getting ready for boot camp.. saying goodbye to my kids

[lnbonaime]

I spoke to a recruiter and I am set to go to my MEPS app in a week and a half, the recruiter said after that it wouldnt be long until i head out for basic training. I have 2 kids,one is 3 yrs and one is 3 months, my mom will have guardianship of them while I am in B.T. but i am curious if anyone has any advice? I have never been away from them before but know this is the right decision for my kids and myself. I have looked up all the info available but am looking for personal experiences that people have had.. let me know thanks.

lauren

 

[MidwestMom]

Lauren -- I see no one has responded yet, but hopefully you'll get a more official response soon.  From all my readings, you will not be able to regain custody of your children until after you've completed your first enlistment.  It won't be just BC...it must be the entire length of your first enlistment.  Ask LOTS of questions at MEPS and listen to the answers.  The Navy may not be a good fit for you at this time in your life.  Is your mom prepared and willing to raise them for the next 4-6 years?  Would she be willing/able to move near you if you want to be an active part of their life?  Perhaps it could work out if everyone was willing to make the sacrifices needed.  Good luck!

[lnbonaime]

that was my major concern but y recruiter has talked tome bout einin serve te later go active.. so for nowhat iswhat im going to do. ive talk to my mom and she iss cool with it. my fiance and i are planning togetmarried after basic training and a school. thank you for thadvicerand the concern.. :)

[MidwestMom]

I copied this from a posting that Angie did on the Discussions Forum:

Can Single Parents Join the Navy?  I (meaning Angie, NOT MidwestMom) get this question on a few other forums I am an Admin for.

(5) Have no more than one dependent (waivers may be granted for financially responsible applicants with more dependents). If single, applicant Must not have custody of a dependent if processing for
enlistment in the AC. See Chapter 2, Section 5 for additional guidance.

 

(8) COMNAVCRUITCOM (00J) must approve all single parent consent cases.

 

Note Single parents who transfer custody of minor dependents are not eligible to process for Active Component (AC) or Full Time Support (FTS) enlistment for a period of 90 days.

 

WARNING: Relinquishing custody does not terminate dependency. Recruiting personnel are prohibited from having any involvement in an applicant’s decision to relinquish custody of a minor
dependent, or in acting upon this decision. Navy recruiting personnel must not advise, imply, or assist an applicant with regard to the surrender of custody of a minor dependent. If asked whether they would become eligible by surrendering custody, the recruiter’s correct response is that enlistment processing can not begin until 90 days has elapsed from the date of custody transfer and that it is not

the intent or the desire of the U.S. Navy for any person to relinquish custody of a dependent for the purpose of enlistment . If applicants persist, they may be informed that if they surrender physical
custody of their dependents for personal reasons, the only transfer recognized by the Navy
is a valid court order that transfers physical custody and does not show intent to return the custody back to the applicant after a temporary period. Single parents that transfer physical custody of minor dependents must be advised that enlistment processing cannot begin until 90 days has elapsed from the date of custody transfer and that they may not retain, nor have the minor dependents reside with them during the term of the first enlistment.