First Letter

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Hello2u on September 5, 2016 at 1:21am

Yes, very normal. Form letter can take up to three weeks, being she's still be classed up in a division, once she's set, you'll get info And recruiters half the time will know when you know, or maybe after the fact. Hang in there, and Congrats!

Permalink Reply by Tony Consolo Sr. on September 5, 2016 at 2:26am

My son left 8/8. The form letter should be arriving soon it will have her address graduation date and info. But that is all. I think it was a week after that that we received his first letter. Be ready they do not have a lot of time to right. We have only received two letters and one phone call and he graduates on 9/30. But write as much as possible it is a tremendous help to them. I include local clippings from the paper and pictures from home. He says they have helped a lot. Congratulations and welcome to the family.

Permalink Reply by NavyDads Admin (Paul) on September 5, 2016 at 5:23am

Typically the first 4-10 days after the new recruits arrive at RTC are called Processing Days or P-Days. Around holidays and sometimes for unforeseen issues (flight delays, severe weather, etc.) P-days can last up to 14 days. Although recruits are assigned to a ship and division upon arrival, these assignments are not final and they do not move to their designated ship until P-days are over. Unplanned events may change that ship assignment. Your sailor's recruiter may give you an address a day or two after your recruit arrived at Great Lakes with a particular division that may not be final. This is why NavyDads always advises you to wait for your sailor's form letter with his or her correct address. That letter typically arrives 5-10 days after they have shipped to RTC.

Permalink Reply by John Alan DeMarco on September 5, 2016 at 7:47am

It took another week for my sons form letter after the box. I read recruiters address can be inaccurate and actually met a parent this weekend at PIR and that was the case for them. I would wait. It helps get you used to waiting.

Permalink Reply by Navy Dads Co-Admin Tom on September 5, 2016 at 10:43am

You should receive the Form Letter this week. Recruiter information may not be up to date...I would wait for the letter to arrive... Patience, my friend....get used to it!

Permalink Reply by Darran Prince on September 18, 2016 at 2:14pm

My daughter left 8/23. I just got the first real letter last weds. ... it will come. Expect a few lines about how she missed you and cried. It's normal. ... boot is a big change, but they adapt. My daughter is now looking forward to PIR in October. Stay strong for her... they do rely on your letters.

Permalink Reply by Tony Consolo Sr. on September 18, 2016 at 2:24pm

My son graduates Sept. 30th. The last letter he sent he mentioned how jealous everyone else was that he received pictures and news clippings from home. He mentioned how it helped the home sickness and feel like he was still close to home. I typically write every other day. Once a week I include a couple pictures and then the other letter I'll include local clippings and maybe a national or sports. I also write a joke at the end of each letter. Being a Marine Corps Vet it gives me the chance to have a little banter with him and keeps things light.

Permalink Reply by Leslie Kae Barnett on September 29, 2016 at 3:20pm

Good afternoon, My son left 8/23 as well and will be graduating on 10/28. I have only received 3 letters and 3 calls at this point. I know the last two calls were good, he sounded happy and excited about being there. He was given a 2nd job and moved up to a E2. Quite proud of my boy! Counting the days down til graduation! :)

Permalink Reply by NavyDads Admin (Paul) on September 29, 2016 at 3:30pm

wow...three calls already?  you are entitled to two so you are ahead of the curve! 

Permalink Reply by Darran Prince on October 10, 2016 at 10:15pm

My daughter is scheduled to go to PIR 10/28.I have received 3 calls as well, and yes she is above the curve. She did really well on her inspections. Shows 3 years of JROTC is paying off. He'll week is over by now and she is really excited about finishing the last few weeks