Revoked phone calls

[Buttercup]

Hello, I just heard that 4 SR's in a different division had their call home privilege revoked. The parents had to be in a horrible state, not getting that call. For what reasons would the RDC's do this? And will they get another chance to call home? It seems to punish the moms more than the SR's. I think not having info on what is going on has to be the worst for these parents desperately waiting for any communication. Anyone have any insight on this?

[KiddGreen1978]

Hey does anyone know what division these recruits are from? I know it's hard to come by information, but just wondering. It seems that my SR calls me every two weeks, but I didn't receive a letter this week which is concerning for me. I just hate the not knowing. You would think this is my first time at the rodeo, but it's not. It's still my flesh though, so I'm rightly concerned as I'm sure other mothers and wives are as well

[KiddGreen1978]

Thanks ShawnMom! I do try to remain calm. Lol and you're completely right. This is the second rodeo with a new pony and yes, no news is good news! I'm actually sending out a letter with a page of new memes that he should like today. Thanks ladies for all the support! Go Navy Moms!

[ellen0502]

Well said Shawnmom!

Yes, phone calls are a privilege. They can be given at any moment and taken away just as fast. I can guarantee that in any given week and probably any given day there are more than four recruits that don't get to make a scheduled call.

[Attygirl123]

Absolutely. Mail can be withheld/delayed for the same purpose. It is a motivational tool and it works. The commanders at RTC know exactly what they are doing and they do an outstanding job of turning out thousands of sailors who will be prepared to defend and protect this fine country of ours.

[ellen0502]

The mail can't be withheld from the recruits. There might be a delay f the RMPO is not doing his job, or is having trouble handling both training and the RMPO job. If that is the case he will be replaced with a new RMPO which will need to ne trained. Mail is not, nor can it be "withheld".

[raising3247]

We aren't talking about a 10 year old at camp. We are talking about grown adults who should be able to function away from their parents. If they can't then maybe the military isn't the place for them. They are learning that in the real world actions have consequences and that sometimes those consequences can affect those around you. Back in the day you got letters and that was it. Phone calls are a new thing and while it is nice to hear from your son or daughter, they should be able to go 8 weeks without calling home. Parents also need to get used to the fact that, once deployed, you may go that long or longer without hearing from them.

[KiddGreen1978]

Hold tight Ladies. It feels as if this conversation is going left a little. Please remember that this is a place of support and learning for moms as well. Not accusing anyone of being rude, but I'm sure like anyone on this site, we all have questions about the process. I know I'm a little protective of my second son, but I think it's because he's the baby. Lol. I'm sure every mother can relate to this feeling of not knowing at least once or twice in their life. Please handle moms with care.

Blessings on this wonderful Sunday,
- KiddGreen

[raising3247]

Sorry if I sounded harsh. It is hard not hearing from your son or daughter when you are uses to seeing them everyday. My oldest is finishing up at Great Lakes right now and it was hard for the first one to leave the nest. But I also know that I raised a capable young man that can take care of himself. Even though I love to hear his voice I also know that he is learning how to live and thrive out from under my protective wing. I have also taught him that there are consequences for your actions and sometimes that is not getting to call home. His division lost their calls because they failed to work as a team but once they did they earned their calls back and he was able to call home and I was happy to talk to him. I guess it can be harder on some moms than others when they don't hear from their kids.

[Jocelynn]

Well said! I'm having a rough day today. I was sure I would get a call yesterday and I'm still waiting. It wouldn't be so bad if I didn't know he was having a tough time already. I just hope he's not being punished because, it does make me feel that way too.

[Jocelynn]

Hey Shawnmom. I tried to reply below and it won't send. Anyway, I FINALLY  got it ! Actually he called about the same time you were nice enough to reply. So,thanks. You would have made me feel better too. Now I feel great! He's doing better now in his new devision. That's all I needed to hear and now I can relax.

[Familyof6]

I will think many good thoughts; if you feel your SR needs an extra letter of encouragement please let me know and I could send him a letter. I hope you have a great week and I will hope for 1) tons of awesome mail this week and 2) a super duper call! 

[Familyof6]

I have to say after reading several of the posts below I am very disappointed at the comments. This site was created for support and to answer questions of those parents who are new to the military life. To tell these moms that their children need to "grow up" and "should be able to be away from home without calling mom and dad" is very inappropriate. The post that was started for this discussion is a good question and one that I am sure several new parents are wondering this information as well.

In reading the discussion question it sounds that the the mom is merely wanting some information and support for a friend on the site who either can't or is afraid to ask the question. And after reading the below comments I can certainly imagine what she is thinking now! If you read the third question she is asking for information; not to accuse the RDC's, and not to accuse anyone's child.

As a mom of four children (all boys) with the oldest being away from home at boot camp I have learned a lot. We have always raised our children to be very independent and they have all spent more than one week away from "mom and dad" - for example, our second child (age 15) was a counselor at Scout Camp for 6 weeks and then returned home for one day and then went to another leadership camp for 2 weeks. We fully supported his request to do this and feel it encourages leadership and responsibility. Our oldest is currently at boot camp; I do not believe he would have a lot of difficulty with the PT (he is in relatively good shape) and organization (he has always been a very detailed person) but he is still 18 and has growing up to do. Since he first signed a year ago I have encouraged even more separation from home prior to leaving as I know leaving would be an adjustment for all of us. We knew that he would be gone for at least 8 weeks, and we would have limited "talk" time; but knowing and living it are two entirely different things.

I believe that the mom asking the question above merely wanted more information so that she could educate her friend who was not probably had contact with her child for 4 or more weeks; and although in the Navy "no news is good news" knowing that a call was not placed can be concerning. Perhaps the entire division is not following or correctly following a rule and these four boys were called out as an example.

Veteran moms; could you give more insight to the question noted above? Would reasons could include; being late? Being out of bed after hours? Failing a test? Not working together? 

Also, for the mom asking the question above, once a call is "lost" can be earned back or is it lost for the duration of boot camp. I imagine that it would be easier for the mom either 1) to just plan that her child has lost the call for the rest of camp and she will just need to get used to the idea (unfortunately) or 2) know that there is a possibility of a future call. 

Thank you to those supportive families that have helped us all transition to the Navy life.