Shipping March 18th

[Newguy]

Hey everyone,

I'm shipping on the 18th of March, and well, to be honest I'm getting pretty anxious. I've been asking around, and looking for around for what to expect, etc.

I've been trying to work on sit ups / push ups / and running (should I worry about pull-ups as well? I don't know where I could practice them...). Anyways, I'm really not in the best of shape, but I'm going to keep on working on it until I ship out, and I know I can push myself if needed.

I was wondering if anyone has, or knows someone who has recently completed Navy basic training, and can tell me a little bit of what to expect, I've checked out almost all of the resources available on this, and I'm looking for some real person stories to be honest...

I've never done anything like this before, and would love some information.

[denmom]

Hey there newguy,

First let me start by saying thank you for your choice to enlist.

2nd. is your recruiters office close to where you live? If it is go there and tell them you want help with PT to get ready for bootcamp.

Also here is a great website with tons of info about basic training, there are also more links at the bottom of the page on the site listed here. Read up and ask away with any questions you may have.

http://usmilitary.about.com/od/navyjoin/l/blnavybasic.htm

So have you picked a specific job to do in the navy? Please fill us in. Inquiring minds want to know.

Tell us a little about your self so we can get to know you before you leave.
Also if you have family that you think would benifit from this site have them join also. We are a great support group for each other.

My 19 year old daughter is my sailor and both my husband and I are verterans of the navy.

Take care and good luck.

[NavyMomx2]

Run New Guy, Run. Practice running - that seems to be the hardest for most recruits.

Vera is right, ask your recruiter to help you with your PT and marching. Remember that while boot camp is physical it is also mental. My Sailors told me that once you get the mental down and accept that this is how it is, no questions asked, the physical isn't as hard as it was cracked up to be.

You'll be in Great Lakes at a great time of year - not too cold, not too hot. Stay positive, work hard, think smart and remember that we will all be here waiting for you when you are no longer a recruit, but a US Sailor and we'd love for you to come back and tell us about your experience.

And last, but not least, Thank You for joining and serving our country.

[KYmom]

Welcome and don't forget the swimming.Some people seem to have a problem with that also. Or shall I say the prone float.

[Kristie]

Hey NewGuy....welcome to the cafe....I have had 2 go thru BC now and all I can tell you is that the run seems to be the hardest for everyone...Jennifer was down to the last chance......so run as much as you can between now and then.....

Please keep us posted and let your family know about us so that we can give them some support while you are gone....

Thank you for your service!

[Newguy]

Thanks for the replies everyone!

So lots of running huh, sounds like a blast :laugh: I'll make sure I work on that non-stop until I ship, and check out those links. About the swimming, I grew up at the beach, so I am very confident I will pass swimming with flying colors.

A little bit about myself, my name is Bryan, I'm 20 years old, I live in Southern California, and I will be the first in my immediate family to join the armed forces. My MOD (Forgot what the Navy calls MOD) is IT, I have a lot of experience with computer hardware and software, and I am very interested in the field, so I hope this will be a good place for me.

Half of me is definitely looking forward to this adventure, but the other half is worried about my preparedness, although I suppose no one goes into basic confident it will be a slice of pie.

My Mother and Father are very supportive of my decision, but my mother is still worried (as any good mother would be), I will definitely tell her about this website.

I also have a quick question for someone who might know, I've gotten mixed answers from people, including recruiters.

What do I refer to my drill instructor as? (Again forgot what the navy calls them), some say "Sir" and some say DO NOT call him "Sir", I really don't want to get on his bad side first day out :-).

[NavyMomx2]

Most are Petty Officers - Aye Aye Petty Officer or (Chief or other rank)

Maybe Jennifer will stop by soon, she is Kristie's daughter, stationed in Japan and is an IT, she can tell you anything you want to know, probably.

[Lynette]

Welcome Bryan....what part of California are you from?.....my advice to you going into bootcamp is.....don't take anything personal, the RTC's are there to break you down and bring you back up a man. Stay strong and if your mom joins this site, I promise it will help her greatly...good luck to you!

[Retired Navy Chief]

Congratulations Bryan !! I think you will really enjoy your career choice. I know lots of IT's and they all have a lot going for them.

I concur with the running !! You only have a few days to go, so don't expect to become a marathon runner in that short of a time ... just do your best.

As was stated before ... don't take the general yelling personally. When they get directly in your face ... that is a different story. That means that you are missing the point and they are going to connect the dots for you :biggrin:. There is a purpose behind every single thing that happens there ... so pay attention and try to understand.

I wish you the best of luck and hope that you come back to visit us when you finish bootcamp to let us know how you did !!

Cheers,
PISTOL

[Proud of Zach]

Hey welcome and thank you so mucy for enlisting . . . the running was the hardest part for my son . . . he almost didn't get to do Battlestations with his division due to his failing but they allowed him one more chance and he pulled it off. . . just do the best you can and I'm sure you'll be OK . . my son wasn't in any sports in high school. Before leaving he would get up early in the morning and run with some of the other DEPpers and before graduation he would run with some of the track guys from hs . . best of luck to you

[Newguy]

Thanks for the advice, and kind words everyone.

I've got one more week to go, and I'm getting a little more excited and a little less anxious. My running has improved greatly in the last few weeks I'm happy to say, hopefully it continues along that path.

I will definitely come back after I finish, and let everyone know my experiences.

[Kristie]

We wish you the best of luck.....and be sure to let your parents know about us....we would love to be there for the during this time.....

[rysmum59]

Dear New Guy..First off thank you for choosing to serve our country it I'm sure was not an easy choice. But it will be one that you will be glad you made. After having two sons go thru b/c I agree with everyone about the running part. Both my sons had difficulty with that one. They both worked out a lot before they left and ran at home here everyday..however they still had difficulty. But I will say this they work with you at b/c they WANT to see you suceed!!!!! As the others have said don't take things to personally..:biggrin:They are just doing their job and making you into a sailor!!!! Contact people you know and ask them to write to you that helps when you have mail and people encouraging you. Just go with the flow support your fellow shipmates and all will go well. Best of luck to you and let us know how things go!!!!!! :laugh:

Kathy...PNM of Ryan