I know that there are a few of us! My husband and I are still in shock, but it's starting to soak in. I'd like this thread for us spouses to speak up and ask questions (while remembering not everything can be answered) about the process and the tradition behind this induction period.
So, if you're here, speak up!
Thank you!

What a great idea Opiesangel! I too was a selectee spouse only 3 years ago and hubby made Senior first time up - but those tough weeks are still fresh in my mind! First off, congrats to you and all the other selectee spouses! Second, while there aren't many answers to give, some of us may have a few - as well as tons of empathy! So ask away!

First off, of course, Congrats. Do you have the CPO spouse guide? Anyone that doesn't have it, email or PM me and I'll get it to you. At this point you need to do everything you can to support your Sailor. Things will get crazy. They will get hectic. For them things are going a million miles a minute. They don't have the time to realize that real life is still going on around them. If you find ways to be there to support and be a part of the process, all the better. My wife is also available to assist, as she knows....well....she knows. It would be best for all of us though to keep this as private as possible. Open forum, and what happens in the Mess stays in the Mess. I'm here to help though. HAVE FUN AND ENJOY! This only happens once in a life time. You will all look back and cherish these up and coming weeks.

Sound off with those questions, went to a spouse meet and greet last night and no real questions. 3 years ago myself and I to say its still all fresh in the mind.

Congratulations to all of the newly selected Chiefs and to you the spouses as well (there is also a fiance or two lingering about).

This should be a good thread. I'm sure you all have lots of questions. Hopefully you will get some of the answers you seek. However, there is a bit of secrecy that surrounds the initiation (or induction, or whatever it is being called this year). And rightfully so. Not everyone can become a Chief, and there is a special bond among those who do.

So if you have questions, ask away. But don't be offended if you are not given a direct answer sometimes.

Hello,

My DH was selected and of course we are all very happy for him. I've read alot of information off the internet on how the next 6 weeks are going to be grueling for him, my question is this to all of you...he is currently on deployment in the Middle East and not here for me to "see or hear" about his transition. Am I going to miss out on this important part of his life? Or is it better for me that I will not go through this with him. What can I do to support him through this aside from just not expecting too many calls, emails etc? Thank you for any advise!

I don't know that it's a matter of being better or worse to be with him through this transition. I think you already know not to expect as much contact - the way to be supportive when you do hear from him is to remember he is going to be more tired and more frustrated than he probably has ever been in his entire life. This is one of those times as a spouse where you need to listen and remember to not take it personally if he is short or snappy. There will be a time when your spouse will snap - and if you are the closest person at the time, it's not uncommon for emotions to run wild. At the end of it all, you too will understand why things were done that may have seemed ridiculous or unwarranted at the time. The Chiefs know what they are doing - it's amazing what becomes clear in the end, not just right away but for your spouse's career as the years go on.
One thing I did want to mention - if there is any advice I can give to any selectee spouses it is this - The pinning ceremony is exciting and wonderful and everyone from cousins and parents and uncles, etc want to be there. While it is wonderful to have a cheering section, it is not the wisest thing to plan a huge party or dinner when the event is over. Your spouse will barely be able to speak from exhaustion let alone go out for dinner or entertain. Maybe plan a party or a get-together for out of town guests a week or so after.
6548329 - take this time that your husband is away to maybe reach out to the other Selectee Spouses in your area. The Mess isn't just the Chiefs - it's their families...and there is always that underlying comraderie that comes from being a spouse that went through the rigor of this time as well. Hope this helps!

Well, I appreciate the responses to this thread already! Thank you! I realize that Chiefs cannot answer all questions regarding the induction, and I'm okay with that. I will admit, I did get freaked out last night. The heat here as been terrible, and I don't know why but I started to cry and question whether or not my husbands safety in the process is being looked after. I was assured that it was, and I am really not trying to second guess the Chiefs. It's just that there are so many unknowns for the spouses, and that makes it difficult at times.

Erin

Rest easy - safety is paramount in any Induction evolution. We don't want to injure anyone, just get them out of their comfort zone and push 'em a bit.
Hmm, I wonder if there'll be any selectee cookies at the next lunch in the Mess? Made with real selectees of course.....
My best advice for the next six weeks is don't
be sensative, it will be a most trying time both physically and mentally so be supportive.
Believe me they'll get enough stress from the Mess
Oh, congrats to all the FY-08 selects and good luck!

Proud Selectee wife checking in!!!

I would appreciate any advice anyone has, we are on recruiting duty and nowhere near a base.
Kingsmate...I would love a copy of the CPO spouse guidleines!!!

Thanks in advance!
Robin

Hello to all of you!!!
Opiesangel,thank you for this wonderful thread.I learned a lot from here.You know,when my fiance (currently deployed)told me he was a selectee,I was so happy as we prayed about it for few months.Then,the next words from his email was he can not email me regularly and he will when he can.I had no idea what he will be into and I was thinking negatively.I cried a lot and I told him all whats in my heart.I dont really understand what is happening and I was really negative at that time.Until I found this discuission and now,I really understand him a lot.I should be there for him and support him.So, to all fiancee like me,please bear with your fiance.Support them and pray for them.Make them always feel that you love them and always tell them that they are in your prayers.Congrats to all selectees and their spouses!!!God Bless Us all!!!

Hi KINGSMATE 20!!!!
I would love to receive a cpoy of CPO spouse guide.Thank you!

anyone who wants the guide please email me at kingsmate20@yahoo.com. You're command should have given it to you. If not I will send it out with a quickness. Stay strong and have fun!

Thanks a bunch!! Haven't heard from the Command yet, Spouses in the Recruiting world are left out of the loop most of the time!!!

Got my guide book, just haven't cracked it yet. I will get there soon.

Retired Master Chief's wife here...

Whenever you feel like this 6 week rotation is too much, remember that this, too, shall pass.

Let them enjoy the whole process--it's a pretty big deal for them and something they will remember fondly for the rest of their lives. Try not to worry or obsess at the time spent on initiation- it's a temporary thing.

The only thing to remember is this--you are the same person you were before they made Cheif. I had one wife tell me once that she wouldn't be able to talk to other wives now that she was the wife of a Chief. Not sure where she got that idea, lol.

Best wishes.

Hi everyone! I am a very proud Chief Selectee Spouse. My Husband is so very excited. He and I are not in the same state but I get to talk to him every day. He says he just can't stop smiling. This is a life long achievement for him and I am so happy that he is already having fun with initiation. He is telling me some of the stuff he is having to do and he is just laughing about it. I don't ever remember him being so happy at work. I have been preped some by his Chief so I don't have many questions yet. I haven't received my guide yet but I will give it a couple more days before I request it from you kingsmate. Thanks for offering to send it out. I just thought of a question: My father in law wanted to get my husband a gift that he could use, ie. something to go with his new uniform. Does anyone have any ideas? At first he thought about getting him a sword but then realized it is not part of the uniform. Do you know if he has a CPO sword if he can wear it with his dinner dress uniform?

quote:

The only thing to remember is this--you are the same person you were before they made Cheif.

Very good words to remember.

quote:

Originally posted by TMC_SW_Ret:

quote:

The only thing to remember is this--you are the same person you were before they made Cheif.

Very good words to remember.

Agreed. YOUR friendships shouldn't have to change, remember that there is no rank among spouses!
As for gifts, I have no idea about a sword. My husband has requested a Chiefs ring and a new camera, I suppose that's probably what he'll get!
Anyways, one week down my friends, 5 more to go!

Hope things are running smoothly for everyone! My gift was a new 2007 GT Mustang. Fully loaded. I then turned and dumped about 4k into it. That was an awesome present to myself!