Advice From A Mom Just Just Returned From 10/2010 PIR

[KarlaB4]

Here's what I've learned during my bootcamp experience, from the perspective of a parent.  Hope this is helpful to someone.

 

1.  Send letters!  Our son was one who got at least one letter each day of bootcamp; most days he got several letters from family.  He's told us repeated how important that was to him. 

 

2.  Be very careful about using this site and other internet sites.  There's a lot of good info here, but some of it's not correct.  I got some bad info early on and I learned to take what I read on the internet with a grain of salt.  Unless you hear something from your sailor's  mouth, don't assume it's true.

 

3.  Don't post anythere here about your specific sailor's bootcamp experience while bootcamp is going on.  our son told us that the commanders at the training center do absolutely read these forums.  You can absolutely get your sailor in trouble by what you post here; even if you don't think it will, so be careful. 

 

4.  Highly recommend the Residence Inn in Gurnee.  We got a two room suite for $89/night and considering that included a free hot/cold breakfast, you can't beat it.  We were less than 10 min. from RTC.

 

5.  Take taxie to PIR instead of driving.  It saved us a lot of headaches.  We got there very quickly and went back to the hotel afterwards using the same driver who gave lots of great travel advice.

 

6.  If you plan to stay Friday-Sunday, be prepared to spend more money than you might normally spend in a weekend.  We wanted to make sure our sailor had a good time after being shut up for two months so we pulled out all the stops.  We did alot of eating, saw several movies, shopped at the NEX, went into the city, took taxis when we wanted to get somewhere quickly.  It all adds up.  We don't regret one penny, but I recommend that if your budget is tight, save for it while your sailer is in bootcamp.

 

7.  Tell your sailor beforehand to buy the photo package, no matter the cost.  Our sailor didn't buy the basic package because he didn't want to spend $165.  He doesn't realize how important those first professional photos will be in the future and I've given him instructions to see if he can go back and get them, no matter the cost.  For us, it's a worthwhile expense.

 

8.  Take lots of video and still photos.  Goes along with the previous post.  You can't ever go back so make as many great memories that weekend as you can and catch them on film.  You'll be glad later that you did.

 

9.  Be patient and listen to your sailor.  Our son, normally not much of a talker, talked non-stop for three days.  He really didn't want to have a discussion, he just wanted to talk, so we just listened.

 

Well, that's it's from me.  It was a memorable weekend and I think we did everything we could to let our sailor know how proud we are of him and how excited we are for him too. 

 

Karla

[Philly5 (Justin's proud mom)]

Good luck with everything!! It sure will be hard to see our young men go! My son is just starting the process. Taking his asvab and physical today. He will graduate in May so not sure when he would leave. Of course, that is if all is OK with his physical which it should be.

[navymomma26]

Hello KarlaB4! I just read the info you gave and found it very useful. I am waiting for my son to start boot camp. He is scheduled to leave Jan. 2012. I have alot of questions ans anxiety. I never new anyone that was in the military and it really caught us off guard when he told us he was joining the Navy! I must say I am very proud of his decision. I know he will make an excellent Sailor! Thank you again for the info! God bless our troops and all those who are future Sailors!

[ChellesgirlzNvySstr]

If you have a specific question regarding a sailor's current trip in bootcamp...how do you ask the question without posting it somewhere?

 

[ChellesgirlzNvySstr]

Yes I joined one just today..thank you. I think I have the hang of it now.