Boot Camp

[MarineMom5]

I am the MOM of a Poolie. My son just shipped to boot on Mon July 18.

I wanted to say "Thank you" to those of you on this site. I have read several threads and viewed many links. It helps me feel like I have some contact with what my son is going through.

I especially liked the thread about Boot Camp "Care" packages. You can bet I won't be sending any cookies.

My question is: When is the first time that I will get a phone call or letter from my son?

Thanks in advance to those that respond.

[drillinstructor]

You will receive your first phone call when he arrives safely on the Depot. Is he coming to SD? Kilo Company is picking up tomorrow and he will be in Kilo Co if he is in SD.

[USMCgrunt0331]

You should get a postcard from him within a week with his address. You should probably get a letter from him around 2 weeks after he arrives 2 to 2 1/2 weeks after he arrives. You won't be receiving any more phone calls after that first one the day he arrives at the depot.

[003XXMarineDAD]

We never got the postcard , and missed the phone call . But did get a call the other night so it all works out in the end.Yes he's in SD.

[Nagalfar]

MarineMom5, I think you are missing some real fun here though.. you can tell him about all the "Care packages" you have planned for him, it would give him something to write home about.. and look forward too! lol

[drillinstructor]

I do not know your son's name but he is currently living in the same barracks that I am in.......Kilo will pick up today and I am sure he will have a wonderful day today....

[MarineMom5]

Thanks to all who responded. Last night the phone rang, a recorded womans voice said "you will not be charged". I kept saying "hello" then there was static and then nothing.
Caller ID shows a San Diego area code so I assume that was my "Call". I will anxiously await his postcard and when I write back I may do as Nagalfar suggested and tell him that I will be sending many Care packages!

[Namvet67]

Don't worry MarineMom5.....He's in good hands now! He is now the property of the Corps and i'm sure he will follow in the footpaths of many that were there before him and went on to earn the title of United States Marine! I always was happy to see i had mail but did not look forward to any care packages..the DI's have a lot of "fun" with these!

[MarineMom5]

Namvet67....Thank you not only for your response but for your service. I had a Father in WWII, 2 brothers in Nam and my youngest brother is retire AF.....but I still know that the USMC is the best. I know that my son will make it. He has dreamed of nothing else for the past year.

[sgt.lane]

get some drillinstructor.....
MarineMom5--he will do fine, as long as he moves fast and listens well

[GySgtRet]

MarineMom5,

I admire your interest in your sons pursuits into the Marine Corps. He is indeed in excellent hands and will soon grace the ranks in the Marine Corps as a Marine. I am glad that his dream is finally coming true.

Will you and family memebers be going to his graduation? If at all possible it would be one of the greaest moments in his life and in yours barring his birth of course.

Semper Fidelis

[MarineMom5]

ABSOLUTELY...the Whole family will be there(except the dog!), teary eyed and all.

[drillinstructor]

OK Good hope to see you here. SUPPORT HIM so many kids want to quit and give up. I call parents of these damn quitters and the response is "good I don't want him their anyway." a losing battle for me so I just slay the quitter more. Anyhooo your son picks up in 1 hour I will be watching the pick-up and hope he does fine.

[MarineMom5]

We will support him in any way possible. He won't want to quit, he is athletic, proud and well....stubborn! He said he is going to be a Marine and I have no doubt that he will make it.

drillinstructor What do you mean by "pick up"?

[SLU_fly_girl]

Pick up occurs after the new recruits are inprocessed to the MCRD. They are finally introduced to and "picked up" by their Drill Instructors. For the remainder of training, these DIs will "take care" of the recruits for the next 13 weeks. Although I have not experienced enlisted pick-up, I can almost GUARANTEE your son's world is about to be turned UPSIDE-DOWN!

"Plt Sgts, take control of your platoons and carry out the orders of the day." then.................MASS CHAOS.