Do you think it's ok for the recruit to cry when its time for them to ship out for basic training?

Don't say "Goodbye" say, "I love you. I appreciate what great parents you have been. I am going to have a good future. I'll writ as soon as I can. I'll call as soon as I can. See you at PIR." and smile. It's going to be a wonderful day - it's your first step to independence and being your own person. Good luck. I know you'll do well.

There is nothing wrong with crying when you say goodbye.  My son just left yesterday morning.  I was at his swearing in and he had tears in his eyes and his eyes were red.  There were tons on kids leaving and he was not the only one who was emotional. 

Always rember that there are Tears of Joy, Tears of Pain, Tears of Love, Regret and Shame. With every one of these Tears we shed we can be thankful for they have enabled us to have Tears of Strength that fall when we walk towards one of lifes crossroads.