What not to take to bootcamp!
FYI. So you open 'the box" and now you not only see "the remains", (used loosely) of your child..but everything you sent with them to bootcamp as well. Everything you and your recruit spent time and money shopping together for, adhereing to the list diligently...making sure they were well prepared, but in line with "the list".
Forget the list the recruiter gives you, the one you find online or even in the handbook. They should only take a toothbrush, ID , calling card and perhaps a bible or other religious medallion. The rest will all come home in "the box".
If you have daughters, don't waste time buying those white brief style underwear, bras and even a swim suit. I spent a lot of money and it all came back in a box....even though we carefully followed the list to a T. Included also was her copy of her contract, her navy notebook , gym shoes, and the makeup they told her she could bring. Mind you she and I both knew she wasn't going be wearing make up..but was told they could have it for Pictures and PIR. Save the money and put in your childs account. Also, they say you can take 6ounces of this and that..ie shampoo etc..But, unless they are checking their backpack or duffle bag, it will not make it through security...and will end up trashed. Bye the way, your sailor will now be "issued" these things or have to purchase these...which will come out of their paycheck. So again, save the money and give it to them later or use it to buy pictures etc..Hope this is helpful.
Hopefully one day they will just simply tell everyone this so money isn't wasted.
Angela
Forget the list the recruiter gives you, the one you find online or even in the handbook. They should only take a toothbrush, ID , calling card and perhaps a bible or other religious medallion. The rest will all come home in "the box".
If you have daughters, don't waste time buying those white brief style underwear, bras and even a swim suit. I spent a lot of money and it all came back in a box....even though we carefully followed the list to a T. Included also was her copy of her contract, her navy notebook , gym shoes, and the makeup they told her she could bring. Mind you she and I both knew she wasn't going be wearing make up..but was told they could have it for Pictures and PIR. Save the money and put in your childs account. Also, they say you can take 6ounces of this and that..ie shampoo etc..But, unless they are checking their backpack or duffle bag, it will not make it through security...and will end up trashed. Bye the way, your sailor will now be "issued" these things or have to purchase these...which will come out of their paycheck. So again, save the money and give it to them later or use it to buy pictures etc..Hope this is helpful.
Hopefully one day they will just simply tell everyone this so money isn't wasted.
Angela
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Angela on -
Tammy, Nancy is correct. If you can swing it financially it would be best to take care of this for your son. It will be a while before he sees a bank or bank statement. They will issue him a card and he will be taken to the NeX to get "supplies", weather he wants to or not..and all of his clothing, shoes..coats...etc...come out of his pay.
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Permalink Reply by Holly on -
Thank you so much for writing this! I read it the night before I was about to go buy all the "girl stuff" for bootcamp! I had a last minute realization that the list of things for girls to bring was separate from the "mandatory" list, so I thought I'd do some reading before I went and bought a bunch of stuff only to find out that I don't need it. I leave for bootcamp on Sunday, and I only plan on taking the clothes on my back and the bare minimum for my overnight stay for MEPS. So thank you again, I really appreciate the information.
Holly
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Permalink Reply by Lily AJ on -
Something else they will need going to BC is their Direct Deposit form, if they dont have one they will set them up with one at NFCU I believe. This will be so their check will be direct deposit.
The only thing my son took was, his address book, his drivers license, 20$ and his debit card. I got nothing back but his clothes.
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Permalink Reply by Martha61 on
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My son left with only his wallet and his contacts. He thought he would be able to keep the contacts so he didn't take his glasses. The contacts came back in the box. He really can't function without his glasses and I wondered how he managed. In his first "letter" (the few lines they get to write at the bottom of the form letter) he informed us he walked around blind for several days, but that may have been for the best. He was always in the wrong place at the wrong time when they came around looking for people who needed to see the eye doctor. He said he just kind of followed the crowd. He got his "coke bottle" lenses after a few days.
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Permalink Reply by themaryj on
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My daughter got to Great Lakes Aug. 4, all she was allowed to keep was her bible, SS card, debit card, routing slip for direct deposit, and license. I don't know where she's keeping these items as her wallet came home in the "box". She was really mad when she had to repurchase all the things she sent home, stamps, calling card, sports bras, (her recruiter recommended them) and she had to throw away her brand new shoes because they didn't fit in the infamous box. Maybe the US gov. could save a few dollars by letting these new recruits keep what they already have.
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Permalink Reply by Hisbiggestfan on -
We received our phone call last night of our son's safe arrival to Great Lakes. I was very glad that I was already prepared for a "rehearsed" call. I read on this site a few weeks ago about the phone call and the box. The phone call almost sounded recorded. Although I am very proud of my son, I am struggling right now. I am crying as I write this. I have found true peace in knowing that the Lord will be protecting our son and walking with him every step of his new journey- But I feel such an emptiness in my heart. I can not explain it. It is a feeling like no other. When he left for college- I was like, great what can we turn his room into, scrapbooking room for me or game room for the family? We never did either. We left it just like he left it. I was not near as sad when he left for college as I feel right now. Then he came home from college with a degree in ministry and told us that he wanted to be a US Navy SEAL. Now a new exciting chapter in his life, I feel guilty not feeling happy. I guess in college they are still adult children, now I see my son growing into a young man like his father. Although I am extremely proud, I sit here with a broken heart. I pray I will be more of an encourager next month as my heart mends.
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Permalink Reply by Tanya D. Snively on
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Hang in there, Hisbiggestfan.
Chris goes in on Monday @ 3:00.... It has been a very emotional week. I arraigned vacation time and am so very thankful that work was cool with that.
Thank everyone in passing the info on what to expect. It has helped a great deal. So Basicly the toiletries are just for the trip.
My husband just said that he went in wearing junky, to be tossed stuff. Nothing was sent back to his family. He had other family warn him. ; )
Thanks again, Ladies and Gentlemen!
~ Hugs, Tanya: Chris' Mom!
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Permalink Reply by MomLuvsAshton on
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Our son left on Monday for GL. He called from O'Hare and sounded fine. But that safe-arrival call was hard to deal with. It sounded like he was reading a script. I'm glad we had been prepared.
I can understand the emptiness you feel. Not only did our son leave on Monday, but our daughter left for college on Tuesday. A double whammy! I didn't think I had any more tears but they are still coming.
I know our sons will be fine. And so will we!
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Permalink Reply by Kim on -
i hope you find peace soon. My son wants to be a Seal too, but he is 16 has wanted this since he was 10, he does all he can to be fit and reads alot of other Seal's Biographys. I too will be hurting as you are now in 2 yrs. Please keep me updated on your Son I would love to keep in touch and try and help you thru this difficult time for you. Keep your head up God is watching over you and your Son,
Kim
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Permalink Reply by Angela on
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I'm sorry I've been away and didn't read this sooner. This is a time of change for us as parents and it is very natural to grieve. I caused my own self more grief ..trying not to grieve..lol..
I agree I think when they are at college..we can talk to them..they still depend on us ...we can go see them..etc..this is very different. They separate us from our babies..lets be truthful..that's what they are to us. Our babies..no matter how old they are. It also symbolizes we are getting older and our relationships are changing. We have no choice but to change with it and find joy in this new stage. Don't feel guilty you will be able to count your blessings as your grief resolves. You are in my thoughts and prayers..
Angela
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Permalink Reply by Janet "Triple T Mom" on -
Thanks Angela for the info. Is there a particular brand of phone cards we should send with our son when he leaves on Aug 31? Also our son leaves on Aug 31 but will attend the Cardinals game on Sep 3 since he is part of Cardinal Company before he leaves for GL. I'm thinking a change of clothes would be nice to take. He just wants to were old clothes and not change until he gets to GL three days later. This is the kid who showers and changes clothes at least daily if not more often. Any advice?
Janet
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