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1st letter from bootcamp
Views: 114
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Kathy (AOMom) on
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Sure, lots of recruits feel this way, it can be an overwhelming change for them. The best part he wrote is "hopes he can make it" the first 3 weeks are really tough on them, they break them down, and then they build them into sailors. I bet the next letter is much more positive, and he will get into the swing of BC life. I have known a recruit who cried through the first 3 weeks, even when that is all she talked about for a year was going into the Navy, (not my sailor), tell you right now she loves the Navy, and is working on getting in OCS (officer candidate school). Dont worry too much mom, this is very common.
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Since they reteach them things that they have known for a long time it can be tough. They learn how to fold their clothes, tie their shoes and make a bed not their way the Navy way. IF someone isn't getting it they could hear it over and over.
Send him letters and keep them postive. this is not the time for you to go into rescue mode. Keep encouraging him and he should be ok. He sounds like it is not what he thought it was going to be and that is a change. Having someone always telling them what to do and how to do it won't be fun and can be frustrating.
Just keep encouraging him and keeping the prayers going.
Good luck
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Absolutely normal! and you're lucky to have received a letter so fast. I can guarantee you that in the first couple of weeks 99% of them think they've made a terrible mistake, but after about week 3 it'll all start to make sense to them. By the time they do Battlestations they can't imagine being anywhere else. Your job is to be endlessly encouraging and he will be fine....and so will you!
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Yes and sometimes the 2nd and 3rd... The letters my son sent from boot camp broke my heart. I did the Mom Rah Rah until I thought I would have to go put on a skirt and buy pom poms! The last letter was finally a good one and I read it for days. For most jobs, it gets much better after they reach A school when they get their phones and other perks but it is a long 8 weeks for them and consequently moms too. lol
Remember that the Navy wants them to succeed and will work with him on anything he is having trouble with. The mantra is "No news is good news". If they are really sick or have big issues that will affect his PIR date, the Navy will make them call you.
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My son is graduating Nuclear Power School on Friday - and you know what? I have almost the exact same letter in my drawer from when he first went to RTC! He'll make it - it's a huge change and a huge challenge, but he'll make it! So will you, mom! :) I send you hugs - know exactly how you feel!
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Permalink Reply by Clarissa on
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Thanks to all of you for your support. Yes, my son is only 18 years old. I will continue to send letters that are very positive and I will wait for the letter I get that says things are better. I have not even gotten anything on his graduation date yet. Does anyone know when that will come?
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There is not a good answer for that. He will get to send the letter as soon as his division is ready to go. Some divisions fill up quick and sometimes they hang out a week or so. A general timeline would be 1-2 weeks.
Check out the group for Boot Camp Moms. LOTS of support there as well!
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Hi, my son started bootcamp on Jan 5th. Let me tell you it has been very hard for him.(and me!) It has only been two and a half weeks and he is lonely and exhausted! He says they are working them hard and he's so exhausted, it's hard to pass the physical fitness tests. Not to mention that they scream and yell at the recruits all the time--and even use the "F" word to them. I think this is uncalled for! They are scared enough being away from home and don't have to be treated so poorly! The Navy Recruiters lie to them and say they don't cuss as them, but its a lie and once our children are enlisted they find out the truth! I'm sure several new recruits are questioning "why" they signed up! I heard from other members that the first three weeks are the toughest. So hopefully things will get better for them. I hope your son will be fine.
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They are breaking them down so they can build them up into the Navy way. If getting cussed at bothers your son that much he'll have a hard time in the weeks ahead. Tell him to do what he has to do, do it cheerfully and remember it won't last forever. You sent the Navy a boy. The Navy will send you back a man.
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The cussing doesn't bother him, it bothers me! And I just don't think that's necessary!
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Permalink Reply by Nancy69 on
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Hi Clarissa,
I got the exact same kind of letter - except my son said he knew he'd never make it 8 weeks. BUT he has 2 weeks down and no calls about issues home or to his recruiter...so he is venting to me but obviously sticking it out there. EVERYONE I know says that this is normal. When did he start and when is his PR scheduled??
Hang in there. At least we all have others to talk to going through the SAME anxiety, stress, and even fear.
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