Laura, my daughter finally called me around 4pm today to tell me that they only had 1 slot open for a mechanic. She was so desperate to get into the Navy that she figured she'd take it and cross rate later during her enlistment. When she made the decision she was in tears because that is not what she wanted but she told herself to suck it up. Well as fate would have it, by the time they try to submit it the position was taken by someone else. Of course she was relieved. So the recruiter will bring her back to MEPS next Monday to try again. I told her she was not meant to take that position. Everything happens for a reason and I bet she will end up getting a rate that she likes. I have faith :o) But I told her that I was proud of her for making that decision. It took courage for her to accept a position she had no desire for. So the saga continues...
I talked to my recruiter, and unfortunately he said that you pretty much have to be in the same district, and even then they won't always let you switch. He said it even comes down to gender and marital status and stuff, since they already have your spot reserved for someone who meets your specific requirements. Guess we're all stuck with what we've got.
Wanda, I hope your daughter is able to get the job she wants! Everything does happen for a reason, and I'm sure she'll do great once she's in! Being willing to take that job even if it wasn't what she wanted shows how dedicated she is!
Wanda - I hope your daughter holds out for the position she wants, as she deserves it after all her hard work! Tell her to not to get discouraged, it took several attempts before my daughter got her dream rating.
Nukette - I figured it was something like being in the same district as my daughter had put in for leaving early since last year and I have seen plenty of people on this site whose children either didn't decide to go or wanted to change dates and she has heard nothing about the possibility of leaving early from either her Nuke or regular recruiter.
It took my oldest son about a year to get something close to what he wanted. He is now 20 and will be leaving next month for BC. His younger brother is a Nuke and left for BC last Feb. He was determined to hold out for what he wanted and is glad he did, even though it took so long.
Sometimes things just turn out right regardless. My daughter really wanted HM when she went to MEPS. That was last August, and they already had so many recruits that she had no choice but to take LS or wait. She took LS and was given an August 2011 date. A whole year to wait.
I tried to make it clear to her recruiter that I would like to see her move out sooner (she is 22 and quit her job on the assumption that she would be in the navy within few weeks). In February we were told that they had an opening for an LS within a few days. We drove the 21/2 hours to the recruiter's office and they didn't have the paperwork yet because of weather problems in Tennesseee. The early ship date just evaporated.
Forward to last Tuesday. Out of the blue she got a call, saying they had an opening for a pact airman to leave May 31. She said she would take it, because she is tired of working for her stepfather and bored at home. They called back a little while later and said they had an HM opening instead, exactly what she wanted in the first place.
I'm so excited for her and thrilled that in the end she got what she wanted. It is probably true that if its meant to be it will work out some how.
And thank you everyone for your kind words. (btw I'm WandaG's daughter) I really hope I get what I want. Really hoping for IS *crosses fingers* But I believe as my mother believes. Everything happens for a reason. I'm trying to keep my mind open, for all I know, I might like the unexpected...next thing you know I'm studding languages and translating...tho I sorta hope not, makes me nervous. lol But yea, thank you all for your support and I hope for the best for all of your children striving on their own journeys <3
I'll pray that you find what is right for you, because that is what really counts. In my life I have found that stepping through new doors often sends you into unexpected places, and after you take the time to look around, you discover that you are exactly where you need to be.
My son has left for bootcamp yesterday and I wanted to share some thoughts with you all-
The best thing we did was keep busy! We made lists of things for my son to do with each person- dad, mom, siblings. He took care of firends! We went to a ball game, fishing, and played monopoly, and had his favorite dinners, most of all we hugged him lots.
We also planned a party and got the whole family involved. Here are some quick suggestions that worked well for us:
We planned big- family and friends- inside and outside. It was great.
1)Here is a good site for invitations. Marcie is factastic- she is quick and the invitations were beautiful!
2)Get his favorite cake and foods- regional stuff is good. We put "Anchors Aweigh" on the cake.
3) we had a letter writing station- and many people wrote notes that we can mail as soon as we get his address. We put directions in a frame and had notecards, envelopes and pens on the table as well as a basket for finished notes. This was a hit! Also,when people asked about gifts, we asked that they write to him at bootcamp. We gathered email addresses to send his address to when we get it. Many guests even promised to write in the cards that they gave him.
4) Display photos of him at different ages- especially if you have one of him in a sailor suit at age two! His friends especially loved the baby pics.
5) plan enough time to write thank you notes!
6) ENJOY EVERY MINUTE!
Last suggestion: Try to go to the swearing in. It is short but meaningful. Glad we did that.
Best of luck to you all as I head to the Bootcamp moms!
Mommyhunt - You will hear alot of people saying that undesignate is good because you get to try different jobs before you decide which one you like. However, overall it's not.... Again, sorry for this lengthly post:
In the old Navy era (my era), undesignated was a great thing. In todays Navy, I'm not so sure. The problem with underdesignate in todays Navy is they won't let these sailor get rated for at least 24 months. Which means they cannot take the Petty Officers 3rd class (E4) exam for 2 years. Then they also have to wait for a certain increment to advance.
Had that same person choose Boatswain Mate (BM) or whatever rating from the beginning, they probably be an E5 by then.
Frankly, I truly wished everyone had to do 1 year on a ship undesignated prior to "A" school just to give them an idea on how the Navy works. But those times are long gone. Now, for any sailor, I would want them to learn the Navy and advance so they can support a family. Family is #1 in my book, side-by-side with the Navy. I have a sailor on my website (NavyDEP) that has 3yr 6mo in now. This sailor was in my sons bootcamp division. He just was rated as an OS3 (E4) in Feb. The soonest he can take the 2rd class (E5) test is in Sept. My son will be taking the Sept exam too for 1st class (E6).
Here is an interesting story. This CTR made Chief (E7) in 5 years 5 months. Would a undesignated make it in the same time? I know alot of Chiefs are ticked off because they don't think this guy "Served his time". But guess what, the Navy says he did, and I must beleive in the Navy. http://www.soundpublishing.com/index.php/navigator/printerfriendly/...
So, don't get me wrong, I think sailors learn so much being undesignated. However, in todays Navy, it doesn't put the same food on the table as someone that's rated and has advanced. By food I mean Steak and Potatoes, and not Ramen soup and potatoe chips...
MommyHunt - I'm in the same boat as you. My daughter is 1 semester away from graduating college too. However, do to a Colorado law, she cannot continue on. She wants to be a Physician Assistant (PA), but she's caught because she just turned 20. To even register for PA school in Colorado you have to be 21. So, to trump the law, and to get around it, I want her to join the military and go to medical school. Federal laws override the State laws.
Your daughter, has she talked to an Officer recruiter?
Craig, I'm so glad we have someone like you in this group. You give such good information. I value your thoughts.
In my case, my daughter New Horizons1 graduated College last year and has had a difficult time securing a job. It's great she has a Bachelor's degree but she really doesn't have experience except for a couple of summer and seasonal jobs here and there. So the Navy was a wonderful alternative for her. The Navy will give her training, experience, more education and empowerment as a woman. She will be more independent and self confident as an individual. She and I are very happy with this decision and just hope she gets a rating she likes. We will hopefully find out this Monday. She returns to MEPS for the 2nd time to try to select a rating.
Hi navymommo, my son also left on May 12th, He said that when he got there there were only 3 other guys at the USO that arrived with him. I got the quick call from him that night right before midnight. Lucky for me I sleep with my cell phone. I haven't gotten his address yet but have written two letters and just waiting for the address. My sailor went in a CTI. I'm excited for him and just waiting for the address.
Mommy - Tell your daughter not to sell herself short. She has a degree and she needs to use it to her benefit, if she can. She needs to talk to an officer recruiter 1st and to see if they can do anything for her.
Believe me, I'm as pro-Navy as they come. However, if I see new people who can get ahead other ways then I will guide them to those places too. Don't have her focus on just the Navy. Talk to Air Force, Army, and the Coast Guard too. Notice I didn't say Marines. Just my own thoughts...
My daughter has talked to the officer recruiters, and she has a game plan. She is really pro-military.
Hi Everyone! My daughter went to MEPS today for the 2nd time this month to select her rating. She did select a rate. It wasn't what she wanted but she did not want to wait until next month to try again. She wants to join the NAVY asap! So she settled for "IC" (Interior Communications Electrician). She did state on her paperwork that if "IS" or "OS" comes up she wants to switch her rate. So as it stands she will be shipping to boot camp Sept. 24. She is excited because she swore in and signed her contract. Besides who knows what can happen now till Sept. So my girl (New Horizons1) is officially a "Depper". She was also excited about ringing the bell at MEPS after she swore in and signed the contract :o) I am very proud and excited for her.
Wanda - Congrats. The Navy always needs another Snipe. Since you're new, you will always hear your daughter being referred to as "a snipe". Just so you know what it is, go to this link:
thank you wanda. she's my 2nd to go in. my middle child, another daughter, will be in 4 years next month.
motherhen, i'm pretty much in the same boat you were, my son plans on going into the army but still had a little bit of his stomach to loose, then all 3 will be in
motherhen - Focus on the positive things. You will soon realize that for 18 years or so you have been the "referee" in your daughters life. You were the rule setter and the penalty enforcer. But as your daughter life changes, so will yours. You will now become the "cheerleader" for her. You will watch and cheer as she works her way through the advancement system, the qualification standards, and simple things like just folding her towels correctly. You will stand and scream at the PIR as her division enters, and you will cheer as her ship enters San Diego or Norfolk after a deployment.
I have decided long ago it is far more important for me to be a cheerleader than a referee. Don't waste your time on the sadness, focus your feelings on the positive things that will help your daughter.
(also being a guy, I say "plenty of sex!" works too....~ha)
miamishark ......when mine went to hismeps i was more nervous than he lol to me it was like he was as good as gone ....i kept asking are u sure this is what you want my son doesnt show his emotions much but i know deep down he is freakin out so i get him on here with me and we look and go thru the previews these wonderful ppl have helped me so so much and if you do it together maybe he will chill lol good luck
craig is right, she will need your cheerleading. my daughter bounces back and forth with staying in and getting out. i always tell her how proud i am of her for what she is doing for her and her son to make a better life. i'm always telling her to learn everything she can and to have fun.
My brother left almost a week ago. His items came in today and it broke my moms heart. I can't wait to hear from him. Does anyone know how long it takes to get a call or letter?
pam, i know how your mom felt. when i got jessica "box" 4 years ago i bawled like a baby. at least with caitlyn her husband will be getting it and not me.
i never got a phone call and it was about 2 weeks before i got a letter.
Thanks for all the advice, but just getting him to MEPS is driving him, and Me, a little crazy, it shouldn't be this hard for a kid that knows what he wants, has a clean record, and has a good high school career behind him, to join the Navy. He just wants to know when he'll be leaving. Keeping our fingers crossed.
@Miamishark... I think I went crazy waiting for my son to sign his contract. I was driving him crazy! His first trip to MEPS seemed almost too easy. He met with a recruiter during Christmas break, turned in the stack of paperwork on 1/3 and was at MEPS on 1/10/11. That was so exciting... for about a second. He spent the entire day watching TV,waiting to come home since they requested medical records. After 6 weeks and records from every ER he had ever been to, he was back at MEPS. Again, they didn't sign him due to a permission signature missing. Who thinks of what their 5 year old is going to do with his life during a divorce? He tracked down his father and got another signature, then I made another trip to the recruiter's office to resign everything. The journey from 1/3 to 3/23 was so long! I just wanted him signed with a BC date so I knew it was official. Now I just need him to make it through the summer without doing anything irresponsible. November is so far away... yet, there isn't enough time.
Hi Ladies, My son graduated May 20... I just wanted to put a little info out..
I just want to let all know that there is a possibilty of your SR getting the wisdom teeth pulled. Most of the time it goes smoothly..But, there are times when it does not! If you think your SR needs these teeth pulled you may want to do it at home with your own dentist! Atleast they can recover at home where they are comfortable. If there are problems they will be held back..They may not even get to be in the ceremony.. I just want to pass this on as I had no knowledge of any of this before he went into bc.
If I can answer any questions feel free to ask me..
before you have your SR's wisdom teeth pulled by your dentist talk to the recruiter! it is considered a "change" in their body and can delay them leaving because they may need a "waiver." once they are the "property" of the navy ANY change is cause for needing a waiver.
Hi Duh, well, I'm just putting it out there.I personlly know that it can hurt your child! A friend of mine is dealing with her daughter...Her face is paralized...
.LIKE I said...Most goes smoothly! SOME do not!!!!!!I
personlly do not want to be The 10/%.. that doesn't!
Nukette
May 11, 2011
Lizzie's Mom Ship 03/Div 367
May 11, 2011
Lizzie's Mom Ship 03/Div 367
May 11, 2011
WandaG
May 11, 2011
Nukette
I talked to my recruiter, and unfortunately he said that you pretty much have to be in the same district, and even then they won't always let you switch. He said it even comes down to gender and marital status and stuff, since they already have your spot reserved for someone who meets your specific requirements. Guess we're all stuck with what we've got.
Wanda, I hope your daughter is able to get the job she wants! Everything does happen for a reason, and I'm sure she'll do great once she's in! Being willing to take that job even if it wasn't what she wanted shows how dedicated she is!
May 12, 2011
WandaG
May 12, 2011
Lizzie's Mom Ship 03/Div 367
Nukette - I figured it was something like being in the same district as my daughter had put in for leaving early since last year and I have seen plenty of people on this site whose children either didn't decide to go or wanted to change dates and she has heard nothing about the possibility of leaving early from either her Nuke or regular recruiter.
May 12, 2011
SonandSea
Wanda~ I know it is hard to be patient, but I hope Laura will hang in there and hold out for a rate she wants. I hope it works out SOON!!
♥
May 12, 2011
Nadine
May 12, 2011
HM__Mom Ruth
Wanda,
Sometimes things just turn out right regardless. My daughter really wanted HM when she went to MEPS. That was last August, and they already had so many recruits that she had no choice but to take LS or wait. She took LS and was given an August 2011 date. A whole year to wait.
I tried to make it clear to her recruiter that I would like to see her move out sooner (she is 22 and quit her job on the assumption that she would be in the navy within few weeks). In February we were told that they had an opening for an LS within a few days. We drove the 21/2 hours to the recruiter's office and they didn't have the paperwork yet because of weather problems in Tennesseee. The early ship date just evaporated.
Forward to last Tuesday. Out of the blue she got a call, saying they had an opening for a pact airman to leave May 31. She said she would take it, because she is tired of working for her stepfather and bored at home. They called back a little while later and said they had an HM opening instead, exactly what she wanted in the first place.
I'm so excited for her and thrilled that in the end she got what she wanted. It is probably true that if its meant to be it will work out some how.
May 12, 2011
New_Horizons1
And thank you everyone for your kind words. (btw I'm WandaG's daughter) I really hope I get what I want. Really hoping for IS *crosses fingers* But I believe as my mother believes. Everything happens for a reason. I'm trying to keep my mind open, for all I know, I might like the unexpected...next thing you know I'm studding languages and translating...tho I sorta hope not, makes me nervous. lol But yea, thank you all for your support and I hope for the best for all of your children striving on their own journeys <3
May 13, 2011
HM__Mom Ruth
Good Luck, New Horizons,
I'll pray that you find what is right for you, because that is what really counts. In my life I have found that stepping through new doors often sends you into unexpected places, and after you take the time to look around, you discover that you are exactly where you need to be.
May 13, 2011
navymommo
Hi!
My son has left for bootcamp yesterday and I wanted to share some thoughts with you all-
The best thing we did was keep busy! We made lists of things for my son to do with each person- dad, mom, siblings. He took care of firends! We went to a ball game, fishing, and played monopoly, and had his favorite dinners, most of all we hugged him lots.
We also planned a party and got the whole family involved. Here are some quick suggestions that worked well for us:
We planned big- family and friends- inside and outside. It was great.
1)Here is a good site for invitations. Marcie is factastic- she is quick and the invitations were beautiful!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/56421906/joining-navy-farewell-party-mi...
2)Get his favorite cake and foods- regional stuff is good. We put "Anchors Aweigh" on the cake.
3) we had a letter writing station- and many people wrote notes that we can mail as soon as we get his address. We put directions in a frame and had notecards, envelopes and pens on the table as well as a basket for finished notes. This was a hit! Also,when people asked about gifts, we asked that they write to him at bootcamp. We gathered email addresses to send his address to when we get it. Many guests even promised to write in the cards that they gave him.
4) Display photos of him at different ages- especially if you have one of him in a sailor suit at age two! His friends especially loved the baby pics.
5) plan enough time to write thank you notes!
6) ENJOY EVERY MINUTE!
Last suggestion: Try to go to the swearing in. It is short but meaningful. Glad we did that.
Best of luck to you all as I head to the Bootcamp moms!
May 13, 2011
Leslie1200
May 13, 2011
New_Horizons1
May 13, 2011
navymommo
If you want to make God laugh,
tell him your plans!
May 13, 2011
New_Horizons1
May 13, 2011
WandaG
May 13, 2011
Craig
Mommyhunt - You will hear alot of people saying that undesignate is good because you get to try different jobs before you decide which one you like. However, overall it's not.... Again, sorry for this lengthly post:
In the old Navy era (my era), undesignated was a great thing. In todays Navy, I'm not so sure. The problem with underdesignate in todays Navy is they won't let these sailor get rated for at least 24 months. Which means they cannot take the Petty Officers 3rd class (E4) exam for 2 years. Then they also have to wait for a certain increment to advance.
Had that same person choose Boatswain Mate (BM) or whatever rating from the beginning, they probably be an E5 by then.
Frankly, I truly wished everyone had to do 1 year on a ship undesignated prior to "A" school just to give them an idea on how the Navy works. But those times are long gone. Now, for any sailor, I would want them to learn the Navy and advance so they can support a family. Family is #1 in my book, side-by-side with the Navy.
I have a sailor on my website (NavyDEP) that has 3yr 6mo in now. This sailor was in my sons bootcamp division. He just was rated as an OS3 (E4) in Feb. The soonest he can take the 2rd class (E5) test is in Sept. My son will be taking the Sept exam too for 1st class (E6).
Here is an interesting story. This CTR made Chief (E7) in 5 years 5 months. Would a undesignated make it in the same time? I know alot of Chiefs are ticked off because they don't think this guy "Served his time". But guess what, the Navy says he did, and I must beleive in the Navy.
http://www.soundpublishing.com/index.php/navigator/printerfriendly/...
So, don't get me wrong, I think sailors learn so much being undesignated. However, in todays Navy, it doesn't put the same food on the table as someone that's rated and has advanced. By food I mean Steak and Potatoes, and not Ramen soup and potatoe chips...
Just my thought....
May 13, 2011
Leslie1200
May 13, 2011
Craig
MommyHunt - I'm in the same boat as you. My daughter is 1 semester away from graduating college too. However, do to a Colorado law, she cannot continue on. She wants to be a Physician Assistant (PA), but she's caught because she just turned 20. To even register for PA school in Colorado you have to be 21. So, to trump the law, and to get around it, I want her to join the military and go to medical school. Federal laws override the State laws.
Your daughter, has she talked to an Officer recruiter?
May 14, 2011
WandaG
In my case, my daughter New Horizons1 graduated College last year and has had a difficult time securing a job. It's great she has a Bachelor's degree but she really doesn't have experience except for a couple of summer and seasonal jobs here and there. So the Navy was a wonderful alternative for her. The Navy will give her training, experience, more education and empowerment as a woman. She will be more independent and self confident as an individual. She and I are very happy with this decision and just hope she gets a rating she likes. We will hopefully find out this Monday. She returns to MEPS for the 2nd time to try to select a rating.
May 14, 2011
WandaG
May 15, 2011
NYRican924
May 15, 2011
Craig
Mommy - Tell your daughter not to sell herself short. She has a degree and she needs to use it to her benefit, if she can. She needs to talk to an officer recruiter 1st and to see if they can do anything for her.
Go here to find an officer recruiter:
http://www.navy.com/locator.html
Believe me, I'm as pro-Navy as they come. However, if I see new people who can get ahead other ways then I will guide them to those places too. Don't have her focus on just the Navy. Talk to Air Force, Army, and the Coast Guard too. Notice I didn't say Marines. Just my own thoughts...
My daughter has talked to the officer recruiters, and she has a game plan. She is really pro-military.
May 15, 2011
WandaG
May 16, 2011
WandaG
May 16, 2011
Craig
Wanda - Congrats. The Navy always needs another Snipe. Since you're new, you will always hear your daughter being referred to as "a snipe". Just so you know what it is, go to this link:
http://www.navyformoms.com/group/ship4div291pir922010/forum/topics/...
May 17, 2011
Philly5 (Justin's proud mom)
May 17, 2011
SonandSea
May 17, 2011
WandaG
Craig, thanks for the info on "Snipes".
May 17, 2011
WandaG
May 18, 2011
duhhuh58 Ship 10/Div 267
May 18, 2011
WandaG
May 19, 2011
duhhuh58 Ship 10/Div 267
thank you wanda. she's my 2nd to go in. my middle child, another daughter, will be in 4 years next month.
motherhen, i'm pretty much in the same boat you were, my son plans on going into the army but still had a little bit of his stomach to loose, then all 3 will be in
May 19, 2011
Philly5 (Justin's proud mom)
May 20, 2011
Miamishark
May 20, 2011
Craig
motherhen - Focus on the positive things. You will soon realize that for 18 years or so you have been the "referee" in your daughters life. You were the rule setter and the penalty enforcer. But as your daughter life changes, so will yours. You will now become the "cheerleader" for her. You will watch and cheer as she works her way through the advancement system, the qualification standards, and simple things like just folding her towels correctly. You will stand and scream at the PIR as her division enters, and you will cheer as her ship enters San Diego or Norfolk after a deployment.
I have decided long ago it is far more important for me to be a cheerleader than a referee. Don't waste your time on the sadness, focus your feelings on the positive things that will help your daughter.
(also being a guy, I say "plenty of sex!" works too....~ha)
May 20, 2011
bobbie (ht mom)
May 20, 2011
bobbie (ht mom)
miamishark ......when mine went to hismeps i was more nervous than he lol to me it was like he was as good as gone ....i kept asking are u sure this is what you want my son doesnt show his emotions much but i know deep down he is freakin out so i get him on here with me and we look and go thru the previews these wonderful ppl have helped me so so much and if you do it together maybe he will chill lol good luck
May 20, 2011
duhhuh58 Ship 10/Div 267
May 20, 2011
bobbie (ht mom)
May 21, 2011
pam1982
May 21, 2011
duhhuh58 Ship 10/Div 267
pam, i know how your mom felt. when i got jessica "box" 4 years ago i bawled like a baby. at least with caitlyn her husband will be getting it and not me.
i never got a phone call and it was about 2 weeks before i got a letter.
May 21, 2011
Miamishark
May 26, 2011
Navy Mom x3
@Miamishark... I think I went crazy waiting for my son to sign his contract. I was driving him crazy! His first trip to MEPS seemed almost too easy. He met with a recruiter during Christmas break, turned in the stack of paperwork on 1/3 and was at MEPS on 1/10/11. That was so exciting... for about a second. He spent the entire day watching TV,waiting to come home since they requested medical records. After 6 weeks and records from every ER he had ever been to, he was back at MEPS. Again, they didn't sign him due to a permission signature missing. Who thinks of what their 5 year old is going to do with his life during a divorce? He tracked down his father and got another signature, then I made another trip to the recruiter's office to resign everything. The journey from 1/3 to 3/23 was so long! I just wanted him signed with a BC date so I knew it was official. Now I just need him to make it through the summer without doing anything irresponsible. November is so far away... yet, there isn't enough time.
May 26, 2011
KellynKaty(corps-Mom)
Hi Ladies, My son graduated May 20... I just wanted to put a little info out..
I just want to let all know that there is a possibilty of your SR getting the wisdom teeth pulled. Most of the time it goes smoothly..But, there are times when it does not! If you think your SR needs these teeth pulled you may want to do it at home with your own dentist! Atleast they can recover at home where they are comfortable. If there are problems they will be held back..They may not even get to be in the ceremony.. I just want to pass this on as I had no knowledge of any of this before he went into bc.
If I can answer any questions feel free to ask me..
Thank you.
Have a wonderful day!
May 26, 2011
duhhuh58 Ship 10/Div 267
May 26, 2011
KellynKaty(corps-Mom)
Hi Duh, well, I'm just putting it out there.I personlly know that it can hurt your child! A friend of mine is dealing with her daughter...Her face is paralized...
.LIKE I said...Most goes smoothly! SOME do not!!!!!!I
personlly do not want to be The 10/%.. that doesn't!
I guess it's up to the parents to be informed!!
May 27, 2011
KellynKaty(corps-Mom)
May 27, 2011