Bootcamp???

[Jennifer Caudill]

My daughter left for bootcamp this past week, when can she use the telephone to call home? How many weeks until graduation?
Thanks, Jen

[Brenda Sue]

About 8 weeks, I think. Here is better information and your daughter's division would be posted on this page when it gets close to time (but far enough away to book flights).

Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, IL is the homeport for all Navy recruit training. If you have specific questions regarding Boot Camp, Pass-in-Review (graduation) or a recruit, please visit http://www1.netc.navy.mil/nstc/rtcgl/family/index.html. If you cannot find the answer there, please phone RTC Public Affairs on 847-688-2405 or email on [e-mail].

[Jennifer Caudill]

Thanks!

[Mary]

Jennifer you should have received the first "5" second call "Hello, I'm here, love you & gotta go" call. Boot camp is approximately 8 weeks. If your daughter was in the DEP program and her recruiter had her studying and drilling, she may actually finish a week earlier, as my son did. His DEP program pushed him to the limit with knowing the Sailor's Creed, General Orders, Ranks, etc. Not all recruiting stations do this I understand. Anyway, you can expect no more than 3 phone calls the entire time she is away. Phone calls are privileges EARNED. If one person in the division messes up - they all get penalized with no phone calls. No specific day for any phone call - just when they have earned it. The only phone call you can pretty much bank on getting is the "I'm a Sailor call" which is placed when they have completed their Battle Stations and are then US Sailors. Please keep your cell phone with you - the call can come anywhere from 5:00 in the morning to 11:30 at night. Keep writing letters. I typed mine. Added a little bit every day. It takes about a week for them to get one letter. Mail call is only on Sundays, I believe. You will receive a graduation packet from the Navy giving you the date and time of your sailor's graduation. You must keep in touch with your daughter to see how she is doing. Because not everyone graduates and they let you know this. They will mail you your driving pass to get on base. If you don't hear from your daughter about the graduation, her recruiter can tell you approximately 2 weeks after she departed for the Great Lakes, their systems aren't updated as frequently (Ha ha) Good luck and welcome to Navy4Moms

[Jennifer Caudill]

Thanks for the information, I'm continuing to write her. I have only heard from her the once, the "5" second call. I received the shipment box of her belonging this past week.

[JMallek689]

Hi, my boyfriend is currently in RTC, and he graduates this weekend!
The first call I had was only 30 seconds, timed strictly. It was the day after he left.
Than I got my second call around week 3, it was only 10 minutes. Another at the end of week 5 which was 1/2 an hour, and I'm expecting one this weekend for his 'I'm a sailor call.' I got the first on a Thursday, around 10 am, the second on a Friday around 3 pm and the third on a saturday around 4 pm.

As for mail, they can get letters everyday, Eric is the Mail Petty Officer, so I would know :D I send him one everyday with pictures, and news about back home. He asked during every call to send more, even though they are limitied on space, remember it is their ONLY CONTACT from the outside world.
At first they are only allowed to write on Sundays, but after 4 or 5 weeks they were allowed 25 minutes on Tuesdays and Thursdays as well. I get a letter every other day. But I also live only 40 miles away from teh base. While it takes on an average of 5 days for my mail to get to him, I get his letters in 2 days.

You're going to think that the first few weeks are the hardest, but for me the waiting of these last two has been excrutiating!! She's gunna do great, never send her a letter talking about how sad you are that she is gone, always let her know you're proud. You're letters are going to do alot for her morale.

Feel free to message me for any other questions, I'm not an expert but I'm almost through with what you've just started, maybe i can offer you some advice.

Best Wishes, Jen

[Mariab]

Jen,
My son just left for bootcamp tonight, and your letter above was a big help for me!!!! Thank you for taking the time!!!
Mariab

[NavyAnnie'sMom]

My daughter left on July 28th and she called home yesterday and talked for 32 minutes! I am so glad I got the call!

[Mariab]

Any other son in the 903 div Uss Constitution??

[Colleen]

I just received "the letter" today. Danny is in DIV 903, Ship 06. His PIR date is 12/4. I think it's a good thing that they are in this division. From what little I've found out so far, it is an advanced & select group. Very proud!

[Denise]

My son left for bootcamp a week ago ,when will I receive a mailing address ?
Thanks Denise