Ship 11 / Div 197

[TenaciousDee]

Hello! My son is in this division and will PIR on June 29th! I can't wait to see him! 

[lisa ship 11 Division 197]

My daughter Tabby is graduating that day then she is off to Pensacola Florida, congraulations on your son

 

 

[TenaciousDee]

PHONE CALLS

 

 Mostget 3 calls:

 

the"I'm here" call,

 

the"I'm still alive" call (3 weeks) and

 

the"I'm a Sailor" call (after Battlestations)...

 

Someonly get the last one, some get all, some get more....depends on the division,RDC and the rct. They are NOT guaranteed to call.Watch for the 847 area code.Sometimes they get a quick info call the first week or two...the ID is USGovernment.They all need calling cards...it eats up 30 minutes to just make a call from apayphone....so they need a bunch of minutes. They can buy calling cards at theNEX. If you send them one ...make sure it is activated first (saves time) When you get your first call DO YOUR BEST NOT TO CRY…you SR will be emotionaland most likely will be tearful and if they’re not, they will be if you are andthen you’ll waste valuable talking time crying. Let them talk…they don’t get to talk much at boot camp, have questions and apen and paper by the phone to jot down what they say. When they call and youhear their sweet voice…everything you wanted to ask will go out of your mind. If they are upset reassure them, let them know that it will get better, it isonly a few weeks and after boot camp it is MUCH better. Tell them you lovethem, yes you do miss them but are looking SO forward to seeing them marchthrough those doors at PIR. Then, hang up and come on here and cry and shout and be happy that you heardfrom your SR !!! In the Navy, "no news is good news." They are allowed to contact youalmost immediately if something goes wrong, and if they cannot, the Navy does.It was just over five weeks from the time my son left home and his first call,four weeks is typical.

 

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Onething to add to this is that occasionally the SRs get a quick"information" call during the first few weeks. The caller ID is"US Government" then and area code still "847". If your SRis in the 800 divisions, IT, CTT, CTI (any job that handles confidential info)have phone numbers, addresses of references, scout masters, teachers,employers, friends, etc. by the phone.

 

Usuallythis call is short and sweet but sometimes the RDC will let them chat for a fewminutes. Have questions by the phone that you need to ask....have these readyfor the 3 week call as well.

[TenaciousDee]

I received my call today! So for those who are still waiting...it will come just try to be patient. I know that's hard to hear, but your recruit will call. It was hard for me to read so many posts from moms saying that they had talked to their sons/daughters...and though I so happy for them, I prayed to just hear his voice. It's a great feeling....a beautiful feeling. The best 20 minutes of my life! I send hugs to everyone....! 

[TenaciousDee]

Photo/Keel/DVD ordering Info

Per the NEX Photo Lab at RTC on 7/27/10:

IF a recruit orders Pkg A for $140 while IN boot camp, the Cruisebook (known as the Keel Yearbook) automatically comes with that package. IF a sailor or family member decides AFTER PIR weekend to order Pkg A, it does NOT come with it - and the price is not lowered due to this fact either. Reason: The Keel book is like a bonus feature for those who order early. Those who do not order Pkg A, but want aCruisebook, can order one at the time photos are taken for $30. Very important:If a recruit orders Pkg A while in boot camp, but does not pay for it by PIRday, the Keel book will NOT be included in their photo order.

There are two exceptions: #1 - IF a parent/sailor walks into the NEX photo lab ON graduation day, they can order a Cruise book that day for $30 and #2 - IF a sailor is still at RTC for those few days after PIR, they have 5 days to walk in andorder the book. The lab will NOT accept requests by mail or by phone for thisbook, even if you call or write within that 5 day period!

The reason for this is because they order the exact number of books that are paid for one week after PIR. Unlike photo re-orders that give you a year to re-order, you can never request a Keel Cruisebook after the fact.

Also, he wanted me to remind everyone that prices do change, so even if you see a post on N4M that states a photo costs "X" amount, that price could change by the time your recruit orders their photos. They can change things (like including theKeel book) at any time, but recruits will always know exactly what they arepaying for when they make their order and those orders are safe from anychanges that may go into effect later.

DVD's and VHS tapes of PIR are mailed out to the address given by the recruit approximately 5-7 weeks after PIR. The Cruisebook (Keel Yearbook) arrives 8-10 weeks after PIR.First, the recruit pays for these, either with a debit/credit card, or a check when they pick them up a few days before PIR. What I could not get confirmed was whether they can deduct it from their wages, but several Moms have posted that "yes", this can be done. Now... the parents/family can go in and pay for them and pick them up on PIR day - but you must be present to do that or have sent yourrecruit a check.

Pkg A is expensive, but it's your best deal at $140.00: It does NOT come with the DVD of PIR, that is ordered separately for $29 (includes the shipping). However, the large pkg DOES include the Cruisebook, also known as the Keel Yearbook. It comes as a "gift" for ordering and PAYING for Pkg A by PIR date. If a recruitdoes not order Pkg A, they can order the Keel separately for $30 (includesshipping). Here's the confusion though - IF a recruit decides AFTER graduationthat they want a Keel, it is too late, because the Photo Lab submits theirorder to the printing company that week - and they only order the exact numberof books that have been PAID for. So, if you decide to order Pkg A AFTERgraduation, you will not get the Keel book as a bonus. Hope that makes sense!

Most recruits pick up their portraits a few days before PIR, then right after the ceremony they run back to barracks to pick them up and hand them to you. The DVD is mailed to the address the recruit writes down and arrives 5-6 weeks after PIR (got mine on time). The Keel is also mailed, but takes about 10 weeks to arrive (should get ours by next week).

So, even though my son spent $174, it breaks down to this: Pkg A $140, DVD $29, and $5 for a 5x7 of the "casual" Division picture. The large 11x17 formal Division picture is included in Pkg A. And remember, Keel book (worth $30) is included if Pkg A is ordered and paid for by graduation day.

My suggestion is to write your recruit now and discuss what you want. My son paid for his, so it was his choice - however I did surprise him by reimbursing him on PIR day, which is something we chose to do. We did not buy him a graduation gift, our thought was "our present is our presence", it cost a small fortune togo to Chicago!

Here are the packages, prices and important things to know about Navy Portraits as of 8/26/10:

Your recruits picture will be taken in their Navy Blue uniform and these are very nice, professional portraits.

No order form is sent to the families, it's up to the recruit to decide to order them or not, and how many.

These are taken around week 4 or 5, they are ready and available for the recruit to pick up the last week of boot camp.

They must be paid for with a debit or credit card, or personal check (cash okay - but they should never have that much cash with them at boot camp!). They cannot have the cost taken out of their pay check. Families can go into the NEX on PIR day to pay, but it's a bit crazy on PIR day, so advise you to let recruit get them earlier that week. If your recruit did not bring a debit/credit card, mail them acheck. Call the NEX Photo Lab for more info on that: 847-578-6205

 

There are only two packages they can order:

Package A - $140.00(no tax charged)

1 - 11x14 photo, 2 -8x10, 2 - 5x7, 24 wallets, 1 - 11x14 formal Division photo. IMPORTANT: If they order and PAY for Package A no later than PIR day, it includes a free bonus - the Cruisebook (aka Keel Yearbook).

Package B - $120.00(no tax charged)

1 - 8x10, 2 - 5x7, 16 wallets, 1 - 11x14 formal Division photo. There is no free bonus book in this package.

Things you can order separately:

Note: Your recruit cannot just buy a few photos, they must order a package to receive any photos at all. However they can just order a DVD or a Cruisebook without ordering photos.

DVD or Video of PIR ceremony $29.00, includes shipping. It will be mailed to the address given by recruit 5-6 weeks after PIR

Cruisebook (aka Keel Yearbook) $30.00, includes shipping. It will be mailed to the address given by recruit 12-13 weeks after PIR. NOTE: This book is printed just one time, so if it is NOT ordered and paid for by PIR day, you can never get one later. The photo lab orders the exact number of books ordered and paid for the day after PIR, so there are never any left over. There are no exceptions to this rule.

Reorders: You can order more photos in various sizes for up to one year from PIR date. There will be a form in the portrait package to do this. Reorders can only be ordered if your recruit ordered a package.

Frames: The above packages come with thick construction paper frames - it does keep them safe when traveling. The NEX also sells very nice frames in a variety of izes and styles. Prices are on the order form that comes with the portraits.

This information was confirmed with two different employees at the NEX Photo Lab!

If anyone wants to contact the "picture people," here is an email address where you can ask any questions: Reply by Ellen S. 8 hours ago

Hi Everyone, just talked to NEX. The new person to contact is  [e-mail]. He is a very nice man. Something for all to know is that even if your recruit is put into FIT they still can go to the NEX and pickup and/or pay for their photos. I asked him about ordering a Cruise/Keel Book. The cut off is one week after the PIR date. I think the important thing is for the recruit to ask to go pay for their order.

 

Comment by BunkerQUEENBee

 

PIR - DVD, PHOTOS and BOUND ALBUM

Stay in touch with your recruit during BC about ordering the dvd and photos. He/she will have an opportunity to order these before PIR. If he/she forgets, you can go to the EXCHANGE and order them yourself when you are there for PIR. Additionally, you can call and get an order form faxed to you at anytime. Will need PIR date and Div number to order. NO email requests. BTW, there is a bound photo album that is beautiful – don’t know the cost.

Call these people up at:

 

Navy Exchange Photo LabBldg.7626

2601 East Paul Jones St.

Great Lakes, Il 60088

Phone number847-578-6205 Mon- Fri

The Navy Exchange Photographic Services at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes offers each graduating recruit the opportunity to purchase division and individual photographs, a division Cruise Book, which highlights the Recruits’ Boot Camp experiences from Night of Arrival to Graduation Day and a videotape of theRecruit Pass-In-Review Ceremony.

Photographs and cruise books may be purchased only by the recruit prior to their graduation from boot camp; however, if your recruit did not order a videotape of PIR, the Navy Exchange Photographic Services Office will accept orders.

Please verify with your recruit that a videotape has not been ordered by them prior to placing your request.

To order a videotape of your Recruit's PIR, please provide the following information:

Recruit's Name

Division Number

Date of Pass-In-Review Ceremony

Return Address (Sorry, No P.O. Box or Overseas Addresses Please)

Daytime Phone Number

 

For prices and additional information, please contact the Navy Exchange Photographic Services Office at 847-578-6205 or via e-mail at [e-mail].

 

UPDATE 05/07/2012:

A member called the Photo lab as per our advice and was informed that you may not call them and check to see if a photo package has been ordered.. that theyinfact do not want moms calling and that they cannot say if a specific packagehas been ordered as the order is not "set to process" until the package or item has been paid in full.. Just a FYI for all the rest of the moms out there...

 

 

 

[TenaciousDee]

TRAININGSCHEDULE

 

1-1Day: - Get blood drawn for special jobs (Nuke, Aircrew, EOD, Divers...etc).More tubes of blood, more tests.

 

-Asked for allergies and if we are FFD (Fit For Duty).

 

-DEP advancement test is taken today. If you are E-1 or E-2 and want to advance,you need to pass the PQS at your recruiter station AND this test. The test is30 questions, multiple-choice, and you cannot get more than 5 wrong to pass. Ittests Naval history, Rank and Recognition, Chain-of-Command, 11 General orders,etc... STUDY!!!

 

-You will send a letter home with your address.

 

-You will go to recruit receipts. Here you will take care of the rest of yourservice record. You will do your DDS (Direct Deposit), SGLI (Life Insurance)and receive your military ID.

 

-Today you will also go to PT. This will be where you learn what exercises youwill do during PT (Physical Training).

 

1-2Day: - Blood Pressure check - Another urine test for special forces, Nukes,Aircrew, EOD, Divers, etc. - Eye exam, measure for glasses - Females will go towellness center for birth control. - You have a To-go Lunch

 

1-3Day: - Dental checkup - X-rays - Shots (about 4 of them), plus the PeanutButter shot (It's not bad, Relax!). Then same routine

 

1-4Day: - More stamping - Lectures on Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) fromtraining guide. - Keep studying from training guide.

 

1-5Day: - First workout, pre-physical fitness test. See how many you can do. - Theair is dry, but keep running, keep pushing, Do not stop! Puke, if you want andkeep going. - Don't stop your heart rate, raise it up. You'll feel goodafterwards. Second Sunday: - Holiday routine 07:00 - 13:00 - 13:00 - 14:00Field day (Clean compartment) - Dinner - Lectures-------------------------------

 

Week2: I thought this week was so important...and then I realized that RDC's liveup everything as if it were working on a million dollar piece of equipment.This week had 3 inspections and the academic test that I stated before.

 

Thefirst two inspections were on the same day and one after the other. They calledthis the CART PI/DMI. CART is phase 1 of boot camp. I am not sure of exactlywhat it means, though I do know the other two. PI stands for personnelinspection, while DMI stands for dynamic material inspection. The PI is wherethey have you do a few commands that they will pass down to the Recruit ChiefPetty Officer (RCPO though said as RPOC). A couple of the commands were to:

 

1pace forward march hand salute cover uncover attention parade rest

 

Notvery hard at all. Well the inspector goes around and checks every single personfor uniform infractions. A couple of the infractions, or hits, you could takeon your uniform are:

 

gigline not even (shirt to belt to pants line) gear adrift (loose threads) dirtyboots dirty uniform metal to metal on belt not even bootlaces not tight enoughbelt not through all of the loops all buttons not buttoned.

 

Theinspector would also ask a question about the 11 general orders, chain ofcommand, or rate and rank recognition, and you had to answer it in the correctmanner while keeping proper military posture and bearing. Some other hits theinspector could give are:

 

militaryposture military bearing incorrect or no answer to a question

 

Iactually remember getting my first PI question wrong because I was so nervousand forgot that a perched eagle was part of what a second class petty officerwears on the sleeve of his or her dress blue uniform. Anyway, before we knewit, the PI was over and we did pretty good on it.

 

Nextwas the DMI. One side had bunk making, the other with lockers. I was verypleased to have the locker inspection because I hated making a bunk. We had totake out a shirt, trousers, and jacket and unbutton and unzip everything onthem and then re-button and zipper and fold and stow them properly. I took onehit on my jacket's zipper pointing up when I refolded it. Zipper must be downon many things in boot camp. A majority of the bunk making side failed while wedid great. To end this day, we were warned of bunk drills ahead because the oneside did terrible on it.

 

Twodays later was our zone inspection. This is where FQA inspects every area ofthe compartment, including the RDC office. We had multiple problems with that office,and I think one of them was dust. Now a petty officer would inspect every topbunk's locker and every bottom bunk's bunk. Since I was a bottom bunk, youwould probably think I would fail right? No sir; we were able to make thecompartment look good and dress our bunks and lockers accordingly. I had helpfrom a shipmate and my bunk looked really good. After about 2-3 hours of theinspection, we came out with almost the whole division failing. I am glad tosay that I was one hit away from failing because the petty officer was goingreally in depth and was looking for everything that he could find.

 

Well…anothertaps and we were ready for our first test! Time to show off my awesome EPOskills, hoo-yah! Well it turns out that I didn't know that our utilities couldbe regular machine-washed. Our laundry PO's never washed them in ourcompartment, but that was simply because there was too much clothing to bewashed. I made a 4.9 (49/50 correct) on that test, so it wasn't bad at all. Wehad 2 people fail, and both that I tutored ended up passing the second timearound. We got our first achievement flag to march with: the Academic Flag.That was our very stressful second week of training, and now we were off to MCAPhase (Mid Cycle Assessment).

 

2-1Day: - Personal inspection, DMI, - uniform and grooming class. - Specialphysical for Nukes, Aircrew, etc only

 

2-2Day: - Study time, study groups - Start to practice watch with a 8mm Kimarpistol - Training for WTI inspection (Weapons Turnover Inspection)

 

2-3Day: - Test one on: ~~First Aid ~~ Enlisted Rate/Rank recognition ~~ Uniformand Grooming ~~ US Navy Ships and Aircraft

 

2-4Day: - 2nd issue of uniforms, if you have any IOU's from the 1st issue you getthem here. ----

 

2-5Day: - Dental work, many get wisdom teeth pulled and are SIQ (Sick in Quarters)for 2 days --

 

Week3: There isn't much to be said about Week 3. Just the usual PT, foldingclothes, and preparing for two key inspections coming up in week 4. This wholeweek was spent practicing Weapons Turnover and Drill and one event calledMarlinespike. We would practice with a 9mm pistol that had the firing pinremoved and would have to go over the proper procedures for turning it over tothe oncoming watch stander.

 

Thatbrings me to a little introduction to watch standing. There is at least onewatch for the compartment 24/7 unless it is secured because of inspections orspecific instructions. Watches in our compartment are usually 2 hours long, butin the fleet they can go up to 12 or maybe even more! The watch stander isresponsible for the safety and integrity of his or her shipmates. Everythingimportant done in the compartment, whether it was go for a roving tour aroundthe compartment, logging it off spot (messy or not right) due to instruction ortraining, or even checking temperature) had to be written in the log. Officiallogs can be used in Captain's Mast cases where disobedient sailors are punishedfor being ignorant or reckless. An improper watch stand can even result inpunishment because it is that person who is supposed to make sure everything isin order.

 

Nowthat all of that watch standing is out of the way, our next task was practicingfor our first drill inspection. They would play a tape and we would have toexecute all of the commands swiftly and efficiently. This tape was basicallywhat is on the graduation schedule so it truly is very important to understandit sooner than later.

 

Thefinal task of the week was Marlinespike. This is basically preparation forgetting the ship underway and mooring it to the pier. In civilian terms it isuntying the lines from the ship so it can go out to sea and tying it back up tothe pier. There was even a short exercise of a man overboard drill in which Iwas the lucky one to be the man overboard (I got to hide in the back of theship). Our division had listening problems all around so we didn't doexceptionally well, but at least it was done with. By this time everything isgetting very repetitive with only a couple events each week that are different.Pretty easy stuff...

 

3-1Day: - Hair cuts again. Males get shaven (Navy Style), and females whose hairfalls below the bottom edge of the collar get another haircut. You pay for it,so it's you. I'd say females cut it short before coming!

 

3-2Day: - Classifications - Ratings if you are Nuke or AECF or do not have aspecific rating only. You will list the order of what you rating you want etc.You should find out the following week what the Navy decides to give you.(Note: this is only for people in Nuke, AECF, or do not have a rating whencoming in).

 

3-3Day: - Study Time - Weapons computer based training. You complete the courseand print out the certificate. You must score 100%.

 

3-4Day: - Seamanship Basic Skills class

 

3-5Day: - Marlinspike. You get to practice the seamanship skills learned the daybefore. Important to know all roles because they will come in handy for BattleStations.

 

Week4: This is probably the second-most eventful week in boot camp. The secondtraining day of this week is spent at a firing range. Don't expect to shootreal bullets yet though. This day is an introduction to the 9 millimeter pistol(watch turnover weapon) and the shotgun and their components. You will thenfire electronic weapons and will probably do very bad at it because I don'tbelieve any kind of laser to screen targeting is too accurate. Thisintroduction course is known as Small Arms Marksmanship Training (SAMT).

 

Thenext training day after SAMT is the real stuff. Time to prove what you are madeof with a little pistol. It's.....LIVEFIRE! With distances ranging from 3-15yards and hand positions to keep it switched up, you have at maximum 4 rounds(which is a lot) to earn your second ribbon. Your first ribbon is the NationalDefense Service Ribbon (well...medal and ribbon). You may only earn a medal inpistol shooting if you achieve an Expert rating. You will also hear somethingat the beginning of the week called "Breaking Blue." This instance iswhen you are doing something with the gun that you aren't supposed to be doing,ie. pointing the gun other than at the target. I was afraid the whole week thatI was going to get sent back a week in training for this infraction, but inreality, the instructors seemed pretty lenient and unless you actually pointthe gun at their face, you are going to be fine. You will most likely make itout with your second ribbon, whether its Marksman, Sharpshooter (S), or Expert(E).

 

Thesecond to last major event of this week is the Drill Inspection. With more than2 weeks to practice for this event, the inspection should go pretty smoothly.You march down to the Pacific Fleet Drill Hall which is pretty far from any ofthe barracks and then you execute all of the commands from the videotape insidethe drill hall. You are inspected even on the way there, but the division isnot inspected on the way back.

 

Ourlast event of week 4 is the second academic test which is over Marlinespiketerms, U.S. Naval History, gun components, and a few other things. All of theseevents sum up what I thought was the most stressful week in boot camp.

 

Week4 is also known as "hell week". This is where everything the recruitshas learned to date is tested. Several things happen. They wake up the recruitsat 3:30am to get them ready for the day's activities. They bring in RDC's fromother divisions and they compare their division to your division. They see howwell you learned. Most RDC don't like to admit that your division is better sothey find the simplest of faults to penalize you. These penalty points are called"Hits" in the Navy. Don't confuse a "hit" as someone isbeating you. It's just a figure of speech. NO ONE CAN PHYSICALLY HIT (strike)YOU. You might have a small string hanging out of your pocket...hit (-1 point)You might not have your "gig line" straight...hit (now -2 points).

 

Bygetting so many hits, the recruits RDC's are ticked. You'll get PhysicalTrained (PT) and Intensive Trained (IT). You will get reinspected too. You willbe standing at attention and parade rest for a long time waiting for your turnto be inspected. Don't think this is punishment, think of it as teaching therecruits. You will learn to stand for long periods by keeping your knee'sunlocked! ALWAYS KEEP YOUR KNEE'S UNLOCKED!!!! What these RDC's don't want isduring the PIR for the sailors to faint in front of the crowd. It's bad press.(that's where the jobs of the "bodysnatcher" come into play). Thosethat are really taking hits (penalty points) during the inspection could berolled back (set back) into another division to relearn what they have alreadybeen taught. They all must meet the same standards because they are a team! Ifone team member is not performing, they move them to another division (a weekor two behind them) so they can learn it again.

 

Alotof people think "Hell Week" is a untouched term used only for theSEAL/BUDS training. However, people fail to realize that "Hell Week"originated long before the SEALS ever came about. In fact,the term was usedsince the 1800's. I do think the SEAL/BUDS guys are very fond of the word andadded to their own vocabulary just like college students, police officers, etc.

 

4-1Day: - PFA for Olympic Flag, no more than 10-15 people can fail.

 

4-2Day: - SAMT Laser gun training - Zone Inspection

 

4-3Day: - Live Fire 9mm and Shotgun. You need to score 180 or more to receive aribbon/medal for uniform.

 

4-4Day: - Drill inpection for Drill Flag - Photo's - Photo's and Navy"yearbook" division in house compartment pictures - Tailor #2(individual Dress uniforms

 

4-5Day: - Trift Savings Plan class - Test #2 - Go to NEX for shampoo andconditioner

 

Week5: Week 5 is all learning about firefighting. Topics you will cover include:

 

ShipboardDamage Control How to Read Bullseyes (locations of compartments and fittings)Classes of Fires Equipment for fighting Fires Survival Equipment ConfidenceChamber (fun, fun) Fighting a Simulated Fire

 

Shipboarddamage control consisted of a little bit of everything mentioned. You willlearn what X-ray, yoke, and zebra fittings mean. A quick rundown is that out atsea, the ship is set to X-ray meaning that doors marked with an X are supposedto be closed at all times unless logged open in a place called Damage ControlCentral. There is an exception if there is a "Man Overboard" as youneed to take the quickest route to where you muster. If a ship is set to Zebra,most likely the ship is about entirely on lockdown due to a hazardous reason orpractice for that. You may hear of the term "Battle Stations", but itis called General Quarters on the ship. Someone will talk over the 1MC(speakerphone located all over the ship) and say that it is General Quartersand all hands are to man their battle stations.

 

Itis an absolute necessity to learn how to read a bullseye.

 

Thetop line is a must know if you are to find your way around any ship.

 

Thebeginning number is what deck or level you are on. The quarterdeck will be onthe main deck which is always 1. 1 is your starting point. If you go oneladderwell below this deck, you are on the 2nd deck. Going one ladderwell abovethe 1st deck and you well be on the O1 level. O is the letter and not a number.

 

Thesecond number tells you the frame of the ship that you are at. By looking atthe number 202, I can tell that most likely this is an aircraft carrier as theygo up to 250 or so frames. If you were to read 10 or 20, you would be at thefront of the ship.

 

Thenext number is also very important as you can tell which side of the ship youare on. Even numbers designate port side, while odd numbers designate starboardside. An easy way to remember this is (PESO) Port is Even, Starboard is Odd. Asthe numbers get bigger, the further you are from the middle of the ship. Thezero in that pictures tells me that it is at the middle of the ship going fromstarboard to port.

 

Thelast letter is not as important as the 3 numbers before it. This letter simplydesignates the type of space it is. The L in the pictures stands for livingspace.

 

Thereare 4 types of fires aboard Navy ships: Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, and Delta.

 

Alphais the most common being ordinary compustibles like paper. Bravo is yourliquids such as oil and fuel. Charlie is the electrical equipment. Delta iscombustible metals such as if an aircraft is on fire.

 

Youwill learn how to locate and oprate numerous types of survival equipmentincluding EEBD's and SCBA's. It is vital that you pay attention when they tellyou how to use them.

 

Nearthe end of the week you will have the "confidence chamber" which is anice way of saying gas chamber. It was one of the worst feelings of my life. I recommendtrying to sneak holding in your breath as breathing the gas in will make yougag and your eyes aren't really affected too much.

 

Thelast day will consist of fighting a couple of fake fires with your division.It's kind of fun, but it gets hot and sweaty so be prepared!

 

5-1Day: - Basic Damage Control - Portable DC Pumps (evacuating water)

 

5-2Day: - EEBD/SEED - OBA/SCBA

 

EEBD= Emergency Escape Breathing Device It provides the wearer with 15 minutes ofbreathable air. It is to be worn until you can get topside during evacuationfrom below deck spaces. The EEBD is designed to provide respiratory and eyeprotection in an atmosphere that will not support life. With the propertraining you should be able to activate and don an EEBD in less than 30 seconds.EEBDs are not to be used for firefighting purposes.------------------------------- SEED = Supplemental Emergency Egress DevicePersonnel working in engineering spaces wear supplemental emergency egressdevices (SEEDs) on their belts for easy access. When a main space fire iscalled away, the watch stander should use the SEED to proceed to an EEBD. Thewatch stander should obtain an EEBD and don it when not in danger of immediateharm from heat or flames. Because the SEED lacks protection for the eyes andnose and has a short operational time, it is a supplemental device. However, itis immediately available for the engineering watch standers and is easilyoperated on the run. ------------------------------- OBA = Oxygen-BreathingApparatuses The oxygen breathing apparatus (OBA) is a self-contained devicethat generates oxygen through a chemical process and lets the wearer breatheindependently of the surrounding atmosphere. Currently, the OBA is the primarytool used by firefighting teams. The effective time limit of the oxygen supplyis in excess of 45 minutes. For personnel protection you should set the timerfor 30 minutes, allowing 15 minutes to leave the area and return to fresh air.------------------------------- SCBA = self-contained breathing apparatusesSCBA are less bulky than OBA's and allows for greater ease of movement and hasa cylinder of compressed air that Sailors carry on their back instead of thebulky OBA canisters which were carried on the Sailor's chest. The SCBAs alsohave a gauge with constant pressure so fire fighters know how much compressedair they have left. They have carbon fiber version of cylinders with either 30or 45 minutes of compressed air. In addition, SCBAs are much quicker and easierto refill. The SCBA's cylinders can be refilled with compressed air and thenreused. In fact, the quick-fill adapter can hook straight up to a fill station,and without even taking the pack off, can be refilled. Since Sailors are nowdealing with a compressed air cylinder on their back, they must be morecautious of movement. Both OBA and SCBA are used to fight fires aboard ships-------------------------------

 

5-3Day: - Chemistry and Classes of Fires - Portable + Fixed Extinguishing systems

 

5-4Day: - CBR (Chemical, Biological, and Radiological)

 

5-5Day: - General Fire Fighting + Fire Party Organizations

 

Week6: This will be the last full week that I will write. It is getting so busyhere and since I'm not allowed to talk about any of the events that occur atBattle Stations 21 to anyone that hasn't undertaken it yet, I will stop here.Yes, I know I can talk to you, but since you can't use the information on yourNavyDEP website, I will use my time ironing my clothes. Man my mom would reallyfreak out with me saying that. ~ha

 

All5 days will have a test. This is a potentially stressful week especially forthe people who have worried about that ever-important run in the PFA. I willlist the tests now. Final Comprehensive Test: This will be the last computerbased test of 50 questions summarizing what you learned in Firefighting. Thisis strictly all forms of damage control. Make sure that you have payedattention in the weeks prior. This was was worst test. I believe I scored a 4.4so that means I missed 6 questions. Not bad, but if you pay attention duringthe classes, you can do better than that mark.

 

DrillInspection 2: This will be the same inspection as the one in week 4. You willform up as a division, march to the drill hall, and go through the tape thatyou have practiced for weeks.

 

FinalPFA: This is the last of 3 PFA's and a must-pass for anyoone who wants to havea chance to become a US Navy Sailor. I ran my best time of 11:20 (I haterunning haha) so I was pretty stoked to know that I got through the mostmentally blocking part of my boot camp: worrying about passing the PFA. If youdo fail any of the parts of it, you will have a chance to redo it until BattleStations. Just remember to get your practice running before boot camp.

 

StaticZone Inspection: This is the zone inspection that no one knows is coming. I waslucky enough to record the hits that the FQA Chief was pointing out. I was evenawarded a Bravo Zulu chit for it though it didn't matter much. Make sure tohave your gear stowed correctly for one last time with nothing hanging out, andthe RDC's should be more lenient on your racks if you do well.

 

UniformInspection. Our division was split up into 4 sections with each section wearinga different uniform: the NSU's (navy service uniforms) also known as"peanut butter's", the navy camo is NWU's (navy working uniforms),Service dress whites, Service dress blues. You have a certain amount of time toprepair again, and are read one last question that pertains to BMR, chain ofcommand, 11 general orders, etc.

 

Youhave completed week 6! Once again...I can't tell anyone who hasn't done BattleStations 21 about the aforementioned subject. I am legally bound so I am notgiving anything away. It is for you, the aspiring sailor, to find out. I havedone what I can to give you a head start. It's up to you to decide that youwant to serve your country that bad enough.

 

6-1Day: - Final PFA- Learning about the Mask, Chemical Uniform Number 2 (MCU-2/P)Gas Mask

 

6-2Day: - Final written test- Learning about how to don (put on) the Mask,Chemical Uniform Number 2 (MCU-2/P) Gas Mask

 

6-3Day:- It's Gas Chamber day!!!! Got a stuffed up nose? You won't after smellingthis CS gas. Make sure you don't rub your eyes, it makes it worse! Woo-hoo forGas Chamber day

 

6-4Day:- We are starting to learn how to march in the building were PIR will takeplace.

 

-Battlestation's is in a couple days. I'm not scared, I am trained, but it isstill bothering me if we will actually pass and get out of here. I just need toremind myself that people go to prison for this long and they are just limitedto a small area, here we are not that limited. I'm sure glad I chose this pathinstead of the prison path. Thanks for being there for me Craig, when myparents weren't. They were totally against the military, and you shown me thatI could indeed make it, and be successful. I know I will pass Battle stationsand will be so proud to be called a sailor! Your NavyDEP website really helpedme out. Thank you! -------------------------------

 

Andsome great advice from another sailor:

 

Lifeat bootcamp is just like a train. You have three options:

 

1.Stand on the railroad tracks and get run over - Which means, you try to stopthe process. You can't stop the process, so go with it.

 

2.You can move off the track and watch the train pass you up - Which means, whileyour friends move ahead and learn the Navy to be successful in their careers,you are standing to the side wondering what you should do next. Basically, getwith the program. If 50,000 recruits can pass each year, what make you anydifferent from them?

 

3.Hop on the train and go with it - By this, I mean, whatever the problem is, doyour best. If at the end of the day you can say "I did my besttoday", then you have done your job. Everyone in life has a "WeakLink", there is always something you will have trouble with. Learn toovercome those problems and continuing moving down the track.

[TenaciousDee]

Here are the links for the Meet and Greets available for this PIR date.

http://www.navyformoms.com/group/pir-6-29-12/page/meet-greets-for-p...

[JKH0512]

I have my first born On ship 11 div 197. It is my first night on here but hope to get so support and connect with other Moms.

[FireTeamLeaderWife aka FTLW]

I am sorry...last names of recruits/Sailors are not allowed on the N4M website as per the Community Guidelines and OPSEC  (clickable link). I will edit and repost your Replies without them. Thank you!

[zogsmama (ship 11 div 197)]

Wow, Thanks, I didn't realize that either.

[FireTeamLeaderWife aka FTLW]

Reply by TenaciousDee (ship11 div197) 39 minutes ago

Welcome JK! If you haven't already and if you are on FB check out the link to our group.....https://www.facebook.com/groups/437211246290837/

This is just a spin off from this group...more action!

Also there is the PIR 6/29/12 group...https://www.facebook.com/groups/465010070182759/

I know like it seems like a lot, but we share so many tips, stories...etc.

Is it your son or daughter in this division?

[FireTeamLeaderWife aka FTLW]

 Reply by JKH0512 13 minutes ago

Hey! Yeah I am learning all kinds of new things. It is my son. I am grateful to have all this information.

[TenaciousDee]

Has anyone heard how from their SR's lately in Div 197?