They will even give the penicillin shot if they are allergic to it & don't have documentation stating it. My son's medical records didn't have it stated in his anywhere for some reason, even though he has been allergic to it his whole life. The only reason he didn't get it was because he punched the corpsman trying to give it to him & was detained until his recruiter provided the documentation. It only took a short time to get it & he was given the same injection without penicillin.
Totally agree with My2Sailors. He need to make dang sure that he documents at MEPS that he is allergic to penicillan. Once he get it documented, then we won't get the "Peanut Butter" shot at boot camp, which is the only one that really hurts.
cris - Don't screw your kid over. Don't give him the shots.
The Navy will give him the shot, even if your family doctor just gave them to him. It seem like everyone gets the shots. Yes, they can get this official form filled out, and he might get out of them at boot camp, but it usually never happens. It seem like they don't want to waste there time looking for his shot record, when it only takes seconds to give him a new one. If I were the recruit, I would wait till I was at boot camp. Remember, you are suppose to be a team. If one hurts, then all of you should hurt. It's team work.
Here is the offical form they fill out at boot camp:
I'd say focus on the important thing to make your future sailors life easier. Things like: - a Power-of-Attorney (for financial stuff). Who will handle any bills that they may have? (Whoever it is will needs a POA from the bank to get into the account, if not on the account). Bear in mind the first check will not be very large. If married, the BAH will take several pay cycles to kick in. It would be prudent to set aside money before they leave to cover needs and emergencies. I wouldn't count on pay from boot camp for expenses such as rent or food for the family. Sure, the second and third paychecks may be okay, but if the recruit sets up a new account through one of the credit unions, no one else is going to be able to access that easily until they get added on the account. That doesn't happen from boot camp. With limited communication, a spouse could well be hurting for cash by the time those eight weeks are up.
- a Medical Power-of-Attorney (just in case he gets hurt in boot camp, you will be able to talk to the doctors)
- Do they want you to keep them under your medical insurance? or will you keep them under it until after PIR? (keep in mind not everyone makes it though bootcamp)
- Who will they call when they get a chance to call? (this one is good to know if parents are divorced, or if the person is married).
- Who will "The Box" go to?
- Who will be on the list for PIR, only allowed 4 people (kids 12 and under don't count). It is up to the recruit to put the names on the list, not the family. (This is really good to talk about if you have a large family or if the family is divorced).
- What do they want you to do if there is a death in the family while they are gone to bootcamp? Do they want to be told via American Red Cross? Do they want to be told via letter? Do they want to wait until PIR? (Make sure you always have your loved ones SS#, and command. That is how the American Red Cross contacts the sailor (keep these things handy for the whole time your loved one is in the Navy).
- a passport (if they are deployed, and there parents or spouse is in the hospital, they could fly from the nearest foreign airport if they had one). Heck while in foreign ports, those of us with passports were allowed maximum liberty to visit places. Those that didn't have one had to pick up the slack for us that were touring and drinking beer.
- as morbid as it sounds, another thing you to do need to do is figure out who gets your death benefits in case something happens to you. Most kids will split it up between the Parents 50%/50%. You also needs to know if both parents die, then who is next on the list. (ie maybe a sister for 100%)? Yes, these are the things that no one ever thinks about. So now's the time to talk about real life things and how people need to prepare....... Within 2 days of arriving, you have to make these decisions.
btw: Here is the joint instructions about shots. The below table is derived from Air Force Joint Instruction 48-110, Army Regulation 40-52, BUMEDINST 6230.15, CGCOMTINST M6230.4E, dated 12 May 2004.
The below table is derived from Air Force Joint Instruction 48-110, Army Regulation 40-52, BUMEDINST 6230.15, CGCOMTINST M6230.4E, dated 12 May 2004.
Immunizing Agent
Remarks
Basic Training and Officer Accession Training
Adenovirus, Types 4 and 7
Air Force recruits receive adenovirus vaccination only when there is evidence of active disease transmission. Coast Guard Recruits only receive this when specifically directed by the Coast Guard Commandant.
Influenza (Flu Shot)
Navy and Marine Corps officer and enlisted accessions receive the influenza vaccine year round in basic training. Other service recruits receive this shot in basic only during the designated flu season (October - March)
Measles
Measles Mumps and rubella (MMR) are administered to all recruits regardless of prior history.
Meningococcal
Quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine (containing A, C, Y, and W-135 polysaccharide antigens) is administered on a one-time basis to recruits. The vaccine is given as soon as practicable after in-processing or training. This vaccine is required routinely only for recruits, although its use may be indicated in other situations based on transmission potential and risk of contracting meningococcal disease.
Mumps
Measles Mumps and rubella (MMR) are administered to all recruits regardless of prior history.
Polio
A single dose of trivalent OPV is administered to all enlisted accessions. Officer candidates, ROTC cadets, and other Reserve Components on initial active duty for training receive a single dose of OPV unless prior booster immunization as an adult is documented.
Rubella
Measles Mumps and rubella (MMR) are administered to all recruits regardless of prior history.
Tetanus-diphtheria
A primary series of tetanus-diphtheria (Td) toxoid is initiated for all recruits lacking a reliable history of prior immunization in accordance with existing ACIP guidelines. Individuals with previous history of Td immunization receive a booster dose upon entry to active duty and subsequently in accordance with ACIP requirements.
Hi my husband graduated 2 weeks ago and he was in the DEP program if anyone needs any advice I can help you friend request me and I will answer all the questions you have
You are in the right group. You can also join the group DEP-Leavin for bootcamp in July. It was a busy group until all their loved ones entered bootcamp and now they're more active with their PIR groups. Just introduce yourself there and continue to stay on this group as well. Read, read, read. Knowledge is power and the more you know, the more 'OK' you will feel next July! I drove mine crazy before he left, lol! :)
Thank you, MidwestMom, I'm just struggling with all this. can't stop crying. He's my only son and I've raised him for the last 15 years by myself (obviously with help from family) but I'm sooooo thankful that I have almost a year to let go. he's going to be a senior in high school so this year will go super fast. I'm already driving him a bit crazy...too bad, he's stuck with me. :)
That's OK, TJsMama--it is payback for them driving us crazy so often! Mine signed in January with a leave date in June. In April, he was offered a leave date in May and took it. I had 4 weeks to 'adjust' my release date. Thanks to N4M, I was able to do that. I really struggled letting go of my baby (he turned 21 in BC, but they will always be our babies), but I knew it was his dream and N4M helped turn my fears of the unknown into pride. God bless all our children (and send graces on their sometimes fearful parents)!
MidwestMom, I truly AM proud, just struggling with letting him go. I've already got the Navy bumper sticker on my car, and am looking for one called "Navy Mom". when I find that, it'll go right on as well. :) I'm gonna be a poster child for Navy Mom's, hahaha. he'll sprint all the way flight out on July 10th.
My 18yr old son is leaving for bootcamp on Sept 20th - it seems like the days are flying by....He's keeping himself busy hanging out with his friends before he leaves.... I'm planning a great family outing for him in the upcoming weeks - kinda of a "See you Off" type of thing..... He seems to be exited to be heading out - My husband and I are very proud of our sons commentment
Sheba - my son leaves on the 28th and he is really excited too. I have a list of all the things we should do before he leaves - fun stuff like his favorite places to eat or spend the day. The time has gone so fast so I know the end of September will be here before I'm ready for it but I'm so proud of him and can see what a change he has made just since enlisting. Good luck to you and your son.
Sheba & Jenn -- You are both preparing well! On another site, one mom said to make sure you don't say or think about it as 'good-bye' when they leave for BC, but more like "Good luck on your great adventure! We are so proud of you! We'll see you at PIR!" I thought that was great advice.
Thanks MidwestMom - I heard that too so I'm trying really hard not to look at it as good-bye but more like good luck, see you soon. I think the hardest part for me is when I think that our home won't really ever be his home in the same way once he leaves. That's hard for me but not something I share with him.
Bella - Your daughter still has enough time left to get pumped up on what is about to happen at boot camp. She really needs to join a deppers forum (just like you joining N4M) because she will know exactly what will happen while in boot camp. The recruits that have problems are those that don't understand the process....
Since she's a gal, she may want to read up on these three important threads:
(all three were written by female Navy sailors who graduated from boot camp.
Momofbp im right there with u!!!! Mine leaves monday and my emotions are all over the place!!! Im just hoping that since this yr has flown by that these next few weeks will too!!!! HUGS to u!!! My thoughts and prayers are with all of us!!
First two weeks are toughest, but you ladies are prepared and you know the drill right?!? First the call, the box, the form letter and then about 2 1/2 weeks into it, a real letter, and about a week after that a phone call. By then, you are over half way done! You can do this! Just move over to the BC moms page and join your PIR groups after you get your form letters. The first two weeks crawl, but everything picks up speed after that and soon you'll have Sailors! Enjoy your weekend together and remember, don't say good bye next week, say instead, "Good luck on your adventure. I'm so proud of you! I'll see you at graduation!" (Then log on and cry with the BC moms.) You can do this! God bless all of you! :)
My son leaves for Bootcamp February 13, 2012. He is hoping to go sooner(and so do I). It is not that I want him to be gone from me for a long extended period of time. I just feel he needs with opportunity to grow and become a man (not a real mama's boy).
Right now, he is playing WOW (world of warcraft) ALL day on the computer or supposedly looking for a part time job. He just graduated from High School June 2011.
Any suggestions on how to him out of trouble and how to keep me from nagging.
If he's only looking for a PT job, have him look into taking a few classes at a community college. What did he sign up to do? Try to find classes that may help him in his field.
He enlisted as Sub ET. I believe it is non Nuke. As for attending a few classes, he isn't interested. It was hard enough keeping him motivated to graduate high school. don't get me wrong, he is a smart kid but lacks the self confidence right row to attempt school, let alone succeed.
That may change when he sees everyone else heading off to college this fall and he's still stuck on mom's couch. Remember, if the purse strings tighten down for him and he doesn't have money to go out and have fun, he may be more apt to find a job so stay strong. I've been in your shoes (smart kid--lack of confidence/motivation). Good luck!
kim4son - If your family doesn't need the money, then let him spend his last few months enjoying his youth. He has a whole life time ahead of him to work. Again, it all depends on you families ability.
If he's a WOW player, I wouldn't really worry too much. How can he go and get in trouble when he's a computer nerd? I'd much rather have that, than to worry where he is all night. What rating is he going in for?
I show these deppers leaving for boot camp in February on NavyDEP.com website... Have your son stop by and chat with these guys and gals deppers...:
kim4son - my son leaves Feb. 8, 2012. He graduated high school in 2010. Moved out of the house (not by his choice), got a full time job (still working) and decided this year to join the Navy. We invited him to move back home (he accepted) so we could spend the time with him before he leaves. In the last year he has grown, matured, and shows so much respect towards my husband and I. I know the Navy is going to change him even more. I have to agree with Craig, let your son enjoy the last few months at home, maybe give him some responsibilities around the house. February will come fast and his life is going to change a lot. Best wishes to you and your family.
My son wanted to get a job before he left, but I'm glad he didn't. He leaves on Sept. 6, and has been able to just enjoy some down time since there will be little for the next 4 years! He has been able to hang out with friends (who all leave for college this week), go on a trip with his grandfather, and just relax. He's also used the time to prepare physically for boot camp.
It's been nice having him home...the next three weeks is going to go way too fast for me!
@jacketfan24 - My son wanted a job to while he waits to leave in November and I kept telling him no, to just enjoy this time. Now all his friends are going to start college next week and he will be bored to death at home. My boss just offered him a temporary job until he leaves and he is very excited. Spending money in his pocket plus something to replace the waiting period. Have a good day!
Are there any mom's out there that have son's or daughter's leaving in November? If so my son is on navydep.com and I am sure he would like to talk to them. Thanks!
My daughter leaves next week. I estimate PIR for mid October,but realized there are 2 federal holidays (labor day & Columbus day) during her time in BC. Will this delay PIR?
@Calinavymom-he is lucky that he found something like that. My son leaves soon after all his friends do, so it's not as much of an issue. His best friend is a senior and is still around so he's got company.
Hard to believe the 6 month DEP is almost up. It seemed like a lot longer period of time in March!
Judi - The short answer is 'no'. My son was in over Memorial Day and July 4th and graduated in less than 8 weeks because he was in a Push Div. The holidays are treated like a Sunday with a little more free time to shine shoes and iron, but are still BC training day.
I just wanted to stop by and say "HI". My daughter was in DEP program for litterally 6 days shy of a year before she left for BC. I didn't even know this site existed until she left. I wish I had! She will PIR on 08/26/11 and we couldn't be more excited!
As someone is fresh out of the DEP program, maybe I can answer a question or two, or at least point you in the right direction.
@Cinny - That is odd that they didn't let her keep her wallet. My SR took her wallet AND a small address book (though a sheet of paper tucked into the wallet works also)
@Calinavymom - That is very kind of your boss. I know my daughter struggled with finding a job because they knew she would be leaving and didn't want to bother (one even hired her and set up the schedule then changed her mind when she realized she was leaving for BC).
My depper of almost a year is leaving in exactly one week. I can't believe it coming up so fast. He leaves Monday and goes to MEPS the next am and then heads right to Boot Camp. we had a going away party for him this weekend... i hope i can get through this!
I am just back remembering how I felt when I was in your shoes. I promise, "This too shll pass". You think you can't live through it but you will. Mine son was in the DEP program for almost 8 months before he left for BC. He left in Dec. so he missed Christmas, sniff, sniff.....talk about no Christmas Spirit. I sure didn't have any at all!!!! Anyway, during BC he was chosen for the EPO (educational petty officer and the honor grad for his div...DIV 078 (will NEVER forget that number). Graduation was amazing!!!!! He was chosen while in BC to serve in the Ceremonial Honor Guard in Washington, D.C. He graduated on Friday and left for D.C. on Wed. He is now in the firing party serving at Arlington National Cemetary. He said he would go through bootcamp again if they would let him. He LOVED it!!!!! The call home was harder on me than it was on him. He didn't cry at all, but when I hung up I did. But, when I received my first letter with the graduation info and his 4 little lines that they allowed them to write on it was the most beautiful words I had ever read in my life. "I'm ok! It was sorta scary at first but now I'm just focusing on making it from taps to taps. Can't wait to see everyone. Love ya'll"........ That was wonderful......all I needed to know was that he was ok!!!! Good luck to everyone!!!! Please try to go to graduation you won't regret it and ask your SR if anyone in their DIV isn't getting mail and write to them. My son had 89 guys in his div and over 30 had NO ONE sending them mail. I made it a point to write each one of them. They were grateful to have mail. Mailcall is one of the best things in the world to them, their only connection to the outside world. If you write to you sailor please share the love but DO NOT send goodies, only letters. They will get into trouble and you don't want that for them. As I said GOOD LUCK to the future SR's and their families.
myboysmom - thank you for sharing your good news. Sounds like the Navy is a good fit for your son. I pray my son will love it as much as your son does.
Hi I have 2 DEP'pers one leaves in dec 2011 and the other leaves in march 2012. Both are very excited. My son leaves first and is a bit older than alot of the recruits so not really worried about him but as he is my oldest and the first one to leave home so I am looking for some support as I gear up for him leaving. I am looking to join a group with others with kids going to boot in dec. can anyone let me know if their is one started yet.
Proudmom: My son, also a bit older than most of the recruits, also leaves in December. I'm so proud and excited about this step in his life. I'm also terrified about him actually leaving...having a bit of anxiety about it, in fact. I don't know much, but feel free to communicate with me about anything you need....this site has proven invaluable. Good luck! We will make it, I'm sure....the kids are excited so we will be too!
Hi Proudmom - WOW - 2 DEPpers - and leaving within a few months of each other - that is awesome and scary! As for groups for when your DEPper leaves for BC there is a group set up for each of the 12 months - it spans all years but usually once your DEPper leaves you join your PIR group and then move on from there. Anyway - look for a group titled "DEP Leaving for Bootcamp in December" You should find a lot of mom's who will be sending their kids off at the same time as you. Good luck!!
Thanks Beth, Jenn and Dustin's mom for the comments I am going to join the dec group. It will be great to chat with others who are going though the same thing as I think it will help all of us moms with the anxiety!
Just a quick note for anyone whose recruits are scheduled to leave in late December (after Dec 15). Your recruit's ship date WILL be moved up to the third week in the month. They do this every year - they designate sailors to leave every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday night - to make sure they have the right number of recruits to start new divisions every week.
But MEPS is closed for the last two weeks of the year for Christmas Stand-down every year, so new recruits cannot be processed and sent to boot camp. So they gather up ALL of the recruits scheduled to leave during those final two weeks, and send them all ahead on the final week of processing and put most of them on hold in boot camp, that way they can still have a new set of divisions start training each week with no interruption of the training schedule.
I don't know why they don't tell the recruits and their families right away, they do it every year. Families usually don't find out until November that their recruit's date has been moved up, wrecking family trips and visits that were planned long before.
For more information on how December bootcamp works, go to the discussion forum in the Leaving in December group.
Thank you so much for the words on encouragement.My daughter leaves Monday. We are tying up loose ends this weekend (haircut & such). I drop her off at the recruiter tomorrow. Very exciting times.
One thing we learned last minute is that DEPers are eligible for enrollment in Navy Credit Union. Wish we had known earlier.
This website is wonderful! I begin & end my day here... a great source of information & encouragement.
NavyMom My understanding is if they sign up at BC no one but them will have access to it so be careful if they have bills you are going to need to get paid while they are gone!
We were fortunate enough to find out about the credit union last week. We received account & routing numbers 2 days ago. No checks yet,but set up online account,so I can pay bills. They have direct deposit forms on their website.
I hate to do last minute stuff!! LOL Just be aware that DEPpers are eligible to enroll in the credit union. Sign up early if you are planning to use.
Does anyone know if the sailor can join USAA Credit Union early?? My son looked at both the Navy Federal Credit Union and USAA Credit Union and decided that he wanted to go with USAA.
Have you looked into USAA locations? They don't exist on or near most Navy bases - while Navy Federal exists on or near almost all bases. My son was given the choice between Navy Federal and Armed Forces Bank while at boot camp (USAA was not offered), and took Armed Forces Bank. He regretted it, after boot camp he was never near an AFB branch again. He eventually joined Navy Federal and closed his AFB account.
Also, when it appeared possible that servicemember paychecks might be withheld during the brinkmanship game the government folks played earlier this summer, Navy Federal announced that they would advance ALL sailors one paycheck if their pay was withheld. That's the kind of special service they offer.
ZZsMom
If my daughter is a grad and go how long do I want to be in Illinois? And if she is not?
Jul 26, 2011
My2Sailors
Jul 27, 2011
My2Sailors
Jul 28, 2011
Craig
Totally agree with My2Sailors. He need to make dang sure that he documents at MEPS that he is allergic to penicillan. Once he get it documented, then we won't get the "Peanut Butter" shot at boot camp, which is the only one that really hurts.
Jul 28, 2011
Craig
cris - Don't screw your kid over. Don't give him the shots.
The Navy will give him the shot, even if your family doctor just gave them to him. It seem like everyone gets the shots. Yes, they can get this official form filled out, and he might get out of them at boot camp, but it usually never happens. It seem like they don't want to waste there time looking for his shot record, when it only takes seconds to give him a new one. If I were the recruit, I would wait till I was at boot camp. Remember, you are suppose to be a team. If one hurts, then all of you should hurt. It's team work.
Here is the offical form they fill out at boot camp:
Offical_Navy_Shot_Form
I'd say focus on the important thing to make your future sailors life easier. Things like:
- a Power-of-Attorney (for financial stuff). Who will handle any bills that they may have? (Whoever it is will needs a POA from the bank to get into the account, if not on the account). Bear in mind the first check will not be very large. If married, the BAH will take several pay cycles to kick in. It would be prudent to set aside money before they leave to cover needs and emergencies. I wouldn't count on pay from boot camp for expenses such as rent or food for the family. Sure, the second and third paychecks may be okay, but if the recruit sets up a new account through one of the credit unions, no one else is going to be able to access that easily until they get added on the account. That doesn't happen from boot camp. With limited communication, a spouse could well be hurting for cash by the time those eight weeks are up.
- a Medical Power-of-Attorney (just in case he gets hurt in boot camp, you will be able to talk to the doctors)
- Do they want you to keep them under your medical insurance? or will you keep them under it until after PIR? (keep in mind not everyone makes it though bootcamp)
- Who will they call when they get a chance to call? (this one is good to know if parents are divorced, or if the person is married).
- Who will "The Box" go to?
- Who will be on the list for PIR, only allowed 4 people (kids 12 and under don't count). It is up to the recruit to put the names on the list, not the family. (This is really good to talk about if you have a large family or if the family is divorced).
- What do they want you to do if there is a death in the family while they are gone to bootcamp? Do they want to be told via American Red Cross? Do they want to be told via letter? Do they want to wait until PIR? (Make sure you always have your loved ones SS#, and command. That is how the American Red Cross contacts the sailor (keep these things handy for the whole time your loved one is in the Navy).
- a passport (if they are deployed, and there parents or spouse is in the hospital, they could fly from the nearest foreign airport if they had one). Heck while in foreign ports, those of us with passports were allowed maximum liberty to visit places. Those that didn't have one had to pick up the slack for us that were touring and drinking beer.
- as morbid as it sounds, another thing you to do need to do is figure out who gets your death benefits in case something happens to you. Most kids will split it up between the Parents 50%/50%. You also needs to know if both parents die, then who is next on the list. (ie maybe a sister for 100%)? Yes, these are the things that no one ever thinks about. So now's the time to talk about real life things and how people need to prepare....... Within 2 days of arriving, you have to make these decisions.
btw: Here is the joint instructions about shots.
The below table is derived from Air Force Joint Instruction 48-110, Army Regulation 40-52, BUMEDINST 6230.15, CGCOMTINST M6230.4E, dated 12 May 2004.
http://www.vaccines.mil/documents/969r40_562.pdf
The below table is derived from Air Force Joint Instruction 48-110, Army Regulation 40-52, BUMEDINST 6230.15, CGCOMTINST M6230.4E, dated 12 May 2004.
Jul 28, 2011
ZZsMom
Jul 28, 2011
Dustin's Mom
Jul 28, 2011
Craig
ZZsMom - It's for item #8, which is for Hepatitis A
This vaccine is gamma globulin (“the peanut butter shot”) is administered in their backside.
Jul 28, 2011
Craig
cris -Have your son go over to NavyDEP.com, there is lots of info for deppers before they go to boot camp.
http://www.navydep.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=194
Jul 29, 2011
Lvemyabej
Jul 29, 2011
Lvemyabej
Jul 29, 2011
TJsMama
Aug 4, 2011
MidwestMom
Aug 4, 2011
TJsMama
Aug 4, 2011
MidwestMom
That's OK, TJsMama--it is payback for them driving us crazy so often! Mine signed in January with a leave date in June. In April, he was offered a leave date in May and took it. I had 4 weeks to 'adjust' my release date. Thanks to N4M, I was able to do that. I really struggled letting go of my baby (he turned 21 in BC, but they will always be our babies), but I knew it was his dream and N4M helped turn my fears of the unknown into pride. God bless all our children (and send graces on their sometimes fearful parents)!
Aug 4, 2011
TJsMama
Aug 4, 2011
Sheba
My 18yr old son is leaving for bootcamp on Sept 20th - it seems like the days are flying by....He's keeping himself busy hanging out with his friends before he leaves.... I'm planning a great family outing for him in the upcoming weeks - kinda of a "See you Off" type of thing..... He seems to be exited to be heading out - My husband and I are very proud of our sons commentment
Aug 5, 2011
Jenn (Proud AO Mom)
Aug 5, 2011
MidwestMom
Aug 5, 2011
Jenn (Proud AO Mom)
Aug 5, 2011
Craig
Bella - Your daughter still has enough time left to get pumped up on what is about to happen at boot camp. She really needs to join a deppers forum (just like you joining N4M) because she will know exactly what will happen while in boot camp. The recruits that have problems are those that don't understand the process....
Since she's a gal, she may want to read up on these three important threads:
(all three were written by female Navy sailors who graduated from boot camp.
http://www.navydep.com/forums/showthread.php?t=401
http://www.navydep.com/forums/showthread.php?t=433
http://www.navydep.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1647
and you need to read this link:
~ Boot camp for Dummies (with Pictures) ~
btw: These are the deppers I show leaving in Sept on NavyDEP.com
September 2011
09/06 - KyleImperato (HM)
09/06 - NakeiaHM (HM)
09/07 - Shortone1286689 (AECF)
09/13 - WiDep (NF)
09/22 - JRR1978 (IT)
Aug 6, 2011
motheroftwo (ship 07/div 340)
Aug 12, 2011
MidwestMom
Aug 12, 2011
kim4son
Good afternoon all!
My son leaves for Bootcamp February 13, 2012. He is hoping to go sooner(and so do I). It is not that I want him to be gone from me for a long extended period of time. I just feel he needs with opportunity to grow and become a man (not a real mama's boy).
Right now, he is playing WOW (world of warcraft) ALL day on the computer or supposedly looking for a part time job. He just graduated from High School June 2011.
Any suggestions on how to him out of trouble and how to keep me from nagging.
Aug 12, 2011
MidwestMom
Aug 12, 2011
kim4son
Aug 12, 2011
MidwestMom
Aug 12, 2011
Craig
kim4son - If your family doesn't need the money, then let him spend his last few months enjoying his youth. He has a whole life time ahead of him to work. Again, it all depends on you families ability.
If he's a WOW player, I wouldn't really worry too much. How can he go and get in trouble when he's a computer nerd? I'd much rather have that, than to worry where he is all night. What rating is he going in for?
I show these deppers leaving for boot camp in February on NavyDEP.com website... Have your son stop by and chat with these guys and gals deppers...:
February 2012
02/06 - Apple-Saucer (AC)
02/06 - Cbell88 (NF)
02/07 - VSJenkins (AZ)
02/07 - Fathom (AD)
02/14 - Rego (IT)
02/14 - MForrest85 (AV)
Aug 12, 2011
nyyoli
Aug 12, 2011
WendyJ
kim4son - my son leaves Feb. 8, 2012. He graduated high school in 2010. Moved out of the house (not by his choice), got a full time job (still working) and decided this year to join the Navy. We invited him to move back home (he accepted) so we could spend the time with him before he leaves. In the last year he has grown, matured, and shows so much respect towards my husband and I. I know the Navy is going to change him even more. I have to agree with Craig, let your son enjoy the last few months at home, maybe give him some responsibilities around the house. February will come fast and his life is going to change a lot. Best wishes to you and your family.
Aug 12, 2011
jacketfan24 (corpsman mom)
My son wanted to get a job before he left, but I'm glad he didn't. He leaves on Sept. 6, and has been able to just enjoy some down time since there will be little for the next 4 years! He has been able to hang out with friends (who all leave for college this week), go on a trip with his grandfather, and just relax. He's also used the time to prepare physically for boot camp.
It's been nice having him home...the next three weeks is going to go way too fast for me!
Aug 13, 2011
Calinavymom
Aug 13, 2011
Calinavymom
Aug 13, 2011
Judi(NavyMom)
Aug 13, 2011
jacketfan24 (corpsman mom)
@Calinavymom-he is lucky that he found something like that. My son leaves soon after all his friends do, so it's not as much of an issue. His best friend is a senior and is still around so he's got company.
Hard to believe the 6 month DEP is almost up. It seemed like a lot longer period of time in March!
Aug 13, 2011
MidwestMom
Aug 15, 2011
1DYBUGs Mom/Dana - S9/D280
I just wanted to stop by and say "HI". My daughter was in DEP program for litterally 6 days shy of a year before she left for BC. I didn't even know this site existed until she left. I wish I had! She will PIR on 08/26/11 and we couldn't be more excited!
As someone is fresh out of the DEP program, maybe I can answer a question or two, or at least point you in the right direction.
@Cinny - That is odd that they didn't let her keep her wallet. My SR took her wallet AND a small address book (though a sheet of paper tucked into the wallet works also)
@Calinavymom - That is very kind of your boss. I know my daughter struggled with finding a job because they knew she would be leaving and didn't want to bother (one even hired her and set up the schedule then changed her mind when she realized she was leaving for BC).
Aug 15, 2011
Philly5 (Justin's proud mom)
My depper of almost a year is leaving in exactly one week. I can't believe it coming up so fast. He leaves Monday and goes to MEPS the next am and then heads right to Boot Camp. we had a going away party for him this weekend... i hope i can get through this!
Aug 15, 2011
myboysmom(Ship09/Div078)
Hi everyone,
I am just back remembering how I felt when I was in your shoes. I promise, "This too shll pass". You think you can't live through it but you will. Mine son was in the DEP program for almost 8 months before he left for BC. He left in Dec. so he missed Christmas, sniff, sniff.....talk about no Christmas Spirit. I sure didn't have any at all!!!! Anyway, during BC he was chosen for the EPO (educational petty officer and the honor grad for his div...DIV 078 (will NEVER forget that number). Graduation was amazing!!!!! He was chosen while in BC to serve in the Ceremonial Honor Guard in Washington, D.C. He graduated on Friday and left for D.C. on Wed. He is now in the firing party serving at Arlington National Cemetary. He said he would go through bootcamp again if they would let him. He LOVED it!!!!! The call home was harder on me than it was on him. He didn't cry at all, but when I hung up I did. But, when I received my first letter with the graduation info and his 4 little lines that they allowed them to write on it was the most beautiful words I had ever read in my life. "I'm ok! It was sorta scary at first but now I'm just focusing on making it from taps to taps. Can't wait to see everyone. Love ya'll"........ That was wonderful......all I needed to know was that he was ok!!!! Good luck to everyone!!!! Please try to go to graduation you won't regret it and ask your SR if anyone in their DIV isn't getting mail and write to them. My son had 89 guys in his div and over 30 had NO ONE sending them mail. I made it a point to write each one of them. They were grateful to have mail. Mailcall is one of the best things in the world to them, their only connection to the outside world. If you write to you sailor please share the love but DO NOT send goodies, only letters. They will get into trouble and you don't want that for them. As I said GOOD LUCK to the future SR's and their families.
Aug 15, 2011
WendyJ
Aug 15, 2011
Proudmom
Hi I have 2 DEP'pers one leaves in dec 2011 and the other leaves in march 2012. Both are very excited. My son leaves first and is a bit older than alot of the recruits so not really worried about him but as he is my oldest and the first one to leave home so I am looking for some support as I gear up for him leaving. I am looking to join a group with others with kids going to boot in dec. can anyone let me know if their is one started yet.
Aug 18, 2011
Dustin's Mom
Proudmom: My son, also a bit older than most of the recruits, also leaves in December. I'm so proud and excited about this step in his life. I'm also terrified about him actually leaving...having a bit of anxiety about it, in fact. I don't know much, but feel free to communicate with me about anything you need....this site has proven invaluable. Good luck! We will make it, I'm sure....the kids are excited so we will be too!
Aug 18, 2011
Jenn (Proud AO Mom)
Aug 18, 2011
Proudmom
Aug 18, 2011
Arwen
Just a quick note for anyone whose recruits are scheduled to leave in late December (after Dec 15). Your recruit's ship date WILL be moved up to the third week in the month. They do this every year - they designate sailors to leave every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday night - to make sure they have the right number of recruits to start new divisions every week.
But MEPS is closed for the last two weeks of the year for Christmas Stand-down every year, so new recruits cannot be processed and sent to boot camp. So they gather up ALL of the recruits scheduled to leave during those final two weeks, and send them all ahead on the final week of processing and put most of them on hold in boot camp, that way they can still have a new set of divisions start training each week with no interruption of the training schedule.
I don't know why they don't tell the recruits and their families right away, they do it every year. Families usually don't find out until November that their recruit's date has been moved up, wrecking family trips and visits that were planned long before.
For more information on how December bootcamp works, go to the discussion forum in the Leaving in December group.
Aug 20, 2011
Judi(NavyMom)
Thank you so much for the words on encouragement.My daughter leaves Monday. We are tying up loose ends this weekend (haircut & such). I drop her off at the recruiter tomorrow. Very exciting times.
One thing we learned last minute is that DEPers are eligible for enrollment in Navy Credit Union. Wish we had known earlier.
This website is wonderful! I begin & end my day here... a great source of information & encouragement.
Thanks again....
Aug 20, 2011
ZZsMom
Aug 20, 2011
Judi(NavyMom)
We were fortunate enough to find out about the credit union last week. We received account & routing numbers 2 days ago. No checks yet,but set up online account,so I can pay bills. They have direct deposit forms on their website.
I hate to do last minute stuff!! LOL Just be aware that DEPpers are eligible to enroll in the credit union. Sign up early if you are planning to use.
Aug 20, 2011
Diana (Proud Navy Mom)
Aug 22, 2011
Arwen
Also, when it appeared possible that servicemember paychecks might be withheld during the brinkmanship game the government folks played earlier this summer, Navy Federal announced that they would advance ALL sailors one paycheck if their pay was withheld. That's the kind of special service they offer.
Aug 23, 2011