New Nuke Mom

[thorgirl17]

My son just went back to MEPS to sign a new contract for the Nuke Program (I am crazy proud of him!)  

They moved his BC date from May 15th to October 3rd, 2013.  The recruiter said they will request early enlistment, but that he needs to cross his fingers people mess up so he can get a spot.

My question is- how likely is it that he will get to BC sooner than October?  Has anyone else had this happen and got moved up, and if so was there any sort of notice or will they call and say we need you here tomorrow?

I know he is disappointed because he was getting ready to go this 
Spring and another 5 months seems so long to him....

[Chris Brown]

hI I am a new NAvy Nuke Dad,

my son was scheduled to go out June 2013, And he went to bootcamp end of Nivember 2012, and just graduated bootcamp, and is now in Carolina. His date was moved up quickly. Tell him to be prepared, get in shape and memorize his facts he could probably go at anytime when opportunities arise. Good Luck,my son loved bootcamp and is very happy at the Navy Nuke school in carolina, If you have not seen the video about the school, you should check it on the Navy Nuke group. And also educate yourself and him about Bootcamp, take only the bare essentials he needs ( callingcards )

Best to you and your son.

chris

[William in Nashua]

Hi Chris, welcome & good luck to your son.  Your son is just about two years behind mine, mine went to S. Carolina in Febraruary, 2001 and now has finished the entire pipeline and is a nuke ET on an attack submarine.  It can be done Lol.

[thorgirl17]

Thanks Chris

I just watched the videos- really interesting.  Although I was crying watching PIR :)

[MichianaMom]

thorgirl17: My son signed in June 2012, and doesn't report to BC until May 1, 2013.  He also was told early enlistment was a possibility and "signed up", but...he's still waiting.  The way things are going now, with long waits inbetween each school, I doubt if there will be any early enlistment (but, keep your fingers crossed!).  My son was also very disappointed.  Tell your son to stay active in DEP and keep regular meetings with his recruiter.  That is what my son has been doing and I feel he will be very well prepared when he finally goes.  It also helps keep him "excited" about the Navy, and he has done some volunteering with other Navy recruits in DEP.  So, there is a lot to keep him active while he waits.  Good luck to you and your son, as we continue to wait!!

[thorgirl17]

Thanks all!

He is so psyched about getting in the program, I just want to keep him on that momentum.   

Gina,

Thanks for the tip- It never occured to me I should get a power of attorney and adding someone added to his bank account.  I guess I have lots to do to get ready too!!

[elizabeth77(USS SAN FRANCISCO)]

My son was part of the DEP program and in the beginning his wait time seemed extremely long. (Can't remember how long.)  Then he did get the call that they could take him sooner.  I do believe he got some notice.  A few weeks maybe.  This was almost three years ago so it is kind of fuzzy for me.

Good luck!

[Missy]

My son has been in SC for over three years so I am sure things are different?? He did get a call to report early if he desired (declined) but was only given a weeks notice. Good luck:)

[Binker & Bro: 2X Nuke Mom]

Hi New Nuke Mom!

My first son who is now on the USS John C Stennis was approved for Navy Nuke in August 2009 and didnt leave for basic until May 2010. My second Nuke son was approved for Nuke in July 2012 and does not leave until April this year. The reason for the long wait is the backup in the pipeline for Nuke. When the reactors in training go down, it leaves lots of sailors being paid to do nothing. Binker sat in Charleston from June until October before he started prototype. He had great experiences working at the VA hospital but it takes up a lot of navy resources. Because it is so hard to get nukes, they constantly push to have them waiting in the pipeline. But it can be worth it. Bink put his enlistment bonus into a 401K and has now paid for retirement at 21. He just reupped for 2 years and put on E-5 (took me 5 years to make E-5)and got a $75,000 reenlistment bonus--and since he is in the 5th Fleet area of operations and it is a war zone, that bonus is tax free. Have him do the things he wont be able to do until it is time to go. Once they get into Nuke, they work their butts off, either in school or once they get into the fleet. Tell him good things come to those in wait. Have him spend some good quality time with his Momma. You will need those memories for when you think he has dropped off the face of the earth because he either cant call/email or doesnt have time. Just my two cents worth. 

[thorgirl17]

thank you so much for your response.  We are definitely going to take advantage of the extra time with him.  I have a feeling those 5 months are going to fly by for me, not him.  The good news is he will now be here for his little sister's graduation, we will get a Cubs game in as a family, etc,,,  Being a divorced mom with three kids, we have become a real team together so we are definitely going to be feeling his departure.  But we are so very proud of his decision to enlist.  And then when he was able to get into the Nuke program- it took it to a totally different level.  I know he has a long road ahead of him but he is going to secure himself a great future.

Thanks again for your response.  I am sure that I am going to have a million questions and I think I've come to the right place

Best to you!

[Mary]

I am a divorced Mom of 3 as well.  are you in Chicago area? I live in western burbs and would be happy to chat.  Dan has been in 4 years now, deployed twice.  He participated in DEP before he left and also got a call to report early, but declined.  it was only a week notice. he is my youngest and we took a long weekend trip together down to St Louis before he left.  Some good memories for the 2 of us.  It is a long haul and a lot of hard work ahead of him.  Alot of emotions for you Mom! hang in there and always ask if you have any questions or concerns!!   

[thorgirl17]

I'm in Wood Dale, just north of Addison.  But I grew up in GE.

I am glad to know there is another mom close by and I know I am going to have tons of questions once we get closer.  So I appreciate the offer to chat :) 

Thank you!!

[motherofasailor]

HI 2X Nuke Mom,

Wow, 2 Nukes, you must be so proud! And You are correct about the training delay. My nuke is in Balston spa and the plant is down for longer than they anticipated. He was to graduate in July but the date has been moved. We both planned a week vacation( not together. LOL) but graduation is cancelling it. I have found it hard to plan your life around the government!