Letters from Boot Camp: A Memoir of Navy Basic Training

Letters from Boot Camp captures the tale of one young woman's Navy boot camp adventure from the initial shock of lack of privacy, freedom and sleep to constant verbal abuse combined with endless inspections. Seaman Recruit Beckley details her experiences in letters sent home from the beginning with "Today was the longest day of my life and the two months here will never be over!" to eventually enjoying the challenge of recruit training. Each week of boot camp  we follow her through tortuous punishments, losing recruit-mates, surviving Hell Week, and poisonous spiders. This 1980s narrative connects two generations of sailors weaving in advice from her "salt of the sea" Dad who supports her and reminds her to, "Hang in there. Head up. Chest out. Back straight. And keep those shoes polished." This detailed, factual account provides a real-as-it-gets daily view of boot camp life spattered with emotion and humor. Included are tips on preparing for and surviving Navy boot camp, Navy terminology, and post-boot camp life. This Navy boot camp memoir written from a woman's perspective in the 1980s is a must-have for any parent or friend to give their loved one who is enlisting in the U.S. Navy.