Winters in Great Lakes?

[Figgie125]

My daughter ships out on Dec18 and Im wondering how boot camp will be for her in the extreme winter months. Is training done outdoors or is it moved indoors. I read that a recruit died recently from complications from pneumonia so Im a little concerned. The recruiter assured us that most of the time they would be indoors but I need some reassuring. Thanks!!!

[Anti M]

Most of the training is indoors.  I've wintered over at and Great Lakes for A school, yes, it sucks.  And yes, when I was in boot camp I caught the crud.  They give them all gammagobulin shots to boost their immune systems, but there's a lot of germs going around.  The trick is, if the recruit gets sick they have to know when to speak up.  A cold for a couple days isn't bad, but once they run a fever or it has been more than a couple days, they must speak up and let the RDC know they need to go to medical.  Many power through for fear of being set back, and won't say a thing even if they are suffering.  Talk it over with her, let her know if she gets really ill to say something.  

[Figgie125]

Thanks AntiM this is exactly what I needed to hear.

[Kalena]

Hi  Fiorellladelima,  winter in at boot camp is no worse there than any other nothern lake front state.  They do make sure the recruits are covered from head to toe.  My daughter left for boot December 12, she was there all winter because at the time her A school was across the street.  Her only issue was to many clothes when they had to go outside, she would be sweating everytime they went out.  She was use to wearing sweatshirts when going out here.  Growning up on one of the Great Lakes she was well prepared for winter there.  In fact she said it was much worse here.  Your recruiter is right most of the training is indoors.  You daughter will be fine thay take really good care of the recruits, and I am sure she will be a great part of that 1% that protect our country.  A big HOORAH to her for joining up.

[Figgie125]

Thanks Kalena, that is great news! I feel so much better now. I know it seems silly, but of all the things I should be worried about, the whole winter in Great Lakes is my biggest concern. My stepson did PIR in July, it was a whole different thing, The sailors were dropping from heat exhaustion during the ceremony...

 

[BunkerQB]

There are millions of folks who live in the cold parts of this planet - year in and year out. My younger son will be the guy up in the air 80 feet above ground. 24/7 snow, rain or shine. It's a job.  See? There are always circumstances that are worst than the ones you have in mind.  Just think she'll be one tough cookie when she leaves the Navy.

[Figgie125]

Oh yeah, she'll be tough, no doubt... Thanks for the feedback, much appreciated. As for the pictures...YIKES!!! He's going to be up there?!!!

[BunkerQB]

Yea. Despite of my age and conservative looks, I love heights - this son probably inherited that from me. My husband and older son (former sailor) hate being up in the air - probably the reason he became a nuke officer. Your daughter will become an amazing woman. The feeling is really indescribable - when you look at the beautiful sailors at PIR (graduation from Boot Camp) and think to yourself - dang! I gave birth to one incredible human being.

[Concernedad]

Of course, now for the other side,

I'd say you can pretty much count on your daughter coming down with the crud. I don't know if it's that danged peanut butter injection they give them that breaks down their immunity, or being thrown into a barracks with people from all over the country, but from what my son told me, and what I've read on here, you can pretty much count on all SR's getting sick for a bit. Nothing they can't overcome though.

[Anti M]

Hehe, the point of the PB shot is to boost their nature immune systems.  Gammagobulin.  Lack of sleep and stress is a  huge factor.   Germs from all over the country is spot on, even given how clean they keep the living quarters and they way they are supposed to sleep with their heads pointing in different ends of the bunks (I assume that's the same, I haven't seen a good shot of the current racks at Glakes).  

Lots of misinformation about the shot out there.  I'd had one prior to boot camp for travel to Iran, so I don't recall getting a second one.  

[Concernedad]

I believe Gammglobulin is just for Hepatitis. I thought there was a whole bunch of goodies in that shot. I've heard it's a bit painful. I do know many various immunizations is them putting the bug into you so you build up an immunity.

[Pat (MP)]

Gamma globulin injections are usually given in an attempt to temporarily boost a patient's immunity against disease.

[ebigirl]

My son PIR'd in May of 2011 and came down with "the crud" just before battlestations. Of course he didn't say anything, almost fell asleep DURING b.s., got caught by one of his RDC's. He was given a warning, and the rest of his shipmates made sure NOBODY fell asleep and everyone passed!!!

Yes, he passed, called me with the "I'm a Sailor" call, but forgot exactly why he was calling he was so out of it. It all sounds so funny now, but I made him promise me he would go to medical, and he did. He then slept for the next two days!!

It is so amazing to me what someone will do when THEY really want to do it! I'm so very proud of my Seabee!