Worried for my daughter

[Allison's mom]

I am just starting to adjust to the thought of my daughter joining the navy. It's not that i don't think that it's a noble cause and it's not that I think only other peoples children should enlist. It's just that she has spent her entire high school career preparing herself for college, taking multiple AP courses and racking up hundreds of hours of volunteering. I kinda feel as tho this whole Navy thing has been sprung on me. All this Navy talk is so foreign to me because I have no experience with anyone I know being in the Armed Forces. So when she talks about MEPS and DLABS I am at such a loss. I didn't go to college so I'm not too familar on what to expect there, but at least with college I know people that I can ask questions of. With the Navy its like being a new mom all over again. Boy I thought that was scary, this is ten times worse....

[Fleur de lis Mom]

I was surprised how long the MEPS day was! I woke up at 4:30 am to text her. She called right before she left and then was to call when they finished. I really expected a call/text at lunch, but there was not one. It was 4:00 pm when they finished. My husband wonders how I will make it through Bootcamp. It was a very long day - make plans now to stay busy!!

[Allison's mom]

That is so good to know!!! I am def going to have to keep my mind very busy that day. Bootcamp is sure to be a challenge for me too.

[Navytwo]

I can understand your concerns and the fear of the unknown. I have 2 sons who both joined the Navy after graduation from high school. Both of them were in the gifted program and had taken classes in dual enrollment in College. It was a shock to my system when they both decided to join the Navy. My family is all college educated and no one was in the military. I had to realize even if it was not my dream for both of them it was their decision. I am still learning the military language and realize it is a culture unto itself. Both of my sons have taken pride in the Navy and are both more mature, self-assured, and independent as a result of this experience. In the Navy your daughter will still be able to take college classes and see the world. It is a valuable and unique experience. As a parent I do not know if you ever completely get over the shock of their decision but, you learn to adapt.I have had countless strangers stop me and tell me how proud they are of my child and thanks for serving their country. I have Navy bumper stickers on the back of my car that I got from the recruiter. Best of luck to your daughter and to you. Please thank your daughter for serving her country.

[Cat(Mom of an AO)]

Hi Allison's mom,

Isn't the support here just wonderful? I was taken back when I heard that my son wanted to enlist because it was never mentioned the whole time we were discussing colleges. He is actually still a senior in High School and graduates in June. He has already enlisted and completed his MEPS. He is scheduled to leave for BC on Nov 16th. Right after PIR he is off to A school in Pensicola Fl to train to be an AO. Good Luck with MEPS on Sat. Let us know how she makes out.

[Allison's mom]

Yes the support here is great. I don't know how I would have made it this far without all these wonderful people. Just being able to talk about my daughters situation and hear about what other people have experienced has really put my mind at ease. I for sure will let you know how her MEPS goes.

[Allison's mom]

Well she took her ASVAB yesterday and as I type she is at MEPS. It amazes me how slow the time goes when your waiting to hear from your child. I cant wait to hear all about the things she was told and what and when her next journey will be.

[Allison's mom]

Well she came back home all excited When she initally wanted to join she was looking at becoming a navy nurse, but when she talked to her recruiter he told her that that field was going to be hard to get into and asked what her other interests were and she said foreign languages, So we were set on her becoming a linguistics. Today she was told that she was qualified to become a navy nurse. She is still going to take the DLAB to see if she is qualified to be in linguistics. Boy I tell you this Navy stuff sure is like a rollercoaster ride. Just when I think I know what direction she is going in, it spins around and goes another way. Something that I do know is that she will be leaving for bootcamp on October 27th, so I have time to prepare myself and her for her big adventure. Anyone else out there know that threre child is going to bootcamp on October 27th? I have to say that I am very proud of her,

[Navytwo]

It is great that your daughter has options. I think that taking the DLAB would be a benefit even if she does not select that as her initial job. Having a back up plan is a plus in the military. I have heard from a College professor that the language school in California that the Navy has is the best in the country. It would be a great education. I think that being a nurse is also a valuable career as I have been one for 27 years. I think that a nurse would transition into the civilian world nicely. It is a profession that is in demand and if you like helping people and love science it is a wonderful career. It sounds like your daughter has 2 wonderful opportunities in the Navy. Best of luck. Please thank her for serving.