Hi navymom0612! My son graduated FMTB at CP on 28 September.  As we have all said, your Corpsman needs to be in shape when he gets there because once the training starts, it is tough to play catch up and he can be rolled back if he doesn't pass the fitness and BMI assessment.  It is like boot camp in that they are all living in a compartment with a 3 rack (bunk) set-up like a ship.  They do have a gear lock up so having a laptop and phone would be possible.  Keep in mind that they will be issued a whole new seabag of 'green side' gear, so keep what he is bringing to a minimum. My son did have some civvies and even his electric razor (he has problems shaving every day with a regular one). The will begin their days at 0330 and they can be looong days. There are always 'field days' for cleaning and watch to stand, after all, it is the Navy/Marines. He did not have a car so he was unable to go off base much on the weekends into San Diego (they did a couple of times).  Devil Doc Hall (the barracks they live in) is RIGHT ON THE BEACH in Delmar. I had visions of them enjoying the beach...not true! Doing a fireman's carry of someone who outweighs you on sand isn't as easy as one might think! My son said the food was good (he thought the food at SA was AWFUL).  As in boot camp. there is someone in their faces and yelling at them. Some of those returning from the fleet for this kind of training find that a little bit hard to take, but it is the Marine Corps and they take their fitness and training seriously. They will be able to communicate (phone, text, etc) but may not have the time.  If they are in the field training, you won't hear from him.  All that said, my son loved FMTB.  One thing I would get him for sure are the Fox River Mills socks, Stryker style in either sand or green.  Be sure to let him know when you are sending them.  If you can, get them before he goes.  I sent my son 4 pair which he did not get until the last 3 weeks of training. They were at the post office but the post office PO didn't pick them up for him for some reason.  Once he had them, he loved them. If you got to the FMF moms and dads site or the Corpsman moms and dads site, there is a video someone posted of their training.  Go to the FMTB West site. Hope this helps!!