Welcome to
Navy For Moms

This site is for mothers of kids in the U.S. Navy and for Moms who have questions about Navy life for their kids.

FIRST TIME HERE?

FOLLOW THESE STEPS TO GET STARTED:

Choose your Username. For the privacy and safety of you and/or your sailor, NO LAST NAMES ARE ALLOWED, even if your last name differs from that of your sailor (please make sure your URL address does not include your last name either). Also, please do not include your email address in your user name. Go to "Settings" above to set your Username. While there, complete your Profile so you can post and share photos and videos of your Sailor and share stories with other moms!

Make sure to read our Community Guidelines and this Navy Operations Security (OPSEC) checklist - loose lips sink ships!

Join groups! Browse for groups for your PIR date, your sailor's occupational specialty, "A" school, assigned ship, homeport city, your own city or state, and a myriad of other interests. Jump in and introduce yourself! Start making friends that can last a lifetime.

Link to Navy Speak - Navy Terms & Acronyms: Navy Speak

All Hands Magazine's full length documentary "Making a Sailor": This video follows four recruits through Boot Camp in the spring of 2018 who were assigned to DIV 229, an integrated division, which had PIR on 05/25/2018.

Boot Camp: Making a Sailor (Full Length Documentary - 2018)

Boot Camp: Behind the Scenes at RTC

...and visit Navy.com - America's Navy and Navy.mil also Navy Live - The Official Blog of the Navy to learn more.

OPSEC - Navy Operations Security

Always keep Navy Operations Security in mind. In the Navy, it's essential to remember that "loose lips sink ships." OPSEC is everyone's responsibility.

DON'T post critical information including future destinations or ports of call; future operations, exercises or missions; deployment or homecoming dates.

DO be smart, use your head, always think OPSEC when using texts, email, phone, and social media, and watch this video: "Importance of Navy OPSEC."

Follow this link for OPSEC Guidelines:

OPSEC GUIDELINES

Events

Add an Event

**UPDATE as of 11/10/2022 PIR vaccination is no longer required.

FOLLOW THIS LINK FOR UP TO DATE INFO:

RTC Graduation

RESUMING LIVE PIR - 8/13/2021

Please note! Changes to this guide happened in October 2017. Tickets are now issued for all guests, and all guests must have a ticket to enter base. A separate parking pass is no longer needed to drive on to base for parking.

Please see changes to attending PIR in the PAGES column. The PAGES are located under the member icons on the right side.

Format Downloads:

Graduation Info
PDF – 2.7 MB
PNG – 2.3 MB
JPG – 3.4 MB
Printable PDF – 2.0 MB

Latest Activity

Navy Speak

Click here to learn common Navy terms and acronyms! (Hint: When you can speak an entire sentence using only acronyms and one verb, you're truly a Navy mom.)

N4M Merchandise

Shirts, caps, mugs and more can be found at CafePress.

Please note: Profits generated in the production of this merchandise are not being awarded to the Navy or any of its suppliers. Any profit made is retained by CafePress.

Navy.com Para Familias

Visite esta página para explorar en su idioma las oportunidades de educación y carreras para sus hijos en el Navy. Navy.com

Badge

Loading…

Get Badge

Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

Information

To everyone with a loved one at RTC or soon to be there, we say, "Welcome!" To those who are sticking around after PIR to help those who are just beginning this awesome journey, we say, "Thank you!"

**BEGINNING OCTOBER 5, 2023, RECRUIT GRADUATIONS WILL BE CONDUCTED EVERY THURSDAY (NO LONGER ON FRIDAY), EXCEPT FOR THE WEEK OF THANKSGIVING, WHEN GRADUATION IS ON WEDNESDAY.

This is a place to talk, ask questions, and share stories. It is our desire that this Group will provide the information, encouragement, and support you need while your loved one is at RTC in Great Lakes. Enjoy your time here and feel free to Comment and join in the Discussions. Be sure to check out the "Pages" to the right, located under the pictures of the Members, especially OPSEC and PERSEC (Making Changes to Your Profile), (Click "View All" to see all of them.)

Please, if you no longer want to be a part of N4M's consider NOT deleting your profile as everything you have ever posted will disappear when you delete it . You can leave a group but don't permanently delete your profile!

Members: 13261
Latest Activity: 5 hours ago

Answers to Common Questions

The Navy has updated their Cell Phone Usage (4/2024).

Read the article here on personal cell phones for call homes:

Personal Cell Phone Use for Calls Home

This link gives you a breakdown of the training schedule at boot camp.

BASIC MILITARY TRAINING SCHEDULE

New in 2022: Navy to lengthen Basic Military Training

Navy to lengthen Boot Camp - Navy Times

Are there any official RTC sites?

Yes, check out https://www.facebook.com/NavyRecruitTrainingCommand and http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/. They will have lots of information for you. https://www.facebook.com/NavalServiceTraining also has items at times.

https://www.facebook.com/ASBPGreatLakes has pics of some of the recruits who give blood while at RTC. Those donations occur about 2 weeks (10 to 16 days depending on the division) before PIR.

You may also find pics in https://www.navy.mil/viewGallery.asp.

RTC will stream PIR live at http://navylive.dodlive.mil/ beginning at 8:45 am CST on the day of PIR for those who are unable to attend in person. (Once PIR has passed, you will be able to see the video at https://navylive.dodlive.mil/. If the one you want is not there, then click on a PIR video and then change the date in the URL to the date you want. You will have to change both the numerical date and the written out date in the URL. For example, if you want the video for the March 3, 2017 PIR date, then change https://navylive.dodlive.mil/2019/08/23/navy-recruit-graduation-august-23-2019/ to https://navylive.dodlive.mil/2017/03/03/navy-recruit-graduation-march-3-2017/.)

Can recruits take anything to BC with them?

Recruits should go with what they have on their backs, their cell phones, and not much else. Effective August 2022 Recruits can bring their own (approved) running shoes. (See Things to Do in the Last Month Before Your Future Sailor Leaves for RTC.)

What will the first day be like at BC?

See Arrival and What Happens at RTC and Ship/Division--How it Works.

How long is the "I'm here!" call and when will s/he be able to call again?

See Phone Cards and Phone Calls.

I got my recruit's address from the recruiter. Can I trust it?

Double-check the address the recruiter gave you against those at

RTC Division Addresses, but we strongly encourage you to wait on the form letter before sending mail to your recruit since the address provided by the recruiter prior to that can be wrong up to 11 business days or more after the recruit's arrival if the recruit failed the first attempt at the run and then passed (or failed) the second attempt and was ASMO'd to a different division (or to SEPS) or if RTC needed to move recruits for some reason. Sometimes a form letter is not mailed by accident and if it has been at least 3 calendar weeks since your recruit arrived at RTC and you do not have a form letter, then you can call the recruiter and get the address and mail letters to your recruit since the address in the system should be the correct one at that point, but be sure to double-check the address here Ship/Division--How it Works.

---

**NOTE: There is a virtual graduation for your Sailor that you can watch on the RTC FaceBook page. It is posted the FRIDAY after PIR.

RTC Facebook Page - Graduation

---

When will the Form Letter come and what is in it?

The form letter will arrive in your regular mail around nine to fourteen business days after the recruit's arrival at RTC since it is not mailed until a division’s 1-1 Day of Training, which takes place after your recruit has taken and passed the run portion of the Baseline PFA, which is on or about the fifth business day after arrival (later if the division that your recruit was tentatively placed in upon arrival did not fill until a later date). See Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) and Fitness Improvement Training (FIT). The brochure that is included from MWRGL about hotels and other things is at Travel Guide . The form letter includes your recruit's address, so now you can mail out all the letters you have been writing. There is more on this in Letter Writing & Fun Stuff/Questionnaires to send to your Recruit.

The form letter will also tell you the date of PIR, so you can start making plans for your trip. There are many hotels in the area and there is information in the grad pack and on this site about them. If you fly in, renting a car will make your life easier. Also, if you are flying, some airlines, such as Southwest, will allow you to change your flight without a charge if something happens, so you do not have to book refundable tickets. ** EDITED - LIVE PIR's RESUME 8/13/2021**

UPDATED TRAINING SCHEDULE (6/2022 - Thanks to belovedbyHim)

The Expected timeline will look like this:

Day 0 -- Travel, Arrival and "I'm Here" scripted phone call

Week 1 Day 1-7 -- Arrive Onboard RTC and begin P-days (P-days- Initial Processing Days) including 2 days of P-hold (Weekend)

Day 8 -- Begin training and mail form letter out. Look for it to arrive around 1-2 weeks later
Week 2 -- First week of Training including PT and Swim Qualifications
Week 3 -- Marlin Spike - (Line handling- How to tie up a Ship to the Pier) , First inspections and tests (Dental May be this week or next... Not Confirmed)(Form letter/ Personal letters usually arrive this week)

Week 4 -- Confidence Chamber & Fire Fighting training
Week 5 -- Fire Arms Training

Week 6 -7 -- More training, Drilling (Flags and Marching).

Week 8 – Battle Stations (done prior to final PFA). Your SR will call home to say they are a Sailor but they still have to pass final PFA in order to graduate.

Week 9 & 10– Warrior Training (Life skills) and Final PFA

Approx 10 Fridays from Departure they will have PIR!! If you can go you will be amazed at the change that happened in just 10 short weeks. For the time being they are also still Live Streaming the PIR ceremony.

Once you know your recruit's PIR date, be sure to join the group for that date. PIR groups are posted on the Comment Wall below once they are created.

USPS Informed Delivery - Sign up and receive an email from the US Postal Service showing what mail you will be getting each day (if available in your area).

Informed Delivery®

How long should I plan to stay in the Great Lakes area?

Arrive at least the day before PIR so you can pick up your ticket/s for PIR and also attend Sarge's Meet and Greet if you wish to do so.

If your Sailor's "A" School or training is in GL, then plan to leave late Sunday or on Monday. If your Sailor will be flying out, then plan to leave late Saturday or on Sunday to have the most time with your Sailor. (This may need to be adjusted if PIR is not on Friday.) See Saving Money PIR Weekend and PIR Day and Liberty during PIR Weekend.

**UPDATED LIBERTY RULES - GL - AUGUST 2022**

Here is a link from Great Lakes regarding their Updated Liberty Rules during PIR weekend, effective August, 2022. (Thank you Amy for sharing this with me.) I'll post it in a few different places.

Updated Liberty Rules for GL - August 2022

SARGE'S MEET & GREET - BACK AS OF 3/18/2022

Plan to arrive the day before PIR so you won't risk missing PIR and go to Sarge's Meet and Greet from 4pm to 8pm the evening before PIR at the Lakehurst Event Center (go to http://www.mynavytaxi.com/events.html to RSVP). Sarge has a taxi service and he is a wealth of information. His cell number is 847-212-0246. His Meet and Greet and services have been getting great reviews. Find Sarge on N4M as OldSarge.

Who can attend PIR?

RESUMING LIVE PIR - 8/13/2021

Your recruit will indicate the names of up to FOUR guests who will be permitted to receive tickets and attend PIR. RTC may change that to three guests if there is a large TG. Children ages 2 and under do not need a ticket to attend PIR, but a copy of the child's birth certificate may be presented in order for the child to attend PIR. The names of the guests will be listed on the Security Access Form. Your recruit will send the Security Access Form with the form letter and it will need to be completed fully and returned to your recruit. if you do not receive the form letter, then you can download the Security Access Form and complete it and send it to your recruit, but your recruit has the final say on who will attend PIR.

ALL GUESTS 3 YEARS OLD AND OLDER MUST HAVE A TICKET TO ATTEND PIR, INCLUDING MILITARY GUESTS (ACTIVE DUTY, RESERVE, RETIRED, VET). No extra guests allowed, no exceptions.

GUESTS SECURITY ACCESS FORM: If you are going to be attending the graduation ceremony, you will need to fill out the security access form, which is included with your form letter. Return the form to your recruit according to the instructions.

ONLY YOUR RECRUIT CAN CHANGE THE GRADUATION CEREMONY ACCESS LIST: Your recruit will be able to make changes to the access list throughout training. The last opportunity to make changes will be the week before graduation. If there is a change to be made to the access list (such as a name spelled incorrectly, name-swap, etc…) please communicate any changes to your recruit by mail. Recruit Training Command staff cannot change these names or release the names of those on the list. Please do not call for additional seats!

The form can also be downloaded by anyone from the website, but only the recruit has final say-so as to who will be invited. Those names are submitted and those names will be printed on tickets. All of those guests attending must be present with ID to pick up the ticket in person. No exceptions, no swapping of tickets, no changing of names during final week of graduation.

If you are attending a graduation ceremony, you MUST personally obtain your ticket, you cannot pick up tickets for others. Tickets will be distributed at the Recruit Family Welcome Center, located inside the Navy Exchange Burkey Mall, Bldg. 3452, 2650 Green Bay Road Great Lakes, IL 60088

Additional information on ticketing is also available at www.bootcamp.navy.mil. (See http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/faq.html#grad_ceremony.)

Once you receive your ticket, please DO NOT lose it, as this will be the only ticket you will receive. These tickets are not transferable and are serialized to each graduation attendee. If you do not have a ticket, then you will not be permitted access to the base.

The Recruit Family Welcome Center will be open on the following days and times: Thursday [10:00 AM to 7:30 PM], and Friday [5:30 AM to 8:00 AM]. ***Certain federal holidays may require adjusting days and times. Please refer to the command website for those specific updates***

Please plan accordingly so each person listed can check in to receive a ticket for the graduation ceremony. Again, if you don’t have a ticket you will NOT be allowed entry to the base. Tickets will only be issued to those guests who the graduating recruit has verified will be attending.

Driving on to base.

Driver’s license, vehicle registration, proof of insurance or rental car agreement and graduation ticket must be ready to present to security at access points. Everyone in the car ages three and over must show their ticket to graduation. If someone in the car over the age of two does not have a ticket, they are not allowed through the gate, no exceptions.

NO cell phone usage while driving on base!
Seat belts are required for all drivers/passengers at all times
Motorcycle drivers/riders MUST have proper protective clothing/equipment such helmet, long pants, long-sleeved shirt, and over the ankle hard-soled boots.
Recent graduates are prohibited from operating motor vehicles, including motorcycles, and are NOT allowed to be a passenger on a motorcycle.

See Bootcamp.Navy.Mil for the Frequently Asked Questions.

What will happen PIR weekend?

See PIR Day and Liberty during PIR Weekend

http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/graduation.html and http://www.navyformoms.ning.com/custom/media/downloads/N4M_PIR_infographic_web.pdf.

S.O. Contract:

Moms whose sons have an S.O. Contract headed to BUD/S there is a group for you.

It is called, BUD/S and SQT (Stages of a S.E.A.L.)

Interested:

Send a friend request to NavyMom(J) for more information.

(Click on the highlighted links.)

Be sure to check out the Pages to the right (under the pictures of the Members) for additional information. (You will need to click "View All" to see all of them.)

Donna is no longer active on the site. Several others who have begun this journey before you are here to help. (Donna, we are forever thankful that you started this group that continues to help so many.)

Discussion Forum

View All

Comment Wall

Comment

You need to be a member of Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones) to add comments!

Comment by Chipmunk on June 26, 2024 at 8:52am: Welcome to our new members!! It is good to see your posts and questions. The more you share here, the better we get to know you. My son left seven years ago this month. He has completed his enlistment and married another sailor, so they are still living away from me. The communication is easier at times, but it is still hard to have them far away and on Navy Time instead of my time!

Comment by Terrika~Navymom 🫶🏾 on June 25, 2024 at 10:21pm: Hi, MomofJoseph! Thank you so much for sharing this with me. My son aunt told me to download the sandbox as well, her son just graduated from BC. She was explaining some things with me also. I'm just waiting for the next phone call in 3 weeks.

Comment by MomofJoseph on June 25, 2024 at 8:04pm: Hi, Terrika~Navymom! Welcome to the Navy Mom "club". My son went to BC almost 3 years ago. It was just at the end of covid, so if they had their vaccine, they were expected to stay 8 weeks, and if not, 10 weeks. He had his vaccine, so I expected 8 weeks, and it was 57 days. (I found out later that that was unusual because they can have delays and setbacks, but we were grateful that he was almost exactly 8 weeks.

I agree about writing letters daily. I just wrote about things that I knew he would find funny and upbeat, and didn't share anything to distract or discourage him. (Both my dad and my mother-in-law were in hospice care when he left for bootcamp. Thankfully, they both lived until he graduated!)

I used snail mail daily, and then used Sandbox to get messages to him quickly. For example, one of his letters he said he didn't want to hurt our feelings, but he is so tired, he might want to take a nap after PIR. I sent a letter by Sandbox that told him our plan is to let him sleep all day in the hotel if he wants. (I felt like I wanted him to get that message asap so he didn't worry about disappointing us.)

Please feel free to ask questions, to vent, whatever you need. We've been there, and we're here for you!

Comment by belovedbyHim on June 25, 2024 at 7:54pm: Masaleza -- Yes, 5 calls are the "Typical" or "Usual" call patterns, however 2 of those are considered "Earned" calls. Additionally there are TONS of things that can cause them to miss calling home that are NOT cause for concern which is part of why we say to only expect the 3 calls and be delighted if you get more.

Comment by Masaleza on June 25, 2024 at 6:06pm: Just a quick update on my experience with phone calls (SR is currently at bootcamp). We got the middle of the night call. A call came about two weeks later and we thought we were done until the I am a Sailor call. However, we got a call about two weeks after that and SR has indicated that he'll be calling two more times: after final PFA and then after battle stations. This is a total of five (5) calls which does match this article in the Navy Times (https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2024/04/02/limited-cell-ph...). I should add that all of the calls so far have been from personal cell phone. SR is always careful to remind us that this could change so we don't worry if it doesn't happen. We having been living by the No News is Good News mantra :-)

Comment by belovedbyHim on June 25, 2024 at 3:40pm: PT 2-
The HARDEST Part of all of this is learning that "No News is Good News"!! We wish they could call and tell us all about their day but just know that if they aren't calling a ton then they are doing just fine! There are 3 "Guaranteed" Calls (I use that term loosely). The First is the "I'm Here" call that you should have gotten when they arrived at Great Lakes. It usually comes in the early morning hours... (After Midnight GL time) and is Very rushed and scripted. The Second is the "Proof Of Life" call that comes around the end of TW3.
The last is the "I'm A Sailor" call. This one comes after BS21 and marks the end phase of Training. They are Sailors now and both treated and expected to behave as one. They still have the final "Sailorization" training leading up to PIR. Please Note that the SR's do not call these call these names, nor do the RDC's (Recruit Drill/ Division Commander). These are the names that we here at N4M have come up with to denote which call you are talking about when you share. There are also Bonus calls or as mentioned Calls for additional information. If there is a Problem, Accident, Illness or Discipline that causes any changes in a SR's Expected PIR then you will also be called for that. Your SR is an adult now and as such the Navy Cannot and Will not release any information without your SR express permission. IF you get one of these calls, Please message or Post Right away so we can get you to the right people to inform you what your need to do next.
If there is a problem at home, this is where things get touchy. They will not allow a SR to come home and then resume training where they were. If you have not already, in one of your first letters let them know that you have just learned that you should have asked, Who do they want to be told about right away and who do they want you to wait till after BS21 or PIR to tell them. All requests for emergency leave go through the Red Cross.

OK... That's a LOT for one day. I'm going to end there. I hope I didn't overwhelm you. The Training Schedule is Pinned on this Page. Look at it and "Sketch out" your SR's schedule. This helps when you are writing, you can ask how they felt about... The last weeks activities. From this page I knew more about what was happening at BC than my SR did!! You are in Safe waters here. Let us know if you need help charting a path through this Navy Journey your child has signed you up for!

Comment by belovedbyHim on June 25, 2024 at 3:25pm: Welcome Terrika-- 11 years tomorrow my middle child shipped off to Bootcamp. I understand your feelings!! Pride, Joy, love, fear, grief, worry... all at the same time Some days you don't know if you can breathe from missing them so much and other days you can't breathe from the pride welling up in you!!
I'll tell you what I have told so many others... Deep Breath in.... Let it out... Now again... In...and out..... Once more.... Innnn..... and Out..... Now you focus on breathing and remember that it will be OK. We haven't lost a mom to Boot camp, we won't start with you!! There is a TON of Information on what happens at BC (Boot Camp) on this page in the links above. Bookmark this comment wall and then go start reading. Your SR(Seaman Recruit) is at GL(Great Lakes, also sometimes called Great Mistakes by the SR's) getting taught how to be a Navy Sailor and you are here getting to learn how to be a Navy Mom. Personally, We don't yell as much... it strains the voice, donchaknow... If you make a mistake with PERSEC (Personal Security) or OPSEC (Operational Security) Don't freak out when we mention it. (Usually over sharing or sharing something that is best to wait till later....BS21 for example) We don't kick you out for learning. Feeling overwhelmed is Natural and NORMAL!!! You may hear folks ask "Why are you so ....{Touchy, weepy, emotional, scared....} It's just like sending them to college..." Well, I'm here to say that it is NOT. I have done both. When I missed my college kid, I picked up the phone and called or drove up to see them, You can't do that in BC.
There are a bunch of things that have changed over the last 11 years. The 2 biggest are that SandBoxx is now a thing. Your SR has to Opt-in during P-days (The first week they are at BC) and you will get a text with their DIV-number and Expected PIR date. You DO NOT have to use Sandboxx to send letters. In fact, I encourage you not to. If you start writing and sending letters every day or 3 starting now then by the time they start getting mail call around the end of TW3 (Training Week 3) they won't have much of a gap in letters coming if any at all. SandBoxx is NOT OPSEC or PERSEC and is NOT ALLOWED in the Fleet!! If you do choose to buy "credits" with them, make sure you use them all before the end of BC. NEVER use them in the Fleet!!
The Other Big change is the use of Cell Phones!! Your SR will be permitted to call home using their Personal Cell Phone. I hope they brought a charging cord and "wall wart" (outlet) I do not know if the Pay Phones are still an option. I know when My Sailor was in BC the Mom's sent a letter to the CO Offering to pay to FIX and Replace phones so we could better hear our SR's when they called. They were sketchy then....I'm guessing that over 1/2 were less than functional now!! (Plus finding calling cards was near impossible!) Still Answer any calls that come in during the first 3ish weeks of BC. If they need information they will call from an office line and this call is monitored. Don't rush too fast to get the info but don't be crazy slow either. They must maintain Military bearing and are not allowed to "Socialize" but you can and should tell them you love them, Miss them and Are proud of them. You can ask how they are but know you will get a short answer. (Ask any way!)
(Pt 1)

Comment by B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet) on June 25, 2024 at 11:51am: September PIR group added:

PIR: SEPTEMBER 2024

Comment by B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet) on June 25, 2024 at 11:28am: Be sure to join your PIR group. Here are the links:

PIR: AUGUST 2024

PIR JULY 2024

PIR JUNE 2024

Comment by B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet) on June 25, 2024 at 11:28am: Welcome Terrika! Read through the pages to the right and look at some of the past comments. Lots of good info. Feel free to ask any questions you may have!