It has been a long journey, but the physical is done, oath has been taken, and papers have been signed. Emily will be leaving for boot camp early in March, possibly beginning of February if an opening can be created.
When the journey began, my advice strongly pushed her to joined the Marine Corps, if not that, then the Navy. Initially, it was the USMC. After a while, that decision changed to Navy. A few months ago, it changed back to USMC, complete with attending Poolee training twice a week with the local recruiter. After showing everyone there that she could not only compete with, but outperform most of the guys in the workouts, she did what any sensible girl would do and change her mind again. Once again, opting for Navy.
I have to admit, I had selfish reasons for the Marine Corps. I really wanted to see her there, and see her accomplish the training to become a Marine. That said, job opportunities are very limited. Jobs she liked, she couldn't qualify for due to being just an inch too short. Not sure what is so important about being 64 inches tall, but oh well. Their loss.
Yesterday, she left the recruiting office for MEPS in Little Rock. Arriving there, she took the ASVAB. She had a list of jobs available to her from when she took the test back in high school. After taking the test, one additional job became available. AO - Aviation Ordnanceman.
If you know my girl, you know she isn't heavily into girly things. So, building bombs and strapping them to jets fits her perfectly. Only word of advice I can give here is don't drop the bomb, or else you will look like Achmed...... (hopefully, everyone knows who I am talking about). I Keel You!
While not a guarantee, this job likely puts her on an Aircraft Carrier. If I was gonna be in the Navy, I would want to be out on a ship, and definitely an aircraft carrier. Probably much more fun than calling in coordinates to fire the big guns of 3/11.
Physically, she is ready. Especially after the past few months of training to pass the PFT the Marine Corps. Mentally, I know boot camp will be the toughest thing she has had to deal with up to this point in her life. I'm positive she can handle it, though.