need help - recruit pressured into job change?

[Ed Kobialka Jr]

my son is in navy boot camp graduating (hopefully!) Nov 5. Finally got his first phone call - butl he told mom that his spot in AECF school won't be available for 6 months! He was told that he had two options - "clean ships" for 6 months or change jobs so he picked --navy corpsman??? I'm very frustrated and upset - felt that he was pressured into this change. We had talked about his choice of navy careers very carefully during his 6 months of DEP - I don't understand this sudden change. I tried his navy recruiter - got the response that "hey, he's over 18, he can make his own choices..." Right, let's take a 20 year-old guy who has never been away from home before; put him in a physically-, intellectually- and emotionally- intense environment for 4 weeks; then pressure him into a decision that will affect the next 5 or 6 years of his life! Guess I'm niave, but I thought the military didn't pull this crap anymore...If my son has weighed his options and truly believes this is the right choice for him -great!! But, my heart tells me that he was forced into accepting this job change - and that hes's stuck. So my questions to you all -- 1) Is it too late for him to change his mind about going back to AECF? -- 2) it's obviously not an emergency but I would like to talk to him asap - any realistic chance of that happening? -- 3) I truly believe that he has been duped by the whole enlistment process - who can I complain to? I would appreciate any info on this matter. thanks for your support Ed

[Michael Nagel]

Ed,

My son is in bootcamp now and expected to graduate on November 12. He called home last week and told me they told the group of AECF candidates that indeed the rate was essentially "oversold" by the Navy and there could possibly be longer wait times for school. He did mention there was some comments on what longer wait times meant, ie additional work etc. They did offer some other advanced rates that were available, my son did mention CTN was one and they offered but they had 30 minutes to decide. My son decided to stay with his decision and not be pressured with a decision. There has been no mention since then about any more changes. Hope this helps.

[Troy Gunn]

ED,
My daughter wanted to be a Navy Corpsman, but before she even left for RTC, her local Navy recruiter checked the Navy job list and said that there were no corpman postions open right now, and that she would have to temporarily choose a different position, so she chose to be a Navy Airman. The recruiter said that she could reclassify and switch to a corpman job when it opens up. So, it seems weird that the Navy told your SR that he could be a corpman. I've been told by a friend of mine that spent 12 years in the Navy, serving as a Navy Career councilor, that sailors can decide to change thier career path. BTW - My daughter's PIR is this week (11/05/2010).

[Tennille Phillips]

Hi Ed,

As someone who is looking into becoming a SR I understand your irritation with the process. What I think everyone is saying is valied I don't think anyone gets what you want for your son. I don't want to join the navy just to learn a field that after I get out of the navy I don't want to do. If being a doctor isn't something your son wants to do I understand. I wouldn't want to go into the nuke program because after the navy that isn't something I'd want to work in. Maybe write him a letter and see if he wants to become a doctor or dentist, if not maybe you can talk to your ombudsman or talk to a recruiter about things. You don't have to talk to just the recruiter your son signed up with. After your son is done with bootcamp he can talk to legal and to his commanding officer. Good luck with everything I hope your son gets what he wants out of the navy as I'm sure the navy with get the best out of him

[Mary, Proud Mom]

Curious about this change in rates Ed, AECF is a six year enlistment and I thought HM was a four year enlistment --- will they be adjusting your son's agreement to four years? This must be resolved at boot camp, once he leaves there and reports to A school there will be no rate changes.
Ed Kobialka Jr said:

Dave thanks for your reply. Yes Dave, you're right - i've never been in the military. It's people like you and (I assume) Jim and Paul and so many others who have made that sacrifice so that everyone else - like me - can enjoy life in this great country. Are the kids today soft? Yeah, I guess so. But it's always been like that, down through the generations. I work very hard to give my kids a better life than I had - just like my parents and my grandparents wanted to do for me. As for the needs of the Navy; I still believe in my son's situation there was some deception and coercion involved the process of his change of rating from AECF field to Navy corpsman; for the reasons I've stated before. That being said, I remain very happy and proud of his decision to enlist and know his years of Navy service will be very exciting and rewarding. Congrats on your daughter's pending enlistment - please keep us all posted on her progress. thanks again Ed

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David B said:

In reference to ED about his son changeing rates. First of all Ed I can see you never been in the
military. Jim and Paul are right about ( the needs of the Navy). The kids are so soft today it scares me.
Be thankfull that he won't be getting shot at!!! Yes Ed I'am a Vietnam Veterean, and dam proud of it.
I don't have boys but girls instead. Which I have one going to Navy boot. Her rate MA. See Ed I tell it
like it is, Life is what you make of it.
David B

[Chris B.]

I knew nothing about the Navy when my son enlisted. One of the things I learned is that waiting can be a big part of the process. The needs of Navy dictate the pace and the schedule for all who serve.

My son waited six months in DEP to go to boot camp. He waited to class up for A school, he waited to class up for power school, he waited to class up for prototype. He waited to class up for SPU training. He waited when the prototype reactors were down for various reasons. While doing all the waiting, he was performing duties that had nothing to do with his rate (ET Nuke). He cleaned (a lot), he stood watch at school, he drove a van, and he mentored other students.

My remarks may not help you or your son's situation now. For those who have sons or daughters who volunteer to serve, tell your children that there will be a lot waiting! And all the waiting will be well worth it!

I wish your son a fulfilling career in the Navy, his service is greatly appreciated.