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  • Proudmom

    Hey does anyone now how many people can go to meps and watch them swear in. We have about 5 or 6 people who want to go and watch would that be ok?
  • jacketfan24 (corpsman mom)

    miamishark...I wish your son luck in getting corpsman.  That's all my son really wanted, and when he went, they orignally told him there were no jobs available.  His recruiter called his chief, who in turn called the classifier, who looked again and found that one position had come available during that small window of time.  It was actually the only thing that was available at all that day.  He had an open mind, but really wanted corpsman.  I also worked with a guy who joined a few months before my son, and he said at that time all that was available was corpsman.  I guess it just depends on timing. 

    Craig...I loved the video.  My son really wants to be a field medic, not a hospital corpsman, so he would have loved seeing this.  I plan to keep the link to show him once he's out of BC. 

  • Bandito's Mom

    Proudmom,   They didnt seem to limit, we had 5 people.
  • Craig

    New Horizons - Man, I thought you had already gone to bootcamp.  When you leaving?

     

    jackelfan - You have me confused, a field medic is a Hospital Corpsman.  The Navy changes stuff all the time, are you saying the Navy has another rating for a field medic?

     

    Proudmom - What rating did he get?  I'm hoping you will say he didn't enlist.  The reason is I say this is because I think he would meet a weird Navy benefit which would allow him to enlist as a E5 or E6.  I was able to get this for one of the deppers I was working with, and he actually got E5 after only 4 month.  You really need to check it out.  It's called the DPEP program.  

    Go to this link, and look at Chapter 13 called 
    DIRECT PROCUREMENT ENLISTMENT PROGRAM (DPEP

    http://www.cnrc.navy.mil/Publications/Directives/VOL%20IV_Programs%...

    Per the colored blind thing:  I listed all the ratings that accept colored blindness in this thread...

    http://www.navyformoms.com/forum/topics/colorblind-1 

  • Lizzie's Mom Ship 03/Div 367

    Craig, what rating was the E-5?  My daughter enlisted with 2 AA's as a Nuke and was told E-3 was the highest rating she could obtain.
  • Lizzie's Mom Ship 03/Div 367

    I have a question.....my daughter just left today.  I'm one of "those women" who cries at Hallmark commercials but didn't shed a single tear today.  Anyone else have that experience?
  • Bandito's Mom

    I had melt down in the grocery store parking lot. But still fragile, maybe u knew u needed to b strong for her so that she didn't cry. Maybe it doesn't feel real yet, they leave us all the time for short stints....
  • Lizzie's Mom Ship 03/Div 367

    Bandito's mom- that totally makes sense.  I really haven't felt like this was really real since she has been depped for 13 months.  Reality will set in sometime soon....just hope that it won't be at work or in front of the rest of the kids.  Her siblings are doing okay and I want to keep it that way.
  • Craig

    Laura - Having a AA isn't that important, it's having the experience that counts.  Certain ratings that require a lot of school usually qualify for DPEP.  One of the most critical jobs, is a Navy mortician.  The reason is the Navy doesn't have mortician schooling for HM.  So, if a civilain decided to join the Navy and just got their statewide license to practice being a mortician, then they would come in as a minimium of E6, they would waiver that and allow them to come in as a E7 because it is soooo critical.

    The E5 depper I finally was able to qualify was for the CTN rating.  I almost got him E6, but he was missing one document.  

    The recruiter is correct in telling your daughter the highest rate she would get is E3, however, if your daughter had already earned her certificates as a civilian in the nuke field, then she would be qualified for the DPEP program and would go in as a E5 or E6.  Read the link, it talks about this.

    The Navy has lots of really weird rules.  Most recruiters are unaware that it exist. 

  • Lizzie's Mom Ship 03/Div 367

    Craig - thanks for the clarification.  You are always full of great information.  L
  • Bandito's Mom

    Laura R,

    Also makes sense that you won't have a major meltdown in front of your other kids.  Maybe soon is the time to go to "that" friend's house that gives you space to do what ever you need to do for yourself.  In the old days, I would go spend the afternoon, then later the night, now I am going away on a "return to sanity" trip for a whole week!  LOL,,,,, takes longer to recuperate with age.  

    But seriously, you may want to go someplace that you don't need to hold it all together before you can actually let go.   Hugs

  • Proudmom

    Thanks Craig for the info. He enlisted as E3 but that is fine as he doesn't have the work experience to go with the degree. He graduated and then decided he wanted to go into the navy and leaves in dec.

    Thanks Laura R for the info I thought we would be able to have 5 or 6 but wanted to make sure.
  • Craig

    Proundmom2 - Have him come over to NavyDEP.com  and read up on what is about to happen to him.  If he doesn't like forums, then at least print out the below list of what happens each day, so he goes in fully prepare, and not like a "deer in the headlights" like most recruits.

    http://www.navydep.com/forums/showthread.php?t=433

  • Arwen

    Laura, I had a similar reaction. The only time I ever cried, including when Chris shipped out to Japan, was when I missed my Thursday flight to Chicago and thought I was going to miss PIR. I was so worried he would be devastated at my absence. I had promised to be there, and imagining his disappointment was too much, and I broke down. I did make it that day thanks to heroic efforts from some wonderful airline folks (though I arrived at my hotel at about 1 am) and was at PIR as promised.

     

    For some, the goodbye is just not a moment for tears. For me, it was a moment of intense pride in the son I raised - that he was now a man, and was going away to do what my husband and I had done at his age - to experience the Navy. I continued feeling that way until it got to the point, about a year later, that it just - was. Still proud, I just didn't think of his being gone was anything but normal anymore.

  • Bandito's Mom

    Arwen, Reading your post ---- that was a Hallmark moment.  (meant with utmost admiration for your strength)  now, i am going to go cry again,
  • Proudmom

    Thanks Craig, I already printed out the pages and gave them to my daughter(she leaves first and lives at home). I printed out one for my son and will give it to him, to read. I know they both are trying to be as prepared as possible, (mental and physical).

     

  • ZZsMom

    Suggestions to you Mom's about to send one off to Bootcamp.  If you pack bandaids in their bag they will be sent home but I slipped 4 into my SR wallet and she was able to keep them.  Those bandaids were the only positive thing that she had to write home about in her first letter!  Her boots rubbed horrible that first week.  Also tell your SR that if they will wear their dress socks under their white ones that the boots wont rub as bad. Sounds silly but I bet you that your SR will give you a shout out once they realize you knew something they didnt!
  • KathyMmom

    Another thought for you moms - I sent my son with a small blank note card and a pen.  I asked him to write me a little note about how he was feeling and what he was thinking on the plane to Chicago.  Then all he had to do was stick it in the pocket of his pants and I would get it with his box.  Given that he left on 8/9, and I recevied his first letter over 3 weeks later - it was a great little note to have.  It didn't say much, but it was mine and while everyone else was wishing for letters, I had one already.

     

    Arwnen - like you, I just couldn't cry when my son left.  He hugged me hard and told me not to worry, this was his choice, his dream, his life, his job.  That's what I remember, and now I can't wait until our PIR.  However, I would lose it completely too if somebody told me I might not make it because my plane just left!  So glad they were able to get you there. Great story.

  • Craig

    VAC - I had to laugh at your comment about the bandaids.  My mom actually put condoms in my wallet, and low and behold, when the RDC inspected everything the condom came out.  It's not like I would use them, heck I was in a barracks with 80 guys, but it was the thought that counted....
  • Arwen

    ROFL Craig. The things parents do that totally horrify their offspring...

  • KathyMmom

    Craig - it just shows the depths of a mothers love!  Wish I had thought of that.  :-)

  • WandaG

    Craig, this is New Horizons' mom. I just want to answer your question. New Horizons has been very busy and has not been able to monitor this group. New Horizons will be shipping out for bootcamp on 9/21. In case you didn't know her rating is IC. The time is very near!!
  • Craig

    IC is a great rating.  Glad to see she's moving on, and about to leave...  She sounds prepared, so she won't have any problems...  

     

    If she wants to know any info on IC, I have a wife who's husband is a IC on my website, just have her talk to Sarah (asailorwife).  They are now stationed in Japan and having alot of fun.

  • AmyS

    I know there are no stupid questions, but I feel like this is one :)  My son leaves Oct 4th for BC.  After reading Craig's pdf, which was great btw - thank you for putting it together, my question is this: It says after your P days, your 8 weeks of training begins.  So is he there for 9 weeks?  Just trying to figure out when he will PIR.
  • Craig

    Amy - Remember, this is the Navy, you can only base your time at Great Lakes on the majority of sailors.  

    The majority, will be in boot camp for 8 weeks.  The "P" days do not count.  They are not "training" day.  Some recruits are stuck in "P" days up to 2 weeks while their division are being formed.  

    Some recruits will be in a "push division".  A "push division" gets through boot camp faster, they get "pushed up" in training by a week or two, graduating immediately after battle stations instead of doing more training. Some graduate in 7 weeks instead of the usual 8, or occasional 9 or 10 weeks (for those who were stuck in processing for two weeks).  

    I had a gal that was immediately put into the Fundamental Applied Skills Training (FAST) program when she got there.  From the time she went, until she graduated, it was 15 weeks.  I know you'll ask,  

    FAST is for usually for foreign citizens who can't speak English well.  But I've seen people living in gang areas go through it because they only talk the gang language.  Basically, Native English speakers (the gang guys) complete a three week course of instruction: two weeks of Navy Reading Skills and one week of Study Skills. Some non-native English speakers (if your of foreign citizen) experiencing particular difficulty with English complete a four-week course of instruction; three weeks of Verbal Skills and one week of Study Skills. In very rare instances, a fifth week of instruction for non-native English speakers is warranted.

    If you can't swim (float), you will be in boot camp until you do, or until you give up or pass the 5 month mark.   After 5 months, the Navy will wash their hand of you.  

    I always have to 1st say, this next part isn't a racist comment, it's fact from what I have seen working with soooo many deppers over the years.  I've found for some reason "black" people are the ones who have a real hard time in bootcamp because they can't swim (float).  So anytime I talk to a black depper on my website, I let them know that they really need to go to the pool to prove they can float for 5 minutes.  In fact, everyone should try it.  It's so much easier to learn to swim while you're still at home, instead of boot camp.  

  • Arwen

    I will back up Craig on this. No matter what color your skin, learn to swim before going to boot camp. Why add the stress of learning to swim along with all of the other stresses at the same time? Get swim lessons before you go!
  • AmyS

    Craig - Thank you.  I knew once he got to A school that there may be a delay while waiting for enough sailors to start school, but didn't realize it could happen at boot camp also.
  • Dodie

    AmyS, It depends upon what day of the week he arrives & which division he is placed in. My son arrived at BC last Octon a Tuesday, He was placed in a 900 div which didn't fill up until the following week. Non-900 divs tend to fill quickly. You'll get a form letter from him in about 10 days that will give you info.
  • navymommo

    My son was in a 200 division this summer.  He arrived on a Thursday and waited a full week for his division to fill.  Then they were a push division to finish in 8 weeks.

    Being flexible here is  really an advantage....  Because of the delay filling his division, we did not get his address or form letter for 18 days.  tough wait!!!

     

  • AmyS

    Dodie & navymommo - thank you.  Good to know that the form letter may be later than I had expected.  But as least now I know why and won't worry about it.  And I've been told no news is good news, I will remember that too :)

  • Sheba

    My sons leaves for Bootcamp in 6 days and my tears are already starting to flow.

  • Dodie

    Sheba, We drove our son to the recruiters' office & said our goodbyes there. I know we could have gone to MEPS and watched him swear in, but he knew I would cry. Hang in there. Once you start receiving your sailors letters in a couple of weeks, the time will fly faster. The not knowing and lack of communication was the hardest part.
  • AmyS

    Our son wants us to bring him down to MEPS the night before and watch him get sworn in the next morning.  I thought I would cry at his high school graduation this spring, but didn't, so hoping I can do the same again this time.

     

    Sheba - If you haven't already, you should join the Boot Camp Moms group.  My son leaves in 3 weeks and I joined the other day.  They have all kinds of helpful information, and like all the groups, are full of encouragement.  As the days near for my son to leave, I find myself tearing up a little at the oddest times, but am able to hold it together in front of him.  He's so focused and excited about leaving that I don't even feel sad when we are talking about it.  Hang in there.

  • SheilaD

    I went to my sons MEPS swearing in and oath - it was a lot of hurry up and wait, but so worth it!  It was great to see that, and say a last good bye!  My son left 8/23.

     

    Definitely join 'Boot Camp Moms'!

  • MomAnt

    Help! My son leaves for MEPS this Sunday and for RTC Monday. I am scrambling to find the proper forms for POA, MPOA, Health Proxy or Release of Med. Info. or Hipaa something or other... and I'm becoming increasingly frustrated. They all seem to be state specific or want information I don't have like, "Medical Information Holder" and "Attention: _______" and fax #'s and Patient ID Number! I'm so lost! The forms on NavyDEP.com suggested by Craig... General Power of Attorney form asks the notary to acknowledge that everyone was id'ed by Armed Forces ID Cards... the MPOA seems to be specific to a Japan deployment... I can't seem to find what we need and I'm starting to panic. Can someone please tell me where to find the forms I need? Thanks for any help!
  • MidwestMom

    MomAnt - Craig will hopefully be on soon or you can find him and send him a personal email.  We ended up just going to a local lawyer and having the POA's done there.  I couldn't find a Notary Public who would witness the POA's so it was easiest to go to the lawyer.  They are simple forms and you may want to call around to get the lowest price, but make sure you get both!
  • Lizzie's Mom Ship 03/Div 367

    MomAnt - You can go to the navydep website and search POA's.  Also, if there is a base nearby you can often get them taken care of there.
  • MomAnt

    Thanks for trying to help... both of you. Unfortunately there is no base nearby and if we can't find the forms online, he'll have to go without them... which I hate the thought of. I was hoping his recruiters would be able to help but that was a dead end. I'll just keep looking. Thanks.
  • Lizzie's Mom Ship 03/Div 367

    MomAnt - here is the link on the navydep.com website.   http://www.navydep.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1596
  • Craig

    MomAnt - The forms shown on NavyDEP, are the offical Navy forms used by the entire Navy.  Yes, there are a few forms that are Japan only, but those are there just ask examples. I don't have an actually Navy HIPAA form, because they (the Navy) hasen't approved it when I posted that.  

    As I said earlier, you can go to any military base and go to the legal office and they will give all the POA you need for free.  Your son is a depper and they will allow him to do this.

    However, since you're not near a base, just retype the legal stuff and take out the info that doesn't apply (ie the Miltary ID card).  The wording on those form have proven themselves & have been tested time after time.  They are legal to the core.  The government spent a lot of your taxpayers money on those just to make them dead-on perfect.  Do like most high school kids, plagiarise the crap out of them.  

    You could pay an attorney to do it, but to me, I'd just cut and paste the document in MS Word, or, scan it in, then in MS Paint wipe out the areas that don't apply.   

     

    Bottomline, don't sweat the small stuff like this, focus on having a great time with your sailor before he goes.  Your days of seeing a boy are almost gone, the Navy will return to you a man.   That is where the time is well spent...

    I think it's time to play the video again... 

     

  • MomAnt

    "Bottomline, don't sweat the small stuff like this, focus on having a great time with your sailor before he goes.  Your days of seeing a boy are almost gone, the Navy will return to you a man.   That is where the time is well spent..."

     

    Thank you Craig! Your final comment made me burst into tears. I'm a wreck! You are absolutely right and thanks to your help and explanation of how to use these forms, you've relieved me of a huge obstacle to being able to follow that advice. Thanks so much!

     

    I found a Hipaa form SOMEWHERE (?) and printed it out. Who would you suggest I list as the "medical information holder"? Just U.S. Navy? It doesn't have a place for the notary info either. I guess I could add that. Would I be better off with a more basic release of med. info form? Thanks again to everyone!!!

  • Craig

    MomAnt - Remember a POA is only as good as those how will accept it.  Not everyone has to, however most do.  

     

    The deal with the POA is to let those know what your sons wishes were.  If you had a problem, and had that form notarized, then any count would side with you because it was your sons wishes.  What you don't want is some legal person to say he is an adult and we can't release that information.  With a legal copy, they wouldn't want to fight it in court, they know they will lose.

     

    Again, I've seen this before (ie the sailor who slipped on the ice),   Had the family just took the time to get a POA made, then they would have save 100's of hours of not knowing.  Any bank can notize something.  They are not there to look over the legal stuff, they are there only to swear that you signed whatever form it is.  In fact, you could just fold up the top part and say it's private, and only have the notarize area shown.  

    Bottomline is if someone doesn't want to notarize it, then there are 1000's people behind them that will.  Just like car insurance, you hope to God that you never have to use it, but when you do, it make things alot easier....

     

  • MomAnt

    Thanks again Craig. I think I understand now! :) I guess I was giving the notary to much power in my mind. That simplifies things. I'm sort of in panic mode which doesn't encourage clear thinking. Sorry. One more question? How does having the POA in my possession save me 100's of hours of not knowing? Does the Navy call immediately to tell you something terrible has happened but not WHAT, unless you have the POA?
  • Jenn (Proud AO Mom)

    MomAnt - as a notary we don't have any power really.  All we do is verify that you are the person signing the document.  There may be mobile notaries in your area - try looking on the internet - all they would do is come to you - verify that you and your son are the people signing the POA's, sign and stamp your forms and then have you sign in their little natary book.  Easy squeezy.  I just printed out a POA from some free online legal site.  Good luck to you and your son!
  • MomAnt

    Thanks Jenn! Everything is seeming to be more difficult than it should be right now. Thanks for the help and the luck! :)
  • Craig

    Jenn - Thanks for that.  I totally agree that the notary is there to verify who the person is, and not to be the paralegal to see it the i are dotted and the t are crossed. 

     

    MomAnt - Per the sailor I know that slipped on the ice, had the POA been there, the parents could have discussed the sailors health.  However, since he was alive at the time, they couldn't.  It was only days later that he started to go down hill, then died.  Only then, after the Navy did their investigation could they discuss things with the parents and only because they were the next of kin.  

    How many hours do you think the parents wanted to know answers, but couldn't be told?  100 hours is this case since it was 4 day when he passed away.  

    Again, God is the only one who knows when our time is up.  He has a purpose for all of us.   As sad as it is, I must believe he is doing the correct thing and has something more for us. We can't understand it now, but it will all make sense when we finally meet the man upstairs.  

  • MomAnt

    Craig... thanks for the explanation. I just wasn't sure how things worked. I read the other day where a mom didn't even know for 3 weeks that her child was in the "hospital". I was just wondering how the Navy would know I had a POA if they didn't call me. I understand now. I'm always trying to be prepared for worst case scenarios... makes me feel like I have more control. BUT you are right, very little is really in our control. Thanks for all your time today! You were a BIG help!
  • New_Horizons1

    Found this on Youtube just now.  thought all of you would enjoy it if you haven't seen it yet.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMUHFQnj7uI&feature=related
  • Proudmom

    Hang in there Bellachella and take a deep breath, try to enjoy the weekend and hug her often. Im already getting nervous and my daughter doesnt leave until nov 8th. I can only imagine what you are going thru.

     

    Just a follow up on the notary thing. Im a notary as well and Jenn is exactly right we are only there to make sure who is signing the document is that person or persons. Easy!

  • Invisible12

    Well my son is no longer a depper.....he left today for BC.  In one sense it was a relief that this day finally came.  The waiting and the 6-month long goodbyes really took a toll on me.  On the other hand - I'm trying to feel the reality now that he's actually gone.  It doesn't seem real.  I feel like I'm in a fog, can't cry, don't feel much of anything and I'm just running around keeping myself busy with nonsense just so I won't really think about it.  Sound Strange????  It's a very strange feeling.  Hugs and Kisses to all of you who have recruits leaving.  It's hard - very hard.  But that's why we're here.  To help each other.  I know N4M has been a Godsend for me.  Hang in there!