Ok, now I am confused!

[mom2joshandjacob]

First of all, I want to apologize for the way I ask questions.. I have no idea how to use this site or where to look to ask questions.  With that said,, here we go!  Joshua and Jacob took the ASVAB yesterday.  Jacob, who wants to be a mechanic scored a 57,  Joshua who wants to be a chef scored a 26.  Now Joshua has always struggled in school.  He was heartbroken when they came home last night and up until about midnight last night he had decided "screw it"  The boys went back to their recruiter this morning and he told them that Jacob could go now or wait for his brother. He also said that he would like to see Joshua get a 50 so that his career choices would be larger.  The math is what knocks Josh for a loop every time,, even in school.  It took him six times to pass the exit exam.  Jacob is going to wait for his brother.  Now,, here is the confusing part.  The recruiter told the boys that after Joshua passes in 30 days,, (notice he used WHEN), he will drive them to Portland, OR. for the MEPS  (did I use that right?)   Jacob said that after that point they will be officially in the Navy but it could take up to 12 months to actually ship off to boot camp.  I don't understand,, is the MEPS thing the medical part,, will I miss the actual swearing in?  What happens next??  I am so confused,, I just want to know what and when.  I don't mind waiting,, really,, just don't want surprises.  Oh,, I sent the recruiter an email,, he said he will come by our home after the Oregon trip,, he said he will personally drive the boys there,, and answer all my questions. BUT until then, he gave Jacob a little card for me to use until then,, hmm,,, Navy4Moms.com,,, lololo.   So,, thankyou,, moms,, in advance for any help.  I adore my boys so much, I support their choice,, but Lord this will be hard!  Have a wonderful afternoon,,, Tina from No. Cal,, Joshua Christopher and Jacob Paul's mama

[ChrisAmo]

Listen to Hoppi, she knows all and is our guru. It sounds as though you have a good recruiter, treasure him (or her), they aren't always so good. My son went to MEPS in Portland also and he did just fine. They take good care of them. Not everyone tests well. If he can bring his score up to at least 50 he'll stand a much better chance of getting a job he wants, but the watchword is PATIENCE.......hard, I know, but it's true. Also it's good to have a plan B just in case plan A doesn't work out.

[mom2joshandjacob]

Wow,,, I really should have started asking questions sooner! Thank you so much to the both of you,, I appreciate so much your advice/information. I didnt realize how much was going to happen at the MEPS. I guess I thought/was hoping that they would just be medically checked out then Id have to/get to wait a few more weeks or even months before the next step. Thank you so much,, I wont be so hestitant to ask questions from now on, and believe me,, there are MANY!! Have a great evening, folks! Tina,, Joshua Christopher and Jacob Paul's mama

[Sweet*Southern*Lady]

Definitely, get a ASVAB study guide I know several guys who study hard for several weeks and raised their low scores 20-30 points.

[ty'smom]

i hope i can help. My youngest son was sent to MEPS and then waited 9 monhs before he left for boot camp. He was a DEP (delayed entry program). they do swear them in at that time but the real swear in is the morning he left. I did go to that..then it was good-bye. while he was in the DEP program he did have to check in every monday morning with his recruit. My son did go in undesignated. he now is Yoeman for the air department on his ship. after he got to his ship he did take a class to redo his ASVAB to got a higher score. I do not know if that is the norm or not but they did it for him. I wish you and your sons good luck. it is a hard time for both.

[Mommacat]

Another thing you can do to help Josh with his math is to get an interactive computer learning program. They aren't that expensive and the one by the Learning Company for middle school has basic algebra. Your public library might even have something for check-out. Basic algebra is a must for the ASVAB, as are good concepts of basic computation. My son hadn't had math for years and used the Learning Company CD and scored high on his ASVAB. It really helped. The ASVAB study guide will help him know what to expect on the test and give you an idea where he needs to study most. Good luck to your boys!

[Fleur de lis Mom]

Our Libary had two different study guides. There are also free practice test online. Someone recommended math.com.

[2 navy boys]

You can also buy an "ASVAB for Dummies" book at your local book store. My son also scored relatively low but was told by his recruiter he could retake it later if he chose. He's in Fla right now still waiting for his A school to start. He waited a year in the DEP program but was offered an earlier date ( he chose to wait for his original date).

[BunkerQB]

ABOUT THIS SITE. Please read the following (just click on the links):
1. Welcome New Members.
2. A Few "How To" and "Don't Forgets"

then these three when you want more technical info on various aspects of this site.
3. Controlling The Size of Your Photo & Adding A Hyperlink
4. YOUR PROFILE SETTINGS - How to Change Your Username (Screen Name), ...
5. Private Messaging and Posting Comments

The quicker you learn to navigate this site, the more information you will be able to gather. Best of luck. Regards, BB.

[Carla Street]

First off Mom, you are on the right track. Inform yourself as best you can, keep a file on your computer for "navy info". Start copying websites, info you gleen because some day you will be another "HoppI'. HA! You'll learn, you'll arm yourself and you'll be able to support your sons. Don't count on being able to find your info if you don't copy/paste it and keep it labeled how you'll use it.

One other thing for using the sites, look at he "first time here" are to the right. It helps to read and revisit the community guidelines and it helps. This site is HUGE so it helps to find and search the group areas that are specific to what you want.

Another thing, the confusion and surprises are just now starting. You often won't know where and when. Be prepared to exclaim, because those things are the rule rather than the exception with the miltiary.

Jacob will make it in the navy if he sets his jaw and does it. He very likely can even excell. It's all about attitude. If they want to succeed and are determined they can. I know with the yahoo group, one thing I've seen over and over again is young people who come in and think there is no book work and that you do hands on training. There is LOTS of that but they will still have to have some of the book work. He's an awesome young man, I'd bet very intelligent and just flat out has troubles with some types of subjects and learning. Cooking is all about math. The navy will actually tutor and work with him until he DOES pass.

He will do it, we just know he will! Hugs, Carla Street (my daughter is a vet now and so I use my "name", HA!)

[Vickyrun]

Hi all, I agree w/ Chris A. above. Come up with a Plan B. The reality is we are in a recession. These young people can't find civilian jobs so more are looking into the military. In 2009 the Navy met all its recruiting goals. You have to more then willing and able-bodied to get in, you also have to be smart. My daughter scored high on the ASVAB, she still couldn't get the medical job she wanted, everyone wants those and she was told there would be a long wait, but they offered her a technical job and said she could leave in 3 weeks, she took that, she left after Memorial Day 2009. I would also advise that Jacob get in whenever he can and not wait for his brother.

[DeniseInFla]

I agree with the brother not waiting. My son had to make 5 trips to MEPS a year ago February to get offered a rate and the rate he wanted. He was in DEP for 11months before he shipped out to bootcamp on March 3rd.

At the recruiters office the day we dropped him off the NC1 told us that the only jobs are for Nuke right now. A year ago they told us they were over manned and it would only get worse with the economy the way it is.

[wilmac]

MommaCat has good info. Adding to her response: check out your local library. We checked out learning cd's for everything from math, algebra and grammar . . .no charge, just had to be a local and a "member' of the library. Good luck, sweetie, the waiting is the hardest part, for you and for them. You might want to get a hobby.