Well that ruins the 'if you do good on this test maybe we'll give you a phone call' motivation.

When I go to boot camp, like everyone else, I'll be facing two options. One, I can piss and moan about how I'm not being slapped around hard enough, irritate my RDCs by insisting they go tougher on me because I'm not feeling challenged, and generally make a giant dick of myself with grand proclamations of my own status as the Hardest Recruit Ever In Navy History.

Option two: If I think I can give more than the training requires of me, I can learn something about SELF-discipline and SELF-motivation by pushing beyond the minimum, and challenging myself rather than skating through. I can strive to be not just acceptable, but excellent. I might get spared a lot of personal attention from a RDC shouting sweet nothings at me, and I can use that time to help the rest of my division kick ass so NOBODY has to hear it.

When the world "lowers" its standards, you are absolutely NOT required to lower your own.

People who wanted gung-ho: Do you realize you're joining the Navy?! Like other people said, go join the Marines or become a SEAL. I'd bet many wouldn't make it.

Lol, why join the navy if you think it's such a joke? If you haven't been to boot yet, you shouldn't be complaining about how easy it is anyway. I know a couple people who had that attitude going in. One burst into tears every time they got IT'ed and got sent home during week 2, the other skated by until the RDCs caught him being a dumbass. He learned his lesson after a 4-hour IT session one day, and 1,000 8-counts the next.

Personally, I wouldn't have turned my nose up at more phone calls. Nobody cares how much of a badass you were in boot camp.

First off its not about being a "badass" that wasnt the point i was making. I wanted to go through the same thing everyone else went through before me. Looking most forward to mail and to those few special phone calls. In my opinion it just takes away from the effect of it all. I wasnt asking to get slammed with IT and get the crap beat out of me, all i wanted was to have the same experience as everyone else before me. I did also choose a hard rate for a challenge.

I mean, I kind of agree, it IS boot camp. Not summer-school. I won't be calling half that many times.

I agree completely! I want the experience that others have gone through. I also chose a hard rate so I can be challenged. it's how I grow and become stronger. I'm not saying others shouldnt make those phone calls if it is true but maybe just consider their reasoning behind doing so. I'm sure I'll want to at some point but I'm going to keep in mind that it isnt a necessity either

At least wait until you're in the navy to start complaining about it. Boot camp's not gonna be summer camp even if you do end up getting extra phone calls.

Thank you! I agree with this completely. I graduated from boot 08 Feb 13 and we didn't get phone calls every week (2 phone calls to be exact). But I'll tell you right now, the Navy doesn't need Sailors as strong as Marines (unless going FMF ;) ), but the IT and the punishment they made us do are ment to break you down mentally with a hint of the physical aspect. My RDCs knew what to say to each individual, to break them down. They made not have cried, but you could tell what they said to us hit home and some people were hit harder than others. I don't really agree with the phone call every week, but having an extra call or two would've been nice. I didn't live with my family before boot and didnt get to see them very often. Once you learn how to be an adult, you'll appreciate those extra phone calls.

As a wife seeing your husband going away for eight weeks it's hard . It's a good feeling when they call to say they love you and miss you.. For those who want hard training then go get it. I recommend to call home. I like to see you when your getting yelled at and broken down.. Then your gonna want your mommy and or wife or S.O

Why is this whole thread becoming a flame war? Personally, more phone calls home are welcomed, especially since my parents don't understand English very well.

The Navy is giving you a choice to phone home. That's all it is, you can call or choose not to.

I think its become a war because now people are personally trying to attack others by indirectly saying we are either weak for wanting phone calls or we are going to want them when we "breakdown." Both those statements are entirely false and ignorant to say about either sides of the arguemnt. I dont considering the people wanting phone calls weak at all. I also dont think i am going to go to call my mother when i breakdown because i am very self relient and usually deal with problems on my own. Please stop speaking for others, if you have an opinion put it out there but dont insult someone and claim you know them or know what they are going to do because you really dont.

Whatever the reason may be, we shouldn't be attacking each other, we're all in this together. You might be my shipmate one day, so let's keep it respectful. :)

More power to you if you don't need to make that weekly phone call. From a psychological standpoint... This can be a totally overwhelming experience for some, and it can be extremely nerve wracking to the point where a simple phone call to a loved one can alleviate that. Keep in mind that majority demographic of enlistees are fresh out of high school and have probably never been on their own. Not everyone goes to boot with mental fortitude.
But we all do our best, and support all our brothers and sisters along the way. :)

Personal attacks are not welcome here, just stating how one feels is different..so I am locking this thread.