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Comment by Allison on May 2, 2018 at 7:04am

Welcome Iris! The first week or so of bootcamp is spent in P-Days, which is in processing. He’ll get everything he needs, PT gear, stationary, stamps, basic toiletries, a lock for his drawer, a backpack, even underwear and socks. They’ll also go through medical, get the bootcamp glasses if they wear glasses or need them, another physical, vaccinations, all that fun stuff. They label all their items and learn how to fold them. If he’s lucky, the next week he moved to his “ship,” which is his barracks, and they’ll PT every day, start swimming, start going to some classes, go to uniform issue where they get their NWUs (the blue camo, although theyll start issuing the green as soon as they run out of blue as everyone has to switch by next fall), they’ll startgetting and completing all the benefits information, and they’ll have their first test the next week. Bootcamp days are PACKED full. Days usually start at 0600, excluding “hell week” which usually starts earlier, and end around 2200 and they’re always doing something, even if it’s just waiting in long lines lol. In the coming weeks, he’ll have two more tests, at least 2 more official PRTs (fitness assessments), he’ll learn to shoot and fight fires, regular inspections of his compartment (the room the recruits stay in), his rack (bed), and his uniforms. They’ll also learn about tying knots, aircraft and ship identification, military code of conduct and laws (UCMJ), and so much more. If you’d like to learn more while he’s away, the Blue Jacket Manual is the book issued to each sailor in bootcamp, and it’s everything they’ll be learning about. It’s usually very cheap at a used bookstore, or you can find it on amazon, as it is available to the public for purchase, unlike other textbooks they use in bootcamp. 

Recruits can only write and send letters on sundays, though many still choose to write in secret after taps, they can still only mail their letters on sundays. Depending where you live, it could take 3-5 days for the letter to get to you, if you live in the continental US. Recruits are only guaranteed 2 phone calls, one when they arrive at Great Lakes, and one to let their families know they’ve passed their final assessment, Battle Stations 21, it’s often referred to as the “I am a sailor” call. Some divisions get an additional phone call about halfway through bootcamp, and some are fortunate enough to call every week. The important thing to remember is that no news is good news in the Navy. Even if you hear a group of sailors in your husband’s division we’re able to call home, but your husband could not, everything is fine. There’s lots of reasons sailors don’t call, they may be on watch, have an appointment, running an errand if they’re ship staff, go to church, long lines at the NEX, etc.. If anything is ever wrong, you WILL be contacted, so never worry. 

This time is really hard, but it’ll be so worth it when you see him on graduation day! If you have any questions, there’s lots of us in this group that have been through it, the people here are really supportive and helpful, and we’re all happy to help when we can! I’d also recommend joining your husband’s PIR group when you get his letter detailing his division number and projected grad date. Again welcome, and hang in there :). 

Comment by Iris on May 1, 2018 at 9:51pm

Hi My husband left for boot camp on the 18 in I don’t know nothing about him I’m so nervous I can wait to hear from him

Comment by Anti M on April 29, 2018 at 9:28am

Everyone handles the separation as best they can.  Even those happy faced SOs have their moments.  Some people find ugly crying in the shower helps, others turn toward helping others, or working on themselves, or pets, there's a thousand ways to deal with it.  Totally natural to be depressed at being away from the one you love.  It sucks.  

Do turn to professional help with a counselor or therapist if it all gets overwhelming.  No shame in asking for help when life gets tough.  

Comment by Kiki92 on April 28, 2018 at 12:13am

I hate to be a Debbie Downer but I could use some advice. Is it normal to feel some type of depression while your significant other is on deployment? My sailor went to boot camp, then to A school and literally once he graduated he was sent on a deployment. I've spent less than 5 days with him ever since hes joined and im honestly miserable. People say to keep busy but I've been trying that..sorry for the rant but any advice would be great. :).. some days I see other sailors significant others and I hate that I'm putting on this happy face while I'm not..

Comment by MarcsMom on April 27, 2018 at 5:25pm

My husband left for boot camp on the 4th of this month! It has already been almost a month and time is flying. I am so happy I found this page!! :) 

Comment by Anti M on April 13, 2018 at 12:29pm

I found a link which gives a good explanation of what happens after OCS.  Yes, they do go to school, I knew that, but it differs from A school.  They earn leave at the same rate the enlisted sailors do, 30 days a year at 2.5 days a month.  Yes, they should get an opportunity to leave at some point, but whether it is after OCS, Officer school (knife and fork school), or after their training in their specific specialty, that I don't know.

http://thedashoflove.blogspot.com/2014/10/what-happens-after-navy-o...

Comment by Sonnenschien on April 13, 2018 at 12:28pm

Anti M, thank you for responding. I apologize, I am still learning all of the terminology, I should have said Flight School. Thank you. 

Comment by Anti M on April 13, 2018 at 12:25pm

OCS is completely different path than the enlisted sailors have.  Officers do not go to A school.  I know they do get a break in their training, but since I know very little about officer training, I don't have the answer first hand.  We don't get a lot of OCS experienced people returning to add to the knowledge.

Comment by Ms_Pink on April 13, 2018 at 10:34am

 I got the official PIR letter yesterday :)

Comment by Sonnenschien on April 13, 2018 at 10:27am

Hello my name is Carissa and my boyfriend left for OCS back in February. It has been fine, just going from living together to not seeing each other was hard at first. We have 5 weeks to go starting next week and I was curious if it is guaranteed if they get at least 2 week to come home before he is off to his "A" school? Thank you! :)

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