My son is about to join the Navy? How tough is Boot Camp? Will they send him to Iraq, Afganistan, Lebenon?

Question

I support my son in whatever he chooses to do, but he is 29 years old, starting a little late. I worry her won't be able to keep up with those younger guys and that he will end up pulling guard duty behind enemy lines. A mother worries I guess.

Answer 1

bootcamp is more mental than physical. it is mainly to teach them attention to detail. they have to know that it's not how they want to do it, there is a way is has to be done (the navy way). he won't have to run more than a mile and a half at a time. As far as Iraq and war zones, its the navy, unless he signed up for SEALS or HM (corpsman/nurse) he will most likely be on a ship. We don't like pulling perfectly good warships into warzones. The ocean is much safer.

Answer 2

Take it easy :)

Although I have no experience with the US Navy, I can tell you the following:
Boot camps are tough. They are meant to be, to separate chaff from the grain. Should he prove to be chaff, he'll be home in a few weeks. Hise ego badly hurt, but then ,not everyone is to be a soldier / seaman, and he'll probably find a better career. Hwever, boot camps aren't meant to harm people, and should he have enough will to pass it, he will succeed. Sure, being 29 he's probably not as fit as 18-year olds, but he's wiser, right?

Now, as for service - Navy is probably the safest branch. You don't see enemy there, not even during an all-out war. Being in the Navy, he'll most likely be assigned to some warship, patrolling the seas of the world. C'mon, there are a number of ships, seas and ports where he can be, and only a few of these are in Middle East. He'll be okay.

Just make him know you support him. And don't let your worries be visible. Sure, it is natural that you worry.

Good luck to you and your son :)

Answer 3

When I was active duty in the Marine Corps, we had a guy join our unit that was fresh out of boot camp and AIT at 31 years old. If your son has what it takes, he should be just fine here.

As far as some of the other answers and to your other question, depending on the job he gets (field he gets into) he could be stationed anywhere. He most probably could be on a ship or a base somewhere, not so bad.

However, if he is looking into Medical, remember, the Marine Corps has no medical personnel of their own, they are all Navy Corpsmen. Very well taken care of and most that I have served with hated the Navy for sending them to us. But they hung in well with us.

While I was in Kuwait, the medical personnel at the clinics were both Army and Navy. Kuwait was not bad duty for them, considering where they could be I guess. Also the Customs Agents were Navy. They were inspecting all the incoming and outgoing containers and baggage for people coming into and leaving theatre.

Probably not what you wanted to hear, but I think, in all things will be well with him. I have not heard of any problems with the Navy while overseas.

Keep your spirits up and remember that he is doing what very few are willing to do.

Thank him for his service.

Answer 4

Of course you're worried - don't be embarassed about it!! Boot Camp is Boot Camp no matter the service. He'll make it - if he wants it. Chances are if he's anywhere NEAR a war zone he'd be in the Arabian Sea - ON A BOAT!!
I am aware that there are Navy SEALS behind the lines in that part of the world, as well as Naval Officers in Kuwait. We have quite a large naval contingent there. I don't think he'd be going there if he's just joining.
Don't worry (or don't let him see you worry) and be thankful he's found some direction in his life. The good news is he didn't join the Marines who seem to be on the front lines and are the ones being killed and injured the most. Semper Fi!!
God Bless and thank all our brave men and women who serve.

Answer 5

Navy boot camp is as tough as you make it. If you mind what you are doing, and give it your best effort, it shouldn't be too hard. It just takes perseverance. The harder he tries to do the right thing, the less he will be noticed. Honestly, anybody can get through it if they do this.

Navy sailors are going through infantry training with the army now. Just small quantities to start. Roughly 10000 sailors. It is a possibility he will be sent to one of these places, depending on what his rate is. A combat, or medical unit would increase his chances. Really though, the navy is the best way to go.

Answer 6

If he's going to the navy I would not worry about him going to Afghanistan or Iraq. He could be off the shore of North Korea, which I think is more dangerous. Don't worry, how many sailors have been killed in the line of duty? I can assure you that its not a lot. Don't let him be a corpsman. That is a medic, they fight with the Marines.

Answer 7

in case you bypass from the army, military or Air rigidity into the Marines you will desire to bypass with the aid of boot camp for the Marines. A Marine going to the different provider does not would desire to repeat the boot camp/user-friendly experience. Marine Corps boot camp is the longest and toughest of all the centers.

Answer 8

Navy is easier than Army but harder than Air Force. He will be able to keep up fine, your preformance in boot camp doesn't determine your entire career. Most likely will be in some kind of danger, considering the state of thing at the moment. I know it must be hard. I can't even imagine my little boys all grown up and joining the military; terribly proud, and terribly worried probably.

Answer 9

There's no "behind enemy lines" on the open sea. We OWN the ocean. The Navy is the safest place for him. Boot camp is challenging but he'll be fine.

Answer 10

AHHHHHH ........ He'll make it it's the "NAVY" boot camp. Now if he was going to the Marines or Army then boot camp would be different.
And he has a less of a chance going overseas in the Navy, then if he was in the Marines, or Army

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