Son will be going to the Navy

Your son is in as much danger as any of us are. So don't stress. A quote I really like is from John Lennon (I recall) and it's "life happens while you're making plans."
Don't worry about the things you can't control. Whatever conflicts arise have as much to do with your son at this stage as any of us. You will always be his father and parent, but he clearly wants to strike it out on his own and you need to let go and watch as he becomes the person you want him to be. We all know there is a risk, but this will be the one thing that he will forever regret (and maybe you) if he doesn't go through with his commitment (to himself). You've done your part dad, now just guide with sound advice and prove to him that you believe in him becoming an independent adult. 4 years goes by quickly btw and if I recall....

 

Still havent heard from him since he texted me earlier today when he got to meps. Very anxious to know I have been trying to really stay busy at work.

Again thank you to all of you that have shared your experiences and opinions on this topic. I will definitely continue to support my son.

 

Good Luck.

 

It's time for your son to start making his own decisions.

 

If you're unable to attend your son's graduation, you can live stream it here. You should be able to download it as well.

https://www.youtube.com/c/RTCPublicAffairs

 

So after him reporting to meps at 5am yesterday he was there all day until 5pm going back and forth trying to get stuff sorted out and finally was cleared. He leaves on 9/23/25.
I havent really got all the details as he lives with his mother and by the time he got out of meps yesterday he went straight home and called it a day. He was exhausted. We plan to go grab something to eat after I get off work so we can talk more.
But yea it finally happened. Im excited for him and at the same time a little emotional about it. I love this kid and I want him to thrive and enjoy life. Any tips or advice before he leaves to boot camp?

 

Congratulations! Thank him for his service. We will keep him in our thoughts and prayers. We encouraged our son to continue/enhance/establish his fitness routines. We also helped him get his finances in order. We spent quality time with him doing what he wanted to do. Often that was hanging out with his friends. He asked to go to the ranch in Colorado so he could spend his last few days riding motorcycles and fishing. We pre wrote notes of encouragement and got them ready to send once he got there. Other than that we just enjoyed having him around and prepared ourselves for the inevitable lack of communication.

 

Thank you for sharing this. Also thank your son for his service

 

Be certain the waivers are not just service physical waivers but also flight physical standard waivers. I’d hate for a simple miscommunication to lead you down the path only to be met with a flight physical disqualification for something you thought you’d been cleared for.

 

Not the end of the world if that does happen but I see your point. I asked that. Recruiter said everything in my process was done on the stipulation for a SNA contract only (since that is the 1 thing I applied for) including MEPS/physical requirements.

I asked that question and was like “look honestly if that’s a real possibility that makes me super worried” but this whole process I’ve carried the mindset of “I have to try” from the second I started studying and realized I was 0% excited for a desk job

if that situation arises then oh well I do another job and get out in 4 and go work a boring insurance industry desk job like my initial post college plan was