DEP INFO

[LAURA LEE]

 

DEAR NAVY MOMS

It has been over a year now since my son left for boot camp, and I've always intended to write to DEP mothers and let them know a few things I learned.

First just because your child leaves on a certain date doesn't mean that is the day his/her boot camp begins. My son was at Great Lakes at least a week and half until he started basic training. Great Lake's waits until they get a full unit until they begin, I never could understand why he had to leave 2 days before Thanksgiving just so he could wait around to start. So don't be counting on your child graduating 8 weeks from the day they leave.

Next if your child has never had his/her wisdom teeth pulled, chances are they will pull them during boot camp even if their teeth aren't giving them any problems.

My son actually didn't mind this to much because he got two or three days of bed rest, and rest is not something they get a lot of. So pack along some toothpicks because they don't provide them with any, and the food gets caught in the holes left.

Last write them often, mail call is something they really look forward to. When my son was in DEP someone told me that if your child gets to much mail they will get punished (i.e. pushups, extra duty), not true. I would send my son out a letter every Monday, and on Wednesday's I would send him a page of military jokes to share and a photocopy of a picture or two with various relatives holding signs saying things like "Hang in there" ,"You Can Do It" , Were Proud of You" anything to put a smile on his face. Encourage other family members to write also. They really need your support during this time period, as a matter of fact after my son graduated and went on to his schooling, I got a let down because he didn't need me as much.

Now lets talk about PIR (graduation). I personally was not impressed with the program and was glad, living in south eastern Wisconsin, that I hadn't traveled far for it. After PIR we were only able to spend 8 hours with my son and then a few hours at the airport the next day. They have to sleep on base and you are not allowed to take them to the airport the next day, but you are allowed to meet them at the airport the next day. This is the time when you can give them their electronic devices such as Cel Phones, I Pods, PSP, etc. which they are usually allowed to have at A-school. Very few recruits get to have a weekend pass after PIR, I think only those that actually have their A-schooling at Great Lakes.

 

I hope this information is helpful, good luck to you and your recruit.

 

LAURA LEE

[BunkerQB]

Some thoughts for new members with recruits/deppers.

1. The Recruit Training Command has been doing this a long time. They have the procedure down. It may not be perfect at all times but it's pretty well organized.

2. I personally would have the wisdom teeth pull prior to going to boot camp. My sons got that done at home with their own dentist and mom taking care of them afterwards. Why have them worry about one more thing at boot camp? Just my opinion.

3. I wouldn't trade going to my son's graduation for anything. We were able to spend several days with him. Different now - the allocation length of time with the recruits is shortened considerably. It is definitely not as enjoyable; however, the few glimpse your son/daughter in his/her uniform for the first time will be breath taking. For families who are far away and can't afford the cost of air faire, it's OK. Be sure to get the DVDs, the photos. Ask another mom in your PIR group to include your recruit in their activities. Save you money for a visit for another time.  You'll have to take a hit money wise or feel slightly cheated but you'll survive. Many have survived without going to PIR. You might want to take about your attendance at PIR. Separate your attending or not attending the PIR from your expectation that he/she will graduate.

4. Keep a constant campaign of support and encouragement. Let your recruit know that you believe in his/her abilities. Your letters are important. They really, really look forward to getting mail. Even if it is something full of mundane everyday stuff. This is part of what they miss.

[abbyblue]

I find it very strange after a year you come back and give you run down on the navy boot camp I see that you didn't join any groups or have any friends on the your page. hope you are doing something to keep busy and you are doing OK sounds if something is going on How is your son now? are you missing him a lot? we are here for you if you need to chat.

[BunkerQB]

While I disagree with Laura Lee, I feel strongly that we welcome all opinions. I think it's good to hear it from a different perspective. In fact this may help a few members who are not able to attend PIR. 

[Lauryburg]

Hi! I just came across this old post and am a little shock... My oldest daughter graduated BC ten years ago; her two siblings, my husband and I all flew to Chicago for her PIR... wouldn't have missed it for the world. We were able to spend the weekend with her, and yes, she had to come back to GL on or before the indicated time everyday. We had no problem with that!
Her ceremony was beautiful, and since her ten year anniversary was this past Aug 22nd, we watched the VHS tape again... Same proud feeling!
My 17 year old daughter is now thinking about joining the Navy, too!... and if she does, when time comes & God willing, we will ALL be, once again, travelling to Great Lakes to see our brand new Sailor achieve one of her milestones! No need to stress that we will be extremely proud of her (since we already are).
New mommies, I would suggest you go on and freely read any posts of interest, but you will note that most parents are supportive of their child and are extremely proud of them! -~Hugs~