My only daughter wants to join the navy

[Allenasmom]

hello everyone,
My daughter wants to join the navy, she is a senior in high school and this has been all she talks about for the past 2 years, we have been to see the recruiters several times, my first visit was yesterday. They answered a lot of questions I had and put my mi d at ease somewhat. She is our only child and I would like some advise on what to say to her. I really want what she wants. She wants to see the world . And I want that for her also. Do most parents make their child wait to turn 18 or do you sign them up at 17. Any thoughts?

[CryptoDad]

We co-signed our daughter's enlistment papers a couple of days after her 17th birthday, just before the start of her senior year of high school. She shipped out 2 weeks after her HS graduation. The extra time spent in the delayed entry program allowed her to earn a pay grade advancement of E-2. Her 18th birthday fell on the day that she officially became a US Sailor.

Eleven years later and no regrets. Its been an incredible experience for us all.

[Allenasmom]

Thank you for the comments, today has been a rough day as she brought home the papers for us to sign, I have not done so yet. My heart wants to keep her here with me forever, how selfish I am I know. But hearing this makes me think it's all going to be ok.. I just thought at 17 does she really know what she wants

[CryptoDad]

At 17 my daughter knew 3 things:

1. Wasn't sure of what she wanted to do with her life. (Who us at 17?)

2. She wasn't ready for college.

3. When she was ready, wanted to pay her own way. No loans. No obligations.

Other than wanting to be a great mom, she still isn't sure of what she wants in life. But the Navy has paid for her 1st college degree and she's starting on a second. An its been one helluva great experience.

[LeAnn ⚖]

The scenario is a bit different for my 2 Navy kids than Crypto Dad’s sailor:
 
1.  Both of my kids at 17 knew what they wanted - to be doctors.

2.  Both of my kids were ready for college.

3.  Neither of my kids wanted loans or debt obligations.

The Navy paid the cost of medical school and, as commissioned officers during school, they received a Navy salary.  They completed their education without debt and money in savings.  A different path than Crytpo Dad’s enlisted sailor, however, you can see from both of our examples that the Navy has much to offer.  Your daughter should explore her options within enlisted and the Navy college programs, such as NROTC.  Aim high and seek those goals, the Navy has a vested interest in being the conduit for success.

The N4Ms wish her the best in her endeavors!

[Allenasmom]

Thank you Heather, Allena brought home papers for us to sign so she could take the asvab test and it said parental consent to enlist.. And it has bee a rough weekend around our house because I wouldn't sign them yet, until I talked with the recruiter. This information I did not know

[armynavymom]

My daughter is going through the same thing. She is 17 and a senior in high school, and has always been a very good student and involved in several extracurriculars, but she had no idea what she wanted to study in college and has been talking about joining the navy for about a year and a half. She has visited with the recruiter several times and thoroughly discussed her options with the NROTC program or going in straight after high school.  After a few visits to different colleges and going through the acceptance process of college  she decided she definitely wanted to enlist in the navy!  She is so excited about serving right away, and I'm so proud of her. I'm glad she did take the time to really go over all her options, weighing out what she thought would be the best course for her. Even thought it's tough for me emotionally,  I know this will be an excellent opportunity for her and the Navy does have so much to offer. She was swore in officially on Monday and will be in the DEP until August. Oh, and by the way, does the DEP count towards the inactive time in service?She in in for 4 yrs active and 4 yrs inactive..I appreciate it that this website is out here for us, my stepson enlisted in the  army last year and i haven't found a website for army moms! 

[Navymom2015]

We cosigned for my son at 17 he did not ship until after his 18th birthday. While at MEPS they let him pick his ship date. Fortunately we had the entire summer after his senior year with him. As his friends were leaving for college he left for boot camp.

[becca2165]

Sign her up early let her participate in DEP great head start program.  I only have one daughter also.  Both my hubby and I were in Navy when we were young.  It is a great experience I don't regret a bit of my Navy time.  My daughter just joined the Navy and this friday is her graduation from boot camp couldn't be prouder of her.  If this is what she wants support her Mom.....She will be fine and you will too :)

[mom2stg]

If you are not willing to sign for her at 17, she will eventually turn 18 and sign for herself.  If the Navy is what she wants, she will pursue it.  She will sign independently at 18 and remember that you did not support her decision when you first had the opportunity.