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Question re: boot camp
My son said he was chosen to be a "stick" and said that means he's the one who carries the flag when they march. I'm curious how this position gets assigned? Is it a positive thing or maybe a disciplinary thing? His letters have been brief and I'm just looking for more info to try and understand what his world is like right now. I appreciate any clarification anyone can offer to me. Thank you.
Views: 305
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by suebal MM3 USS California SSN781 on
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It's a positive thing...He may still be a "stick man" when it comes time for PIR. It's not punishment. The flags are important so they aren't used as punishment. My son was a stick man too :) His life right now is so completely opposite to what he's known. It can be very stressful. Write...A LOT! Chatty types of letters. Print pictures IN his letters so he can see them. There's an enormous amount of discipline and yelling (whether it's needed or not--that's just out the RDCs roll). But you will be amazed at the change when you see him at PIR. Be proud mama...be very proud!
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Permalink Reply by k9kell on
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Thank you for your reply, I appreciate it. I have been writing a lot! About every other day! I have printed up a few pictures, too, mostly of his dog, who I'm sure he misses most!! His first letter said his RDC had it out for him, but in the second letter things were getting better. I am proud, that's for sure! This kid had us worried, but I'm seeing light at the end of the tunnel and I think it's his bright future! Such a relief to a mom, as you know! Thank you again.
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Permalink Reply by Jenn (Proud AO Mom) on
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I'm not sure how the "sticks" are assigned or if it is a reward of sorts - but it is not a disciplinary thing at all so don't worry. Sticks are typically - uh - on the shorter side of the height scale. Not always - but they do tend to be. Is your son maybe a little short? If so then that may have been the criteria they were looking at. :) It's nice because you can find them quickly at PIR.
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I laughed out loud, and I needed that! Thank you! Yes, he is on short side, much to his dismay! He's 5'7". Glad to know it's not a disciplinary thing. I figured as important as the flags are, it wouldn't be, but I also didn't know if maybe he screwed up and they wanted to keep him highly visible or something! I don't know, I look for things to worry about, according to my husband! So I'll relax now (for a minute!), thank you!
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Permalink Reply by sherry73 on
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This might help!
Since your Recruit is in a performing division, you may also want to join the Group, 900's division sailors. There will be information on there that relates to your situation. Here is a site I found that explains about 900 Divisions, The Requirements for the Navy RTC 900 Division
There are 3 types of 900 divisions. There are the Band/Bluejacket Choir/Drill team, otherwise known as Triple Threat (the musicians, singers, and drill team), the Sticks (those who carry the state flags), and the Ship Staff/Honor Guard (the body snatchers, those who guard various things...). Three 900 divisions perform their duties at each PIR, the 900 division(s) from that TG and if needed one to three 900 divisions from the next one or two TG's. Each 900 Division performs in their own PIR and in the PIR for one or two TGs ahead of their own. They may also have performances in the community--that happens mainly for the Triple Threat though. I believe that Division 902 is Sticks/Flags.
Sticks/Flags does an incredible march perfectly timed and executed to the drum corps cadence. It is their job to present the flags for every state in the union. They are lined up by height, so the flow looks better, so your recruit will probably not get to carry their home state flag. They also honor those who have gone before by presenting the POW and MIA flags, as well as the US flag.
Watch the RTC’s fB page beginning 2 weeks before your SR’s PIR and you may catch a glimpse of your SR.
Did you receive the form letter and if so, what is the PIR date since he will have PIR Thanksgiving week?
(The group names and sites mentioned within this reply are clickable links.)
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Oh my gosh! Thank you! You are a wealth of knowledge! I will look into everything you so graciously took the time to mention! His PIR date is 11/02/12. Then he goes right to San Antonio for MAA school. I'm excited to possibly see him on the fb page you mentioned. Thank you again, I appreciate the info.
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