To answer some of the questions that you may be having that may also be found on the website, you should have gotten your phone call from your daughter by now, as they were allowed to make a 15 second phone call the evening that they started their in-processing upon arriving at the RTC. The next few days after that [P-Days] are spent completing the in-processing and breaking in period as they spend time getting all of their shots and paperwork together... Somewhere in there they form up the divisions of 80 recruits and assign them to a ship... after about a week you will receive 'the box' - that box of their belongings that is shipped back to the parents of stuff that they will not need during basic training. At about the three [3] week period you will get a longer phone call telling you that they are okay and about their experiences so far. PS - almost forgot that the 'Box' will also have their address so that you can begin to send cards and letters to keep their spirits up during their bootcamp experience... Right now am in the waiting for the 'Box' stage with her mother and looking forward to writing and receiving letters from my 'Shorty'. Thought that I would give you a little info since looked like you didn't get much information when in the chat area last night.

Have been in Navy Dads since daughter was in DEP [Delayed Entry Program] and have read the experiences of others in the process, so kinda know from week to week [there is a discussion showing week to week activities] what she will probably be doing. Right now hardest part is waiting for the box to arrive, after which the letters begin... Just waiting after that to find out about what PIR date is [graduation] so that can make plans to be in GL area for the event... knock on my door [send message] anytime and look forward to extended conversation with you about our daughters.

Mike

Wayne, Welcome Aboard!

My son served as an ABE aboard the USS Ronald Reagan in San Diego, Ca. and my family and I couldn't have been prouder of him. I created this site when he was in boot camp in hopes this site would better inform new Navy Dads and Navy Families that followed behind me.

NavyDads provides the best community for learning about Navy life for everyone but particularly the parents. We are a place for sharing experiences with others that have gone through and are going through the same thing as you. We give you real-time information from others going through it, the sense that you're not alone and the opportunity to help another along.

So jump right in, share concerns, join groups, share info, and show off your Sailor. I hope this site benefits you and your family throughout your Sailors journey in the United States Navy and I thank them for their service. I wish them the best in their travels and I'm glad you've found us.

Sincerely,

Elmo Moore

Welcome aboard Wayne.

I would like to take this time to point you in some of the right directions. For starters if you haven't had the time take a look at the right side of any page you click on. There you will find some useful information for you. The links under the about this site will help you with how this site got started, navigation, PIR, About us, community guidelines and some links to some of the groups that beginners with a lot of questions will find very useful. There is also a link called Navy Enlisted Ratings, this link will take you to a brief description of the rates (jobs) in the Navy that you can find your sailors rate and find out some information about the rate that they are in.

First and foremost though we are all here for the same reason. We are curious about what our young sailors are getting into and for more information about the rate or job that they will be doing for the next 4-6 yrs of their lives. I know when I first got here I had lots of questions and there was not a lot of people on this site but they all were either going through the same thing or had been through it and had sailors out in the fleet. Now this site has grown to over 5000 members, Dads, Moms, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, sisters, brothers, girlfriends and boyfriends. Don't be afraid to ask questions of members in here because somewhere along the way we have all had the same questions and asked. There are a lot of knowledgeable people on this site with various years of experience in the NAVY either on their own account or through their Sailors.

Again welcome aboard and BRAVO ZULU to you and your daughter Ashley on her enlistment and please thank her for me for making the choice to defend the freedoms that my family, this country and I have and enjoy.
Navy dads Admin Tim