Older Recruit headed to BC

[Maggie6523]

My son leaves Sept 16 from NJ and I find this forum fascinating yet he  is 22 and has had 2 years at a very regimented boarding school and a year away at college and I read lots about the new HS grad headed off that has never been away from home and was wondering what the experience is like for someone more mature. He has no plans to bring his cell or send home a box (they can just donate their clothes to charity and can keep the wallet, right?). All I expect to get is the form letter. If I get one phone call during BC I'll be surprised.   I'm afraid it is going to be quite the challenge for him to deal with the immaturity in the unit. Any advice???

[BunkerQB]

This one is quite easy. The Navy is always looking for those who could take on leadership roles. You son will be "expected" to step up and be a leader - a great start for him - to be tagged as someone who could be moving up the ranks quickly. He might even decide to filled his college requirements during his enlistment and apply to Officer Candidate School. Of course, he has to earn the respect of his peers. He can't simply say, "Hey I am older than you are, so do what I tell you."

He will have plenty of opportunities to show his stuff. He can't deal with the younger recruits and is obnoxious about it, that will be noted too. Of course, many younger guys are very capable of being leaders - just depends on the individual.

Tell your son to make the best of this golden opportunity. Be helpful to the younger ones who maybe away from home for the first time. Be kind. Somewhere down the road, he may be working with the same people - they'll remember how they were treated.

Good luck.

BunkerQB,

My son joined the Navy thru the Officer Candidate School right out of college at 22. He was a lieutenant (an officer on a sub) when he left.  Ofter than the captain and 3-4 senior officers, he outranked many sailors older than he was.  He had no problems taking charge.

[ambermc]

I'd only advise that he doesn't go in with a bad attitude about the immature kids.  Sure, that's a perk of growing up, having to deal with that kind of stuff less, but hopefully he will be someone they can look up to.  He will just alienate them if he is too frustrated with their immaturity.  My BF is there now, at 34, and yeah they are immature, but mostly they love having someone more mature around and he says he can hardly find a moment free because they love talking to him.  He may find he's a comfort to other recruits, IF he has the right attitude.  :) 

[Jermom]

This is interesting to me because I hadn't really considered it. My son will be going in at 21 with 3 years of college. I guess I just assumed there would be a mix of ages. Are 21 and 22 year olds really considered the elders? What is the average age of enlistment, anyone know?

[CryptoDad]

Navy Times, April 23, 2014

Recruits trending older in U.S. military

http://www.navytimes.com/article/20140423/NEWS/304230028/Recruits-t...

"Other service branches saw similar patterns with 52 percent of Navy recruits and half of Air Force enlistees ages 20 or older. Only a third of new Marines are 20 or older."

[Maggie6523]

This is all helpful. I suppose the moms with younger recruits are more apt to post questions and concerns and emotional posts so initially it looked to me to be a younger group than it actually is. My son is a bit nervous about what his role may become. Although a bit older and mature he is not a "born leader" type. Hopefully he will rise to the occasion!

[CryptoDad]

First off, I wish your son the best and congratulate him on his decision to serve in the world's greatest Navy.

Everything BunkerQB says is true, but the coin has a flip side. While your 22 year old may be looked up to by the younger Recruits, eventually he is going out to the fleet, perhaps as an E-2 Apprentice. At that point he is going to be in direct contact with other 22 year olds that are not going to be impressed with his 2 years at a very regimented boarding school and a year away at college. (At 22 my Sailor was already in her second enlistment, working in direct support of the Commander in Chief, an E-5 Second Class Petty Officer, had experience at sea (ESWS) and a couple of NAMs. And a no nonsense attitude.) He may have hopes of moving up the ranks quickly, but there will be others his age with a 4-5 year head start. Thats a lot of catching up to do.

[BunkerQB]

Your sailor is a good example of a perfect fit. The no nonsense attitude is the key.

BTW, if you see Emma, could you tell her to pop in occasionally.

[CryptoDad]

My sailor's being a perfect fit is what's making it hard to accept her wanting to leave the Navy when her current enlistment runs out. But she's been amazing me for 28 years, so I'll trust her judgement.

Emma burned all her bridges. Couldn't handle the endless drama. And since I was piggybacking on her account, my stuff (like the Challenge Coin group) when up in flames too. She sends her regards.

[BunkerQB]

My son departed at the end of his commitment in 2012. He is out in the civilian world - amazing. Tell her to send me her email thru you. The site has slowed considerably with many wanting to go w Facebook (just too open for my taste) but many like the instant update on comments. Some bridges need rebuilding.

[Maggie6523]

Thanks CryptoDad. Informative. I was referring specifically to boot camp because of what I know to be the mindset of many HS grad and what I've read here.. He understands the catching up after. He is going in E-3 (he has 2+ yrs college, only one was "away"). Im just happy to hear there are numerous 21+ in his shoes .