My son has a college degree and ENLISTED? Is he nuts?

[NM Loreta-Ship11,Div002 PIR11/19]

My son leaves for bootcamp next week.  I am soooooooooo upset.  I was wondering how many others have children that have a college degree and enlisted?   My son is going into Nuke.  I am hoping to hear success stories!  Please share with me....

[JessicaB-Sailor Mom]

NM Loretta....you should be getting the 3 week "I'm still alive" call...probably next weekend but be prepared for it at any time. They do usually call in the afternoon, early evening. Watch for the "847" area code and id is usually '"payphone"

here is the link to your PIR group, just click on the http address http://www.navyformoms.com/group/pir111910

[Caroline]

My son is a NUKE - enlisted. But I had the same concerns. He was an honor student in High School - coaches awards every year in football. I was amazed when he turned down an ROTC scholarship and didn't pursue an opportunity to attend Annapolis. But his answer was the same as the suggestions as below. He wanted to earn the respect of the other men the hard way and he didn't want to carry a clip board. It has been hard for me to understand ( turning down Annapolis is like turning down a degree from Harvard if you ask me ) But I've learned to respect his decision and trust that I want him to be happy in what he chooses to do in life - not always easy, but he's a smart young man .

[NM Loreta-Ship11,Div002 PIR11/19]

Caroline, THANKS for the response. My hubby went West Point so I can understand the Annapolis thing and how you felt. That certainly was a good deal..back then for him. So how far along is your son in the Nuke program? -L

[bev618]

My son also has a degree and I was terribly hurt when he decided to enlist, but then I had to stop and think, his father was enlisted in the Air Force, passed away when my son was 13 and it was his annuity that put my son through college. He has been home for the past year, working and doing OK, but he wants to be dependent and start his own life -- I am very proud of him and if he decides to cross over to become an officer at some point I will be doubly proud! My biggest struggle is I am still true blue Air Force!!!

[AngieFromWA:BUDS Mom/ HM alumnus]

LOL BQB! :) bev-My hubby's only brother was a Combat Controller in the AF. My Sailor was inspired by him. I have a pretty funny, but sweet, picture of my exhausted new Navy Corpsman, home on leave for the holidays, sound asleep in my papasan chair, wearing his Uncle's old AF CC workout sweatshirt! :)

Hi NM Loreta, (and any other new DEP or BC Mom reading this thread)

just wanted to assure you, first of all, that all the emotions you have been feeling, the tears you've cried and the stages of acceptance you have gone through about this whole process and your son's choice (plus the adjustments that you will continue to go through) are perfectly NORMAL! :) We do try to be strong for, and in front of, our Sailors, or on the phone; to always write encouraging, positive, uplifting letters. They need that. But otherwise, there's no need to "suck it up" if you are having a tough day. It's ok to be real here. Many others have felt what you have, and even struggled to have a sense of peace about their child's chosen path in the Navy, whether enlisted OR officer. That is the nice thing about this website, that unlike many of your friends, co-workers and even family in your civilian world, the members here "get it", all of it. They can often relate to and empathize with your experiance. (Which btw: as you have now probably discovered, is very different from sending your child off to college!)

For some Moms, there is almost a process of grieving, while others have an easier time with the "letting go." You did mention feeling like you were "losing" your son. I understand, but want to assure you that you aren't, your relationship is just changing, naturally evolving. It will be different from now on, with times of long separations, but still close and good. I prefer to refer to this time, whether it happens when they are a HS grad or later in their 20's, as a "launching". I wrote this blog about my son which has seemed to resonate with Moms since, I hope it does for you too: http://www.navyformoms.com/group/deppersinbutnotyet/forum/topics/an...

Congrats mom! You have worked yourself out of the job of raising a child. Now you can transition into being your adult son's most trusted adviser and yet still be his biggest cheerleader. :-) You've given him all the tools he needs to make the life choices that are right for him and to be successful in whatever path he chooses, even if you are not sure you understand or completely agree. Be not only proud of him then, but of yourself. =)

Please always feel free to come onsite and vent, worry, cry and ask questions, and also to brag about your wonderful, smart son who will soon be a US Navy Sailor, then hopefully a NUKE. :-) We will celebrate with you. As I said, pat yourself on the back Mom for a job well done. =) You have raised and guided an intelligent, unselfish, determined young man who wants to lead others and serve his country. He can do so with distinction and honor, either as an enlisted man now and perhaps later as an Officer. He has set his own goals for himself and is pursuing them wholeheartedly. You will be amazed by your polished, confident, handsome young man in uniform at PIR. (BC graduation) All the best to him and God Bless you!

p.s. Be sure to join the PIR (graduation date) Group that Jessica gave you the link to, as well as the Group or discussion w/in the PIR Group for his BC Division. =]

[mumziepooh]

Hope he is doing well. My son has a degree, too. He is currently in Basic. He is Naval Intelligence. We tried to get him to go to OCS but he wants to do it thru the enlisted ranks to give himself some credibility.

[CryptoBiz]

I would recommend enlisting first, with a degree or not. It gives the enlisted the opportunity to learn and play the game. I have seen too many JOs that get to a ship and literally have no clue what is going on. They are put in a position where they have 10-15 sailors under them and they have no what's in store. As an enlisted sailor, understanding the Navy rules and regulations, the definition of chain of command, and the chance of a sailor approaching with a serious or personal issue, it can be dealt with. Having a first class coming to a JO about a problem, the JO will likely not know what to do. It's about experience. I see no real advantages of joining straight into a commission...

[CryptoBiz]

How do you anticipate a "Dear John" letter? And how does it help that your son is 6'1 and Athlete of the Year for four straight years?? Your response to me didn't make too much sense.