Question about leaving for bootcamp...does family attend?

[Travelbugg]

I have a question about when the recruits leave for bootcamp...is there a swearing in or something formal that happens? Or do they just show up? Does family usually attend to say goodbye? I know the date my husband is leaving, but not whether I need to take it off from work.... Thanks in advance!

[Kalena]

Yes you can be there for the swearing in. And you can stay there till he leaves.

 

[Craig]

Hell yea, you need to be there for the swearing in (I had to swear by saying "hell" just because).  Once the swearing in is done, you need to find out when his flight is leaving, and you rush to the airport.  Talk to whatever airlines ticket counter he is flying out on and get a gate pass.  You can be with him and watch him fly away to start his new career.  

Accommodations For U.S. Military Personnel

Military Family Member Gate Passes

Family members who want to accompany a military service member being deployed to the boarding gate or greet them returning from deployment at the arrival gate may receive passes to enter the secure area of the airport.

Interested military family members should contact their air carrier representative at the departure/arrival airport for proper local procedures.

 

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1880.shtm

 

 

 

[angeltoe]

Hey Craig,

I have a very serious question, and I don't know who to ask. My son left on 10/26 I received his letter today about graduation and address. When I informed his girlfriend, she informed me that she is not writing any letters or going to graduation. They have been dating for 2 years and are serious. I have asked her to not tell him now I am afraid of his reaction while being in bootcamp already away from everyone that he loves and loves him. How should I handle this?? Please advise. I am really worried!!

[Craig]

Do not tell him.  Have the GF explain this to him.  His focus should be on the Navy.  Sounds to me that the GF wants a breakup.  Which is ok, but her timing sucks.  

You do not need to be in the middle of it.  You just be the support he needs when he vents.  Most kids just want to vent, they don't need any advise, just someone to vent to.  Keep encouraging that you are proud of him, and his future.  Believe me, being a sailor, women come and go.  He will have 100's.  God put all of these people on earth for a reason, and it's to find out who is best for you.  The problem is, alot of sailors will say, "I'm going to give up the Navy, get discharge, and go home to work things out".  Little do they know that not only will the break up still happen, but now the girl will know this recruit will never have a good future in the civilian world.  This is why you need to focus on how proud you are of him.  Don't even go into the break up thing.  That's all "water-under-the-bridge".

I actually "imported" my son's GF to GreatLakes.  She couldn't afford the flight, so we paid for it.  Everyone should she greaduation.  It's awesome.  Are you sure it's not because she can't afford it?

 

Bottomline, don't pass any info onto him, if he ask you to talk to her, do it, but try to postpone your response as long as you can, without lying (ie don't say you didn't talk to her, if you really did).  He will find out. 

[angeltoe]

Yeah, she is definitely breaking up with him, money is not an issue.  And now she is on all his accounts changing passwords and who knows what...

 

Is it possible to just quit the navy?? It was my saving grace that I thought he couldn't quit!! oh noooo!

[Craig]

angeltoe - Up until Sept 20th, he could quit just by saying he's gay.  That all stop as of that date.  But he can just go in and say the Navy's not for him, and he's not going to listen to them.  They will discharge him.  So if he really wants out, he can.  But it will have lifelong consequences.  

 

I hope the heck she doesn't have his bank account #.   Frankly, I think every guy should be hurt once.  It's a wake up call.  It was for me.  It just sucks the timing of it.  This same exact thing happened when I was in boot camp.  It hurt, but I got over it.  It actually made me a stronger guy because of it.

 

Again, spare him the details, you are just here to support him.  Let her explain everything.  It will hurt, but he needs to hear it from her....

 

It kind of reminds me of this song...

[angeltoe]

Thanks so much Craig!

It is the unknown that gets to me! He put her on his list for graduation, and I don't want to tell him to take her off if he doesn't know yet. But I want other people on...so.....hurry up and wait, huh?

[Craig]

He won't be able to take her off the list.  It is really hard....

 

However, it doesn't mean someone else can't go.  Here are the rules:

How many guests per recruit are allowed to attend Pass-In-Review?

A.

Four seats are guaranteed per recruit; however, children 12 years old and younger do not count against the four-guest maximum. The graduating recruit is responsible for identifying those individuals to be placed on the access list. Please coordinate with your recruit via letters regarding who will be on the access list. No additions, deletions or changes will be made to the access list the week of graduation. The four guests on the access list will be admitted into the ceremonial drill hall first. Additional guests not on the access list will have to wait inside the Visitor Center until after the start of the ceremony at which time they will be allowed into the ceremonial hall if additional seating is available as space permits. No additional seating can be guaranteed.  PLEASE DO NOT CALL FOR ADDITIONAL SEATS.  All visitors must have valid photo identification. This requirement includes children (school ID, Social Security card or copy of birth certificate). Please be aware that security may deny base admission to guests NOT on the access list if they are not accompanied by a guest who is on the access list.

http://www1.netc.navy.mil/nstc/rtcgl/faq_family.asp