What should my daughter be bringing to boot camp

[Bri's Mom]

I have been reading all kinds about what women should be bringing to boot camp. I have read everything from bring nothing but the clothes on her back, SS Card, ID, ATM Card, $$, Phone Cards, and stamps.

 

I have also read that she needs to bring 6 cotton bras, 6 pairs of cotton underwear, 2 white half slips, 2 pairs of stockings/nylons, plus the stuff named above.

 

Please help me as getting info from the recruiter has been difficult. I am beginning to feel like I am in the Hansel & Gretel story, except I am the one picking up the crumbs and they are being dropped sparcely and infrequently.

[lemonelephant]

Don’t waste your money on the things on that very outdated list because those things will be sent home.  Get her a slim black wallet from the men's department (it will be cheaper than a similar item in the women's department). Put her ID, SS card, a list of addresses and phone numbers, phone cards (go to http://callsforrecruits.org/ for free ones), $10-$20, bank card, blank check or better yet Form 1199A completed ahead of time by her and her bank if she intends to use a bank other than NFCU (but there are some good reasons to go with NFCU), a book of stamps, a couple of bandaids and a few precut strips of moleskin (they can get them from medical, but it's nice to have early on), a photo or 2 to remind her of those who love and are wishing the best for her, and a very short note from you and/or others who love her so that she can read it and be encouraged in those first couple of weeks before she will get mail. Also encourage her to write you a note either before she leaves or on the way and put it in her shoe or pocket so you will have something to help get you through when you get "the box" soon after she leaves. She will be able to keep a small Bible if she wants to take one or she can get one at the RTC. She will also be able to keep a religious medal if she wants. She would be able to keep a small address book, but the list in the wallet is better. Anything she takes that she is able to keep must be able to fit in her "valuable sock" (a tube sock that she will carry everywhere) during P-Days. Everything else will be sent home. DO have her take her cell phone because she can call/text you along the way and will be able to make that last “I’m here!” call to you from it. See http://bootcamp.navy.mil/what_to_bring.asp for other items.

She may want to take a small black comb (it may come back in the box or remain with her) and toothbrush and toothpaste (these she should throw away at the hotel) to use on the way.  She could take a change of clothes or just undergarments to change at the hotel.  Are you meeting her at MEPS?  If so, she could take a small bag with the change of clothes and toiletries for use at the hotel on the way to MEPS and then give that to you before heading to the RTC.

[lemonelephant]

If she wears a wrist watch, it must meet Navy standards or it will be sent back.  Some black watches and some silver-colored watches have been permitted.

[Bri's Mom]

Thank you all for your information and thoughts. You have given me a lot of information

[momof4]

My daughter cut her hair the day before she left and managed to get by without another cut until she was in Pensacola. Her credit card came back home in her wallet. She'll need ID, SS Card, pocket money, prepaid phone card. 

As hard as it is, your daughter needs to be in charge. I have always helped my children and it was so hard not to be part.I wanted details. My husband kept telling me to let her give me the info. Struggle as I did, all was fine. It was tough but I stepped back. Now, she has bought a car on her own and drove cross country to  San Diego. She's only 19. She has been in for 6 months.

Your daughter will be fine. When you get that box and see everything was sent home, you'll wonder.....where's my kid??