Do Parents Visit Boot Camp Before You Go?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Families can see your recruit at Marine recruit training during liberty on Family Day, the day before Graduation.

You may not visit your recruit until Family Day, the day before Graduation

.

Can you call your parents during basic training?

Can service members / recruits make ANY phone calls during basic training? Even though there are no cell phones,

the military training allows a few phone calls home from their call centers

.

What do I need to do before my son goes to boot camp?

  • Prepare yourself for their departure. …
  • Be Informed of the Process. …
  • Feel all the feels. …
  • Plan for a couple difficult phone calls. …
  • Write, write, write! …
  • Keep that phone by your side. …
  • Be an active learner. …
  • Don't forget you have a life.

Do parents go to MEPS?

At MEPS, your child will take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test, undergo a physical examination (which varies by Service and job) and undergo a background screening. As a parent,

you are free to accompany your child to MEPS, but you will be asked to wait in a separate area during the test.

Can you visit during boot camp?

For this reason,

family visitation is generally not allowed during training until the graduation ceremony

. However, military members are allowed limited phone time and are encouraged to communicate with family and friends through letters. Your main form of communication during basic training will be by writing letters.

What is a scripted call from boot camp?

The First Phone Call

Don't be offended when your recruit calls you for the first time and isn't able to chat. The recruit is given a scripted response: “

I have arrived safely at MCRD Parris Island or MCRD San Diego.

What happens if you quit Army basic training?

Even though you're now on active duty,

Army command can let you go without penalty during your first 180 days of service

. The official term for this is entry-level separation. Boot camp is the best time because the Army has just started training you. After training, you're a more valuable asset.

What do you say to your son in bootcamp?


Tell them you're proud of them

– There's nothing better for a recruit than to have the support of their parents. Share why you're proud of their decision to join the military. Words of encouragement for someone in basic training is the most important letter you can send.

What happens when your child leaves for basic training?

Know that it's okay to be upset.


Sadness, depression, and anxiety

are all common emotions that parents feel when their child is preparing to go away to boot camp. These feelings are normal and should pass once you hear from your child and realize that their transition is going smoothly.

When should I stop sending letters to bootcamp?

It's recommended to stop sending mail

near the end of week 7

. This is the safest end date to ensure Trainees receive all your letters.

Can I watch my son swear in at MEPS?


Members of your family are welcome to watch you take the oath

. A waiting room is available for them. Your family may take photographs of you with the military officer administering the oath.

What's the oldest I can be to join the military?

The oldest you can be to enlist for active duty in each branch is:

Coast Guard: 31

.

Marines: 28

.

Navy: 39

.

How do you tell my parents I want to join the military?

The best way to tell you parents you are joining the military is to have a plan. Be prepared to

answer questions and have an honest talk with your parents

. It is important to tell you parents WHY you want to join the military and how it can benefit you. Invite them to talk to your recruiter to ease their mind.

What can disqualify you from MEPS?

  • Abdominal Organs and Gastrointestinal System. The following conditions may disqualify you from : …
  • Blood and Blood-Forming Tissue Diseases. …
  • Dental. …
  • Ears. …
  • Hearing. …
  • Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders. …
  • Upper Extremities. …
  • Lower extremities.

Do parents of military get any benefits?

While

military parents' benefits are available

, the Tricare coverage rules for those in the parent category are a little different than for other secondary dependents. First, the bad news: No, they cannot be enrolled in Tricare and receive full benefits like other dependents do.

What's the hardest Army basic training?


Fort Benning, GA

conducts Advanced Individual Training for the Army Infantry, which makes many think it also has the toughest Basic Training program.

What are 6 things that happen at boot camp orientation?

  • Orientation. You will be given a haircut and issued a uniform. …
  • A Daily Routine Of Discipline. …
  • Physical Combat. …
  • Confidence Course. …
  • Hours of Physical and Mental Challenges. …
  • Physical Tests.

How much sleep do you get in boot camp?

Sleep During Training

Typically, that

five hours is split up into multiple episodes of sleep, usually lasting less than two hours each

. U.S. Military Academy cadets sleep fewer than five hours during the week and are woken up several times during the night for training.

Can you quit boot camp Navy?

Basic Training


If you have NOT been to the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) and have NOT taken an Oath of Enlistment, you are free to quit the process at any time

. Just because you arrive at MEPS does not mean you are fully committed with no chance of deciding not to commit after all.

Can you use the bathroom in basic training?

In basic training,

you take group showers

. There's no way out of communal showers. They're required. Everyone in your barracks will enter the shower room assigned to your barracks when commanded.

Where do Marines go after boot camp?


The School of Infantry (SOI)

is where Marines go after Marine boot camp to continue their training as a Marine. The School of Infantry is divided into two different schools; Infantry Training Battalion (ITB) and Marine Combat Training (MCT).

Can you fail boot camp?



Yes, it is possible to fail basic training

. You could go through the trouble of leaving your home, job, family and friends and come back a failure. In fact, this happens to about 15% of recruits who join the military every year. Too many recruits I speak to think that it is impossible to fail basic training.

Will I lose my job if I go to basic training?

No, by law all companies have to provide you with the required time off for military obligation provided that you supply them with a copy of your orders for the weekend drill or 2 week drill. They also have to save your job for you so that way you have your job upon returning.

Do you go to jail if you quit the military?


Attempted desertion also is charged as a military crime, as long as the attempt went beyond mere preparation

. Desertion carries a maximum punishment of dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay, and confinement of five years.

What can I write to my daughter in boot camp?
  • You can do it.
  • I believe in you.
  • Hang in there.
  • You're almost done!
  • I'll see you soon!
  • We're at the halfway point!
  • Believe you can do it.
  • I'm so proud of you.

Can you send pictures to Marines in boot camp?

A. Because space is limited in the barracks,

recruits may receive letters and small photographs only

. Please do not send your recruit packages of civilian clothing, toiletries, food items, etc. as they will not be permitted to keep them.

How long is basic training?

Basic Combat Training comes in three phases and lasts

about ten weeks

, depending on your military occupational specialty (MOS). After you graduate from basic training, you will undergo two additional phases of training, known as Advanced Individual Training, where you will learn the job skills required of your MOS.

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.