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:
Events
**UPDATE 4/26/2022** Effective with the May 6, 2022 PIR 4 guests will be allowed. Still must be fully vaccinated to attend.
**UPDATE as of 11/10/2022 PIR vaccination is no longer required.
**UPDATE 7/29/2021** You now must be fully vaccinated in order to attend PIR:
In light of observed changes and impact of the Coronavirus Delta Variant and out of an abundance of caution for our recruits, Sailors, staff, and guests, Recruit Training Command is restricting Pass-in-Review (recruit graduation) to ONLY fully immunized guests (14-days post final COVID vaccination dose).
FOLLOW THIS LINK FOR UP TO DATE INFO:
**UPDATE 8/25/2022 - MASK MANDATE IS LIFTED. Vaccinations still required.
**UPDATE 11/10/22 PIR - Vaccinations no longer required.
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
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
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DEP-Leavin' for bootcamp in May
Information
This group is for N4M members that have a loved one leaving for bootcamp in May...I will leave the year open so that even future Deppers leaving in the month of May of any year can join...Lets share stories, information, concerns, and questions
Website: http://www.navyformoms.com/group/deppersinbutnotyet
Members: 413
Latest Activity: May 29
Hello everyone and welcome to the Navy!!! This Group was started for the loved one of DEPPERS leaving in the month of May (although everyone is welcome).......What year you say? Well ......any year!
If you have May ship out issues/questions etc., need specific information, (or have some to share) or just want to talk to someone that is where you are, with a Recruit leaving for and arriving in BC in May, ...then this is the place to be. :-)
Remember, don't "miss 'em while you're with them!" :) Make the most of every precious moment together before they leave. This will be a big transition for both of you! We'll be here for you every step of the way...
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Things to do in the last month before your future sailor leaves (Click on the link)
Once your recruit has arrived at RTC, the next stop here is to join the group Boot Camp for Moms (and loved ones) Hangout and ask questions in this group until your form letter arrives.
***New news just out today (9/25/19) from the US Navy Recruit Training Command FaceBook page:
Attention families and friends of RTC: Previously, upon arrival to boot camp, recruits would box up their civilian belongings and ship it to their choice of destination. Our new procedure now has those boxes being stored locally and will be returned to the recruits the day before graduation. The new procedure went into effect this week beginning with Div. 409 in Training Group 52.
Approx two to three weeks after your recruit arrives you will receive the "Form Letter". The form letter will include their Ship# , DIV #, their mailing address, PIR date, and the Security Access Form. The Security Access form needs to be completed and sent back to your recruit ASAP. Keep this letter in a safe place, it has the information you will need.
The date that is on the form letter is the official date for your Recruit's Training Groups PIR (graduation), Things can always change for an individual Recruit (due to illness, injury, failure to pass a final test etc.)! So, we always recommend that you plan, if possible, to purchase Refundable or Exchangeable plane tickets.
After you have received the form letter, join the group for your recruits PIR. There you can ask questions about PIR, training, hotels etc.Those groups will be posted in the Boot Camp for Mom's group.
Thanks for joining us. We hope you will realize you are not alone, and will soon make new friends, plus feel supported and encouraged! :)
**It is very important that your future Sailor be physically fit prior to shipping to the RTC (these are new standards beginning 1/1/2018) and that he be able to pass an initial run test. See Navy Fitness Standards"The initial run standard is evaluated on the 1.5 mile run of the first Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) at boot camp. The initial run standard for male recruits will be 16 minutes 10 seconds and 18 minutes 37 seconds for female recruits."
Discussion Forum
RIMom
Started by RIMom. Last reply by Phoenixmom May 21, 2018. 1 Reply 0 Likes
Hello
Started by Trish. Last reply by lemonelephant May 20, 2018. 11 Replies 1 Like
The box
Started by kuuipo. Last reply by kuuipo May 30, 2018. 7 Replies 0 Likes
Proud and worried
Started by Dr. Von. Last reply by lemonelephant May 15, 2018. 6 Replies 0 Likes
Boyfriend Leaving May 30th, 2018
Started by sailorgirlfriend. Last reply by lemonelephant Jun 14, 2018. 23 Replies 2 Likes
Comment Wall
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Comment by diannep on April 16, 2010 at 7:45am
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Ladies, here's a very important heads up. Assure your recruit that you will be writing them lots of letters. However, there IS a delay in them receiving these, no matter how early you send them. It may take 2 weeks or more before the letters start actually getting to your recruits, but it is important that your son/daughter knows that they are "in the mail." What usually happens is that they get a whole pile of them at one time...which is quite a treat for them! It is heartbreaking to read on the boot camp site of recruits who think they have been "forgotten" at home because they have received no letters because they are delayed in getting there. They LIVE for that mail...you can't write too much! And another suggestion: If they have special relatives, mentors (like teachers, coaches), anyone who has had a impact on their life, ask that person to please write. I did and my son was thrilled to hear from some special teachers, neighbors, relatives, etc. That helps them so much knowing how many support them. BC can be a very isolating experience for them, and they need to know they have not been forgotten, and they need encouragement. So don't be shy! Pass out their address to these people and ask them to please write! I wrote a letter to a Marine friend years ago...when he was deployed. Just saw him recently...and do you know that he told someone else in front of me how much that letter meant to him. I had totally forgotten I had written it (this had to have been 30 years ago). So, when dealing with the military, including our children, letters are worth their weight in gold! Or e-mails when the time comes where they can receive them. Have a good day, everyone!
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bisymom: Mom of boys here too! with 6 nephews also (no nieces)! Glad you got the paperwork straightened out, or at least feel confident with the Chief involved. The POA is just a nice "standby" paper to have for our children. You just never know!
Your son may want to open an account with the Navy Credit Union when in bc which might be easier for him to manage since they are located on all bases. Mine did this...even though he had his own checking/savings accounts here. While in A School, he just transferred all over to the Navy account and closed down the other one (his was with a local bank here). Just something to think about.
Good for your son that he chose the Navy so he can become independent....I think he chose the right field! HA! At least, independence from parents may be accomplished...and dependent on the Navy! No, really, I already see that in my son who has only been in now since Nov. It is amazing the changes that come about in these kids...things that we as moms spent YEARS working on.
Glad I could help and hope to be able to help with anything else. Have a good night!
Teachermom: Someone told me that the Navy never had to have passports, but I believe that has changed now. One of my son's buddies was getting one for his assignment overseas (through the Navy). He had a Brazilian passport, expired, and he had to give that to them. So the Navy may want your son to give them his passport one day if he will need one...don't know if they will reissue under some kind of Navy designation. My son will be stateside so didn't need one. Although he is still on A School base, awaiting confirmation of verbal orders, so don't know if they issue them all one as a matter of policy? I guess I'll find out!
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LauraLee: There is a Power of Attorney "forum" on this site. Just click on "forums" above at the top and type in Power of Attorney in the search box. You may want to read through some of the comments made.
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LauraLee: Good question. I would not send it with him (they'll send it back) and you definitely need a copy here for matters at home. I think I would ask the recruiter about that. I got one here for my son so I could do some financial business with his accounts down here. Wasn't planning on sending a copy to the Navy...but I guess if a situation arose, you could do that. Could you check with the attorney who pepared it to see what his advice is?
Oh, and on the Navy Credit Union, they also will open a savings up for him (with initial $5 deposit from his paycheck). I remember thinking the terms on it weren't bad at all. Of course, can't remember now, but I remember thinking it was a good thing! He might be able to set it up when he opens it where a portion of his pay is automatically put into his savings acct so he can start saving.
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For all of you who aren't already on it, join the "boot camp" site now too. You will have many questions answered there as well. Yes, bisymom, you will find that the Navy has its own protocol for everything...out of necessity, of course...so your lifeline will be this site.
The "kid in a box" will arrive within the first 10 days or so. Be ready emotionally, it's weird. Your child's dirty clothes and other belongings. Don't look for a note...no time to wrote one (unless they write one on the plane and stick it in a pocket???). About the same time as the box, you will receive the form letter which will give you the PIR date. You will see your child's handwriting on this...YAH! They have 4 lines inside to put a personal message. This will be the only letter you will receive for a while. No time to write in the first couple of weeks (but you need to be writing to them and accumulating the letters to send once you get an address...either from your recruiter or it will be in the form letter. I waited for the form letter address as there is a discrepancy many times between that one (accurate one) and the one you get from the recruiter.)
JOIN YOUR PIR group when you get the date. Or start one. You will meet other moms on there who have children with yours. This is very important. This site will be more specific to what is going on with your child's group. Remember, ship number will be the same, but division numbers will be different (all in the same building together, but different training groups).
Stationery and stamps are provided. I mailed self-addressed stamped envelopes and he threw them away! YIKES! He said he didn't need them because they provide the stamps and Navy stationery. There is a discrepancy on whether this comes out of their pay, but it may automically come out of their pay allowance whether they use it or not. Don't worry...your child will write to you...if he/she doesn't, it isn't because he/she didn't have stamps/stationery! But I wouldn't worry...as my son said, I was his lifeline to home so he was very eager to write me. They want that connection. Stay light and funny in your letters, sharing happy news, nothing heavy. Send jokes, funny family stories, letters from the family pets, etc. Always encourage them! If you want to send piks, try to copy them on one sheet of computer paper. Don't send individual ones. They have NO ROOM to store them. Their storage space is very limited. No funny colored envelopes, musical cards, are stickers or funny writing on the outsdie. They can do MANY PUSH UPS to get their mail if you do this! :-) Most say it is worth it to hear from their families however.
Calls home vary from division to division depending on the RDC's. My son was switched to another division after 2 weeks, and he found the first one allowed more calls than the second one did (second one---calls were almost non-existent). Keep your cell phone glued to you...even in the bathroom. Calls are random...and they can't call back.
Ok, probably TMI for now! SORRY! I just remember the feeling and want to help you all. So happy for each of you! This is a HUGE thing for your son/daughter. So great! It's a hard road because the lack of contact is hard on us moms. That is where N4M's comes in.
Ask anything that I can help you with. I would be happy to, as people did for me when I was distraught! HA!
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JLC: They can't call home collect, so they need that prepaid phone card. Like I said, if they forget to bring one from home (hopefully not), they can purchase at the NEX there.
Kyle's proud mom: They can call any number you want them to with the prepaid card. Make sure your recruits leave with a list of phone numbers in their wallet! Some of them "forget" numbers since they are used to just pushing the speed dial on their cell phones sometimes (I'm thinking mainly of work numbers). Watch for the "pay phone 847 (area code)" in your caller ID!
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Hi, Ladies. I am joining this group just in case I can answer any questions you all may have re: your recruits getting ready to leave. My son just graduated A School so maybe I have some answers for you? Please ask anything.
On the phone calls from bc, be sure to buy a phone card before they leave (make sure it is activated) with at least 500 minutes on it, if not more. They can buy more cards at the NEX up there if needed. My my son's ran out in the middle of a call ! He dashed into the NEX and called me right back, but most times, they can't do that. They may be able to call from their cell for the "I'm here" call, but then it will be put in the box to be sent back to you with all that he/she arrived at bc with.
The POA is a great idea. I didn't do that, but have one here for my son to sign when he comes home on leave soon...just in case. Easier since contact with their duty stations (as in ships) can be non-existent sometimes.
Laura Lee: Even though your son just opened a bank account, I would suggest that he consider opening one with the Navy Fed up there too. That is what my son did...and it worked out great. He went on and closed out his local account after bc once he arrived in A School and transferred into the Navy account. The Navy Feds are on all bases so it makes it easy for your son to conduct his business there. Just something to think about.
Ladies: Your children will be issued a passport by the Navy after they finish A School, if need be. So I wouldn't worry about getting them one now, if that is what people are doing.
bisymom: Is there another person in the recruiter's office whom you can speak with to make sure all is done? I don't think you have to worry about your son's paperwork being in order before he leaves, but if you are concerned and anxious, I would talk to someone else there. I never even met my son's recruiter (in another city) nor talked to him. Most of my info came from this website!
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Comment by Jennifer on April 11, 2010 at 12:54am
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I had been reading that the wait times to get into boot camp were quite long prior to him going to MEPS..I was expecting it to be the end of summer or something until he would leave for Boot camp..We he got back from MEPS 1 question I asked was if he made it..Then which job he got...Then When does he leave...When he told me May 5th my heart sank... A little over a month and he would be gone...So fast...The next day we started to make arrangements..I told our landlord we would be leaving in the end of April because my bf was leaving for the Navy and I won't live alone...Geez just the night he was away at MEPS drove me crazy..We opened up a joint banking account so i could take care of things back at home and then I requested the week before he leaves off work so I could spend as much time with him as possible..Just hasn't given me a lot of time to process the changes to come...Such a rollercoaster of emotions and im trying to buckle me seat and get ready for the ride.
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JLC...I think the rip the band aide kind of thing is a good thing..I am having a hard enough time now...I just look at him and think that he'll be leaving and i start crying... Once he's actually gone i'll be upset he's come but i can also be excited about seeing him again...Right now its like watching a storm slowly growing...
Quite nerve racking...Sigh...So much stress...And i can feel more on the way between his mother and i.. this whole thing is really testing my strength.
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JLC...I think the rip the band aide kind of thing is a good thing..I am having a hard enough time now...I just look at him and think that he'll be leaving and i start crying... Once he's actually gone i'll be upset he's come but i can also be excited about seeing him again...Right now its like watching a storm slowly growing...
Quite nerve racking...Sigh...So much stress...And i can feel more on the way between his mother and i.. this whole thing is really testing my strength.
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