How long before you get first letter from bootcamp?

[Proud Girlfriend]

I just wanna know since my boyfriend left for bootcamp today, he's writing letter on Sunday, how long will it take to get to me?

[Sherry]

Time is pretty much the same as with any mailing...2-3 days.

[Concernedad]

Hold on a minute, I wouldn't suggest counting the days 'til you get the letter. There are plenty of things that could postpone your mail. They may not be given time to write. They may not allow letters to be mailed.

Then of course it depends on where you are.

Every circumstance at this point is different and through no fault of his own, your boyfriend may not have the opportunity to write. Don't assume if you haven't gotten a letter he has forgotten you. Hang in there.

[Sherry]

She specifically said that he would be writing on Sunday, thus my response that the letters take normal mailing time. That was my experience with our son when he was at boot camp. I don't remember any occasions where writing privileges were taken away...that usually happens with phone calls. In addition, he, along with others, write in their beds after lights are out! ;o)

[Proud Girlfriend]

Yes. He told us he'd be writing on Sunday with he's address. I guess its not an actual letter right? It would just be an address and graduation date. Correct?

[Concernedad]

My point is, before he gets there, he hasn't a clue when he'll be able to write. She can't assume he'll be writing Sunday, especially on his first week.

Also, you may be in Chicago and she may be in China.

[Sherry]

Ah, you're right...if he JUST got to GL, it will be awhile before his letter could be sent out.  Sorry, missed that point.

[Sherry]

Hi Jill,  Within about a week to week-and-a-half, you should get a form letter from your boyfriend, stating his address, PIR date, etc...He may or may not include a handwritten note in it for you.  We did not get a note from our son, simply the form letter in which he had handwritten the info mentioned above.  His gf received an actual handwritten letter before we did...I think that may have been about 3 weeks after leaving for BC.  We received a letter about a week later.  Within 3-4 weeks you should receive a letter.  They are just not allowed to send anything out during the first few weeks...that is the most difficult time where everything is being drilled into them!  Have you joined Navy for Spouses/Girlfriends?  My son's girlfriend made some really good friends through that...she still keeps in touch with them.  Good luck during this waiting period...it's really hard, but does not last forever!  Sherry

[Concernedad]

Sherry, I'm gonna possibly disagree with you again. The form letter will most likely go to his home and not his girlfriend. He may need to get the address from the SR's parents.

I do agree the actual handwritten letter will probably go to the girlfriend though before the parents.

In answer to her original question, again I'd say, just be patient. He'll write as soon as he can.

[Sherry]

Ugh, you're right again! I've got too much on my mind to be answering these questions...Jill, I was not thinking. Concerned dad is correct...the form letter goes to parents. You'll need to get the info from them. After that, you two can write back & forth as much as you want! Again, good luck during this time...it'll be over before you know it!

[FireTeamLeaderWife aka FTLW]

Jill,

I'm a "veteran mom" on the PIR groups on this site (have been for the last year). Here is what I have experienced.

The Form Letter goes to whomever the Recruit chooses to mail it too. The recruit addresses the envelope...so if Jill is who he chooses to send it too...she will receive it. Recruits only mail out one Form Letter.

That being said I am sure they are instructed to mail it to someone who is their POC. But I have seen it mailed to a room mate before, so....

If not, then yes Jill you will have to get it from his parents( if that is where it went), call the recruiter (by now it is pretty safe to say that your SR is in his permanant Ship...though things may always change. Also, the recruiter(s)may or may not give it to you for security reasons...don't know what your "relationship" is with them), or wait until he writes you.

Here is how the mail system "works" in BC:

Your first letters won't start arriving for about three weeks after arrival at BC.

This is because they have to go through P days and then get settled into their Compartment. Also, an MRPO - Mail Recruit Petty Officer must be appointed, trained and pass a test that allows them to handle the mail as it is a Federal entity. This could take a week or so. They usually are not allowed to write that first Sunday after they arrive in their compartment..too busy and their is no Holiday time that first Sunday.

So, normally it is the second Sunday after they arrive in their Compartment that that happens.

"P" Days are processing Days and can last a week to ten days (possibly more) depending upon arrival and when the Divisions are filled.

Recruits may arrive on the same day and be in different TG's for different reasons. Yours arrived on a Wednesday and I consider that a "normal cusp" day (meaning they don't get "held up" in any way during Processing) a far as what I am seeing on placement in the divisions. There is no norm...but only my guestimation.

I'll repost this on your other discussion

 

[Proud Girlfriend]

Alright thank you very much!

[Proud Girlfriend]

When can we start sending letters? The recruiter said on Monday they could have his address, so can I start sending letters?