What not to take to bootcamp!

[Angela]

FYI. So you open 'the box" and now you not only see "the remains", (used loosely) of your child..but everything you sent with them to bootcamp as well. Everything you and your recruit spent time and money shopping together for, adhereing to the list diligently...making sure they were well prepared, but in line with "the list".
Forget the list the recruiter gives you, the one you find online or even in the handbook. They should only take a toothbrush, ID , calling card and perhaps a bible or other religious medallion. The rest will all come home in "the box".

If you have daughters, don't waste time buying those white brief style underwear, bras and even a swim suit. I spent a lot of money and it all came back in a box....even though we carefully followed the list to a T. Included also was her copy of her contract, her navy notebook , gym shoes, and the makeup they told her she could bring. Mind you she and I both knew she wasn't going be wearing make up..but was told they could have it for Pictures and PIR. Save the money and put in your childs account. Also, they say you can take 6ounces of this and that..ie shampoo etc..But, unless they are checking their backpack or duffle bag, it will not make it through security...and will end up trashed. Bye the way, your sailor will now be "issued" these things or have to purchase these...which will come out of their paycheck. So again, save the money and give it to them later or use it to buy pictures etc..Hope this is helpful.

Hopefully one day they will just simply tell everyone this so money isn't wasted.

Angela

[Masue]

My son's box came yesterday. Had his clothes he had worn, backpack/book, and orders. He had taken a toothbrush and toothpaste and deoderent - came back. I sent postcards with postage and preaddressed - came back. Even his address list. Guess I can send them back when he can get mail. He had taken his cell and was able to call family and friends while waiting for plane. He sent a text when landed in Chicago and then called me to tell me he was at the base. I think having that helped him a lot instead of having to find a pay phone and mess with a card. It was in box right in his shoe.

[carmen schuetterle]

Wow! Some get to keep their items while others don't, since my son is leaving in three days i got some thinking to do regarding what he gets to have with him until he gets there.

Thanks a lot for this information.

[Angela]

I would think about how long his trip might be. For most it is one day, but for others it is not. To take an extra pair of undies, a t-shirt and socks would sound reaonable. Only send small amount of travel size items for shampoo etc..Other than that, perhaps his ATM card, ID, calling card, ..are usually ok. The point of the forum was to make sure moms didn't spend money on purchasing items, only to have them come home in "the box". Hope this is helpful.

Angela

[Renee Beckerle]

My son is not leaving for a few more months so I am glad to have this information.

[Cheryll - proud mother of Mariel]

You know, it is rediculous that an institution as large as the US NAVY has so much trouble deciding what to do and how to handle bringing in new personnel. If we, as civilians handled our jobs in this manner we would all be fired. If I changed the policy and procedure daily just on how I felt at the time, I soon would not have anyone working with me. I wonder if that is why they tell all the lies to the potential recruits - if they knew the truth, would they go? I sure as hell hope my daughter is not being treated as badly as I hear a lot of you talking about your children being treated.

[Cheryll - proud mother of Mariel]

Thank you Deb - I think!

[Angela]

Yes, I work in Healthcare for a very service driven provider...you are right..it wouldn't work for us, and no one would be working for us. Lets pray that this is the only thing that goes this way for her and the other recruits. We want this to be positive for them.

Angela

[Debbi]

A recruiter is what it is, a recruiter. This is when it starts. Being ignorant or cocky isn’t the way to support our kids. I might sound harsh, I’m sorry. Dwelling on it and being negative won’t help them either, get over it! This is about them “SUPPORT THEM” this is what they need! Yes they take things with them, as what they are told they can bring, or not and you know that these things might be coming back. It isn’t this training commander verses that commander and who you get etc. They pick and choose its part of the process of the start of their new life in the Military. The few dollars that you spent in what gets sent back is nothing compared to what they will be spending on uniforms before BC is over. This is another part of the process, responsibility. When I got my sons box I stood there, looked at it and cried. But then I opened it and YES things were sent back. But all I could do is smell him, and I decided that what was in “THE BOX” didn’t matter as much as making sure that he got plenty of letters of encouragement to help HIM get through his next 8 weeks of BC. And after BC and their wonderful PIR there will be days that they will still need YOUR ENCOURAGEMENT &SUPPORT!
Honor Courage Commitment
GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS!!!!!

[Angela]

I think you have missed the point of this forum. Because we might disagree with how things are handled and want families to be prepared does not mean we do not support our troops (OUR children). Part of HONOR is to be truthful and to be equitable. For some to be able to keep things while others do not is not equitable. To tell them they can bring something which they really can't for the sake of getting them to enlist, is not honorable.The system is imperfect and we all get it, we don't have to like it. This is America and we have the freedom to disagree without being made to feel we are not being loyal.

This forum is to help those through the grieving process of their children leaving home. Feeling our children are prepared is a great help to us. How you choose to view this process is your own choice, but allow us to deal with it in the way we see fit, without trying to make us feel that we are not being supportive.

I personally started this forum to help me through the process of letting my child go and found it was helpful and the information here has been helpful to others as well.

Angela

[Mama Sue]

Reading your posts makes me smile as I remember going to boot camp 30+ years ago. My dad was a Marine veteran, my oldest brother was a Marine, and here I was off to boot camp with the prerequisite pajamas, swimsuit, and girdle. Boy did I hear it from the male Marines in the family! The girdles were required of all of us, no matter if your 5'4" figure only weighed 112 pounds! Take heart moms, as the issue of what to take or not take to boot camp will all seem quite minor by the end of it all. Regardless of these difficulties, you will be increasingly and endlessly proud of your sailors!

[Lisa in Michigan]

"Take heart moms, as the issue of what to take or not take to boot camp will all seem quite minor by the end of it all." Oh Mama Sue how lovely the voice of experience. You said it so beautifully! But I also understand the frustration of being a mom. Every thing irritates us these first 8 weeks. Thankfully we have a place to vent until it no longer matters.
And I for one am so glad the word "girdles" has become obsolete.

[regina]

this is so true could have not said it better myself!!!!! EVERYTHING WAS SENT BACK....& we as well spent time & money for it all to be sent back,......................My Daughter is now IRAQ..........2ND NAVY FEMALE IN HISTORY TO
STEP THE ON THE GROUND IN IRAQ,,,,,LOVING HER & MISSING HER EVERY MINTUE