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.

[kathleeng]

Hi,

I just finished reading your other posts above and want to thank you soooooo much for sharing this information. My son is going on his third week in bootcamp, graduation date - Nov. 13, and I've only received 2 letters from him with not a heck of a lot of information. Your son's letters, along with your advice/info, has totally given me some idea of what my son is currently undergoing and it has been very comforting reading your words. I'm in the "terribly missing him" stage (when do we ever really get out of that stage?), and it's been a struggle for me to not know what is going on. Thank you, thank you, again and I cannot wait to finish reading all of your posts. Jordan's Mom

[Becky (mom of Adam)]

"I'm in the "terribly missing him" stage (when do we ever really get out of that stage?)"

Well ... speaking as the loving mother that I am every minute of every day ... I didn't miss him nearly as much when I gained a lovely guest room (now I have two!!) and when I didn't have to replace the peanut butter every 8 seconds. But it won't be complete until I don't have to deal with his banking any longer and I get my new jacuzzi tub in their remodeled bathroom.

It gets easier, especially when you remember that your job as a parent is to create productive members of society.

[chaeladiane(Ship07Div005)]

Dear Becky, Wow! Thank you so much for posting the letters from Adam. I have not recieved any mail from my daughter Beth, who arrived 09-23-09. Other than her 25 sec. call to tell me she was there, I have recieved no calls either, and I miss her something fierce!! Your son's letters, helped me to form my own mental picture, and set my mind at ease somewhat, and it really has helped me..God Bless You and your family. Love Chaela (Bethy's Mom)

[Audrey]

Becky, Thanks so much for your post and your son's letters. I haven't heard a word from my son (didn't really expect to hear much, but I thought I would hear something!) so your son's letters have filled a gap. I can image my own in your son's place - even the humor sounds familiar. Really appreciate this...

[Becky (mom of Adam)]

I guess turnaround is fair play. My son was GREAT at writing and calling during boot camp, as you can see, but now that he's in Japan with access to email and facebook, he can't be bothered to write at all! He does call pretty often which is great ... but it's like pulling teeth to get any info out of him! LOL.

Good luck to you and your son!

[Audrey]

Finally heard from Rob. Of course I missed the 3 back-to-back calls (but the messages he left were priceless since he had anticipated that I would most likely not be able to find my phone...He talked as if I was asking questions and he was answering!). I also have received 2!!! letters from him with more promised. It was worth the wait...he is doing well, kept his humor, and actually says it isn't so bad.

Thanks for all the support. I'm pretty good right now even though Christmas is closing in.

[Opheila]

Hello,

I have a son who is at Great Lakes, as of 4/278/09 and it was so nice to read your postings. The hardest thing for me was wondering what they do in a day. Now, I know it's Boot Camp and not easy, but it was nice to read your story.

Thanks to your son for his service to our country.

[Becky (mom of Adam)]

Thanks, Opheila ... and good luck to your son!

[susan]

I have a son who is going to boot camp in June. All of this was very helpful to me. Thank you for taking the time to share all of that with us. I think I'll still worry alot. I just wonder if he is strong enough mentally and physically for this. He is not 20yrs. old yet. I guess he'll soon know how to appreciate the little things in life. Thanks again,and good luck to your son in the future.

[Becky (mom of Adam)]

Well, we wouldn't be mothers if we didn't worry, right? ;-D But when I say "don't worry" I really mean "try not to lose any sleep while you're worrying." Remember, the Navy doesn't want anyone to fail so they'll do their darndest to keep those recruits who really want to be there. My son is only 19 and he found out he liked being challenged, mentally and physically. When they succeed it's just all that sweeter! Good luck to you and your son, Susan!

[Navy for Moms Admins]

You put quite the handbook together here Becky! I've featured your post for the main page - I'm sure many moms will get great insight from this!

[Becky (mom of Adam)]

Thanks, Ladies ... just paying it back! There's such a steep learning curve in such a short time. I was lucky to have the time to do all the research I wanted, but I know many women don't have that luxury so I hope this helps somebody!

Sue ... it's funny you said that about writing letters more often. I asked my son about that when I heard so many moms/wives/girlfriends were getting more than one letter in a week. He said, "I write slow." I suspect, though, that he wanted to grab his time at the ironing boards instead!