Son starts boot camp on January 3rd.

[Robyn Bova]

Reality is setting in. My stomach is in knots. I hope he will make it through with no issues. What are reasons a recruit doesn't graduate? Does that happen? I'm going to miss the instant communication & seeing him every day.... But it's a new & exciting chapter in his life & I couldn't be more proud.

[NavyDads Co-Admin, Gary]

I totally understand how you're feeling as we all started here on the same path towards the Navy journey. Obviously, bootcamp is not a summer camp by any measure. By design it's the total transformation to one's life from civilian to sailor both physically and mentally.

During this process lots of things can go wrong and also lots of things can go right...

When my son started his journey the only thing I focused on was being there for him supporting him a thousand percent every which way I can but most important stay positive and proud!

[Sonny]

Robyn

It does happen from time to time where recruits do not graduate boot camp.

there has to be an extreme reason for that happening such as.

Drug Use

Failure to follow direct orders

fighting, stealing

those are some of the major reasons. If for some reason your son cant keep up physically they will move him back, or getting injured will hold him back. The Navy will give your son every chance to complete boot camp. my sons ship and division had a couple recruits sent home for lying on their enlistment orders and another tested positive for drugs. hope this info helps Im sure your son will do great hardest part is towards the end called Battle Stations once he gets through that he is good to go.

[John Shearin]

Make sure you write and mail letters photos (nothing he will be embarrassed by) , everyday !! One thing each recruit needs is support from home ! My son told me those letters gave what he needed to push through !!

[David L Lanham Jr]

Hi Robyn,

My so David goes in 01/08/2013. Keep Talkin to me we can go through it together.

[Robyn Bova]

Sounds good. Thanks. :)

David L Lanham Jr said:

Hi Robyn,

My so David goes in 01/08/2013. Keep Talkin to me we can go through it together.

[Robyn Bova]

She's going to do great and so are you. :)

Bill Gately said:

looked like a good place to start my daughter started boot camp 12-12......she is going to do fine seems dad is having a few unexpected issues..

[Robyn Bova]

Thank you! I am planning on it!

John Shearin said:

Make sure you write and mail letters photos (nothing he will be embarrassed by) , everyday !! One thing each recruit needs is support from home ! My son told me those letters gave what he needed to push through !!

[Robyn Bova]

Thank you!! 

NavyDads Group Admin, Gary said:

I totally understand how you're feeling as we all started here on the same path towards the Navy journey. Obviously, bootcamp is not a summer camp by any measure. By design it's the total transformation to one's life from civilian to sailor both physically and mentally.

During this process lots of things can go wrong and also lots of things can go right...

When my son started his journey the only thing I focused on was being there for him supporting him a thousand percent every which way I can but most important stay positive and proud!

[Robyn Bova]

Thank you for the information. I think he's going to do a great job. :)

Sonny said:

Robyn

It does happen from time to time where recruits do not graduate boot camp.

there has to be an extreme reason for that happening such as.

Drug Use

Failure to follow direct orders

fighting, stealing

those are some of the major reasons. If for some reason your son cant keep up physically they will move him back, or getting injured will hold him back. The Navy will give your son every chance to complete boot camp. my sons ship and division had a couple recruits sent home for lying on their enlistment orders and another tested positive for drugs. hope this info helps Im sure your son will do great hardest part is towards the end called Battle Stations once he gets through that he is good to go.

[Lon Sellers]

Robyn and David and all of the new parents who are about to start your adventure with your sailor. What you are going through now was one of the hardest parts for all of us. The time before your recruit leaves is one of worry, doubt, uneasiness and "is he/she really ready". The night you have that last dinner and drop your sailor off at MEPS is very difficult. You feel lost those first couple of weeks as you wait for a call, or letter or anything. The first contacts you make, you try to read between every line or word to see if they are really ok. About week four you will feel a total transformation in yourself and your feelings. The worry subsides, and the incredible pride you feel in your sailor and their commitment to their country and their greater sense of giving takes over. You begin to see a change in their letters and calls and you KNOW that what they are doing is right. When you get the call that they have passed Battle Stations and are officially a Sailor and no longer a recruit, it is tough to keep it together, you are so proud. When you go to PIR, you will be amazed and so proud of not only your sailor but the other 1045 or so in the ceremony. It is a great experience and for me, maybe the best weekend I have ever had with my son, and we have had many Good ones together. Stay in touch with this website, it really helps. Everyone here is really great. My son is still at Great Lakes for A School until Feb. He is coming home for Christmas and I can't wait to give him a hug. I can't wait for you to experience all of the great feelings you will grow through. Your entire family will become closer as a result of your recruits choice to serve. Welcome to the Navy family, it is such a great honor!

[Robyn Bova]

Thank you so much for reaching out. I truly appreciate it and your words are very comforting. Enjoy Christmas with your sailor!! :)  Thanks again. 

[Larry Cournoyer]

Good luck... My son is starting week three on Monday Dec 24th. Im no expert on the goings on there but I have been doing a lot of reading on Navydads.com. It helps. During his first week away, we received his care package. During the 2nd week we got his form letter with his PIR date (pass and review date..ie graduation). Now my wife and I are waiting for our first letter from him. Ive already written him 5 or 6 times. I miss him but as the weeks go on, the closer to his PIR date gets, the easier it gets here at home. Contact me with any questions when your son leaves...