Question about Boot Camp - this week

[gwyn]

My son just left for Boot Camp on Tuesday, July 7, and was scheduled to arrive in Great Lakes on July 8. I watched the video about the first day of boot camp, and it said we should receive a phone call to let us know he arrived. It is now Friday morning, and we still haven't gotten a call. I don't want to be worrisome or overanxious, but have others received their calls, or for "experienced" Navy moms, is this normal? I tried to call his recruiter, left a message, and haven't heard anything yet from him either. Thanks for any help!

[Brenda Sue]

hm - I am only answering to reassure you right away. There HAVE been a few moms that did not get a call.

Normal?? I am not sure. Is it possible that he called someone else?
a girlfriend (who would not THINK to tell mom), a dad? a sibling?

[gwyn]

Thanks for your reply! No, he doesn't have a girlfriend right now, and he didn't call his brother. I finally DID reach someone at the recruiting office who told me that sometimes, depending on when they arrive, they don't get to make a call, and that he MAY get to call on Sunday. If we don't hear from him on Sunday, we can call back and the recruiters can follow up with the guys at Great Lakes. A little reassurance, but not much.

[Brenda Sue]

sorry - I remember waiting for that call!! I would just spend the time reading on here and it makes you feel closer to him (somehow)!!

Here is a group you might want to check out: Click Here

Here is another one: Click Here - hahaha

Now, Click Here

You should find LOTS of good information on these groups!! There are letter writing ideas. I suggest start writing him also - it will make you feel better. Number the letters so he can read them in order.

[gwyn]

Good suggestions. Thanks again for your help. I've gotten so spoiled with cell phones, computer chats, and other "instant" communication. I'll have to learn to be patient!

[Brenda Sue]

yea, my Sailor has been in about 18 months. He texted me 3:30 am on my birthday and told me happy birthday and he would talk to me in about three weeks!!! So. . . . the lack of communication is on going - not just during boot camp.

He is off to do some sort of special training.

What is your son wanting to do with the Navy? Mine is a MA (Master at Arms - military police).

[gwyn]

His plan is to go to nuke school after boot camp, and says he will be in Charleston, SC for two years. That will be nice - it's only about a six hour's drive from home. He's leaning towards working on submarines, but I can't remember when he has to make that final decision.

[Seabee Mom ~ Michelle]

He may have tried to call but if your phone does not accept collect calls...he cannot call you to say he is there. That is what happened to us but the "box and envelope" come a couple days later and that will give you his address and he more than likely will leave you a little note on the paper. Hang in there...this is the roughest part. We are all here to help you through.

[gwyn]

That helps! Thanks so much! I feel like I'm in navy mom Boot camp! HAHA!

[Paula]

Hi Brenda Sue is correct, I did get my 2 sec phone call when my son arrived but this year I seem to be reading more & more moms stating the same thing as you. You can email the Recruit office Chicago [e-mail], just tell them what you just said, you dont want to over react but you just want to know your child made it there safely. My call was not made collect nor my friends I just asked. If you email them on a weekday they usually respond the same day. Let me know & I am sorry I know it is tuff to wait. Thanks to your son & you for supporting him.

Paula (PROUD Mom of Brett)

[gwyn]

Thanks for that address! I may give it a try. All of these messages are making things better. Thanks for responding!

[Drick]

Like someone else said. Sometimes they dont get to make a cal depending on what was happening there. It could be that all the phones where full mabey it was to early in the morning and they didnt let them call. It could all be a possibility but you'll definitly hear from him in the first couple weeks. Sometimes they let them make up the call in a few days tho.

But hes deffinitly ok. Probably just a bit tired from the lack of sleep for the first week

[gwyn]

Thanks! I guess it's good that he didn't sleep much anyway!