The Fun Times Guide

I have a friend who left for his 13 weeks. Is it normal for his family to not receive a phone call from him? I'm worried... and they have not received his address either. I'm wondering if anyone else has had this type of experience.

hi. my name is Adrie. im only 15 and a close friend of mine, well ive always called him my big brother. hes at Paris Island right now. i know that he can write letters and all. well his girlfriend has all of his information and will not tell me where to send my letters to. can someone please help me in finding out where to send them or is there any way i can find out? please.
thanks,
Adrie

Does anyone know a site where you can see photos of the recruits with their platoons? I know it is out there I just can not seem to find it.
Please let me know. I would love to be able to see my son if at all possible.
Thanks

hi; my boyfriend left for bootcamp june 29. he graduates next week; we have been together for almost 3 years i am a senior in highschool; we were the couple in highschool everyone wanted to be and still wants to be. for the first 3 weeks when he left for bootcamp i was a mess i couldnt sleep; couldnt eat; i just wanted to be left alone; when i got my first letter in the mail from him i was thrilled that was the best feeling i had; i wrote him everyday and still did up until this week everyday for 12 weeks..its something i have truly learned alot from; as my boyfriend went through bootcamp i felt like i went through it myself mainly because i revolved my whole life on the marines; i looked up everything i could possibly look up; i wanted to know everything about them and what was going on in bootcamp i wanted to know what my boyfriend was doing every single second..i really cant say i cried everyday; i tried and kept myself as busy as possible; and yes the mail man was my best friend i would wait on the porch for the mail to come;i got a letter at least 3-4 times a week..i sent him little wallet pictures; when i got my senior pictures taken i made sure i printed them out and sent them to him; he was thrilled; the 13 weeks for summer dragged; but i kept thinking postivie and sending positive letters saying how proud i am; (they really like that) i started my senior yr in the beging for september it really isnt the same without my boyfriend; all the teachers ask how he is doing i miss him like crazy..now the 13 weeks is almost up i have 8 days till he graduates and believe me they are dragging i leave wednesday for parris island and i keep reading about family day; i cant wait till i have my family day i keep dreaming of what its gna be like when i see him for the first time in 13 weeks; this experience changed me in many ways; i am very proud of my boyfriend and i do support him in everything.

am looking for any member of plt. 118 graduating on april 24th 1954----drill instructor was s/sgt r.g. wambsley

Hello Debbie, Patricia and Maria: Are your sons in San Diego? My daughter's boyfriend left Sun the 23rd too. I got his address by calling his recruiter and we mailed the first letter to him but sent normal sized pics and now I understand they can't be larger than wallet size. Does anyone know if this is true? My heart goes out to all of you. I am not even his mom and I have been crying all week and thinking/worrying about him every day. My daughter is really in despair and that's partly why but I also love him as a son; he is the best guy ever and makes my daughter so happy. How much worse for all of you! So hard to get through these 13 weeks; before he left time was flying by!

Hi Maria, i know exactly how u feel..when my son found out he was leaving i started crying and i haven't stopped yet..we found out on wednesday that he was leaving that sunday so i didn't have to many days to prepare myself for the heartache..he wasn't suppose to leave until March but his recruiting officer called him and asked him if he wanted to leave early and he said yes! I have missed him so much since he left, i've wrote letters, text his phone (that he doesn't have), and sent emails just to try to find some comfort, i think it has helped some doing those things, the worse part is not getting a reply back but it will come one day and i will be so grateful..i just wanted you to know you are not alone in this and you are in my prayers..Good Luck!

Thanks Patricia,
I will also keep your son and your family in my prayers as well. I know this was his choice and I know I supported him every step of the way for the last 10 months but it doesn't make it any better. I keep thinking I am the only one who feels this way but as I can see I am not. I am glad I came across this site. Now I am know I am not the only mom who has knots in her stomach. I am glad I can go through this with someone else who knows the exact same feelings.

Hey Erica,
They say if you don't receive an address for about two weeks to contact his recruiter and they should be able to have an address for you. I hope that helps.

Hey MaryEllen,

I'm glad that there are ppl out there who can understand and relate to how I feel. It has been tough for me these past couple of days since he left. I been writing my letters every since he left.I hope his address comes soon. I know it will get better as the days go on I just have to keep telling myself that. Once I adjust to him not being around I should be ok. We been together going on 5 yrs so I am just so use to being aroung him everyday. Maybe your son Matt and him are in the same pltoon. my Fiance name is Wilson. That's cool they will most likely be graduating together. I will keep your son in my prayers as well. I am on facebook. I am going to look you up. Thanks for the support. we all have to stick together and just encourage one another.

Take care
Talk to you soon

It has been 5 days since I dropped my son at the recruiters office. I miss him. I can't wait for the first letter. That will make things better. I can't sleep or eat. The phone call was not enough. He just yelled his name into the phone. I didn't even get the chance to say 'I love you' I hope this will get better soon.
God Bless the United States Marines

Hi MaryEllen,
I know exactly how you feel. I am so lonely without my son here. I miss him so much. I dropped him at the recruiters office on Sunday the 23rd and I have been really horrible since. I miss him. I have not slept. His phone call home came at midnight and he just yelled his name into the phone. I so wanted to say I love you but he hung up too quickly. I know he is fine. I am the one who is not fine. The nights are hard - very hard. It doesn't seem like anyone knows what I am going through. I feel sick.
He is strong and I hope he is doing well.

Hi my name is Debbie and my son left Sunday also, although he is excited about his new life as a Marine, mom is having a hard time letting go of her son..he called on Monday night to let us know he was there and it was a very brief call..hopefully soon the letters will start coming in from him, i've already got a pile waiting to be mailed to him as soon as i receive his address..the worse part of all this is the waiting for me. I'm so eager for November to get here I can't wait to see him and just give him a huge hug and kiss..Good luck to all the families that are going thru this and God Bless you all and our Marines!!

Hey I just came across this site. My fiance left for Marine Bootcamp on Sunday night to PI. I have been crying on and off ever since.I already started writing my letters to him. I just feel like an emotional wreck. Especially after I got that first phone call from him yesterday at around 7pm.How soon will I receive his address? And will he be able to make any more phone calls during training? I suffer really bad from depression and this process is making it much worse for me.

Hi do you know how soon I will get a letter or address for my boyfriend in boot camp? He left Monday, August 17, 09.

my brother left june 28th and when he left, he looked so sad. it was pretty hard for my mom and i. but he sends letters every now and then. he still hasnt gotten a chance to call, but its good to get letters from him.

hey my boyfriend just left me july 6th and its a lot harder than i thought we have been together a year and i am still in high school so when that starts it should get better but only sometimes i cry, most of the time its to sleep and when he writes me. i know its hard but i know that when he gets back our lives will be so much better and he will have benefits that he wouldnt have at alot of places but its really good to hear from him. your girlfriend will cry the first few days then with the help of her family and yours it will get alot better. and dustins family has helped me alot more than mine has because they dont really understand what i am going threw so its hard here at the house. but tuff it out and get your life started i know its been the best thing for me and dustin

hi i feel the same way my husband left the 1st of June and i cried my eyes out when i recieved his phone call aswell!! the comments from those that have been through it help soooo much expecially when your not recieving many letters at all!! thanks and if you ever wanna chat let me know!!

Hello, my name is Patrick and I'm 15. It's my dream to become a Marine, but I'm not in the best shape (too skinny). My Air Force Junior ROTC (AFJROTC) instructors taught me a lot about drill and wearing a uniform, would that help me at all during boot camp? (i still got a couple years but it's never too early to start training).

All i've ever wanted to do was become a Marine. I want to be pushed farther then i ever have before and i want to be one of the few, and the proud.

I'd also like to know all that I can about Parris Island.

Thanx alot
that just relieved some of the nerves
lol
but i appreciate your advice

semper fidelis

hey guys ive been reading alot of these comments and its good to hear im not the only one feelin the same way i leave this sun june 7th and im scared out of my mind cuz i dont kno whats in store for me but i got my fam. supporting me and its hard for my girl but she knows im doing this for her for the future we want together and thats whats getting me thou

hi im 18 and i DEP'd in october 4th 2008 and i leave for basic training june 7th( this sunday). I'm kinda nervous but at the same time real anxious and i cant wait to pick up. my recruiters told me what to expect but he isnt a female and that was years ago when he went in...so from a females perspective how is it???

yo nathan, tell ur parrents that its a stepping stone for u to improve urself. let them kno everything and dont lie to them, it fucked me over when i lied. also... dont worry about the gurl, it will be hard on her but if she loves ya, she will be there for u

My fiance just left for boot camp Monday June 1st..

I am glad I found this because ever since I got that phone call this morning at 0111 I've been crying my eyes out worried about him.. I know I know..

It's just helpful to read what they go through. I know there's more to it.. but at least I know where he is in the process..

It also helps to have support groups.. and STAY BUSY!!

Good luck and Semper Fi!

His graduation is in August.. I can't wait to see the transformation!

Derrick,

My son was just a year younger than you when he decided to be a Marine. He will be departing for Parris Island on June 15. He has been in the Delayed Entry Program for the last eight months and he said that he best thing about joinging the Marines is the brotherhood. If you need anyone to talk to about joing just email him at leggfish@yahoo.com he will be glad to answer or help you find the answers toany questions that you have. Or if you just want to talk.
Thank everyone in the armed forces for all that you do.

Guys I am getting ready to talk to a recruiter but there are some things I know he won't tell me.... I am in fairly good physical shape and I'm not worried about making it through basic... but I need tips on talking to my parents... and I need to hear from girls dating mariens and know how hard it will be for my girlfriend... I love her to death and refuse to lose her

I Enlisted October eighth 2008, and now i am leaving on May 26th. I am not afraid to admit that i am scared sh**less! I have been preparing for eight months, but i know that doesn't matter much because nothing probably compares to boot. I just want other male and Female Marines knowledge and advice etc. (preferably females) So if you have any, feel free!

hi everyone, i'm actually considering joining the marines. i have to lose some 40LBS before i go. i've actually already lost 8 in 2 weeks. I was wondering becasue i'm not very physically fit, at boot camp, do they help you get fit while you're there?

Hi everyone,My son just left for Paris Island this morning Monday April 27,and i must say i am one PROUD DAD.But in a time of WAR,I am Proud as i am scared.Their is so much i need to know,just cant get enough input,would love to be the fly on the wall there,I know he will be fine,but it`s tough,I`m open for all input,thank you...

When my daughter graduated from Parris Island, we drove over 20 hours from Texas, to attend her ceremony. The area is beautiful, the trip was wonderful! I am so glad I didn't miss it. My daughter has decided on a career with the Marines, she will retire through them. They have empowered my little girl to become a strong and independent young lady. Now I only worry 'half' as much as I used to, lol! I am grateful for her wings into the world and that she was relieved of the pressures and negative impact that a lot of teens face now a days in the neighborhoods they are growing up in. Whew!

Hey everyone i am Derrick, I am 14 years old. I am really intrested in becoming a marine, or in the army or something. I am growing up in a rough life style and i want to become something to help my country. I just hope one day i can be a marine and go through the experince that all of your husbands and everyone else went through. I WANT TO BE ONE OF THE FEW, THE PROUD, THE MARINES! i hope i get to become one of them. I hope all of your ladies understand that your husbands are training to fight for our country and they all love you and are doing this for you and your's, and their family thank you very much to all of you's protecting our country now.

Derrick P.

I've been married to my Marine for 12 yrs and no the feeling doesn't go away.. I still miss him so much when he's gone, but I love him and I love the Marine Corps and its something you accept when you agree to marry him... your marrying the Marine Corps too!! Just always be patience and remember they don't want to leave either.. Stay strong and surround yourself with good people.. that has helped me through out the years..

I went through boot camp there at Parris Island, and even though it was a long time ago, human spirit still has the same needs. All the guys who are going through basic training are thinking about their families every day, especially the moment they lay down at night when all is quiet. One thing that I never would have surmised is the joy and excitement felt every time I got a letter from home. A lot of guys, myself included ended up with a touch of mild depression, or in more popular terms, "homesickness". In most cases, it's not much to worry about, but those letters that you send to the Marine Recruits carry more value than you might imagine. I will also point out, that after your Marine graduates and leaves Parris Island or San Diego MCRD, he's likely to be pretty tightly wrapped after enduring 13 weeks of all that intense training... just so ya know. I'm not implying that he'll be all nerves or jumpy or anything like that, but you're going to notice changes, such as a very low tolerance for things such as nonsense and disorder. And finally, his tolerance for alcolhol will be very low too, so keep that in mind too when figuring who's driving.

Hang in there girl...God is with you and your husband.

Abbie, it does get easier. That was my exact thought when my boyfriend left. I wondered if it would get easier or harder. I tried asking my friends here, but nobody really knew how i was feeling or how to predict the future. but for me, things got better the further into it i got. the first month is the roughest, espacially until the letters start coming in. and the last 2 weeks were kinda hard for me too. they seem to drag on forever. but just try to find stuff to keep you occupied. once you get into the routine of not having him around, you start adjusting to the change and dont feel as miserable. just hang in there :)

My husband of 16 days left the 26th of January for bootcamp does it ever get easier or am I going to feel this way till family day. i dont like this feeling

my boyfriend has already went through boot camp.. Yall can make it girlies.. just hang in there, write them letters, and dont stress if your letters you get back are short or few.. that doesnt mean they arent doin okay, just that they are busy becoming marines. they still love you just as much. keep smiling :)

I'm worried. My boyfriend left today and he had me write down my address for him before he left but I didn't think they were allowed to bring anything so I'm scared he won't be able to write. Is there any way I can get an address to write him or is it something I'm just going to have to wait out?

my son left Dec 8 also,he is in fox 2009....... not only is recruitparents.com great, so is yuku.com, in the search bar type in parris island...great bunch of people and info there too. Good luck all recruits and us drafted parents...LOL OOHRAH

Thought I might recommend the best site ever for all of your answers... (hope it's okay to post it one here).
Recruitparents.com
They have places on there for girlfriends, wives, boyfriends & whomever else to chat.
It really has helped me out a lot, as my daughter left on Dec. 8th. Hope this helps.

thank you sooo much for explaining this it helped me alot knowing those things :-) my boyfriend left for boot camp at parris island december 15th and ive written him a letter every day so far. but how long until he'll be able to send me his address??

My oldest son (21) left December 14th. I got the call from him on December 15. He sounded so distressed and I was devastated that I did not have a chance to tell him that I loved him before the phone call was cut off. Even though deep down I know this is an excellent opportunity for him to grow into a man, I feel so sick with worry. I cannot wait to hear from him and make sure he is OK. This is much harder than I thought it would be.

thanks so much for sharing your experience. our son just left for parris island yesterday and it has been very hard on me as a mom

hey aileen! if you want to talk about anyathing or have any questions just let us know. we all love our marines!-Jessica :)

omg idk how to thank u enough i have been wondering how my bf is like how hes living u gave me the true glims of whats happening right now THANK U SOOO MUCH

NC Mom, My son left my house on Oct 14 and he called me on Oct 15 at 2am reading the script saying that he has safely arrived to PI. I don't know why he hasn't called you but hopefully he will call you soon.

Just hang in there...wish you the best!
Angelica

Hi Angelica, I know exactly how you feel my son also left on Oct 14 to San Diego, CA and I often find myself thinking about him. Just yesterday (Oct 16) he got to call home & I was relieved to hear his voice. I know he is capable of surviving boot camp but I do miss him!!

Charlene-Rio Grande Valley, Texas

I just want to say thank you for you comments. I haven't had the chance to write back because these past months has been like hell to me. My son Andy just left today Oct 14 to PI and I feel that I'm falling apart. I just hope that we can get through this as soon as possible. I have so many mix feelings right now that I can't think straight.

Thank you again
Angelica

PS: Rebecca don't worry...you didn't offend me in any way.

To Lynnette:
1st of all thank you so much for this page! However, I'm interested in knowing more about the career of your Marine nephew. Now that he's got 2 years of service in, what's he doing now? Has he been promoted to Lance Corporal? What is his MOS? Does plan to re-enlist? As tough as recruit training is, it is only the beginning!

Hi im 19 and leaving for basic training in december for the USMC. i know it is goign to be hard on me expecially since i am a female and all men are sexist jerks.

i know it is very difficult but trust me when i say this. your son is probably crushed that you don't support him and that at the moment your not proud of him. becoming a Marine is something to be proud of. this experience is going to make him a better man. we are all scared when we have someone who is leaving to go over seas but he isn't leaving yet. the least you can do for him is attend his graduation from boot camp. this will help you see why he has made this decision and why you should be proud of him. going into the Marine's is not an easy decision. this boot camp is the hardest boot camp out of the military. you should be proud that he has made such a decision. my boyfriend is in Parris Island now and his mother and i could not be more proud of him. she loves him very much but she knows this is what he has wanted for so long. she is just as worried as you are but knows how important it is to be proud of him. me and his mother sat down with him the night before he left and told him how proud we were and that he supported him all the way. please talk to him and try to understand why he has made this decision. you sould be proud as his mother that he is wanting to do something that takes so much courage and commitment to follow through with. it might help you both out with the acceptance of the long periods of seperation.
Sincerely,
Rebecca
ps i am sorry if i might have possibly offended you in some way coming from a girlfriend's perspective and not a mother's but i talk to my recruit's mother almost every day and we always talk about how proud we are and about other things dealing with boot camp. just talk to him and try to understand.

i wish i could tell you it will get easier but i am afraid it won't. watching someone leave you for the first time knowing you will have little contact will always be hard. but i do believe it makes you a stronger person. my boyfriend is in USMC bootcamp right now as well. i won't be able to see him again until sept 25th. i too have been on a roller coaster ride and became sick from worry. but we have to remember this is something they wanted to do and they wouldn't want us to be sad while they are away. my boyfriend writes me as much as possible and he tells me how much he has enjoyed the experiences. this is something he has wanted for so long that i can't help but be happy for him. the seperation is the hardest thing but the airforce and the navy allow their recruits to phone home every once in a while so that makes it a little better. when someone asks you about your son don't cry but instead proudly tell them how well he is doing. becoming a Marine is such a huge accomplishment and it takes courage, honor, and commitment to get through training. you should be proud of his decision to become a Marine. and don't forget to write him as much as possible and you can send him wallet sized pictures. those are the two things that keep the guys going. and don't miss his graduation what ever you do make sure your there for his graduation and family. you will be able to understand things better if you see what he has been doing for the last three months. i know that time seems to stop sometimes but his graduation day will come soon enough. and if you haven't visited this site yet you should it has a training matrix that tells you what they are doing every single day. http://www.mcrdpi.usmc.mil/training/index.htm. this has helped me. and know your not in this alone. stay strong you will get to see your son again soon.
Sincerely,
Rebecca

Angelica (and all other moms, parents)

As hard as it is, you have to let them go. If you try to make him feel bad about his decision, it will only cause more problems in the long run. It's a mom thing to want to protect her "baby", but they grow up and they have to make their own decisions and mistakes - that's the only way that they will grow up to be responsible adults. My only child left for bootcamp on June 16, one week after he graduated from high school. He will graduate 3 weeks from today and yes it is a roller coaster ride of emotions and feelings. Go to parrisisland.yuku.com - that website is a LIFESAVER!!! There are family members on there who have recruits there now, ones who have recruits leaving soon and those who have Marines now!!! There are also SDI wives, a former DI and occasionally a DI on there - they are a wealth of information and inspiration. You won't believe the support you can get from there. Hope to see you there soon!!!

Terri

My brother left for the Marines boot camp almost 3 months ago. He sends letters often and we soon found out that receiving letters is the highlight of the day. That is also what keeps them going. It was kinda hard seeing him go but already, through the letters, he seems like a different person. Its really cool. We are leaving to go up to South Carolina September 16 to go to family day and his graduation. I cant wait, he thinks this is really an amazing experience.

hi am dallas kenny's ex girl friend and he left left for bootcamp june 15th 08. and i am happy for him but i miss him soo much and i can't wait for him to come home. he wrote me twice and i wrote him back but i don't think he got my letters..but i hope he's ok...N i love you db

My son signed up for the USMC when he turned 18 last August and graduated high school June 7th 2008 left for boot camp July 14 2008 and it tore me a part to lose him. I thought it would get easier but this month has been harder. He will turn 19 Aug 24th and I cant see him. I have never been away from him on his birthday so that is hard. I have never been away from any of my kids more than a week and thats when they were at camp but we had contact. I am so proud of him and let him know he is my hero and I never tell him how sad I am or that I have gotten sick. On top of all this we lost a close friend that was like a grandfather to him the day after he left and I cant tell him. I have been on a roller coaster ride of emotions that is starting to interferr with my job. every one here ask about him and I just cry. I wear his class ring and wont take it off. Is there anyone else that goes through this or am I the only one. I have a daughter leaving next summer for the Navy and the following year my youngest 2 leave 1 airforce and the other USMC as well. I am a basket case now will it be easier with them. I could really use someone to talk to that is going through the same thing.

Thanks a very proud mother of a future US MARINE :o)

go to parrisisland.yuku.com and sign on to talk to other loved ones who have RCT's at parris island

My brother will begin the crucible next week. I plan on writing him a long letter tonight, hopefully giving him motivation through the 54 hours of hell. I can't wait to see him though, less than three weeks away!

San Diego Training Schedule. Scroll down and click on download
http://www.mcrdsd.usmc.mil/RTR/RTR_Matrix.htm

Parris Island Training schedule
http://www.mcrdpi.usmc.mil/training/matrix/index.asp

Just to let all of ya know i went through the boot camp at parris island two years ago trust me it will get better just pray for your loved ones especially when they go through the crucible

My son, Christopher, just left to Parris Island, last Sunday, of course we love him. We miss him a lot. We pry for him.

It does get easier as the time creeps on by. But i still miss him soo much. it was a big adjustment to make not getting to see him or even talk to him after spending so much time together right before he left. ive gotten some letters from him, but he hasnt seemed to have gotten mine. does it take longer for them to get what we send. i know i pray for him often throughout the day. Im sure they always need them. they need our support to keep them going. they're depending on us so much back home. always keep them in your thoughts and prayers. they're thinking of you too.

Nancy, go here. http://www.mcrdpi.usmc.mil/training/index.htm
It's the Parris Island training matrix. I wish I had had one before I joined in '84 to at least see what I could expect. Just click on the training matrix picture, it'll take you to the actual published training schedule. Then, you can click each day idividually. Kinda generic, but it should give you an idea.

Hi my husband is in marines bootcamp now... he graduates aud 22nd 08 :D he only has 5 weeks left, can anyone please tell me where I can get a traning schedule?? i want to see what part of his training he is in. THANKS

Hi, my son just left for San Diego on July 7th.
From what I understand, the letter will go to Pendelton to him but it does take longer!
I havent gotten a letter yet and its breaking my heart but I know it must be tough when their day is through! I am an emotional rollercoaster too and some days all I do is worry and cry!

My boyfriend left july 6th too. and even though he's only been gone for a week and a half... it seems like forever. i've written him everyday and i still havent heard back from him. but i havent given up hope. i know that God is watching over him and keeping him up. =] its hard not getting to see him everyday like i'm use to. but i know that this is what he wanted for his life. and i'm very proud of him. i wouldnt trade my boyfriend for the world. and i'm proud to say he's a United States Marine.

13 weeks seems like eternity.. im only in the first week and its already been too long. my boyfriend got there on the first of july. I'm so proud of him!! but nothing here at home is the same without him. does it get worse or does it get better?

my two best friends, both age 18 and both just graduated high school, left yesterday, today is their first day at parris island i was just looking to see what they were doing on their first day........its a shame i wont have my friends back when they get done, they'll change them drastically.....

My son is leaving for bootcamp on Aug 4th, 2008. Anyone else have a son going at that time?

My grandson left approximately two weeks ago i pray,cry and, wonder if he's o.k. and that he will pass everything with flying colors. he is my first grandchild my oldest only 17 years of age. Its hard knowing that he is already flew the coop and is on his way to becoming a strong young man i mean I am happy for him but, also hurting inside to me he is still a child. I will be happy to see him graduate with a hug so tight that i will feel that i can never let go.

All of you who have loved ones who are in recruit training at this time, don't worry, you WILL get letters from them. Not as often as you would like because during this time they are always busy. However, I encourage you to write to them as often as possible because your letters will be a big help to them making it in recruit training. Letters from friends and loved ones do make a big difference!

I have not recieved a card yet and it is killing me hope to soon he has been there 9 days all the best Jamies dad ps no news is good news so Im told

My son left for Parris Island on the 30th of June. Have you received the post card with address yet?

go to parrisisland.yuku.com

Does anyone have a son or daughter that went to paris Island this week of june 23rd 2008 ? Like to hear from you.

God help me and my boyfriend he just left for bootcamp Monday, he is my baby. It's been hard for me and it's probably been hard for him too. I sit alone wondering when he'll be home it's going to be a long 13 weeks for me. I'm very Proud of him, but nervous at the same time. I Love Him and Miss Him Deeply, can't wait to see him, cause when I do i'll never let go! See you in September can't wait baby i'm excited. This website has helped a lot. I LOVE MY MARINE WITH ALL MY HEART!

God my son left yesterday he is my baby I am so proud of him I waited up till 4am for is phone call to let me know he made it to paris island it going to be a long 13 weeks for big Daddy but cant wait to see him this website has helped me alot today all the best to all and gods speedPs he just turned 18

My fiance left and is in San Deigo for boot camp. Im not to familiar with how any of this works. So yeah he left the night he asked me to marry him. I haven't heard anything from him.

Annetta,
Our son is in Parris Island SC he left Feb 25th. We have to send him stamps. Your son should be getting your letters with no problem, but he needs stamps in order to write you back. Paper & envalopes are provided by the USMC. They get extreamly busy in boot camp! You can track his progress online www.mcrdpi.usmc.mil click on (matrix) then (training.) A calender for each month pops up! Click on the date to see what he's been up to! There is also a marine parents website. Hope these are helpful hints! I am an investigative mom. There are other websites if you get on google!

My son left for boot camp on march 10, he is in platoon 1007 at San Diego. He is actually at Camp Pendelton right now, does any one know if they forward the mail there or will he have to wait to get back to san diego to get our letters? It has been rather lonely and quiet around here and I miss him soooo much if there are any other moms that want to exchange e mails let me know I shure would welcome them, it is hard going thru this alone, I do have my hubby and other boys but there is no substitue for another mom.

I am a new recruit mom going thru all the roller coaster emotions! Our son Robert never told us he was joining the marines until it was too late! He was to graduate the Aviation Institute in June as an airplane mechanic. So this came as a complete shock to us. He left us with all his bills including tuition. We have put up the USMC & American flags & decorated military style to show our support, but it is still hard to cope with. We follow his daily routines online! His letters are rare!

i like the pictures of the tour i was in the marines and it brought back memories thanks i am trying to get my recruit boot camp book from 4/1976 can anyone help me please. But these photos were very nice to think i went through that semper fi.

Edward L. Hoey usmc vet

I got out of boot camp Sept 15 1948 my plt no was 115, our DI was sgt J.C. Sscatina just wondering if any one in my plt reads this, would like to hear from them.

My fiance has been gone for a month and half. This experience made me a stronger person and it was tough at first but it does get easier. I get letters everyday. So that makes it feel like he is near.

hey My boyfriend Just left parris island and he said that he love it there were hard times for him and for me too but i think that you guys all need to write your loved ones! thanks for the info!

jenna thanks so much for all of your help. he left this morning and boy was that tough. these past few days have been awful. he did just call me from the airport and that felt good. i will definately sign in at that website as i am going to need it. i will also be blogging at this site...it's great! dianne

Hey Dianne sorry also another good place for you to start on there would be the "poolie and future recruit" section....i know boards can seem overwhelming until you get familiar with them---that way you can start off slowly and get comfortable with it!!! Cant wait to see ya in there. my name on there is "PRGf Jenna"

Dianne if you go down to the "Extras" section there's the "girlfriends" section and that would be a great place for you to start. there are also general sections that will be very useful to you as well. we really are all in this together!

thanks jenna for your help! i will check out the website.

Diane---go to http://parrisisland.yuku.com/

there is a ton of info there! thats where alot of girlfriends get together to talk. there is a whole section for people who havent left yet but you can come on in and start talking to all of us gfs with guys on the island. mine gets home April 25! i cant wait. the first weeks are the roughest but then you get into a dif. mode where you kinda start coping a little better. it doesnt get easier so much, more that you have good days and bad days...all the info you could ever want about writing is on there and any other question that will ever come up is on there or you can post it and get several answers ASAP! if you have trouble getting on there let me know and ill help you.

I've been there it's all good

Hi just wondering if anyone has any photos of PLT 2026? That's my boyfriend's plt. and i'd love to see some!!!

my boyfriend is leaving for Bootcamp March 10th. i am very anxious any helpful tips. how long will i have to wait until i get the address from the recruiter of where i can start writing to him?

My Boyfriend left January 14. I was very sad when he left but,he writes me everyday to let me know how things are going.From the sounds of it he is doin okay and is changing for the good.I love him so much and can't wait to see him on April 10 for Family Day and he graduates April 11 and I am ready to see the "Man"that he has became.

Hi, Thank you for this website my son left for PI Feb 22 and I am missing him more this week 4 then any other. He is due to graduate April 18th. We are so proud of him and pray he is ok everyday. Thank you for this site.

My son reported to boot camp Jan. 22 1908, got the call at 1215 hrs. I am suffering from big time empty nest syindrome. I am a former marine, went through boot camp July 1964. I can tell you that my first day I wanted to come home and wondered what did I do. However, I made it through boot camp and have been proud of it ever since. Those of you parents who are wondering about you son or daughter that if they make it through boot camp they will not be the same, they will be confident, independent and maybe even a little cockey. I am still anxiously awaiting his post card so I can write him and find out how he is doing. Parents be proud and try not to worry as much as I am.

Hey. My boyfriend is heading for boot camp next month and any info, advice, ideas that anyone can give, would be greatly appreciated! Basic questions, like can I send small care packages? what can go in them? what will be the hardest thing he'll have to deal with and how can I help...what means the most to a recruit? Are there any really good books out there for loved ones at home so that we'll know "what's going on" and what they're dealing with, experiencing...?? please! any kind of wisdom, insight - anything will be greatly appreciated! feel free to email me: flamesgirl86@juno.com

My son arrived at P.I. on Jan 7, 2008. I received his first letter last week and it was very negative and upsetting. He seems to be miserable at this point. I realize that this is "normal" in the beginning, but I still worry a lot about him. I have been writing positive and encouraging letters to him since he left. I am doing a lot of crying, but not letting him know about it.
I hope he makes it..

TJ

thank you so much for the info. you posted. my boyfriend left for boot camp mon. Jan. 21 and arrived there the 22nd. i've been so worried about him. he is supposed to graduate April 11th . . . does anyone think that will actually happen??? pls e-mail me if you have anything that will help me out with that question, negative or positive. you can e-mail me @ nekosky7@aol.com. any other worried girlfriends out there?? he is supposed to be a welder but they don't have any currently available jobs so he might be a mechanic . . . so what does that mean? pls help me.

Parris Island doesn't seem any different when I was complete changed into a Marine from a Civilian? It was tough, but then all our mothers spoiled us, babied us, etc.. Once you get into the stream of things, it all seems to ease up. but it is mainly because you have changed into a Marine.. Do yourself a favor - Go to USMC schools and learn the Marine way.. It will help you to understand the "Brotherhood" of the Marine Corps.. If you come back to being a Civilian, the training will help you get a job.. I just recently hired a Marine(Male) in the Refrigeration trade and he is doing just fine..
GOD Bless You.. GOD Bless the Marine Corps..
Semper Fidelis.. MOM - DON'T WORRY -

My son reported to PI on January 14 and I stumbled across your site quite by accident and I am so thankful I did. What a great insight on what he is doing now at bootcamp. I will recommend this site to the recruiter to provide to other parents/relatives and friends. Thanks for your service to our country.

Parents: Just wanted to share with all you parents what is getting me through my days while he is in boot camo

http://www.recruitparents.com/

My son left for Parris Island on Mon. Jan.7. We got our phone call at 2:50 Tues. morning. We miss him alot. We are looking forward to graduation in April. I am waiting to hear from him. The wait is very hard.
I am glad I am not alone in this long 13 weeks. I am sure he will be fine,as for me I am not so sure.

A great site. But... you show some "great ideas for soldier's care packages." Have you ever seen the response you get when you call a Marine a soldier?
My son says ARMY stands for "Aren't ready to be Marines yet."

Hi Karen,

My boyfriend left for PI on Monday also. I carried my phone around me all day too and the same thing happened to me, I took a quick shower and he called when I was in the shower. I wish we could have heard each other's voices, but at least now I have the message to listen to over and over again! This website helps me picture where he is and what he is doing. It actually makes me feel closer to him. Can't wait to hear from him again. I love you Rob!
Marlene

My son just left for Parris Island today. I stayed home all day hoping to get a call. I knew he would be calling late so decided to take my bath early. Yeah, you guessed it I missed his call. He called my husband's cell phone so I wouldn't have had the chance to hear him. I have been a mess since he left! I can't say I am happy about it but I know this is what he wanted to do and I am proud of him! Counting the days!!
Karen

Our son just left for Parris Island on Monday, Jan. 7. We received his phone call at 1:45 am. I'm feeling very anxious to hear from him by mail. It has helped me tremendously to be able to read all of the previous comments about the positive effects of boot camp. Thanks to all for sharing information and links. I miss him terribly and find reading about the experiences of others very comforting.

I graduated from 3rd Btn, H Co, Plt 3092 on Oct. 10, 1984. I attended the Defense Mapping School at Fort Belvoir, VA, served at 3rd Mar Div, H&S Co, Camp Hansen, Okinawa Japan, and MWSS 273, Beaufort, SC. I discharged in 1990 just prior to Desert Storm.

I listed all of that to say that while I was going through it that I didn't think much of it. But now, 17 years after I've discharged, everytime I run across articles about Marines it takes me down memory lane.

Through the years I have not talked much about my experiences with anyone. They are my private thoughts. I also have not encouraged many young men or women to try to join. Not because I disliked the Marine Corps, but more because it really does take a special someone to become one of "The Few. The Proud. The Marines".

Good luck to anyone who has made the decision to join. And God Bless the families' of those making the sacrifice, especially during these times of war.

If you want to know what the experience of boot camp is like, go to: http://www.mcrdpi.usmc.mil/training/index.htm and click on the matrix for each phase. You can also click on each day to see what goes on.

SEMPER FI! OORAH!

Hey dave...I am glad you decided to join and I cant wait till your done only a coule mpre weeks bro..semper fi

My Son will graduate from MCRD in San Diego on January 11th, 2008. It has been a rough ride for all of us but one of great change and change is the only real constant in our lives. My Son is a new man...I think for the better. May I suggest lots of milk and early training for distance running before entering boot camp. Being in good physical shape prior to joining (years of soccer) was a tremendous help to our son. Stress fractures are common for some reason and strength training for legs beneficial. Semper Fi from a Grateful Mom

Hey! My son is in the DEP. Once he graduates High School it is off to Boot Camp on June 14, 2008. I am worried, excited and very proud of him. Thanks for this site. It helps to know what his is facing.

Thanks for the info i am currently 17 and am wanting to join the Marines, i as informed on the journey i will embark on..if you could please send me more information on Boot Camp such as the requirments to join....thanks again

my friend is going to be at boot camp in parris island over christmas. i wanted to send him a marine stocking..but i wasnt sure if he would be allowed to receive it or not. i was told by someone that they can only receive letters. any info would be great!!

Thanks so much for this website and comment space. My son left for San Diego Boot Camp this morning at 3am. He was originally supposed to leave Feb. 11 but an opening for a recon contract came up and he had an hour to decide to go the next day. We prayed and he said he was ready. He so wants to be an honors grad since he had the highest ASVAB and Physcal scores of his group from CO; but I am concerned that he did not have time to memorize the booklet since he only had it for half a day. Is there time in BASIC for him to do the necessary memory work for high academic scores. I believe he will do well physically. My wife and I miss him so much especially the way our empty Christmas came on us so fast, so this site really means a lot. Thanks to all of you parents out there who know how I am feeling right now.
Blessings,
Rev. Dr. Mark Phillips

hi
my best friend is at parris island right now, he has been there since the 21st of October. i was wondering about graduation because i would like to go see him graduate but i have a commitment far away the next day. do you know what time things happen at graduation?

if you could help in anyway i would appreciate it.
thank you!!

I just left a comment not 30 minutes ago, but I hadn't read all of the other comments. I can't hardly believe a recruiter told a mother that they could call each other and now the recruiter won't talk to her. All I got to say about that is "Go over his head. Talk to another recruiter in another town or heck call the pentagon ask for Dept. of Marine Corp Public Relations and tell them your situation and they will tell you just exactly what to do. The Marine Corp would not like what is happening to you and would want to know about it. It is not a big deal to call the Pentagon I've done it lots of times if I had questions and I couldn't find the answer.I wanted to know what SSBN stood for on the caps of the men in the movie Crimson Tide stood for and they told me and everything about all the initials and what it meant and a whale lot more. They actually thanked me and said they liked doing things like that for the public and said as long as it is not the launch codes for a nuclear weapon or something like that they would answer and questions I ever have and to call again and I have! Recruits have very little free time so it is hard for them to write and telling you not to worry would be a joke. I hated my son being there I thought my heart would break in not two,but a million pieces and I cried and everything else. When picked him up all he talked about was how much he loved it and on the way home he said he was home sick and wanted to go back!! I hope this helps.MY son just abbsolutely LOVED Boot Camp and he still loves it. He is a tank commander he trained at Ft.Knox here in Kentucky. He is in the reserves now and he is married with 2 toddlers and is fireman[another occupation that is real safe and I don't have to worry] on Lexington,Ky fire department and hopes my 4 year old grandson will be a Marine too. He still loves the Marines and always will. Just hang in there and you and everyone will be in my prayers. Linda Christopher

My son left on November 13. I've now gotten two letters from him and he seems to be doing great. I agree that the first phone call is a little disconcerting--and to the mom who thought it was a recording, no, I think they are required to read from a script. It only sounds like a recording. I thought his voice sounded so tense, I was really glad to get a real letter.

To those wondering about pictures or video, I highly recommend a film called "Ears, Open. Eyeballs, Click." It's actual footage, documentary style but without commentary, of Marine Boot Camp (but in San Diego). My son just wrote how glad he was to see that before, because it is very accurate, down to the DI throwing things around in the confusion of missing belongings.
You can find the film at www.canaanbrumley.com or google it.

My son was in the Marines and when he was in boot camp someone told my husband Lee to get the book "BOOT" by Daniel Da Cruz. It is like a guide to what training they are doing week by week and my son said the schdule was pretty close. It was very helpful to us because it made us feel closer to him and in a way be a part of it. I didn't feel so lost I could pick up that book and it would tell me what he would be doing that week and what all he would be learning and what traing would be going on. Like it would say and I am just using this as an example. This week is when they have to work in the Kitchen and it tells how much they have to do and will not have anytime to do anything but that and it hard and they probably won't write because it is such a non stop week and it goes on to explain in detail what your so missed recruit is doing and feeling. Not everything in the book is correct. It was written in 1987 and we all know policies and things change, but it gives you an idea of what is happening to your-wrenched out of your arms-child and anything that can comfort you at a time like this is something, because there isn't much believe me I know. That book was very helpful. I put a electric candle in my window-one for every mont he was gonnna be gone 3 for boot camp and each month I would turn one off till the last one and that helped I think that's one out of the way it is getting closer to when we go get him. I put 12 in there when he went over seas. I just hope someone reads this gets the book and it helps them. If it does I wish you would e-mail me. You will be in my prayers. Linda Christopher 11-3007

My Daughter, Kendra, is there now. After the phone call I recieved when she first arrived, I was in a panic. She was crying, I was crying and I was afraid of what she might be going thru. Until I found these sites, then I exhailed! Thanks for all the info. I was up all night reading them. Then, I recieved her 1st letter, she was so excited! She said she was having so much fun! I'm glad...and proud. Thanks again for helping.

Thanks so much. My boyfriend is there right now and i miss him. It helps kinda knowing whats going on. =]

Thanks again

I just recently enlisted into the United States Marine Corp. I'm 18 and I leave for boot camp on the 26th of November. I am actually pretty pumped and excited about boot camp yeah its going to suck hardcore but it'll totally be worth it though. Good luck to everyone enlisted in our nation's military and i want to send a deeply appreciated Thank You to our veterans who have helped keep our country Free.

My Son Graduates from Parris Island in just 6 days. am so very Proud of Him andthe rest of the Recruits who have passed through the Crucible along with My Son Jimmy, SemperFi Marines and OooooRah Such a Blessing to Our Families and Our Country. Thanks to all the DI's

Thank you for this website - we found it and really have enjoyed reading.
Our daughter left for Marine bootcamp today (11/13/07), so we are anxiously awaiting that phone call!
We will miss her, but admire her for wanting to do this. Never in a million years would I have thought she would choose the Marine Corps.

My son is Graduating this Friday 11/16/2007 from Parris Island. I want ALL to know just how proud of a father I am to have a MARINE for a son. I sent a young man to them and they are sending a Wonderful MAN back. I thank ALL military personnel for the things they indure. God bless each and everyone who serves our country and may GOD BLESS YOU ALL. SEMPER FI

I love you Chris... DAD....

my son left in October and is due to graduate in Janurary ..he was sent to medical ...what does this mean? he has a sore back sore feet and sore knee he wrote home and told me that he is in a lot of pain but is trying to stick it out...I am woried that they will send him home ..if that happens he will be so devastated! he has wanted to do this since he was a little boy...I hate it that they don't let us call them...but I guess I realize that the wasy the Marines train their recruits does not include momma..what happens in sick bay?

Ahhh...good old 3rd Bn Barracks. Brings back some great memories!

I'm 16 and the only thing i've ever wanted to do with my life is become a marine. But i only ever hear about paris island and according to what i heard i'll be a ''hollywood'' marine so any info about san diego would be greatly apprieciated. Thanks. Semper Fi.

Ooh-Rah Brother! Check out these motivating Marine Corps Statues! www.YardGuards.org
USMC, 1983-1987
Beirut Peacekeeper

Nice site !!! My son leaves for parris Island on oct-14 .... he turned down a football scholorship to be a Marine . I feel better about his decision after reading info on your site . Thanks ...

Congratultions Pvt. Kruta. I bet that sounds good to you. Were you expecting such a wonderful ending?

hey i graduated boot camp on 21st of september 2007 it is hard their but all the stuff you go through all the yelling and everything elts they make you do is all worth it at the end when you come back from the crusible and you get that Eagle, Globe and Ancer and earn the title of United States Marines.. yea you get treated bad and stuff but near the end the drill instructors start lighting up and you see another side of them and once you get the title you talk to them like normal people and they tell you even more stuff to help you out in your feature and tell you why they are always hard on you

Thanks for sharing the photos. My son has been at boot camp 2 weeks now. We are just getting his letters and it's so nice to actually see the facility that he's staying at.

Oh those yellow footprints! Many a life has changed for the better starting at that spot right there. Great recap and pictures. Thank you.

I too am a Marine Mom. Do not panic if you haven't heard from your recruit. Always remember, no news is good news. If anything had happened, you would have been notified. What you need to remember is, if your child is going to be prepared to be the toughest of the tough, there will be times when he will not be able to contact you, or anyone else. That is what this training is all about. If I may, I also suggest joining MarineParents.com. It is an online community dedicated to parents of recruits and Marines. You will find an enormous amount of information and support there too.

Keep the faith, and Semper fi.

Terri

Hello. My son left for bootcamp on Aug. 28, 2007, I am very upset about the way that he had to leave. No notice at all!!!!! Its been OVER a week and no one seems to know what is going on with my son No Phone call like they promised or letter like they promised. His recuirter seems now to have switched gears and is being a jerk. Now it seems he knows nothing and I don't want to sound like a pushy Mother but that is still MY SON even though he is going to be a Marine. I DO understand that he is going through hell at bootcamp and there is no way I could image what thats like but I am going through hell here not knowing ANYTHING about him. If anyone has any suggestions PLEASE let me know.

HEy my fiancee is at parris island now he grads on setp 28th im so pround of him!! U RAH!!

Thanks so much for providing some meaningful details about what my son will be doing and the types of places he will have contact with. Wish this kind of info-internet was around 30 years ago when I went off to Air Force Basic Training.

Thank you very much for all the information. My fiancee left for PI on Aug. 6th, and any information I found out, I had to look up by myself. This has been by far the most helpful. He graduates in Nov. I am very proud of him. This has given me the piece of mind I needed to be okay with all of this. I will have to tell his mom about this site. =]

My son will be leaving in about 6 weeks for the Marines. This website and others have really shed a different light on this whole procedure for me. I am so proud of him. I know he will succeed. He always does.

My son left for boot camp on August 14 and my phone call came at 10:00 p.m. that evening. I fully expected the call, but was surprised that it was not my son on the phone, but a recording. Has anybody else experienced this. I was very disappointed and concerned.

Thanks for having this website available, my son Dan left for Paris Island on August 13th and until I found this website, I knew very little about what my son was going to be experincing and what to expect, now I have almost a daily insight of what he will be experiencing, which made me feel alot better, and also when I write to him I can talk about the subject of that days events, Thank you and GOD BLESS!!

Thank you for this website. One of my best friends who was like a brother to me left for Parris Island on july 16 and it was hard to watch him leave. The information you give on this website gives people light hearts and lets them know that everything will be ok.

Thank you for the information that you posted. It helped me to understand that what he is doing is very much appreciated. My boyfriend left for Parris Island Aug. 6 and I feel a little bit better about were he is now.

This information was so helpful and interesting! My bf just left for boot camp 4 weeks ago on July 2 and I am so proud of him. Thank you so much for the information..it was great! =)

My brother Kevin just left yesterday evening, so now I'm anxiously awaiting the phone call! Thank you for this blog, it's very informative. It makes me feel closer to him.

My son is 17 and he departs to boot camp on nov 5th...your site has been very helpful...I am very proud of my son to make such a serious life decision and anyone else joining i wish them all the luck...

Thanks so much for this site. My boyfriend left for PI on July 9th. I bought a book "To Be a Marine." which has been a great help. But this website is great because we all have a Marine to care about! Semper Fi!!

Hey,
Thanks for you website. My friend who I thought of as a brother left for boot camp. It was just emotinal watching him go. Your links to the other websites is really helpful.
And knowing Boot Camp is going to change him for the best is really comforting.

Thanks for your website

I want to thank you. My boyfriend is currently at PI and it is very helpful to see what it is like for him. I LOVE YOU BRETT! IM SO PROUD

I arrived at Parris Island on 8 June 1978, 4 days after my 17th birthday. There were days when I wondered just what I had gotten myself into, days that I wasn't so sure I wanted to be in the Marine Corps and those days that I was just homesick! However, those feelings did pass and our series graduated on 1 September 1978. I will never forget my time in the Marine Corps, but Parris Island is the place where I was born! It was there that I endured and accomplished more that I ever thought possible. This is why I applaud every young man or woman who marches across that parade deck and EARNS the title of UNITED STATES MARINE!

I sincerly appreciate your page.

Cpl Richard C Brooks,
USMC 1978-1982

thank u for your advice... Mrs. Dailey... My husband is gratduating August 10th from bravo company... yeah i cant wait.

This is a great site. I have a son at PI that went in on June 4th and hopefully graduates Aug.31. Nice to listen to people in the same boat or who has been there. good luck to all.

Thanks for the great site. I leave for boot camp on the 25 of next month and this site gives me a better concept of what boot camp will be like. thanks.

There is this amazing guy that is going to camp in july. I am soo proud of him and wish him much lick. i will always love you.

thank you so much for the visual aid... my best friend is leaving for marine basic on september 10. i wanted a visual of where she will be sleeping and living... thank you...MARINES ROCK!!!!! i am looking into joining too and this gives me a visual of where i would be staying....

Thank you for all this information. I am considering joining the Marines as an officer. Follwing in my sisters footsteps, who joined as an enlisted. Good luck, and God Bless.

janell,
I think you should call him and tell him. I know it will be hard for him to hear but he needs to know. I remember when my parents decided to wait to tell me that my grandma died and i found out in an aweful way. I hated that they didnt tell me right away and spared me from finding out from a stranger.

Also my husband just left for bootcamp yesterday and my grandpas funeral was the day before. He told me that if my grandpa died after he left he wouldve wanted me to call and tell him. I think your husband will want the samething. If you dont you risk him hating, well im not going to say you, rather your decision and regreting it for the rest of his life.

Good luck with whatever you choose. God bless.

I just want to say that I am a Marine also. I arrived at Parris Island in August of 1991. Graduated from 2nd BN Platoon 2016. Got out in August of 1997. Boot camp was very demanding but it is a great experience. A few things I would like to stress to anyone really wanting to join the Marine Corps. Make sure you can do the minimum requirements for the physical fitness part and preferrably a lot more. There is no time to be getting in shape once you arrive. You had better be in shape before you get there. Make sure you know how to swim as you will be tested in the swimming pool under stressful situations with the DI's constantly yelling. Not knowing how to swim will only get you more attention from your DI's and make them more upset. You will spend a few days in receiving to start with then you will be taken over to your training barracks to "meet" your permanent DI's for the duration of the training. The DI's job is to break you mentally and build you up into something better and they do a great job at it so when they scream at you and possibly insult you don't take it personally it is just part of the training and something that every single Marine has ever gone through. The price to be a Marine is very high but it is well worth if you want it bad enough. The key is just to stay motivated, look forward to the next chow and write home as much as possible and tell your loved ones to write you as much as possible. Do everything you are told as fast as you can without screwing it up. Give 110% at everything at all times. The DI's will expect this from you at a minimum. That is how I made it through boot camp and even though I considered my DI's at one time to be my worst nightmare and could have swore that they truly hated me today I see them as my best friend. For the parents of those that are joining please be supportive of their decision and support them during boot camp as much as possible because if they are going to be Marines then they are going to be Marines and there is nothing that will stop them including a DI. If anyone would like to email me with any questions at all just email me at mybestemail@yahoo.com or post it here.. I look forward to hearing from you. John.

Does anyone know if there is a website to view pictures of the current recruits and what they are doing?? I was told that there was a website for that.

I remembered when I made my first phone call home, the phone didn't work! I had to pretend I was talking to someone then scooted over to the next phone, gladly the DI did not see me. Great times! and I'll never forget it!

Thank you for all the specific details you have provided. My son recently joined the Marines with little notice so we've been in the dark about what exactly his experience is going to be like. Thank you for your candidness

Thanks for the information....i havnt yet decided if i want to join the marines or not but the info. was helpful anyway.

This was a great article; I really appreciate your support of our Marines. My Boyfriend arrived at Parris Island last night, and will graduate Aug.17, Lord willing.

hey i need advice my husbands is in boot camp on parris island, bravo company. his best friend past away and i dont know if i should tell him or just wait till he gets back. as a family we decided not to but its over my head and i feel bad.

hey graduated in 061221. this is pretty cool site definitly brings back memorys. about to finish my mos training, if anyone has questions feel free to email. need some videos of boot camp by the way if know any good ones send them. thanks Semper Fi!

Thanks for the info on Boot camp. I hope to get to boot camp in a few months so now i know what to expect. Can't wait. Semper Fi

what ever happoned to the little red book we had to carry every where we went,it was called our recruit bible

My brother just joined the marines recently. I would like to wish him good luck on behalf of the family and everyone else. The family hopes that he does really well in the marines. I cant wait until your graduation because and to see you a changed person. The family is praying for you and we hope everything goes well.

I'm enlisting in the Marine Corps this June after school. I cant wait!! I saved all of these pictures and I will post them on my myspace to get more people!! Thank you for this page!!

I went thru Parris Island near the end of WW11 and I will never forget the training. I am 79 yrs old and still consider myself an inactive Marine and always will. This was the most important part of my life and always will be. No one can understand this unlees they go thru it. Once A Marine always a Marine. Thank you marine corp.

My step-father...a Marine. My brother...a Marine. My finacee...a Marine. I hope my children will consider becoming Marines. I believe there is not another military branch that prepares a soldier more for duty than the Marines. Oo-Rah.

hi i jus wanted to say im joining The Marines and i am proud of it

hi, i was just wondering. does anyone know if theres a website to see pictures of a recruit during basic training. i had heard that supp. some di's will take pics of the recruits while in basic training and will post them on a website so the family can see them online. thanks

Thank you for the wonderful information. My boyfriend left for boot this morning, and it really helps to have some idea of what he's seeing and doing while he's there. I especially appreciated the picture of the first phone call restrictions- I got that call, and until I found this site, couldn't figure it out. Thanks a lot.

Hey everybody...just came across this and I felt obligated to comment. I graduated from Parris Island November 7, 2003. My enlistment will be up shortly, but I'm still very much involved. If anyone would like to ask me individual questions I would be pleased to answer. Shoot me an email at ville_until_i_die@yahoo.com

Someone please help !!!!!! My son went off to Boot Camp in Parris Island and I have heard nothing. He is my only child and I am sick over this. I ned to know lots of things.....Can I send him pics? will everyone see them or judt him (I don't want to embarass him) HELP !! I need lots of advice.. I feel like I am going through Boot Camp. Please email me at TIGERX@aol.com Thank You !!!

Thank you for your wonderful website. My son left for Parris Island Monday, March 12, 2007. I received the "phone call" at 11:30 pm. I was so happy to see the picture of the phones on your website with the script. That abrupt phone call really caught me off guard. I have printed out a copy of the Training Matrix so I can follow him through his training. Now, I am patiently waiting for the post card with his address. Thank you again. This is a wonderful website!!!!

Hey, the information about PI that you have in here is great. I am still in high school and about to graduate in 2 months. I've been talking to a recruiter about USMC and I decided that i want to go. He told me that at the end of this month i need to take the ASVAB. Can you tell me what is going to happen or the steps after i pass the ASVAB?. I just cant wait till the day i get of the bus in PI!! But pleas, if you can, write me and tell me what happens after you pass the ASVAB. I want to know all the steps until they tell you that you are leaving to go to Boot Camp.

Great Site! I am suprised at how nice and modern the facilities are, though I know the training is extremely hard. My son is scheduled May 25th and I can't wait. Thank You for the excellent page! OO-RAH!!!!!

im going to paris island in august i believe i will be in 1st batalion OO-RAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! MARINE CORPS ROCKS!! SEMPER FI!!!

Wow Seeing these photos brought back some great memories for me! Semper Fi USMC 1976-1980

Thank you so much for your website. My husband just left yesterday evening for boot camp and being apart for that long is one of the hardest things to do. Constantly wondering what their doing, and if their ok. Its crazy. He graduates 2 weeks before our baby is due and his graduation cant come soon enough. Thank you so much for your information, it comforts me alot to know some of what he's doing.

i hope to go to parris island next may/june for marine boot camp, if anyone is interested and just got out of boot camp, email me and tell me what it was like, im really interested in knowing what all takes part at boot camp. thanx. my email is monette_john@hotmail.com

Bootcamp was very interesting but I found that if I was loud and followed the orders exactly as they were given then everything was so much easier, also I had to never give up. I am glad with my decision!!!! I just graduated 5 days ago...
Semper Fi

I feel better after looking at the pictures of Paris Island. My son Adam left this morning at 3a.m. bound for Tampa and then Paris Island. I know that he will suceed and I am very proud of the decision he made to become a Marine. I cant wait for my phone call and for graduation.

marines are coool and crazii and if u wanna be the best then join the best!!!!!!!!!!! USMC HOOHA

I discovered your sight a few weeks ago while waiting for my son to depart to PI. I enjoyed and appreciate the education.

Early this morning (1:34am) the phone rang. As I brought the phone to my ear, I could hear "This is Recruit Diepenbruck, I have safetly arrived at Paris Island..." I remember seeing your picture and knew everything must be on schedule.

Thanks for your insight. My wife and I will be in PI in 13 weeks.

Jim

my boyfriend just left for boot camp on monday. i've been a mess ever since- it's hard not knowing what he's doing or if he's okay. running across this site helped.

thank you and please let me know of any other great sites..

Thanxs for the info. It helps knowing what your love one's go through at Parris Island. My boyfriend left to boot camp on October. Great Site. I am very proud of my baby.

Thank you, also, for the information. it was really neat to view an insight on how they spend thier days being transformed into a Marine. My twin sister is with Oscar Co. in fourth batallion and she graduates October 20th. we are all excited. thank you again

Hi Jodi,

Thanks for taking the time to add such a sweet comment.

I'm so incredibly proud of your son -- without even knowing him.

After replaying in my mind what I saw on the day my nephew graduated from boot camp at Parris Island I STILL get goosebumps. It's amazing what those young men & women go through and how incredibly tough they are ...and how strong they are in character.

I'm sure your son will have the time of his life... not always pleasant, that's for sure, but definitely worth it in the end.

And I know it's tough not hearing from him much while he's there. My nephew's parents and grandparents were climbing the WALLS waiting to hear from him. They just wanted to hear SOMETHING, even just a Hi and Goodbye, but there were many long periods of no absolutely contact -- so don't worry too much. I understand that's just the way they do things there at boot camp.

Best wishes to you and your family!

Lynnette & Jim

thank you for such a wonderfully informative website. i would like to know more so if you have any url's that i can visit, that would be great:O) my son is at parris island now, becoming one of the united states finest....a U.S.Marine.

See you there, Drew

Thanks for the information. My brother just left for Marine Boot camp in Paris Island on Sunday. I have been wondering what he is doing ever since. Thanks agian!

thanks for all the wonderful information on your site. my boyfriend is there right now and it helps to know what hes doing!

Good luck, Drew!

Thanks for all you've done and continue to do on behalf of your country...

Thanks for the good information. I'm heading to boot camp on Oct. 8. I won't be going to PI, I'll be in SD, a "hollywood Marine" as they say. But still, the info was good.

Drew