ADMIN UPDATE: Members MUST Read ASAP: Updated RULES.

[Navy for Moms Admins]

Hello N4M Members!
I don’t often start threads and put them on the top of the page like this but it’s important and I need everyone to read it. We’ll be enforcing some new rules starting today per direction of the Navy. No need to get upset or panic… okay? I like to call this the growing pains of getting bigger and needing to become a bit stricter about a few things.

1. So, Navy saw it as a breach of security on N4M’s when members were telling other members how to bend and break the rules (IE get into PIR w/o a parking pass). Thus, any tricks like that can’t be talked about. We don’t want to jeopardize the safety of our recruits. This also includes, “I have more than 4 people that want to attend PIR”. If we see that question- the response should be something like:
“Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, IL is the homeport for all Navy recruit training. If you have specific questions regarding Boot Camp, Pass-in-Review (graduation) or a recruit, please visit http://www1.netc.navy.mil/nstc/rtcgl/family/index.html. If you cannot find the answer there, please phone RTC Public Affairs on 847-688-2405 or email on [e-mail].”

2. Sailor last names are not allowed to be posted. We know in this day and age, that often your children have different last names than you. So, it’s up to you on if you want your last name on here or not, but the Navy is telling us- Do not post sailors last name. You can say my son’s name is John. Just not John Smith.
For people that want to now change their user name... you can find out how to do it here.

3. Remove physical addresses of sailors. (Exception to the rule is FPO address).
It’s not necessarily that our sailors don’t want to be contacted by our sweet Navy Members…it’s more that we have to be sensitive to their privacy. Even if you wanted to post your sailor’s address or your sailor’s friends address, please don’t.

4. Please do not post any names/numbers of the RTC Staff.

So, obviously- easy quick changes on your end. Please go through your profiles, posts, photos, groups, events and videos to make sure the above is deleted and/or edited out. Obviously, I’ll be going through and deleting things as well but it’s helpful if you look over your own stuff.

Thank you for reading this and editing/deleting any of your comments in advance.

Elle

[Diane]

Thank you Catherine.

[Karen (KC's mom)]

Thanks Catherine for sharing the Info.

[Navy for Moms Admins]

Hmmm- you know I haven't seen the videos you mention- do you think they are on youtube? (Is that how you saw them?).

[Lea]

Thanks for the updates. I know I would not want to do anything to put my son or anyone elses in jeopardy. Or for that matter - our country! I appreciate having this sight to help me navigate through this change in my life. Thanks again and God Bless You!

[Crusty]

I'm not sure I understand the part about last names......

Are we NOT to post them?

Navy Times every week publishes the full name of all graduating Sailors.

A Navy command, the Fleet Home Town News Center (FHTNC) routinely sends out press releases with full names, parents names, home towns, etc.

What am I missing here?

[Crusty]

Not trying to start an argument, just trying to gain understanding.

And I don't view it as dis-courteous to brag about my Sailors.

But I'll behave and not reveal the secret that they've enlisted.

Peace,

Hans (aka "Crusty")
Master Chief Petty Officer
US Navy (Retired)

Oh-by-the-way, I detest the term "recruit". They're "Sailors".

[Kimandtheboys]

I thought they were "recruits" in boot camp until they go through Battlestations. After that, they've earned the name "sailor".

[Crusty]

As far as I'm concerned they earn the title "Sailor" the moment they solemnly raise their hand and pledge their life forfeit in our defense.

[Jacqueline Manning]

Amen Crusty!

[Navy for Moms Admins]

Crusty- I am still learning/understanding/exploring gray areas of last names being mentioned. I myself usually pull photos and captions off of navy.mil and post them here (that contain last names). If you have any questions, ask by all means. :) But for the general rule, we must say no to last names. -CC

[Crusty]

Does Navy grand-parent count? I have a grand-daughter serving on the Staff of ComThirdFleet, a grandson serving in USS Howard, and a grandson serving in USS Green Bay.

In addition, I'm Administrator of www.navy-parents.com --- drop on over sometime.

[Lone Star Sailor Mom]

Got it Catherine! We're putting together a holiday card list for our deployed sailors on TR - it's still ok to do that as long as we use pm or my external e-mail for it, right? We don't want to do anything to put the safety of our sailors in jeopardy, but we DO want them to know they are loved - especially at the holidays!
You do an awesome job - glad to help any way I can!