My nephew is two weeks into basic training and I just got his address and am going to drop the boy a letter. Any good thoughts I should send to help the kid along?

If he's two weeks in then he's got it figured out by now. My best words of advice are to not take anything the DI's do or say personal. When they tell him to do something then do it as fast as he can without getting flustered or frustrated. The DI's will try to get him to lose his bearing at almost any cost. It's an awesome feeling when they can't get you to lose your bearing and they scream "AAAAAAAGGGGGGHHHHHH!!!!!" in your face with frustration then tear into the next recruit. This is how they weed out the weaklings.

As long as he can do those things, shoot reasoably well, not panic in the pool, and is in reasonably good shape he'll be good to go.

Oh, and never quit, ever. No matter what the task is. Don't ever stop trying.

Thank him for his service for us.

Semper fi.

After reading my post I realize I made boot camp sound like a nightmare. I had fun in boot camp. My most vivid memories come from those 13 weeks. I'm glad I did it but I'm glad I don't have to do it again.

What Adam said!

I hope that he is very successful with this difficult but worthy career choice

Thanks SP- I'll pass on what you shared. I know one thing from your note will be fine- that boy is a fantastic swimmer. I think he tried very heard prepping with his recruiter and put in a bunch of time training with him over the months, hope he prepared him well!

Rich, sent you a second PM with the link

YUP, tell him it's a mind game. They tear you down to make you think NOT as an independent person but as an integral part of a group.

I remember mine. I remember what I told my son, "Once you finish you will most likely miss it. Try to enjoy the challenge."

The toughest time I had in boot camp was trying not to laugh when something hilarious happened. The DI's are like comedians and they say and do some pretty funny things, and if you even so much as half-grin then you've lost your bearing, and now you're really in for it.

Was on a Army Rifle Team with one of old Drill Sergeants a few years after Basic training. Was the nicest guy you could ever want to meet.
One of the biggest things to remember is it a head game. Millions of others have survived and you can too. And like Spider-Pig said, never, never, ever give up. For most people at first, your body will be the weakest link, after a few weeks, it becomes your mind.

So the boy is a few weeks from graduation. I know I'm gifting him a couple of knives (shocking news I'm sure! ) and his parents are trying to decide what to get him.

Any suggestions? I have no idea what is next for him after boot camp- seemed like he changed his mind every other week. Any gear that would be a plus? Good boots? Bag? Clothes?

I appreciate any ideas!