Im not a mom but i need reassurance in this decision

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by TexanOmaandPappa on August 31, 2009 at 10:21am

You can do anything you set your mind to do. If you choose to get your degree while on active duty you can and will. I have two sons who are both going to get their degrees while on active duty. I have a picture in my youngest sons room that is of the Savior and it says, "I never said it would be easy only that it would be worth it!" I think that saying goes for a lot of things in life. The good thing about finishing college while active is that you can also take the CLEP tests and test out for some classes and the military will pay for them. Not a bad deal if you ask me. Good luck in all you decide to do and most importantly remember that you are a Child of God and so you are loved! Navy and AirForce were the best choices my sons could have made for themselves. Tough choices for their mom but I am proud of them.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Pam Tucker on August 27, 2009 at 7:25pm

The first step is to speak with a recruiter and schedule ASFAB (I think this is how it is spelled) in order to see what you qualify for. Depending on what you score, you may be able to get a job that won't require war zone duty. My son tested and scored high enough to get into cryptography which won't put him in the line of fire so to speak. He is currently finishing boot camp. While he says it sucks--what he really means is that it is a new way of life that he isn't used to. I hope this helps you make your decision. Do your homework--ask around more people that you think have served in the Navy. I haven't heard anyone say it is unbearable.

Good luck and let us know what you decide.

Pam

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by MaybeNavy48 on August 29, 2009 at 3:18pm

Hey!!! You and I have a very similar situation on our hands :). I'm 20 years old, my parents were/are terrified, the only time I've been away from family is for a couple weeks at a time and I'm extremely close to even my extended family. The idea of traveling the world fascinates me and the idea of getting college paid for....come on who DOESN'T want that. And I'm very nervous about the idea of being deployed because we all know it is something that could happen....
I went back and forth to the recruiter's office for an entire month before I decided what I wanted to do and ultimately decided that the Navy seemed like the right life for me. I was just sworn in on Tuesday and let me tell you how empowering of a feeling that is :). Am I nervous? Yes. Will I miss my family? Of course! But do I feel like I am about to go on the greatest ride of my life? You bet! :)
I wish you the best of luck in your decision!! Who knows maybe we will get to meet one day soon! :-)!

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by aggavin on September 15, 2009 at 3:19pm

I can tell you some things about boot camp if you want to know whats going to happen so your not all freaked out..trust me you will be when you get there

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Lucille Wilson on September 1, 2009 at 12:58am

Hi sweetie, well I am a Very Very Proud Navy Mom, who my son joined the Navy 3/07 and I and his dad were very supportive. The Navy I feel is the safest of the branches. My son is currently stationed in Japan, to which I miss him terribly.
He has been to so many places. Hong Kong, Cambodia, Tialand, Australia. I am very excited for him, he is seeing the world the experience that he would not get if he stayed here. Selfish reasons I would not want him to leave. But we were very supportive with this decision. We were a part of his decision and went with him.
Pray about it and the right decision will come to you. My thoughts and prayer are with you.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Vanessa on September 3, 2009 at 5:57pm

My daughter has been in the Navy for over a year. when she first approached me about joining the Navy, I will be honest and say that I did not want her to join. I wanted her to go in a more 'safer' branch like the Air Force. But I supported her decision. she loves the Navy and the adventures that it provides to her. Like April stated, go talk with a recruiter and ask questions. Also, National Geographics made some docturmentaries about being on a ship for the Navy. Check out websites for the video.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by April on September 3, 2009 at 6:53pm

I am in San Diego. I came here to see my son Graduate from A school. Let me tell you he looks and feels wonderful. He said it was the best decision that he ever made. He is truly happy. He did very well in school and because he finished 2nd in his class he was able to pick his orders from what was available. Well he is going to Pearl harbor.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Donnita on September 4, 2009 at 7:27am

Try talking to other navy people your veteran's administration (VA) and USO can help with this as well as base ombudsman that is why the military has PR people to answer questions if you live near a base there are sources of information available contact them and interview them like your writing a paper for class project or just gathering information for yourself. I think the experience is what you make it. My daughter's recruiter told you there are two ways to get through boot camp smart or strong. Smart means being prepared know what is required and show initiative strong means being prepared in good physical ashape because you going to be doing a lot of exercise because your not prepared.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by JoNell on September 8, 2009 at 1:24am

Dear Flo, I would definately go for it. My daughter is currently on a ship, its in port but she loves it. She hasnt done much, cept cleaning..But when her ship does go out she will get to see lots of different people , cultures etc. I think its an excellent opportunity to see the world, learn to be independent. Your mom and dad will eventually accept your decision whatever it may be. I am sooooooo proud of my daughter. I hope she doesnt get deployed anywhere there is danger, but it was her decision to join and I have to respect that.She is also 23, loves life, enjoys meeting people. And the best part she wants to be a pilot. She has a lot of schooling to go through, but the Navy will help in that respect. Im so very excited about all the opportunities the Navy will afford her. The possibilites are endless.... Its a big decision and hopefully your mom and dad will come around to your way of thinking whatever that may be. GOOD LUCK GIRL.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by doublenavymom on September 14, 2009 at 9:53am

No one can predict if this is s good decision, no crystal balls around. But from a Mom's viewpoint I trust the Navy to take care of you and help you find your own path with them. My experience has always been positive. Both of my sons were in NJROTC in high school, went through UNC on Navy scholarships and are now officers. One did 3 years on a Boomer, is now on a two year shore tour and has signed a contract to spend five more years in the sub community. The younger son is a Navy pilot flying EP3s and is stationed on the west coast. Their father recently passed away and the Navy could not have been more understanding with the situation. My point here is while there are lots and lots of rules, regulations, etc the Navy is operated by people and while everyone won't be a role model for you...most will be. Our family has only had positive dealings!!! Good luck

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by aggavin on September 15, 2009 at 3:16pm

Don't do it,if you don't want to get deployed,because you will,no matter what.Maybe not to a war zone but to a ship for sure,unless you like seeing water for miles and going to port every once in awhile then go for it. But you won't travel as much as you think,or even the way you think I promise you that. Just remember its a contract,there is no way out so make sure it's really what you want and that you understand it's not always going to be glamorous...actually most of the time it won't be. Don't get me wrong the navy is great, but not for everyone.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Ruth VH on September 20, 2009 at 6:14pm

Make sure that if you sign a contract, everything is specified on it. If you are getting a sign-up bonus, when do you get it? Also if what job you have chosen you get dropped from, try to specify what other job you want to pursue. Remember that whatever they say, once you sign that contract, whatever it says they will stick to. There is no "changing later" when it's not what you want. My son joined at 31 years...he really likes it...and it helps that he isn't an 18 yr old. The more mature you are, the better you can react to disappointments and sometimes harsh treatment. Plus, you can help younger ones than you to deal with stuff as well. You all go in "single" and come out as a "team". Also, being away from family does help sometimes. Remember, it is an adventure in life that you will be taking...and how successful it is depends on you. Good luck in your endeavor and make sure you get Mom onto N4M's...she'll learn lots.

▶ Reply to This

• First
• Previous
• Next
• Last