Here we go....

[momofone]

So last week, a marine recruiter descended upon my son's high school, one of my son's friends just back from boot camp and free stuff. After some heavy discussion, we have him talked out of the Marines and the Army and he is truly interested in the Navy. He met with a recruiter and took an ASVAB practice test, scoring pretty well for a first try. We have already told him he may not commit to anything until after graduation.

I am doing as much research as I possibly can at this point. I am curious how many kids come home and say they are interested in the military and by the end of the school year have changed their minds? It's not that we don't think the military is a viable option for him, I just haven't ever heard him mention this until the last couple of weeks so I am a little stunned. I will be proud no matter what he decides and he knows this, but this is huge...

[Sierrascrapper (ETN2)]

My son told us just before the end of his Junior year of HS that he wanted to join the military.  We were quite surprised but totally supported him.  I think what happens is that the school counselors start talking to the kids who are going to be seniors and asking them what they want to do with their lives.  That's what gets their minds ticking and trying to figure things out.  My son told us that throughout his Junior year he really didn't have an idea of what he REALLY wanted to do except that he wanted to be involved in engineering.  After he told us that he wanted to join the Navy...he later told us that he had made a decision to join when he was 12 after being around a Marine that really had an influence on him.  At that time he didn't know what branch he wanted to join, just that he felt the calling then.

We took him to the recruiter just before the school year ended this past summer and two weeks later we were signing papers to send him to MEPS for his first physical and to swear into the Delayed Entry Program (DEP).  He won't leave for BC until two weeks after he graduates from HS this school year.

It is a HUGE step and it's hard to believe that a kid who is 17 or 18 can possibly consider all of their options.  We are so happy for my son and proud of him.  He is thrilled about the choice he has made and if he could leave now...he would be out the door in a heartbeat.  I'm learning about all this as we go along...but it's been a fun ride so far.  Just be supportive and help him research everything before he makes his final decision.  It is ultimately his decision...not ours...even though we'd like to think it is. LOL

[momofone]

Thanks for your reply. I made the mistake of commenting on another post and got my butt handed to me by a mom whose daughter was ready and willing. We are still in investigation mode. It is his choice, but I really feel like if he is still this excited in six months, it will happen. If he's not, he will not have wasted his time and that of his recruiter unnecessarily. He has always been in "lark" mode, jumping around from one thing to another. For him it could be as simple as liking the uniform! LOL In six months, if he says, "Mom, I am doing this," I will say "Let's do it!" Again, I can see so many positives about service and how it will help him to grow and mature. My biggest fear is a desperate phone call telling me how miserable he is and I am not talking about boot camp. I am talking after A school when he is deployed and he comes to the realization that it is a job (not the adventure in his head) and that he must stay and do the job, etc. We have all done it and it does help us to grow up, but as a mom, I think it's a hard call to receive. Most of my fears tend to center around not being able to talk to him everyday. On the other hand, I want him to be self-reliant and proud of himself. I wish you much luck with your son. Thanks for your kind words!

 

[judy r]

Mine told me in his junior year that he was going to go to the navy then he waffle and said the Marines my comment to him at that time was either is fine just make sure you are doing it for the right reasons and not the uniform.What he makes of the Navy is up to him it can be "the adventure" or not mine has done it for 25 yrs went in just after high school and has never really complained about any of it. Or at least no more than the average working person does about his job.

[Anti M]

I can tell you my experience, perhaps it will be useful.   I just went and joined without asking my parents, specifically my retired Masterchief father.  I knew they'd think I was too flighty and unfocused for the military.  Sure enough, after I made E-6 in a few short years, Mom commented, "We didn't even think you'd make it through boot camp".  They expected me to be a happy housewife and nothing more.  Don't underestimate your child.  Sometimes an early commitment makes them stick to it when they see you're in it for real too.  (I was older, 22, but still very immature).

The Navy has a wonderful way of turning a kid on a lark into a serious and dedicated adult, very quickly.   Oh, he will assuredly have days he hates it, and days he just wants to come home and return to a simple life, but overall, most kids grow into the job and love it.  

Lack of communication becomes your new normal.  I was raised that way, so it never was a huge issue for me.  You'll find our own way to deal with that.  Has he ever been away from home?  Even a camping trip or weekend without you?  If not, try to arrange that a time or two.  The kids who have never spent a night away from Mom have a harder time in boot camp.  

[momofone]

Brava! E6 in a couple of years! You rock!

 

I really appreciate hearing from you on the subject. When you are a mom from a non-military family, it is like a taser to the heart when your son/daughter makes a decision that will take them away for long periods of time. You sort of have to reset your brain. College seems like it's a slower letting go process, while the military is like BOOM! I know it will be good for him and he is excited to get his life started. I can see the restlessness building. We have always taught him to respect our soldiers, I just didn't realize he wanted to be one. Now that I know, I will learn to deal.

I didn't mean it to sound like he's immature because that isn't the case. He has a job, a girlfriend of two years and takes care of his own business for the most part. We jump on teaching moments whenever we can. He has been away from home, but never out of contact. His iPhone is a life line...all is right in the world as long as it is in his hand. He has not gotten into any trouble (other than his grades at times) and is very easy going. I want to encourage his adventurous spirit, and if this is what he decides, I will be the biggest "GO NAVY" mama you have ever seen! I can tell you, the Navy will be lucky to have him.

Thank you for what you do and thanks for sharing your experience. (A good friend of mine is from a Navy family- I wish her Rear Admiral father had expected more from her- who knows what she could have done if she hadn't been afraid to try- so again, BRAVA to you for doing your thing!)

[Anti M]

LOL, "a few short years" was actually six years, which is darn quick!  I was the baby, an only girl, and although I was very smart, I was sheltered.  I tended to "jump" at adventure as a result.  The Navy was my only solution after I messed up college (no worries, I have a couple degrees now).  Although it was suggested that I hunt up an old boyfriend and get married instead of finding a job!!!!  Yeah, no.

He sounds like a solid kid.  The Navy is a good opportunity.  It is not for everyone, and fewer qualify.  Those who want it, and are good candidates, can succeed.  Now is the time for research, finding out if he will need waivers, maybe exploring physical fitness (easiest part), and keeping his nose clean.  Ah, a girlfriend.  That's another world entirely.  Scan through the girlfriend groups on here and try not to have a panic attack, hehe.

[Edie]

My son decided on this his senior yr of high school
He did well on the practice asvab a 92 then went to Meps
And got 75! I also tryed to get my son to do
As much research as possible but he already had
His mind made up to join the navy!he left the 13 of August
He ran and worked out but once he got to boot camp he
Had a little trouble with the run! Second time he
Was timed he passed!it is very different then what
My son expected! Don't know yet if he is still
Glad he joined!
Can your son swim? Also when that final dicssion is made
I would have him get use to make the bed hospital style!
Learn how to proply fold clothes!
And make sure you get his wisdom teeth pulled and
Anything like root canals or anything that will put him
Down a for a few days!
Well good luck!

[momofone]

His dentist just sent home a note saying he needs his wisdom teeth pulled. How did they know? LOL

Hope you are doing well at this point- looks like he should graduate in a few weeks- pretty exciting time!

I wish you much luck and thank your son for his service!

[momofone]

Thanks for sharing!

I have heard from a lot of parents and I feel better every day.

 

I know this is the tough time for you and I wish you peace while you wait for the box and phone call.

[Concernedad]

Let me add a couple more thoughts. 

My son at first wanted to join the Marines. I was dead set against it. So much so in fact, I scared off the recruiter. When he changed to the Navy I was a bit relieved. He's much more likely to get a usable civilian career training here. If nothing else, when my son comes home from leave, he's the only one of his friends who can afford to do anything. Not to mention, he should now have earned enough training through the Navy, that if he goes back to college, he should already qualify for enough credits to earn an associates degree. 

Oh yeah, and Boot Camp is a tad less wild and crazy than a frat house.