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Boot Camp Basics
Before leaving for basic the soldier will be given a strict list of things they can and cannot take with them. Follow the list exactly, right down to the exact number of pairs of underwear to pack. Do not send any valuables or CD players, etc. Once they arrive at basic, these things are all packed up and put in a room till they come home.
About a week or so after arriving at basic, you will be sent a form letter from the command with your soldier's mailing address, training schedule etc. Remember the first 3-4 days at basic are "in-processing" days and your soldier will NOT have time or opportunity to call. Don't worry--they're very busy.
After the soldier starts basic, they will have a chance, most of the time, to call early on Sunday morning.They will only have a few minutes to talk as there is usually a line of soldiers to call home. You might consider getting an 800 number or send phone cards with the kids so they don't have to buy them.
Concerning extra things to pack send self addressed stamped envelopes with them. Try not to send anything but letters to the soldiers, cards are ok to as anything else will be confiscated from them. They are on very strict diets during basic and cannot usually have pop or candy.
If your soldiers base has a website try and keep track of what is going on in his phase of training.
If the base offers you a chance to go to a family day (ours did) it is worth your time to go if you can get there. Your soldier gets off base for three days.If there are soldiers their whose family could not make it consider adopting them for the weekend. Our family took 4 extras on that weekend and we all had a great time. Remember the kids cannot leave base for family day unless someone takes responsibility for them.
Graduation is another big day for your soldier, if you can be there do so. We found also that staying on base at the family visitors center was much much less expensive than staying off base. These reservations have to be made early though.
Most important of all, try not to worry your soldier during his training. Praise him, boost his morale, give him lots of encouragement but let him stay focused on the task at hand!!
Last but not least remember you have sent off a Boy or Girl to boot camp but when you see them again you will see a Young man or Woman standing before you. Proud that they have earned the right to be called a Soldier.
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