Tulip - The ombudsman FB page is likely a closed page and you will have to be vetted to join, probably but I am glad to know that the ombudsman has your contact and was able to reach out to you. It is going to probably be up to your sailor to provide you with any more information - but I would definitely see if the ombudsman has a FB page to join.
Please be sure to read the ***NEW MEMBERS*** info at the top of the page. Lots of good info there. Also take a look at the Pages (20) to the right under the member profiles - be sure to hit "view all". And the discussion forum above has some good info too - be sure to read Chipmunks "Nuke A School Daily Schedule". And of course, feel free to ask any questions you may have.
Please be sure to read the ***NEW MEMBERS*** info at the top of the page. Lots of good info there. Also take a look at the Pages (20) to the right under the member profiles - be sure to hit "view all". And the discussion forum above has some good info too - be sure to read Chipmunks "Nuke A School Daily Schedule". And of course, feel free to ask any questions you may have.
CSW - How exciting!! I am hopeful that it works out as well. Please keep us posted. I am just hopeful that my son's birthday card makes it. I sent it earlier than I usually remember to but with the postal delays who knows. His fiancée already asked me how to make he favorite cake and hopefully found some frosting that will work. (Duncan Hines discontinued what I originally used.)
Thank you all for your prayers! Just heard from our Sailor; he is “safe” in a US port…it is all over the news and he was not happy with what they are saying!
Tulip, my son's boat had an incident a few years back.it was on the news at the time but we did not see it. My son called the next day and said that he was okay. He was surprised that we did not know about it. I was glad we had not seen the news because we would have worried about it all night. At, the time, he was on his first underway and all his paperwork was not yet in order. I am so happy that your son is okay.
Tulip - Thank God your son and the other sailors are ok and safely in port. I was able to find an article on news. Sent it to my son at Goose Creek. He has not heard of the incident.
Thanks all! We got to talk to him last night which made this momma’s heart so grateful! Still no clue when they will be back at home port, but at least they are in a US port and in dry land! Praise you, Lord!
Good morning Ladies, I must be living in a bubble because I never heard anything. I am so sorry, I could of spent the time praying but I am so happy for Tulip that her son is okay and pray for any that might be injured. I really need to turn the news on but it is so depressing lately I stay away from it. Prayers for all involved.
Tulip - yes, it's all over the news today. I'm so glad you heard from him and that he is ok. Of course the news tends to scare us because they won't (and can't) tell us everything. But at least you have contact with him which is good! Praying for all the crew...
Happy Saturday Ladies, I am learning just how naive I truly am. Growing up on " Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea" truly didn't add adequate training for being a Navy Mom. Didn't realize how totally black it is down in the depths of the oceans and how they have to rely on mapping and instruments to guide them. Feel completely foolish. Becoming a Navy Mom made everything alot more real. Prayers for everyone as they deal with the unknown.
My Nuke is also qualified as a Navy Diver and one of the tests was to find something in the complete dark. He told me how crazy and disorienting it is in complete blackness and that's why diving with a partner is critical. They are tied to each other with a line and on a dive line. Sometimes it's just better not to know I think.
CSW, can't imagine being completely in the dark in a large body of water. I can't even make it to the bathroom in the dark without stubbing my toe or knocking something over. That would be very scary to me. Fog and a blizzard gets me disorientated. Was becoming a Diver added to his program after prototype?
So my sailor is actually an ELT on a sub and each sub requires three certified divers. He started working out with the Navy divers on base and they recommended he apply for dive school. Covid made it a longer drawn out deal, but so far it's been something that gives him joy.
Northwoodsmom - You had asked recently about what our sailors do while they might be in dock or the shipyards. I can't say that I know any specifics of what mine is doing but he also has trained for another job on his ship as well as qualifying for something else with his rate. After a phone conversation the other day, all I know is that he is basically doing double duty!! They keep them busy or they have them working on qualifications for other positions in their department.
The hardest thing for a Mom is to see there child struggle week after week. Every phone call and letter is spent encouraging them, that's what we do. They keep battling through with everything they possess, they don't want to disappoint us. Phone calls diminish and our minds go wild with fear. Our prayers change as we humbly call on our Lord to take charge of this situation. All we really want is are child to be happy, to love what they do.
Well Friday the Lord heard my prayers and reached down and removed my son from the Nuclear program. He saw him struggle so and said enough is enough.
The Navy has taught him so much in these 18 months. Working nonstop helping him to survive. They have taught him perserverance and endurance which in turn built up his character. God said now he is ready to accept My Will for his life. When the recruiter saw his scores and decided he should be in the Nuclear program he glorified it and wrapped it up with huge bonuses and prestige. My son bought into it even knowing math was his weakest subject, so he struggled and gave all he could give.
Right now he has been moved to DTP, a building away from the dorm rooms he once was in. He said it is housing approximately 80 others ranging from A school to Power school, the Prototype individuals are with them but go back to their apartments to sleep. They have him do various jobs and was so happy to finally do some physical work unloading trucks instead all the mental work he was doing. He went before a board to discuss why he was being removed from the program and was told he would remain in DTP until he was re-rated. I am told he will get to pick 5 rates in which to choose from but there is no guarantee what he will end up in. This could take anywhere from 2-6 months. They also told him he could use up some of the leave he has built up for the past 18 months . I am overjoyed that I might finally get my boy home for the holiday.
He remains very upbeat and excited about his future. And both him and I are grateful for the opportunity to be in the Nuclear program. He has learnt so much and values knowledge knowing in the future everything you learn will benefit you somewhere in life.
I am hopeful that the administration will allow me to stay on this site so I may share with others the knowledge and the experience I have obtained through this journey. I thank all of you who have helped me with all of my questions and have encouraged me through the ups and downs of being a Nuke Mom.
God Bless all of you and I will keep you posted on the progress of my son's new adventure in his Navy career.
I am a firm believer in things happen for a reason. We do not always know it at the time but look back and realize it. My his next journey be a better fit and he is happy. In then end that is all we as parents can hope for our children.
Northwoodsmom, Hugs and blessings to you. It is never easy to be the one to see someone struggle. But I'm hoping that you'll rest easier knowing that your son has begun to find a new path. Your words struck me and I wanted you to know my heart breaks but yet is also excited for you both. Thinking of you .
NWM - while I am saddened to see one dream come to an end, I am so happy to see that you and your son are able to see the positive. I have always tried to bring my son up to see the silver lining in every cloud and can only hope he and I would be as happy, positive and optimistic and you and your son in this situation. That ability is such an important tool to have in life. Your words are an inspiration to all. I look forward to hearing where your sons Navy journey takes him. Fondly.., DsMom
Northwoodsmom, I am going to be praying for you and your son, but I wanted to let you know that i am so inspired by your faith and your positive attitude. I know that your son will do great and that God will put him exactly where He wants your son to be. I hope that you do stay in this group because I'm certain you'll have insights for those of us who are coming behind you.
When the recruiter talked to my son about the Nuke program, I was really skeptical. My son is smart, but he's not a great student. And he joined the Navy because he "hates school and doesn't want to go to college." So why would he sign on for Nuke school??? It's because of the bonuses. Anyway, I did lots of research about what happens if he can't make it in Nuke school and it was actually very encouraging. I read that the attrition rate is very high and people who don't graduate are called "Nuke waste" (which is really unflattering!) but I read over and over that people said their favorite shipmates were Nuke waste because they are smart, and hard workers, and people of character. It gave me a lot of hope that if my son doesn't make it as a Nuke, he can still have a great experience in the Navy!
Good Evening everyone! It is late and I am ready for bed but have other things to deal with. I wanted to log on though and make sure that the DTP discussion was above for your Northwoodsmom - It is there and I want you to feel free to add any comments to it as you are able.
You are always welcome to stay with the group and to offer words of encouragement to others. I have another friend whose son has rerated and while we have not visited privately for awhile, that last I had known, her son was doing well, he was enjoying his new rate and she was even able to go on a Tiger cruise. DTP can become a little draining, in and of itself after a bit, so hopefully the physical work that he is doing is energizing him for now. My prayers for your son and more later.
I thank you all for you thoughts and prayers. Like I said my son and I are very grateful toward the Navy for given him the opportunity and doing everything they could to help him succeed. My son started Power School three different times and was only 6 weeks away from graduation. I am sure they saw his perserverance and how hard he tried , otherwise they would of not given him so many chances to make it.
MomofJoseph, you made me laugh Nuclear Waste! Well with both know what God can do with the outcasts. Good luck to your son, it takes alot of long study hours and complete dedication on top of brilliance to make it through. Thank you for your compassionate words.
Northwoodsmom- I am saddened by this news as I have been rooting for his graduation. I know God has a perfect plan for your son. I’ll keep praying for you and him. Also please please do not leave this group, I may not posting but still reading. You’re one of the moms I am comfortable with (along with BsNukeMom, Chipmunk and others on here) since the beginning of my BC days. Your word of encouragement is so powerful to keep me/us uplifted. God Bless you even more.
Northwoodsmom - I agree with everything Gigi said. God Bless you and your son - this wasn't his calling but he will be called for something else. He showed a lot with his perseverance. Ill be thinking about you both!
Northwoodsmom - I am sorry to hear that your son will be re-rating but on the plus side I am happy to hear that you both are in a positive place with it. It definitely does NOT mean he failed, it just means there is another path for him. I have every confidence that he will be re-rated and find his place and succeed in the Navy.
And most definitely you please stay here - you have lots of valuable info to pass on to others and your support is needed for others!
Good morning Ladies, I am not by any means a expert on this subject so please don't take it that way. After getting to talk to my son for almost a hour yesterday, something we haven't done since the beginning of Power School, I learnt somethings.
First thing, he called his Dad instead of me to let him know he was removed from the Nuclear program. That was very unusual, we are very very close and anytime before he would always confide in me and I would be the one to smooth things over between him and his Dad.
Second thing I found out was he was actually removed from the program over two weeks ago and couldn't bring himself to call us because he felt he let us down. These two things completely broke my heart so I asked why of course.
He told me Everytime he would call and every letter I would send I would brag on him and fill him with all kinds of encouragement. He stopped calling me because he didn't want to hear all of that, he just wanted me to understand not try and solve his problem. He needed me as a sounding board. Sometimes as a parent we just need to shut up and listen! I know it sounds harsh but I wish I would of listened more. Sometimes we can build them up with false hopes to a point that makes them ashamed of not being able to live up to pride we have in them. When they can't live up to our expectations they close themselves off to us. Of course they don't be tell you this, instead they make up excuses why they are not calling you like " I'm just really busy with my studies, I shut off my phone so I can stay focused.
Listen to your gut Moms. My son's voice didn't even sound the same, I could actually hear the stress in his voice. When he called yesterday it was like a whole different person, full of joy and enthused about his future. I forgot how much I missed that about him. So don't always start giving encouraging advice, listen instead about what is really going on, you might even need to pry it out of them.
Being a Navy Mom is as much about listening as it is about encouraging, sometimes even more.
Northwoodsmom, thank you so much for sharing this! It made me cry! My husband hurt me crying and ask what was wrong. I told him that your advice was so helpful. I'm concerned we're going to be in the same boat with my son. And I just really appreciate your sharing what you learned. This parenting thing ain't for wimps, and then you add the Navy into the mix, we're just going to have to become superheroes! Thank you again for sharing your journey with us!!!
Northwoodsmom, thanks for sharing! Gave me a new perspective. My son is going through some tough times currently and he just wants to be back at his home port. He called my hubby recently after drinking and said that was the only way he had the courage to tell him what he was feeling…and he knew he had to get it out. So grateful he turned to his dad instead of peers. We do have to listen and your post was a good reminder.
Good Morning Everyone!! I hope your day is going well! I have been quiet for a bit on here, since I have been doing some traveling. First we got to see our sailor and his fiancée at their duty station, then a trip to GA for a sporting event with my youngest and now I have just returned from seeing my granddaughter! I wish I could say that I got lots of baby snuggles but since she is almost 2 and I haven't seen her since this summer, she pretty much reserves her snuggles for just her mom. One of the biggest downsides for me of the shutdown. But she still is adorable and while still working on her speech she had her own name for me, which was different than her name for her other grandmother, who is closer and able to see her more often, so that was special.
Do we have any graduations coming up? I still feel like we are so out of the loop on A school, Power School and Prototype graduations compared to when my son was at GC.
I did ask my son about how our conversations were like during his Nuke training, mostly if I was too pushy. I think part of it, we both knew that he probably would only do his six years and then be out. But he did say, that when he was struggling with just being there, we did remind him of the benefits that he had and the time he was putting forth to learn was not wasted. Since he went to BC just a month after graduating HS, there were a lot of things that were hard for him, since he did not have experience otherwise to recognize that some of his circumstances were not completely different than what others have to work hard at as well.
He also said, your ASVAB scores don't matter at all once you are in class. He still had to work twice as hard as some of the others who studied less, despite his ASVAB score. There are many circumstances that also affect how well someone is going to do at Nuke school and even out in the fleet. It is tough. Now that he is out in the fleet, we hear more about other rates and their hours and shift times also, so I have started gaining even more appreciation for all of our military.
Northwoodsmom
Tulip, sending prayers!
Oct 2, 2021
Tulip
Oct 2, 2021
Chipmunk
Tulip - The ombudsman FB page is likely a closed page and you will have to be vetted to join, probably but I am glad to know that the ombudsman has your contact and was able to reach out to you. It is going to probably be up to your sailor to provide you with any more information - but I would definitely see if the ombudsman has a FB page to join.
Hugs and continued prayers.
Oct 2, 2021
Tulip
Oct 2, 2021
Chipmunk
You are welcome!!
Oct 2, 2021
DsMom2020
Tulip - prayers for you, your son and his shipmates. Looking forward to hearing whatever can be shared.
Oct 2, 2021
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Welcome to our newest member ~ grime005!
Please be sure to read the ***NEW MEMBERS*** info at the top of the page. Lots of good info there. Also take a look at the Pages (20) to the right under the member profiles - be sure to hit "view all". And the discussion forum above has some good info too - be sure to read Chipmunks "Nuke A School Daily Schedule". And of course, feel free to ask any questions you may have.
Oct 3, 2021
Chipmunk
grime005 - Welcome Aboard!! Please feel free to ask any questions you have about the Nuke program and what it might look like for your loved one.
Oct 4, 2021
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Oct 4, 2021
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Welcome to our newest member ~ MomofJoseph!
Please be sure to read the ***NEW MEMBERS*** info at the top of the page. Lots of good info there. Also take a look at the Pages (20) to the right under the member profiles - be sure to hit "view all". And the discussion forum above has some good info too - be sure to read Chipmunks "Nuke A School Daily Schedule". And of course, feel free to ask any questions you may have.
Oct 4, 2021
Chipmunk
MomofJoseph - Welcome aboard also!! I have sent you a friend request as well.
Oct 4, 2021
CSW
Well,
I found USO Operation Birthday cake. They work to surprise active military on base where there are no immediate family.
I didn't know anyone on his sub to be a contact so we'll see if it works but thought I would share for others.
I went to USO Hawaii and found it there.
I'll keep y'all posted to see if my sailor gets a surprise birthday delivery!
Oct 7, 2021
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Oct 7, 2021
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
CSW - fingers crossed it works!
Oct 7, 2021
Chipmunk
CSW - How exciting!! I am hopeful that it works out as well. Please keep us posted. I am just hopeful that my son's birthday card makes it. I sent it earlier than I usually remember to but with the postal delays who knows. His fiancée already asked me how to make he favorite cake and hopefully found some frosting that will work. (Duncan Hines discontinued what I originally used.)
Oct 7, 2021
Tulip
Oct 7, 2021
NonnaB
Tulip, my son's boat had an incident a few years back.it was on the news at the time but we did not see it. My son called the next day and said that he was okay. He was surprised that we did not know about it. I was glad we had not seen the news because we would have worried about it all night. At, the time, he was on his first underway and all his paperwork was not yet in order. I am so happy that your son is okay.
Oct 7, 2021
DsMom2020
Tulip - Thank God your son and the other sailors are ok and safely in port. I was able to find an article on news. Sent it to my son at Goose Creek. He has not heard of the incident.
Oct 7, 2021
MomofJoseph
Tulip - so glad to hear that your son is safe. Big hugs to you!
Oct 7, 2021
Chipmunk
Tulip, I am so glad to hear that all is well, considering. I am sure that the news is upsetting which doesn't help the situation any. Hugs!
Oct 8, 2021
Tulip
Oct 8, 2021
Northwoodsmom
Good morning Ladies, I must be living in a bubble because I never heard anything. I am so sorry, I could of spent the time praying but I am so happy for Tulip that her son is okay and pray for any that might be injured. I really need to turn the news on but it is so depressing lately I stay away from it. Prayers for all involved.
Oct 8, 2021
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Good Morning and Happy Friday!
Tulip - yes, it's all over the news today. I'm so glad you heard from him and that he is ok. Of course the news tends to scare us because they won't (and can't) tell us everything. But at least you have contact with him which is good! Praying for all the crew...
Oct 8, 2021
CSW
Tulip-prayers, prayers, prayers!
Oct 8, 2021
Northwoodsmom
Happy Saturday Ladies, I am learning just how naive I truly am. Growing up on " Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea" truly didn't add adequate training for being a Navy Mom. Didn't realize how totally black it is down in the depths of the oceans and how they have to rely on mapping and instruments to guide them. Feel completely foolish. Becoming a Navy Mom made everything alot more real. Prayers for everyone as they deal with the unknown.
Oct 9, 2021
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Oct 12, 2021
CSW
Northwoods Mom,
My Nuke is also qualified as a Navy Diver and one of the tests was to find something in the complete dark. He told me how crazy and disorienting it is in complete blackness and that's why diving with a partner is critical. They are tied to each other with a line and on a dive line. Sometimes it's just better not to know I think.
Oct 12, 2021
Northwoodsmom
CSW, can't imagine being completely in the dark in a large body of water. I can't even make it to the bathroom in the dark without stubbing my toe or knocking something over. That would be very scary to me. Fog and a blizzard gets me disorientated. Was becoming a Diver added to his program after prototype?
Oct 12, 2021
CSW
Northwoodsmom,
So my sailor is actually an ELT on a sub and each sub requires three certified divers. He started working out with the Navy divers on base and they recommended he apply for dive school. Covid made it a longer drawn out deal, but so far it's been something that gives him joy.
Oct 12, 2021
Chipmunk
Northwoodsmom - You had asked recently about what our sailors do while they might be in dock or the shipyards. I can't say that I know any specifics of what mine is doing but he also has trained for another job on his ship as well as qualifying for something else with his rate. After a phone conversation the other day, all I know is that he is basically doing double duty!! They keep them busy or they have them working on qualifications for other positions in their department.
Oct 12, 2021
Northwoodsmom
The hardest thing for a Mom is to see there child struggle week after week. Every phone call and letter is spent encouraging them, that's what we do. They keep battling through with everything they possess, they don't want to disappoint us. Phone calls diminish and our minds go wild with fear. Our prayers change as we humbly call on our Lord to take charge of this situation. All we really want is are child to be happy, to love what they do.
Well Friday the Lord heard my prayers and reached down and removed my son from the Nuclear program. He saw him struggle so and said enough is enough.
The Navy has taught him so much in these 18 months. Working nonstop helping him to survive. They have taught him perserverance and endurance which in turn built up his character. God said now he is ready to accept My Will for his life. When the recruiter saw his scores and decided he should be in the Nuclear program he glorified it and wrapped it up with huge bonuses and prestige. My son bought into it even knowing math was his weakest subject, so he struggled and gave all he could give.
Right now he has been moved to DTP, a building away from the dorm rooms he once was in. He said it is housing approximately 80 others ranging from A school to Power school, the Prototype individuals are with them but go back to their apartments to sleep. They have him do various jobs and was so happy to finally do some physical work unloading trucks instead all the mental work he was doing. He went before a board to discuss why he was being removed from the program and was told he would remain in DTP until he was re-rated. I am told he will get to pick 5 rates in which to choose from but there is no guarantee what he will end up in. This could take anywhere from 2-6 months. They also told him he could use up some of the leave he has built up for the past 18 months . I am overjoyed that I might finally get my boy home for the holiday.
He remains very upbeat and excited about his future. And both him and I are grateful for the opportunity to be in the Nuclear program. He has learnt so much and values knowledge knowing in the future everything you learn will benefit you somewhere in life.
I am hopeful that the administration will allow me to stay on this site so I may share with others the knowledge and the experience I have obtained through this journey. I thank all of you who have helped me with all of my questions and have encouraged me through the ups and downs of being a Nuke Mom.
God Bless all of you and I will keep you posted on the progress of my son's new adventure in his Navy career.
Oct 17, 2021
New Adventures
Northwoodsmom,
I am a firm believer in things happen for a reason. We do not always know it at the time but look back and realize it. My his next journey be a better fit and he is happy. In then end that is all we as parents can hope for our children.
Oct 17, 2021
mom of mrams
Northwoodsmom, Hugs and blessings to you. It is never easy to be the one to see someone struggle. But I'm hoping that you'll rest easier knowing that your son has begun to find a new path. Your words struck me and I wanted you to know my heart breaks but yet is also excited for you both. Thinking of you .
Oct 17, 2021
DsMom2020
NWM - while I am saddened to see one dream come to an end, I am so happy to see that you and your son are able to see the positive. I have always tried to bring my son up to see the silver lining in every cloud and can only hope he and I would be as happy, positive and optimistic and you and your son in this situation. That ability is such an important tool to have in life. Your words are an inspiration to all. I look forward to hearing where your sons Navy journey takes him. Fondly.., DsMom
Oct 17, 2021
MomofJoseph
Northwoodsmom, I am going to be praying for you and your son, but I wanted to let you know that i am so inspired by your faith and your positive attitude. I know that your son will do great and that God will put him exactly where He wants your son to be. I hope that you do stay in this group because I'm certain you'll have insights for those of us who are coming behind you.
When the recruiter talked to my son about the Nuke program, I was really skeptical. My son is smart, but he's not a great student. And he joined the Navy because he "hates school and doesn't want to go to college." So why would he sign on for Nuke school??? It's because of the bonuses. Anyway, I did lots of research about what happens if he can't make it in Nuke school and it was actually very encouraging. I read that the attrition rate is very high and people who don't graduate are called "Nuke waste" (which is really unflattering!) but I read over and over that people said their favorite shipmates were Nuke waste because they are smart, and hard workers, and people of character. It gave me a lot of hope that if my son doesn't make it as a Nuke, he can still have a great experience in the Navy!
Much love (and prayers) for you and your son!
Oct 17, 2021
Chipmunk
Good Evening everyone! It is late and I am ready for bed but have other things to deal with. I wanted to log on though and make sure that the DTP discussion was above for your Northwoodsmom - It is there and I want you to feel free to add any comments to it as you are able.
You are always welcome to stay with the group and to offer words of encouragement to others. I have another friend whose son has rerated and while we have not visited privately for awhile, that last I had known, her son was doing well, he was enjoying his new rate and she was even able to go on a Tiger cruise. DTP can become a little draining, in and of itself after a bit, so hopefully the physical work that he is doing is energizing him for now. My prayers for your son and more later.
Oct 17, 2021
Northwoodsmom
I thank you all for you thoughts and prayers. Like I said my son and I are very grateful toward the Navy for given him the opportunity and doing everything they could to help him succeed. My son started Power School three different times and was only 6 weeks away from graduation. I am sure they saw his perserverance and how hard he tried , otherwise they would of not given him so many chances to make it.
MomofJoseph, you made me laugh Nuclear Waste! Well with both know what God can do with the outcasts. Good luck to your son, it takes alot of long study hours and complete dedication on top of brilliance to make it through. Thank you for your compassionate words.
Oct 18, 2021
Gigi
Northwoodsmom- I am saddened by this news as I have been rooting for his graduation. I know God has a perfect plan for your son. I’ll keep praying for you and him. Also please please do not leave this group, I may not posting but still reading. You’re one of the moms I am comfortable with (along with BsNukeMom, Chipmunk and others on here) since the beginning of my BC days. Your word of encouragement is so powerful to keep me/us uplifted. God Bless you even more.
Oct 18, 2021
Pizanche
Northwoodsmom - I agree with everything Gigi said. God Bless you and your son - this wasn't his calling but he will be called for something else. He showed a lot with his perseverance. Ill be thinking about you both!
Oct 18, 2021
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Good Morning all and Happy Monday!
Northwoodsmom - I am sorry to hear that your son will be re-rating but on the plus side I am happy to hear that you both are in a positive place with it. It definitely does NOT mean he failed, it just means there is another path for him. I have every confidence that he will be re-rated and find his place and succeed in the Navy.
And most definitely you please stay here - you have lots of valuable info to pass on to others and your support is needed for others!
Oct 18, 2021
Northwoodsmom
Good morning Ladies, I am not by any means a expert on this subject so please don't take it that way. After getting to talk to my son for almost a hour yesterday, something we haven't done since the beginning of Power School, I learnt somethings.
First thing, he called his Dad instead of me to let him know he was removed from the Nuclear program. That was very unusual, we are very very close and anytime before he would always confide in me and I would be the one to smooth things over between him and his Dad.
Second thing I found out was he was actually removed from the program over two weeks ago and couldn't bring himself to call us because he felt he let us down. These two things completely broke my heart so I asked why of course.
He told me Everytime he would call and every letter I would send I would brag on him and fill him with all kinds of encouragement. He stopped calling me because he didn't want to hear all of that, he just wanted me to understand not try and solve his problem. He needed me as a sounding board. Sometimes as a parent we just need to shut up and listen! I know it sounds harsh but I wish I would of listened more. Sometimes we can build them up with false hopes to a point that makes them ashamed of not being able to live up to pride we have in them. When they can't live up to our expectations they close themselves off to us. Of course they don't be tell you this, instead they make up excuses why they are not calling you like " I'm just really busy with my studies, I shut off my phone so I can stay focused.
Listen to your gut Moms. My son's voice didn't even sound the same, I could actually hear the stress in his voice. When he called yesterday it was like a whole different person, full of joy and enthused about his future. I forgot how much I missed that about him. So don't always start giving encouraging advice, listen instead about what is really going on, you might even need to pry it out of them.
Being a Navy Mom is as much about listening as it is about encouraging, sometimes even more.
Oct 19, 2021
MomofJoseph
Northwoodsmom, thank you so much for sharing this! It made me cry! My husband hurt me crying and ask what was wrong. I told him that your advice was so helpful. I'm concerned we're going to be in the same boat with my son. And I just really appreciate your sharing what you learned. This parenting thing ain't for wimps, and then you add the Navy into the mix, we're just going to have to become superheroes! Thank you again for sharing your journey with us!!!
Oct 19, 2021
Tulip
Oct 19, 2021
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Oct 20, 2021
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Oct 21, 2021
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Oct 22, 2021
CSW
The worst times bring out the best in some people and help you know for certain who the crummy ones really are.
Oct 22, 2021
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Oct 25, 2021
Chipmunk
Good Morning Everyone!! I hope your day is going well! I have been quiet for a bit on here, since I have been doing some traveling. First we got to see our sailor and his fiancée at their duty station, then a trip to GA for a sporting event with my youngest and now I have just returned from seeing my granddaughter! I wish I could say that I got lots of baby snuggles but since she is almost 2 and I haven't seen her since this summer, she pretty much reserves her snuggles for just her mom. One of the biggest downsides for me of the shutdown. But she still is adorable and while still working on her speech she had her own name for me, which was different than her name for her other grandmother, who is closer and able to see her more often, so that was special.
Do we have any graduations coming up? I still feel like we are so out of the loop on A school, Power School and Prototype graduations compared to when my son was at GC.
Oct 26, 2021
Chipmunk
I did ask my son about how our conversations were like during his Nuke training, mostly if I was too pushy. I think part of it, we both knew that he probably would only do his six years and then be out. But he did say, that when he was struggling with just being there, we did remind him of the benefits that he had and the time he was putting forth to learn was not wasted. Since he went to BC just a month after graduating HS, there were a lot of things that were hard for him, since he did not have experience otherwise to recognize that some of his circumstances were not completely different than what others have to work hard at as well.
He also said, your ASVAB scores don't matter at all once you are in class. He still had to work twice as hard as some of the others who studied less, despite his ASVAB score. There are many circumstances that also affect how well someone is going to do at Nuke school and even out in the fleet. It is tough. Now that he is out in the fleet, we hear more about other rates and their hours and shift times also, so I have started gaining even more appreciation for all of our military.
Oct 26, 2021