Ok, apparently my fiancee gets pass time this Sunday where family and friends can visit. He's in MP OSUT at Ft LW and is finishing his Basic Training this Sunday. Since they don't "graduate" basic, I guess this is their reward? We haven't heard too much about it, but this is what I've gathered from him so far.
They won't find out how many hours/time they're given until after chow time ON Sunday, at which point the pass time will start after they're told for how long and they'll be able to call family and tell them.
That's pretty much it. His parents, brother, and I want to drive up there early in the morning on Sunday, since it's a long drive and we want to already be close to the base when he calls. Is this a good idea? Also, what is needed to get on base to see your soldier? I seem to remember seeing someone say that everyone has to have identification or something? What about his little brother? He's too little to have any type of drivers liscense or ID.
My next question is, are we (or more specifically, ME) allowed to touch him? I know that sounds like a crazy question, but I heard from someone that it's ZERO fraternization no matter WHAT, even with "civilians"...so...he could get in trouble if I hugged him or something? I've heard you can't even hold hands or anything...strictly hands-off. Is this true? And if so, does it only count for me? Will his mother be able to give him a hug and stuff? Sorry if that seems like a silly question...I'm just going off what I heard.

Any info I could get on this would be GREATLY appreciated. Sorry for all the questions.

Ok, yes this is their reward--some pass time with friends and family (both on and off base i think). I have no idea what you need to get onto base. Definitely arrive early and probably check into a hotel near the base for a couple of days. Yes, you are allowed to touch him...though it will be "awkward" at first. I suggest you read the post "Ice Ice Baby!" on camogals.com--it will talk about everything there when my friend went to see her man (hers is marines, but there are many similarities here). Basically, let him "lead" at first though, b/c it has been awhile since he has been around females, and loved ones.

Thank you for the link to that story. It was really insightful. I've had the same feeling the woman described...wanting to tackle him the first time I saw him...now I know to let him make the first move. I know every man is different, but I know that the Army's job is to make them act as one, and that being said, he may be just as stand-offish at first. Either way it goes, I won't take it personally. I know he loves me...and to be honest, I'm going to be a little nervous myself. It's good to know I can touch him though. Like I said before, I had heard from several people that soldiers arent allowed to do anything like that (hugs, hand holding, etc.), even during pass time, because it turns into a lasting distraction for them, even after their loved one leaves.

I still have a few unanswered questions, though. Like do we need to have identification on us? And if so, what about his little brother? (Pretty much...any of the questions I asked above that soldier gf wasn't able to answer.) Thank you so much.

Don't worry too much about the touching thing...it's not as serious as you guys are making it out to be. The Army doesn't teach them to turn off emotion. He will most likely be as excited to hug you as you are to hug him.

All adults have to have picture ID on them. Make sure you have car registration and insurance as well. For underage children with no picture ID, they will be fine.

__________________
Armygirl4ever,
Proud Army Veteran 1993-2004
Now Proudly Serving in the Silent (okay, maybe not always so silent) Ranks

Thanks. I was really wondering about the ID thing, none of us knew. His mom is freaking out because I keep having all this "insider" (as she says) information. She keeps going, "Where are you getting all this from?!" And I go, "Internet."

Just with the few things I've posted and read it's made me much more informed about everything. Makes me feel good to know a little bit more about what's going on and what to expect, and it makes me the go-to person (even with HIS family) for info on him. ha ha.

Thank you.

Good job in getting information, just remember to always be cautious because there is also a lot of wrong information out there.

__________________
Armygirl4ever,
Proud Army Veteran 1993-2004
Now Proudly Serving in the Silent (okay, maybe not always so silent) Ranks

Yeah, thats why I tend to bring my info back here and bounce it off everyone else before I decide what's true and what's not. Like the touching thing, for example. I had heard that we couldn't but obviously that's not true.

Thanks again for all the info. You guys are a great group of people!

Well enjoy seeing your soldier! I didn't get to see mine while he was at BCT/AIT (he had OSUT) so yeah...those 4 months w/o seeing him stunk ...so yeah! Have fun!

Yeah my daughter's bf that's at FLW has had several short passes but never knew until last minute, If she had known in time, she would have flown out. Now she's heading to BCT and they'll graduate about the same time. But she'll have to go straight to AIT.

I think she'd give about anything to spend a few hours with him. She'll be so jealous of you Chelsea. Have a great time and we'll be waiting for a report.

As for bad info, I've seen lots and lot of it. And most people say it things recruiters told them. I've found this site and GAP to be the best for not just good info, but good people.

Chelsea, I just realized that yours is with future son! And then I thought shoot, she couldn't go anyhow, its her commencement Sunday.

I'm pming you something,

Ok, so here's the report. I got to see him for four hours on Sunday with his family. He had two battle buddies with him, they were good guys. If anyone has someone in the same group who wants to know if I met your son, pm me with the name and I'll tell you if I met them. (if you want, you're obligated to nothing, obviously, only what you feel comfortable to do...)

It was so amazing. I'm very lucky to be close enough to base for it to be easy for us to go see him. He looked very good, and based on what he told me, everyone in his platoon is doing very well. I'm so proud of him.

One thing I would like to say, It IS TRUE, YOU CAN'T TOUCH THEM!!! See, he's OSUT too, he just got "Pass time" because it was their reward for finishing basic. But he's most definately not done, and his DS gave strict HANDS-OFF rules. They don't want the soldiers getting distracted by things like that. So, yeah, he wasn't supposed to be allowed to do any of that. He did sneak in one quick hug to each of us, but that was it. It was odd standing so close to him and not being able to reach out and hold his hand or anything, but it was totally worth it a million times over just to see him. I'm so proud of him, and he's doing so well. I hadn't seen him since April, so it was really just....perfect.