Saturday's

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Carol Harrington on July 31, 2016 at 12:03am

That's a great question, that unfortunately I don't know the answer to. My SR called today and by chance I answered it. But his dad was not able to get his phone and talk to him. I know another division did not get to call because they are not doing well. I don't know that there is a set agenda or schedule because divisions and SR's in them do different duties/trainings each week. Sorry, I am not much help.

Permalink Reply by NavyDads Admin (Paul) on July 31, 2016 at 5:19am

no- calls can be anytime....Saturday's generally like any other training day

Permalink Reply by Russell on July 31, 2016 at 9:13am

My son Mark also called yesterday. Unfortunately I was working but he spoke with Mom. It's my understanding phone calls can be used as motivation, rewards and discipline. Mark said his group was really doing well. He is entering week 4 and I hope his group continues to do well and maybe get a couple more calls. 

Permalink Reply by John Alan DeMarco on July 31, 2016 at 9:55am

Thanks Russell! I assume if the calls come from that 847 area code it is the pay phone bay but they still have to use their calling card right ? Reason I ask is cause someone said every time you make calls with those things even for connecting it wipes off a huge amou t of minutes.

Permalink Reply by John Alan DeMarco on July 31, 2016 at 9:57am

Thanks Carol. The fact he called you on a Saturday answered my question that it doesn't necessarily mean bad news if they call on another day besides Sunday

Permalink Reply by John Alan DeMarco on July 31, 2016 at 2:35pm

I m going to ask another question. The number they call from will it take incoming calls ?

Permalink Reply by Brett Morgan on August 3, 2016 at 10:42pm

Hi John,
I'm not sure if it will take an incoming call but I probably wouldn't risk trying it. I can just imagine an RDC answering it and calling a recruit to the phone. Yikes. The IT and 10 counts would come fast and furious. I will say that you should be ready to answer your phone no matter what number shows up. I made the mistake of sending a call to voicemail because it was from another state thinking it was a sales call. Imagine my surprise when it rings through again seconds later with my sailor on the other end. Turns out he used a buddy's phone to call me when we got separated at PIR. Now I answer it no matter what number shows up. I'll deal with the sales calls to not miss him.



John Alan DeMarco said:

I m going to ask another question. The number they call from will it take incoming calls ?

Permalink Reply by John Alan DeMarco on August 4, 2016 at 7:16am

Yeah I know... I resisted the urge. Thought the same thing. We have to be strong and tough to for them. I honestly just didn't expect a call on Saturdays. So I went out of town white water rafting. I had no service so turned off the phone and left it in the church bus. but would not have been able to talk on the river with an Orr in my hand anyways had a had one or had it with me. I will heed the advice though and expect a call anytime. I think it hurt me more not to be able to talk to him than it probably did him. And as the old saying goes... He probably got a little stronger relying on God and himself. Got a question you may know the answer too.. I was talking to one of the recruiters at his old station and he said they are not allowed to talk all week except Sunday's. Does this include all talking as far as working together or encouraging? Or just know socializing?

Permalink Reply by Brett Morgan on August 4, 2016 at 9:30am

Before I answer your question I want to say that any information I give is coming solely from conversations I've had with my son, Andrew, following his graduation from boot camp and relates to his experiences in his division. Things could be different in other divisions or with other RDCs. That said, the recruiter is correct. According to Andrew, the recruits were not allowed to talk to each other at all during their 8 weeks at RTC. All forms of communication were official via orders and replies. Recruits caught in idle conversation were given IT along with the rest of the division. This did not mean that they didn't talk at all though. He said that after taps at night guys would get up and talk with their shipmates but they ran the risk of getting caught. I'll spare you the story of what happened to his brother division when they all got caught out of their racks after taps. I'm sure there is a reason for this and it must have something to do with breaking down the recruits to build a sailor where a civilian used to be.

With regard to Sunday, Andrew told me that he went to church a few times while there. He said it was a nice break away from the yelling lol. I'm sure you son will take advantage of this as well.

It may go without saying, but I'm going to say it anyway. Stay strong and encouraging in every conversation and correspondence. Keep things positive and supportive. Boot camp can be very hard emotionally on them and that is as it should be (separate the wheat from the chaff as it were). Andrew said it was the support and encouragement he got from his mom and me in our letters that helped him through the rough times.

Permalink Reply by John Alan DeMarco on August 6, 2016 at 10:52am

Thought I replied, but thanks Brett, wanted to make sure I was giving everyone accurate info. His grandmothers thought were emotional thinking he couldn't talk, but I agree it has to do with making them stronger. I was trying to stress to them though how important letters are to them. I think they got it.

Permalink Reply by Navy Dads Co-Admin Tom on August 7, 2016 at 6:42pm

Joseph....Only 2 calls are guaranteed....I've arrived.....and I'm a Sailor! Anything else is a cherry on top...

Permalink Reply by John Alan DeMarco on August 7, 2016 at 6:44pm

Can I ask what are you talking about emails. Did you mean mail? They don't get to email do they ?

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