Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois
P-Days
Hey mom,
It's Day 1, actually I guess it's Day 2 of P-Days (Processing Days). I'm in bed writing instead of sleeping right now so I can record what the hell happened since that less than a minute phone call upon arrival probably left you more worried. I'm fine. It has been a hectic first 24 hours of boot camp, but I made it through (barely). REMEMBER: In the next couple of weeks a big brown box will arrive that has the clothes you last saw me in and my DEP drawstring bag, and yes my underwear is in the box as well since they had us changed to boot camp issued underwear.
I've already been assigned a division which is good. That means I don't have to be here any longer than 2 months (unless something happens forcing me to be held back, which I do not see happening). I'm in division 714. I don't have an actual address for you yet should you or anyone else back home want to mail anything to me while I'm here. I should have that by the end of the week once we've moved to our official compartment. We're in a temporary one as they sort personnels to their divisions and assign us our RDCs (Recruit Division Commanders).
I strongly advise you probably keep a cheat sheet of the terms I'll be writing in this letter and any future letters. It's a lot easier for me when I'm in a rush writing in acronyms. Anyways they took our pictures for our military IDs. I swear they intentionally have every photo look like a mugshot since we're sleep deprived when they take the photos. Four years of my boot camp mugshot with short hair. At least I didn't get the terrible haircut most of the girls in my division got. Within the last twenty four hours I admit I had moments I thought I had made a grave mistake. My recruiters and the videos they had you and I watch is nothing compared to actually being here with all the yelling to keep us in control to do what they wanted us to do.
You remember how my recruiters told me to NOT stand during the Moment of Truth when I had you talk to them to ease your worries before I left… well, I stood up. Now before you blow a gasket having read that sentence hear me out! I stood because I didn't know if those unpaid parking tickets was going to affect me. It really sucks that the notification that those parking tickets somehow didn't get paid arrived before I left and couldn't challenge it. I wanted to err on the side of caution and let them know that I had a pending protest in regards to the tickets. Turns out they really couldn't give two shits (sorry for the language) about traffic tickets as long as it wasn't a DUI and there is no police report. So, I really didn't need to stand at all, but like I said I'd rather err on the side of caution.
Day 3 of P-Days, not much happened. Got our initial shots. Unlike most of the people in my division I luckily only needed two. The flu shot (yes, they had us get them before flu season) and the peanut butter shot. My rear is definitely hurting and will hurt to walk and sit for the next couple of days. We also got tested for TB. One girl popped up so she's gone to Med Hold. We also got issued our camo uniforms called NWUs (Navy Working Uniforms), but we can't wear them until we move to our permanent compartment at the end of the week. Our RPOC (Recruit Chief Petty Officer, a.k.a. our division recruit leader) got fired before lights out, tomorrow someone is either volunteering or being voluntold they're they new RPOC. She got fired because she walked up to our RDCs (yep, they got assigned to us today) and said she couldn't handle the yelling and pressure of leading. Uh… excuse me? You volunteered during our first 24 hours because you had previous NJROTC experience (Navy Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corp, high school version of NROTC in college) and you go and quit on your team, your division, after one day?! Whatever not my problem. I just want to focusing on doing my best here and graduating boot camp.
Day 4 of P-Days, the universe fucking (sorry) hates me. Guess who was voluntold they were Division 714's new RPOC? YEP! THIS GAL! My RDCs found out my name is Robin Hood. They thought it would be funny to have me lead the division of 'my merry women' since we're an all girl division. I'm now stuck with the nickname 'Outlaw' whenever I'm not being addressed as 'RPOC' by them. At least I can use that to gauge their moods. If they address me as 'Outlaw' things aren't bad, but the moment I become 'RPOC' again it's bad news bears.
Today was filled with being yelled at individually or as a group. When I didn't understand what one of my Petty Officers said I said, "Sorry, Petty Officer?" and got yelled at because apparently saying sorry is not something you do in boot camp. 'Sorry' and then their title is taken in the context of 'sorry excuse of a…'. Instead of 'sorry' it's 'pardon' and 'my apologies'. Thankfully when this happened I was not cleared as FFD (Fit for Full Duty) by medical yet so they couldn't drop me (meaning have me do push ups or anything physical). Other than that we did the last of our medical screenings, everyone has been cleared, and started practicing marching.
Day 5 of P-Days, we've moved into our new compartment. We got the 'ship' that has 'beach front property'. Meaning we're located at the compartments closests to the drill halls and where the barber shop is located as well as our training classrooms. Everyone else has to march from their ships to our location. Not sure what they're going to do with us tomorrow or the following day since it's the weekend. Anyways here is the address where you and anyone else can mail me letters:
SR HOOD-WEST, ROBIN, M.
SHIP XXX DIV 714
RECRUIT TRAINING COMMAND
XXXX OHIO STREET
GREAT LAKES, IL 60088-XXXX
1. DO NOT SEND CARE PACKAGES; LETTERS ONLY.
2. THE ENVELOPE HAS TO HAVE THAT SPECIFIC ADDRESS WRITTEN OUT.
3. You and everyone else can mail me anytime. We receive mail every night, BUT outgoing mail happens ONLY ON SUNDAYS.
That's my first week here, but NOT counted as actual part of Boot Camp. That starts Monday. I'll try to keep you posted. Also we might be able to make phone calls in the future, I don't know when or what time so keep your cell phone on you if you can. With how busy it's going to get here, I might not be able to write lengthy letters like this or even sporadic ones throughout the week.
Love,
Robin
Week 1
When Regina walked into the bar and cafe the next day, she saw Zelena sitting at the bar staring at her phone. "Hey, what's wrong?"
Zelena wiped a few stray tears from her face. "I missed Robin's phone call because I was doing inventory in the back. She left several voicemails because she kept talking until the message limit. It's mostly silent, throat clearing, and heavy breathing because she was crying. She was crying and I couldn't be there to hug her or talk to her." She handed her phone to her sister before she retreated to the restroom to wash up.
Regina pulled up her sister's voicemail inbox and played the first message.
Mom?
There was a short period of silence before Robin spoke again.
Mom… I guess you're busy since it's the break between lunch and when the bar opens. Sorry I couldn't give you a heads up when we'd be making phone calls. Even we don't know when our RDCs will give us the opportunity to call. They didn't have to grant us this opportunity, but I'm not going to complain.
Regina kept listening as there was a long pause, but she could still hear her niece's breathing as she kept clearing her throat. Probably tightening as she was started to tear up.
Anyways I passed my DEP test and of course passed the PFA. So that means at least for now Roland and I will be graduating from our respective boot camps as E-2s. But since I'm RPOC and if I don't screw up too hard I should get that promotion to E-3 by graduation! Roland is going to be so jealous that I'm going to out rank him.
The voicemail ended and rolled into the next one.
Got our first ITE (Intensive Training Exercise), basically a boot camp right of passage. Never had I felt so sore in my life until that happened. Sorry for talking really fast, we only get fifteen minutes and…
Robin was struggling to keep talking. Her voice becoming more watery the longer she talked.
They issued me glasses, which I'm not wearing because I don't see the need to wear them at boot camp. Medical also tried to persuade me to being birth control. I'm not having sex while in boot camp, apparently people try, and there is no way I'm getting pregnant even if I did have a sex life because I like girls. Not much has happened in boot camp except a lot of paperwork to fill out.
Once again the voicemail ended and rolled onto the last message.
I swear I've lost so many minutes having to re-call and wait to go to voicemail. Time is almost up. I'm fine. I promise I am. I know you can hear that I sound like a mess and crying… not gonna lie, I'm feeling a little homesick. But I'll survive. I can get through this. If you could leave England and travel to New York and then to Seattle when you were my age, I can handle being in boot camp and leaving home as well.
WRAP IT UP! HURRY IT UP, RECRUITS! RPOC!
Sorry I have to go. Love you bye.
Week 2
Dear Alice of Wonderland and Other Places,
Sorry for this rushed letter. It's been busy this entire week so I wasn't able to write a more well written one. I also have to take a shower soon and iron basically my entire uniform set before Holiday Routine ends. Holiday Routine is the first half of Sunday left to the recruit to go to religious services, or stay back in the compartment to shower and shine our boots or writes letters.
Most of this week consisted of running through mock inspections and drill marching practice. We also had our swim test earlier this week. I was terrified when I got up to the edge of the ten foot platform. We had to look at the giant American flag across the room to make sure our head were up when we stepped off the platform. I had a more than a 'little' extra push from the instructor because I froze. In my defense I don't have issues with being ten feet in the air and dropping into the water that is deep enough for a drop from that high. What terrified me was having to stand on the edge for a good minute before we needed to take the plunge.
Why couldn't they have just let me 'walk the plank' and get it over with? Either way I passed the 3rd Class Swim Test which is the minimum we need to graduate boot camp and get in the Navy. Because I'm going to MA A-School (MA = Master-at-Arms, Navy cop), they had me take the 2nd Class Swim Test as well like my recruiters said they would and passed. I need to thank you tremendously for helping me nail the front crawls and side strokes. I did a little bit of swimming competition growing up, but I was always put in the breaststroke competition since that was the only way I knew how to swim besides the elementary backstroke.
We also got issued our dress uniforms. Looking rather spiffy if I do say so myself! We also had our first written test. Thank you as well for sending me better photos of the ships than what they had in our training guides and writing down the exact difference between what our aircraft carriers and amphibious ships were. Next week we start learning basic seamanship and marlinspike.
Have to go. Can't wait to hear from you!
Oo-De-Lally!
Robin Hood
Week 3
Dear Alice of Wonderland and Other Places,
Marlinspike was fun. We got on a fake ship to practice mooring and going underway. Sorry for another short letter. We're constantly going through mock inspections and drill marching practice since next week is 'Hell Week'. It's the calm before the storm. But I'm halfway there! One more month to go!
Oo-De-Lally!
Robin Hood
Week 4
Zelena poured herself another glass of wine as she played Robin's voicemail again. She once again missed her daughter's phone call, this time because she was at a dental appointment.
Hi mom,
Guess I missed ya again. Oh my god did this week live up to its namesake. Up by 0400 and lucky to make it in our racks by 2000, since the government is obligated to give us eight hours of sleep while in boot camp. Got to fire a pistol for the first time ever. Guess I took after dad quite a bit since I scored expert in my marksmanship. It made me remember the times dad took Roland and I to the gun range to shoot the rifles. Too bad we didn't do any rifle shooting it boot camp.
We also conducted our second PFA, I passed with flying colors again of course. Graduation photos were taken as well. I ordered a package of the standard stuff like during yearbook photos from school. Should be enough for you, Aunt Regina, Henry and whoever else. We also got our second ITE beating since apparently during Hell Week RDCs switch divisions to find the littlest and most dumb things to hit us on. Another multiple choice test, passed but this one was a little harder.
We have firefighting training next week, following week is the gas chamber, last inspections, last PFA, and final written test. After that is Battle Stations, our final assessment.
There was a pause as if Robin wasn't sure what else she wanted to say.
I wished we had been able to talk. I never thought I'd encounter people who would nag me more than you did.
Robin chuckled.
Three more weeks of boot camp. I'll keep you posted in letters about graduation once my RDCs tell us anything.
Love you… bye.
Week 5
Dear Alice of Wonderland and Other Places,
I have a new made respect for firefighters. They carry more gear than what we do on the ships should there be a fire. The latter half of this week was fun because we got to do the hands on stuff with the damage control aboard ship.
I know you said I didn't need to apologize for my short letters, but I feel bad. Because there is so much I want to tell you except it's hard to write them. Easier to explain if I was talking to you on the phone or in person. So, I'm sorry another boring letter where most of the time it's drill marches, studying for written exams, and thankfully no more mock inspections.
There was this simulated area for the hands on damage control class where it was pitched black and strobe lights at certain points to disorient us. We went in as a group of five and had to navigate through it while holding each others shoulders like a half conga line. I swore I thought something was going to jump out at us at any given moment it was like a haunted house. But without the eerie sounds, the dampened air, spooky music, fans blowing down our necks, and jump scares.
It was supposed to simulate if we were on part of a ship that was damaged and lights were out completely or broken enough that they flickered.
Two more weeks until I graduate!
Oo-De-Lally!
Robin Hood
Week 6
Robin hung up dishearteningly as she finished up leaving another voicemail for her mom. Three phone calls. Three missed calls. She immediately inserted her phone card again to make another phone call. She held her breath as the phone rang praying the person on the other end would pick up. For all she knew the one she was calling now was busy or wouldn't pick up because a number they didn't know.
"Hello?"
The brand new sailor gave a wet chuckle as tears started to trail down her cheeks thankful the girl on the other end picked up. "Hey, Wonderland."
There was a pause before Robin felt like a puddle of mess at the other girl's excitement, not even caring she heard the nickname she only endured with her. "NOBIN!"
"Are you busy?"
"No, I just got home from Freshman Orientation. How have you been? I recently got your letter about the gas chamber, that doesn't sound like fun."
Robin chuckled again. "No, it definitely wasn't. Especially since I was in the last row so the room was filled with the previous gas pills and the instructor didn't fully cook our gas pills down so we got the full blast of it. On the bright side it cured me of my cold, though I don't recommended it." Her cheeks were hurting hearing Alice's laugh. "Guess what."
"What? It has to be good since I can hear in your voice you're bursting with sunshines and rainbows."
"I wouldn't go that far since I'm still in boot camp for another week. But last night we completed our final test and I'm officially a sailor! Not going to lie, I cried during the capping ceremony when they started playing, God Bless the U.S.A."
"You don't cry easily. I'm so happy for you. I'll have to bug your family to show me videos and photos of your graduation. Where are you off to after boot camp, I can't remember where?"
"I'm off to San Antonio, Texas for at least another two months. From there, I won't know until I get to A-School." Robin spent the rest of her time talking to Alice just glad to hear a familiar voice for the first time in two months.
Week 7
As Robin and her division entered the Graduation Hall she immediately spotted her family sitting as close to the front row as possible where her division would be standing during the graduation. Zelena beaming with pride the entire time. Knowing her mother, aunt, and her cousin and his wife were watching she held her head higher and her back taller as she lead her division through the Graduation Hall. Robin was glad that her division was the first one to march through the hall because that placed them under the Washington State flag that was hanging over them along with other state flags. She had to have a little bit of home pride where she could get it.
Years down the line if people asked Robin what graduation felt like she wouldn't be able to say. She was half-asleep with her eyes open through most of the ceremonial part of the graduation. All those hours practicing the graduation drill allowed her and her division to perform without a second thought and half-asleep. It wasn't until the guest Captain and the Boot Camp's Commanding Officer were standing at her end of the hall that she became fully awake again since this was the final portion of graduation. Each division RPOC saluting them as they passed with their cutlass. She could see her family having their phones out either video recording or taking pictures as she raised her cutlass for the salute and stood at attention.
Robin and the other RPOCs and flag bearers of their respective divisions were given orders to fall out of formation and retrieve the all-weather jackets for their division. The flags were placed in a corner as well as the now sheathed cutlass as they fell back into formation after passing the jackets back to their division mates. She was starting to get fidgety, she by squeezed her arm muscles and released them over and over while the announcer was reminding everyone in the stands to not forget any of their belongings.
"... without further delay. NOW HEAR THIS! NOW HEAR THIS! LIBERTY CALL! LIBERTY CALL! FALL OUT!"
Cheers were heard throughout the hall as all newly graduated sailors fell out of formation finally relaxing and breathing for what felt like the first time in forever. Robin had done it. She had survived boot camp and was now a sailor to the United States Navy.
