SCARED!!!

[Char]

Hi everyone,

I have been reading a few post, especially the boot camp ones and the ones where people have been ganged up on and fighting. My son is not accustomed to that sort of thing. Fighting and bad roommates! What is going on? My son is somewhat bossy, but not a fighter (never had a fight in 19 years, except with his own brothers) and no trouble in high school. I'm worried for him, he leaves for boot camp in September but what is he headed into?

[Becky]

Ladies I have a daughter that is just finishing school at GL Boy are bad but think abuot a bunch of girls all togeather !!!!! AHWWWWWWW!!!! Ick Ugly sight! LOL!!!Becky

[Heidi H.]

This was a concern for me as well. Your son will be safe. The RDC's keep a very close eye on everything. According to my son, not much happened that they were not aware of, and any violence, hazing, etc. was dealt with quickly. This is one thing you won't have to worry about. He's going to be a great sailor, coming from a family who loves him and raised him right.

Heidi

[Char]

THANK YOU, THANK YOU! I'm telling you, I'm getting nervous, good grief! He has always been a good son. He has gone to church every Sunday since birth, except during the summer when he attends camp, but my goodness reading some stories about the fighting, etc., gave me goosebumps. I'm looking forward to the TRAINING...I'm taking before and after pictures of my son's room. Whoa! I can't wait! Thanks again ladies, your the greatest!

[Char]

Please stay in touch. I'm so nervous but yet I trust God, so that trust has a calming effect on me. God will send angels to watch over them and keep them from ALL hurt, harm and danger, I believe that!

[Mary, Proud Mom of Nick]

Char, with you son always be a good son - you have every reason to expect that he will only get better and better with his training and discpline that the Navy will be providing him.

Unfortunately sometimes fights or issues do happen but a close eye is kept on all and the Navy has no tolerance for this things and they are dealt with promptly.

Your son was raised well and his Navy experiences will only enhance his future and he will do great!

[Char]

Hi Mary!

Thanks so much for your response. I'm much calmer now but as the day gets closer I'll probably a little more worried. Thanks and please keep in touch!

[Joanie]

We all feel scared about what our kids will face when they leave for boot camp and we can't protect them, but I'm pretty sure these incidents are rare. My son has been in for a year and a half now, and nothing like that happened while he was at boot camp. We have another close friend who is one year older than my son and went in a year before him, and the only thing that happened when he was there was that he told someone in command to f** off -- he had to sit at the front of his division while they led the division in calisthenics/work out and the division had to keep counting and saying something (I think they kept saying "thank you," obviously sarcastic). Anyway, the friend survived it and the division didn't hate him, and he has never done anything like that again! I tell you this to point out two things: one, it only happened because he acted up, and your son doesn't sound like the type to do that; and two, he survived it okay and he learned from it. I think they crack down on unacceptable behavior at boot camp. My son's high school class had a grand total of 66 graduates, so he is also not used to tough scary stuff, and he has been fine.

This site did not exist in Sept 06 when my son went to boot camp, and he is my only child, so it was a major change in my life, and I was in agony - I am in awe when I read some of these forums and see the tremendous outpouring of wisdom and kindness from this great group. You will find comfort from these moms; I'm sure it is still very hard for the mom (we joke that boot camp was way harder on me than my son - he agrees!) but it will sure be nice to have other moms to "lean on." Now, enjoy the summer with your growing-up boy!

Joanie

[Char]

Joanie,
Thank you so much. I have tears in my eyes just reading this...I am grateful for the responses. My family is totally against this, especially my mother and my oldest son. I have not discussed it all with my mother and I have no one to discuss my feelings with and I don't want to discourage my son. He is so happy and looking forward to the new experience. Thanks again for your words of encouragement!

[Mom to 2 Sailors]

Yes - yes - My sons have been in for a while now too - and I have never heard of "bad" things happening. I have found the Navy takes care. We too are from a small town - went to church everyday. Both of mine commented on how people are different than them and come from different backgounds and how our family unit is neat. And how we taught people to work together - but they found all of this as a benefit to them not a detriment. Hang in there.

[Alice Valle-Riestra]

My nephew graduated earlier this month from Boot Camp and now is in Submarine School... he talked a lot about Boot Camp but never mentioned a fight or hazing type activities. Just the yelling in your face by commanding officers if you messed up. He now says everyone should go through Boot Camp! It really teaches you how to work with a group and be responsible for yourself... I can't imagine going through it, but I'm proud of him. I know your son will be well... I was a wreck too. We've raised my nephew since my sister died in 2000 and I felt so responsible for him and okay, a bit protective. He's grown a lot and is still maturing. Bless all of you and your families!

[Mom to 2 Sailors]

Yes - yes - My sons have been in for a while now too - and I have never heard of "bad" things happening. I have found the Navy takes care. We too are from a small town - went to church everyday. Both of mine commented on how people are different than them and come from different backgounds and how our family unit is neat. And how we taught people to work together - but they found all of this as a benefit to them not a detriment. Hang in there.

[Char]

Thanks so much. I'm praying for all of the good young men to do well and that the "bad apples" come around become better men.

Thanks again and please keep in touch.