVAB scores were high, so he enlisted in the nuclear program then he applied for and was awarded a SEAL contract.

    Numerous times a week he would travel an hour away to train with a Navy spec war group.  This was all on his time and dime.  He left for boot camp May 15.

  • chippers mom

    Hi moms of ship 5. My kid is there because of medical problems. I talked to him today and he has dinged waiver for them to talk to me. He has appointment next week for briefing. WTH is briefing?his rights, a recommendation , or " sorry" the more I read the more I see this is so , practiced so rehearsed. My son doesn't want to leave, but sitting there day in day out he will never be able to go through BT. we would all really like for him to be released with the option of returning in 6 months or more. Noticed I said option.However Quitting is not an option . So what next?
  • LoriM

    chippers mom,,, he will most likely have the option to rejoin in 6 months unless they give a certain of medical discharge.  he should also have the option to dispute it there if they want to release him.  He will get a chance to talk to legal also if they are discharging him so he will know if he will have that option.  My daughter went through this last year and is now back in boot camp right now.

     

  • chippers mom

    And briefing and legal are to protect him or the Navy?
  • LoriM

    From what my daughter said,, it tell the recruit if they qualify to come back and/or if they would like to dispute leaving now.  I am not sure what else is talked about.  I know all this stuff is upsetting and sometimes the recruit does not know what all this means til they actually go through it.  So it is not that he don't want to say anything yet,, he may not know what to say.  Keep strong and please keep a smile on your face while you talk to him so at least he will feel that you are still proud of him and not feel like he let anyone down.  I will be praying for him.  I wish I could tell you more but until I know that they are actually separating him or if they are putting him into FIT I don't want to give you wrong information.

  • chippers mom

    I heard from my son today. He is soooo bored but trying to keep from going insane. He has appt. with dr. On Tuesday and one with legal. He wants to stay so u hope he can work it out. He signed for me to be able to get all info, even VA. I faxed it Friday. Hopefully someone will get to it on Tuesday as well. How's everyone else's SR
  • chippers mom

    Waiver waiver waiver is all we have been hearing.
  • LoriM

    chippers mom,,  praying for you!  Please keep us posted.  A waiver is signing to release the military of any issues with a particular health issue you have then they let you stay, this way you can not go back on them for anything for a pre-existing condition.  Not sure if you knew,, just trying to help.

  • LoriM

    chippers mom I have been thinking about you... I hope all is good.  I hope he got the all clear...prayers.

  • MyLAS (My Lips are SEALed)

    There are new survey results out recently.  The findings?  Sailors are unhappy and don't trust the Brass.  Really?

  • chippers mom

    That last comment about unhappy sailors is so true. I recently read somewhere that the army , air force and the marines had expressed their unhappiness as well. Seems to me they all have one major thing in common. Their Commander and Chief. Hold on America this too will pass. I m not one to normally speak on political issues other than with my husband. But our leadership is a sinking ship.
  • MyLAS (My Lips are SEALed)

    Amen Chippers Mom.    

  • chippers mom

    I have spent the last 15-20 minutes reading comments and discussions from as long ago as 2010. And other than the dates, most of the post from then read about the same as the post of today. I know most of us never expected our child to be in this dilemma. I surely didn't. Why does it take soooooo long? What percentage of these recruits her sent home regardless ? How many get issues addressed straightened out and head back? My son is afraid if he is sent home now he won't ever make it back. The wait is ridiculous. Nothing here for our young people to do Here. Hope to here something soon.
  • LoriM

    My daughter had this happen last year,,,if they were broken(injured) they are put into FIT for several weeks to give them time to pass whatever still needs passed.  If they went straight to SEP it should not be more than 2-3 weeks once all meetings are done and paper works signed and signed and registered through all necessary offices which some are not in Great Lakes, IL..   This is a very hard time... hang in there.  I did not hear of any punishments at all, so maybe the trouble maker he is talking of is gone and it will not happen again...  I am proud to say my daughter in now back in boot camp on week 6,, so he reentered and it to get approval only took 3 months after the 6 months wait.  Then of course ship out date was based on jobs available.

  • LoriM

    If you have a questions,,, please ask I will try to help.  God bless you all and I hope your RC speedy recovery and able to reenter if they desire too.

  • Christina

    Just recurved the call tonight that they are separating my son for depression, this is all he ever wanted, he called home last Saturday and was excited to try out for flag carrier, then today he says they have him in a psych ward, and are seperating him. I'm so lost right now, not sure what to say to him, or what to do. Any help would be appreciated
  • chippers mom

    I know this should not be a bitch session and nothing I say is intended for any of you. We are all somewhat in the same situation in one way or another. My gripe is with the US Navy. Why does it take so long for you to return our children? They don't want them anymore but they keep them hoarded up in this place. The recruits are reminded daily that they didn't make the cut . Navy prison is how my recruit and several others he has befriended refer to Ship 5. Are they kept this long to discourage them from reenlisting? My son was not broken when he left and now he is being treated as a misfit . We all knew this was not going to be easy, but if they are finished with him why won't they send him home?? God bless you all.
  • LoriM

    chippers mom,,,prayers are with you all.  I know that feeling of helplessness.  I pray for all of you.  Our SR's  are strong, even if being separated,, remember the choice to sign those papers with a blank check of their life was not an easy one...no matter how long they were there,, they signed to do everything and anything for their country.  It took many weeks to months to get all the papers and stuff needed to enlist and it takes a while to reverse the paperwork.  I know this is the time when we want to hug them and tell them it will be fine.  Believe it or not this time spent with the others being separated is good,, we don't know what they are feeling but they all do,,so try to think of it as time for them to do some soul searching,,, and don't forget if they were sent right home,, they would not have time to deal with their own emotions before facing everyone and all the questions...that is going to be even tougher on them..  Prayers to all,, 

  • chippers mom

    Lori, u r so right. I am glad he has had the opportunity to form bonds with others in the same situation. His fear and disappointment has turned to anger and embarrassment. He has been their way too long.
  • MyLAS (My Lips are SEALed)

    There are SO many things wrong with the Navy. I hurt for your children (and for my sailor).  I don't understand why the Navy does things the way they do. It does nothing for their PR, recruitment, etc.  

    please thank your sailors for me for their willingness to serve