My son was promoted to Port Watch. What does this mean?

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Permalink Reply by NavyDads Admin (Paul) on February 10, 2017 at 1:38pm

Check this posting: http://navydads.ning.com/group/bootcamp/page/recruit-division-comma...

Permalink Reply by Scott Bates on February 10, 2017 at 1:55pm

Thanks Paul.  I did review that page, and also went to the official Navy page.  I understand the chain of command but was hoping to learn more about what the responsibilities are, how recruits are selected to fill these roles, is every recruit given the opportunity to demonstrate leadership abilities or just the ones who separate from themselves from the masses, etc.  I have asked my son to provide more details in my return letter I just sent him today, but I expect it to be 2-3 weeks before I get a response back from him.

Permalink Reply by NavyDads Admin (Paul) on February 10, 2017 at 3:12pm

from another site: 

One major role that we all in the Navy take part in is guard duty as we all must qualify for it, and at some time or other we all must stand the watch. The two major elements to standing your watch on guard duty are the Watch Bill and the Deck Log and to maintain both are the Port and Starboard Watches. The two assign duties to those in the Division on the watch bill, a sort of schedule and shifts for recruits to stand watch over the compartment the entire day through. The Deck Log documents every action of the Division and the status of the compartment hence the deck log is to be treated like gold with every entry written clearly and every minute accounted for. Also gaining a spot on the bus, the ranks are divided into port and starboard and are headed by the Port and Starboard Watches.

Permalink Reply by John Alan DeMarco on February 10, 2017 at 4:17pm

Advice that was given to me... and some I learned. They have little time to go into explanations during writing at boot camp. I asked a lot and my son rarely elaborated other than he was pleased I even knew what was going on. Also keep your letters non military so he gets a break. Tell him about what's going on in the would. They have no idea being cut off. You will have plenty of time to talk about boot camp after PIR.

Permalink Reply by NavyDads Admin (Paul) on February 10, 2017 at 4:37pm

Well done!  They live Navy 24/7 and need the mental break from that occasionally 

John Alan DeMarco said:

Advice that was given to me... and some I learned. They have little time to go into explanations during writing at boot camp. I asked a lot and my son rarely elaborated other than he was pleased I even knew what was going on. Also keep your letters non military so he gets a break. Tell him about what's going on in the would. They have no idea being cut off. You will have plenty of time to talk about boot camp after PIR.

Permalink Reply by John Alan DeMarco on February 10, 2017 at 4:39pm

John Alan DeMarco said:

Advice that was given to me... and some I learned. They have little time to go into explanations during writing at boot camp. I asked a lot and my son rarely elaborated other than he was pleased I even knew what was going on. Also keep your letters non military so he gets a break. Tell him about what's going on in the world. They have no idea being cut off. You will have plenty of time to talk about boot camp after PIR.

Permalink Reply by Scott Bates on February 16, 2017 at 12:28pm

thank you very much.  Wonderful information

NavyDads Admin (Paul) said:

from another site: 

One major role that we all in the Navy take part in is guard duty as we all must qualify for it, and at some time or other we all must stand the watch. The two major elements to standing your watch on guard duty are the Watch Bill and the Deck Log and to maintain both are the Port and Starboard Watches. The two assign duties to those in the Division on the watch bill, a sort of schedule and shifts for recruits to stand watch over the compartment the entire day through. The Deck Log documents every action of the Division and the status of the compartment hence the deck log is to be treated like gold with every entry written clearly and every minute accounted for. Also gaining a spot on the bus, the ranks are divided into port and starboard and are headed by the Port and Starboard Watches.

Permalink Reply by Scott Bates on February 16, 2017 at 12:29pm

John,

Sage wisdom.  thank you for putting it into perspective.  I've taken your advice and kept my letters focused on the happenings back home and the things I know he was interested in...friends, family, video games, etc.

John Alan DeMarco said:

John Alan DeMarco said:

Advice that was given to me... and some I learned. They have little time to go into explanations during writing at boot camp. I asked a lot and my son rarely elaborated other than he was pleased I even knew what was going on. Also keep your letters non military so he gets a break. Tell him about what's going on in the world. They have no idea being cut off. You will have plenty of time to talk about boot camp after PIR.