ADMIN UPDATE: Members MUST Read ASAP: Updated RULES.

[Navy for Moms Admin]

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

[Tina -- James' mom]

Is it still OK to post "unmentionables" in private blogs and personal messages? Or are these being screened, too?

tina

[Achseh]

I don't believe personal messages can be accessed by the general public, but I would assume any blog you believe to be set to "friends only" can be hacked if someone is that hell-bent on getting information.

Just understand that the Navy looks out for itself and you don't know who could be reading our posts. Best to keep it as benign/anonymous as possible.

[Seabee Dtr]

Thank you for helping us keep our sailors safe and still be in touch with each other.

[Holli mom of Aaron R.]

Everyone who reads or adds to this site needs also to remember that as parents, and loved ones etc. sometimes our actions can have adverse results for our sailors. As a Navy wife and now a proud Navy mom that is the one thing I remember being drilled into my head years ago. Even if our sailors do not directly get into "trouble" for some mistake we make they can very well get picked on, razzed and harrassed. Please remember the old saying, "Loose lips, sink ships!!"
Also remember that some of these sailors will be looking for top secret clearances later on in their career and we would never want to jeopardize their chances for advancement or the safety of our country..
So as all good mothers do, lets do all we can to protect our young men and women!

[Sheri]

Thank you for the update, although as far as I am concerned, that info should already be known to everyone. It is only common sense. Hope you all have had wonderful holidays and a Happy New Year!! Sheri

[LeAnn]

Being new to the site-i am finding some useful info. also it's comforting to know that there are many with the concerns, and feelings that i am going though. My 'Boys' have been in for just past 2 yrs. and I have lots to learn about military life as a parent. I am looking forward to 'chatting' with many of you other Moms. Have a safe and happy New Year.

[Tina -- James' mom]

Welcome aboard! You will find anything you're looking for here. I've never waited more than 24 hours for an answer to a question I posted.

Keep in touch. Happy new year!
tina

[Cindy Proud Navy Mom of Rob]

HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone!

[Ramona]

Thank you...You are absolutely correct on all these issues.....
It is all about the safety of the recruits..Common sense here goes a long way..
Thanks again!

[Sue]

I am grateful for the reminder that what our sons and daughters are doing has its risks and we, as we have always done, need to watch out for their well being. There are so many ways that their lives are put in harms way, the last thing I want to do is give any information that could in any way increase that risk.

Thank you so much for offering us a place to share and connect and increase our understanding of the life our sailors have chosen!

[Shelia]

Thank you so much for the info!

[Kathleen~Jonis' Ma***]

Hi... I'm not sure how to get an answer to a question. I have been on N4M about 2 months... In the meantime I have joined 7 groups that applied to me/my Sailor or was of interest to me.... I usually get MANY emails everyday having to do w/these groups & enjoy them eminsely. But today I have not recieved any.... I have logged onto "Texas Moms" & there have been some communications but I have not recieved any notifications of those in my email/inbox.... How can I find out if there is a problem???? I really appreciate any help/answers that you can give me.... [e-mail]