A Females perspective on boot camp experience

[Nicolek]

I'm actually leaving for Boot Camp in two weeks. I'm 22 and extremely nervous about leaving. I read that there is a lot of drama from the yournger girls and to avoid it at all costs. I've always been the quiet more mature one so I'm not worried about getting involved with that. I'm just wondering if you could tell me about your experience as a female going through, it's been really difficult to hear about it from a girls perspective. I hope to hear back from you! I think/ hope it will calm my nerves. Thank you!

[Melissa (Tucson)]

Nicolek: Here is a link to a 23 year old Navy Recruiter. This will take you to her page and you can ask your question and get a direct answer from her. (I have met Camilla and she is a terrific young woman who is extremely helpful!!)

Click Here

[Dianne]

Contact this mom, her daughter was in a division that had a lot of drama.
http://www.navyformoms.com/profile/DawnRussell

[Dawn Russell]

Nicolek, I just texted my daughter to see if she will talk to you. She graduated boot camp in September. Her group had drama, but she stayed out of it. Add me as a friend and if she will, I will give you her number or give her yours. She is currectly stationed in Hawaii!

[Lynn]

Hi Nicolek, My 21 year old daughter just graduated from boot camp in October. Yes, there was drama from the younger girls. Yes, it really got on her nerves but it will only be 8 weeks out of your life. Once you get past that it gets better. If you are interested in emailing or talking to my daughter directly just let me know. Thank you for your service and good luck to you!

[Sierra]

I think there could be drama from anyone, not just the 17-and 18-year-olds!!! Those girls are fresh outta high school, it's true, but I can honestly say that I am 17 and can't stand gossip and stuff! Neither can some other girls my age that I know. Some of us ARE more mature than that. Those in the Navy who make drama and cause such trouble shouldn't be there unless they're gonna change; but we have to just ignore all that and deal with it the best we can, right?

[Andrea Brooks]

I'm leaving in April and I haven't heard about drama. If anyone has any tips on what to avoid and what causes drama let me know. Please

[Anti M]

I went to boot camp ages ago, but the basics of basic don't change.

1. Bring your sense of humor. Boot camp can be surreal and absurd, enjoy it. Imagine how you'd laugh if you saw what is happening to you in a movie.

2. Listen, listen, listen. One of the things you are learning to become a sailor is how to follow instructions exactly, and attention to detail. So PAY ATTENTION. Remember, you are always more intelligent with your mouth shut.

3. Don't gossip. It just gets feelings hurt and there's your drama. Oh, you can not like someone, you will, but don't say it out loud.

4. Do your best, but don't beat yourself up if you are not perfect. Everyone in charge will do that for you.

5. Don't listen to rumors too much. Boot camp, well the entire Navy, thrives on speculation.

6. Be helpful, watch out for your shipmates, but look after your own responsibilities.

7. If you make a mistake, own it. Don't shift blame to others.

8. If you fail a test or an inspection or a PT, you have the opportunity to learn how to do it right.

9. Don't complain or shirk your duties. You'll get a rep as a whiner and a slacker. Just do it and be done.

10. Never say "I can't", just keep on trying to improve a bit more each time.

Now for the realities. As a new recruit, you will be tired and cranky and short on sleep. You will be confused and irritable. You won't like some of the girls, but you have to respect them and work with them. You will miss your family, your pets, your independence. You'll dislike your uniforms, the way you have to fold them and making beds. You'll hate getting ready in a hurry, just to stand at attention and wait.

You will look like crap when you roll out of the rack in the morning. No one cares. You won't have jewelry or make up or phones or fingernails. No one cares. No one cares who you know at home, who your family is, how much money they make, what type of car you drive, how many designer shoes or fancy clothes you own .... all the status stuff falls away. Stow it. What matters in boot camp is your attitude, your spirit, your willingness to bust your hump to get the job done, your word to others.

BUT!!!!! Sometime in the first week or two or three, or even four .... You will begin to catch on, you will learn many new things, you will gain skill and strength. You will work as a unit with your shipmates. You will accept responsibilities and be competent and confident. You will experience an amazing feeling of pride and accomplishment. You will feel as though you can do anything!

[Dianne]

That was awesome Anti M

[Nathalie in CA.]

Thank you AntiM ;-) You have given such great information to my daughter Nicole ;-) I sit here teary eyed as I read it but as I do, I am so grateful that she can reach out, get information and focus on what is important to her! Thank you!! Nathalie

[Hoppi aka Angie]

That is point on!!! Would have loved to Served with you.

[Anti M]

LOL, I was a wild child ... but very responsible when it came to the Navy. Still the same. I think we'd get along just fine.

[Beth proud mom of Garrett]

My daughter is going to Marine Corps OCS this summer. I am going to send the wise, wise words you wrote to her! Thanks for being so thorough and compassionate to write!