DEP-Leavin for bootcamp in February

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Comment by JessicaB-Sailor Mom on February 11, 2011 at 7:42am

Also, have your rct pack up what they'll want in A school and beyond...clothes, underwear, electronics, music, movies, games, books etc. Then you'll know what to send them and/or what to take to PIR.

Your rct also needs to be thinking about what they want you to do with the rest of their stuff. I still have BOXES of my son's stuff packed up.

Comment by JessicaB-Sailor Mom on February 11, 2011 at 7:38am

Send your recruit the calender pages for the weeks they are gone...you can just mail it to them after you get their address. It might be a good idea to just make a copy of or print it off the computer...perhaps put the first half on the front and the second half on the back. They don't have calenders in boot camp. You may want to wait till you know the PIR date and then CIRCLE that on the calender before you send it. Or you can put it in their wallet or Bible

Comment by JessicaB-Sailor Mom on February 11, 2011 at 7:36am

To all DEPers...start running in heavy boots, wear heavy boots as much as you can...even stand for long periods. This will toughen up your feet and prepare them for wearing your boots 99% of the time in boot camp. Many rcts (mine was one of them) develop horrible blisters, some have plantar faciatis (one got sent home d/t this), some have flat feet and suffer even more.

Stress fractures and shin splints are also a common occurance...so the more you move, run and prepare then the better off you'll be.
Also, most rcts get sick in boot camp. Anything from respiratory, flu-like symptoms, pneumonia, to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, pink-eye is common. SO, please start now boosting their immune system with vitamins, immune boosters, lots of Vitamin C and lots of rest. Also Calcium with vitamin D to prevent stress fractures (both males and females) is a good idea

Comment by JessicaB-Sailor Mom on February 11, 2011 at 7:35am

Some Tips from a Shipmate
· KNOW the 11 General orders.
· KNOW all of the details pertaining to rate/rank recognition.
· Learn how to make a rack (bed) with 45 degree corners.
· Practice ironing military creases in a long sleeve, button down, collared shirt (which would be similar to the Utility shirts issued in Boot Camp)
· I strongly suggest reading the Bluejacket's Manual. Pay particular attention to Damage Control, Seamanship, First Aid, Uniforms and Grooming, and History.
· Memorize the phonetic alphabet.
· Attend all DEP meetings!
· Stay fit (or get fit). Jog, do push-ups, sit-ups, etc., The PT is not hard, but if you're in shape, it can be fun.
· At least advance to E-2 by completing your DEP PQS. You may not care now, but I'll tell you, it sure is nice to graduate with a couple of stripes on your sleeve, instead of nothing. And, of course, it will help you out down the road!

If you want to know what your recruit is doing week to week, this may help: http://www.navyformoms.com/group/decemberbootcampfamily/forum/topic...

Comment by JessicaB-Sailor Mom on February 11, 2011 at 7:35am

A bit of advice regarding health insurance coverage. If your rct is covered by your health insurance or has health insurance then they need to remained covered till they have graduated boot camp. You never know they may be diagnosed with a pre-existing conditiion, may get sent home for some reason or another and then they will have no health insurance coverage. If they work and can get COBRA coverage for the 8 weeks or so they are in boot camp it may be worth it to pay the COBRA rate...just in case.

Here is some interesting info as well

http://www.navyformoms.com/forum/topics/good-advice-for-navy-boot-camp

Comment by JessicaB-Sailor Mom on February 11, 2011 at 7:34am

What they can take:
Send phone #'s and addresses in his/her wallet....believe it or not they do forget #'s
Here's a list of things that are allowed:
Just bring the clothes on your back
Wallet with ID, SSN card, stamps, (small, plain wallet…boys and girls!), bank info
$25 cash
a pocket bible…I sent a Sailor Bible, putting a letter for him to find later and a self addressed stamped envelope with a few pieces of paper in it for the first letter home.
a small religious medallion
can have small photos in wallet
plain wrist watch

CELL PHONE with charger or a TracPhone with about 500 prepaid minutes

an ACTIVATED calling card (usually activated when you buy them but ask) with at least 500 minutes. The payphone eats up 30 minutes or so just to connect and make sure your rct knows how to use it.
bandaids (in wallet) for the inevitable blisters

Comment by Allygater213 on February 10, 2011 at 11:00pm

dreamcruise- I know my recruiter is driving me and 2 other kids that day! He's all 'man, I never get a holiday'  lol all he has to do is drop me off at the hotel! (which, is 3 hours away..uggghh)

I can't wait I am so excited, nervous, and i feel like I have soo many little things to do before I go!

Comment by mysailorson on February 10, 2011 at 10:41pm

I got "the box"  today.  It is a little strange to have every little thing that he owns but he is not here.  Can't wait for PIR!

Comment by Marianne(Ship04/Div807) on February 10, 2011 at 5:54pm

Jan-It' so funny.  They all sound the same.  He just left on Feb. 8th.   Just like yours, my son requested we not be at the swearing in.  I think he thought I would be too emotional and it would have made it harder for all of us.  He was probably right.  Looking forward to the PIR.

Marianne

Comment by Kathy(Joe'sMom) on February 10, 2011 at 3:07pm

I'm counting down to the 22nd as well.  I told him two weeks ago this last month would go by fast and it certainly is flying right by.  My son just rolls his eyes now when I ask questions.  I had to beg for the name & phone # of his recruiter, just in case I don't get information after he leaves.   We are planning to attend his swearing in ceremony, and we got a Navy flag to fly on our flag pole at home in his honor.

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