Arriving at boot camp PT ready - important or not

[John Alan DeMarco]

Maybe a month or so a few of us had the discussion about whether or not preparing before boot camp would impact a recruit passing boot camp. I had this discussion last weekend with my son after PIR. He passed everything initially with little preparation before leaving. When I say little, we began running 2 weeks prior. Some dads had said their recruits had begun as much as 6 months before. As you all know this means you automatically move up to E-2 when you pass initial academic and pt. Except he didn't pass everything. He missed his push up mark. He was told later he did not have accurate form and once he was taught the correct form he had no problems. I say all this to say, I had asked him early on if he had his recruiter show him the correct form on everything. I had encouraged him months before to begin PT training. So we all know as parents we can do so much but it's up to our kids. When I told him about the discussion we had, he said if he could encourage future recruits the importance of getting motivated and physically ready well before arriving at boot camp, he would do so. So I know they get irritated at us some times, but I would just say that while it didn't mean failing boot camp, it did have implications that he remembered and wanted others to learn from him on. If you are worried or concerned about their readiness, find a way to bring this experience into the conversation without it being a "this is what's going to happen" but maybe a , " how would you feel if you had missed the opportunity to rank up by a small margin." Maybe it will make them think. If you can do that, do not worry. Well do not worry anyways. They are always going to learn some things on their own. Passing is as much about will as it is preparation. But those who prepare definitely have an easier time. Mine said it was obvious those who has prepared a lot to those who had not prepared at all.Good luck to each of you with your sons/daughters!

[Phil Shannon]

Great advice! My daughter had a different issue at Great Lakes that caused her to not get advanced as far as she could. It's been over 4 years so I'm sure I don't have exact details, forgive me. But I think she came out of PIR as E-2 instead of E-3 because she fell just short of passing a target/shooting thing. It would have been difficult for us to prepare for shooting firearms because nobody in our family had ever touched a gun before she went to boot camp. I've read some about other families who have guns and target practice all the time and their SR's aces that part of boot camp. Now our sailor is great with the firearms, she took us all target shooting when she came home one time and I think we will do it again soon. I went through the classes and training and got my license, she is my instructor!

[John Alan DeMarco]

Gary... 18 days.. You are at about the 1/3 mark and in a couple of short weeks as he goes thru weeks 4-6 suddenly you will be looking at 2 short weeks to graduation. If he timing holds your son should have been able to write yesterday and hopefully you and your wife see a letter this week. And no promises but hopefully an I am alive call in the next week or 2. Look forward to picture posting date.. Hopefully you guys have found the PIR date page on Facebook. I received a lot of good advice between the sites I was on and other parents. And yes...prayers and Gods strength got my son and I through and will get your son and you through also. Remember no news is good news and any time you are feeling anything... Share or ask advice and I know someone will listen or have some advice who has been through it.

[Gary Radke]

Thanks John, very good advice. It's been 18 day since my son left for boot camp. This is the 1st I really felt lost. I took the advice I gave my son when he left. Say a prayer when needed. I hope and pray that everything is going alright. I remember the good things when we would go up to the restaurant, get something to eat and watch the football game. These are the memory's that keep me going. My wife and I are awaiting our first letters and phone call. I told my son that mom and I are having a contest to see who writes him the most. So far mom is winning. I want to say a special thank you to all the Dad's with the great advice and guidance they have given me so far. This is a great website GOD BLESS the United States Navy. Gary

[NavyDads CoAdmin Jim Gramza]

Thank you so much for the follow up! I'm really happy for your son that he made it through. I'm sure this was one lesson that he can pass on to others.

[Navy Dads Co-Admin Tom]

Yes....it is important....no ifs, ands, or buts! This is not Summer Camp! How often we see that somebody's Sons or daughters didn't pass the Fitness test...and should be excused for all kinds of reasons! That is not the way it works...If the Recruit doesn't prepare him or herself in advance, there will be ramifications. Everyone does not get a trophy for playing. Lives depend upon this, folks. Please....push your kids to prepare....it will make their lives so much easier....Ultimately it is up to them!

[NavyDads Admin (Paul)]

we advise everyone to run and get into some sort of physical shape...they will be tested on physical fitness throughout their Navy career...get in shape early and it won't hurt as much! 

[Navy Dads Co-Admin Tom]

That's a great message to pass along, John....Well done!