Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 9/20/2007

Question
My son is planning on joining the Navy. I told him he should learn his general orders because it will help him in boot camp. He said he doesn't need to know them. I know I had to memorize them when I was in boot camp, do new rercruits still need to learn them?

Answer
Dear Craig --

At some point in his training your son will have to stand guard duty.  He will then need to know his general orders and his specific orders of the day.

You have given him good advice.  If he chooses not to take it, he will have to suffer the consequences during boot camp.  Not that those consequences will be very severe (study more to learn them, or fail inspection and get extra duty) but they are the consequences of his action or lack of action.  Truly the only way he is going to learn how to be a good Sailor.

Keep the faith and give him good advice, but no need to mention a recommendation more than one or two times.

Good luck to both of you, and thank you both for serving.