As the recruits touchdown in Chicago, IL and head towards RTC Great Lakes, their journey begins. Follow these recruits from ROM at Fort McCoy to their PIR destination (graduation). Produced by Duane Stanley (USN Veteran) using images adopted from RTC… Read More ›
Recruit boot camp is the toughest and most challenging training in the world. And often, the physical and mental challenges overshadow the most important aspect of training – the foundation of leadership. Recruits learn and practice leadership traits that will… Read More ›
SOURCE: Kathleen Petty. Published: November 2020 When COVID-19 forced businesses and schools to shut down this spring, the military—known for its well-established systems not swift to change—had to shift quickly. Pausing Basic Military Training for any extended period of time was simply… Read More ›
Love is many things — and being yelled at while at boot camp may not be one of them. I am confident the drill instructor follows the ‘tough love‘ strategy of building your recruit into a robust warrior through words… Read More ›
It is always an honor to recognize our veterans for their ongoing support beyond active duty. Today we showcase Air Force veteran Mr. Alan Nunn. Meet Mr. Alan Nunn. He has been part of the Recruit Training Command, Public Affairs… Read More ›
ARTICLE SOURCE: NAVY CHIEF PETTY OFFICER ELIJAH G. LEINAAR Since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, the Navy has taken great care to protect its newest recruits from the virus, establishing precautions and measures that enabled the service to graduate… Read More ›
PIR/Graduations👇 through April 1st, 2021 Capping ceremony (recruits’ transition to full-fledged sailors) held at the end of the, “Battle Stations 21.” Watch a video of a typical “Capping Ceremony” at US Navy Capping Ceremony – YouTube Pass-In-Review ceremony (divisions march… Read More ›
Saying goodbye to your loved ones when they leave for recruit training can be challenging. But, there are some fun ways to pass the time while celebrating your recruit’s decision to join the military. Recruit Family Bingo will keep you busy… Read More ›
I am often asked, “why did you start a military postcard company?” And in all fairness, it is a great question. My answer is simple. I believe God wants us to spread his message of hope and faith. And sending a simple… Read More ›
Are you a ‘newbie’ to the military? Do you often feel overwhelmed by all the new military jargon and terminology? Don’t feel bad! The June 2020 edition of the Department of Defense Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms has over… Read More ›
Jump in! The water is fine. According to Recruit Training Command (RTC) Great lakes, recruits participate in a survival at sea training scenario in the USS Indianapolis Combat Training Pool as part of the hands-on learning curriculum. The training at… Read More ›
Recruit boot camp may only be nine to twelve weeks, but the memories will last a lifetime. 20 plus years later, I still have the letters my mother sent to me. Mail from family and friends has proven to motivate… Read More ›
Not that I need to remind you that recruit training can be challenging. Recruits will face many unexpected challenges and difficulties but will quickly adapt and overcome them. I encourage you to communicate as much as possible – both handwritten… Read More ›
The Drill Instructor may not be shouting HO, HO, HO but rest assured, the DI/RDC is the closest thing to Santa Claus (or grinch) your recruit will see this year. The new red is green camouflage, and the favorite holiday… Read More ›
The last 24 hours of boot camp are the most anticipated and set the recruit’s final training stage. The reward is the Navy ball cap and the honor of serving our great country as a United States Sailor. Those last… Read More ›
The most anticipated, “I am a Sailor” call, confirms that a Navy recruit has passed boot camp’s final evolution earning the title of United States Sailor. Recruit training is approximately 8 – 10 weeks long and includes physical fitness, seamanship,… Read More ›
When I left for Marine Corps boot camp in 1997, the Internet didn’t exist. My parents depended on sporadic scripted phone calls and letters to learn what was going on during my 12-week training. Fast-forward, a few decades (has it… Read More ›
Double up on your postcards to send to your recruit, active-duty service member, family, and friends. Double every purchase with the Promo Code: DOUBLE. Digitally printed on 14pt glossy postcard stock Postage, printing, and delivery included Upload photo or choose… Read More ›
Mike Schultz, former Mayer of Boerne, TX, made a difference in Air Force boot camp recruits’ lives by inviting them to Thanksgiving day lunch. Mike and his wife provided a home-away-from-home for these young men and women through hugs, listening… Read More ›
Hi! Welcome back to another installment of Sea Stories. I’m going to start at the beginning of our Navy journey. Tanner, my active-duty husband, has always been extremely bright, granted I am a little biased, but most anyone who has… Read More ›
When my husband was in boot camp, my mom sent him a postcard from Honduras. She used a postcard for two reasons. First, she didn’t have enough to write in a letter. Second, and more importantly, to “share a piece… Read More ›
In honor of Veteran’s Day, Jung Murphy, co-chair of the Cook Children’s Veteran’s Group, hosts a special conversation with Christel Mckinney, an employee and Navy mom.
1. How proud you are The decision to fight for our freedom is a big deal! Less than one-half of 1 percent of the US population serve in the military. Tell your recruit how proud you are for their decision… Read More ›
Hi, I’m Lynsey! I am blessed to have married my high school sweetheart, Tanner. Tanner is my best friend, my world, and holds my whole heart. He’ll never understand my love for him and how proud I am of him… Read More ›
Meet some amazing women and their inspiring story of resilience. Before their husbands left for boot camp, they were strangers. Now, they laugh and cry together, building a lifelong bond. I was beyond honored to hear their stories of raw… Read More ›
Four years last week, I witnessed my son Brandon complete the final evolution of his boot camp training and formally transition to a U.S. Navy Sailor. My motherly pride was on full display – the smiles, the tears, and more… Read More ›
There’s a reason the military puts such a heavy emphasis on basic housekeeping with their soldiers. Essentially, it’s to drill discipline and objective completion. Ensuring you have a tidy bed first thing in the morning is about having control over… Read More ›
