What resources would be helpfull for me, as a parent to know?
2007-09-22 02:03:23 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Military
He should have been given a list of items. Take nothing else, as he'll not see the 'Else' till after graduation.
Send letters, but leave the 'care packages' for a future date.
You might consider sending him off with a few phone cards.
Don't worry about him... he'll be fine. It's a maturing experience.
My compliments and appreciation to you and your family.
Warm regards,
Douglas
Post Script: Keep things in context. There were over 800 casualties in the war on terror last year. There were over 800 murders in Philadelphia last year also.
2007-09-22 02:10:41 · answer #1 · answered by prancinglion 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He's not going to need very much in the way of clothing, perhaps a change of undergarments and fresh socks; They will be issuing him uniforms almost immediately and shipping his civilian clothing home rapidly. A shaving kit, personal hygiene items, nail clippers, mole skin because he will be breaking in new boots and it help protect against blisters. Stamps, paper for writing letters, pens and pencils, a small pocket size notebook and all the important family telephone numbers.
Within 48 hours of his arrival he will be sat down and directed to fill a form letter to you advising you of his mailing address, that letter will most likely have web sites for the installation and visito information in the event you would like to attend his graduation from Basic. The Basic Training Installation automatically generate a parents/spouse informational packet as soon as the record his arrival on the installation this will include his chain of command and points of contact in the event he loses his mind and forgets to write you from Basic.
While he's in basic send his cards and letter to help him keep out his morale while inspiring him to write back. Don't send any cookies or brownies as he will be required to share with the members of his platoon. 36 Cookies doesn't go into 46(+/-) platoon mates very well....
He'll let you know either by phone or letter if these anything he really needs, he going at a good time of the year for basic; not too hot and not too cool. Tell him to take good care of his feet and strench whenever he has the opportunity. Also sell him on the idea of drinking a lot more water, milk and juice than anything else. He should also avail himself of the Sunday morning visits with Chaplin Charlie, the two hours rest in Chapel is a lot better than the two hours he'll spent putting some dirty detail....
Best Wishes
2007-09-22 05:33:27 · answer #2 · answered by oscarsix5 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That seems odd. The marines have a lower tolerance for drug use than some of the other branches, but if they genuinely knew before his enlistment, it shouldn't have been a problem. Here are some scenerio's" 1) This is likely. His recruiter knew, but didn't tell MEPS (The processing station), which they do all the time. When I joined my recruiters knew I had done drugs, and specifically told me DO NOT TELL MEPS! Basically. Chances are, if they found out about it in boot camp, they would NOT expell him, however. It's a cold truth, but he may have cracked under the pressure, and brought it up himself, to get kicked out on purpose. In my basic training, about 10% of the people tried to get out within the first 2 weeks, using whatever means possible. And I'd bet, 80% of people tossed around the notion of getting out. Basic/Boot can crack some people fast, and they just want to leave, but they need an "Excuse", so a past drug history could have been his avenue. 2) If he has a drug record, there is no logical reason for them to kick him out. In order to get into the marines they would have had to provided him with a Waiver, and upon recieving such waiver, he is entitled to perform service regardless of past drug charges. Basically, if he has a record and they found it, he had to be wavered in, and they would not kick him out. They do all the criminal checks prior to sending you off to boot camp, so this scenerio is unlikely. I would guess it's closer to #1. If he got in without the entry processing finding out, then he had to have told someone while in boot camp. His recruiter would have told him not to tell anyone, of course. Worst case, he can join the army. The army is very lax in it's drug policies now, especially for past offenses over a year old, and if he has no criminal drug record, admission of drug use would do nothing more than bar him from certain jobs....but in no way hurt his military career.
2016-03-18 22:06:07 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
He will need one change and less than 50.00.
Any thing more he will not need.
All will be given to him at camp. But He may be there a few days before it all starts so ask when the induction will take place. Most of the time it starts on Mon. You can send him stuff to wright you later and a few other things as in tooth brush and deodorant.just make sure it does not have a loud smell as well as white socks and black bike pants for PT as long as no LOGO is no them. He will not have much time to wright or call. He can call after the first 3 weeks 95% of the time it will be on Sun after 12 to 6pm if you miss the call that is it untill next week so keep you cell near you. The 1st 3 weeks is called the red phase it will be the hardest time he will have. You will get a letter from him with in 2 weeks telling you his address and what you can send.
Near the end you will get a packet on graduation and family day. go to it. On family day he can not go off base but he can show you around and have dinner with him. The next day is graduation It is short but good. He will then pick up his stuff and orders. If he is going with in 450 miles he will have just till the next day at 12pm to report but you can drive him if you want.If it is father he will have a extra day. In AIT it will slack up and he can have a cell phone.
2007-09-22 02:40:44 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
This info is a little old, my husband enlisted in 96. Toothbrush, toothpaste, shaving implements, deodorant, a good watch, (dull in color) and a few changes of civilian clothes.
No CD players, ipods, cell phones etc Anything else is sealed and stored, the army gives them everything else they need or takes them to a store where they can purchase it such as shower shoes (flip flops).
Call your phone company and set up a 1888 number for your son to call you, charges then go to you and it will be much easier for him than trying to remember pin numbers, access numbers and trying to top up phone cards.
As far as sending things, letters are about all they can receive and anything else, such as cookies are confiscated as contraband. Advise him NOT to volunteer for anything, don't be first and don't be last! Drink a lot of water!
Be honest with the recruiter and ask him these things, remember, I'm giving you 11 year old info and some may be out of date.
Remind your son that so very many people have been through it, stay strong and oh before I forget, tell him that myself, and my husband and family say thank you, from the bottom of our hearts :)
2007-09-22 02:17:55 · answer #5 · answered by nikiandneish 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
All he needs is some toiletries (toothbrush, soap, razors and shaving cream, etc.) Anything more becomes a hassle. I personally went with the clothes on my back and one extra change of clothes in a small bag. He can also take some writing utensils too (pad of paper, pens, envelopes, and stamps) so he can start writing as soon as he gets there. Letters are really the best way to keep in touch while in Basic since phone time is limited.
2007-09-22 04:47:43 · answer #6 · answered by J K 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He needs to take his toothbrush, that's about it. As they will provide all basic food and clothing (and as he won't get leave time for the next 8 weeks), he doesn't need civilian clothes...and money in his pocket won't help either (if you want to give him some, put it in his savings account). Give him mental support and lot of love.
2007-09-22 04:52:45 · answer #7 · answered by robert43041 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your son should have receive a detailed list from his recruiter of what he is to bring and what he is to leave home. Where is this list?
2007-09-22 02:21:27 · answer #8 · answered by macaroni 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You probaly can check with his recruiter. But I believe in Basic Training you probaly cannot send him anything. The best would probaly be letters.
2007-09-22 05:34:12 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The following list is directly from the Army website, the link is listed below:
WHAT TO BRING:
CLOTHING
* One-day supply of casual, comfortable clothing (no halter-tops or ragged shorts)
* Three sets of underwear (white)
* One pair of white, calf-length athletic socks (no color bands, designs or logos) Additional socks will be purchased at the post exchange (PX)
* A pair of comfortable shoes
* Eyeglasses (no faddish/stylish eyewear)
* Luggage should be limited to one small suitcase or gym bag
Lock
* One lock (combination or padlock with two keys) Additional lock will be purchased at PX
Toilet Articles
* Disposable/safety razor with blades
* Shaving cream (optional for women)
* Toothbrush with case
* Hairbrush or 6" black comb
* One washcloth and towel (Additional items will be purchased at the PX)
* Anti-perspirant
* Shower shoes
* Toothpaste
* Dental floss
* Shampoo
* Soap and soap case
Money
* $10.00, but no more than $50.00 in cash
* Traveler's Checks or Money Orders (Personal checks are not recommended because of limited check-cashing facilities.)
Documents You May Need
* Social Security card
* Valid driver's license or current state identification card
* A direct deposit form from your checking account signed by a bank official, or the name, address, account number and routing number of your financial institution (if applicable)
* Original or certified copies of your marriage certificate, divorce decree or separation order (if applicable)
* Original or certified copies of birth certificates of children under 18; affidavit of support for parents; court documents and direct deposit forms if ordered to pay spousal and/or child support (if applicable)
* Proof of citizenship (if you were not born in the United States)
* If you are married to a service member in the military, have the name, Social Security number and military address of your spouse
* Copies of your lease agreement or rental contract for any dependents residing outside of government quarters (if applicable)
* Original or certified ROTC documentation (if applicable)
* Original college transcripts; GED or high school diploma
Your Orders
* Be sure to have all copies of orders and documents issued by your unit Recruiter and/or MEPS. These orders must be delivered by you and by hand. Travel and meal tickets will be provided.
WHAT NOT TO BRING:
* Family
* Pets
* Privately owned vehicles
* Expensive personal items — cameras, radios, tape players, jewelry and costly watches are hard to safeguard during training.
* Nonprescription drugs or drug paraphernalia
* Steel hair picks
* Razor blades
* Weapons of any type, including pocket knives
* Obscene or pornographic material
* Alcoholic beverages
* Playing cards/dice/dominoes
* Cigarettes/tobacco products
* Batteries (except size "D")
While he is in basic, stick to sending letters, cards. When I went through basic every package was opened by the drill sergeant and any food or contraband was taken. Once in a while (toward the end-definitely not in the beginning of training) if someone received any treats they could share with everyone. We weren't able to go the BX/PX (store) very often so sometimes family would send socks or hygiene stuff. We went over 3 weeks before getting to go to the store.
Don't bother buying brand new running shoes, he won't be allowed to use them in basic. Everyone has to purchase new shoes at the PX after they measure your foot for arch type. As a parent go over the goarmy.com website, it will show you a lot of what he will go through.
2007-09-22 04:50:47 · answer #10 · answered by 3JZ 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋