ocs: day 1

I talked to Andrew this morning before he checked in and he sounded a lot better than he did last night. A lot less apprehensive, believe it or not. I, on the other hand, spent the morning crying between shows on the Food Network. Not my proudest moment, but I'm getting better. I just keep telling myself that this is good and it will all be okay. I'll start believing it sooner or later.

So here's what Andrew had waiting for him today (all of this is from the OCS Survival Guide):

On the day you are to check in, it is highly advisable to get enough sleep the night before and get a good breakfast, brunch or any other meal before checking in. Your first encounter will be with the Candidate Officers (CandiOs). These are candidates in their last two or three weeks of training so realize that they have been in your position as well. You will refer to yourself as Indoctrination Candidate for the first week. Emphasis will be placed on military bearing, ballistics (being as loud as possible and teaching you information crucial to your survival. You will check in at the seawall and move all your belongings to a clear trash bag. From there, they will shuttle you and some of your other classmates that have arrived to the Regimental Building, where you will get your poopy suits, war belts, canteens and chrome domes (helmets).

The majority of the first day is spent receiving your first issue (poopy greens, gouge book, locks, etc), unpacking and learning the basics of OCS. You will meet your Class Officer and possibly your Class Chief Petty Officer. Beware, your class Drill Instructor (DI) will be watching, though you will not see him.

By the end of the day, you will feel belittled, filled with doubt and ready to sleep when the time comes. Take advantage of your sleep. You need not fear people entering your space in the middle of the night - sleep is required and you cannot be disturbed between 2200 and 0500 (10pm to 5am).

Not super encouraging is it? I also found this video series from a local Providence, RI newspaper that did a documentary on OCS. Here's their profile of Day 1. Can you imagine? I've been reading navyformoms.com a lot lately as a way to get more information and connect with moms and wives who are in the same situation as me (it's been my lifeline this weekend, by the way). Someone posted today that they had talked to their boyfriend earlier this evening who is a CandiO for Andrew's class. She said that she could hear drums and yelling in the background. It made me ache for Andrew, so say a prayer for him if you feel so inclined. I know he's going to need it.