Good advice for Navy Boot Camp

[johnsbk2]

My son John posted this on his Blog in October 2007 and it is good advice for anyone going into boot camp. I thought I would share it with all of you.  

This is what my son had to say about Navy Boot Camp.

I finished Navy boot camp back on August 10th, 2007 it was a lot easier than I thought it was going to be, I think the hardest part was establishing teamwork in the division. There are so many different people from all over the U.S. and the world, not everyone is going to get along with each other. We had people yelling at each other and never getting along. We didn't really even start to come together as a team until about week 6.

One thing I really had a hard time getting use to was being bossed around and getting yelled at. I didn't take any of the yelling personally, because I know it is the job of the recruit division commanders to turn us from normal people into sailors, but still, being woken up each morning by yelling and having it continue throughout the day becomes stressful.

With that said I would like to give some good hints on how to deal with Navy boot camp. ( although some of these will apply to Army, Air Force, and Marines ).

1. Don't be sensitive

Don't take things that are said to you personally while in boot camp, even if it's by another recruit. All that does is cause you more stress. If a recruit division commander (RDC) yells at you for something just respond with "aye aye petty officer/chief" or "yes petty officer/chief". If another recruit yells at you just ignore them. If they are trying to correct you just listen to them and correct yourself.

2. Teamwork

Learn to work as part of a team. In order for a team to form everyone has to be able to have an active roll. Don't separate yourself from the others and don't let others become isolated from the group. If you see someone that isn't quite part of the team then have them help you with whatever the current task is. Another part of this is never leaving a shipmate behind. If someone is having a hard time with folding or running or push up, or anything else, then help them! I had this guy next to me at boot camp that really sucked at folding his shirts and pants. Every night I would help him with folding and make sure everything in his rack locker was organized correctly.

I believe the most common things people struggle with are swimming, running, folding, and making racks.

3. Never give up

If you give up you will never get anywhere. Just keep trying and seek help from your division (teamwork!). When you're doing the 20 minute run and you feel like you can't go anymore just keep trying. That only lasts for a little bit then you get more energy. Just slow your breathing down, and keep your current speed.

4. Take advantage of Holiday Routine (Sunday)

Every Sunday you get about 5 hours of free time. Take advantage of that. Take a break; write letters, go to church, get to know other people in your division. Letters were very important to me in boot camp. They are what kept me going. I made my dad write to me every day and I was able to respond every Sunday.

5. Attention to details

Pay attention to what you're doing. Do exactly what you're told, don't assume the RDCs mean for what they say to be interpreted a different way. This happened a lot in my division.

6. Sleep when allowed

When you're allowed to sleep actually take advantage of it, don't stay up talking to other people, you can talk at other times, use your sleeping time to regain your energy and rest. This will help A LOT.

7. Eat healthy

The galley's at boot camp offer a large variety of foods, make sure you eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. (The galley will have a salad bar in it too.) Balance you meals out make sure you have a little of everything. Here is what I did in boot camp.

1 - meat

1 - cup of milk (not before running or PT)

2 - fruits (usually a peach and a banana)

2 - vegetables (whatever they had as the main vegetables and a salad)

2 - grains Usually a roll and one of the things in the main line.

General knowledge to know before joining the navy

Before you join the navy, or before you go to boot camp, it is a good idea to know some information so you will have a bit of a head start. This information is covered in the delayed entry program, but most people (including me) never bother in learning the stuff until forced to in boot camp.

11 General Orders of a Sentry

You will be required to quote all of these at random times throughout boot camp. You are expected to know this after the processing days (p days)

1. To take charge of this post and all government property in view.

2. To walk my post in a military manner, keeping always on the alert, and observing everything that takes place within sight or hearing.

3. To report all violations of orders I am instructed to enforce.

4. To repeat all calls from posts more distant from the guard house than my own.

5. To quit my post only when properly relieved.

6. To receive, obey and pass on to the sentry who relieves me, all orders from the Commanding Officer, Command Duty Officer, Officer of the Deck, and Officers and Petty Officers of the Watch only.

7. To talk to no one except in the line of duty.

8. To give the alarm in case of fire or disorder.

9. To call the Officer of the Deck in any case not covered by instructions.

10. To salute all officers and all colors and standards not cased.

11. To be especially watchful at night, and, during the time for challenging, to challenge all persons on or near my post and to allow no one to pass without proper authority.

RTC Maxim

I will not lie, cheat, or steal, nor tolerate those among us who do.

Sailors Creed

I am a United States Sailor.

I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America and I will obey the orders of those appointed over me.

I represent the fighting spirit of the Navy and those who have gone before me to defend freedom and democracy around the world.

I proudly serve my country's Navy combat team with Honor, Courage and Commitment.

I am committed to excellence and the fair treatment of all.

[Michele]

Thank you very much for posting this information. We found it to be very helpful and we are greatful for it! Thanks again!

[Rose7..Norfolk]

Reading all this comment make feel scared. My son left almost 2 weeks ago. About letters, I do the copy and paste but I send in my two letter that I already send and envelope with address and ready to send home. He just need to write put inside and send. I was thinking this will be easy for him due to the fact that they have little time to write. Now I wonder if I will get him in trouble. Advice please!!!

[Eileen (USS Albany)]

I wish I had discovered this before my son left for Boot Camp Nov 9th. I agree with a lot of the other people that this should be required reading that all recruiters give out.

[Ellen B]

You are so right, Eileen. Our recruiters were on the ball with everything. My son knew all of these before he shipped out to GL on Monday. And, until 2 months before, they were PTing twice a week. (Had to discontinue for investigation of a DEPper being injured in California) ...They also told us of horror stories like the ones you are reading here. I certainly hope this isn't the situation for our recruits, but it does happen, unfortunately. My son is like yours and wants desperately to do well...hopefully honors. But, not all recruits are there for the same reasons. Our sons want to be US Sailors and the best. There are those few who don't and make it difficult and frustrating. Just keep up the encouragement and letters,letters,letters!!!

[jmazzsmom]

need to leave to get ready for work but reading posts have helped clarify things more for what daily they go thru. I know my son had a great PO and they too had to stop training with PT due to an injury, no details on what happened (we're in IL) he did training with friends so hopefully he is doing good.. tomorrow will be 2 weeks at BC my birthday is in a couple weeks 1/11 and then one month we'll see each other and him at PIR.I can't wait till then so he can start living his dream of US Sailor.what a commitment our sons and daughters have made.

[lisalove8465]

This is very helpful... thank you so much.. my son is leaving December 15, 2010....

[Cindy in Snowy MN]

Dear Losaloves8465...if you have not gone to youtube and search Battle stations 21 CNN, please do so and watch several video's on Boot Camp together with your son! I wish I would have prior to my son leaving on October 26th...it puts you on the same page. You both will know what the facility looks like, a little of what is coming...can discuss things while he is still here. You will be able to see where he will be sleeping, eating, training etc. It was great, and brought me just a little closer to my son!

Hope that helps. Good luck!

Cindy

[JessicaB-Sailor Mom]

lisalove8465 Join the group http://www.navyformoms.com/group/leavinforbootcampindecember

Most likely your son will go straight from boot to A school. They usually get leave after A school...either before leaving for their duty station or C school

[rebelbee03]

My son went to boot camp Oct. 28th. We got the "form letter" and his dad got a short phone call. He said he wasn't doing well and was depressed.He was going to see a chaplin on sunday. This was a week ago and nothing since. Should I be worried. We are sending letters and pictures to make him feel better. Just wish I knew what was going on.

[Anti M]

The first few weeks almost every recruit gets down and homesick. They're undergoing culture shock. He should be alright, and there are people there to help him resolve his feelings.

[rebelbee03]

Thank you so much. I know if there was anything wrong, we would have heard something. It's hard when this is the first time he has been away from family. I don't have much experience with military life, like my ex does(Air Force), but I'm learning.

[rebelbee03]

I heard from my son last Friday. He is not doing well. He has had 9 panic attacks( he has been having them since 3rd grade,but none in the last 4 yrs.) The chaplin said he should see the psychiatrist because he is afraid he may harm himself( not intentially). He was so very upset. My heart is breaking because I can't do anything. He is also having a problem with his knee, but they said he was faking. What is up with these people???