Calls from your SR

[FireTeamLeaderWife aka FTLW]

Comment by JessicaB-Sailor Mom on May 27, 2011 at 6:02am

As far as the first call...they are NOT guaranteed to call. Most get 3 calls: the "I'm here" call, the "I'm still alive" call (3 weeks) and the "I'm a Sailor" call (after Battlestations)...some only get the last one, some get all, some get more....depends on the division, RDC and the rct.
Watch for the 847 area code and the id is usually payphone...occ it is withheld or restricted.
Sometimes they get a quick info call the first week or two...the id is US Government then.
They all need calling cards...it eats up 30 minutes to just make a call from a payphone....so they need a bunch of minutes. They can buy calling cards at the NEX. If you send them one ...make sure it is activated first (saves time)
When you get your first call DO YOUR BEST NOT TO CRY…your rct will be emotional and most likely will be tearful and if they’re not, they will be if you are and then you’ll waste valuable talking time crying.
Let them talk…they don’t get to talk much at boot camp, have questions and a pen and paper by the phone to jot down what they say. When they call and you hear their sweet voice…everything you wanted to ask will go out of your mind.
If they are upset..just reassure them, let them know that it will get better, it is only a few weeks and after boot camp it is MUCH better. Tell them you love them, yes you do miss them but are looking SO forward to seeing them march through those doors at PIR.
Then, hang up and come on here and cry and shout and be happy that you heard from your rct !!!
In the Navy, "no news is good news." They are allowed to contact you almost immediately if something goes wrong, and if they cannot, the Navy does. It was just over five weeks from the time my son left home and his first call, four weeks is typical.

[Kitty]

thanks for sharing this info....anxiously waiting for a phone call.

[PopwouldbeProud Ship11 Div65]

We got one of those info calls today.  It was such a joy and surprise to hear from our SR.  His request...he wants us to bring him a pair of boxers when we come for PIR!  Of course that wasn't all.  I don't remember most of what we discussed, just how great it felt to hear his voice, that he's making friends, that he's OK.  He still has not received the 8 letters I sent him...hopefully he'll have a great Christmas mail call this weekend!

[memphis.mom SHIP07 DIV 064]

I also received a call yesterday because my SR had questions and needed some dates for his security applications. It was a short call just for the information he needed and we talked for about 45 seconds more. He sounded tired
but determined

[Arwen]

The third week "I'm still alive" call comes at the end of their third week of official training, NOT at the end of their third week in Great Lakes. It may be five or almost six weeks for some recruits, depending on how long they were in processing.

[PopwouldbeProud Ship11 Div65]

Oh, now THAT is so disappointing!  I had been counting down from the time he left .When we got the short call the other day, he told us it was 1-1...and he'd already been gone two weeks!  Maybe Santa will bring us all a present...dare we hope?

[FireTeamLeaderWife aka FTLW]

I know PopwouldbeProud...this TG had longer P days...but you can hope...I'm not going to tell anyone NOT to think about it because...it's pointless! We all do! Just keep your cellphones handy carry on...and watch for the "847" area code or "US GOVERNMENT" on the caller ID.

Like JessicaB said at the end of her post 4 weeks is typical (P days and the  three weeks training).

My son had an eight week Boot Camp...and they actually had their "I'm still alive" call early as they ahd to give us some info about our PIR. So an exception in the opposite way from this TG.

They CAN earn calls though...I know of one where the RDC gave a SR a call as he said the recruits shoes were more shiny than his! Also, I received a call three weeks after my son arrived as his division had done REALLY well on their first academic test. This test is taken during week two and they were given a call at the end of the week by their Chief PO.

[PopwouldbeProud Ship11 Div65]

Thank you!  I will continue to hope for the best...Your insights are so helpful!

[proudmama]

I sent 20.00 should I send a calling card as well?

 

[FireTeamLeaderWife aka FTLW]

If he didn't take one with him...yes.They CAN buy them at the NEX, but can't just go there whenever they want. Try to get one with as much minutes as you can. Like it says above the first use eats up 30 minutes. Make sure it is activated. If you can't find a large one...some can be reloaded. So make a photocopy it.
They don't really need cash at BC...so I wouldn't send anymore...but very thoughtful of you! They are given a NEX (Navy Exchange=store basically) card with $150.00 (last that I heard as far as amount) , that comes out of their pay, that they use for necessities for the duration of BC.

[rstitt31]

i just got my im still alive phone call and i definetly was tempted to cry but i just was so glad to hear from him that i forgot to cry until now which im glad i didnt because he just wanted to hear about what everyone was up to and to make sure we were coming for pir like i would miss it when i cant wait to see him i have even scheduled my vacation already  so i would be there

[Lisa (Ship 11 Div 067)]

Oh, I can't wait to finally get that second phone call. Just so want to hear his voice. I will be able to tell a lot just hearing hearing his voice. In one of is letters he stated he was one of the "Sticks" he carries the flags of accomplishments for his division. Very proud of him. I wish I knew everything that there is to know. I feel lost most of the time. I am reading posts after posts and feel that I have so much to learn.
I do appreciate everyone posting. This is a great place to learn so much.
Thanks to All.