Son leaving for the Marines

[Jemski39]

Hi, I hope this is okay to post here. I did post on a different topic board, but it doesn't look like it gets many views so hoping here will be okay.
My son (22) will shortly be leaving to complete his training for the marines. I'm so very proud of him but also sad and worried about what the future will hold, with the way the world is atm. His training is roughly around 9 months and he will get some short periods of time for home leave. Once his training is complete he will get posted somewhere in the UK. I had him when I was 18 and we are very close. I want him to be happy and to live his life but I am also scared. I have no idea what to expect or how often we will be able to speak. Does anyone have any experience or can offer some advice please? I haven't told him how I'm feeling as I don't want to him to feel guilty or anything like that, I know that I probably sound very selfish. But he's my first born and I can't help but worry. Thanks for reading.

You don't sound selfish at all. Just a worried mum. I'm sorry but I don't have any advice but I just wanted to let you know that your feelings are perfectly normal. It is worrying when they fly the nest

You must be so proud of him! Well done lad!

You are not selfish in the slightest and it's only natural to worry about where he will be.

He's about to embark on the toughest course of his life so will need your support to see him through. You sound a wonderful mum and as you say, you are close and you will always be his home.

Try not to worry about anything other the initial training - he may not pass and absolutely hate the reality of it.
He may thrive and love it and then you can go from there

Thank you all for replying. What I've realised as my children are getting older is that they never stop being your babies and you always worry! I am so proud of him and will support him in every way I can. And @misssunshine4040 you're right, I just need to think about the training and not what might happen after that. I have googled to see if there's a military equivalent of netmums 😂 but can't find anything UK based. I thought it would be helpful to speak to other parents that have children in the forces. It's the unknown isn't it. And him being away from home for so long. He's worked so hard for this, he absolutely deserves it and more if this is what will make him happy.

Training at Lympstone will be hard work for him but you’ll be able to talk most days, he’ll be out and about most weekends and sporadically allowed a few days/ couple of weeks leave. Phone signal is good and there are good transport links.
There will probably be days when he wants to pack it all in so be prepared to bolster him when he needs it.
If and when he passes out, they make a proper day of it and you can go along in your posh frock to celebrate.
There are a wide range of potential postings after this, some are harder than others. Some have shitty phone signal and long hours and others are quite enjoyable so it’s hard to give you advice on that. There’s opportunity for progression/ specialist roles from there.
And who knows what is to come over the next few years, but these guys really are the best, the teamwork and camaraderie is second to none and they are the bravest (if slightly bonkers) men.

My nephew joined the Royal Navy after he left college. My sister was very worried but he loves it. He's made really good friends and is learning engineering too. He gets leave but spends up to six months at a time at sea. He's been in 3 years and my sister is much calmer about it now. She's got used to him being away for 6 months then he gets leave.

@SingingWaffleDoggy thank you, this information has helped with my anxiety around it all. Really good to know that we should be able to have regular phone contact and some time to see him when he is able to have some leave. I will absolutely be here to bolster him whenever he needs it. I think I will try and park my worries about future postings and we will cross that bridge when it happens!
@caringcarer That's lovely to hear that your nephew is enjoying his time in the Navy, and great that he's had opportunity to train in engineering. Also reassuring to know that your sister has adjusted and is used to him being away for long periods of time. Hopefully I will be the same.
Thanks all for reading and taking the time to reply. I will enjoy my last couple of weeks with him before he goes 🥰