What kind of clothes will my daughter need in Chicago for boot camp

[Kathy Dee]

Hi everyone - I am a new Navy Mom and my daughter will leave for bootcamp on December 15th - or at least that is what I have been told. She wants me to buy her long johns to wear. Will she be able to keep them or is that one of the items that will be sent home? Also, for the running, she has her own running shoes since she was a runner in high school and part of college. Can she keep those or will she be outfitted with a Navy pair. Lastly, for swimming should she bring goggles and cap or will they give her those as well. I don't want to buy a bunch of stuff and then she has to send it home. Any insight would be so appreciated.

Navy Mom Dee

[Kathy Dee]

This is great advice and I appreciate it very much. Thanks for the comprehensive reply.

Kathy

[mommyto4boyz]

Kathy Dee,
JessicaB-sailor Mom is right when she says write, write, write. I cannot stress this enough myself. My son was in a division where he was only given one phone call through out BC (yes I got the I'm here call and the I'm a sailor call) but the div was a mess at times. My son would keep telling me to write because it was like Christmas for him when he got to read his letters. The kids hang on every word that you write. It does not matter what you write about, it can be the weather back home, her FB page, etc.

Good luck with your daughter and always remember mom there is so many great woman on this site that will be there for you and the great advice that they give. I am amazed at how great the people are that I have met from this site. N4M's is a great website, use it for all your sources.

Oh and PS when your daughter is in BC, be careful what you say on here because the RDC's will read it and ask her about it and she can be hassled about it. Also don't let anyone send her goodies or anything other than letters because the RDC's will eat it in front of her and make the div do PT (physical Training).

[Kathy Dee]

thanks for the advice....I will write her constantly and tell the rest of the family to do so as well. This has all been so very helpful.

Kathy -dee

[JessicaB-Sailor Mom]

Kathy Dee...when I suggested to you to wait a bit to book flights I was in no way implying that your daughter would not graduate on her original PIR date nor was I implying that you lacked faith in her ability to graduate that was just a suggestion that I've seen other N4M's make. Many do book both early, that way they don't have to remember to do it later and some wait to book both. It depends on you...that is your decsion.

When I make comments on here it is just from what I've read and learned on here. YES, I am often wrong and yes it is better to go onto the RTC website for the official information. So maybe it is better that I refrain from answering questions or making suggestions since it seems that things that I say are being taken out of context.

I was a new Navy mom a year ago and I guess in the scheme of things I'm still a new Navy mom. I had several "seasoned" navy moms to give me advise and info in the beginning when I first joined and they told me to "pay it forward."..I had to ask what that meant...that's how green I was.

Enjoy the time you have left with your dtr and.try to learn as much as you can before she goes, that will help both you and her.

[Kathy Dee]

Jessica - please do not stop giving advice. I heard everything you said and thought your advice was good and sound. You did pay it forward!! Thanks again.

Kathy-Dee

[JessicaB-Sailor Mom]

one group that you may want to join is http://www.navyformoms.com/group/leavinforbootcampindecember here you'll connect with other N4M's whose rcts leave when yours does.

[Kathy Dee]

This is great. Thanks so much. I will be sure to check this one regularly.

Kathy-Dee

[A_Sailors_Lady]

She will be provided everything she will need. She will have a list of personal items she can bring and that is it. All winter gear will be provided. Also, when she first arrives they make you dump out everything you have and will take away anything that was not authorized on the list. She won't need to worry about clothes.

[Angie]

Below is from RTC's website. What ever extra she takes there, will be shipped home and she will pay for the shippping.


The following is a list of authorized personal items that you may want to bring to training, but are not required. Any unauthorized or unnecessary items (including your civilian clothes) will be boxed up and shipped home at your expense.


OK to bring:
1.Wrist watch, wedding ring.
2.Religious medallion (No larger than the size of a dog tag).
3.Writing material (NO bottled ink).
4.Pocket dictionary.
5.Pocket bible.
6.Small address book.
7.Hairbrush and comb.
8.Pre-paid phone cards.
9.One pair of prescription glasses, reading glasses or contacts (with one week of cleaning solution).
10.A small amount of cash (i.e. less than $10).
Female recruits may retain the following personal items:
1.Feminine sanitary items.
2.Conservative cosmetics. Female/one of each: face powder, blush, lipstick, eye shadow and mascara (non-aerosol or glass). Make-up will be authorized for division photos and graduation weekend only.
3.Barrettes (Female/must match hair color).
4.Birth control medications.
Note: Female recruits are not authorized to bring a swimsuit, underwear or bras. All will be issued upon arrival.

[Arwen]

That list doesn't work in real life. Makeup, most writing material, dictionary, barrettes, feminine supplies and hairbrushes WILL be sent home. I don't know why they haven't taken those items off of the list.

Also, they've raised the cash limit to $25.

Lately recruits have been encouraged to bring their cell phones. They do not get to keep them, but the phone room pay phones are of very bad quality, there are few of them, and many are broken. Recruits who bring their cell phones can talk and text with their loved ones up to the moment they step on the bus at the Chicago airport. Then they get to call home on their own phone before putting it in "the box." They generally get longer calls and avoid the bad sound quality of the pay phones, which can be so bad you can't even understand who is calling sometimes! Also, sometimes groups of reporting recruits are in too much of a hurry, or someone takes too long, and not all recruits get a chance at the pay phones. So having a cell phone guarantees the call.

And don't forget to call your phone service provider to suspend service while your recruit is at boot camp! There is no reason to pay for service s/he is not using for two months.