Watches

[Claire]

 So my son shipped out last Monday and I just got his box today. In that box was his watch. I had asked his recruiter what watches they were allowed and was told a hard-wearing  waterproof  black watch., like a Casio . so I bought a Black Casio G- Shock . I guess I was mis-informed again. Maybe it was too rugged... I don't know ! I even showed his recruiter and he said it was ok 

So my question is ... does he need a watch, is he able to buy one at  NEX or can I send him one ?

I have read so much stuff this week and know I read something, somewhere about watches   but I don't remember what or where it was. 

[Phoenixmom]

Claire he is able to have one, but when you have them yelling at you and having you put everything in the box he probably got scared and put in the box. I wouldn't buy him another I would take it to him at PIR, along with his electronics and phone. You have to understand they are tired and they will be sleeping standing up or sitting on the floor as they go thru process if they even can close their eyes. So everything was done correctly. You will find so much info it will make your head spin.......I read and read that when I closed my eyes at night that is all that went thru my mind so couldn't sleep. He will be fine. did you notice the pant leg rolled.....They get fitted at the same time for shoes they don't have time to roll them down.

[Claire]

 Phoenixmom Yes I saw the trouser leg rolled up . My heart aches thinking about the fact that he was so scared and tired. :(  And yes my head is spinning ! That is all I feel like I have done all week.... that and write letters lol!

I just want to make sure I do whatever I can to make this easier for him. The same recruiter also told me that he would not need a calling card , the said that information was for the days when they used pay phones. I wish I had just gone with my gut feeling and got him one anyway. I know he can buy one at NEX , I just wanted to give him one less thing to have to think about !

[Chipmunk]

Claire - Everything that I know about the Black Casio G-shock watch is that is the preferred one from what I hear in other groups, and quite acceptable. So, here are a couple of my theories as to why he sent it home. One, they are tired and under a lot of pressure to pack that box, he may just have forgotten that he would need his watch and put it in the box to ship home, not thinking about it. 2) someone commented about it and made him think he should send it home. 3) he may have decided that since you bought him the watch and my understanding is they are not cheap, he sent it home because he did not want it to get lost or stolen at BC. Yes, things do get stolen, all throughout, unfortunately, your sailor will need to keep his belongings locked up.

Only he will be able to tell you why he sent it back home.

For now, here is my suggestion. Do not panic!! They are able to go to the NEX and buy their own watches. My son's black, cheap, Wal-mart Casio that was about $15.00 died on him while at BC. Instead of trying to replace the battery or buy a more expensive G-Shock watch, he just replaced it with another cheap Casio that they had at the NEX. To my knowledge after 2 years the watch is still working and he has not bought another new one. It is a good idea for them to have a watch, but he will be able to get one if he needs it. They received NEX cards and if he has his bank card with him he can purchase items that he needs.

It will be okay!

[Claire]

Chipmunk Thank you . I bought it for him especially for Boot camp ... his go to watch is an Apple, but this was a leaving gift  for him... 

I will have to ask him why he sent it back. Maybe he was just so tired and wasn't thinking . Poor guy! I know if that is the case he will feel really bad about it , He does have his bank card so hopefully he can pick up a cheap one :) All the best laid plans....

Sad to hear that things get stolen... that is too bad.

Thanks for the support !

[Chipmunk]

Claire,

That was a really thoughtful going away gift for your son. There is still a good possibility that he will want it after BC, so I would take it with you to PIR. Depending on his rate, he may or may not be able to have his Apple watch with him while on duty, or in his training, so the one you bought him will be very helpful to have still!!

[lemonelephant]

He could have kept it, but he may have sent it back by accident (some send things back without thinking about it when they are told to put everything in) or he may have chosen not to keep it since theft happens at RTC (sad, but true). No, he does not need one unless he has a position that requires him to keep track of time and if that happens, then he can buy one at the NEX.

[Claire]

 Thank you !

 It was a leaving gift for him... you know congrats  on going to Boot Camp etc ... oh well hopefully he will pick up a cheap one if he needs it and he can use this for future endeavors 

[lemonelephant]

It was a very thoughtful gift and he will want it after BC.

[Worldtravel4ever]

Claire, I know it’s hard, but please try not to worry too much. My sailor is in A school right now and I went through the same thing. They will make sure he wakes up on time and he can buy a cheap watch at the NEX, which is probably better anyway. Save the nice watch for graduation. By the way, my sailor did call home and did initially cry, but now says joining the Navy was the best thing he ever did. My sailor really likes A school and is excited about what he is learning. My sailor says he has learned discipline.