My son leaves for bootcamp this Sunday! 5-8-11

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Gregory (Greg )D. Bumpus on May 3, 2011 at 10:11am

Hi CruiserMB,  I feel your pain.  My son will leave for RTC on Thursday 5/5/11.  I'm not too sure how

that works but they will not likely be in the same division - but may be.  My son also aspires to become a seal.  He DEP'd in several months ago & has been training very hard.  He was not able to meet the physical requirements for the SEAL's at the time of his contract - so he signed up as EOD ( explosives ordinace disposal) specialist that will train closely with & be attached to a SEAL team.  He now can meet the physical requirements & plans to go for the SEAL's at a later date.  I personaly have no military back ground, so I am very apprehensive, but extremely proud of him.  He was very active in high school with the JROTC program, so I should have been more mentaly prepared for this day.  I too am confident that he will be in good hands with the Navy.  I too am going to miss my boy - & look forward to the PIR where I will meet the Navy man he will become. 

Good luck to you & yours, Greg

Permalink Reply by Duane E Kaitschuck on May 4, 2011 at 12:00am

Welcome aboard!  My daughter graduates from RTC May 13th.  I've found alot of information posted here and at Navy for Moms.  Be sure to watch the video from Boot Racks to learn more about what he'll experience and what you can expect.  Send letters regularly and watch him grow into a refined, disciplined young adult!  Congratulations on your son's choice and good luck/Godspeed to you and your family as he continues in this lifechanging endeavour!

Permalink Reply by Michael G. Monier, Sr. on May 6, 2011 at 1:09pm

Congrats. My boy is finishing his third week. The first couple of weeks were rough. I think that most dad's probably go through the same emotional gymnastics - sadness (when they leave), fear (that they might have problems) , happiness (when you realise that they are just fine), and pride (when they succeed). I can say that in my case receiving a letter in the third week lifted a great weight - sort of like proof that he is, in fact, ok.  So I am in the happy phase right now.  The good news is that time seems to pass a little faster when you get through the first two phases. Good luck and remember that what they are going through is certainly more difficult than what we are experiencing at home.  

Permalink Reply by Joie Torres on May 7, 2011 at 2:31pm

My son graduated bootcamp and May 6...he was on division 159...He said its all a mind game..they will be alot of fun times and there will be some days they wish they were not there..Your son will learn alot who to deal with all the situation that take place in bootcamp. He had 88 in his division, only 71 graduated. He will do great! Congrats to you and your son and good luck!....Welcome Aboard!

Permalink Reply by J. Moan on May 8, 2011 at 6:14am

Well, today is the day, I will be delivering my boy to his recruiter at 10:00 am this morning. He will be going to Columbia SC where he will stay at a hotel after doing final tasks at MEPS then he said up by 3 am to go to airport to fly to Great Lakes.
It's such a bittersweet time right now, I know he wants this with all of his heart and I want it for him as well. Just gonna miss my boy is all.....
Next step is to wait for the 30 sec. Phone call letting me know he is there and then I'm going on the pretense that no news is good news!
CruiserMB

Permalink Reply by Ray Norberto on May 8, 2011 at 11:39am

I second Jim's sentiments. My son has dreamed of military service since 6th grade, when on the second in middle school the World Trade Center was attacked. I was prepared for the day he left, and then I broke down completely and unequivocally at the parting moment. I was such a mess the recruiters started talking trash about the NY Giants just to bring me back! He left for RTC on November 16 so he was away for the holidays. That was really tough for us, but we got over it; there was no choice. He was doing what he wanted to do! 

I empathize with all the mothers whose sons and daughters are shipping out to RTC TODAY of all days. My and my wife's thoughts will be with your wife and all the other moms out there today.

Permalink Reply by J. Moan on May 9, 2011 at 8:11pm

Well as I posted yesterday, my son shipped out to bootcamp to arrive today, I took him to his recruiter yesterday by 10:00 am where he was to catch a shuttle to Columbia SC spend the night in a hotel and be at MEPS today then catch the flight with the rest of SC recruits to Great Lakes.
It's after 9:00 pm and I still haven't received the "I'm here safe" 30 sec phone call. I can only guess that it will come during a certain time of the processing phase.
Does anybody know if the phone call comes on the day of arrival or is it the day after arrival ?
Thanks,
CruiserMB

Permalink Reply by NavyDads Admin (Paul) on May 9, 2011 at 9:39pm

the I'm here call...typically very late.....11:30-02:30 seems to be the norm...will be very scripted and VERY short...do not expect chatter and do not expect another call for 3-4 weeks...........

Permalink Reply by Ray Norberto on May 9, 2011 at 10:05pm

My son's call came to me right before midnight, so it's usually late, as Paul said. Don't stew too much, we've all been there, so we send your our calmest, coolest thoughts.

Permalink Reply by J. Moan on May 10, 2011 at 6:58am

Thanks ray & Paul, you guys were right on target, got the "I'm here" call this morning just past 12:30 am. Boy it was quick too, I was expecting that but it did seem scripted. I wonder if they are told what to say. Anyways, thanks for your response & kind words. Be a while till I hear from him again.

Permalink Reply by Ray Norberto on May 10, 2011 at 9:53am

Oh yeah, they're told exactly what to say, and they're surrounded by who knows how many other dozens (hundreds?) of other recruits waiting for those same 20 seconds! The RDCs are already taking control, having begun the 'mentoring' as soon as they stepped off the buses from the airport.

When my son Chris hung up the phone after his call, I kept the line open for the longest time, staring at the screen of my cell phone. I was not very suave or cool those first few days, as friends will gladly tell anyone.

Permalink Reply by Chuck Gorsuch on May 13, 2011 at 12:11pm

I know what you mean about the Dad jitters. My son Zak leaves this Monday ... May 16. Gonna be a tough goodbye! So excited for him because I know he will be in good hands. The boy my wife and I are sending off won't be back but we are looking foward to seeing the man that we get back!

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