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 -
Bianca,
I agree the Y is a good place to start if you have the time. You want to leave feeling like you are ahead of the game. If you wait for them to help you it could slow things down for you. If you have the means, find a way to practice swimming and really workout a lot.
Angela
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Permalink Reply by Angela on
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Yesterday I received my first letter from my daughter. She told me her Master Chief thinks she is a beast...why?...because one of her fellow seaman was sick and she carried their bag (about 50lbs.) and her own for 3 miles.
Now I'm sure my daughter thought that telling me about how strong and tough she was would make me not worry and be proud of her...but I was actually most proud that she helped someone in need of her help...When I read this...I thought...the navy didn't teach that to her...that came from her parents and her own sweet spirit.
She commented about how when they had that short break period on Sunday she was actually able to take a shower for more than a min..lol...this was especially funny to me..since she was in ours forever it seemed.
Angela
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Permalink Reply by Eileen Traphagen on -
I was told by the recruiter that he was to go with only the clothes on his back. The only personal item he took was his wristwatch. Then about a week later I got his clothing delivered by Fed Ex. It was weird seeing his things crumpled in a box.
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Permalink Reply by Michelle155 on -
I have one very important thing your new sailor can do before they leave. buy a pair of working boots and wear them ALOT! before they leave. .My son has been in the Navy since 2/2008, and was not used to wearing boots 16 hrs a day. His boots in BC were small for him,but he never said to anyone that his toes really hurt. He said he was just going to tough it out. 2 weeks before BC ended for him (4/2008) his toes were in such bad shape that the Navy docs removed a few nails for him. As his mom,I felt terrible that I could not help him. When we saw him in Great Lakes for graduation,we went right to the NEX & bought him 2 new pairs of boots that he has still. He still has very minor problems with his toes,but nothing like it was in BC. I hope this helps the new sailors some.
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Permalink Reply by Diane (div932) on -
My daughter's recruiter informed us not to take anything on the list but just in case, she went with a few pairs of the white undies, etc. She apparently got to keep the stamps and the paper with addresses. The best thing she did take was a cheap cell phone that got sent back.On the day she left for MEP at 4:20 until they let her call on it one last time at 23:15 at Great Lakes, we were able to talk many times. This seemed to help calm her nerves and mine. It was a day I'll never forget that we were able to share!
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Permalink Reply by Angela on
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My daughter did the same with her cell phone, only it took some conviencing to get her to do it. She at first said no because she didn't want to stand out..but when she saw everyone with theirs...she said what the heck. I was able to talk to her as well.
Angela
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Permalink Reply by james on
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do NOT listen to the recruiter when he tells you to pack a overnight bag. when you arrive at boot camp you are issued a $150 credit card to buy things that you will need. sending anything home will cost you. if you do bring anything donate it to the homeless.
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Permalink Reply by Jeri L. Davis on -
Angela,
Wow, I hate it that you spent all that money and she did not get to keep any of it. I sent my son witha bare minimum which most came back in the box. The only thing he kept was his wallet. We put stamps, a prepaid phone card and a laminated address card with everyone's address and phone numbers on it in his wallet. We made it about the size of a credit card. He got to keep his wallet and all the stuff in it. Good luck with the rest of boot camp. My son John's PIR is June 5, and I am looking forward to seeing him again.
Jeri (proud NAVY Mom to John DIV 210)
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Permalink Reply by Angela on
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Let us know all about PIR and give us all the inside info...ok...
Angela
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Permalink Reply by Jane, Ryan's Mom on -
My daughter thought it would be nice to send her brother homemade cookies after he had been at BC awhile. However he had to open them in front of an officer and then he was not allowed to keep them. So we only sent him letters every few days. Jane
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Permalink Reply by amethystmist on
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