900 Division???

[Jason's Proud Mom]

I'm little confused, I've read some posts about the 900 Divison, (just found out my son is in Divison 904). Am I wrong in assuming that is for the recruits who play musical instruments?? I know Jason had played the guitar for one month when he was nine, so I'm sure they didn't place him in this divison based on that:) His recruiter had told me that he was put in that Divison because he wants to be a Diver??? He went in with his "buddy" and I was under the impression that they would stay together throughout BC??? His recruiter told me that they are not in the same division, I am upset that they seperated them, but was assured by the recruiter there was a good reason that Jason was placed in the 900 Division. Can anyone shead some light on this????

[kim]

Hi Kathy,
Yes they have bands. My son was in the 931 division last June. He was in the band. They receieved the most flags of all the divisions graduating that day and receieved the Hall of Fame honor. Most of the young men in my son's div were going on to be Master At Arms. I am not sure how it all works but I am sure they have a reason for putting him there.I believe my son was asked if he played any musical instrument and if he was interested in being a part of the BC band.Hope this helps but I am sure there are other mothers with much more info than what I can offer you. Good luck with your recruit!
kim

[Jennifer]

Hi Kathy,

The 900 division is not just for musical instruments. The rifle drillteam (not sure if that is what it's really called) and the choir participants also get assigned there to my understanding.

HTH
Jennifer

[Tracy]

Some of the boys in the 900's div play instruments but there are alot of other reasons they are in that Div. My son is in a 901 Div & he will be carrying a flag at PIR. His recruiter said his good looks finally paid off for him. lol The 900 div is the perfermance div. They have special task to do at PIR. As well as instrument playing & carrying a flag I think some of the other ones are, the guys who twirl the riffles, cake guarders, body snatchers, door holders. Those are they ones I can think of right now. They will also perform at 2 PIR's before his. From what I have been told is that they watch the boys the first couple of days & hand pick for this div. I have been told that it is an elite div & an honor but it is only significant for BC. Hope that helps. It drove me nuts not knowing what my son got picked for.

[Cindy Proud Navy Mom of Rob]

Is it possible he volunteered for it?
I went to military.com and Navy Boot Camp. One section explains that during P (processing week) if they (the recruit) has any experience or interest in drill, musical instruments, or singing, they may be assigned to a 900 Division. These special recruits get to do pretty much everything the other recruits in BC get to do during their time, but also practice to put on shows at events such as parades and recruit graduation ceremonies. One of the forum members there described that at times they may be escorted off the base to perform in parades and or concerts- usually past week 4. His particular group performed at Milwaukee's German Fest even.
I know that The Great Lakes Naval Band gave a performance not far from us but, we were out of town that day. They also performed at our little towns Labor day parade last year. They are an awesome sight!
Not sure if this is the case with Cody or not but, just maybe. I hope this sheds a little light on it. I was also surprised that Rob is in this group. He does love to play the guitar and sing but, prefers to do it alone -not in the limelight. He's a great SHOWER SINGER - Ha!
I am sorry the guys got separated but, perhaps they will still get an occassion to see each other through the process. Tis sure Cody will make another friend that can inspire him and he can inspire to push through.
If he is here -that may be a door or window that leads to new and exciting things ahead!

[Rose R]

My son was in the Nuclear program and was in a 900 division also. It isn't just for musical recruits.

[Jason's Proud Mom]

Rose. . you said your son was in the Nuclear Program?? I'm really guessing that Jason was placed in that division for another reason other than Musical/Drill/Singing. He is very shy and would never volunteer for that. (Not that I know of anyway, I really don't believe that he could have changed that much in 4 days ha, ha, ha) I guess when I hear from him I'll learn more. I'm just hoping that he's happy wherever he is !!

[gaylebeth]

Both my sons were in a 900 division. Mike carried the Vermont State FLag...didn't have any band or musical experience!! Aaron was in a non performing 900 div at his PIR, which means he was not on the floor performing. he was a body snatcher, meaning he helped the recruits who fainted back up and into a room. With him i was able to track his movements during the PIR. I also saw him walk by me a couple times before start of PIR. He also opened the door for liberty call, just as he was opening the door, he saw movement out of his side vision and ran and caught a recruit before she landed on the floor!!!

just a reminder on the 900 divisions...they are the first group to get to the hall and you normally do not see them march into the hall...but anyway, IF and when you see your recruit before PIR, DO NOT ACKNOWLEDGE them at all!!! My Mike warned me of this, because if we wave or yell out, his liberty can be taken away!!! They have to maintian that Military bearing all the way through PIR!!

Another thing, 900 divs are the last called for liberty. They have to put their gear away first!! And you are told this at the PIR to just wait at the bleachers for them to come in. With Mike's division....his Chief marched them back into the gym for liberty...that was SO COOL (ooohhh i have goose bumps) and she stopped them right in front of us parents and wives and she was giving them their liberty speach and passes...let me tell you all i wanted to to was yell"LET MY BOY GO!!"... and finally she let them go and boy Mike ran right to me, never have i gotten such a tight hug before!!! Now with AAron it was that dramatic, but had Mike there in uniform and he stood on the bleacher and was looking for Aaron, so he was able to tell me when he saw Aaron!!

So, PIR is an experience you will never forget...once you hear those drums and the doors open...WOW!!!

Oh and if y ou get there early enough, you can get some great pictures of your Sailor as they are practicing before PIR!!! I was able to get a couple of Mike. He said he saw me...was hard to keep from smiliing he said!!!

[Jason's Proud Mom]

Wow. . .now I have the goosebumps!! Thanks so much for clearing up some of my questions!! PIR cannot come fast enough!! (I'm sure my son feels the same!!) I love reading these posts I can actually visualize how AWESOME graduation must be. . with all my tears/fears, it actually makes me feel so much better inside. . .hopefully the more I learn the quicker this lump will leave my throat!! God Bless Navy Mom's!!!

[kulita]

Hey my husband is an RDCand I am prior Navy. Hubby works in the drill hall and he says this happens all the time. Usually with buddies you end up at the same ship or final location. It doesn't matter anyway because you can't talk to anyone until you are on liberty (after graduation)

Being a diver is hard, I am assuming he meant EOD. It is a dangerous job and usually thrill seekers take it.

[DeLane]

We were there for the "Nascar PIR". Our son was in the ceremonial drum line, division 948. He had JROTC experience and 4 years of drumline with the HS marching band, also Eagle Scout. Our future son-in-law graduated in September and he was initially assigned to a 900 div but then before the divisions were finalized, they found other recruits that had ROTC experience and he was moved to a 300 division. I think his ASVAB score got him initially.....that, and the fact that he resembles a tank.

We will be attending the PIR next Friday as well. Our daughter will PIR out of Div 430. Can you tell me more about the flag ceremony at Navy Pier? Bill Murray, huh?

[Jason's Proud Mom]

Kulita. . Thrill seaker would definately describe my son. What does EOD mean? I am very new to this lingo. . but I am learning alot from this website!

[kulita]

Explosive Ordanance disposal. Sometimes they work hand in hand with underwater commands. It is disassembling bombs underwater- but also activating them. When not doing it underwater then they can do it in sand or ground. They are the men who distinguish which color line to cut in the movies. BUT do not be alarmed. Because once they determine it it has to be approved by a chain of people, each higher in rank