myboysmom hang in there! you have hung in there for him since he was a baby and I know you will do it when he leaves. It's what we mom's do! Now having said that I hope I will do ok when the time comes. lol!
Clarification: do not use your sailor's last name. Using their first name is okay.
And don't post your sailor's image as your profile picture. This is so that RDCs cannot easily connect you with your sailor and use what you say online against them in boot camp. Although RDCs have been repeatedly instructed to not even visit this website, photos of sailors posted on this site have "magically" appeared in the middle of training presentations.
It's okay to have a photo of your sailor in your photo album, just make sure it's not something embarrassing, or overly sweet. Make sure it's something your sailor can be proud of, not a picture of them with their favorite blankie at age 8. RDCs can be merciless.
But remember, if the Navy didn't want you to post photos of your sailor, they wouldn't provide the photo albums on this site. Just be smart about what you post.
If your sailor is going to be in SpecOps, there may be stricter rules on posting pictures, ANY picture, of your sailor. You may note that the Navy frequently posts photos, names and personal information (ie hometown, duty station) of sailors on Navy websites, but you never see SEALs or other SpecOps in those pictures.
JessicaB /Arwen - you are right on the mark with all you have said. I work in the IT industry every day, and believe me the people out in the world are not all nice people like you. It's difficult for the average person to understand the maliciousness and deceit that others will go to in order to hurt our country and others – without regard for how much you love your sailor or your family. You should be careful on any site you access that is on the internet, and that includes facebook! Go through your profiles, lock down everything and only let your friends see what you post, including pictures. Don't leave personal information on your computers, don't use the information auto fill features, don't allow sites to save your credit card information. Even then, be very careful what you post on social websites because there are those have amazing abilities to hack into the site and see what you write as well as interpret more than you will ever imagine (even though you think you have it locked down. No phone numbers, addresses, specific schools or landmarks. Be careful! Not only your sailor, but even your family close to homes safety is at risk. I’m sorry if I sound fatalistic, but I see what people do and work to secure important information daily. I wish you all the safety and security that our sons, daughters, wives, husbands are fighting for. Let's do our part to keep it that way too.
Swear-in was nice. We were able to take a photo of him in the group during the ceremony, and we had a quick McD's lunch with him. He had time to kill until his departure to the airport, and we could not wait with him. He had a 3 hour wait for airline departure, and we were all worried with the weather in Chicago. He made it safe & sound, called me last night at 10:45pm reading the script on their 30sec phone call. Told us he was fine & that we should expect a box in 2-3 weeks. So, again, we wait..... I have to get to the point that he "belongs' to the Navy/Government right now, which is difficult, but true & the best thing for him. God Speed to all DEP'ers, and shippers.
I'm getting frustrated for my son. He has been abandoned by his friends. Those who graduated have gone off to college, those who are still in school don't include him because he's no longer in school. All the planning happens in the school hallways or during lunch, and he's not there to be part of it.
Over the summer 2-3 of them would show up at our door each day, randomly. There was always something to do. It has been WEEKS since he's received a single visit or call, and they're not even responding to his text messages anymore.
So he's stuck home with the computer, and NOT losing weight or getting fit as his recruiter instructed. He's not depressed (I think), but he is lonely. There are no jobs here, and he just got rejected for the January college semester because he applied too late.
Make sure your recruits get a flu shot at least 6 weeks before they go to boot camp. They WILL get another one at boot camp, but it takes 2-3 weeks to be effective. If they're immune BEFORE they to go boot camp, then that's one less illness that can make them miserable.
And dont have no protein drinks for at least a week before you have to do a urine test cos they effect the result I would not have any at all my daughter had a protein drink 3 days before going to meps in san diego and it affected the urine test and she had to come back for another one but all was well she is not on her ship in san diego and has already done her first deploy for 10 days ! So watch what you drink!! I understand it may not have an effect on everyone but just a heads up thats all!!! Her recruiter also said no gatorade!!
Arwen - Thats a great idea from foreverMom - my son is doing the same. He thinks it's fun to make new connections with other recruits - they meet for PQST then go have a pizza, and have regular workouts when possible. He also likes to climb and we have several rock walls in the area, so he has talked some of his friends as well as some other recruits into climbing with him. Also - want about volunteering his time? He may feel very positive about volunteering his time. My son volunteers with teaching disabled children how to swim and bike. When he first signed up, he was kind of dreading it, but after three years, he is now organizing it and the kids love him. We also have what is called 'Urban Peak' which is a high school for homeless kids. These kids don't have anybody to help them review their English paper or explain that algebra problem. Both of my kids volunteer at their study hall when they can to provide this additional help. Again - they both were a bit iffy when they signed up, but now, they love it.
I'm sure it's a frustrating situation for him as he in in that inbetween stage, so since it's the season of sharing, maybe encourage him to share himself. Good luck. Hugs to him as well!
It would be great if he could meet with other recruits, but there are none around here. We live in a really small town far from anywhere. It's 2 hours from the recruiting station. Anyone who wants to join pretty much has to be proactive about it, the recruiters don't often make the trip.
Arwen.... My son went through the same thing as what your son is going through now. He didn't have a issue with weight to loose though. He had issues with his friends.
He graduated from high school in May of this year and saw his friends over the summer, but as soon as college started some went away for college, some went to the local Jr. college and some were also waiting to leave for other military branches.
He had a hard time getting a hold of them and having them return his texts and phone calls. My son did become bored over the last few months while waiting to leave for boot camp. He did make some new friends at the recruiters office. There were several others in the DEP and they kinda hooked up. They all shared the same interest and it kinda brought them together. Several of his friends from the office leave in January for boot camp. They became his "new" friends till he left for boot camp.
My son did PT everyday. If he wasn't doing it with his DEP group he did it with his brother who is 3 yrs younger than him. He was very dedicated to staying in shape because he knew that if he was in shape now it would make boot camp a little easier for him. He also started eating healthier and stopped drinking sodas. He alot of sugar out of his diet also. And got himself on a sleeping schedule where he went to bed at 9pm and woke up at 5am.
My son was also unable to get a job because jobs here are not abundant. He did do a lot of reading and helping me out with chores and errands. If he is in the DEP there should be others also and they can meet for PT and hang out after wards. They do have one thing in common. They all want to be sailors.
My daughter is a Dep-er and scheduled to depart February 15th. The recruiter says it's a guaranteed departure, but I've heard from others that nothing is guaranteed...
If they move a ship-date, they usually move it up, so that the recruit leaves earlier than expected.
The Navy moved my son's ship-date twice, from April to January, then from January to December. He was nearly finished with A-school by the date he was originally set to go to boot camp.
Hello everyone - my so is leaving for bootcamp on Super Bowl sunday, we know he can take his bible, small address book and a couple photos, what about his wallet with drivers license and stuff does he take that with him or leave it at home? Thanks
Hi Squat...I read on here somewhere to make a small card with necessary phone numbers so it will fit in their wallet? So I would think they could have their wallet. But one of the mom's "in the know" will verify I'm sure.
dreamcruisecvp: Having a Power of Attorney is a fantastic and necessary idea. Even if you don't need it while he's at bc it's one thing you can check off the "to do" list. I don't know what state you live in, but here in Washington he can fill out a Advance Directives form and it does NOT need to be notorized. Might save you a few bucks and time.
Paychecks are on the 1st and the 15th of the month.
The uniforms are paid for by a "uniform allowance" but the first paycheck is mostly spent on non-uniform items, $400 - $500 worth of non-uniform items! It seems excessive, but when you look at the stuff they get, it's about right.
It ususally takes 2-3 pay cycles (4-6 weeks) for the first real paycheck to come through, so plan on having two months of rent/expenses saved up to pay bills until the paperwork is complete.
Hi everyone - just popping in to say hi - today marks 2 yrs since my son left for Boot Camp...... what a journey he has been on! He told me today that he still thinks joining the Navy was the best decision he could have made. Yes some days he hates it, but like he says that will happen with any job. For the most part he loves what he is doing and is making good money for a 20 yr old. ( actually he makes more money then me and I've been at this job for 17 yrs!) I Thank N4Ms Moms/wives/GF for the support they have given me over the past 3 yrs through DEP/BC and the Nuke pipeline! Hang in there Moms BC will a distant memory soon :)
If any of you are looking for a good deal on phone cards for your SR and you have a Sam's Club, you can get a 900 minute card for only $25.00. My mom got my SR one before he left for bc.
jdmom - I found the Navy Bible - Sailors Bible - pocket sized and bound in leather on amazon.com. I ordered it and it should be here soon so I will let you know what I think.
For those of you looking for a small bible for your SR to take with them to boot camp - I ordered the Sailors New Testament with Psalms and Provebs from Amazon.com for only $6.50 (new) plus $3.99 shipping.
It came today and I think it will be perfect. It's pocket sized, bound in a leather/leather like black binding. It's soft and pretty nice, especially for the price. I'm pretty happy with it and it has a couple of blank pages so I can write some notes in it before he goes. The text is very readable and it has some special pages that are specific to Navy/military, as well as a little guide page "Where to turn when....." for some help as well if they need it. Anyway - I know some of you were interested in getting something like this so I thought I would pass on that I'm pleased with the purchase and think it will be something my SR will enjoy once he goes.
ArNavyMom - He should basically go over the expectations the Navy will have for your recruit, and the expectations your recruit can have. You son will have some paperwork to sign, and the recruiter will say stuff like 'your ship date is xx/xx/xx so stay out of trouble until then.' This is a great time to ask any questions you might have and make friends with your recruiter, but I also made sure that I could follow up with any questions I might think of whenever I wanted. I had so many quesitons and called of often that now I can call my son's recruiter and he says 'Hey Kathy!' LOL.
Thank you KathyMmom. I have a small list already. I did speak with his rc when I picked him up after MEPS. rc said my son is sched to leave in oct. i've been a crying-mess for four days. just not ready to let go. he's still in hs for goodness sake!
ArNavyMom...the crying will stop. Remember these guys have to grow up. I find such tremendous pride in the fact that HE made this decision! Mine signed October 27th and is a senior in high school. I tell myself, this little bit of time not getting to talk to him whenever I want is going to make a TREMENDOUS MAN out of him....I have had to pray to God for acceptance and request he take the mourning away from me. For the most part he has. Closer it gets the more I will probably bawl like crazy...so the more I will have to pray. Be prepared for Dad to go through some unexpected emotions too...our's is.
misty, i hear ya! thank you for your words of encouragement. i do find comfort in my quiet time with the Lord. I know once I ask and release this emotional, organizied chaos I have created He will gladly recieve it. praising Him already for his promise to protect my son and other service men and woman around the globe...similutasously calming my fears of the unknown. thanks again and looking forward to learning more and more as we count the days of my sons departure. Btw - when is your son leaving for bc? right after hs graduation?
Misty, please keep me informed. Would love to hear how things work out for your son...and you. The Lord is re-defining mine and my husbands definition of reality...as well as our son!
Wow, what an incredible site! My son has just joined the Navy and will be leaving for BC April 10th. I am so extemely proud and on the other hand so extremely sad. His recruiter hooked me up with this site and he was right so many of you all feel the way I do. I cry all the time when he's not looking. So does his father. To his face we smile and beam with admiration. My son made this descision completely on his own and looks forward to this Navy life as a rewarding adventure. I want to be happy for him but I don't know how to tell my heart too! He is my only son, my last child at home, and his leaving has left such sadness that I can barely function at work or just daily life. Someone tell me how long my heart will feel like this and when will I get used to this new life?
TD...welcome here!!! Yes we all feel the same at some point and time here!! I'm so glad you are proud of your son for making his choice!! Of course when you get used to it...depends on you...I find the "bad days" just hit me out of no where. Sometimes what hits me and gets me doesn't bother me at other times...I personally would go nutso without or Lord. I feel peace about it.....FOR NOW...lol
Thanks sooo much for your responses and thoughts. I do find much comfort in the wesite as well as information. Just ordered him that Navy bible I read about on this site! And the infamous BJ's calling card. I am trying hard to be the supportive mom that i always have been and keep my emotions to myself whenever he's around. I pray each day, several times a day for the strenght to get our family through this new adjustment to all of our lives. Thank you again TD
Hello..... I am brand new here. My son will be leaving for bootcamp 4/6. I think I am still in shock, but very proud. Just have my own personal issues with him leaving home! It will be a tremendous adjustment, I know. I just read a few posts ago from TD about a "navy bible". Can you please tell me about this and where I can order one? Thanks and I look forward to coming to this site more frequently!
glassdog
ITSN there is an IT website if you look under the groups heading. It will give you a lot of info.
cheerpuk my wishes are with you and your family! Hang in there and allow yourself to feel the emotions of the moment.
Dec 12, 2010
glassdog
myboysmom hang in there! you have hung in there for him since he was a baby and I know you will do it when he leaves. It's what we mom's do! Now having said that I hope I will do ok when the time comes. lol!
Dec 12, 2010
Arwen
Clarification: do not use your sailor's last name. Using their first name is okay.
And don't post your sailor's image as your profile picture. This is so that RDCs cannot easily connect you with your sailor and use what you say online against them in boot camp. Although RDCs have been repeatedly instructed to not even visit this website, photos of sailors posted on this site have "magically" appeared in the middle of training presentations.
It's okay to have a photo of your sailor in your photo album, just make sure it's not something embarrassing, or overly sweet. Make sure it's something your sailor can be proud of, not a picture of them with their favorite blankie at age 8. RDCs can be merciless.
But remember, if the Navy didn't want you to post photos of your sailor, they wouldn't provide the photo albums on this site. Just be smart about what you post.
If your sailor is going to be in SpecOps, there may be stricter rules on posting pictures, ANY picture, of your sailor. You may note that the Navy frequently posts photos, names and personal information (ie hometown, duty station) of sailors on Navy websites, but you never see SEALs or other SpecOps in those pictures.
Dec 13, 2010
KathyMmom
JessicaB /Arwen - you are right on the mark with all you have said. I work in the IT industry every day, and believe me the people out in the world are not all nice people like you. It's difficult for the average person to understand the maliciousness and deceit that others will go to in order to hurt our country and others – without regard for how much you love your sailor or your family. You should be careful on any site you access that is on the internet, and that includes facebook! Go through your profiles, lock down everything and only let your friends see what you post, including pictures. Don't leave personal information on your computers, don't use the information auto fill features, don't allow sites to save your credit card information. Even then, be very careful what you post on social websites because there are those have amazing abilities to hack into the site and see what you write as well as interpret more than you will ever imagine (even though you think you have it locked down. No phone numbers, addresses, specific schools or landmarks. Be careful! Not only your sailor, but even your family close to homes safety is at risk. I’m sorry if I sound fatalistic, but I see what people do and work to secure important information daily. I wish you all the safety and security that our sons, daughters, wives, husbands are fighting for. Let's do our part to keep it that way too.
Dec 13, 2010
glassdog
JessicaB, Arwin and dreamcruise thanks for the heads up. I think we all tend to become unaware at time as to what we have written.
Ladies take the info provided to heart and keep our sailors and rcts safe!
Dec 13, 2010
Regina
My son leaves July 7th with a EOD contract when does your son leave?
Dec 13, 2010
cheerpuk
Thank you to all of you!
Swear-in was nice. We were able to take a photo of him in the group during the ceremony, and we had a quick McD's lunch with him. He had time to kill until his departure to the airport, and we could not wait with him. He had a 3 hour wait for airline departure, and we were all worried with the weather in Chicago. He made it safe & sound, called me last night at 10:45pm reading the script on their 30sec phone call. Told us he was fine & that we should expect a box in 2-3 weeks. So, again, we wait..... I have to get to the point that he "belongs' to the Navy/Government right now, which is difficult, but true & the best thing for him. God Speed to all DEP'ers, and shippers.
Dec 14, 2010
mistydawn_67
2boys1girl.....yay!!!!! So glad for you and him!!! Take a deep breath and thank God now....lol.
Dec 14, 2010
sunshine73
Welcome aboard, LadyHawk!
Dec 18, 2010
Arwen
I'm getting frustrated for my son. He has been abandoned by his friends. Those who graduated have gone off to college, those who are still in school don't include him because he's no longer in school. All the planning happens in the school hallways or during lunch, and he's not there to be part of it.
Over the summer 2-3 of them would show up at our door each day, randomly. There was always something to do. It has been WEEKS since he's received a single visit or call, and they're not even responding to his text messages anymore.
So he's stuck home with the computer, and NOT losing weight or getting fit as his recruiter instructed. He's not depressed (I think), but he is lonely. There are no jobs here, and he just got rejected for the January college semester because he applied too late.
Any ideas?
Dec 19, 2010
Arwen
Make sure your recruits get a flu shot at least 6 weeks before they go to boot camp. They WILL get another one at boot camp, but it takes 2-3 weeks to be effective. If they're immune BEFORE they to go boot camp, then that's one less illness that can make them miserable.
Dec 19, 2010
cheffiona
And dont have no protein drinks for at least a week before you have to do a urine test cos they effect the result I would not have any at all my daughter had a protein drink 3 days before going to meps in san diego and it affected the urine test and she had to come back for another one but all was well she is not on her ship in san diego and has already done her first deploy for 10 days ! So watch what you drink!! I understand it may not have an effect on everyone but just a heads up thats all!!! Her recruiter also said no gatorade!!
Dec 19, 2010
KathyMmom
Arwen - Thats a great idea from foreverMom - my son is doing the same. He thinks it's fun to make new connections with other recruits - they meet for PQST then go have a pizza, and have regular workouts when possible. He also likes to climb and we have several rock walls in the area, so he has talked some of his friends as well as some other recruits into climbing with him. Also - want about volunteering his time? He may feel very positive about volunteering his time. My son volunteers with teaching disabled children how to swim and bike. When he first signed up, he was kind of dreading it, but after three years, he is now organizing it and the kids love him. We also have what is called 'Urban Peak' which is a high school for homeless kids. These kids don't have anybody to help them review their English paper or explain that algebra problem. Both of my kids volunteer at their study hall when they can to provide this additional help. Again - they both were a bit iffy when they signed up, but now, they love it.
I'm sure it's a frustrating situation for him as he in in that inbetween stage, so since it's the season of sharing, maybe encourage him to share himself. Good luck. Hugs to him as well!
As for shots - menigitis shot too.
Dec 20, 2010
Arwen
It would be great if he could meet with other recruits, but there are none around here. We live in a really small town far from anywhere. It's 2 hours from the recruiting station. Anyone who wants to join pretty much has to be proactive about it, the recruiters don't often make the trip.
Dec 20, 2010
himmiemom
Arwen.... My son went through the same thing as what your son is going through now. He didn't have a issue with weight to loose though. He had issues with his friends.
He graduated from high school in May of this year and saw his friends over the summer, but as soon as college started some went away for college, some went to the local Jr. college and some were also waiting to leave for other military branches.
He had a hard time getting a hold of them and having them return his texts and phone calls. My son did become bored over the last few months while waiting to leave for boot camp. He did make some new friends at the recruiters office. There were several others in the DEP and they kinda hooked up. They all shared the same interest and it kinda brought them together. Several of his friends from the office leave in January for boot camp. They became his "new" friends till he left for boot camp.
My son did PT everyday. If he wasn't doing it with his DEP group he did it with his brother who is 3 yrs younger than him. He was very dedicated to staying in shape because he knew that if he was in shape now it would make boot camp a little easier for him. He also started eating healthier and stopped drinking sodas. He alot of sugar out of his diet also. And got himself on a sleeping schedule where he went to bed at 9pm and woke up at 5am.
My son was also unable to get a job because jobs here are not abundant. He did do a lot of reading and helping me out with chores and errands. If he is in the DEP there should be others also and they can meet for PT and hang out after wards. They do have one thing in common. They all want to be sailors.
Dec 22, 2010
Allygater213
Dec 30, 2010
mistydawn_67
Oh Hi Ally! Saw you in chat over on navydep! Welcome
Jan 2, 2011
tiona
My daughter is a Dep-er and scheduled to depart February 15th. The recruiter says it's a guaranteed departure, but I've heard from others that nothing is guaranteed...
I'd appreciated hearing about others experiences.
Thanks.
Jan 2, 2011
Life is Peachy
Jan 3, 2011
Arwen
If they move a ship-date, they usually move it up, so that the recruit leaves earlier than expected.
The Navy moved my son's ship-date twice, from April to January, then from January to December. He was nearly finished with A-school by the date he was originally set to go to boot camp.
Jan 4, 2011
Squat
Jan 4, 2011
mistydawn_67
Jan 4, 2011
mistydawn_67
Jan 4, 2011
mistydawn_67
Jan 4, 2011
ebigirl
Jan 5, 2011
Arwen
Paychecks are on the 1st and the 15th of the month.
The uniforms are paid for by a "uniform allowance" but the first paycheck is mostly spent on non-uniform items, $400 - $500 worth of non-uniform items! It seems excessive, but when you look at the stuff they get, it's about right.
It ususally takes 2-3 pay cycles (4-6 weeks) for the first real paycheck to come through, so plan on having two months of rent/expenses saved up to pay bills until the paperwork is complete.
Jan 5, 2011
Carol Aileen
Jan 6, 2011
Carol Aileen
Jan 6, 2011
oregonmom
Jan 7, 2011
mistydawn_67
Jan 7, 2011
himmiemom
Jan 7, 2011
jdmom
Jan 7, 2011
KathyMmom
Jan 7, 2011
jdmom
Jan 8, 2011
KathyMmom
For those of you looking for a small bible for your SR to take with them to boot camp - I ordered the Sailors New Testament with Psalms and Provebs from Amazon.com for only $6.50 (new) plus $3.99 shipping.
http://www.amazon.com/Sailors-Testament-Psalms-Proverbs-NavyPersonn...
It came today and I think it will be perfect. It's pocket sized, bound in a leather/leather like black binding. It's soft and pretty nice, especially for the price. I'm pretty happy with it and it has a couple of blank pages so I can write some notes in it before he goes. The text is very readable and it has some special pages that are specific to Navy/military, as well as a little guide page "Where to turn when....." for some help as well if they need it. Anyway - I know some of you were interested in getting something like this so I thought I would pass on that I'm pleased with the purchase and think it will be something my SR will enjoy once he goes.
Jan 11, 2011
KathyMmom
Jan 11, 2011
ArNavyMom
My sons recruiter is coming tomorrow evening. What can we expect from this meeting?
Jan 11, 2011
jdmom
Jan 11, 2011
KathyMmom
Jan 11, 2011
ArNavyMom
Jan 11, 2011
KathyMmom
ArNavyMom - me too! Hang in there - every one on this site has such great information and they have all been there either before us or along with us.
Jan 11, 2011
mistydawn_67
Jan 12, 2011
ArNavyMom
Jan 12, 2011
mistydawn_67
Jan 12, 2011
ArNavyMom
Jan 13, 2011
TDOWMOM
Jan 13, 2011
mistydawn_67
Jan 14, 2011
TDOWMOM
Jan 14, 2011
nikosmom ( CVN 70, Seaman )
JessicaB-Sailor Mom Thank you so much for the link!!!!
Niko's Mom
Jan 15, 2011
Tiffsmom
Jan 15, 2011