I think it is up to the DIs in the beginning when they can write within the first few weeks. After that, I think they write during their free time (usually 1 hour a day). When did you son leave? Was it to PI or San Diego. I got my first letter 12 days after he left. From what I know you won't receive another phone call. You can google and find out more about bootcamp. I've done a ton of research and have an idea of what they are doing.

Hi Wendy,

I hope by now you have received a letter from your son. We finally received our first one today. Our son left for Parris Island on June 20th. I don't think we get another phone call at all. I think letters are the only mode of conversation until graduation. I hope and pray you have heard from your son by now.

What your going thru now for a mother is torcher! Everything is right on track. You will HATE everything the Marines are doing to your son! You will definitely get your letter. and the 2nd phone call. He will sound like a robot and you will swear they have brain washed! I started righting a letter a day. Even if it was to tell him about my day. i mailed one every day so he had something to look forward to. i asked everyone he knew to right at least one letter and i continued to write everyday. It was painful not being able to here how he sounded. Every single time i would worry or cry about him being torchered in boot camp, because i swear they are water boarding him. I HAD to remind myself that the the decision to join the Marines was his and i reminded him in every letter how proud i was and that he is becoming a soldier and thats why he is there. Its not fun and games like the video's he played. Its about protecting and serving your country. ( WHAT ever you do dont send ANYTHING in the mail unless your son tells you he can have it.) Sometimes they will allow powerbars but they take them away. The drill instructors decide who and when you can have it. Jeffrey said he could have power bars. I sent alot. enough for his platoon so he could at least have 1. Im nuts. Then Jeffrey told me they took them and would give them out. If they receive anything they are not suppose to in the mail he will be embarrased in front of all. There is so much more. I will tell you this. DONT MISS PARRIS ISLAND! EVERYONE should experience seeing our MARINES graduate. The proudest parent ever! I will send you my favorite picture. One more thing. My son was just promoted to Corporal yesterday! He will be in the Marines for 2 years in Oct. Corporal Jeffrey M. Schmitz .

Wendy,

Hi darling how are you holding up? I hope ok. Well my fiance left on 6/13 and I just recieved his first letter today, He told me that they could not actually begin writing until Training day 17 but I guess their DI was nice to let them write sooner. I waited for 2 1/2 weeks before I got a letter. They are very busy but rest assurred your son is thinking about you alot and misses you. He will write soon I know it :)

-Haylee

Sorry to hear you havent recieved a letter yet. How long ago did your son leave? In most cases it does take a couple, to a few weeks before mail starts coming. There isnt alot of time to write. As far as the phone call goes, if you recieved one the night he got there, thats about it. If he's lucky, he might be able to get a phone call towards the end of training. Hope that helped!