A little worried..my son went in as "open"...no guaranteed job. Recruiter says not to worry!?!?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Michelle Butler on January 30, 2012 at 9:00pm

My son went in open mechanical. He just recently graduated. While in BMT they did job counseling. He was able to pick his top 5 choices. He got his 2nd choice. He is in tech school now. He is loving it. He did some reseach on the jobs he tested high enough for on his ASVAB so he would have an idea what he wanted to put on his list. He will be going to Germany for two years after tech school. He wanted to be stationed out of the country, so he is very happy. It worked out well for him. Most of the trainees in his flight went in open. The reality, no matter what his recruiter says, is that nothing is guaranteed until a contract is signed. Im sure he has looked into his options so that he will know what his top picks will be out of what they offer him. Good luck to you as you begin your journey with your son throught BMT. Welcome to the Air Force family WingMom! Also, check out AF WingMoms on FB. Lots of support there! Tons of information in the links on the left of their page beginning with"start here". This will include a template to use when you get your first call within the first 72 hours of his arrival. There will be a quick, "I made it safely" call when he arrives. Then there will be a very quick scripted call that he will be providing you his address. It is scripted and rushed, so having the template will help you understand the numbers he is quickly saying. My first call was 50 seconds. Then I didn't hear from him for almost 3 weeks. But then you will get a weekly 15 minute call. Sometimes longer if they earn it. Sorry for rambling. I hope this has helped.

Permalink Reply by Michelle Butler on January 30, 2012 at 9:09pm

Also, start writing him now. I wrote a letter every day while he was at BMT. They really look forward to those letters of support at mail call. Also, they did not find out what their jobs were until the week before graduation.

Permalink Reply by Brenda Robinson on January 30, 2012 at 10:13pm

Tammie,

My daughter went in under "open" also. I was so upset with her over that dreading that she was going to be stuck for 6 years doing a job that would make her terribly unhappy. Well, this Thursday she graduates from tech school and she's very happy with the job she got. In fact, it was 4th on her wish list. So as of Thursday, she will be an Air Force Photographer. So she's had a great outcome.

I  don't know what will happen with your son and I can only hope for the best for him. I think she found out her job in the 4th or 5th week of BMT.

Best wishes to you and your Airman Recruit!

Brenda

Permalink Reply by Tammie Saunders on January 30, 2012 at 10:15pm

Thanks Michelle! This helps relieve my mind alot. He actually had to give his top 8 job choices to recruiter and MEPS. Like your son, he did choose with his ASVAB scores considered and then with what he actually wanted to do.  His number one choice is Aircraft Metals Technology...praying he gets it. He said that MEPS career counselors where supposed to go over all his choices and "stack" them in order this morning before he was flown out. I guess I just worry about his future and that he is happy with his choices...as all moms are:) Also, just now received a quick call from him, YAY!! He said he only had a minute but wanted to call and let me know he was leaving airport in TX and on bus ride to base. Will probably be around 2-3am before he will be able to make "the call"  and wanted to make sure I would have a pen ready:( He said 4 bus loads arriving  together in his convoy and that at this rate they were only expected to get about an hour of sleep. He is being positive saying that at least he will sleep good tomorrow night...lol So happy to hear your son is doing well. It does my heart good:) And yes, I have already wrote my first letter and will have it in the mail first thing in the morning. Again, Thank You so much!

Permalink Reply by Tammie Saunders on January 30, 2012 at 10:28pm

Thanks Brenda! Its awesome about your daughter. I hope my son is as fortunate and ends up with something he will truly love doing. Now just praying for him to adjust to everything quickly. Breaks my heart to think about him being so far away and that he will more than likely become homesick at some point. He is a great guy and Im so proud of the choice he has made to serve our country, as I am proud of all of our service men and women. Wishing your daughter good luck in her USAF future! :)

Brenda Robinson said:

Tammie,

My daughter went in under "open" also. I was so upset with her over that dreading that she was going to be stuck for 6 years doing a job that would make her terribly unhappy. Well, this Thursday she graduates from tech school and she's very happy with the job she got. In fact, it was 4th on her wish list. So as of Thursday, she will be an Air Force Photographer. So she's had a great outcome.

I  don't know what will happen with your son and I can only hope for the best for him. I think she found out her job in the 4th or 5th week of BMT.

Best wishes to you and your Airman Recruit!

Brenda

Permalink Reply by Michelle Butler on January 30, 2012 at 10:29pm

You are welcome Tammie. Thank your son for his service!
Thank you and your daughter also for your service, Brenda. What an exciting job it sounds like your daughter has chosen. I wish much success for them all!

Permalink Reply by Jennifer Miller on January 31, 2012 at 12:30pm

Tammie,

Welcome! the whole process is such a roller coaster ride! Hang on tight! :-) He will more than likely find out his job week 6 or 7, then he will also know where he is headed the Monday after Graduation.  They really do try to put the Airmen into jobs that they want and qualify for. It is really hard to let them go into something so "unknown" !!!!  I believe that if we know a bit of what to expect it makes it a little easier, so here is what i learned when my son was in BMT:

Take deep breaths!!!!! He is ok!!!!!!! The first phone call in the WORST!!!!!! My son was actually crying, it was horrible. It gets better I promise!!!! Thank God I had been warned by another Mom or I probably would have driven to TX and stormed the gate!  The next one will be a little better and they will keep getting better every week. Be super supportive.. LOTS of "you can do this" "I know its really hard right now but it will get better, not easier but better" "I am so proud of you" " You made the right choice". It gets better about week 3 that is when you will hear more of a difference.  By week 6 and 7  it will be great looking toward Graduation.  Write to him EVERY chance you get! they live for mail.  BMT is a roller coaster ride that goes on for 8.5 weeks and because I have already ridden it I can promise you that when you see your son go by during the Airmens run, get his Coin at the Coin Ceremony, tap him out and get that first hug and then see him march by at the Grad parade EVERY climb, dip, twist, turn and gut wrenching drop aka that 1st call will be worth it!!!!! My son and I actually laugh when we talk about that call now and how much change happened in just those few weeks! 

There are no stupid questions! Ask anything! and yes it is totally normal to be super proud one minute and completely melt down the next. Also normal to stress out over things like push ups, run times, where should I stay for grad weekend, is he eating enough( which btw he is apparently the food at BMT is amazing), when should I order a banner, why am I obsessed with my cell phone and why is it not ringing,( suggestion if you give your son a special ring tone it will save you from injuring yourself trying to anwser it only to find out its not him) the list is quite long!

if you are on FB.... AF Wingmoms and USAF Basic Military Training..... LOTS of info and they post pics... you may get lucky and see a few of your son!!!!!!! Even if you dont it really helps to be able to relate to what hes doing!

Hang in there and welcome WingMom!

Take Care

Jen

PS

What part of the US do you live in?

Permalink Reply by Tammie Saunders on February 1, 2012 at 8:40am

Hi Jennifer,

Thank you for the information! It really does ease a moms mind when we know a little more about what our sons and daughters are going through.  Ive never been a parent who "hovered"  over my children or was overly protective. They were taught to make the best choice possible and to be responsible. However, this whole situation has made me insane...lol I thought I was prepared for my son leaving for the military since this is all he has ever talked about doing since he was a young boy but I was so wrong. The day before he had to leave for MEPS(this past weekend), I realized there is NO amount of time that can prepare you for your child leaving and know that he wont be back....at least, wont be back as the boy living in his bedroom that I can somewhat protect. I   couldnt believe how I was and am feeling. I know it will get better day by day...for him also. I met a wonderful person on this site who has really helped me through the past couple days with her kind words and amazing support...THANK YOU MICHELLE B.!!  Its good to know that the food at BMT is yummy because my son is a food lover...one less thing to worry about..lol I am SOOO glad you told me about the cell ringtone idea. That is an awesome idea....no stubbed toes or dogs yelping while Im running to the phone, clearing out a path of destruction on my way:) My main worry now I guess is the physical part. Josh was in really good shape but never really ran much. Even after multiple pleas from me to start running before BMT, he only did it a few times. I just hope he makes it through that part okay. I cant wait to hear his voice and know that he is doing well and adjusting to Air Force life. I am on the other sites you suggested and they are really great.  What is the banner you mentioned and when should I order it?? By the way, we are Buckeyes!lol Which would translate to OHIO:) 

Thanks again for the info.!!

Tammie

Jennifer Miller said:

Tammie,

Welcome! the whole process is such a roller coaster ride! Hang on tight! :-) He will more than likely find out his job week 6 or 7, then he will also know where he is headed the Monday after Graduation.  They really do try to put the Airmen into jobs that they want and qualify for. It is really hard to let them go into something so "unknown" !!!!  I believe that if we know a bit of what to expect it makes it a little easier, so here is what i learned when my son was in BMT:

Take deep breaths!!!!! He is ok!!!!!!! The first phone call in the WORST!!!!!! My son was actually crying, it was horrible. It gets better I promise!!!! Thank God I had been warned by another Mom or I probably would have driven to TX and stormed the gate!  The next one will be a little better and they will keep getting better every week. Be super supportive.. LOTS of "you can do this" "I know its really hard right now but it will get better, not easier but better" "I am so proud of you" " You made the right choice". It gets better about week 3 that is when you will hear more of a difference.  By week 6 and 7  it will be great looking toward Graduation.  Write to him EVERY chance you get! they live for mail.  BMT is a roller coaster ride that goes on for 8.5 weeks and because I have already ridden it I can promise you that when you see your son go by during the Airmens run, get his Coin at the Coin Ceremony, tap him out and get that first hug and then see him march by at the Grad parade EVERY climb, dip, twist, turn and gut wrenching drop aka that 1st call will be worth it!!!!! My son and I actually laugh when we talk about that call now and how much change happened in just those few weeks! 

There are no stupid questions! Ask anything! and yes it is totally normal to be super proud one minute and completely melt down the next. Also normal to stress out over things like push ups, run times, where should I stay for grad weekend, is he eating enough( which btw he is apparently the food at BMT is amazing), when should I order a banner, why am I obsessed with my cell phone and why is it not ringing,( suggestion if you give your son a special ring tone it will save you from injuring yourself trying to anwser it only to find out its not him) the list is quite long!

if you are on FB.... AF Wingmoms and USAF Basic Military Training..... LOTS of info and they post pics... you may get lucky and see a few of your son!!!!!!! Even if you dont it really helps to be able to relate to what hes doing!

Hang in there and welcome WingMom!

Take Care

Jen

PS

What part of the US do you live in?

Permalink Reply by Robin Tomlinson on June 18, 2012 at 7:40pm

So nice reading this post.  Made me feel some better.  My son David goes to Lackland July 10.  Twenty two days.

Robin

Tammie Saunders said:

Hi Jennifer,

Thank you for the information! It really does ease a moms mind when we know a little more about what our sons and daughters are going through.  Ive never been a parent who "hovered"  over my children or was overly protective. They were taught to make the best choice possible and to be responsible. However, this whole situation has made me insane...lol I thought I was prepared for my son leaving for the military since this is all he has ever talked about doing since he was a young boy but I was so wrong. The day before he had to leave for MEPS(this past weekend), I realized there is NO amount of time that can prepare you for your child leaving and know that he wont be back....at least, wont be back as the boy living in his bedroom that I can somewhat protect. I   couldnt believe how I was and am feeling. I know it will get better day by day...for him also. I met a wonderful person on this site who has really helped me through the past couple days with her kind words and amazing support...THANK YOU MICHELLE B.!!  Its good to know that the food at BMT is yummy because my son is a food lover...one less thing to worry about..lol I am SOOO glad you told me about the cell ringtone idea. That is an awesome idea....no stubbed toes or dogs yelping while Im running to the phone, clearing out a path of destruction on my way:) My main worry now I guess is the physical part. Josh was in really good shape but never really ran much. Even after multiple pleas from me to start running before BMT, he only did it a few times. I just hope he makes it through that part okay. I cant wait to hear his voice and know that he is doing well and adjusting to Air Force life. I am on the other sites you suggested and they are really great.  What is the banner you mentioned and when should I order it?? By the way, we are Buckeyes!lol Which would translate to OHIO:) 

Thanks again for the info.!!

Tammie

Jennifer Miller said:

Tammie,

Welcome! the whole process is such a roller coaster ride! Hang on tight! :-) He will more than likely find out his job week 6 or 7, then he will also know where he is headed the Monday after Graduation.  They really do try to put the Airmen into jobs that they want and qualify for. It is really hard to let them go into something so "unknown" !!!!  I believe that if we know a bit of what to expect it makes it a little easier, so here is what i learned when my son was in BMT:

Take deep breaths!!!!! He is ok!!!!!!! The first phone call in the WORST!!!!!! My son was actually crying, it was horrible. It gets better I promise!!!! Thank God I had been warned by another Mom or I probably would have driven to TX and stormed the gate!  The next one will be a little better and they will keep getting better every week. Be super supportive.. LOTS of "you can do this" "I know its really hard right now but it will get better, not easier but better" "I am so proud of you" " You made the right choice". It gets better about week 3 that is when you will hear more of a difference.  By week 6 and 7  it will be great looking toward Graduation.  Write to him EVERY chance you get! they live for mail.  BMT is a roller coaster ride that goes on for 8.5 weeks and because I have already ridden it I can promise you that when you see your son go by during the Airmens run, get his Coin at the Coin Ceremony, tap him out and get that first hug and then see him march by at the Grad parade EVERY climb, dip, twist, turn and gut wrenching drop aka that 1st call will be worth it!!!!! My son and I actually laugh when we talk about that call now and how much change happened in just those few weeks! 

There are no stupid questions! Ask anything! and yes it is totally normal to be super proud one minute and completely melt down the next. Also normal to stress out over things like push ups, run times, where should I stay for grad weekend, is he eating enough( which btw he is apparently the food at BMT is amazing), when should I order a banner, why am I obsessed with my cell phone and why is it not ringing,( suggestion if you give your son a special ring tone it will save you from injuring yourself trying to anwser it only to find out its not him) the list is quite long!

if you are on FB.... AF Wingmoms and USAF Basic Military Training..... LOTS of info and they post pics... you may get lucky and see a few of your son!!!!!!! Even if you dont it really helps to be able to relate to what hes doing!

Hang in there and welcome WingMom!

Take Care

Jen

PS

What part of the US do you live in?

Permalink Reply by Irene A. Purdy on August 17, 2012 at 4:05pm

Hey, Tammie:  My son went on on and "open" job and he also enlisted for 6 yrs.  In Oct. he'll graduate from phase 2 of his medical imaging course.  He LOVES it.  His first PCS will be to Ramstein/Lanstuhl and he's pretty psyched at being able to help the guys coming home from Afghanistan.  He says that taking care of them is what he was trained for.  Did I mention he was born in Germany (doesn't remember it, came back to the States when he was 2 yrs. old) .  The long enlistment ensures a good job, and his test scores will make his placement perfect for his abilities.  Don't worry.  I know, right? 

If you want to chat try me at clanpurdy@yahoo.com.

 

 

Irene