Anyone with a DC in the Royal Navy (or other military) - DS 18 wants to join up

[Kbear]

just looking for a support thread really, to help through the process

I'm excited for him - he's applied and is waiting for response.

Anyone else's DC joining the military?

My ds 18 started his phase 1 training 5 weeks ago!!
6 hours from home (sob!).
He is loving it.

Sorry meant to say Army as an electrician..

I was in the Navy for 6 years, any questions in particular? I have no idea if the recruitment process has changed though since then, I'm guessing it will have!

No particular questions - just wondered how other parents deal with it really. I really hope he gets the career choice he wants, he is very focused on doing Engineering.

Ds hasn't been gone long but he is 100% focused. He seems very happy and proud he is training for his dream position. Won't say its easy passing his bedroom door though!!

He is home next weekend though!!

@Winterdaysarehere my DS has only just applied and they contacted him to say he has to go for suitability testing in London so that's as far as we are so far. Good to know your DS is focused, you need to be to achieve your dreams. My DS is the same, he's aiming high. Very proud but yes, walking past the bedroom door isn't easy - my DD worked abroad for two summers with a holiday company so I know how that is.

@Pomley - thanks for your reply - always interested to hear of someone's experience, not much recent military knowledge in the family so advice is welcome!

Lots and lots of blogs online. The very place ds is at had YouTube stuff. He can see what is expected for his assessment.. Training tips to be able to pass the medical and fitness tests which are the initial steps at the level your ds is at now.
Ds used our ddog as a running buddy!!

My DH is serving RN. 20 years. He's also worked at the sea training centre for the last 5 years, so happy to help if I can! He's back at sea now and loving it.

I still remember him and 3 mates going through basic training back in the late 90s, and all their gripes! They loved it, apart from the ironing.

Tell him don't do it, my husbands in and he absolutely hates it

Well he passed the entry exam last week so looks like he's on his way !!

Dad, fil, dh, db and dn have all been in/ are still serving. Fil, dh and now dn all Weapon Engineers; fil and dh both officers, dn a junior rating. Dh and now dn both submariners.

@scaryteacher - ah so you are the go-to person for all my questions then haha

DS joined 12 months ago and completed his officer training late summer - best thing he could have done - much more satisfying compared to accountancy training in the City (his previous career choice). We are very proud of him and he's matured so much with much more self confidence after 'surviving' basic training. And the pay is good as he's an engineer.

@cortex10 - good to hear he's enjoying it - my DS is hoping to go UGAS training and qualify with a degree in Engineering - Submarine Service

How old is your DS? Mine 18

thanks everyone for replies - I'm grateful for any advice or info

My brother went off to Dartmouth at 18 as a very green midshipman. As he hated all sports, and was a lazy bugger, we didn’t think he would last. He did 25 years, travelled the world and absolutely loved it. Only came out on medical issues in the end.
Still misses it too!

Kbear my son has just gone to start his basic training on the UGAS scheme this week - how is your son getting on?
It's very quiet without him here!

He leaves end of nov for basic training

How's your son getting on?

Just seen your post. My son has just passed out and moved to phase 2. It's been difficult as covid restrictions mean passing out parade had to be cancelled but he's done OK and enjoying it. I'm glad he's got a job for now with the situation in the rest of the country as it us.