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Boot Camp: Making a Sailor (Full Length Documentary - 2018)

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**UPDATE 4/26/2022** Effective with the May 6, 2022 PIR 4 guests will be allowed.  Still must be fully vaccinated to attend.

**UPDATE as of 11/10/2022 PIR vaccination is no longer required.

**UPDATE 7/29/2021** You now must be fully vaccinated in order to attend PIR:

In light of observed changes and impact of the Coronavirus Delta Variant and out of an abundance of caution for our recruits, Sailors, staff, and guests, Recruit Training Command is restricting Pass-in-Review (recruit graduation) to ONLY fully immunized guests (14-days post final COVID vaccination dose).  

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RTC Graduation

**UPDATE 8/25/2022 - MASK MANDATE IS LIFTED.  Vaccinations still required.

**UPDATE 11/10/22 PIR - Vaccinations no longer required.

RESUMING LIVE PIR - 8/13/2021

Please note! Changes to this guide happened in October 2017. Tickets are now issued for all guests, and all guests must have a ticket to enter base. A separate parking pass is no longer needed to drive on to base for parking.

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Is this normal? I think it is. I've told him that I think that anyone who isn't scared is insane, or maybe just very lucky.
He's been away from home before, he went to Europe with a student group for three weeks. But this is different. Life as he knows it is ending. His words. I'm praying for him with every beat of my heart.
He's smart and strong and I know he will make it through. But were any of your sons/daughters scared?
Thank you so much,
Beth

Views: 303

Replies to This Discussion

Beth,

Yes, my son was scared to death. He would never admit to it, but I could see it in his face and hear it in his voice. A friend of his told me at church this morning just how scared my son was.

Life as they know it does change as soon as they get off that bus at Great Lakes, IL. Keep telling him that he will do great, you love him, it is normal, and you will always be here for him.

I will keep him in my prayers as well.

My SR admitted she was scared to death. I am sure it is normal. Any kind of change scares people and life as they know it is gone. My daughter would sleep until noon, was messy as anything and had a lot of freedom. This is definitely going to be an adjustment for her. A very good adjustment! Hang in there!

I think it's normal to be scared.  It does get better. My son is starting  his 7th week.  He really has connected with others

and likes his room mate and DI. Hang in there Beth keep writing him letters and soon you will hear and see a different

side.

When did he start boot camp?

Betty

Betty, he hasn't left yet, he leaves for MEPS Tuesday and GL Wednesday.
I've been watching boot camp videos on YouTube and I think he can do this! He took a strength & conditioning class his whole senior year and was the only non athlete in it. I am staying positive for us both!

I think it's also normal to be scared before you leave. My son was apprehensive the week before.

 At drop off I told him i loved him and was very proud of him.  I did not cry till after  he was gone.

I cried 3x a day for a week. I sent my son a letter every day and still do.  Upbeat newsy letters I'm proud of you. They usually can call the next day to let you know they're ok.  He will be fine . The first week is tough but they learn life skills that are amazing. Pray and believe that this is an awesome life changing experience that will

make your son a better man.

Betty

Beth I understand what you are saying my son leaves Tuesday for MEPS also

Go to calls for recruits,org and send him some calling pin numbers when you get his address.  He'll do fine . Cody picky eating second week wrote food amazing Having Fun.

I think many of the recruits are scared when they go. I know mine was nervous. He felt prepared by the recruiter, but still knew it was a change. Remind him that you know how strong and smart he is, that you have faith in him. When you write, keep it positive and again, support him. He knows that you love him, but just hearing it and writing it to him will keep him going. Go with him to meps if you can. My son barely spoke to us there, but later said how much it meant that we were there. He was nervous there, the pictures showed it.

It was hard the first few weeks when my son left. Not having contact was the hardest for me. Get ready to become very good friends with the mail person. Write him every day if you can. He won't be able to write as often, but your letters will mean the world to him. Get friends, relatives, old teachers, to write to him. Remind him that you'll be writing. Let him know you will miss him, that you do miss him (it will be different for you too, than when he traveled before, P2P?).

It sounds like he is ready for this. He's smart, strong, and has your support. And you have our support here.

Both of you are in my thoughts.
Laurie

Diddo  as far as the positive support.  I know we will see changes for the better in Cody he's a great guy but like a lot of kids(even though they are adults they are still our kids) they come from a diffferent generation.  I came from the ol school spare the rod spoil the child.  Now a days you see the social worker knocking at your door.  But sons and daughters there are no social workers at BC .  So a little scaredness yes just   we all get a little scared of the unknown but the discipline is great the physicial part keeps the mind in body in shape and they will get some sloid sleep for a change at times and neatness never hurt anyone.

hey beth, your recent comment is very normal. my son kept telling me he couldn't wait to leave, he wouldn't miss his job or home etc.  guess what, he told me he is sorry he didn't listen to me.  he misses it all.  boot camp is difficult for the mere  fact that "life as they know it has ended".  just continue to say with the site and get as much input for those that have been there and done that.  stay positive for him, you both can do this

It's very normal. My son had already been to college (and had been to the UK for three weeks, too), but I know he was very nervous to go to bootcamp.  I was scared for him-not because I didn't think he could do it, but because of what he would be going through and my motherly instincts just kicked in.  My son said later that as long as you do what your told at ALL times, you'll be fine.  It will be better once you can start writing letters.  Be encouraging and upbeat in your letters. I always let our son know much we missed him, but that Iwe were proud of him and we always tried to encourage him to keep doing his best. Prayer and God's grace got him (and me) through that time as it continues to do so today.   He stayed at Great Lakes for another 2 1/2 months for ATT school, but has been in San Diego for a month now for A school and will be there for about 18 months after that for C school and whatever else..  He loves San Diego and the Navy!

Brenda from NC

I was beyond scared when I left for bootcamp in 1979. Never been away from home and had NO CLUE what to expect. When my son told me he wanted to join the Navy we had a long talk about what to expect. It is only normal for your son to be scared. Everyone is when they do something new. My son is now stationed in San Diego and loves his life. I spent 21 years in the Navy. Good Luck Mom!

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