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.

[readysetgo251]

I wanted to let you know that I have talked to David and he is very happy. He said that is a lot better than what he thought it was going to be. He said that his division is having a hard time with the marching but he said one day they would pull it together. He is starting week 3 this week and is very excited. He said that them cutting his wisdom teeth out didn't bother him much. He said that he is having a little bet of pain with one of them. But in all he is happy and that makes me happy for him. He said if things are as great out of basic then he plans to stay in the Navy and make a career out of it.

[Teresa ship 12 div 287 PIR 8-21]

wow readysetgo251. I hope my son Andrew is having as good a time. So far we've only gotten the form letter. I so want to hear more. The 4th is coming up though so they'll have holiday time and the kids will be able to write between that and Sunday.

[readysetgo251]

Yeah, I talked to him Wednesday (i think). We were able to talk for a very long time. He had to pass a test to be able to call home. I am not sure when I will here from him again. He usually writes me on Sunday and I receive his letters on Thursday. I have only received 2 calls that were about 2 minutes long and then the last one were we talked for a good while. I have only received 2 letters. He left on the 8th of June. So there is a good bit of time that you will not here from your son. David said that he is loving it. He said nothing is really hard and that some of the officers think that they are comedians. I am so happy for him and I am also very glad that he took this step in his life. My sons name is David Tipton and he will turn 19 on August 10th. Tell me more about your son and why he choose the Navy. April Ready

[Teresa ship 12 div 287 PIR 8-21]

My son chose the Navy because he wanted to work on planes. The Airforce recruiter wouldn't call back and the Navy recruiter did. He said, Dude, we have planes too, just on ships. He came over and Andrew was sold. It was a good decision for him. We live in a dinky town in the middle of Kansas. There isn't a lot around here. He didn't want to get stuck like his dad and I. We both have factory jobs and it's not what any of us wants for him. He's a little worried about being so far from home, but I'm sure he'll do fine. I miss the kid so much. I'll be patient for the letters to come.

[Joy (Brandon's Mom) Div 252]

Hi Becky - I enjoyed reading the letters from your son. He is pretty on key with the going ons. My oldest graduated from BC last November so it's nice to know not much has changed. My youngest grads July 24th. Where is your son now - is he finished with A-School...Joy

[Becky (mom of Adam)]

Still in Corps School. Will graduate mid-August as a Hospital Corpsman and after a couple weeks at home, he'll head off to Okinawa.

[Whitney's mom]

With my daughter being in a divorced family will both mom and dad receive separate graduation packages and passes?

[Becky (mom of Adam)]

I can't remember, but I know people were talking about that on here somewhere.

[Misty ProudMomOfASailor- Blake]

This is a great post with LOTS of information! Thank you so so much! Our son graduates 8/14 & with your help I think we'll be very prepared!

[[e-mail]]

My son left for boot camp June 10th, 2009 so he has been there for 4 weeks today, a few questions i love you helpful letter with the initials and their explanation, is there a place I can go and find out others as I like the only one not knowing what they mean. Also I missed his phone call I always have my phone with me but he called the house and I couldn't get to it in time, it was on a Wednesday. Here I was thinking calls were only on Sundays, can they call on any day how does that work??
Also I haven't received a grad pack but I know in his message he is a grad and go, I have a little information but do they leave the day they graduate as he said we get in hour ( I am excited) and said we could follow him to the airport? How long do you know does all that process take? Any other advice wqould be greatly appreciated.
Lori West Chester, Ohio

[Becky (mom of Adam)]

http://www1.netc.navy.mil/nstc/rtcgl/upcoming_grads.asp

That's where you find info about upcoming scheduled graduations. Yes, grad-and-go is just that. I don't have any first hand experience with it but I have heard that yes, you can hang out at the airport with him until he leaves. I guess the length of time would depend on when his flight leaves.

I bet if you search 'navy acronyms' here or on google you'll find helpful info.

You can get a phone call anytime. Usually it's a reward for them doing well on a test or inspection or something. I never got one on a Sunday.

[JM(Aub'smom)]

http://www1.netc.navy.mil/nstc/rtcgl/upcoming_grads.asp Corley 19 if you go to this link it will take you to the graduation website. There is a tab that drops down for family graduation information. Since your son is already at BC you might already know his division # and it will also give you his graduation date. There are 4 seats, ages 12 and older, available for each graduate. If you need more seats the remaining family has to wait outside until most others are seated then it is first come first serve for any other available seats. I hope this helps, keep asking questions the moms are very helpful.. good luck my daughter doesn't go to BC until 9/22/09 Jackie (Aub'smom)