Boot Camp and Graduation Tips

[Becky (mom of Adam)]

MY BOOT CAMP STORY
I was so lucky to have found the Navy4Moms site early enough to help me on this wild Navy journey my son has brought me on. I’m so thankful for all the advice I got, all the questions I got answered, and all the kindred spirits, it’s time I gave back.

This is how it all shook out for us … there are a million variables and different people in charge of the divisions, so your mileage may vary. Don’t think that your experience will be the same as mine.

My son, Adam, graduated boot camp (also called PIR – Pass In Review) on April 24, 2009. He’d been in the DEP (Delayed Entry Program) since August 2008, waiting for a corpsman spot to open up. When he left at the end of February, he was excited, a little bit scared, but ready to go. His recruiter told him the biggest problem recruits have in boot camp is homesickness. Adam scoffed. We have a great relationship, but neither of us could imagine he’d be homesick. But he was. Crushing, soul-sucking, teary-eyed homesickness. We were all very surprised by this, especially him. Luckily, it didn’t last long. But be prepared for that.

During boot camp the recruits have to pass certain physical milestones. It seems the most difficult is the run. Males must run 1.5 miles in less than 12:15 minutes. Females must run 1.5 miles in less than 14:45 minutes. I think these are the requirements for the “Alpha males” – those from 18-20 years old. The requirements change based on the age of recruits, so make sure they know what will be required of them physically. They must pass it or they can’t proceed with their graduation, so if at all possible, they should start a running regimen before they ever get to boot camp. There were some recruits in my son’s division who were ASMOd (can’t remember what it stands for, but it means sent back in their training) because they couldn’t pass the fitness tests. There are also sit-up and push-up requirements. They’ll work with your recruit a lot to get them able to pass, but ultimately, it’s their two feet that have to run it. There’s enough stress at boot camp already, so if you can knock this part out of the way beforehand, the better off they’ll be.

After a week or two, you’ll get a box with the clothes they wore when they arrived at boot camp, and anything else they took with them. They don’t need anything. Not even a toothbrush. They’ll get everything they need there. My son left with only the clothes on his back, his wallet, an address book and a paperback to read on the plane, which he had to donate to the USO room in Chicago. I checked with some of the moms of females and asked if the same was true with them. This is one of the responses I got: “I can only speak on behalf of my own daughter. Like the males, everything she took with her was sent back in 'the kid in a box'. EVERYTHING. Including her belly button ring, watch, necklace, earrings. Everything they will need for 'that time of month' is provided for them and can be purchased at the NEX [Navy Exchange … store on base]. No cosmetics were allowed until graduation pictures and/or PIR. They weren't even allowed to go down the cosmetic aisle at the NEX for the first several weeks. Also, I learned this too late, about a week prior to PIR, moms can send their daughters their favorite cosmetics from home and best to overnight it or 2nd day. Just the basics though — moisturizer, face powder/cream, mascara, eyeliner, lipstick ...and it has to be used sparingly. But you don’t have to send it, they can purchase make-up from the NEX.”

They can’t write home right away, except for the quick lines scribbled at the end of the first form letter with their address and other basic information. There was confusion for some moms because the recruits draw a box around their address on this form letter. But they use a different return address on their letters home. Don’t get confused, just use the one they marked on the form letter.

About three weeks after he left we got the letter they call the “Grad Packet.” There’s basic info about graduation, but the two most important pieces are the actual date of graduation and the parking pass you’ll need on base. Don’t lose it. You’ll need it to get to the graduation and after the graduation. Since Adam stayed in Great Lakes for A-School, we were able to come and go. But to get on base, he had to be in the car with us, and IDs had to be shown.

[Becky (mom of Adam)]

"Queen" ... I like that! I'd much rather be the Queen of the Universe, though, instead of the Queen of boot camp info. ;-D

Unfortunately, I don't know everything ... just the stuff that dealt with me and my son. But, yes, he will need a phone card and yes, he will need stamps. But both will be provided, either directly by the Navy, or purchased from his paycheck.

[jeanna c parker]

I am new at this, my grandson left Tuesday and arrived @ destination last night...I have raised him since an infant and in my heart he is my son... I have visited this sight and read stories but couldnt reply because I had not joined and since he also was delayed waiting on a spot open for six months just couldnt wrap my arms around it really happening...

Andy has always wanted to join the military but his senior year in high school I was afraid he wouldnt do anything with his life and in years to come would look back with many regrets... I have read so many stories and know that God will wrap his arms around him and all of the young men and women in our armed forces and guide them into a better person.

I will welcome any advice that comes my way..and my prayers are with all families....
Jeanna

[cdkline]

Jeanna,

My step son completed BT on May 22. He told us the best thing he had was the letters everyone sent. His dad and I tried to find very funny cards to put our letters in. He stated that was the best, he shared the cards with his bunkmates whom also had a laugh or two. I also wrote to everyone that I had an address for and asked them to send him a letter. Believe it - many many people did as I requested. The letters were part of what kept him motivated. He was able to call a few times, but with the divided family, we only heard from him once.

He talked about his bunkmates and others in his division. I always tried to ask about them and tell them something. You never know if they are receiving letters. Michael would write back and say, so and so got a kick out of your last letter.

Graduation weekend he was trying to please, but as 1/2 of the family left early he stated he just wanted to relax. We spent one day (5+ hours) at the hotel pool. Make sure to get a hotel with a nice pool! We ordered pizza in and brought a portable DVD player and his favorite movies. That was the best day for all of us.

Hope this helped.
Christine

[Stacy R]

My son left for Great Lakes on Monday 6/1/09. His recruiter gave me an address for him yesterday. Would this address be accurate or should I wait to hear from my son. I don't want to send any letters to him until I know for sure.

[Becky (mom of Adam)]

I'd wait if I were you. I'm not sure if the recruiter would know your son's division number and everything. It won't be long before you get the address. Then you can be sure your letter will arrive like it should. If you can't wait, just start writing letters, then you can send them as soon as you get the address. I tried to send one every day and like Christine, I gave his address to everyone. So many people wrote to him and he really appreciated every letter. I sent a few photos which he liked too, but they don't have much room. One mom said about halfway through boot camp she sent a postage paid envelope so her son could send some of the letters or photos or whatever home so he'd have more room.

[Kelly Jo]

Becky I just wanted to say how great full I am that you shared your sons letters, thoughts, etc. I think I cried and I don't even know him. My son Dan left 6/3 for bc. Such emotions that come over a person... I hope he's not too terribly homesick, I have his address already so I started sending him letters. Thank you for all your great info. Take care, Kelly

[leisal]

Great story, It has really Help! Blessed you.

[leisal]

Thanks, this has really helped us.. May you have true Blessings

[Bianca]

So I heard of kids getting sent back weeks in basic. What happens if I get sent back and dont graduate with my divison, and the A school I am suppose to be going to starts , will I go into the next schooling for the same rate once I graduated or will they put me in another school for another rate that has schooling open?

[Becky (mom of Adam)]

I don't know, Bianca. That's a question for a recruiter or maybe the A-School forum.

[Kim, mom of 2 sailors!]

Hi Bianca, Most A schools have regular start dates, if you miss one you'll be "on hold" til the next class starts. They find stuff for you to do if you are put on hold, but like others have already said make sure you're ready for PT and you'll do fine.

[Bianca]

Thanks Kim and Becky for the help.