I'm Nervous

[diva991]

Hello,

I am writing because my son is a Senior and he is planning to go to the Navy. While I know this is probably the best decision for him I'm so nervous for him to go to the Navy mostly because of the war. I don't know if this is the place for this but I just need to tell someone how I'm feeling. I am trying not to let him know how I feel and my husband doesn't quite get it.

 

[Jonsmom]

We too have been through the stress and worry that inevitably goes along with your son or daughter entering the military. Some of his time has been good, most of it has been hard. My son is very smart, is a hard worker and did very well at A school and sub school but it was harder than anything else he had ever done. Our sons situation has been different from many others because he has been on multiple boats and each boat has a very different dynamic. From the attitude and personality of the Chiefs toward the crew to the closeness of the crew to each other, it can make all the difference in the world as to whether their experience is positive or negative. Although the training and work has been extremely challenging, the biggest challenges have come in the form of dealing with difficult people.

Although it has been really difficult for our son to adjust to the military life, he has changed in positive ways and gained life experience and understanding that could only come from being in the Navy. It has given him a broader view of the world and shown him what is important to him in life.  It has been difficult for all of us but the personal growth that has occurred from him being in the Navy far outweighs the toll it has taken.

I hope your son does well and best wishes to your family. Stay strong.

 

[diva991]

I want to say thank you to all of you that have responded. As the days go forward and after hearing from you all and with much prayer I feel that I am better coming to grips with my son's chosen future. Thank you all so much

[Sandy's_sailor son]

diva991, I can understand your worries, but as ChrisAmo said. "being on board a ship is about as safe as you can get these days."  There are dangerous jobs in civilian life too.

I miss my son so much, but I am happy that he is doing something that he has always wanted to do.  It will take time for you to get used to the idea of your son being a US Sailor. We have all been there.

 

I think it would be a good idea for you to go talk to your son's recruiter. He/she can answer and questions you have and put your mind at ease. Talking to us parents is part of the recruiter's job.

[Sandy's_sailor son]

harkness26. No you probably won't hear anything from the recruiter. I can tell that you are kind of freaking out. This is normal. When my son left I was a basket case. 

 

What questions do you have? Maybe I can answer them for you.

 

[Sandy's_sailor son]

Harkness26. Yes, make sure he has all his banking information with him.  I would also send him off to boot camp with a phone card. Load the phone card up with at least $60 dollars on it. Every time he makes a phone call from boot camp it will cost him 30 minutes off his phone card. We ended up having to send our son 2 phone cards, so it is better just to put tons of minutes on his phone card to begin with.

When our son (Brenden) was in boot camp, he called us up 4 times. This was for good behavior. The Recruit Division Commanders reward the recruits by letting them call home. However: If ONE recruit in your son's division messes up-- no phone calls. When your son arrives at boot camp, he is allowed to make a quick one minute phone call to let you know that he has arrived safely.> You will get this phone call at night anytime from 10pm to 12 midnight central mountain time.

As far as traveling to Great Lakes= We dropped our son off at the recruiters office the day before. His recruiter did not travel with him. He took a bus with several other recruits to our major airport.-- Denver International Airport. . He stayed the night with the other Navy recruits at a hotel near Denver Airport. The Chief woke him and the other recruits up at 2:30 that morning. They (recruits) spent the whole day being re-checked a processed at MEPS. The Chiefs do not allow the recruits to sleep. After MEPS, they are taken to the airport. This is always the latest flight out and the recruits are not allowed to sleep. (the Navy wants them to be exhausted when they arrive at Great Lakes),LoL.  The Navy wants the recruits to be exhausted so that they can weed out the ones who are going to crack. When your son finally arrives in Great Lakes it will be very late at night, and of course he is going to be screamed at by the RDC's. This is all part of the training.

During the first 3 weeks, your son is going to see a lot of his shipmates cry and get frustrated. Tell your son to remain calm and be a leader. The stuff that they put your son through is all part of the training and not to be taken personally.  

Brenden turned 21 during boot camp so he was older than a lot of the recruits. This made things easier for him. The younger recruits find boot camp very difficult because they don't have the maturity to handle the mind games.

I assure you, that your son will come out of boot camp a man. He will be responsible and considerate. He will be a neat freak too.

When we went to see Brenden at his PIR.(Pass In Review--graduation) We didn't recognize him because he changed so much. I know it is hard to believe but you will not recognize your son at first.

Oh, I forgot to mention one thing. It is a good idea for your son to take $20 dollars with him. He can buy food at the airport with it. Tell him to eat his favorite junk food while at the airport. He won't get McDonald's at boot camp, LoL.

If you have any more question, feel free to ask

Sandy  .

[Sandy's_sailor son]

Oh, and he will need his Social Security Card too.

[Sandy's_sailor son]

You will receive a Form Letter from your son about a week or so after he arrives at Great Lakes. It will have his Division number and his address.  Make sure you keep this letter because it contains a pin code so that you can park on base for your Sailor's graduation from boot camp.

[RissysMom(Proud Mom of a Sailor)]

This was really helpful.. my daughter arrived in Great Lakes on the 19th. I better start getting her some phone cards. I have already written 5 letters. Is there a limit to how many letters they can receive? I'm so anxious to hear from her.  Thanks for all your info.

[Sandy's_sailor son]

RissysMom, You may write as many letter to your daughter as you want. If you your daughter does not answer you for weeks, don't panic. It takes 3 weeks for the recruits to receive their first batch of letters. This is because the recruits are just getting settled in, and the first 3 weeks are hell, LoL. It also takes the Yeomen weeks to figure out who is staying on what ship. (barracks).  There are about 1,500 recruits arriving at Great lakes at a time.

Wait to send the phone cards when you are sure your recruit is at her permanent barracks. Makes sure you put your daughters LAST 4 digits of her Social Security number at the end of her name on the envelope. This is done to ensure recruits get their mail.

When you get your first letter from your new recruit, don't be surprised if it is not a happy one. Remember the first 3 weeks are very hard. Just be very positive and encouraging.  Suggest to your daughter that she help other recruits in her division, who are going through a difficult time. Tell her that all her hard work will be worth it in the end.

While our son was in boot camp, we kept a blue candle lit for him.

I will keep all your sailors in my prayers

Sandy 

[RissysMom(Proud Mom of a Sailor)]

Thanks so much. I really appreciate all the info. I'm so new to all of this. I feel as though I'm gonna crack. I haven't stop crying, just because I can't talk to her or know what's going on. Oh definitely I am encouraging her and letting her know this is all worth it. Thanks..

[JessicaB-Sailor Mom]

RissysMom   here is the link to what is probably her PIR group   http://www.navyformoms.com/group/pir31811   just click on the http address then click on +Join.

 

 

[RissysMom(Proud Mom of a Sailor)]

I did the exact same thing. My daughter signed up right after graduation, but I too was nervous, but very proud. She finally left to boot camp after 7 months of waiting for her job on the 19th..but I never once told her how I was truly nervous. It does matter when you see their faces light up. So I am here waiting for her, praying for her that all goes well in boot camp. I didn't want her to have any doubts because of her worry wart mom..Just make sure he is getting all the info he needs for what he chooses. Ask a lot of questions.