Im not a mom but i need reassurance in this decision

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Permalink Reply by Anti M on August 24, 2009 at 12:17am

I joined at age 22. The Navy has given me all the good things in my life... was it hard sometimes? Yes. Were there a lot of things I hated? Sure. Would I do it again? Hell, yes and as soon as I could.

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Permalink Reply by Chris A. on August 24, 2009 at 1:52am

In this day and age and in this economy where else are you going to find an opportunity to learn a good trade, get a steady paycheck, health care, and the chance to travel? When you contract to join the Navy you are expected to go wherever they want to send you, regardless. In exchange they take care of you, train you, pay you and give you the opportunity of a lifetime. It isn't always easy, but then nothing worthwhile ever is.

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Permalink Reply by April on August 24, 2009 at 10:48am

Go to a recruiter and ask lots of questions before you decide. There are plenty of opportunities if it is for you. You don't have to sign up the 1st time you go. Listen to what they have to say go home absorb it all because you might have more questions. My son visited the recruiter 4 times be fore he signed. Every time he went he had more questions and didn't sign until he was sure they were all answered. Bring your parents with you. I went with my son who was 22. If there are questions you don't think of I'm sure your parents will think of. It is a big decsion and you need to be well informed.

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Permalink Reply by LisaG-WA (PeteG's Mom) on August 24, 2009 at 11:01am

I agree with the comments given thus far. I started out in college after high school and left after the first semester. I was 18 and wanted something a bit faster paced...I wanted to explore the world. My situation was different as I am a Navy Brat. It was hard, but it was worth it...the school of hard knocks did right by me. I also took advantage of using the educational benefits while on active duty at night. To make a long story short, I went from enlisted to officer and after just under 25 years, I retired 13 years ago with an undergraduate and graduate degrees and loads of experience....and have been employed doing what I want to do since..and getting a retirement check all the while. I got to travel all over, met lots of really neat and dedicated folks...and shipmates that are friends for life. My son followed in my foot steps and I couldn't be happier. The only caveat is, it has to be YOUR decision. Even though I came from a Navy family, it was my decision, as was my son, who is I am pround to say is carrying on as 4th generation Navy. Check it out, be prepared to work hard at the best job you'll every have!

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Permalink Reply by moonblossom on August 24, 2009 at 11:42pm

My son just enlisted, at age 21. He too has not been away from home for more than a few days at a time. It's a wonderful opportunity. Take your time in making your decision. Talk to the recruiter. Include your parents in the conversations if you'd like. I wish I had had the gumption to join when I was your age. Whatever you decide to do, we wish you all the best.

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Permalink Reply by FLozano on August 25, 2009 at 12:52am

thks its been extremly helpful to read your replies. Especially since Im making this decision pretty much on my own. You guys already feel like family and im not even enlisted yet. :)

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Permalink Reply by Debbie (Kevin's mom) on August 25, 2009 at 1:06am

Flozano - my son enlisted at 22 years old. He wanted to enlist right out of high school, but I discouraged him. I wanted him to go to college first. He was 8 credits away from his fire science degree and decided that he wanted to take a semester off. One semester turned into 2 semesters and with working 2 jobs and coaching a high school swim team, he didn't seem to have much time or drive to go back to school. He decided that he didn't want to be a firefighter anymore. One day, before swim practice, he came into my office and told me that he wanted to join the Navy. He said that he had been in a recuiter's office for most of the day and that he wanted to enlist. I work at a school, so I called the NJROTC instructors at my school and asked them to talk to him. When they were finished, they called me and said " you know that he is serious and that he is going to enlist, right?" They asked if I was ok with that. I told them no, I'm the mom and that is my baby, I don't want him to go away from home. My son came back to my office with the recruiter in tow and the recruiter asked if I was going to try to talk him out of enlisting and if I had any questions that he could answer. I told him that no, I would not try to talk him out of it, he is 22 years old and as long as he had made an informed decision and knows what he wants that I will support him 100%, but that yes, I had a million questions. My son and I both asked a lot of questions. His mind was already made up, the only thing to do was make sure that he was headed in the direction that he wanted and that all of his questions were answered before he signed. He has now been in for 10 months.(Oct. 08), Still at Great Lakes awaiting A school for FC rate. But, bottom line is that I truly believe that the Navy has been the best thing for him, even though sometimes it really worries me. He loved the Navy from day 1 of boot camp. (can you imagine that?) He has matured and grown as a man,he has made many new friends though his experiences so far, and is talking of making the Navy a career not just a 6 year commitment. With the economy as it is now, no telling what he would be doing if he had not enlisted. You have to follow your heart, and make your own decisions, no one else can make them for you, just be sure that they are informed decisions. The Navy has a lot to offer and can be a wonderful life or career, whichever your choose. Good luck to you and I hope that your parents will support you in whatever your decide.

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Permalink Reply by BethB on August 25, 2009 at 11:54am

My son joined the navy at age 19. He finished high school, and then finished a technical school, and BOOM - the bottom dropped out of the economy, and the last thing he wanted was a career as a part time grocery clerk. I was not, repeat NOT happy about his enlistment at first, for a lot of reasons, some of which relate to having seen how the military life can mess up families due to long separations, etc. and a whole laundry list of other personal concerns, none of which were around the danger/delpoyment side of the picture. I was not happy about the choice of Navy at first either, because almost everyone in my family (dad, grandfather, nephews, etc) were and are Air Force, where at least there stood a chance of him being stationed somewhere that a family member might be close by for help and/or holidays. Nonethe less, he held his ground, and it has been an excellent decision for him. He now has medical benefits (something he didn't have after graduation), gets paid well, has a place to eat and sleep, and is learning a skill that he loves.
Be careful and thoughtful in your choice. Find something that you want to do - and hopefully it will be a career that will translate into the private sector if you should decide not to re-enlist. Talk to more than one branch of service as well - they all offer different plusses and minuses, depending on what you want to do as a career.
Remember, the military life is not for everyone, and those who make it have my highest regard. For example, my son sailed through Boot Camp better than I thought he would, but his sister had better not sign up at all ..... her religious and moral values would have her praying with/for any RDC that came at her with swear words - she's the "morality police" at home, and would not be emotionally able to handle being talked to like that - like she says, the world has a bigger vocab than 4 letters!
Take into consideration also that you will not always be able to be at home for holidays, birthdays, births, funerals, etc. depending on your station. Make sure you can handle that.
On the plus side - while the military life can be tough, you will meet people serving no matter where you are, so you will never be alone. The military family will become an extended family for you as well, and will look after you, both professionally and personally.
In this economy, it's the best option for the young. And a lot of kids that spend a lot of time and money going to college with absolutely no clue what they want to do, maybe some time in the military would be better for them.
Just make sure you are 100% behind your decision, and see it through. The last thing you need to follow you around is anything less than an honorable discharge.

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Permalink Reply by FLozano on August 25, 2009 at 12:44pm

Thank you so much for your replies Bethb and Debbie!....it is a hard decision and my mind is made up. Navy it will be. Im going hit this asvab book i have a little harder. lol.

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Permalink Reply by BethB on August 25, 2009 at 12:55pm

I'm proud of you for making the decision and for volunteering to serve. The best thing my son did was to be prepared for Boot Camp - he joined a gym and had a routine that made sure he would not be lagging behind in the physical part. We talked a lot, and so did his other friends and family, about the mental issue - just remember, go with the flow - and you'll be fine! There are a lot of posts about what to take along, and what to do ahead of time, but here's a few essentials:
Get a Power of Attorney for your parents or someone you trust to take care of not only the financial end of things while you are away, but also for the health care and decisions. Have an attorney draw one up rather than the freebie you can find here - it only covers limited things for a limited time. With all the HIPPA orivacy laws, the Navy can not legally inform your family about medical issues. Plus, with an open-ended POA (revoked only if you request it in writing at some future date), if you are deployed somewhere and need business taken care of back home (even if it's just a car registration), you have someone who can take care of your personal issues so you can concentrate on doing your job and staying safe.
This will be your adventure of a lifetime, so enjoy every minute that you can. When you're in a different city or even country, take advantage of the opportunities to see things - make it your adventure!
Best of luck to you, and thank you for giving of yourself to our country.

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Permalink Reply by Eric Crane on August 25, 2009 at 3:14pm

I joined the navy when I was 22 and I couldn't have made a better decision for myself. I gave me pride, gratitude, discipline, honor, and so on. I've been out for about 2 years now and in-a-way, I wish I could go back. But, I'm about to start college and that's where the MGI Bill comes into play. If it wasn't for that, I wouldn't even have that chance. I did get to see the "world" too. I went all over Europe, Africa, and Israel. I don't think the navy sends too many ships out to or near Iraq. And it you do go there, you really won't be in hand-to-hand combat. Plus, if you do go there, you'll be in a "tax-free zone" which means you don't have taxes taken out on your check and when you do your yearly taxes, the IRS actually HELPS you by giving you a big refund.

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Permalink Reply by FLozano on August 26, 2009 at 12:45am

Beth thsk a lot for the advice, I didnt even think of who would take care of things or in case of an emergency who would take care of it. Im legally married but not with my husband so I guess i am going to definitely need this in order for my parents to handle all my situations incase Im not around to take care of it myself. I also have a big concern, school...I really want to finish college while beinmg on active duty....I definitely do not want to get out and still not have my degree. Is it too hard to do this while being on active duty or is it more like your own decision??
UGGG YOU GUYS ARE GREAT!

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