OCS Class 07-12

[syl_lo]

Hello everyone!

 

I am so excited I can post and ask questions..lol..I have been waiting all weekend. My LO is in Class 07-12 and wanted to know of anyone else who has a LO in that class. I just got a call from him today and he informed me he will be able to come home for Christmas. I don't know if I am allowed to put the dates here or not. But I couldn't wait and already booked his flight home. I don't know much about OCS but I know that its tough. But as the quote I read says:

 

"Whatever you're going through, many others have not only experienced the same but got out of it just fine" -Author Unknown

 

I am actually sending that quote in my next letter.

 

I have tremendous respect for our men and women in the Military. I want to thank my LO and everyone in the Military out there for our service to our country.

 

I would like to know about the mail. I will be sending letters everyday, but I would like to know more about the packages we can send. I am not clear of when and what.

 

Thanks in advance for your response

 

[navymom9875]

You won't be able to send packages until your LO becomes a "candio" or Candidate Officer which will happen around week 9. 

However, you definitely should start sending letters now.  They might not be able to receive mail for a week or so but those letters will be so appreciated when your LO is able to have them.  It's best to not draw any attention to your LO, so send your letters in plain, undecorated envelopes.  Also don't include loose items - if you include clippings or pictures be sure they are taped down to the letter.  Also, be sure the envelope isn't overstuffed and thick because that would also be attention grabbing.  They really appreciate newsy letters - remember they are isolated from the rest of the world at OCS so they appreciate things like sport scores, weather forecasts, news items etc. 

I wrote everyday in the beginning which I thought would be difficult but I just rambled about anything and everything.  I included jokes, cartoons and pictures of family that I printed directly from the computer into the letter.  Most importantly keep your letters very upbeat and encouraging.  You might be sad and miss them and it's ok to mention that but don't dwell on it or on your own problems. My LO later told me that the letters from home were what kept him going during his most difficult times at OCS. 

They will able to send you letters at some point but please remember that they have no free time - time spent writing a letter is time taken away from sleeping or preparing for the next day.  I sent my LO a "survey" letter so all he had to do was circle the answers.  I kept it light and silly.  Things like "OCS is......fun, terrible, great, awful. 

Best of luck!  It's a difficult but amazing journey for you and your LO.  When you attend graduation and commissioning you will experience a pride that is beyond description!

[NOAM]

Hi Syl!  My LO graduated from 02-12.  What a trip!

Soooo glad your LO will be able to come home for Christmas - that's awesome! 

I agree with navymom9875 - until your LO gives you clearance, send nothing but white envelopes and written letters; that's the safest.  If you send a picture, the DI may open it.  Any time the DI opens it, your LO could be put in the spotlight...the place NO newbie wants to be!  :-)   No gum, candies, etc.  Heard someone from another class received a piece of gum...and got to practice lots of physical training as a result. 

Keep the mail upbeat.  I included jokes, 'confucius says', anecdotes from people he knew, dumb things his brother said, etc. 

The candio-boxes aren't until week 9.  For the sake of your LO, don't send any packages until then. I'll request friend and if you accept, will send secure pics of our LOs boxes.  Both his girlfriend and I each sent one. 

You might see if there's a facebook group for your class yet.  If not, you might want to begin one, just make it a closed group.  Security is a biggee, both here and any other social site.

Good luck and stay in touch!

 

 

[syl_lo]

Thank you navymom9875 and NOAM for your responses. 

 

NOAM I would love to see the pics of the boxes.

 

Is it ok to send stamps and a calling card? He didn't take these items with him and I would hate for him to need it and not have them.

 

I was looking at some Navy OCS you tube videos and it was something. I am speechless. 

 

[almos3455]

I just searched and there is a Facebook for family and friends of 07-12.  I believe the "boys" set up their own page as well.

[doenglish]

Do not send packages until week 9 CADIO week.  If they get packages beforehand they have to open them in front of their DI - very embarrasing.  Has the 07 class started a facebook group yet?  If you want info join one of the already existing facebook groups - the 05 class is just going into week 9 next week and the 06 class just finished RLP.  Good luck - don't expect to hear anything until after RLP.  Remember no news is good news.  They love mail, so a letter on their bed when they get back to their bunks is always appreciated.  After RLP they get their email address - emails are great but for our LOs letters are still WAY BETTER.

[almos3455]

My son is also in this class :)  He sent his girlfriend an email today, said they were setting up emails but he didn't expect to have much ability to check for replies any time soon.  He sounded good, sounded like it was hard but was what he expected.  Passed the swim test yesterday.  He called me quickly on the 28th to let me know he gets a Christmas leave beginning at 4 pm on Dec 16, has to report back by Jan 2 (he said he's going back New Year's Day).  Guess they've been introduced to the sandpit, should be fun.  He mentioned Pass and Review on the day before graduation (March 9), does any one have any idea about when that takes place?  I thought it was really early in the morning based on some YouTube videos, but I have no clue about when we should head to Newport (definitely putting the cart before the horse, he's gotta get through this first!)

He has a friend who went through OCS a while ago and said definitely do not send packages!  The DI will open them in front of everyone and its not good.

[navymom9875]

Pass-In-Review (PIR) is usually right after lunch, around 1pm, on the Thursday before graduation.  Remember, though that your LO's graduation date can change so don't make airplane reservations yet. 

[almos3455]

Thanks.  I gotta work on my anacronyms - what does LO mean? !  Showing my ignorance :)

We are about a 90 minute drive but his girlfriend does need to fly in, so thanks for the advice.

[navymom9875]

I'm sorry, LO is Loved One.  OC is Officer Candidate and when they hit the 9 week mark and became Candidate Officers they are known as Candios.  That's great that you are so close and can drive. 

[almos3455]

hahaha.......I'm so obsessed with this military stuff, that was so obvious!!!  Thanks :)

 

[Ginny S]

Hey Everyone! My LO is part of Bravo company, Class 07-12. Excited for their progress and looking forward to graduation, as long as they don't "roll"!! You all know what that means? Anyway...... I thought graduation for this class is March 2. I hope we get the date right before we make any travel arrangements. Thanks for sharing your input!! Look forward to meeting everyone in person!! Stay in touch!