New recruits

[Missyssailor(ship02div942)]

I am wanting to know what all I should send with my to boot camp. i.e. Socks, tshirts, tennis shoes, etc. Any suggestions would be helpful. 

[peony45]

I sent mine with the clothes on his body.  Everything gets sent back. 

[Anti M]

She needs a small, slim man's wallet, black, which will fit into her back pocket.  Not checkbook size or any other color than black.  You can give her the debit card during PIR.

 

Also, they are told how much cash they are allowed to bring, off the top of my head, it isn't much more than $20.

[lemonelephant]

If she chooses to have her pay be deposited in her existing bank account, she probably needs to have a voided check.  Many choose to set up an account with the Navy Federal Credit Union.  My Sailor chose to have the NFCU account, but keeps his other account that I have access to so that I can transfer money to him as a loan/gift when needed.  As Anti M says, a small black wallet is needed, either from the men's or women's department--actually I checked recently and it was less expensive at the men's department for a slim canvas trifold wallet than for a very similar one in the women's department.

[sdfavors]

My son will be leaving on this coming Monday. July 11th after a years waits. I am happy an nervous for him all the same. He just comfirmed this with his petty officer. This leave me with exactly 6 days before he actually leaves. I read some of the comments regarding what to send with him, do I need to know officers names and other contact information for him. I am now a nervouse reck!!

[kathyann]

They can take their debit card, up to $50 cash, up to a $20 phone card (activiate it before leaving home, as their first call home is limited to about 2 minutes). They can take a Bible as well. They need their wallet, ID, SS card, and DEP card if applicable). OTHER THAN THAT EVERYTHING ELSE WILL BE SENT HOME IN A BOX.  My son left 6/22/11. He packed according to the START  manual, and actually left with the clothes on his back and his START manual to read on the plane. His box has all his clothes and START manual in it.

 

Best of luck to you and  your son!

[NavyMouz (2/941)]

SS card, driver's license, the clothes he has on.  He can take addresses, his wallet with max of $50 in cash, a few pictures in his wallet and a phone card. He can take a small Bible.  They will send all his clothes and stuff other than that back to you in a box after he gets there. 

[HlovebugShip#10Div263]

Could someone post the link to the Form letter you can send your new recruit while in boot camp. I cant find it!  lol

the one that is the fill in the blank form.

Thanks

[kathyann]

I have to do a cut and paste. Here is the one I sent off to my son:

Here is a “fill in the blank” letter to make it a bit more encouraging for you to write home. I have also enclosed a self addressed stamped envelope J

 

 

Date: ____________________

 

Dear Mom, Ted, Delaney, Tank, Grumpy, Buster, Other:

                          Circle one or more

 

 

How are you? I hope you are doing: well, okay, nothing illegal.

                                                                 Circle one

 

I am: fine, been sick, having fun, working hard, hardly working, homesick, hanging in there.                        Circle one

  

Regarding my physical training, I am: making progress, passing, sore, suffering shin splints, developing rock hard abs, building muscle, not drowning.  Circle one or more

 

 Regarding food:  I am learning to eat new foods; I am so hungry that I would eat this paper; I eat what they have, but am looking forward to leave for a chunk of cheese and some Mountain Dew.   Circle one or more

 

Regarding my PIR (graduation date):  I should be on track for August 19^th, I may be delayed, I am working so hard they may graduate me early, it is status quo for now. 

                                    Circle one

          

 

Regarding shipmates:  I am meeting interesting people, I am alone on the ship, I know some of the other SR’s, other.    Circle one

 

Regarding when I will write:   next time you send me one of these stupid letters; when I have time; right now; never…I will send smoke signals.   Circle one

 

 

I have to go for now. I love you, I miss you, I hope you are all doing good. Write me soon; send pictures; tell Grandma hello; ALL OF THE ABOVE.  Circle one or more

 

I love you,

Your son ____________________________

                Insert your name here   J

 

[ShowMeSailor]

My DAUGHTER is heading to boot camp in December.  Are there things she needs to consider taking?

[Debbie]

I'm wondering if they will let my son keep the retainer he still wears at night?  We paid big money for those pretty teeth-I don't want them to get all crooked now!

[lemonelephant]

From other discussions on this, if it is put on the paperwork at MEPS that it is needed, then he can keep it with no problems.  If not, be prepared for it to be sent back in the box, although a few were able to keep theirs anyway, but I'm not sure how they did it.

[Debbie]

Thank you for the reply.  I mentioned it multiple times in talks with the recruiter.  I don't know if it was ever put on any paperwork.  I hope they understand the investment already made and let him keep it.  I guess we'll see.  He leaves Monday, so I'm anxious about many things.  The retainer is just one of them.