Comment

Comment by Jill on February 2, 2012 at 10:29am

Thank you so much for the encouragement Demetris.  I haven't received a letter yet, but this helps me prepare myself for what I "might" receive.  God bless you and the other RDC's and veteran mom's on here, who are making such a difference to us "crazy" moms.  :)

Comment by Demetris on February 2, 2012 at 10:21am

Anytime QMGsmom...I know what you are probably going thru. And like Betsy.momofPensacolaSailor said, those letters you are receiving now were probably written over a week ago and the recruits are tried and very emotional during the 1st two weeks of training.  That is the main reason they are not allowed to call home.  They need to be focused.  They are in school a majority of the day, PTing, and doing ALOT OF DRILLS (bunk makeup, unifroms, chain of command).  They spend ALOT of time preparing for their 1st inspections which occurs around week 3 along with their 1st academic test.  There is alot going on and it can be overwhelming to some recruits.  But remember the RDCs are there to help them succeed, not fail.  Those recruits will be their shipmates out in the fleet by June and they want to be sure they are very prepared for the Navy.

Comment by QMGsmom on February 2, 2012 at 10:10am

Thank you Demetris!!

Comment by Demetris on February 2, 2012 at 10:05am

Good morning all....

 

When I saw some earlier posts in regards to your recruits being sad and how hard it is....IT IS OKAY, YOUR RECRUITS ARE FINE.

 

I pushed approximately 10 divisions while I was in Great Lakes as a RDC and at least 75% of the recruits feel the same way during the beginning.

 

The first 2 weeks are hard for recruits.  They are being yelled at giving many, many instructions and lack sleep, but they are OKAY. 

The first lesson that is taught in RDC School is NOT to bring harm to a recruit.

So you don't have to worry!!

 

I would always talk to my recruits and tell them that the 1st and 2nd week are like being a freshman in HS.  The 3rd and 4th week they will see the "new recruits" just getting off the bus and during that time they will be considered Sophomores.  By the 5th and 6th week they are really juniors.  They are allowed to march to class without a RDC.  By the 7th and 8th week they are the SENIORS.  They have all thier flags and are about to conquer battlestations.

 

So in saying all that....don't worry!! Your recuits are just going thru a transition. They are actully being physically challenged and they don't have any modern technology (which is alot for this generation!!) . No cellphones, no Tvs, no mp3 players, no ipods, for the ones who smoke...no cigs, getting up by 6 am and having a bedtime by 10.  This is really a transition, but come March 16th they will be so proud of what they have accomplished, that they will probably cry along with you...Believe me, I cried at everyone of my divisions graduations!!

 

Comment by Betsy, mom of Stennis sailor on February 2, 2012 at 10:01am

To add to what diannep has said about the letters, there is something that I always tried to remember and that was that, by the time I received my SR's letter, a few days had passed.  The mood of their last letter has probably also passed by then.  Another thing to remember is they are probably pretty exhausted when they write their letters and a lot of emotion does come out when you are exhausted.  

Comment by diannep on February 2, 2012 at 8:56am

For those of you getting letters from your SRs that are heartbreaking...about how hard it is, being yelled at, etc...just remember...this is the breaking down part of bootcamp.  There are 88+ sailors in each division, from all kinds of life experiences, backgrounds, expectations, ages, abilities, etc.  The RDCs have to try and get them on "the same page."  Not an easy job, as i'm sure Demetris will attest to!  But...once this process is over, the "build up" process begins and they become much more positive about the experience.  Bootcamp is a "growing/changing" kind of experience and I would imagine there are few who will say it is wonderful!  But the RDCs do a fantastic job, turning these young people into sailors. 

On your knees for your SRs....knowing what you will see on PIR day!

Comment by Lala Ribbon Queen PIR Ribbons on February 2, 2012 at 8:55am

We have a new lala :-) I wonder if we're related lol, hehehe Welcome lala I love your name!!!

Comment by Demetris on February 2, 2012 at 6:21am

In reference to the watch....if your recruit is asking for a watch he has probably been authorized by his RDC to wear it. Other than that any form of jewelry (besides a wedding ban) is considered "gear adrift" which is a no-no. Also if your Sailor needs a watch he/she can always purchase one at the Navy Exhange. They are getting a military paycheck now and have been given a "small credit" at the Navy Exchange for purchasing essentials.

Comment by candigurlx0x0x on February 2, 2012 at 2:24am

I thought they could have a watch but wasnt sure if they had to go in with one or If I could send one. Just new to all this ya know

Comment by candigurlx0x0x on February 2, 2012 at 2:24am

One would assume but at the same time my man likes to push the envelope lol

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