care for baby while dtr is in boot camp?

[Smokey's Person]

My daughter just told me she had been accepted into the Navy--was a shock because I didn't know anything about it.  She is 22 with a 19 month old son (single mom) and lives across the country from me.  She says there will be a caretaker for her son while she is at boot camp.  Does anyone know if this is true?  I thought they had to arrange for their own child care.
Thanks,
Smokey's Person

[Anti M]

Lots of rates have extended training. And not all A schools start on time, there are long hold periods. Nuke, electronics, and many more. I was an ET and I was in school for about two years.

But really, it isn't just training, if you read the regulation carefully, it says you must give up custody for the entire first enlistment, not just training. And have you thought of how you will raise a child if you're gone over half the time? Do you know anyone who has been in the Navy? I have, and I think the recruiter is not telling you the complete story. Ask him about everything... sea tours, deployment, time off to take the baby to the doctor, duty days, overseas duty stations. If he doesn't give you a direct answer and tells you not to worry or it will be okay, ask for another recruiter or the guy in charge.

I asked Chief Hoppi to look at this discussion, she's a Navy Counselor and can give you direct and true information. I hope she can reply soon.

[Anti M]

Who said you were throwing him away? I never did, nor did I say disposal. My remarks were not cruel, just giving you concrete things to ask your recruiter. That's helpful in my book. I am not offended, but I have to wonder where your response is coming from.

Unless there was a post by someone else which was removed?

Hoppi gave you the regulations. Show them to your recruiter and ask why he said anything different.

Best of luck to you and your son.

[chanell]

yes someone removed there comment I was not speakig to you! Just someone put a disposal of you child link up that really caught me off guard and I will thanks.

[Anti M]

Wow, that was mean.

[LauraE]

i know two single mothers and one is a recruitor.. there are ways to do it

[clockard]

But did they become mothers before or after enlisting?

[LauraE]

before. thank you.

[chanell]

thank u so much fr ur insight and honesty!

[LauraE]

Chanell.. my husband is an en.. his bootcamp, aschool, was 6 months.. 18 months is the most really.. a corpsmen.. dont let it get you down.. do what your heart wants

[Anti M]

What one's heart wants and what Navy regulations allow are two different things sometimes.

Strive to achieve your goals, but do so with eyes open and a head full of knowledge how to best fulfill your dreams.

[chanell]

i understand and its unfortunate tht i cant join but mayb onday thank you all so much!

[LauraE]

YOU CAN BE A SINGLE MOTHER AND IN THE NAVY. you just need to have someone who understands your situation take legal custody.. that does not mean you cannot be a mother.. they can live with you where you are stationed but when you deoploy the legal guardian takes them..