Writing to my DS in basic training?

[bloodybutunbowed]

My DS is away in navy basic training and hasn't taken a mobile phone. I've had an information pack with an address for him. I know it sounds silly, but is it okay to write to him? I don't want to do it if he should be bonding with the other recruits & not be thinking too much about home, or if it would be an unnecessary bit of clutter to mess up his locker, but on the other hand I'd like to encourage him and let him know we're behind him. I know it sounds stupid, but he's waited so long for this that I don't want to do anything wrong.

Of course it is when I went through Raleigh, my mum sent me flapjacks

Whilst I wouldn't go that far, when you're going through something like that, it's very emotional and it's very comforting when you've had a bad day to curl up and read mundane stuff about your mum having a row with the woman next door, what she's having for tea tonight and the weather. It's escapism.

You'll be at his passing out parade before you know it. Take some tissues! Tis lip wobbling stuff!

And you get a personal bit to your locker as well that remains locked even in kit inspections. It's to store your money, nutty and contraband items etc.

Course, they've got it easy these days. Washing machines for their kit?! We had to do it all by hand

Tell him it's only 9 weeks, keep his head down and it's NEVER that bad. Some people enjoy it, lots more don't. There is nothing that will beat the feeling when he marches out onto that parade ground with his mates. I've left now, but my Navy mates will be with me for life. And clearly, it's the best service

What's he training to be?

Thank you, I'll get writing tonight! Ziggie he's hoping to be a communications technician if he gets through Raleigh. This is a whole new world to me!

Oh that's a good one I think; they learn morse code and they can learn a foreign language as well, I think. Lots of opportunities there! I think phase 2 is at HMS Collingwood in Fareham? Not sure though.

Yes, do write. He will like it. Perhaps some photos might be nice. We were big into that; used to cover our bed spaces and bunk spaces (bunk on board ship) with photos of our families, and at night we turned our faces to them and slept facing them The men did it as well; photos of mothers were common, as well as girlfriends, wives, children and pets if they had them. HTH!

Oh Ziggie that's lovely but heartrending! Thank you for your reply. Yes I think the next phase would be at Collingwood. At the moment I'm trying not to think too far ahead - it has taken years just to get to this point! I'm on tenterhooks for him. When it comes to the passing out parade (hopefully!) is it for next of kin or is he allowed to invite extended family?

Oh I hope I didn't upset you!

Yes, I had 16 people attend my passing out parade; I went through in 2004 and it was encouraged.

What point is he at in his training? It used to be 8 weeks when I went through, but I believe they upped it to 9 to include an air station and submarine visit. I'm not 100% on that.

Are you worried he will struggle with any particular point? How old is he?

From what I remember, week 5 was the biggie. Final fitness test, assault course, major kit inspection where you fold your kit to A4 size (and yes, they check the measurements!) Real bullshit factor comes into play. They used to make you do the assault course the day before, so your overalls and drill boots were fucked. They even pulled apart the seams to check there were no specks!

But it brings you all together as a team, which is the point.

I still am left with fond memories of my training (mostly!) it hardened me up and turned me from a silly, giggling little girl, into a mature, unflappable woman. It will probably be hard for him to fit in with his mates back home again.

Christ, sorry I keep going on and on!

You're not going on - it's actually really good to hear about it from someone who's done it, thank you!

DS is 19 and I think he's well prepared - very fit for example. I just couldn't have predicted him joining up because he's always been a loner. He doesn't have more than a couple of friends at a time and although he was a Scout and an Explorer, he never enjoyed team work! However he's researched Comms Tech and the bumf all says that they don't form part of the ship's regular crew but can be moved around to where they're needed, and he's very good at IT and languages. His personal organisation is woeful though.

He hasn't been the easiest child to bring up - very single minded and forthright. I suppose it just feels like this is it - his big chance to really make something of himself and hopefully learn to work well with others. I'm looking forward to him coming back more mature!! It's obvious from your post how much you enjoyed it and I hope DS has a similar experience.

He rang! Said he'd been lamp posted - taped to the bed and turned upside down Should i be worried??

Bloody, your DS sounds like my DS, who is also investigating the navy as an option, unfortunately he suffers from quite bad vertigo and u less we find a solution to that I don't think he could manage jumping off high diving boards etc during basic training. The two most organised, unflappable women I know are former Wrens, I would be so glad if DS1 could be transformed through a decision he has made rather than my nagging!

bloody as long as he seemed ok about it, it's just one of those things matelots do. They'll shave your eyebrows off if you fall asleep in the mess square too... Odd beings...

Still, with the personal admin side; they will lick him into shape. It might not feel particularly nice, but it's part of it. It'll make him a better person. Plus, he'll probably get dragged along a bit by the group. Everyone washes their kit together, irons it, polishes boots together and tidies together. The quietest people find their place, their niche, if you will; and slot in. You've got people from all walks of life doing this.

The training is designed to make people come out of their shell, help their mates (who he'll be closer to after 9 weeks than his civvy mates in 12 years of school) and go 'rraaaaahhhh!! This is MEEEE!'

wiggle the diving board in basic is about 6m high I think. He could go to the nearest pool with one and practice being around it? It'd be a shame for that to limit him

Back when I went through, if you dawdled too long, or showed signs of backing out, they used to be allowed to give you a 'helpful nudge' you do it wearing an all in one suit and a HUGE life jacket, so no harm came to you. They can't do that now though!

ziggie can I pick your brains again please? If ds has two strikes for personal organisation, does it mean he is in danger of being thrown out? You can tell I'm really nervous for him....