~ Understanding Processing (P-days) ~ with pictures ~

[Craig]

Hey all,

I know soooo many people have questions about bootcamp, both the deppers and the family members.  The "unknowns" just make it even harder. 

 

I noticed JessiaB & diannep are part of this group.  We have know each other for a long time.  Being a guy, most women are worried that I may be an RDC "peaking in", I'm not.  I'm just a retired sailor who's main purpose is to help the fresh new deppers understand the Navy.  I own two Navy forum website myself, and I run two threads here on N4M,  Cryptology ~ CTI ~ CTM ~ CTN ~ CTR ~ CTT ~ and the USS Chicken Ship ~ Avast rowdy matey's, belay to the Poop deck for ... (not a thread for those easily offended)

 

My own sailors have already been through bootcamp.  However, I wanted to ride along with this PIR group, to see some of the question you moms are talking about.  This will help me when I write my next Powerpoint slide presentation.  It seems impossible to find info on the web about boot camp, and I just want to get the data out there to help mainly the depper, but also the family member.

 

So, with that said, for those that want to see the Powerpoint that I just completed yesterday concerning "P-day", I have included it here.  My next step is to write "Battlestations" & "Camp Porter".   

 

P-days at Navy boot camp.pdf

 

Please tell me what you think about it.  This will help me when I do my next presentation...

Thanks,

Craig

[Conster1114]

Craig, WOW, awesome website. That really gave me a sneak peak into what they are going through right now, and the days to come. I really appreciate all the work you did, into putting that together for us parents. I received "the box" this past Monday. Now just waiting for her letter. Do you have any suggestions to help me get my mind offf of it??? 

[MerryMarylander]

Hi Craig,

 

Thank you for sharing the PP presentation. It was very helpful for me to visualize what our son has gone through during the last week. He is third generation Navy, his grandfather was a USNA '39 grad and a retired Captain at the time of his death. His grandmother passed away on December 20 and she is being interred at Arlington National Cemetery on February 1. We are a proud Navy family and we know our son will do well. He is planning on being a CTR.  Thanks again for the information and drop in anytime with more tidbits....   

[Craig]

Conster - I'm a guy, so  I say "plenty of sex!"  

Seriously, focus on the positive things.  You will soon realize that for 18 years or so you have been the "referee" in your daughters life.  You were the rule setter and the penalty enforcer.  But as your daughter life changes, so will yours.  You will now become the "cheerleader" for her.  You will watch and cheer as she works her way through the advancement system, the qualification standards, and simple things like just folding her towels correctly.  You will stand and scream at the PIR as her division enters, and you will cheer as her ship enters San Diego or Norfolk after a deployment.  I have decided it is far more important for me to be a cheerleader than a referee.  Don't waste your time on the sadness, focus your feelings on the positive things that will help your daughter. 

 

May I suggest you not bring your sadness into the letters you write.  She has alot more stuff on her mind than to worry about the sadness you're feeling.  Keep her focus.  Praise her.  Keep her motovated.  Yes, your 1st letter you will get will say "What have I done, I want out of here"... this is normal, alot of kids say that.  But they will soon realize that the quickest way out of boot camp is just to complete it.  By the time the 6th week comes along, then you'll get letters like "This isn't bad, we actually had a great time today".  Just keep her motovated, keep her focused, and tell her how proud you are of her.  You gave the Navy your girl, and in 8 short weeks they will return a mature capable woman.  She will have the foundation to be a leader, and she will have ability and knowledge to be a successful person in life. 

I want you to watch this video by Ollie North.  Play it a couple times.  Its not enjoyable, it is riveting!  Talk about making a kid self sufficient!  Woo-hoo, I love when recruits become sailors.... It makes my day! 

 

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJfeD-I39CQ

I love the last part..... GO NAVY!  

[NavyMomAllison (PIR 3/18)]

Craig,  thank you for sharing the presentation.  I wish I had seen it on day one!  It it awesome!  ~Allison

[cinder]

Craig

That was great I could actually visualize my son at all the stations he had to go through.  My son is going into CTT and he called me yesterday for names and phone numbers.  The CTT site has been some help but it sounds like everyone has had a different experience.

 

[JessicaB-Sailor Mom]

Craig...as usual,  LOVE it. You are so creative and deliver everything in an interesting and easy to read and understand way. Thanks!!

[diannep]

Hi, Craig....good info here!