How would you handle this situation?

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Permalink Reply by NavyDads CoAdmin Jim Gramza on May 24, 2016 at 9:12pm

Well, that does suck big time!

But lets start with this:

http://www.navydads.com/forum/topics/a-pact-aviation-professional-a...

Follow this link and it will take you to the different aviation PACT ratings that are available. If you scroll down the page, you will also see other PACT ratings that are available. But that doesn't mean that the Navy needs any of those particular ratings. I don't see why he can't strike for another aviation rating as long as his ASVAB score was high enough.

But keep this in mind, he belongs to the Navy now and he is going to have to help himself to move along in his career. Dad can't really interfere. He can only advise and push him along. But he is going to have to take the bull by the horns and charge of himself. He should be talking to his immediate command master chief. He has to follow the order of command. If he goes over the head of a higher up, it will be harder for him. 

As for the social things, he will, I'm sure, figure that out. Having a room to his own is not so bad either. My son loved it when he was in Pensacola. If he's an extrovert like you say, he should have no trouble making new shipmates.

I'm a little long winded here, but I think you get the idea. I hope some others will weigh in on this.

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Permalink Reply by NavyDads Admin (Paul) on May 24, 2016 at 9:25pm

Second what Jim said....always always follow chain of command.  He's gonna transition to new commands for the career int he Navy and not know anyone....part of the world he lives in and he will adapt.  You can be positive and supportive while letting him let his way. 

And I've heard of many sailors that were undesignated and had very successful years in the Navy.  Work hard, be positive, and strike for a rate when he time comes. 

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Permalink Reply by Chris A on May 25, 2016 at 9:37am

Thank you both. The more research he does about his situation, it doesn't seem so bad. I guess he was just having a really REALLY bad couple of days. I never once saw him (we were on FaceTime), even close, to the state he was in. Scared the crap out of me, it really did.

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Permalink Reply by NavyDads CoAdmin Jim Gramza on May 25, 2016 at 12:44pm

That's good to hear! If he applies himself, I'm sure he still can be a good sailor and have a great career!

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Permalink Reply by Navy Dads Co-Admin Tom on May 25, 2016 at 2:59pm

Hi Chris.....PACT has never been popular with me, but that is water under the bridge. Realize that he was separated from home and everything familiar when he headed off to Basic Training. As if that wasn't bad enough, upon Graduation, he lost all of his new friends and surroundings. No wonder he is out of whack! If he is an extrovert, he will soon tire of the quiet and go seek out some of the Sailors he knows.....who will quickly bring him into the fold. It really is just another form of "homesickness" that the majority of new sailors experience. He will find his way.....just like thousands of others have. It is just so hard to watch as a parent. Things will all come together given a little time. In the meantime....offer him encouragement and point him in the right direction.....all that you can do now!

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Permalink Reply by Dale Shipman on May 27, 2016 at 8:37am

Hey Chris,

Almost exactly two years ago my son was in a similar situation in Pensacola.  After he and I had a couple of conversations he started volunteering for every bit of extra duty he heard about and managed to catch the attention of several Chiefs; things turned around for him almost immediately.

Even though the "New Navy" is rather more regimented than it used to be, there are still many avenues which allow the cream to rise to the top.

Keep us posted.

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Permalink Reply by 15mileloop on June 13, 2016 at 3:06pm

Wow, tough call. I too am a single parent, however, my son is an introvert and part of the reason to join was to overcome this. As far as worrying about him, you have every right too, however, he is an adult and although you probably worry about his happiness as I do incessantly, we need to let them go..grow and become adults. He is adjusting and will get through this. Honestly, maybe you could point out the plus side of being alone, quiet undisturbed sleep, no waiting for the head, etc.. I always look for the plus side when things get tough..works for us..

Good luck, just be strong for him and let him know it's a part of life..

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Permalink Reply by Chris A on June 20, 2016 at 2:22pm

Thanks Dale, everything seemed to work out for the best. As time past, he settled in and things slowly got better. 

Dale Shipman said:

Hey Chris,

Almost exactly two years ago my son was in a similar situation in Pensacola.  After he and I had a couple of conversations he started volunteering for every bit of extra duty he heard about and managed to catch the attention of several Chiefs; things turned around for him almost immediately.

Even though the "New Navy" is rather more regimented than it used to be, there are still many avenues which allow the cream to rise to the top.

Keep us posted.

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Permalink Reply by Chris A on June 20, 2016 at 2:28pm

Thanks everyone, everything did work out in the end, but not before getting worse.

There were a couple other things going on in the background, all of it coupled together, overwhelmed him. 

I think I've completely blocked the whole event from memory. Definitely the single most challenging thing (thus far, knock on wood) I've had to deal with, as a parent.

Thanks for the support everyone!   

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Permalink Reply by NavyDads CoAdmin Jim Gramza on June 20, 2016 at 7:55pm

That's good news Chris! I just knew it would all work out!

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