Girls at bootcamp

[Cindy]

Hello all and good morning.
My daughter leaves for boot camp in January and I have seen 4 lists on what she needs to bring with her and all the lists are different. Can someone who has a daughter that recently been through boot camp let me know what she needs to take with her. Happy thanksgiving to all :-)

[Deb]

Hi Cindy,
My daughter just graduated from boot camp last week, and some of those things on the list were not permitted.
Do NOT take make-up. I read that, bought her new make-up and they threw it away...didn't even let her send it home in "the box". The only thing she kept was her birth certificate, shot records, stamps and a list of addresses (no stationery they must use the Navy's), pocket bible, phone card, birth control medication / perscription, small amound of cash to use in airport while waiting to depart. I also sent a few small snacks for in the airport because they had hours to wait for a flight. Also, my daughter took her cell phone so she could call me at the airport and again when she got there. They have them send that home in the box (Note** the battery will be taken out and the phone goes in one shoe and the battery in the other.) Some of the kids who didn't have phones had to wait in long lines to call home when they arrived, and some never got the chance...so have her take the phone. NO underwear, they must wear what the Navy issues.

Here is a great website to use:
http://www1.netc.navy.mil/nstc/rtcgl/family/upcominggrad.html

Check it on the first firday after she arrives for her graduation or PIR date to be listed. It's grouped by divisions. In the meantime, click on RTC Homeport and go under New Recruits. It will give you a ton of info, and show you where they eat, sleep, study, etc. Also check on the one for families. This really helped me feel more connected so I knew what her new world looked like. My daughter absolutely loved boot camp. She said the RDC's yelled the first two weeks, then everyone kind of settled in and it was great. She learned so much, made a lot of new friends, and enjoyed most of it (except the shots!).
Her recruiter should have her address within 72 hours of her departure. Start writing immediately. "The Box" comes home around the 4th day along with a form letter that will also have her address on it. The actual letters won't start for about 2 or 3 weeks. She was only allowed to call home twice (besides the quick on the night they arrived.) She said the first week dragged while they were "processing" but once their classes started, she said it was great. All of her letters home were very positive. The guys seem to complain more than the girls! LOL...we know who's really tough. Good Luck, if you have any more questions, I'll be happy to help.
Deb

[Cindy]

Deb that is such a great web site!!! Thanks for the info.

[Kimberly]

Hello,
Before my daughter went to bootcamp, we made sure that we followed the list that was listed in her DEP book including the bathing suit and sports bras. To my suprise, everything got sent back. It was odd what she had to put in the box as they were being issued their clothes, she was able to keep her pressed powder but her mascara got sent back. She was only allowed to keep 1 barratte even though they matched her hair color. Anyway, I would say buy the listed underwear but don't spend a fortune. The items listed below are good. Don't forget the stamps.

FYI - my daughter loved bootcamp. We kept saying that wasn't normal every time we got a letter. I've heard this from other moms. Just wanted to send some encouragement.

[Johnna,Lynettes Mom]

With my daughter everything was sent home, including her eye glasses, Navy supplys everything, every thing she took was sent home, then about half way through boot camp she was allowed to have stationary, body wash, and envelopes sent to her.

[Barb J]

My daughter leaves Tues (Dec 2) for bootcamp. This is what the recruiters have told her to bring. Social security carcalling card, small address book, a couple of bucks and the clothes on her back. She is planning to take her cell phone, knowing she will have to send it home, but will be spending the night in Indianapolis before they leave, so she can communicate with us as much as possible before she gets to GL. I will let you know what comes back. The less they take the less that has to be sent back and save them a couple of dollars. Best of luck to your daughter.

[~Joyce -N- Ivan~]

We went by what the DEP book said to bring and we saw her female recruiter on the day we took her to leave for Boot Camp. The recruiter looked at the items my daughter had and OK'd everything. Several days after she had been gone almost everything came back in the BOX including the small bible. I guess it was better to send than not have even if it does cost to send back. Do send prepaid phone cards and let her use before she goes to get the feel on how to use. We missed our girls first call because she couldn't work the card. Mostly because she was nervous with just getting there and all.
Good Luck

[Laura]

Do not buy the underwear and bras. It will get sent back.. My daughter PIR oct 31 it came home in her box. They get the Navy issued when they get there

[Viki]

My daughter has been doing the Depo Provero shots to get rid of her period for boot camp.

[Viki]

My daughter found out that there is only one big shower and they have 3 minute limit, and yes, it is a group shower!!

[Hoppi aka Angie]

That is true! Also the doors on the toliets are removed, they may earn them back about 1/2 way though bootcamp.

Most femles do not get thier period during bootcamp, due to the stress and change.

[caron]

My daughter left October 8 2008 she will graduate next week. They sent everything back. Even the bra and underware she was wearing. The only thing she got to keep was her debit card and her driver's license. She only took 8 white underware and 3 white bras all granny style. Her recruiter told her to get a plain black or blue one piece swim suit and they even sent that back. It doesnt matter what you take it is a process of stripping everything from them.

[DONNA D]

My daughter wore 'throw away' clothes, and tennis shoes (I mean old raggety ones) and a pen - a cheap tooth brush and toothpaste for the first 2 days and 25 dollars.
Her clothes went in the trash - I did not get a box at all
They will buy what the rdc's tell them they can have
I shipped her -- her make up kit about week 7 - so she had it for PIR