Prior Navy and Wife to an RDC at Great Lakes

[kulita]

I thought this would be helpful.. Go ahead and ask me any questions and I will give you an honest, unbiased, answer.

[Colleen O'D. (Doug's mom)]

Dumb question , how many weeks is boot camp ? can they call home ? My son will be leaving next Thursday : ( , proud and yet apprehensive . Are we allowed to graduation ?

[Emily]

Not a dumb question. Boot camp is about 8 weeks. He will be allowed to call home when he first arrives at Great Lakes to let you know of his safe arrival, however, that sometimes doesn't happen for one reason or another so don't panic if you don't hear from him for a few weeks. It's normal. As time goes on, he will be able to call more often if even for only a few minutes. Be sure he leaves home with a phone card with plenty of minutes on it. Yes, you will be allowed to attend graduation. He will be allowed 4 tickets for guests. To learn more about boot camp, graduation, liberty after graduation, etc go to http://www1.netc.navy.mil/nstc/rtcgl/index.html. The closet and best lodging deal is the Navy Lodge. Just google Navy Lodge Great Lakes IL to find out more about them and to make reservations when your son gets close to graduation. If you want more information about the Navy that you and your son will find useful contact Naval Services FamilyLine [e-mail] or 202-433-2333 for a free portfolio.

[Lisa Proud Texas Mom]

Thanks for the advice. I immediately googled Navy Lodge for my sons graduation on 11/14 and booked reservations. THANKS!!!!!!

[Cynthia]

My son is having the same problem with the floating. Please reply to me if you get any information. I do know that they want them to pass, so I am sure that there is someone working with them. My son's PIR is Dec 5th, so he has a little time left.

Thanks

[Lisa Proud Texas Mom]

My son graduates from boot camp 11/14. He had problems with the prone floating. They do want them to pass. My son stated he had to get up early every morning to go swim. He said he finally got tired of getting up those cold mornings. He finally passed on the 6th try. From his letters, I really believe he was in a panic when he wasn't passing. Encourage him to concentrate and not panic.I am sure this is easier said than done!!

[kulita]

For the dead man float this is something they have to learn. There are instructors who tell them exactly what to do. Many times a recruit does not pass this portion becuase they did not listen to the directions and begin to panic.
Every RDC wants the recruits in their division to pass!

Xel- I do not know about visiting and his A school. I am certain that when he arrives there he will find out more about the regulations on that base.

[Mary, Proud Mom of Nick]

Do the recruits call your husband UGLY names?!!! Just kidding, glad you have joined us!

[kulita]

HAHA They might. Usually recruits and families are very proud of what their child has accomplished, so ugly names aren't warranted.

[Maureen]

Mary, I don't think the recruits DARE call her hubby ugly names! They might think it, but none would dare voice it. Now as far as the names WE might call her husband for not letting us talk to our boys, or send them cookies, that is a nother story!
Actually I don't envy him his job. It must be thankless and gratifying at the same time, knowing all those kids just wish he would go away and leave them alone, but also getting to watch them grow so much in such a short space of time. Tell him thanks for turning our boys into men, we just wish he could be a bit gentler in the doing even though we know that wouldn't work.

[Dana (G's Mom)]

All I know is that the growing up while boot camp is not just hype. I was a little skeptical but I have to say that I have seen a difference in his letters and his voice. It may not be a finished product but it is lightyears beyond the boy that left me. It will be more than interesting to see how he changes through A school and after. ;)

[Mary, Proud Mom of Nick]

I think you captured it well Maureen :-)

[MIMI]

I , for one, would love to give your husband a gigantic hug. All that screaming, namecalling and so forth is nothing compared to the stress of battel or fire on a ship. All your husband is doing will save the life of each of our children at least once in the next 4 years. Be it from a yelled, Heads up, on deck, to something to terrible to contemplate. They need to react to what they're told to do, exactly as they're told to do it. God bless you and your husband.