Waiting Waiting Waiting

[VirginiaMom]

I either need advice or I just need to vent.

My son has been working on getting into the Navy for well over a year...probably a year and a half.  I feel he's getting the run-around from his recruiter.  He took his ASVAB in November or December 2011 and got an 81; he's been waiting for a MEPS date ever since.  He has a medical waiver for strep throat (?!) that's expired twice.  Yesterday his recruiter told him to meet him at the office today and when my son got there found out the recruiter was in Richmond (we're in Virginia Beach).  He calls him almost daily and the guys always busy and says he'll call back but never does. 

It's not only upsetting it's starting to make me angry.  My son is 21 and wants to take care of this himself, and I'm letting him, but its hard to not get involved especially with the recruiter he's got.  I wish I could give the recruiter hell. 

Has anyone else gone through this?

[Suzanne_S07/DIV161]

There is nothing wrong with wanting more time with you daughter! I am glad you are getting the summer to get in all the visits and loving in before she heads out and she also has the chance to read up a little on what to expect. If she is physically fit- she likely will find the rest of it "pleasant". 

My daughter is planning on following her brother into the Navy- She will be a senior next year and she is going to college but she is already working out. 

Give your daughter my sincerest thanks for wanting to serve her country and to you mom for supporting her.

[VirginiaMom]

Thanks to everyone who commented, etc.  It's nice to hear other stories...I don't feel so alone.

Oh, and just to clarify.  We're in Virginia Beach, the recruiter is stationed in Virginia Beach...he just led my son on that day and went to Richmond.  Still ticks me off.

Thanks again!

 

[southsidesadad]

things is they are concentrating on the Srs coming out of high school in a couple of months. a 21 yr old is almost past his prime. i bet once this last wave of H.S. grads gets signed, you will see the sudden interest in your son. I've heard various storys of young adults having a long waiting period where as the straight out of H.S. are getting all the time & attention. so either you or he do need to stay on them so your son dont look like a young adult who couldnt find his way in life so he resorted to the military. the young minds are easier to mold, teach & develop over someone whos had a few years out of H.S.  keep on it & Good Luck

[Chris's mom]

My son also had almost a 2 year wait to go to Basic Training.  He scored in the mid 80's as well & enlisted for 6 years as Airman.  He joined with several friends and depending on what their scores were and what career they chose, they have all had to wait over a year for Basic training. My son is currently in Basic & will be graduating 4/27/12 then going off to A-School for more training..  During his wait he had to meet with the recruiter twice a month & work in the recruiters office to basically just stay in touch. My understanding is that my son's recruiter chooses to do that to keep new recruits out of trouble because of the extended wait times most of them have. Due to the poor economy, so many people are enlisting & staying 20 yrs & retiring unlike the old days where you did 2-3 yrs & were done. Thus the waiting for positions to open. If he wants to enter sooner he can change his career choice to Seaman & possibly get in sooner then request a change once he's been in a while. Hope this helps. Good Luck.

[JessicaB-Sailor Mom]

Chris's mom here is the link to your PIR group...99 others to offer you support and there's lots of info there as well

http://www.navyformoms.com/group/pir042712

[Dani T.(Ship 12 DIV 186)]

Wow, so sorry to hear Virginia Mom. That's the only thing that really kept me going - my son's great recruiters. Petty Officers Bickley and Coleman out of Southern Maryland where just fabulous! They even had an orientation just for us parents before our kids shipped out. And they way they stayed on those guys until they shipped out was just amazing. They had to come to the office twice a month until they departed and they had to talk to them on the phone, once a week. I SO LOVED THOSE 2.  My son didn't do too well on his ASVAB the first time. They helped me when I told them, don't give up on him he just needs to study, and he doesn't take cold test well. They suggested study guides to help him, and for sure they worked. He left for boot camp last week - April 18, 2012. There are great recruiters out there mom, so maybe try another office but don't give up. I know all the parents in our recruiters office were in love with Petty Officers Bickley & Coleman.

[Proud Mom 628 (Ship 11/Div 155)]

I agree with you Dani T.  My son had Bickley and Coleman as recruiters too and they were fabulous!  My son left for bootcamp on 3/25 and will be graduating on 5/18!  I cannot wait!  Hope your son is doing well and that his graduation date comes quickly.

[Dani T.(Ship 12 DIV 186)]

Hey there beautiful -- I think we were at orientation together. Hope all is well with your son. I got my first letter from my son yesterday. He hates boot camp (of course you do son, it's not designed for you to like it - LOL) but he's doing okay. He's made new friends so he's not alone anymore but he still gets a lil home sick from time to  tome. Thanks for asking, his graduation is June 15th and we can't wait to see him. How is your son doing?

[Dani T.(Ship 12 DIV 186)]

Hey Mom - let me know how graduation is too - so I know what to expect - LOL!! SHould we get there at 6am..LOL!! Have a great safe trip and tell him I said CONGRATULATIONS!!!

[JessicaB-Sailor Mom]

Dani T what is your PIR date.....there is a PIR group for you to join....lots of info and support.

[Dani T.(Ship 12 DIV 186)]

thanks Jessica B. :-) I so appreciate that. My PIR date is June 15th. Where should I join the PIR group... i love the support from Navy Mom's - it sure has helped me a lot :-)

[Chris's mom]

Arrive at graduation as EARLY as possible. There will be a lot of security checkpoints but they move you through pretty quickly considering the number of people. They will pack you in like Sardines so the earlier you get there the better. They seat you by Division so you will be directly in front of your recruits Division,which is nice. The ceremony is really neat. My son graduated on April 28th & is now in A School in Pensacola. My son,Chris is in Air Crew & he is finding out that ASchool is 3 times harder physically than Basic!! They're training with Marines & the French Navy & I guess it's physically much more difficult than Basic which came as a surprise! He's struggling but doing well.