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Son sworn into Navy today

Posted By: Paul Rhodes

Son sworn into Navy today - 06/01/19 04:20 AM

Carson has been in Houston since Thursday morning doing MEPS. He swore in Friday evening.

He won't be 18 until September, but he has a good head on his should.

He'll ship out for recruit training at the Great Lakes in January.

January may be a little colder up there than it is in south Louisiana
Posted By: DelawareRob

Re: Son sworn into Navy today - 06/01/19 04:26 AM

Congratulations to you and Carson!
Posted By: Allan Minear

Re: Son sworn into Navy today - 06/01/19 04:54 AM

Congratulations to both you and your son for getting into the Navy if he makes the choice to stick it out then he'll be a young man who if he wants can work elsewhere after the military carrier which I'm sure you know.
Allan
Posted By: 7887mm08

Re: Son sworn into Navy today - 06/01/19 10:47 AM

Been there and done that! It gets mighty cold at Great Lakes Training center. We were stuck in the barracks for two straight weeks (-70degree wind chill).
I graduated boot camp Jan 1st 1982. Good luck to your son and CONGRATS to you.
Posted By: Trapper Dahlgren

Re: Son sworn into Navy today - 06/01/19 10:50 AM

you raise him right tell him thanks
Posted By: Cameron Kelsey

Re: Son sworn into Navy today - 06/01/19 11:39 AM

Congratulations! Great Lakes will be cold in January, but he will get through it.

What is he going to do in the Navy?

Feel free to reach out to me if he has any questions or needs anything.
Posted By: handitrapper

Re: Son sworn into Navy today - 06/01/19 11:54 AM

Tell him “thank you” for his commitment and future service. Something to very proud and respected for.
Posted By: adam m

Re: Son sworn into Navy today - 06/01/19 02:03 PM

Congratulations
Posted By: Wanna Be

Re: Son sworn into Navy today - 06/01/19 02:31 PM

Thank him for his service please sir.
With that being said, he really needs to plan better, lol! I thought Great Lakes was cold in April!! We had snow in May!! Funny thing was it got above 85 one day and they confined us to the barracks...too hot! I was like, it’s just starting to warm up, lol.
Posted By: redsnow

Re: Son sworn into Navy today - 06/01/19 02:35 PM

Good deal. You have good reason to be proud of the young man. I wish him the best.
Posted By: jbyrd63

Re: Son sworn into Navy today - 06/01/19 08:25 PM

Congrats to the whole family!!!!!

Smart move.
Retire at 38 hunt or fish everyday OR get another job anywhere because he is a Veteran
Posted By: Pike River

Re: Son sworn into Navy today - 06/01/19 08:37 PM

The most important branch.
Posted By: Paul Rhodes

Re: Son sworn into Navy today - 06/02/19 01:06 AM

Thank everyone for all of the kind words. Carson says Thanks also.

He's singed up as a Seaman, but he would like to be a Master-at-arms (MA).

His scores are high enough to be a MA, but at the time he signed that job wasn't available.

Hopefully he can move into MA job soon.
Posted By: brianmall

Re: Son sworn into Navy today - 06/02/19 01:09 AM

Congrats
Posted By: Gator Foot

Re: Son sworn into Navy today - 06/02/19 01:24 AM

Congrats! He will do great!!
Posted By: son-of-grizz

Re: Son sworn into Navy today - 06/02/19 01:24 AM

Congrats and tell him thanks
Posted By: taser

Re: Son sworn into Navy today - 06/02/19 01:30 AM

congrats...…...and thanks from across the border
Posted By: Wanna Be

Re: Son sworn into Navy today - 06/02/19 01:35 AM

Originally Posted by Paul Rhodes
Thank everyone for all of the kind words. Carson says Thanks also.

He's singed up as a Seaman, but he would like to be a Master-at-arms (MA).

His scores are high enough to be a MA, but at the time he signed that job wasn't available.

Hopefully he can move into MA job soon.

Man don’t y’all take this wrong, but he shouldn’t sign anything until he gets what he wants guaranteed in writing, otherwise his first enlistment will NOT be like anything he possibly hoped for. They will put him wherever they need someone...that’s NOT what he wants. No matter if he’s sworn in or not, tell them to pound sand until he gets what he wants. And this is coming from an ex-Navy guy.
Posted By: strike2x

Re: Son sworn into Navy today - 06/02/19 01:46 AM

I must agree with the last. I signed up right out of high school. Wanted to be a sea bee but my recruiter told me that billet was not available but with my test scores I could be whatever I wanted. He talked me into being a boiler tech. Now don't get me wrong, I signed the papers and I did my time but got out as soon as I get could. Come to find out recruiter then got bonuses for filling the undesirable billets, boiler tech, and not for the easy ones, sea bees. Not sure if it was because I wished him dead but my recruiter died of heart failure at age of 46 while I was in A school. Still wonder some times. Lol. Don't know if he can get out of it but it is my understanding that until you swear in you are not committed. Check it out. Cross rating is almost impossible until reenlistment time. Good luck.
Posted By: Cameron Kelsey

Re: Son sworn into Navy today - 06/02/19 02:31 AM

Meaning no disrespect to the old Navy vets on here, but I will offer up the Navy has changed a lot over the years. I find it hard to believe the changes I have seen in just the last 24 years I have been serving. I can't imagine how things differ from the 80's, 70's, etc.

Nowadays most recruiters are not struggling to make goal. Waiting lists are long, especially for certain ratings. I don't doubt that MA wasn't available when he signed up. Things ebb and flow. One of the Chiefs that works for me just came from recruiting duty about 9 months ago. He can answer about any recruiting question your son might have.

I think your son did just fine. He will come into the Navy as an undesignated Deck Seaman. I will admit not the most glorious of jobs, but he will be in the Navy serving his country and seeing the world. Something most kids his age won't be able to say. Coming out of boot camp and a brief apprentice training, he will go to sea and work for the Boatswains Mates in deck department. Yes it will be hard work, but the beauty of that program is your son will be able to observe the different ratings and take his time to decide exactly what he wants to do. You say he wants to be an MA, but I would encourage him to keep an open mind as he just may stumble across something he never even considered. Submarine duty was great for me during my enlisted years, and I would encourage your son at least look at that option. Great opportunities in that community and advancement is usually pretty good.

Do not hesitate to reach out to me if you or your son has any questions. I will give you honest feedback on the Navy and what to expect. The Navy is full of opportunity and I am excited for your son. Tell him I wish him the best of luck and I look forward to seeing him in the fleet!
Posted By: Wanna Be

Re: Son sworn into Navy today - 06/02/19 10:16 AM

Originally Posted by Cameron Kelsey
Meaning no disrespect to the old Navy vets on here, but I will offer up the Navy has changed a lot over the years. I find it hard to believe the changes I have seen in just the last 24 years I have been serving. I can't imagine how things differ from the 80's, 70's, etc.

Nowadays most recruiters are not struggling to make goal. Waiting lists are long, especially for certain ratings. I don't doubt that MA wasn't available when he signed up. Things ebb and flow. One of the Chiefs that works for me just came from recruiting duty about 9 months ago. He can answer about any recruiting question your son might have.

I think your son did just fine. He will come into the Navy as an undesignated Deck Seaman. I will admit not the most glorious of jobs, but he will be in the Navy serving his country and seeing the world. Something most kids his age won't be able to say. Coming out of boot camp and a brief apprentice training, he will go to sea and work for the Boatswains Mates in deck department. Yes it will be hard work, but the beauty of that program is your son will be able to observe the different ratings and take his time to decide exactly what he wants to do. You say he wants to be an MA, but I would encourage him to keep an open mind as he just may stumble across something he never even considered. Submarine duty was great for me during my enlisted years, and I would encourage your son at least look at that option. Great opportunities in that community and advancement is usually pretty good.

Do not hesitate to reach out to me if you or your son has any questions. I will give you honest feedback on the Navy and what to expect. The Navy is full of opportunity and I am excited for your son. Tell him I wish him the best of luck and I look forward to seeing him in the fleet!


No disrespect sir, but scrubbing decks, chipping paint, and repainting probably isn’t what the young man is looking for over the next 4 years. If he has it made up in his mind that he wants to be an MA then shouldn’t he be an MA? Typical speech, lol. Just come on aboard, we’ll put you where you can decide what you want to do in 4 years. Just because if it’s full now, it won’t be full then. And after 4 years the young man will say the heck with the Navy and get out with no desirable skill set.

To the OP, if he’s in it for life and has that made up in his mind that he is, then it’s possible what the Warrant is saying could very well happen. But then again, that’s 4 years of no fun whatsoever. Heck, pick something to go in as, just don’t go undesignated!
Posted By: Cameron Kelsey

Re: Son sworn into Navy today - 06/02/19 12:46 PM

Originally Posted by Wanna Be
Originally Posted by Cameron Kelsey
Meaning no disrespect to the old Navy vets on here, but I will offer up the Navy has changed a lot over the years. I find it hard to believe the changes I have seen in just the last 24 years I have been serving. I can't imagine how things differ from the 80's, 70's, etc.

Nowadays most recruiters are not struggling to make goal. Waiting lists are long, especially for certain ratings. I don't doubt that MA wasn't available when he signed up. Things ebb and flow. One of the Chiefs that works for me just came from recruiting duty about 9 months ago. He can answer about any recruiting question your son might have.
Appre
I think your son did just fine. He will come into the Navy as an undesignated Deck Seaman. I will admit not the most glorious of jobs, but he will be in the Navy serving his country and seeing the world. Something most kids his age won't be able to say. Coming out of boot camp and a brief apprentice training, he will go to sea and work for the Boatswains Mates in deck department. Yes it will be hard work, but the beauty of that program is your son will be able to observe the different ratings and take his time to decide exactly what he wants to do. You say he wants to be an MA, but I would encourage him to keep an open mind as he just may stumble across something he never even considered. Submarine duty was great for me during my enlisted years, and I would encourage your son at least look at that option. Great opportunities in that community and advancement is usually pretty good.

Do not hesitate to reach out to me if you or your son has any questions. I will give you honest feedback on the Navy and what to expect. The Navy is full of opportunity and I am excited for your son. Tell him I wish him the best of luck and I look forward to seeing him in the fleet!


No disrespect sir, but scrubbing decks, chipping paint, and repainting probably isn’t what the young man is looking for over the next 4 years. If he has it made up in his mind that he wants to be an MA then shouldn’t he be an MA? Typical speech, lol. Just come on aboard, we’ll put you where you can decide what you want to do in 4 years. Just because if it’s full now, it won’t be full then. And after 4 years the young man will say the heck with the Navy and get out with no desirable skill set.

To the OP, if he’s in it for life and has that made up in his mind that he is, then it’s possible what the Warrant is saying could very well happen. But then again, that’s 4 years of no fun whatsoever. Heck, pick something to go in as, just don’t go undesignated!


He shouldn't spend an entire enlistment in deck department, unless he strikes Boatswains Mate. Some years back the Navy recognized the undesignated program had its share of flaws and revamped it to the current Professional Apprenticeship Career Training (PACT) program. Not perfect, but overall it seems an improvement. Nowadays the Navy monitors Sailors in the PACT program and pushes to ensure they are offered chances at designation within their first two years of enlistment.

Again, being a PACT Sailor is hard work, and he will undoubtedly dislike some of what he does. But let's face it, people in all jobs and paygrades dislike parts of their job. That being said, if a PACT Sailor stays out of trouble they should have a rating in two years. There is certainly light at the end of the tunnel.

I do agree that getting a school and designation out of boot camp is certainly a good thing, but again being a PACT sailor isn't the end of the world either. Thousands of Sailors have started off undesignated and gone on to very productive careers. BTW the current Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) started his career as an undesignated airman in 1988.
Posted By: 330-Trapper

Re: Son sworn into Navy today - 06/02/19 12:51 PM

Congratulations to Him and You!!!
Posted By: Paul Rhodes

Re: Son sworn into Navy today - 06/02/19 10:52 PM

Thanks to everyone for the kind words and advice. I haven't tried to influence him much in his decision about the Navy, because I know he's a lot like me (when his mind is made up it's made up).
Me and his Mom have prayed a lot about it and Carson has also. I just try to be encouraging and supportive of him. I also don't mind him starting at the bottom and working his way up in the Navy or anything else he does.
Posted By: jctunnelrat

Re: Son sworn into Navy today - 06/02/19 11:25 PM

Paul, congratulate the kid for us! If he needs anything (and I mean anything). Pm me and it will be there the next day. We have one in the Army (new recruit as of last year, May, graduated) and a new Marine, September, last year. God Bless our kids.
Posted By: jctunnelrat

Re: Son sworn into Navy today - 06/02/19 11:27 PM

I say kids, but they're actually grand kids.
Posted By: trappingthomas

Re: Son sworn into Navy today - 06/03/19 12:38 AM

Congratulations to the young man! I traveled the east coast in my childhood as my dad served this country in the Navy. May not have liked it at times then but appreciate the experience now that I am older. Thank him for his service!
Posted By: Nessmuck

Re: Son sworn into Navy today - 06/03/19 01:12 AM

Congrats ! And when he’s 40 ...he can retire from the Navy with a pension...and try something else. My dad retired from the Navy at 40.... collected his pension until he died...and my mother still gets a check from his pension. Not a bad deal. Some guys join the Fire Department after the Navy ...and collect another pension and SS.....
Posted By: Big George W

Re: Son sworn into Navy today - 06/03/19 01:48 AM

Nice !!
My dream back in 1982 was to join the U.S. Navy, and get stationed on a carrier where I could be a jet mechanic... but a bad ticker [heart murmur...] kept me out.
So, I ended up going to aviation school and getting my A&P and been working on military helicoptors ever since [1987...]
May your son serve our great nation well.
Congrats.... !!
Posted By: Paul Rhodes

Re: Son sworn into Navy today - 06/03/19 02:22 AM

Thanks Cameron Kelsey and jctunnelrat. If we have any questions or need anything I'll pm y'all.
Posted By: Aaron Proffitt

Re: Son sworn into Navy today - 06/03/19 02:25 PM

He'll have fun ! Sure ,some of it sucks. But lots of fun, too.
Retired MA . I didn't enjoy being an MA until I went to a non-MA unit . Then things became interesting.
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