Boot Camp and Graduation Tips
MY BOOT CAMP STORY
I was so lucky to have found the Navy4Moms site early enough to help me on this wild Navy journey my son has brought me on. I’m so thankful for all the advice I got, all the questions I got answered, and all the kindred spirits, it’s time I gave back.
This is how it all shook out for us … there are a million variables and different people in charge of the divisions, so your mileage may vary. Don’t think that your experience will be the same as mine.
My son, Adam, graduated boot camp (also called PIR – Pass In Review) on April 24, 2009. He’d been in the DEP (Delayed Entry Program) since August 2008, waiting for a corpsman spot to open up. When he left at the end of February, he was excited, a little bit scared, but ready to go. His recruiter told him the biggest problem recruits have in boot camp is homesickness. Adam scoffed. We have a great relationship, but neither of us could imagine he’d be homesick. But he was. Crushing, soul-sucking, teary-eyed homesickness. We were all very surprised by this, especially him. Luckily, it didn’t last long. But be prepared for that.
During boot camp the recruits have to pass certain physical milestones. It seems the most difficult is the run. Males must run 1.5 miles in less than 12:15 minutes. Females must run 1.5 miles in less than 14:45 minutes. I think these are the requirements for the “Alpha males” – those from 18-20 years old. The requirements change based on the age of recruits, so make sure they know what will be required of them physically. They must pass it or they can’t proceed with their graduation, so if at all possible, they should start a running regimen before they ever get to boot camp. There were some recruits in my son’s division who were ASMOd (can’t remember what it stands for, but it means sent back in their training) because they couldn’t pass the fitness tests. There are also sit-up and push-up requirements. They’ll work with your recruit a lot to get them able to pass, but ultimately, it’s their two feet that have to run it. There’s enough stress at boot camp already, so if you can knock this part out of the way beforehand, the better off they’ll be.
After a week or two, you’ll get a box with the clothes they wore when they arrived at boot camp, and anything else they took with them. They don’t need anything. Not even a toothbrush. They’ll get everything they need there. My son left with only the clothes on his back, his wallet, an address book and a paperback to read on the plane, which he had to donate to the USO room in Chicago. I checked with some of the moms of females and asked if the same was true with them. This is one of the responses I got: “I can only speak on behalf of my own daughter. Like the males, everything she took with her was sent back in 'the kid in a box'. EVERYTHING. Including her belly button ring, watch, necklace, earrings. Everything they will need for 'that time of month' is provided for them and can be purchased at the NEX [Navy Exchange … store on base]. No cosmetics were allowed until graduation pictures and/or PIR. They weren't even allowed to go down the cosmetic aisle at the NEX for the first several weeks. Also, I learned this too late, about a week prior to PIR, moms can send their daughters their favorite cosmetics from home and best to overnight it or 2nd day. Just the basics though — moisturizer, face powder/cream, mascara, eyeliner, lipstick ...and it has to be used sparingly. But you don’t have to send it, they can purchase make-up from the NEX.”
They can’t write home right away, except for the quick lines scribbled at the end of the first form letter with their address and other basic information. There was confusion for some moms because the recruits draw a box around their address on this form letter. But they use a different return address on their letters home. Don’t get confused, just use the one they marked on the form letter.
About three weeks after he left we got the letter they call the “Grad Packet.” There’s basic info about graduation, but the two most important pieces are the actual date of graduation and the parking pass you’ll need on base. Don’t lose it. You’ll need it to get to the graduation and after the graduation. Since Adam stayed in Great Lakes for A-School, we were able to come and go. But to get on base, he had to be in the car with us, and IDs had to be shown.
I was so lucky to have found the Navy4Moms site early enough to help me on this wild Navy journey my son has brought me on. I’m so thankful for all the advice I got, all the questions I got answered, and all the kindred spirits, it’s time I gave back.
This is how it all shook out for us … there are a million variables and different people in charge of the divisions, so your mileage may vary. Don’t think that your experience will be the same as mine.
My son, Adam, graduated boot camp (also called PIR – Pass In Review) on April 24, 2009. He’d been in the DEP (Delayed Entry Program) since August 2008, waiting for a corpsman spot to open up. When he left at the end of February, he was excited, a little bit scared, but ready to go. His recruiter told him the biggest problem recruits have in boot camp is homesickness. Adam scoffed. We have a great relationship, but neither of us could imagine he’d be homesick. But he was. Crushing, soul-sucking, teary-eyed homesickness. We were all very surprised by this, especially him. Luckily, it didn’t last long. But be prepared for that.
During boot camp the recruits have to pass certain physical milestones. It seems the most difficult is the run. Males must run 1.5 miles in less than 12:15 minutes. Females must run 1.5 miles in less than 14:45 minutes. I think these are the requirements for the “Alpha males” – those from 18-20 years old. The requirements change based on the age of recruits, so make sure they know what will be required of them physically. They must pass it or they can’t proceed with their graduation, so if at all possible, they should start a running regimen before they ever get to boot camp. There were some recruits in my son’s division who were ASMOd (can’t remember what it stands for, but it means sent back in their training) because they couldn’t pass the fitness tests. There are also sit-up and push-up requirements. They’ll work with your recruit a lot to get them able to pass, but ultimately, it’s their two feet that have to run it. There’s enough stress at boot camp already, so if you can knock this part out of the way beforehand, the better off they’ll be.
After a week or two, you’ll get a box with the clothes they wore when they arrived at boot camp, and anything else they took with them. They don’t need anything. Not even a toothbrush. They’ll get everything they need there. My son left with only the clothes on his back, his wallet, an address book and a paperback to read on the plane, which he had to donate to the USO room in Chicago. I checked with some of the moms of females and asked if the same was true with them. This is one of the responses I got: “I can only speak on behalf of my own daughter. Like the males, everything she took with her was sent back in 'the kid in a box'. EVERYTHING. Including her belly button ring, watch, necklace, earrings. Everything they will need for 'that time of month' is provided for them and can be purchased at the NEX [Navy Exchange … store on base]. No cosmetics were allowed until graduation pictures and/or PIR. They weren't even allowed to go down the cosmetic aisle at the NEX for the first several weeks. Also, I learned this too late, about a week prior to PIR, moms can send their daughters their favorite cosmetics from home and best to overnight it or 2nd day. Just the basics though — moisturizer, face powder/cream, mascara, eyeliner, lipstick ...and it has to be used sparingly. But you don’t have to send it, they can purchase make-up from the NEX.”
They can’t write home right away, except for the quick lines scribbled at the end of the first form letter with their address and other basic information. There was confusion for some moms because the recruits draw a box around their address on this form letter. But they use a different return address on their letters home. Don’t get confused, just use the one they marked on the form letter.
About three weeks after he left we got the letter they call the “Grad Packet.” There’s basic info about graduation, but the two most important pieces are the actual date of graduation and the parking pass you’ll need on base. Don’t lose it. You’ll need it to get to the graduation and after the graduation. Since Adam stayed in Great Lakes for A-School, we were able to come and go. But to get on base, he had to be in the car with us, and IDs had to be shown.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by PADnFH on -
Becky, your information is so helpful. My son left today 6/3/09, tomarrow is his 20th birthday. I have such anxiety about BC, and your information is so helpful. I already miss him so much, the tears just keep coming. I know as time passes it will get somewhat easier, and this site helps alot. Please keep the information coming, it is so appreciated.
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Permalink Reply by Kathleen Flynn Boucher on -
Thanks! I just got my son's box of clothes and broke into tears - ALL of him now belongs to the navy. It included underwear, postage stamps and blank pages torn out of his address book. It's only been a week but am anxious to hear from he. He was delayed enlistment and a bit older than most - 25 - but has been on a strict fitness regimen since then.
I really appreciate your blog.
Kathy
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Permalink Reply by Karen aka "Ducky" on -
My daughter just arrived at bootcamp yesterday, June 1st. Got my "scripted " call at 1:30am. I am doing ok, but already miss her terribly. Becky, all the "Boot Camp and Graduation" info you have provided is wonderful and extremely helpful. It takes a great deal of concern and worry off of my heart. Will make planning graduation details feel more organized and complete. Great Tips! I couldn't say whether you are a Goddess or a Queen, but I can say that you qualify for either position/title. Thank you and God Bless you for taking the time to provide such wonderful info and emotional help for me and so many other new Navy moms. I say you are an Angel. God Bless...I think I will sleep much better tonight.
Karen aka "Ducky"
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Permalink Reply by Sharon on -
Becky,
I wanted to first thank you for taking the time to compile this information for all of us, it has truly been a blessing! My son left on 5/28/09 and I just received the 'box' today. I was not sure what to expect when I opened the box and it was sad to get and a litte funny too. His shoes were on top with the soles up and then his pants, it looked like they tried to stuff him in there. Had to take a picture for the scrapbook and for him to see when we finally get to see him! ;o) It was also so sad to see all the stuff and know that his 'personal stuff' was now separated from him ~ he was now the property of the government.
I do have a question about what was sent back. He got to keep his soap, shampoo, razor, deodarant, but they sent back his calling card. But I found that in the pant pocket and was not sure if it was there by mistake or he purposely sent it back. If I mail it to him, would that be ok?
Thank you again for the information and taking the time to respond to all our questions! And thank you to the other moms for their informative input!
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Permalink Reply by Becky (mom of Adam) on -
Sharon ... I'd say there's no reason not to send back the calling card in one of your letters. The worst they'll do is take it away from him, but only if they notice it's there. They don't "inspect" the mail, but I sent my son a big envelope with the comics from the Sunday paper. The chief saw it, told Adam to open it and said the funnies were contraband and to get rid of them. So I wouldn't think the calling card would be a big deal. And it can't be contraband because eventually, when they get phone calls home, that's what they use anyway. Of course, if the calling card didn't have any minutes left your son might wonder what's going on! ;-D
Funny about your box ... Adam's looked exactly the same, with everything stuffed in like he stepped out of his clothes inside the box!
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Permalink Reply by Sharon on
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Thanks Becky! I am going to send the calling card back and I did check to ensure it still had the minutes on it. I am thinking he placed it in his pocket and then forgot about it with all the stuff going on. Will have to remember to keep his envelopes smaller and not so thick. ;o)
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Permalink Reply by Ship 09, Div 252 on -
hi, i have been hearing alot that your the queen of info on bootcamp. an i wanted to ask for my fiance to make phone calls does he need a phone card? and does he need stamps to mail letters?
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Permalink Reply by Becky (mom of Adam) on
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"Queen" ... I like that! I'd much rather be the Queen of the Universe, though, instead of the Queen of boot camp info. ;-D
Unfortunately, I don't know everything ... just the stuff that dealt with me and my son. But, yes, he will need a phone card and yes, he will need stamps. But both will be provided, either directly by the Navy, or purchased from his paycheck.
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Permalink Reply by jeanna c parker on
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I am new at this, my grandson left Tuesday and arrived @ destination last night...I have raised him since an infant and in my heart he is my son... I have visited this sight and read stories but couldnt reply because I had not joined and since he also was delayed waiting on a spot open for six months just couldnt wrap my arms around it really happening...
Andy has always wanted to join the military but his senior year in high school I was afraid he wouldnt do anything with his life and in years to come would look back with many regrets... I have read so many stories and know that God will wrap his arms around him and all of the young men and women in our armed forces and guide them into a better person.
I will welcome any advice that comes my way..and my prayers are with all families....
Jeanna
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Permalink Reply by cdkline on -
Jeanna,
My step son completed BT on May 22. He told us the best thing he had was the letters everyone sent. His dad and I tried to find very funny cards to put our letters in. He stated that was the best, he shared the cards with his bunkmates whom also had a laugh or two. I also wrote to everyone that I had an address for and asked them to send him a letter. Believe it - many many people did as I requested. The letters were part of what kept him motivated. He was able to call a few times, but with the divided family, we only heard from him once.
He talked about his bunkmates and others in his division. I always tried to ask about them and tell them something. You never know if they are receiving letters. Michael would write back and say, so and so got a kick out of your last letter.
Graduation weekend he was trying to please, but as 1/2 of the family left early he stated he just wanted to relax. We spent one day (5+ hours) at the hotel pool. Make sure to get a hotel with a nice pool! We ordered pizza in and brought a portable DVD player and his favorite movies. That was the best day for all of us.
Hope this helped.
Christine
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Permalink Reply by Stacy R on -
My son left for Great Lakes on Monday 6/1/09. His recruiter gave me an address for him yesterday. Would this address be accurate or should I wait to hear from my son. I don't want to send any letters to him until I know for sure.
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Permalink Reply by Becky (mom of Adam) on
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I'd wait if I were you. I'm not sure if the recruiter would know your son's division number and everything. It won't be long before you get the address. Then you can be sure your letter will arrive like it should. If you can't wait, just start writing letters, then you can send them as soon as you get the address. I tried to send one every day and like Christine, I gave his address to everyone. So many people wrote to him and he really appreciated every letter. I sent a few photos which he liked too, but they don't have much room. One mom said about halfway through boot camp she sent a postage paid envelope so her son could send some of the letters or photos or whatever home so he'd have more room.
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