Recruit Training Command (Women) - Dear Mrs. Wiseman

This is the form letter that my mother received after I arrived at Boot Camp...

Recruit Training Command (Women)
U. S. Naval Training Center
Bainbridge, Maryland 21905

17 November 1969

Dear Mrs. Wiseman

This is to inform you that your daughter has reported to this activity for basic training. The mission of Recruit Training Command (Women) is to guide the Wave recruit in the transition from civilian to military life, acquaint her with naval customs, traditions, discipline and esprit de corps, and by intensive training and schooling fit her for naval service. To accomplish this, capable leaders have been made available to direct her daily activities and every provision has been made for her physical, mental, and moral well-being. The Navy's stake in this enterprise is tremendous, and it [sic] of the utmost importance that each Wave recruit receives the best possible start in her new venture.

In order that your young lady may succeed in this training program and that the transitional period may be as smooth as possible, I am earnestly requesting your assistance and cooperation. Every recruit wants to hear from home. Based on our past experience, I would like to offer some suggestions about the mail for your consideration. Cheerful letters from home which encourage the trainee are very important to her morale. She has been advised by us to write to you about her new experiences in the Navy. Your letters in reply will help keep her spirit high and stimulate her to write to you more frequently.

News of problems at home is generally very disturbing to the recruit because while in naval training she is unable to assist directly in their solution. If, in your well-considered opinion, it is unquestionably essential that the recruit know about a problem, a complete explanation of all facts will be best.

Only in the event of a real emergency, such as the death or critical illness of a member of the immediate family, can a recruit be granted leave to go home during her training period. The request for a recruit to come home on emergency leave must be originated through your local chapter of the American Red Cross. Your chapter then will send verification of the emergency to the Red Cross Field Director here at Bainbridge. Direct requests to this command for individuals by telephone or telegram serve only to delay the leave processing. Applying through the Red Cross helps you to expedite the process. You might want to ascertain the telephone number and location of your local Red Cross chapter now so that it would be readily available for your use in the event of an emergency.

To ensure prompt delivery of mail to your Wave recruit, pleas use her complete address which is indicated below:
SR Rebeckah Rose Wiseman, B 57 40 61W, USN
Company 70-14, Recruit Training Company (Women)
U. S. Naval Training Center
Bainbridge, Maryland 21905

Should you at any time wish to make an inquiry, or to communicate with me for any reason concerning your recruit, please include her full name, service number, and company number in the correspondence, and address such mail as follows:
Administrative Officer
Recruit Training Commany (Women)
U. S. Naval Training Center
Bainbridge, Maryland 21905

For administrative reasons, your Wave recruit will be allowed to receive visitors during her training program on one of the following dates only: 13 December 1969, 14 December 1969. Visitors for Wave recruits in training must, of necessity, be limited to members of the immediate family and close friends accompanying them. Except in an emergency, visiting hours are from 1 P. M. to 5 P. M. on one of the dates specified. We realize, of course, that your employment or your distance from Bainbridge may make it impossible for you to visit your recruit while she is here with us. If you plan to visit the Training Center, you are requested to complete the enclosed visitor's pass, in accordance with the instructions printed on it, and return the lower half no later than one week in advance of visiting dates authorized. You are strongly advised against coming on other than the specified dates, and without first notifying us of your intended visit.

Your Wave recruit will inform you regarding any scheduled off-station liberty she is granted while in training.

You are requested not to send food or candy to your recruit while she is in training.

My staff and I shall appreciate the encouragement you give your Wave recruit to devote herself to the training program in order that she may graduate on schedule and take her place in the service of our country.

Sincerely Yours,
Rosemarie C. Walsh
Commander, U. S. NavyCommanding Officer