All ALUMNI OF PIR 10/16/2015 TG 49 - 09 Divisions (345-352, and 949) Pages - Navy For Moms2024-03-28T11:18:43Zhttps://navyformoms.ning.com/group/pir10162015/page/page/list?sort=mostRecent&feed=yes&xn_auth=noLIVESTREAM OF PIR SERVICEtag:navyformoms.ning.com,2015-08-28:1971797:Page:91847232015-08-28T18:05:27.469Zdiannephttps://navyformoms.ning.com/profile/diannep
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<p>RTC has set up livestreaming of the PIR service for those who will not be able to attend the PIR service. This will start at 8:45 a.m. on the morning of PIR.</p>
<p>Here's the link:</p>
<p><a href="http://navylive.dodlive.mil/">http://navylive.dodlive.mil/</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.livestream.com/navyrtc">www.livestream.com/navyrtc</a></p>
<p>Video will display under Live Events.</p>
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<p>RTC has set up livestreaming of the PIR service for those who will not be able to attend the PIR service. This will start at 8:45 a.m. on the morning of PIR.</p>
<p>Here's the link:</p>
<p><a href="http://navylive.dodlive.mil/">http://navylive.dodlive.mil/</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.livestream.com/navyrtc">www.livestream.com/navyrtc</a></p>
<p>Video will display under Live Events.</p>
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</div> Division T-Shirts, Graduation Photos, The Keel, and DVD of PIRtag:navyformoms.ning.com,2015-08-12:1971797:Page:91661922015-08-12T17:10:16.925Zellen0502https://navyformoms.ning.com/profile/ellen0502
<div class="description" id="page-content"><div class="xg_user_generated"><div class="description" id="page-content"><div class="xg_user_generated"><div class="description" id="page-content"><div class="xg_user_generated"><div class="description" id="page-content"><div class="xg_user_generated"><div class="description" id="page-content"><div class="xg_user_generated"><div class="description" id="page-content"><div class="xg_user_generated"><p><strong>Division…</strong></p>
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<p><strong>Division T-Shirts</strong></p>
<p>Be sure to ask your recruit before ordering T-shirts because some order them as gifts for family members. Some have ordered a Youth Small and then made pillows.</p>
<p><strong>For T-shirts for a PIR date of 05/17/2013 or after:</strong> Your Recruits will have the first opportunity to order apparel imprinted with their unique Divisional Flag design allowing them to capture this valuable memory that will follow them throughout their Navy career. Family and friends can stop by after graduation at building 1326 to purchase additional apparel. The MWR does not accept personal checks as payment; all payments must be made with cash or credit card. <strong>Orders may be placed beginning on the Monday following your Sailor's graduation date</strong> through the American Outfitters (AO) website <a href="http://www.aomwr.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow nofollow">www.aomwr.com</a>. AO will digitally print your order and ship it right to your home or your Sailor's “A” School. AO will keep the design on file for one year from the Sailor’s graduation date to fulfill guest orders. If you have any questions or concerns please contact them at <a href="mailto:retail@mwrgl.com" target="_blank">retail@mwrgl.com</a>.</p>
<p>NOTE: Warn your recruits that "Ladies" T-shirts are cut differently than other T-shirts (they are tapered) and they will want to order at least one size larger than they normally do when ordering for adult women or just order within the men's sizes for everyone. They are similar to "Junior" sizes. The website includes this "NOTE: Junior Fit - Runs Small" but your recruit may or may not see or hear that when making his/her order.</p>
<p><strong>For T-shirts for a PIR date of 05/10/2013 or before:</strong> The number for Poseidon Sportswear (NavyTees) is (972)347-6655. The RTC had a contract with Poseidon Sportswear through the 05/10/2013 PIR and they will send the correct design based on the Division number and PIR date. The design is kept on file, so you will be able to order later (even years later) as long as you know the Division number and date of PIR. If you are interested in past Divisional T-shirts, please contact <a href="mailto:cad@mwrgl.com" target="_blank">cad@mwrgl.com</a>.</p>
<p><b>Navy Graduation Photos, The Keel, and PIR DVD</b></p>
<p>Graduation photos are taken on week 4/day 4 of BC and are taken in the Dress Blue uniform. The following week the Division photo is taken. The Photo Lab keeps photos for one year in case the Sailor or the family wants to order or reorder photos. Division photos are kept for ten years.</p>
<p>The process now is for the recruits to pay for the photo package, Division photos, Keel, and DVD, either with a debit/credit card or a money order made payable to the NEX when they pick them up a few days before PIR OR loved ones and Sailors can go to the Photo Lab at the NEX and pay for them and pick them up on the day of PIR. If your recruit pays for them when ordering them, s/he may have them mailed to you and you may receive the photos and frames prior to PIR. The NEX does not accept personal checks as payment; all payments must be made with cash or credit card.</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1797851848?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1797851848?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="105"></a><strong>The Keel</strong> – the “yearbook” for your Sailor’s recruit division, sometimes called the Cruise book – includes photos of your Sailor's recruit division and brother division if there was one within a black and white section at the back. There are colored photos to remind your Sailor of things that happened while at the RTC. The Keel is only available for purchase during boot camp, on the day of PIR, and during that weekend. They only print up the exact quantity that is ordered and prepaid so you will not be able to order it after PIR weekend. The Keel is included free with Photo Package A or it can be purchased separately for $29. <strong>The Keel is mailed about 12 or 13 weeks after PIR</strong> – the recruit indicates the address it is mailed to. You cannot order The Keel over the phone. You must do that in person at the NEX the weekend of PIR if your Sailor did not order one. The Keel is included free with package A if ordered on the day of PIR.</p>
<p>If your recruit did not order the DVD of PIR, then go over to the Photo Lab at the NEX on the day of PIR, and you can still get it. <strong>The DVD is mailed about 6 to 8 weeks after PIR</strong> – the recruit indicates the address it is mailed to. Some, but not all, have been successful in ordering a DVD up to 2 months after PIR by calling the Photo Lab at the NEX. It is best to call within a week of PIR if you want to order one.</p>
<p>Your recruit cannot just buy a few photos, s/he must order a package to receive any photos at all. However, The Keel and/or DVD of PIR can be ordered without ordering photos. If you find out that your recruit did not order a photo package, you can still order them on the day of PIR by going to the Photo Lab at the NEX. You can order photos up to a year after PIR, but The Keel must be ordered before the end of PIR weekend and the DVD must be ordered within a week of PIR to be guaranteed to get one.</p>
<p>My Sailor took care of ordering his photo package, The Keel, and DVD, and some nice frames as well, while he was at BC and would not let me reimburse him for it. He said that the pictures and frames were his gift to those who have done so much for him. Other Recruits/Sailors have felt the same way; perhaps the RDC suggested this, but I like to think I have a thoughtful son. If you are planning to pay for the photos, just let your recruit know that you are willing to reimburse him/her for this since that is the easiest way to handle it. You will need to know that the DVD and photo package that includes The Keel is about $170 and special Navy frames add to the cost. If you find out that there are not enough photos in the package, you can order more by going over to the Photo Lab at the NEX on the day of PIR or by using the order form within the package when you receive it. Reorders can only be ordered if your recruit ordered a package.</p>
<p>You can contact the Photo Lab at Great Lakes at 847-578-6205, but do not call them until after PIR. While your recruit is at the RTC, contact him/her to see if s/he ordered pictures and let him/her know what you would like him/her to order.</p>
<p>Here are the prices as of January 2014:</p>
<p><b>PHOTOGRAPHS</b></p>
<p><b>Package A: $140.00</b></p>
<p>1-11x14, 2-8x10, 2-5x7, 24 wallets, 1-11x14 division photo (includes The Keel at no charge if the recruit orders the package prior to PIR, but must be purchased separately for $29 if the order is made following PIR)</p>
<p><b>Package B: $120.00</b></p>
<p>1-8x10, 2-5x7, 16-wallets, 1-11x14 division photo</p>
<p><strong>Division Photo: $20.00</strong></p>
<p><b>Single photo reprints</b> (only available with purchase of Package A or B or if a package was previously ordered)</p>
<p>11x14: $17.00</p>
<p>8x10: $11.00</p>
<p>5x7 (set of 2): $11.00</p>
<p>wallets (set of 8): $11.00</p>
<p>Division Photo: $20.00</p>
<p>Division "Goof Off" Photo: $5.00</p>
<p><b>After 12 months the image will no longer be available for reorders.</b></p>
<p>Shipping: $10.00</p>
<p><b>FRAMES</b></p>
<p>11x14: $32.00</p>
<p>11x14 Division: $32.00</p>
<p>8x10: $23.00</p>
<p>5x7: $19.00</p>
<p>Anchor's Aweigh: $16.00 (holds a wallet sized photo)</p>
<p>14x18 Sailor's Creed: $37.00 (reported to hold a photo of the Sailor and a Division Photo)</p>
<p>Add $10.00 per frame for shipping.</p>
<p><b>VIDEO</b></p>
<p>Graduation Video DVD available in limited quantities $29.00, shipping included.</p>
<p>NO REFUNDS OR EXCHANGE ON PORTRAIT ORDERS!</p>
<p><b>PAYMENT INFORMATION</b></p>
<p>Cash, Money Order payable to NEX, or Credit Cards Only for payments made at the NEX on PIR weekend</p>
<p>Money Order payable to NEX or Credit Cards Only for payments made on reorders after PIR weekend</p>
<p>Allow 2-4 weeks for delivery.</p>
<p>****Navy Exchange reserves the right to change pricing without Notice****</p>
<p><strong>The Photo Lab keeps individual photos for about a year after PIR and Division photos for about 10 years.</strong></p>
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</div> Recruit Petty Officer Positionstag:navyformoms.ning.com,2015-08-12:1971797:Page:91664362015-08-12T17:08:43.042Zellen0502https://navyformoms.ning.com/profile/ellen0502
<div class="description" id="page-content"><div class="xg_user_generated"><div class="description" id="page-content"><div class="xg_user_generated"><div class="description" id="page-content"><div class="xg_user_generated"><div class="description" id="page-content"><div class="xg_user_generated"><div class="description" id="page-content"><div class="xg_user_generated"><div class="description" id="page-content"><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>The standard Recruit Petty Officer…</p>
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<p>The standard Recruit Petty Officer Positions are:</p>
<p><b>Recruit Chief Petty Officer (RCPO</b> or <b>RPOC)</b>: The RCPO is the primary recruit assistant to RDCs and is responsible for:</p>
<ol>
<li>Maintaining good order, discipline, and security within the division at all times.</li>
<li>Ensuring compliance with standing orders and regulations.</li>
<li>Assisting RDCs with implementation of schedules.</li>
<li>Reporting any abnormal condition to RDCs, including violations of good order, discipline and security, when RDCs are not present.</li>
</ol>
<p><b>Recruit Leading Petty Officer (RLPO) (RPO1):</b> The RLPO is responsible to the RCPO and RDCs for:</p>
<ol>
<li>Assisting the Recruit Chief Petty Officer.</li>
<li>Ensuring compliance with standing orders and regulations.</li>
<li>Assuming duties as Recruit Chief Petty Officer when required.</li>
</ol>
<p><b>Recruit Master-at-Arms (RMAA or RMA) (RPO1):</b> The RMAA is responsible to the RCPO and RDCs for:</p>
<ol>
<li>Configuration and cleanliness of division spaces.</li>
<li>Procurement, proper stowage and use of all cleaning gear required by the division.</li>
<li>Supervision of the division in the absence of RDCs, RCPO or RLPO.</li>
</ol>
<p><b>Port and Starboard Watch Section Leaders</b> <b>(RPWSL/RSWSL) (RPO1):</b> The PWSL and SWSL are the senior Recruit Petty Officers for respective watch sections.</p>
<ol>
<li>The Starboard Watch Section Leader (SWSL) shall serve as the division's watchbill coordinator. Watchbills will be prepared and subsequently submitted to the RDCs via the RCPO.</li>
<li>The Port Watch Section Leader (PWSL) shall coordinate the rotation of the ship watchstanders with the RDCs.</li>
</ol>
<p><b>Recruit Yeoman (RYN) (RPO1):</b> The Recruit YN is responsible to RDCs for:</p>
<ol>
<li>Performing general clerical duties in the division and assisting RDCs with preparation and maintenance of divisional reports, records, class attendance rosters, mail pick-up and distribution.</li>
<li>Coordinating with the Medical YN, Education Petty Officer, Athletic Petty Officer and Religious Petty Officer to ensure compliance with special schedule events.</li>
<li>Attending the Mail Orderly, Medical/Dental, BMO/Testing and Physical Fitness Testing briefings.</li>
</ol>
<p><b>Recruit Medical Yeoman</b> <b>(RMYN) (RPO2):</b> The MYN is responsible to RDCs for:</p>
<ol>
<li>Assisting the RDCs in preparing and maintaining recruit medical documentation.</li>
<li>Coordinating appointments with the Medical Liaison.</li>
<li>Tracking the status of all special physicals.</li>
<li>Attending the medical/dental brief.</li>
</ol>
<p><b>Recruit Dental Yeoman</b> <b>(RDYN) (RPO2):</b> The DYN is responsible to RDCs for:</p>
<ol>
<li>Assisting the RDCs in preparing and maintaining recruit dental documentation.</li>
<li>Coordinating appointments with the Dental Liaison.</li>
<li>Tracking the status of all special physicals.</li>
<li>Attending the medical/dental brief.</li>
</ol>
<p><b>Recruit Section Leaders</b> <b>(RSLPO) (RPO2):</b> Each SL is responsible to the respective Watch Section Leader for:</p>
<ol>
<li>Supervise and assisting the recruits in respective sections.</li>
<li>Monitoring personal cleanliness, military appearance, clothing care and watch standing for recruits assigned to respective sections.</li>
</ol>
<p>(There are often 6 Section Leaders in the division, three on each side. There are Port and Starboard Section Leaders.)</p>
<p><b>Division Laundry Petty Officer</b> <b>(RLPO) (RPO2):</b> The LPO is responsible to the RMAA and RDCs for:</p>
<ol>
<li>Executing proper laundry handling procedures.</li>
<li>Maintaining the Cash box and division expense log.</li>
</ol>
<p><b>Recruit Education Petty Officer</b> <b>(REPO) (RPO2):</b> The EPO is responsible to the RDCs for:</p>
<ol>
<li>Assisting RDCs in administering and mustering night study and mandatory night study classes.</li>
<li>Attending a BMO/Testing brief.</li>
</ol>
<p><b>Recruit Athletic Petty Officer</b> <b>(RAPO) (RPO3):</b> The APO is responsible to RDCs for:</p>
<ol>
<li>Assisting RDCs with Physical Readiness Training.</li>
<li>Providing non-participation or substandard performance documentation to the Recruit Medical Yeoman.</li>
<li>Attending a Physical Fitness Testing brief.</li>
</ol>
<p><b>Recruit Religious Petty Officers</b> <b>(RRPO) (RPO3):</b> There will be at least a Catholic and Protestant RPO appointed for each division. If a division has three or more recruits of the same religion, a religious petty officer shall be appointed to represent that faith. RPOs are responsible for:</p>
<ol>
<li>Ensuring all recruits who desire to pray are afforded such an opportunity at tattoo.</li>
<li>Attend mandatory meetings at the Chaplain's Office Thursdays at 1900 commencing on the first Thursday following 1-2 DOT (Day of Training) and continuing until graduation, with the exception of FAST Cruise and Recruit Reception Night.</li>
<li>Report to the chapel each Sunday 30 minutes prior to the scheduled service to serve as a chapel assistant or usher.</li>
<li>Ensure all personnel desiring to attend divine worship services are aware of location and time of services. (See <a href="http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/chapel.asp" target="_blank">http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/chapel.asp</a>.)</li>
</ol>
<p><b>Recruit Mail Petty Officer</b> <b>(RMPO) (RPO3):</b> The MPO is responsible for:</p>
<ol>
<li>Pick-up and delivery of all mail. Designation as MPO includes special qualifications at mail orderly orientation and custody of a mail orderly card.</li>
</ol>
<p><b>Recruit Damage Control Petty Officer</b> <b>(RDCPO) (RPO3):</b> The DCPO is responsible to the RMAA for:</p>
<ol>
<li>Correcting any fire hazards.</li>
<li>Maintaining division fire extinguishers, to include proper location and working order.</li>
<li>Assisting RDCs with minor repair and general maintenance of the compartment.</li>
</ol>
<p> 4. Documenting any material discrepancies on the MDCOL that cannot be corrected.</p>
<p>The above is from <a href="http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/recruit_petty_officer.asp" target="_blank">http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/recruit_petty_officer.asp</a>.</p>
<p><b>Recruit Chief Petty Officer (RCPO</b> or <b>RPOC)</b> is easy to spot at PIR since this Sailor will be the one carrying a sword at the front of the division.</p>
<p><strong>Recruit Leading Petty Officer (RLPO)</strong> was <strong>Assistant Recruit Chief Petty Officer (AROC)</strong> in the past and the term <strong>AROC</strong> is still used since it sounds way cooler than <strong>RLPO:</strong> This Recruit is the second in command when the RDC's are not present as indicated above. The AROC is also in charge of calling the cadences to keep the division in step when marching.</p>
<p>Recruit Petty Officers on Ship Staff have duties related to the entire Ship to help maintain good order, discipline and security for the entire ship. Ship Staff runs the entire ship, stands watches on the official Quarterdeck, cleans common areas, etc. If a recruit is on Ship Staff, s/he won't get assigned to Division Staff, so s/he won't have extra cleaning duties like daily head cleaning or taking out the trash every day. Since they are Recruit Petty Officers, they also wear collar devices. Ship Staff is comprised of recruits from all divisions in that ship, so that means all different DOT's mixed together, assigned by 2-1 DOT. Recruits who've experienced academic set back don't get to be in Ship Staff (the most common way to assign Ship Staff is by ASVAB score). A recruit may be "promoted" from Division Staff to Ship Staff.</p>
<p>For integrated divisions, Division Staff has to be evenly divided between male and female. It is also the common practice that if the division has a female RPOC it will have a male AROC and vice versa.</p>
<p>Some of the above RPO's may have an assistant on Division Staff, such as Recruit Religious Petty Officer Assistant (RPOA), who will also have a collar device. We also hear about these other positions:</p>
<p><strong>Recruit Chaplain Program Assistant (RCPA) (RPO3): </strong> assists in the chapel on Sunday (or other day as needed) and assists the division's RRPO and acts as a liaison between recruits and the Chaplain or Religious Program Specialist.</p>
<p><b>Recruit Forward Hold Petty Officer (RFHPO) (RPO3)</b><strong>:</strong> in charge of cleaning supplies.</p>
<p><strong>Recruit Head Petty Officer (RHPO) (RPO3): </strong> Although this one sounds very important, it means the recruit is in charge of keeping the bathroom (Head) clean, which would be an important position given that up to 86 recruits would be using that Head.</p>
<p><strong>Recruit Ironing Petty Officer (RIPO) (RPO3):</strong> assists the RLPO and is in charge of ironing some items for the division and overseeing the ironing that is done by the recruits to assure that it is up to Navy standards. (This is not an official position, but we have seen it several times.)</p>
<p><strong>Recruit Repair Petty Officer (RRPO) (RPO3):</strong> assists the RMA and assists with any repairs needed within the compartment. (This is not an official position, but we have seen it several times.)</p>
<p><strong>Recruit Sweater</strong> or it may be <strong>Sweats</strong> (Smurf) <strong>Petty Officer (RPO3):</strong> assists the RLPO with the washing and folding of the sweat suits. (This is not an official position, but we have seen it several times.)</p>
<p><b>Recruit Weapons Petty Officer (RWPO) (RPO3)</b><strong>:</strong> assists the RMA and oversees the exchange of the weapon at change of watch.</p>
<p><img alt="RTC Great Lakes Recruit Command Structure" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3109/2744322873_790ee15998.jpg"></p>
<p>Recruit Petty Officers (RPOs) are given their authority from the Commanding Officer through the chain of command. They are appointed by the Recruit Division Commanders (RDCs) and have the authority and responsibility in the division to preserve good order, discipline, and security. RPOs are seen as leaders and wear collar devices signifying their place in the recruit chain of command. A collar device is a pin on the recruit’s collar to indicate that s/he has a job and extra responsibility while at BC. Some recruits who hold their Recruit Petty Officer (RPO) position for the whole time will get meritoriously promoted one rate to E-2 or E-3, but that happens more often for the RPOC and/or AROC if s/he kept the position for the entire time at the RTC, but this could happen for any of the RPO positions. We have also seen where a recruit held 2 of the RPO positions at the same time, such as RMPO and RDYN; when this happens, the recruit wears the collar device for the higher of the 2 positions. Here are the collar devices for RPO3, RPO2, RPO1, and RPOC.</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1797850952?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1797850952?profile=original" width="51"></a><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1797852755?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1797852755?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="50"></a><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1797852734?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1797852734?profile=original" width="50"></a><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1797852803?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1797852803?profile=original" width="46"></a></p>
<p>Holding an RPO position at BC means nothing afterwards in the Navy, but it does help your recruit to gain confidence and to learn more about doing things for the good of the Navy and his/her shipmates. Some of those who hold RPO positions may be singled out as Honor Recruits or Award Winners. (See <a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/group/bootcampmoms/page/honor-graduates-and-award-winners" target="_blank">Honor Recruits, Award Winners and Flags</a>.) The RDC can meritoriously promote up to 10% of the division one paygrade; this sometimes happens for the Recruit Chief Petty Officer (RPOC) and/or Recruit Leading Petty Officer (RLPO aka AROC) if s/he kept the position for the entire time at the RTC, but could happen for someone who holds one of the other RPO positions as well. (See <a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/group/bootcampmoms/page/e-1-e-2-or-e-3-how-did-that-happen" target="_blank">E-1, E-2, or E-3? How did that happen?</a>.)</p>
<p>Recruits holding a Ship Staff position may be told that they will be able to skip Phase I at "A" School and go straight to Phase II of the Liberty Phases, but this has not been the case for most, if not all, of the Sailors once they reached their "A" School. This apparently is told to them in order to motivate them to do well; unfortunately it is not true.</p>
<p>The RDC may change recruits for any or all of the RPO positions until s/he finds the person who seems to be the best suited for the position. If the recruit's scores drop due to having a particular position, then the RDC is going to move him/her out of that position. If the recruit seems to take the position way too seriously or not seriously enough, then the RDC will move him/her. If the recruit struggles with PT or any of the tests or has an injury, then the RDC may remove him/her from the position.</p>
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<p><span class="font-size-1">The above information is provided by <a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/profile/lemonelephant" target="_blank">lemonelephant</a>, the mom of a retired Sailor.</span></p>
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</div> What ARE They Doing in Boot Camp? Synopsis and a Day-by-Day account (up to Week #6) from a Sailor. PLUS-Boot Camp for Dummies!tag:navyformoms.ning.com,2015-08-12:1971797:Page:91663242015-08-12T17:06:40.028Zellen0502https://navyformoms.ning.com/profile/ellen0502
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<p><span class="font-size-2" style="color: #000000;"><b><font size="3">What Happens at Boot Camp - Day-per-Day account (Up to week #6) from a SAILOR</font></b></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><b><font size="3">This is from the NavyDEP site</font></b><font size="3">. Craig who is an advisor on this site is retired Navy and very active in helping DEPpers and their families prepare for Boot Camp. This was written by one of the recruits to “pay it forward” to those behind her to help them out as Craig and all the others on NavyDEP website.</font></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><font size="3">Link:</font></span> <span style="color: #3366ff;"><strong><span class="font-size-2"><a href="http://www.navydep.com/forums/showthread.php?t=433" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><span style="color: #3366ff;"><font size="3">What happens at bootcamp - Day-per-Day? (Up to week #6)</font></span></a></span></strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2" style="color: #000000;"><strong><font size="3">BOOT CAMP FOR DUMMIES</font></strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2" style="color: #3366ff;"><span style="color: #000000;"><font size="3">Link:</font></span> <a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/group/ctratemoms/forum/topics/boot-camp-for-dummies-with" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><span style="color: #3366ff;"><font size="3">~ Boot camp for Dummies (with Pictures) ~</font></span></a></span></p>
<p><strong><span class="font-size-2"><u><font size="3">Week by Week at boot camp</font></u></span></strong></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><b><u><font size="3">Comment by</font></u></b> <a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/profile/jessB" rel="nofollow"><b><font size="3">JessicaB-Sailor Mom</font></b></a> <b><u><font size="3">on May 27, 2011</font></u></b></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><strong><font size="3">The First Half of Navy Boot Camp I hope you're ready for an intense time.</font></strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><font size="3">Your experience at Boot Camp begins as soon as you step off of the bus and are met by one of your Division Commanders. If you show up at Boot Camp having not prepared physically for the experience, you are in for a wild ride on that front.</font></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><font size="3">Be prepared, mentally, to be picked apart for being different. Here is a brief run-down on what you'll experience in the next eight to nine weeks:</font></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><font size="3">1. Week One - During week one you will go through processing. You will fill out a lot of forms regarding health, benefits, wages, direct deposit, insurance, the Montgomery G.I. Bill and much more. If you haven't yet memorized your social security number, you will want to before you leave for boot camp, you'll be writing it on everything. Once you've finished processing, then the real fun starts.</font></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><font size="3">2. Week Two - Week two finds you tired, irritable and wondering what the heck you got yourself into. You will get used to waking up at 0600, I promise. This week you will begin physical conditioning and participate in a confidence course. The focus for this week of training is team-building. You will learn to rely on your shipmates, and the confidence course is a big start.</font></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><font size="3">3. Week Three - In a hands-on environment, this week you will learn first aid techniques, signaling with flags, the proper procedure to board and disembark a ship, and basic seamanship. You will do this training on a real ship situated in a large hangar. Your first PT (physical training) test is administered during week three; the areas tested are 1.5 mile run, push-ups and sit-ups. This is often called the PT0, because it is the starting point from which you will improve.</font></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><font size="3">4. Week Four - Time for weapon training. You will go through safety training, then weapon training in a supervised range environment. This is the halfway point in your academic training, as well as the week during which you will take your graduation photos in preparation for your Pass and Review ceremony.</font></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><strong><font size="3">The Second Half of Boot Camp You've reached the home stretch at this point, with four more weeks to go!</font></strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><font size="3">Here's what you'll do during the second half of boot camp:</font></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><font size="3">1. Week Five - More classes, more training, and a lot more PT. By this point you've learned how to do everything the way the Navy wants you too, and though you may not feel like it -- you've changed. Rigorous training and a restricted diet, a fast paced and active training style in and out of the classroom, and a behavioral structure deeply rooted in forming a team bond between you and up to 100 total strangers have all contributed to your change, and in most cases this change is for the best</font></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><font size="3">2. Week Six - Firefighting training, and shipboard damage control classes. This week you will learn how to put fires out, how to properly don fire safety gear in case you must fight a fire onboard ship, how to open and close watertight doors, and operate firefighting equipment. This week also finds you and your shipmates inside the gas chamber, being exposed to tear gas while you and everyone else recites name and social security number. You will also go through the confidence course again, further solidifying the concept of teamwork and camaraderie.</font></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><font size="3">3. Week Seven - At this point, you're nearly finished with boot camp. Excitement sets in and now you're ready for the final test: Battle Stations. Battle Stations is a twelve hour event held to test your entire division on how well you've absorbed everything you've learned so far. If you are present at the call for Battle Stations, this means you have successfully passed all academic and physical challenges presented to you up to this point, and are ready for this final test. You will be pushed to the very brink here, and will find that once it is over and you stand in the finishing room, dirty, beyond weary, emotional and drained. All that fades away as the Commanding Officer in charge of RTC Great Lakes comes in to personally congratulate you, presenting you and your division with your new status as a United States Sailor -- your Navy ball cap.</font></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><font size="3">4. Week Eight - Graduation/Pass and Review. Aside from everything mentioned above, part of your training has been in drill and ceremony. That portion of your training will come in to play here, where you march proudly, shoulders squared and with a bolstered confidence before friends, family, and thousands of supportive individuals from all walks of life. There is nothing like it in the whole world. What happens after boot camp? After pass and review, your newly capped Sailor will pack his or her bags, be given orders and travel information for their next level of training - "A" School - and be on a much more mundane journey to learning their actual JOB while they serve their time. During "A" school they'll experience life as a Sailor in a whole new way...</font></span></p>
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</div> RTC Website and RTC Family Guide linkstag:navyformoms.ning.com,2015-08-12:1971797:Page:91664332015-08-12T17:01:30.427Zellen0502https://navyformoms.ning.com/profile/ellen0502
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<p><span class="font-size-2"><strong><font size="3">RTC Website:</font></strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><a href="http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/index.asp" target="_blank"><font size="3">http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/index.asp</font></a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><font size="3">Click "Families". There is info on the Page and down at the bottom are direct links to the Family subcategories.</font></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><font size="3">HOWEVER, if you go to the tabs at the top the drop down will give you one more :</font> <a href="http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/ad_military_retirees.asp" target="_blank"><font size="3">Active Duty Military Personnel/Retirees</font></a><font size="3">.</font></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><font size="3">In addition, when you use the drop down the "Graduation" tab has three subcategories.</font></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><font size="3">Best thing to do is poke around!</font></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><strong><font size="3">Family Guide by RTC:</font></strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><font size="3">I am going to post the direct link to the RTC Family Guide:</font></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><span class="font-size-2"><a href="http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/pdfs/FamilyGuide_v18Jun2013.pdf" target="_blank"><font size="3">FamilyGuide_v18Jun2013.pdf</font></a></span></span></p>
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</div> Letter Writing & Fun Stuff/Questionnaires to send to your Recruittag:navyformoms.ning.com,2015-08-12:1971797:Page:91664302015-08-12T16:59:51.426Zellen0502https://navyformoms.ning.com/profile/ellen0502
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<p>The correct format for the address is:</p>
<p>SR LAST NAME, FIRST NAME, MI<br>
SHIP XX DIV XXX<br>
XXXX ????? STREET or SAILOR DRIVE<br>
GREAT LAKES IL 60088-XXXX</p>
<p>(No, you do not need to use all capital letters even though your recruit will. It does make the address easier to be read though.)</p>
<p>SR stands for Seaman Recruit. All recruits are addressed as SR or Recruit at boot camp even if they are being paid at a higher rate or will later be referred to as Fireman, Airman, or Constructionman (Recruit or Apprentice).</p>
<p><strong>Your recruit will mail the form letter, which will include the address, to you on day P-4 or P-5.</strong> (You can find a copy of the current form letter in the Page, <a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/group/bootcampmoms/page/the-form-letter" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">The Form Letter</a>. The brochure that is included from MWRGL about hotels and other things is at <a href="http://www.mwrgl.com/gen_info/rtc_graduation/rtcbrochure.htm" target="_blank">http://www.mwrgl.com/gen_info/rtc_graduation/rtcbrochure.htm</a>.)<strong>The average time to receive the form letter for those with a recruit in a regular division is 10 days after arrival.</strong> (Those with a recruit in an 800 division often receive the form letter while their recruit is still in P-days because 800 divisions form upon arrival and the recruits send the form letter soon after sending "the box" so the form letter and "the box" may arrive on the same day or within a day of each other. See <a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/group/bootcampmoms/page/900-divisions" target="_blank">800 and 900 Divisions</a>.)</p>
<p><strong>It is best to wait for the form letter before mailing letters to your recruit</strong>, but if you do get an address from your recruit's recruiter, double-check the address the recruiter gave you against those at <a href="http://bootcamp.navy.mil/contact_recruit.asp" target="_blank">http://bootcamp.navy.mil/contact_recruit.asp</a>. Recruiters sometimes give a generic address for the RTC and if the street address is not correct, then mail can be delayed for up to 3 weeks. Common addresses that recruiters have given for all ships have been the address for Ship 02 or Ship 07.</p>
<p>Sometimes the recruiter will give you the Ship name or a building number instead of, or as well as, the Ship number, use the Ship number found within the Page, <a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/group/bootcampmoms/page/ship-division-how-it-works" target="_blank">Ship/Division--How it Works</a>. You do not need to include the Ship name, but if your recruit uses it when writing letters, then do include it when addressing your letters. Some include “Recruit Training Command” or “RTC” under the Ship and Division, but this is not needed and leaving it out will not delay letters to your recruit even though it does indicate it on the form letter. If the recruiter indicates a 4-digit division number, either he has confused the building number with the division number (Ship 09 Div 7116) or the recruit is in holding for some reason (RCU-Ship 04 Div 2341, FIT-Ship 04 Div 2347 or 2344...).</p>
<p><strong>When recruiters actually do have the correct information, they sometimes give extra information that you do not need in the address</strong>, although some of it is interesting or nice to know. "Ship 11 USS Kearsarge (LHD-3) 7114 Compartment F-01; Division R2011124M" is an actual address received from a recruiter by a mom on the site in 2011. The important info in there was Ship 11 Division 124. The recruit was on Ship 11, which is the USS Kearsarge (whose Naval Vessel Index number is LHD-3), Building 7114, Compartment F-01, Division 124 (a Male division that would have PIR in the Navy fiscal year 2011; I don't know what the "R" refers to.) An "I" after the Division number indicates it is an integrated division and includes both males and females. An "F" behind it would indicate that is an all female division--rare, but Division 317 in 2012 was an all female division and beginning in the summer of 2013 there is one all female division in each TG. Compartment numbers are a letter (A through F) followed by a 2-digit number (01 or 02)--A-01, B-02, and F-01 for example. There are 12 compartments in each ship, so a ship can house up to 12 divisions at one time.</p>
<p><strong>Know that letters mailed before you get the form letter do not get to your recruit much quicker, if at all, than letters mailed after receiving the form letter</strong> because the recruits cannot receive mail until they are in their permanent ship and a Recruit Mail Petty Officer has been trained in how to handle mail, which means it is usually sometime in the third week or later when they start receiving mail depending on when P-days ended and the division formed. (We are hearing that many recruits had one Mail Call without mail when their loved ones waited on the form letter. Some have sent one letter a week after arrival after checking the address and then waited on the form letter to mail additional letters to reduce the chance of no mail at the first Mail Call. If you do this, do not include photos or phone cards or anything other than a letter or card since the letter may get rerouted if your recruit changes divisions and/or ships.) Recruits can start writing letters the first Sunday they are in their Ship. This is sometimes, rarely, the first Sunday after they arrive, but is often not until the second Sunday, which is why that first real letter often does not arrive until your recruit has been gone nearly 3 weeks. (The Red Book actually indicates that the first holiday routine cannot be before the second Sunday after arrival, but their have been early letters a few times.) For some recruits who arrive on Thursday or Friday and have to remain in P-days while waiting for additional recruits to arrive the following Monday or Tuesday to fill the division, it could be the third Sunday before they get to write. (You will soon learn when mail day is for you. Most of my letters came on Wednesday in Missouri, but your mail day may be before or after that depending on how far you are from the RTC.) <strong>At first recruits are only permitted to write during holiday routine on Sunday</strong> and later they may be able to write on one or two other days as well (often Tuesday and Thursday) and some Divisions may earn the privilege of writing every day if they are doing really well or if the RDC feels that providing that privilege will boost morale. Some RDCs permit them to mail letters only on Sunday afternoon or Monday morning even when they can write on other days and others permit them to mail letters on the day they are written or the next morning. (The letters written during holiday routine or other times are collected in a bag by the RMPO and then mailed on Monday morning.) It is up to the RDC and there does not seem to be a "norm" for this. <strong>Once your recruit can receive mail, Mail Call is every weekday evening (M-F).</strong> All mail received at the RTC is distributed on the day it is received to the recruits in their compartments that evening sometime prior to Taps. <strong>The RDC is not permitted to withhold mail as a punishment because that would be a federal offense,</strong> so your recruit will receive mail from you on the day that it is processed at the RTC.</p>
<p>As of June 2013, some recruits have been able to mail personal letters while still in P-days. The address on those letters was not the permanent address and <strong>if you receive a letter that your recruit indicates was written during P-days, do not send letters to the address on the letter; wait for the form letter.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Here is how things went for a recruit in an integrated division in February 2013.</strong> The recruit arrived on Wednesday and there were not enough recruits to fill the division--other recruits in the division arrived Thursday, Friday, and Monday. Thursday: P-1, Friday: P-2, Saturday: P-Hold, Sunday: P-Hold, Monday: P-3 ("the box" received by the family; New recruits arrived that night who would fill the division), Tuesday: P-4 (P-1 for others in the division), Wednesday: P-5 <strong>(</strong><strong>form letter mailed)</strong> (P-2 for others in the division), Thursday: P-Hold to wait for others (P-3 for others in the division; "the box" received by another family in the division whose recruit arrived on Monday), Friday: P-Hold to wait for others (P-4 for others in the division), Saturday: P-Hold <strong>(form letter received by family)</strong>, Sunday: P-Hold, Monday (federal holiday) P-Hold, Tuesday: P-Hold to wait for others (P-5 for others in the division-<strong>form letter mailed</strong>), Wednesday: 1-1, Thursday: 1-2, Friday 1-3 <strong>(form letter received by another family in the division whose recruit had arrived on Monday of the previous week)</strong>, Saturday: Hold, Sunday: Hold with Holiday Routine <strong>(the first opportunity to write for all in the division)</strong>, Monday: 1-4 <strong>(division mailed letters; division received mail for first time that evening at Mail Call)</strong>, Tuesday: 1-5, Wednesday: 2-1 <strong>(first "real" letter received by family--others with loved ones in the division received mail on that day or later in the week)</strong>... This recruit was in a Push Division. <strong>As you can see, this recruit did not receive letters mailed before the family received the form letter any faster than the letters mailed after receiving the form letter.</strong> Some in the division who were the last to fill this division may have received their first letters on the second mail call rather than the first one depending on how soon family members mailed letters after getting the form letter. <strong>This recruit had to wait for the third Sunday to write, but it was the second Sunday for others in the division, and no one in the division had received mail prior to writing their first "real" letter.</strong> Recruits who arrive on a Monday or Tuesday or those who had to wait for recruits to arrive on a Monday or Tuesday to fill the division may have Mail Call before having Holiday Routine for the first time, more so now that there are 4 regular P-days than in the past when there appeared to be 5.</p>
<p><img src="http://png-2.findicons.com/files/icons/1575/web_injection/48/contact.png?width=75" width="75">Start writing as soon as your recruit leaves even though you don’t have an address and number the letters on the outside. <strong>Write often.</strong> The recruits look forward to Mail Call and letters and cards are a precious treasure. Letters and pictures often get passed around especially if there are some who do not get letters. You may want to include a brief letter or two in your envelope to be given to a shipmate who has not gotten any mail. Recruits can receive photos that are in good taste (the recruit must show photos to the RDC), but to save space, you can print the pictures on computer paper and write your letter around them either by hand or on the computer. Use both sides of the paper if you have a lot to send. <strong>Do not send musical or recordable cards, or cards/letters with glitter that comes off, or confetti, or anything that will be messy or draw undo attention to your recruit.</strong> (Glitter and confetti are difficult to clean up and even one speck would be considered "gear adrift" and result in a "hit" on an inspection.) Some RDC’s do not permit newspaper or magazine clippings and others do. (One reason that RDC' s do not permit newspaper or magazine clippings is that the ink may transfer to your recruit's hands and then to clothing and/or objects within the compartment.) If you want to send articles (such as information on your recruit's favorite sports team), then copy the information either on the computer or a copy machine and then write your letter around it by hand or on the computer. Printing or writing your letter on both sides of the paper will reduce the number of pages. Write about anything and everything except things that will distress your recruit. <strong>It’s fine to let your recruit know that you miss him/her, but always follow it with how proud you are of him/her and how much you are looking forward to seeing him/her in his/her dress whites or dress blues at PIR as a US Navy Sailor.</strong> (GL changes over to dress blues the first full week of October and to dress whites the first full week of May. The command determines the switch over date and it could change from that if the need arose.) Be creative; send letters written as though they are from the baby or pet (one sister let her recruit's hamster chew a corner of a letter written as if from it and added hamster tracks on the page; others have sent a page of "woof, woof, woof..." and signed <img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1797850904?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="25"> or have sent "meow, meow, purrr...." and signed <img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1797850968?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="25">); include drawings and pictures (you may want to print them within your letter to save room); tell about your day, even hearing about a trip to the store could be wonderful for your recruit; include puzzles if your recruit enjoys those; add jokes; include information about your recruit's favorite television program (you may be able to find short recaps online) and things that are happening in the world that would be of interest to him/her as long as they are not distressing. <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">The group, <a href="http://navyformoms.com/group/letter-writing-navy-moms" target="_blank"><span><font color="#0000FF">Letter-Writing Navy Moms</font></span></a> also has suggestions for things to write.</span> <strong>Be sure to ask your recruit to let his/her shipmates know about navyformoms.com and your PIR group so that they can let their loved ones know because not everyone finds the site and there is so much information and support for everyone here and it is sad if they miss out on it.</strong></p>
<p><strong><img src="http://www.chilhamschool.net/perch/resources/letters.gif?width=75" width="75">Get others involved.</strong> Give your recruit's address to his family and friends so that they can write. Some people, including recruiters, post the address on the recruit's facebook, but it is better to share it in a private message. One mother hosted a writing party in her home for her recruit's friends and she has also had an event on facebook so people could send her notes of encouragement to print out and mail to her recruit. I wrote out my recruit's address on Post-Its and put them inside blank greeting cards inside envelopes that I had already addressed and stamped. I gave them to people when they asked for his address and they could remove the Post-It to have his address and jot a quick note at the time that was ready to mail. Children love to write and send pictures they have drawn and they are fun for the recruit, so get a school class or Sunday School class involved. Be sure that everyone understands what is acceptable and what is not and also let them know how your recruit wants to handle bad news just in case that situation arises.</p>
<p><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1797850987?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="30"><strong>Ask your recruit for the names of any shipmates who are not receiving mail.</strong> There are some recruits who do not have any family to write them letters and mail from you or others will mean so much to them. If there are several names, you can share the names in a PM to others in your PIR group. Some have shared the names with a Sunday School class or Scout troop or class at school--letters and pictures from children are usually fun for anyone to get. You can include an extra letter in the envelope with your letters for someone who doesn't have a letter. Letters mailed to "Any Recruit" will be destroyed or returned to the sender and will not be delivered because of federal mail regulations. <strong>Letters must be addressed to a particular recruit in order to be delivered.</strong> One mom wrote 2 letters each day addressed to her recruit and she put a star in the corner of one; this was her signal to her recruit that he could give the letter unopened to a shipmate who did not receive a letter at Mail Call. A few of the recipients wrote her back and then she was able to write to them directly, but she continued with the "star" letters until the end of BC. We are all part of the Navy family and family helps family. If you are able to adopt a Sailor for PIR weekend who does not have anyone coming that would be great. (See <a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/group/bootcampmoms/page/liberty-during-pir-weekend" target="_blank">PIR Day and Liberty During PIR Weekend</a>.)</p>
<p><img src="http://png-3.findicons.com/files/icons/575/pleasant/128/e_mail.png?width=75" width="75">Some RDC’s will give IT (Intensive Training—extra exercises) for colored envelopes and stickers on the outside of envelopes and others don’t care. If the division or your recruit needs extra help to be ready for the PFA, then the RDC is going to look for every opportunity to give IT so that everyone makes it to PIR. <strong>If your recruit indicates that you should write in a particular color of ink or tells you not to send something, then pay attention and let others who are writing him/her (and those in your PIR group as well) know.</strong> Do avoid using red ink when you write; there is a red light on at night and if your recruit decides to read a letter before going to sleep (even though they aren’t supposed to), s/he will have difficulty reading red ink. <strong>You want to avoid sending anything that will require extra postage because that is a red flag and your recruit may have to open the letter/card in front of the RDC. </strong>If you have more than 4 pages in your letter, have a postal clerk weigh the envelope. *If you will be sending lots of pages (such as when a class writes to a recruit/division), have a postal clerk help you determine the maximum number of pages you can send using the paper and envelope you plan to use. One ounce goes for the standard postage rate, so you may be able to send more pages with a lower quality of paper than if you use a high quality paper. What happens after the recruit opens mail in front of the RDC all depends on the RDC and his/her mood at the time and how well the recruit/division is doing at the time.</p>
<p><strong>*When you send cards or letters for the whole division, it is fine to send them in a manila envelope.</strong> You must address the envelope to your recruit because all mail must be addressed to a particular recruit. Write "Letters/Cards for Division XXX" in the corner of the envelope so the RDC is aware of the contents and is less likely to give your recruit IT. Know that your recruit will have to open the envelope in front of the RDC, but there is usually not a problem when a recruit receives cards and letters from a class if they follow the guidelines given above, especially if there are enough for the entire division--if in doubt about the number, include 95. (Some loved ones choose to send a few letters at a time in a regular envelope rather than sending many at one time if the letters are for a single recruit.)</p>
<p><strong>Don't freak out</strong> if your recruit uses a slightly different address than the one in the form letter, but the Ship and Division numbers are the same. <strong>If you use the address your recruit uses in the return address your letters will get to him/her a little faster</strong> since the +4 is more specific. <strong>Letters mailed to either address will get to your recruit.</strong></p>
<p>They are doing some renovations at the RTC so one or more divisions and their brother divisions sometimes get moved and <strong>the Ship number and street address changes</strong>. Don’t worry the RMPO for the division and the mail room are aware of the move and any mail sent to the old address will be forwarded. Use the new address as soon as you have it. Some have been concerned that the change in ship numbers will affect the PIR date, but it does not. As long as the division number is the same, the PIR date will remain the same. You can check the PIR date at <a href="http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/upcoming_grads.asp" target="_blank">http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/upcoming_grads.asp</a>.</p>
<p><img src="http://www.clker.com/cliparts/e/3/4/7/11949844071868980516addressed_envelope_with_stamp_01.svg.thumb.png?width=75" width="75"> Some loved ones include self-addressed stamped envelopes for their recruits to use for letters to them. This does save their recruits some time, but then they miss out on receiving the envelopes with the RTC logo on them. Also, some recruits never use the envelopes that are sent to them, so that is a waste of the postage. If you want to save your recruit the time it takes to address letters, then send address labels and you can also send a book of stamps (your recruit can get them at the RTC though). There are two times that it is good to send preaddressed stamped envelopes. They are when sending a questionnaire, such as <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1797852806?profile=original" target="_blank">BCQuestionnaire.doc</a>, to get the PIR info when no form letter has been received and if the recruit has family or friends in another country because those letters will require additional postage and the recruit might not know how much is needed or may not have the correct amount of postage. You do not need to send paper and/or envelopes to your recruit unless s/he requests them. RTC stationery is available for the recruits.</p>
<p><strong><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1797851086?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="50"> Do not send packages or envelopes of any kind that require more than standard postage.</strong> Those would have to be opened in front of the RDC and your recruit may not be permitted to keep the contents and may also receive IT or other consequences. Save any "Care Packages", especially those containing food, for "A" School or training after BC. (See page 1 of the Family Guide at <a href="http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/fam_guide.asp" target="_blank">http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/fam_guide.asp</a> for more information.)</p>
<p><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1797851094?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="50">The exception is that about 2 to 3 weeks before PIR <strong>you can send contacts and a small amount of solution</strong>. Writing "Contacts for PIR" in the corner of the small box or padded envelope is useful, but not necessary since your recruit will have to open the package in front of the RDC. <strong>You can also send a small amount of make-up for the females</strong> that will "blend with natural skin tone and enhance natural features." The most often requested items are a small amount of foundation (some have specified the cake type) or face powder, 1 blush, 1 eye shadow in a neutral shade, 1 mascara (black or brown), 1 eyebrow/eyeliner pencil (black or brown), 1 lipstick in a conservative color, and 1 small hand lotion or face lotion. Females sometimes also get approval to have curling irons or flat irons sent (more often for 900 Divisions though), but do not send one unless your recruit specifically requests it. <strong>Most RDC’s allow band aids and strips of mole skin as well as stamps and calling cards and those will fit in a regular envelope and your recruit can also get them at the RTC, but DO NOT send cotton swabs even if your recruit asks you to, which s/he better not.</strong> If your recruit requests his/her Bible, then send it. Most regular Bibles will fit in the recruit’s A/B drawer, but a Study Bible is discouraged because it will take up too much room and will not leave room for other things. Some RDC's give permission for the recruits (usually females) to receive travel sized containers of some hygiene products that are not available at the NEX. Some recruits have also gotten permission to have shoe inserts sent, especially if they have had trouble with their feet or have had leg pain. If your recruit makes such a request, it will generally be very specific as to how to send the items and what to send and this will help you to know that you can send it since your recruit will have to open the package in front of the RDC and s/he would not make this request if s/he were going to get IT for it and/or the items were going to be tossed.</p>
<p><strong><strong><strong><strong><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1797851157?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="75"></strong></strong></strong></strong>You can send a Priority Mail envelope or large manila envelope with postage attached for your recruit to mail back letters to free up space--save postage on both the envelope to mail it and the envelope you are sending and send a manila envelope. Check with the post office on the amount of postage to use. Many fold it up and put it in a card envelope minus the card to keep the postage down or in a regular legal sized envelope, but the envelope would be permitted if the postage was more than regular postage. Some send this in a small manila envelope and mark the outside of the envelope—“Envelope for excess letters.” This will let your recruit know what it is for when s/he has to open the envelope in front of the RDC. Ask your recruit if it is needed because some have plenty of room in their A/B drawers and others don't. Some just like having a gallon-sized zip lock baggy or the large envelope to organize their mail in their A/B drawers.</p>
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<p><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; color: black;">If you receive a "real" letter without receiving the form letter, don't worry.</span></strong> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; color: black;">Determine if there is another person that your recruit would have sent the form letter to and ask to see it. If no one received a form letter, write to your recruit and let him/her know that you never got the form letter and ask if s/he can send out one or just tell you the password and names of the guests s/he plans to put on the Access List. There are times that a form letter is not sent by accident if a recruit was one of the last to fill a division (usually a Push Division or if a recruit was moved from one division to another at the end of P-days) and the form letters were already sent out by the others in the division. Some recruits have not sent the form letter because they had a medical or dental appointment or were being interviewed for security clearance when the form letters were being sent. If you do not get the password, you will need to take a taxi or shuttle to the gate and walk in or park across the street at the Metra parking lot and then walk in. You could send a questionnaire such as the one in <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1797852806?profile=original" target="_blank">BCQuestionnaire.doc</a>. (This is a questionnaire that I prepared for a mom who had not received the form letter, but had received 2 regular letters from her recruit.) (You can find a copy of the current form letter in the Page, <a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/group/bootcampmoms/page/the-form-letter" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">The Form Letter</a>. The brochure that is included from MWRGL about hotels and other things is at <a href="http://www.mwrgl.com/gen_info/rtc_graduation/rtcbrochure.htm" target="_blank">http://www.mwrgl.com/gen_info/rtc_graduation/rtcbrochure.htm</a><font size="2">.)</font></span></p>
<p><strong><img src="http://png-4.findicons.com/files/icons/429/wifun/128/card.png?width=75" width="75">If your recruit will spend Christmas or another special day at the RTC</strong>, here is a post from another Navy mom on "Christmas at boot camp" that you may like:<br>
<em>"Actually there IS a way to send a Christmas 'gift' to them while they are in boot camp over Christmas, without them getting in trouble.. My son was in boot camp during Christmas, and this is what I did.</em><br>
<em>I knew that after they pass Battlestations they frequently get to go to what's called 'ricky heaven' which is the area by the NEX that has video games and fast food outlets like Taco Bell, <span style="text-decoration: line-through;">McDonalds</span>, & Pizza hut. And so I got a couple of gift cards from the fast food locations and put the cards and a $10 bill in a money-gift envelope (the ones the size of a bill). I wrote on the outside of the small envelope 'Ricky Heaven Kit'. Then I wrapped that envelope using regular Christmas wrapping paper. Then I put the wrapped gift inside a regular Christmas card and sent it. This way, the envelope arrives and is no different than a regular card they might receive in the mail, and yet there is still a wrapped 'present' inside for him to be able to open and still have a little bit of Christmas while in boot camp.</em><br>
<em>He liked it and his RDCs had no problems with this. And it was a gift that he was actually able to use at the end of bootcamp. So it worked out pretty well. And then when we saw him at PIR we had our regular Christmas gifts for him."</em></p>
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<div class="xg_user_generated">(You can go to <a href="https://shop.aafes.com/scs/default.aspx" target="_blank">https://shop.aafes.com/scs/default.aspx</a> to get a NEX gift card. <strong>The restaurants at the RTC are KFC, Pizza Hut, Subway, and Taco Bell.</strong> A Visa or Mastercard gift card would be accepted at all of these places, but the restaurants at the RTC do not accept gift cards from the chains--those cards would have to be used after the Sailor leaves the RTC. <strong>Also remember, if the card/letter requires extra postage or appears bulky, your recruit will have to open it in front of the RDC.</strong> Your recruit will have access to his/her pay while at the RTC, so <strong>s/he does not need you to send money</strong>, but this is a nice idea if you want to do it, especially for a Christmas or birthday gift. Note that not all recruits or new Sailors will get to enjoy Ricky Heaven.) </div>
<div class="xg_user_generated"><img src="http://www.picgifs.com/graphics/h/happy-birthday/graphics-happy-birthday-242026.gif?width=110" width="110"><strong>If your recruit has a birthday at the RTC,</strong> be sure that any cards that are sent don't contain any glitter that will come off and are not musical or talking cards. Some RDC's make birthdays "memorable" for the recruit, so you may want to send general cards that don't advertise the birthday (let friends and relatives know that as well) and save the celebration for after PIR. Although the RDC's have access to each recruit's DOB, they don't always check it out unless something draws their attention to it and there have been recruits who managed to get through BC without their birthday being recognized by anyone there. The birthday will be most noticeable to the RDC without outside influence for those that turn 20 or 25 or 30 since those ages have different requirements for the PFA than the age before. My Sailor has not said what happened to others in his division who had birthdays at BC, but he has indicated that he was glad that he had his birthday before arriving at the RTC. You can send the same "Ricky Heaven" gift that some have sent for Christmas. If you choose to wrap it, wrap it in plain tissue paper that does not advertise the birthday openly. Some RDC's say, "Happy Birthday, Recruit!" and/or allow the recruit some small privilege, but don't count on that happening. </div>
<div class="xg_user_generated"><strong><img src="http://www.clker.com/cliparts/e/2/9/5/1194984444932772061postage_stamp_jarno_vasa_.svg.thumb.png?width=80" width="80">Use the post mark on letters from your recruit to help you determine when to mail your last letter.</strong> You will want to time it so the last letter arrives on Wednesday or Thursday before PIR. Most mail the last letter on the Friday or Saturday before PIR, but if you live close to the RTC, you may mail your last letter on Monday. (If PIR is on a day other than Friday, mail your last letter 6 or 7 days before PIR.) Mail received after your Sailor has processed out of the RTC will be returned to the sender. Some mail has been forwarded in the past, which could take several weeks to reach the Sailor, but that does not happen often now.</div>
<div class="xg_user_generated"><strong>Here is a link for a Sailor's take on receiving mail during boot camp</strong>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UWXxT_iD_M" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UWXxT_iD_M</a>. This Sailor had a longer time in P-days due to the holidays, but the information is good and gives an idea of how mail works at the RTC and what loved ones should and should not send. He indicated that there was no Mail Call on Monday, but others have indicated that there was Mail Call on Monday.</div>
<p><strong>Here are some links to some fun things you can include in your letters.</strong></p>
<p>Jokes: <a href="http://www.jokesclean.com/ChristianJokes/" target="_blank">http://www.jokesclean.com/ChristianJokes/</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.swapmeetdave.com/Humor/MilJoke.htm" target="_blank">http://www.swapmeetdave.com/Humor/MilJoke.htm</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.ahajokes.com/military_jokes.html" target="_blank">http://www.ahajokes.com/military_jokes.html</a></p>
<p><a href="http://usmilitary.about.com/library/miljokes/bltoughbasic.htm" target="_blank">http://usmilitary.about.com/library/miljokes/bltoughbasic.htm</a> (click on the links at the top and you may find others )</p>
<p>Comics: <a href="http://www.gocomics.com/explore/comics" target="_blank">http://www.gocomics.com/explore/comics</a></p>
<p>Word searches: <a href="http://www.armoredpenguin.com/wordsearch/" target="_blank">http://www.armoredpenguin.com/wordsearch/</a></p>
<p>Soduko: <a href="http://www.soduko-online.com/" target="_blank">http://www.soduko-online.com/</a></p>
<p>Bible Verses: <a href="http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/bible-verses-for-soldiers-20-great-scripture-quotes/" target="_blank">http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/bible-verses-for-soldiers-20-great-scripture-quotes/</a>, <a href="http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/bible-verses-for-encouragement-20-great-scripture-quotes/" target="_blank">http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/bible-verses-for-encouragement-20-great-scripture-quotes/</a>, <a href="http://www.squidoo.com/bible-verse-of-encouragement" target="_blank">http://www.squidoo.com/bible-verse-of-encouragement</a>, <a href="http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20071128184221AANHx6h" target="_blank">http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20071128184221AANHx6h</a></p>
<p><a href="http://navyformoms.com/forum/topics/need-some-postive-one-liners" target="_blank">Need some postive one liners to send to recruit.</a></p>
<p><img src="http://netanimations.net/Animated-gif-color-changing-question-mark-picture-moving.gif?width=30" width="30">Some like to use questionnaires to help their recruits with letter writing and get the information they need, sometimes in a fun way. Here are some that are posted within the N4M site. They are in no particular order, just how I found them. Some will need to be revised because they include outdated terms such as "Grad and Go", but they still have good questions. Please feel free to post other questionnaires you have found or have created. (I sometimes have to refresh the page once it loads for it to go to the particular comment/reply that includes the questionnaire.)</p>
<p><a href="http://navyformoms.com/group/twins-and-multiples-in-the-navy/forum/topics/madlibs-for-bc-and-a-school" target="_blank">MadLibs for BC and A-School</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/group/ship10div265pir0819/forum/topics/encouragement-questionnaire" target="_blank">http://www.navyformoms.com/group/ship10div265pir0819/forum/topics/encouragement-questionnaire</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/group/pir4309divisions142147920/forum/topics/survey-1" target="_blank">http://www.navyformoms.com/group/pir4309divisions142147920/forum/topics/survey-1</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/forum/topics/letters-from-kids-in-rtc?commentId=1971797%3AComment%3A2560332" target="_blank">http://www.navyformoms.com/forum/topics/letters-from-kids-in-rtc?commentId=1971797%3AComment%3A2560332</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/group/octoberbootcamp/forum/topics/questionnaire-for-letter-to" target="_blank">http://www.navyformoms.com/group/octoberbootcamp/forum/topics/questionnaire-for-letter-to</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/group/pir112509/forum/topics/favorite-lines-from-letters?commentId=1971797%3AComment%3A3072135&groupId=1971797%3AGroup%3A3010050" target="_blank">http://www.navyformoms.com/group/pir112509/forum/topics/favorite-lines-from-letters?commentId=1971797%3AComment%3A3072135&groupId=1971797%3AGroup%3A3010050</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/forum/topics/new-recruits?commentId=1971797%3AComment%3A5723422" target="_blank">http://www.navyformoms.com/forum/topics/new-recruits?commentId=1971797%3AComment%3A5723422</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/profiles/blogs/blog-ops-pir-05262011-boot" target="_blank">http://www.navyformoms.com/profiles/blogs/blog-ops-pir-05262011-boot</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/group/pir82010/forum/topics/recruit-questionnaires" target="_blank">http://www.navyformoms.com/group/pir82010/forum/topics/recruit-questionnaires</a> (There are more in the replies to this discussion as well.)</p>
<p><a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/group/bootcampmoms/forum/topics/questionnaires-to-send-our" target="_blank">http://www.navyformoms.com/group/bootcampmoms/forum/topics/questionnaires-to-send-our</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/forum/topics/moms-form-letters" target="_blank">http://www.navyformoms.com/forum/topics/moms-form-letters</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/group/newmomsstophere/forum/topics/navy-4-moms-boot-camp-questionnaire-you-can-copy-and-print-out" target="_blank">http://www.navyformoms.com/group/newmomsstophere/forum/topics/navy-4-moms-boot-camp-questionnaire-you-can-copy-and-print-out</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/group/bootcampmoms/forum/topics/questionnaires-to-send-our" target="_blank">Questionnaires to send our recruits!!!!</a> (There are more in the replies as well.)</p>
<p><a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/group/bootcampmoms/forum/topics/questionnaires-2" target="_blank">Questionnaires</a> (There are more in the replies as well.)</p>
<p><a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/group/bootcampmoms/forum/topics/some-fun-questons-you-can-send" target="_blank">Some fun questons you can send to your recruit</a> (There are more in the replies as well.)</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1797852863?profile=original" target="_blank">Other%20SRs%20General%20Questionnaire%20for%20N4M.rtf</a> (You can send these to recruits who are not receiving mail. You may want to change Huzzah! to Hooyah!) Thanks, BridgetteH, for this.</p>
<p>There will also be a Page or Discussion within your PIR group that may have other links.</p>
<p><span class="font-size-1">The above information is provided by <a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/profile/lemonelephant" target="_blank">lemonelephant</a>, the mom of a retired Sailor.</span></p>
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</div> Phone Cards and Phone Callstag:navyformoms.ning.com,2015-08-12:1971797:Page:91661842015-08-12T16:57:30.092Zellen0502https://navyformoms.ning.com/profile/ellen0502
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<p>If your recruit did not take a phone card to Boot Camp, you can send one when you write. Your recruit will need a calling card to make any calls other than the "I'm here!" call or calls for information or if there is a problem. Your recruit will receive a calling card in his/her ditty bag and is also able to purchase one at the NEX. (See the info in page 1 of the Family Guide at <a href="http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/fam_guide.asp" target="_blank">http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/fam_guide.asp</a>.)</p>
<p><strong><strong><br></strong></strong> <a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/group/bootcampmoms/page/phone-cards-and-phone-calls" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1797850907?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="50"></a>If you choose to buy a regular calling card, Walgreens sometimes has them on sale at a reduced price and there are other places as well where you can obtain them. Be sure to activate the card before you send it so your Recruit does not have to waste valuable time and minutes doing that. It has been suggested that you purchase one that has at least 400 minutes on it, partly because 10 to 20 minutes is used up each time the card is accessed even for a short call. You can also make a copy of the card before mailing it and check every now and then to see how many minutes remain and add minutes since some are reloadable. Virtual calling cards are also available on the web. These are an 800 number and a PIN that your recruit must enter to make the call. These are reloadable and if you keep the information, you can check the balance and add minutes if needed.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.pennytalk.com/" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="http://files.anycodes.com/resizedMerImage/1347956013.jpg?width=120" width="120"></a>If you or your recruit has a PennyTalk account, your recruit can use that account to make calls. Using a PennyTalk account, calls within the USA and some other countries are 1 cent per minute. This may be a good option if your recruit has people to call in other countries. See <a href="http://www.pennytalk.com/" target="_blank">http://www.pennytalk.com/</a>. (Note: A 49¢ connection fee is charged each time a call connects. A 99¢ monthly service fee applies to all accounts. A 90¢ payphone surcharge applies to each call made from a payphone.) You can also purchase PennyTalk calling cards at major retail stores such as Walgreens. A 49¢ connection fee is charged each time a call connects and a 90¢ payphone surcharge applies to each call made from a payphone.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/group/bootcampmoms/page/phone-cards-and-phone-calls" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1797850892?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="50"></a>Soon after your recruit arrives at the RTC, s/he will be permitted to make the “I’m here!” call. It will be short (30 seconds or less--10 to 20 seconds is average) and to the point. "I made it. I'm here. I'm fine. Love ya. I gotta go." This call may be scripted and often the recruit includes, "Look for a box in a few days and a letter in about a week. I will try to call in about 3 weeks." (Sometimes the recruits say 2 weeks instead.) This call can come at any time, even in the wee hours of the morning for some depending on the flight or bus schedule. If your recruit took a cell phone with him or her, then this will be the last call from that phone before you receive it back in "the box" a few days later. Sometimes a recruit does not get to make this call if s/he did not take a cell phone or his/her cell phone battery is dead because the recruits now must use a cell phone for this call and there is not always time for everyone to make the call on a borrowed cell phone. There are no phone banks at Inprocessing. The RDC's will permit recruits to make that call later if they were unable to make it, but many recruits choose not to do that because they do not want to be singled out and the call would be scripted and supervised by the RDC. These "make up" calls have been coming on the weekend after arrival for most, but can come on any day one to five days after arrival. Some recruits have snuck in an extra call by saying that they did not get to make the call upon arrival and so their loved ones get the scripted call (or something similar) when the "make up" calls are made, which can be a little confusing since it is pretty much the same call that they received a few days earlier. (Note: Even though your recruit may say the first call will be in about 2 or 3 weeks, it could be anytime based on when the RDC is able to schedule a phone call and some are able to call before that.)</p>
<p><strong>There is no set number of calls a Recruit will be able to make.</strong> Most recruits make the "I'm here!" call soon after arriving at the RTC; this call is from his/her cell phone or a borrowed cell phone. Most Sailors will make one or more calls to say, "I'm a Sailor!" Recruits are often permitted to make an "I'm still alive!" call in about week 3 or 4 and have usually received mail by that time, but that call can be lost for any number of reasons. Recruits have also been able to make a very short call within a week or so of arrival at times just because the RDC was in a good mood. Calls before week 3 or 4 are most often due to needing additional information, often to assist with Security Clearance (See more on that in the December 13, 2012 comment below by <a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/profile/MSgtRet" target="_blank">MSgtRet DIV 912</a>.), or due to a problem and are on the Navy. The calls for information or due to a problem are supervised and the Recruit is not usually permitted to chitchat. <strong>Don't expect a call, but do have your phone available from 8ish am to 8ish pm Central Time and be pleasantly surprised if you do receive a call.</strong> You may want to forward your home phone to your cell phone when you leave the house to reduce the likelihood of missing a call made to your home phone. Some people record a special message for their recruit just in case they do miss a call; that way the recruit still knows s/he is loved and encouraged.</p>
<p><strong>To forward calls from your home phone to your cell phone</strong>, for most phone providers the code is 72#, but it may be different for some providers. Dial 72# from your home phone. Then when you get the dial tone dial your 10-digit cell phone number (including area code). You should hear a couple of tones and your cell phone should ring. If it doesn't ring, repeat until it does and your calls will be forwarded to your cell phone. When you want to cancel the call forwarding, pick up your home phone and dial 73# (it may be different for some providers). Hang up and call your home phone from your cell phone to be sure that call forwarding has been cancelled; if not, dial 73# again. Check with your phone provider if you are unsure of the codes to use.</p>
<p><strong>Some loved ones who work nights and usually turn off their phones or who work in places where they are not to take calls during work have instructed the recruit to call his/her own cell phone and it has worked well.</strong> Others should not be calling your recruit's phone since s/he is at BC so it should only be receiving calls from your recruit and most bosses have permitted that. In most cases "the box" with the cell phone will arrive before the recruit will be able to make a call.</p>
<p><strong>Those with a recruit with a contract for one of the following ratings may be called for additional information for a security clearance while your recruit is in BC and/or during "A" School or while receiving other training:</strong> special ops (SEALs, ND, SWCC, AIRR, and EOD), a Spook rating (CTI, CTM, CTN, CTR, CTT, IS, and IT), MA and those in NF and sub ratings. Having a recruit who will have one of these ratings does not guarantee that you will get one or more additional calls for information because the Navy may have the information that they need from you and your recruit may have to call someone else for something or may not need to call anyone at all. If your recruit has a contract for a different rating, s/he may still need additional information for some reason. <strong>Recruits with a contract for any rating may call from medical, most often during P-days, to get the name and/or contact information for a physician s/he has seen in the past or to have medical information faxed.</strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/group/bootcampmoms/page/phone-cards-and-phone-calls" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1797850948?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="50"></a>If you have a phone call from the 847 area code, or US GOVERNMENT, or PRIVATE CALL, or RESTRICTED, or PAY PHONE, or WITHHELD, or UNAVAILABLE or ATT CALLING CARD, be sure to answer!!!</strong> (It is possible that a Recruit could call from another area code as well--773, 224, 312, 872 are all area codes in that area.) You may want to start a list of questions you have for your recruit and keep it near your phone. As with letters, don't share anything that will distress your recruit. It’s fine to let your recruit know that you miss him/her, but always follow it with how proud you are of him/her and how much you are looking forward to seeing him/her in his/her dress whites or dress blues at PIR as a US Navy Sailor. (GL changes over to dress blues the first full week of October and to dress whites the first full week of May. The command determines the switch over date and it could change from that if the need arose.)</p>
<p><strong>Once your recruit is in his/her permanent ship following P-days, the RDC's do not usually schedule calls between 7 am and 1 pm CST on Sunday because of holiday routine. This allows the recruits the opportunity to attend chapel and know that they do not have to make a choice between making a phone call and attending a worship service. There also will not be any scheduled calls between those hours on the day of a PIR, which is usually on Friday, since the RDC's would need to be in the Drill Hall and available to the graduating divisions. All other times are fair game.</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/group/bootcampmoms/page/phone-cards-and-phone-calls" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1797851113?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="50"></a>The "I'm still alive!" or other calls the RDC schedules usually come in the mornings if they are made on Monday through Thursday, but they can come anytime between 8 am and 8 pm CST if the phone banks are available. This is because the "I'm a Sailor!" calls, which are typically made 1 to 7 days before PIR, but can come up to 10 days before PIR, are in the afternoon and evenings and begin around 2ish pm CST and end around 8ish pm CST. (See <a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/group/bootcampmoms/page/battle-stations-21" target="_blank">Battle Stations-21 (BST)</a>.) Calls can come anytime between 1 pm and 8 pm CST on Friday if the phone banks are available and anytime between 8 am and 8 pm CST on Saturday and between 1 pm and 8 pm CST on Sunday. Calls for security reasons or for information are made during regular business hours. Calls for additional information during P-days can come anytime, but usually come between 6 am and 10 pm CST--even on weekends because recruits do not have holiday routine while in P-days and a recruit could be asked to make a call while in P-Hold.</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/group/bootcampmoms/page/phone-cards-and-phone-calls" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1797851118?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="50"></a>The RDC's schedule the phone banks and determine how much time the division will have. The recruit/Sailor will determine who s/he will call.</strong> Sometimes an RDC will schedule only a short time at the phone banks and recruits are only able to make one or two 5 to 10 minute calls; calls have also been as short as 1 to 2 minutes, especially if the call is before week 3. Other times, the recruit/Sailor will have an hour or more and will decide how to divide up that time among those s/he wants to talk to. There are 2 rooms near the NEX where the phone banks are located and approximately 50 to 60 phones available in each room depending on how many are in working order. There are also 4 to 6 computers available in each room.</p>
<p><strong>There are a number of reasons that your recruit would be unable to call when others in the division are making calls</strong>. The most common reasons are:</p>
<p>*The recruit had watch: the recruit may or may not be able to make the call at a later time.</p>
<p>*The recruit had not passed a test: the recruit may be permitted to make the call once s/he passes the test.</p>
<p>*The recruit had a medical or dental appointment: the recruit may be permitted to make the call at a later time, but often is not able to.</p>
<p>*The recruit is SIQ: the recruit may be permitted to make the call at a later time, but often is not able to.</p>
<p>*The recruit or someone else in the division did something that the RDC deemed unacceptable while the division was making the calls: the recruit/s will not be able to make the call.</p>
<p>*An individual or small group earned a call due to a perfect inspection or test score or for another reason the RDC deemed merited a call: only those earning the call will make calls.</p>
<p>*The recruit had duties to perform as Division Staff or Ship Staff when the call was scheduled: the recruit may or may not be able to make the call at a later time.</p>
<p>*The recruit chose to give his/her phone time to another recruit or time ran out while the recruit was waiting in line because others didn't watch the time closely: the recruit/s will not be able to make the call. (Some recruits have given their phone time to another recruit because it was his/her birthday and they wanted to help make his/her day special.)</p>
<p>*The recruit did not have a phone card and his/her shipmates did not share one and s/he did not want to buy one at the NEX or did not have enough time to activate the calling card with the time allotted: the recruit will not be able to make up the call. The good news is that one or more of the other recruits may have gotten to talk longer to his/her loved ones. Be sure that your recruit has phone cards.</p>
<p><strong>If your recruit will be at the RTC for one or more holidays, his/her RDC may schedule a call, but it is more likely that you will not get a call.</strong> Remember there are thousands of Recruits at the RTC and it would be very hard to give all of them even 5 minutes at the phone banks on one day. There are generally 6000-7000 or more recruits at the RTC at one time, but when you realize that each of the 14 ships can hold around 1000 recruits, it could be many more. Some will be adopted out for Thanksgiving and Christmas, so that means there are 2 TG's less at the RTC on those days and those who are adopted usually do make calls while they are away from the RTC. Don't expect a call, but have your phone available and be pleasantly surprised if you do get one. Calls on holidays can come anytime between 8ish am to 8ish pm Central Time. </p>
<p><strong>If your recruit is adopted in the Thanksgiving or Christmas Adopt-A-Sailor program,</strong> phone calls can come from any area code because people from the organizations sponsoring them will bring their cell phones and let the recruits call. Area code 219 has been mentioned, but calls could come from any area code, so pick up even if you don't recognize the phone number if it is Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Day. The Thanksgiving Adopt-A-Sailor program is for the next 2 TG's after Thanksgiving. The Christmas Adopt-A-Sailor program is for 2 TG's after Christmas--it has been the 2 TG's following Christmas, but the RTC has also skipped the TG immediately after Christmas and adopted out the first 2 TG's in January. There will be information on the program, including what TG's are eligible, posted on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NavyRecruitTrainingCommand" target="_blank">the RTC’s fB page</a> and you will get a form from your recruit if s/he is eligible for either program that you must return if you plan to adopt him/her.</p>
<p><a width="40" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1797851123?profile=RESIZE_180x180" target="_self"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1797851123?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="40"></a>If there is a natural disaster, or other serious event, that affects a large number of people in a particular area of our nation, recruits with loved ones in the affected area <strong>may</strong> be permitted to make a short call to check on their loved ones. It all depends on the RDC and if the phone banks are available to do so.</p>
<p>In the Navy, <strong>"No news is good news."</strong> Your Recruit will be permitted to contact you almost immediately if something goes wrong, and if the Recruit cannot, the Navy will. If by one week prior to PIR, you have not received a call indicating that there is a problem, then most likely everything is on track for your recruit to have PIR on time; every now and then the call indicating a problem will come on the Monday or Tuesday before PIR, especially for a recruit in a Push Division, but most calls are made before that. (See <a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/group/bootcampmoms/page/battle-stations-21" target="_blank">Battle Stations-21 (BST)</a>.) There have been Sailors, and even a whole division once, who were unable to make the "I'm a Sailor!" calls because of duties they had, doing other things and running out of time, or the RDC not being able to schedule the call because other divisions were scheduled and/or the division had to practice for PIR. If you do not receive a call at all, everything is on schedule for PIR and you will have a Sailor at PIR.</p>
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<p><span class="font-size-1">The above information is provided by <a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/profile/lemonelephant" target="_blank">lemonelephant</a>, the mom of a retired Sailor.</span></p>
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</div> 800 and 900 Divisionstag:navyformoms.ning.com,2015-08-12:1971797:Page:91662362015-08-12T16:55:41.177Zellen0502https://navyformoms.ning.com/profile/ellen0502
<div class="description" id="page-content"><div class="xg_user_generated"><p><strong><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 14pt;">800 Divisions</span></strong></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">Once the recruits arrive, those with contracts as candidates to Naval Special Warfare operator ratings are moved aside to be in the 800 division/s. Those ratings are SEAL or Special Warfare Operator (SO), Navy Diver…</span></p>
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<p><strong><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 14pt;">800 Divisions</span></strong></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">Once the recruits arrive, those with contracts as candidates to Naval Special Warfare operator ratings are moved aside to be in the 800 division/s. Those ratings are SEAL or Special Warfare Operator (SO), Navy Diver (ND), Special Warfare Boat Operator (SB) or Special Warfare Combatant – craft Crewman (SWCC), Aviation Rescue Swimmers (AIRR), and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD). There are usually only 25 or fewer 800 divisions a year, so not every TG will have one, but some TG's will have one or two 800 divisions.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">We often see that loved ones of those in an 800 division receive "the box" and the form letter on the same day or within a day or so of each other and sometimes the form letter comes before "the box" because these divisions do not have to wait for P-days to be over to be formed since the recruits in these divisions are determined by their contracts before arrival. It is also very common for those in an 800 division to have 8 Fridays rather than the typical 9 Fridays that others do. Most 800 Divisions are Push Divisions, but if females with special ops contracts ship on a Monday or Tuesday, then they usually have 9 Fridays and so will the 800 division/s for that TG. <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">See <a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/group/bootcampmoms/page/arrival-and-what-happens-at-the-rtc" target="_blank">Arrival and What Happens at the RTC</a>.</span></span><br></span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">Those in an 800 division do the same training that recruits in regular divisions go through and then they have a second PT (physical training) time each day when PT is scheduled so they have PT in the morning and in the afternoon. They also have regularly scheduled time at the pool for training in addition to the times that they would have pool time if they were in a regular division. They may learn and be tested in the Combat Swimmer Stroke (CSS) or be able to test using a freestyle stroke depending on the field they are going into. The recruits in an 800 division can receive an extra ration of food around midnight at the galley if they want it due to the extra calories that they burn due to the physical training that they go through. These recruits are not permitted to work out except during PT or IT (intensive training; extra PT given as a corrective action).</span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">Recruits with contracts for <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">SEAL or Special Warfare Operator (SO) and <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">Special Warfare Boat Operator (SB) or Special Warfare Combatant – craft Crewman (SWCC)</span></span> with the same ship date or with a ship date within a day of the same ship date will be together in the same 800 division or brother division in the same TG. Recruits with a contract for Navy Diver (ND), Aviation Rescue Swimmers (AIRR), and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) with the same ship date or with a ship date within a day of the same ship date will be together in the same TG in the same 800 division or brother division or they may be in regular divisions if there are not enough recruits for an 800 division or if they are females.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">The 800 divisions go through Battle Stations-21 alone, with another 800 division if there are 2 or more 800 divisions in the TG, with the 900 division/s, or with a pair of brother divisions from the regular divisions.</span> See <a href="http://navyformoms.com/group/bootcampmoms/page/battle-stations-21" target="_blank">Battle Stations-21 (BST)</a>. </p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">We often think of the 800 divisions as being all male divisions and most of the year that is true, but there are integrated 800 divisions at times because candidates for AIRR, EOD, and ND can be male or female. <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';"><strong>Females who have a contract for <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">AIRR, EOD, or ND</span> will be assigned to an integrated regular division rather than an 800 division if there are not enough females to fill a compartment and may not be all be assigned to the same division, but several are usually together.</strong> When that happens, the form letter is mailed at the end of P-days and arrives about 10 days after arrival. (See <a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/group/bootcampmoms/page/arrival-and-what-happens-at-the-rtc" target="_blank">Arrival and What Happens at the RTC</a>.) These recruits will train with the 800 division/s for the additional PT sessions and pool times at 0430. (I need more information on this. If you have a female recruit with a contract for one of those ratings, let me know in a PM what your recruit's experience is/was.)</span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">Sometimes recruits with a special ops contract will be placed in a regular division if there are not enough to form a full division. <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">When that happens, the form letter is mailed at the end of P-days and arrives about 10 days after arrival. (See <a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/group/bootcampmoms/page/arrival-and-what-happens-at-the-rtc" target="_blank">Arrival and What Happens at the RTC</a>.) These recruits will train with the 800 division/s from other TG's that are at the RTC for the additional PT sessions and pool times at 0430.</span></span> Although all of the special ops recruits may not be in the same division, several are usually together.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';"><strong>Those with a recruit in an 800 Division or special ops contract need to be especially aware of OPSEC and PERSEC.</strong> See <a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/group/bootcampmoms/page/opsec-and-persec" target="_blank"><font color="#0000FF">OPSEC and PERSEC (Making Changes to Your Profile)</font></a> for more information and make any changes at the bottom of that Page that you need to make. <strong>Changes 1 and 2</strong> will tell you how to remove your name or that of your recruit from your Username and URL for your profile page and offers suggestions for making your Profile Page less obvious as to your identity and that of your recruit/Sailor and his/her special ops status, such as changing the ZIP code so that it does not reflect your hometown and not mentioning the rating that your recruit/Sailor is contracted for. <strong>Change 3</strong> will tell you how to fix your Privacy settings--I suggest "Just My Friends." I also suggest that you uncheck all of the boxes under "Latest Activity" at the bottom so that your activity on N4M does not get posted in the "Latest Activity" feed on the left. <strong>Change 4</strong> deals with your profile picture--don't include one with your recruit's face and to be even safer, don't use your own picture or that of any person who is associated with your recruit/Sailor. <strong>Change 5</strong> will tell you how to delete photos if you have posted them--don't include any of your recruit or Sailor or of any person or thing that will be easily associated with your recruit or Sailor. <strong>Change 6 </strong>will tell you how to turn off the "Latest Activity" log at the top of your My Page so that your posts are not readily available to those who visit your My Page. <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';"><strong>Change 7</strong> will tell you how to hide the groups that you have joined on N4M so that it is less obvious to others who visit your My Page that you have a recruit or Sailor with a contract for a Special Ops rating by the groups you have joined.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">It may be a good idea if you <strong>lurk</strong> within some groups and not post. Although there is a discussion within each PIR group for the 800 division/s that does not mean that you have to participate in it. N4M is not a private site and ANYONE with access to the internet can come on the site and see what is posted, so post very little about your recruit and later Sailor and never post pictures of him/her or his/her last name (not using his/her first name also increases PERSEC). There are groups on fB for the PIR groups and even some groups related to special ops training; it would a good idea to avoid those groups because if you join those groups, your profile information will be readily associated with someone who is a candidate for a special ops rating, including your name and hometown unless the group is a secret group rather than just a private group. (I delete comments on this page from people who indicate that they have a recruit in an 800 division once I have reason to believe that the question or comment has been answered or acknowledged.)</span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">While s/he's in BC, if someone asks for his/her rating, you can mention that s/he will stay in GL (or will fly out) after PIR and just avoid the question. Later, you can truthfully say, "I don't know much about it."</span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">If a recruit with a contract for a special ops rating arrives at MEPS and fails something (such as the vision screening) that is a requirement for special ops, but does not prevent him from being eligible for another rating, then that will be noted in the recruit's file and the recruit will be assigned to a regular division upon arrival at the RTC. The recruit will later meet with the detailer and will be given a new contract for a different rating that s/he qualifies for.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">If a recruit in a regular division displays exceptional potential for special ops, s/he can be singled out and invited to attend PT and swim sessions to see if this may be something s/he is interested in. The choice to accept or decline the invitation is <em><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">always</span></em> his/hers. If the recruit accepts the invitation, s/he then remains with his/her same division, but attends the extra sessions with an 800 division. If it is determined that the recruit is suited for a special ops rating, then s/he will be offered a new contract, which s/he can choose to accept or decline.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">Sometimes a recruit who was assigned to an 800 division will be removed from the division for various reasons, often related to the first PFA (physical fitness assessment). The recruit may also choose to Drop on Request (DOR) if s/he no longer feels that special ops is appropriate for him/her. When that happens the recruit will be placed in a regular division and later will meet with the detailer and will be given a new contract for a different rating that s/he qualifies for. Sometimes when this happens, the recruit will call a loved one to say that s/he has been moved to another division and that his/her address has changed. This is known as being ASMO'd (Assignment Memorandum; a change in what is happening with the recruit). This usually does not affect the PIR date, but if it does, you will be notified of that as well. If the PIR date does change, be sure to get the password to get the vehicle/gate pass because it will be different than the one for the previous date and you will not be able to drive onto the RTC without the vehicle/gate pass.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">When recruits are ASMO'd, whether it's to go to SEPS to go home, to go to the RCU to recover from a sickness or injury, or to go to another division, the RDC most likely will say that the recruit has been ASMO'd and the others in the division will not know what has happened unless they happen to see him at the RTC during the course of training or at PIR or sometime later in the Fleet. This is due to confidentiality and/or HIPAA requirements. </span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">Many of the Sailors who were in an 800 division or who have a contract for one of the special ops ratings will stay at the Training Support Center (TSC) at Great Lakes following PIR for training prior to flying out for the next part of their training--only AIRR does not. Plan to leave late Sunday or on Monday if you are able. See <a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/group/bootcampmoms/page/liberty-during-pir-weekend" target="_blank"><font color="#0000FF">PIR Day and Liberty During PIR Weekend</font></a> to help you know how to plan your weekend. In addition to the items listed within that Page, your Sailor may thank you if you bring Boudreaux's Butt Paste to help prevent chafing. It is available at Baby's R Us and at <a href="http://www.buttpaste.com" target="_blank">http://www.buttpaste.com</a>.<br></span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">Aviation Rescue Swimmers (AIRR) candidates fly out to Pensacola, FL to Naval Air Station Pensacola, usually the day after PIR, where they first attend Naval Aircrew Candidate School (NACCS). Your Sailor will most likely fly out the day after PIR, but may fly out on Sunday due to flight availability issues. Plan to leave on Sunday if you are able. See <a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/group/bootcampmoms/page/liberty-during-pir-weekend" target="_blank">PIR Day and Liberty During PIR Weekend</a> to help you know how to plan your weekend. Other groups you will want to join if your recruit is a candidate for this rating are <a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/group/sailorsinpensicolaflforaschool" target="_blank"><font color="#0000FF">Sailors In Pensacola, FL For A School....Corry Station too!!</font></a> and <a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/group/parentsofaschoolsailorsinpensacola" target="_blank"><font color="#0000FF">Parents of A School Sailors in Pensacola</font></a>. For those with a husband or wife with this rating, check out <a href="http://navyformoms.com/group/spousesofsailorsgoingtoaschoolinpcola" target="_blank"><font color="#0000FF">Spouses of Sailors going to A-school in P-cola</font></a>. </span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';"><span><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><span><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">If your recruit has enlisted under one of the Warrior Challenge Programs rather than as "A" School Guaranteed, then your recruit will attend the "A" School for the source rating before beginning the training for the special ops contract, so you will need the information on your recruit's source rating as well in order to know how to plan for PIR weekend since your Sailor could fly out instead of staying in GL. For example, the source ratings for the EOD Challenge Program are AB, AO, BU, CM, <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';"><span><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><span><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">EM,</span></span></span></span></span> EN, GM, <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';"><span><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><span><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">HT,</span></span></span></span></span> IC, IT, <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';"><span><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><span><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">LS,</span></span></span></span></span> <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';"><span><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><span><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">MC, MM,</span></span></span></span></span> MN, OS, PR, and QM. Of those, EM, EN, GM, HT, <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';"><span><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><span><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">IC,</span></span></span></span></span> MM, MN, OS, and QM remain in GL for "A" School.<br></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">The address to write to your recruit is:</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0pt;"><strong><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">SR LAST NAME, FIRST NAME MI</span></strong></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0pt;"><strong><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">SHIP 04 DIV 8XX</span></strong></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0pt;"><strong><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">3600 OHIO STREET</span></strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">GREAT LAKES IL 60088-7103</span></strong></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">Here are some of the groups and the links for the Rating Information Cards associated with Special Ops ratings:</span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">SEAL Groups: <a href="http://navyformoms.com/group/prebud-s-and-bud-s" target="_blank">PreBUD/S and BUD/S</a> <a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/group/sealmoms" target="_blank"><font color="#0000FF">SEAL Moms</font></a> <a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/group/sealgfw" target="_blank"><font color="#0000FF">(Future or Present Navy Seals) Girlfriends, Fiancees & Wives</font></a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">SEAL Rating Information Card: <a href="https://www.cool.navy.mil/usn/enlisted/rating_info_cards/so.pdf" target="_blank">https://www.cool.navy.mil/usn/enlisted/rating_info_cards/so.pdf</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">SEALs info on navy.com: <a href="http://www.navy.com/careers/special-operations/seals.html" target="_blank">http://www.navy.com/careers/special-operations/seals.html</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">Additional SEAL info: <a href="http://www.sealswcc.com/seal-default.html" target="_blank">http://www.sealswcc.com/seal-default.html</a> and <a href="http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/reference/milpersman/1000/1200Classification/Documents/1220-300.pdf" target="_blank">http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/reference/milpersman/1000/1200Classification/Documents/1220-300.pdf</a>.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">Navy Diver Group: <a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/group/momsofnavydivers" target="_blank"><font color="#0000FF">Mom's of Navy Divers</font></a> <a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/group/mom-s-of-navy-diver-recruits-or-divers" target="_blank"><font color="#0000FF">Mom's of Navy Diver Recruits</font></a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">Navy Diver Rating Information Card: <a href="https://www.cool.navy.mil/usn/enlisted/rating_info_cards/nd.pdf" target="_blank">https://www.cool.navy.mil/usn/enlisted/rating_info_cards/nd.pdf</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">Navy Diver info on navy.com: <a href="http://www.navy.com/careers/special-operations/diver.html" target="_blank">http://www.navy.com/careers/special-operations/diver.html</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">Additional ND info: <a href="http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/reference/milpersman/1000/1200Classification/Documents/1220-100.pdf" target="_blank">http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/reference/milpersman/1000/1200Classification/Documents/1220-100.pdf</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';"><a href="http://navyformoms.com/forum/topics/ceodd-prep-course-video/showLastReply" target="_blank">Center for Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Diving (CEODD) Preparatory Course [VIDEO]</a> <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';"><span><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">gives info on the Dive training in Panama City, FL.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">SB-SWCC Groups: <a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/group/swcc" target="_blank"><font color="#0000FF">swcc</font></a> <a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/group/swccinvitational" target="_blank"><font color="#0000FF">SWCC Invitational</font></a> <a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/group/headedforswcc" target="_blank"><font color="#0000FF">Headed for SWCC</font></a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">SB Rating Information Card: <a href="https://www.cool.navy.mil/usn/enlisted/rating_info_cards/sb.pdf" target="_blank">https://www.cool.navy.mil/usn/enlisted/rating_info_cards/sb.pdf</a> </span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">SWCC info on navy.com: <a href="http://www.navy.com/careers/special-operations/swcc.html" target="_blank">http://www.navy.com/careers/special-operations/swcc.html</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">Additional SWCC info: <a href="http://www.sealswcc.com/swcc-default.html" target="_blank">http://www.sealswcc.com/swcc-default.html</a> and <a href="http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/reference/milpersman/1000/1200Classification/Documents/1220-400.pdf" target="_blank">http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/reference/milpersman/1000/1200Classification/Documents/1220-400.pdf</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">AIRR Group: <a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/group/momsofaviationrescueswimmers" target="_blank"><font color="#0000FF">Moms of Aviation Rescue Swimmers</font></a> </span><a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/group/aircrew" target="_blank">AIRCREW</a></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">AIRR Rating Information Cards: <a href="https://www.cool.navy.mil/usn/enlisted/rating_info_cards/aircrew.pdf" target="_blank">https://www.cool.navy.mil/usn/enlisted/rating_info_cards/aircrew.pdf</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">AIRR candidates will be assigned to a rating of Naval Aircrewman -Tactical Helicopter (AWR) or Naval Aircrewman - Helicopter (AWS) while in Naval Aircrew Candidate School (NACCS). Assignments will be based on the applicant's test scores, personal desires, needs of the Navy, and continued eligibility for the aircrew program.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';"> AWR: <a href="https://www.cool.navy.mil/usn/enlisted/rating_info_cards/awr.pdf" target="_blank">https://www.cool.navy.mil/usn/enlisted/rating_info_cards/awr.pdf</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';"> AWS: <a href="https://www.cool.navy.mil/usn/enlisted/rating_info_cards/aws.pdf" target="_blank">https://www.cool.navy.mil/usn/enlisted/rating_info_cards/aws.pdf</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">AIRR info on navy.com: <a href="http://www.navy.com/careers/special-operations/air-rescue.html" target="_blank">http://www.navy.com/careers/special-operations/air-rescue.html</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">Additional AIRR info: <a href="http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/reference/milpersman/1000/1200Classification/Documents/1220-010.pdf" target="_blank">http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/reference/milpersman/1000/1200Classification/Documents/1220-010.pdf</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">EOD Group: <a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/group/eod" target="_blank"><font color="#0000FF">EOD</font></a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">EOD Rating Information Card: <a href="https://www.cool.navy.mil/usn/enlisted/rating_info_cards/eod.pdf" target="_blank">https://www.cool.navy.mil/usn/enlisted/rating_info_cards/eod.pdf</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">EOD info on navy.com: <a href="http://www.navy.com/careers/special-operations/eod.html" target="_blank">http://www.navy.com/careers/special-operations/eod.html</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">Additional EOD info: <a href="http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/reference/milpersman/1000/1200Classification/Documents/1220-200.pdf" target="_blank">http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/reference/milpersman/1000/1200Classification/Documents/1220-200.pdf</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';"><span><a href="http://ccs.infospace.com/ClickHandler.ashx?ld=20150403&app=1&c=cotterwebtest1&s=cotterweb&rc=cwmobile2&dc=&euip=173.216.124.2&pvaid=d0ea4048357e4817b1eac3e451a8786e&dt=Desktop&fct.uid=a7b5ff73222543f2b7a73a3b6eebdfd5&en=gkzGyFBz1WdUU4r5F4hD3g4tAS3wQmBOKvOVJ43H7%2fk5gAD8ERNGa%2fjKU8ikUIYcZYl3TXjOMjo%3d&du=www.public.navy.mil%2f...%2fseal%2fDocuments%2fEODWARNINGORDER.doc&ru=http%3a%2f%2fwww.public.navy.mil%2fbupers-npc%2fenlisted%2fdetailing%2fseal%2fDocuments%2fEODWARNINGORDER.doc&ap=5&coi=771&cop=main-title&npp=5&p=0&pp=0&ep=5&mid=9&hash=660A2FE6E07672C112EDDD4A2865A949" target="_blank">NAVY EXPLOSIVE ORDNANCE DISPOSAL PROGRAM</a> is a Word document that gives more information about the training for EOD and more. It is old since it still includes SK (Storekeeper) as a source rating and that merged with PC (Postal Clerk) into LS (Logistics Specialist) some time ago and PH (Photographer's Mate) merged into MC (Mass Communication Specialist), but the info is still good.<br></span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';"><span><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';"><a href="http://navyformoms.com/forum/topics/ceodd-prep-course-video/showLastReply" target="_blank">Center for Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Diving (CEODD) Preparatory Course [VIDEO]</a> <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';"><span><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">gives info on the Dive training in Panama City, FL.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><span><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Currently females may enlist as candidates for AIRR, EOD, or ND, but they may be able to join SO and SWCC in 2016. See <a href="http://www.navytimes.com/story/military/pentagon/2014/12/27/navy-seal-integration-women-2015-report/20769871/" target="_blank">http://www.navytimes.com/story/military/pentagon/2014/12/27/navy-seal-integration-women-2015-report/20769871/</a>.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">If I have used a term or abbreviation that is unclear, <a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/group/bootcampmoms/page/what-does-mean-a-guide-to-navy-abbreviations-and-terminology" target="_blank"><font color="#0000FF">What does ??? mean? (A Guide to Navy Abbreviations and Terminology)</font></a> should help; if not, please ask because if you have a question, someone else most likely does as well.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';"><br>
<strong><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">Here are the current groups that contain an 800 Division:</span></strong></span></p>
<p><a href="http://navyformoms.com/group/pir09112015" target="_blank">PIR 09/11/2015 TG 44 - 13 Divisions (299-308, 817, 818, and 944)</a> (817/818)</p>
<p><a href="http://navyformoms.com/group/pir09182015" target="_blank">PIR 09/18/2015 TG 45 - 10 Divisions (309-316, 819, and 945)</a> (819)</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 14pt;">900 Divisions<br></span></strong></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">There is almost always a 900 Division in every TG. The 1 April 2011 TG did not have a 900 Division of its own. Sometimes there can be two or even three in one TG if RTC skips a week of PIR. One of the divisions will usually reflect the TG number, but not always. If there is more than one 900 Division, then they will be Brother Divisions. The 900 Divisions begin with Division 901, the division that begins training in the first week of October when the Navy fiscal year begins, and end with Division 952.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">Once the recruits arrive, those with the Musician (MU) rating and volunteers who have prior music experience (band, choir, or other musical training) or drill team experience may join a 900 division. There are others who will be chosen for the 900 division by the RDC's during P-days or the first few weeks of BC. These recruits did not have a Musician rating or prior band/music or drill experience, but showed some aptitude for performance, such as military bearing. This is especially true for those chosen to be part of Ship Staff. Recruits with relatively high ASVAB scores have a better chance of being in a 900 division than those with lower scores since they will be better able to keep up with everything that is required of them than those with lower scores. Recruits have been chosen for 900 divisions because they were tall (or short) or had participated in sports in high school or had been in JROTC or stood straighter than others. The Recruits in a 900 division can have contracts for any rating except for those that are in an 800 division.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">Once assigned to the division, these recruits go through the same training as other divisions in addition to performance duties. They practice on Saturdays beginning with the Saturday after the division forms and sometimes (rarely) on Sunday afternoons if the need arises for an extra practice. From week 1 DOT (after p-week) until week 4, they practice every Saturday from 3:00 or 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Then beginning the Saturday going into week 5, they also practice on Monday and Wednesday and do a run through on Thursday, then they perform in the real PIR on Friday if there is one that week. They usually perform in two graduations before doing their own. The 900 divisions go through <a href="http://navyformoms.com/group/bootcampmoms/page/battle-stations-21" target="_blank">Battle Stations-21 (BST)</a> alone, with another 900 division if there are 2 or more 900 divisions in the TG, with the 800 division/s, or with a pair of brother divisions from the regular divisions.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">There are 3 types of 900 divisions. There are the Band/Bluejacket Choir/Drill team, otherwise known as Triple Threat (the musicians, singers, and drill team), the Sticks (those who carry the state flags), and the Ship Staff/Honor Guard (the body snatchers, those who guard various things...). Three 900 divisions perform their duties at each PIR, the 900 division(s) from that TG and if needed one to three 900 divisions from the next one or two TG's. Each 900 Division performs in their own PIR and usually in the PIR for one or two TG's ahead of their own if there is not a 900 division of the same type to perform in the TG/TG's. They may also have performances in the community--that happens mainly for the Triple Threat and Color Guard though. Those in a 900 division wear yellow/gold braided cords (ropes) called aiguillettes on their left shoulders with their dress blues and blue aiguillettes with their dress whites. This helps others to know that they have responsibilities to fulfill during PIR.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">You may want to join the Group, <a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/group/900sdivisionsailors" target="_blank"><font color="#0000FF">900's division sailors</font></a>. There will be information on there that relates to your situation. Here is a site I found that explains about 900 Divisions, <a href="http://www.ehow.com/list_7326104_requirements-navy-rtc-900-division.html" target="_blank"><font color="#0000FF">T</font></a><a href="http://www.ehow.com/list_7326104_requirements-navy-rtc-900-division.html" target="_blank"><font color="#0000FF">he Requirements for the Navy RTC 900 Division</font></a>.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">Watch <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NavyRecruitTrainingCommand" target="_blank"><font color="#0000FF">the RTC’s fB page</font></a> beginning 2 weeks before your recruit’s PIR and you may catch a glimpse of your recruit, but know that not all of the PIR ceremonies are photographed, so don't be disappointed if you do not see your recruit. You will also want to watch the RTC's live stream of PIR beginning 2 weeks before your recruit's PIR. The RTC streams PIR live beginning at 8:45 am CST on the day of PIR at <a href="http://www.livestream.com/usnavyrtc" target="_blank"><font color="#0000FF">http://www.livestream.com/usnavyrtc</font></a> or <a href="http://navylive.dodlive.mil/" target="_blank"><font color="#0000FF">http://navylive.dodlive.mil/</font></a>. Check for any streams of the practices for PIR as well. They will also have the videos saved on there for a short time if people were unable to watch live or if you want to stop it to check out a particular recruit or Sailor more closely.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">The PIR ceremony is conducted, with help, from the graduating 900 Division/s and one/two Jr. Divisions in their 7th and 6th week of training. Each incoming 900 division is assigned one of the responsibilities listed below, on a constantly rotating basis.<br>
<br>
<b>Ship Staff</b> is in charge on PIR day. They greet and welcome the Officers and their distinguished guests as Sideboys. They play the role of "Body Snatcher" walking up and down the rows of Sailors, watching for and sometimes catching any Sailor about to or going down. (They lock their knees sometimes and pass out.) They help the Navy Corpsmen in the back room. They guard doors and perform a myriad of tasks behind the scenes and in front, such as directing people and helping those who require a wheelchair. It is their job to help make sure all goes smoothly. The <strong><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">Honor Guard Drill Team</span></strong> also does a rifle performance at the beginning of the ceremony. Since those in Ship Staff/Honor Guard have duties to perform before and during PIR, they do not march in through the doors when the other divisions march in on the day of PIR.<br>
<br>
<b>Sticks (Flags)</b> does an incredible march perfectly timed and executed to the drum corps cadence. It is their job to present the flags for every state in the union. They are lined up by height, so the flow looks better, so your recruit will probably not get to carry his/her home state flag. They also honor those who have gone before by presenting the POW and MIA flags, as well as the US flag and the US Navy flag in the Color Guard.<br>
<br>
<b>Triple Threat</b> is comprised of those who are on the Rifle Drill team and all those who were chosen for their musical abilities. The Blue Jacket Choir performs the National Anthem, Anchors Aweigh and anything else they've been tasked with. The band plays at various times throughout the ceremony. The Drum Corps also marches and helps everyone else stay in step and keep time. Those in a Triple Threat division will not march in with the other divisions since they will already be on the Drill Hall floor.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">The address to write to your recruit is:</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0pt;"><strong><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">SR LAST NAME, FIRST NAME MI </span></strong><b><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';"><br>
<strong><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">SHIP 02 DIV 9XX</span></strong></span></b></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">3600 OHIO STREET</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';"><br>
<strong><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">GREAT LAKES IL 60088-7105 </span></strong> (60088-3156 will also work)</span></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">Is there an advantage to being in a 900 Division?</span></strong> <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">It all depends on your point of view. Loved ones may catch a glimpse of the recruit in photos posted on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NavyRecruitTrainingCommand" target="_blank"><font color="#0000FF">the RTC’s fB page</font></a>. The recruits in a 900 division get to interact with civilians more than those in a regular division if they are at extra PIR’s or events in the community. The recruits often begin working together as a team faster than those in a regular division, but not always. There is extra work involved since these recruits go through the same training that those in a regular division do as well as having the practices for PIR. There is nothing special after BC tied to being in a 900 division.</span></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">What do the "extras" in a 900 Division do?</span></strong> <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">There are extras in each 900 division. They train just like everyone else in the division. They must be ready if called upon to take the place of a recruit who is sick or injured or who is otherwise unable to perform. Some of the extras help to clean the stands, Drill Hall, rooms used for preparation.... Some will be in charge of setting things up and putting things away before and after PIR. Some of the extras will be escorts and assist with seating those in need of wheelchairs or other assistance. <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">Some will be "seaters" and direct guests to the appropriate section.</span> (If you have a recruit who is one of the extras, please let me know what else the "extras" do. Thanks.)</span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">Those with a Sailor in the graduating 900 division will be instructed to wait in your bleacher area while your Sailors take care of duties or return instruments or equipment. Your Sailor will take care of that and join you there.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0pt;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif';">Here are the current 900 Divisions:</span></b></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">940: Triple Threat: <a href="http://navyformoms.com/group/pir08142015" target="_blank">PIR 08/14/2015 TG 40 - 9 Divisions (267-274 and 940)</a></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">(Division 940 will also perform during the 07/31/2015 PIR and the 08/07/2015 PIR.)</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">941: Ship Staff/Honor Guard: <a href="http://navyformoms.com/group/pir08212015" target="_blank">PIR 08/21/2015 TG 41 - 9 Divisions (275-282 and 941)</a></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">(Division 941 <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">will also perform their duties</span> during the <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">08/07/2015 PIR and the 08/14/2015 PIR.)</span></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">942: Sticks (Flags): <a href="http://navyformoms.com/group/pir08282015" target="_blank">PIR 08/28/2015 TG 42 - 7 Divisions (283-288 and 942)</a></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">(Division 942 will also perform during the 08/14/2015 PIR and the 08/21/2015 PIR.)</span></span></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">943: Triple Threat: <a href="http://navyformoms.com/group/pir09042015" target="_blank">PIR 09/04/2015 TG 43 - 11 Divisions (289-298 and 943)</a></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">(Division 943 will also perform during the 08/21/2015 PIR and the 08/28/2015 PIR.)</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">944: Ship Staff/Honor Guard: <a href="http://navyformoms.com/group/pir09112015" target="_blank">PIR 09/11/2015 TG 44 - 13 Divisions (299-308, 817, 818, and 944)</a></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">(Division 944 <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">will also perform their duties</span> during the <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">08/28/2015 PIR and the 09/04/2015 PIR.)</span></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">945: Sticks (Flags): <a href="http://navyformoms.com/group/pir09182015" target="_blank">PIR 09/18/2015 TG 45 - 10 Divisions (309-316, 819, and 945)</a></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">(Division 945 will also perform during the 09/04/2015 PIR and the 09/11/2015 PIR.)<br></span></span></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">946: Triple Threat:<a href="http://navyformoms.com/group/pir09252015" target="_blank">PIR 09/25/2015 TG 46</a></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">(Division 946 will also perform during the 09/11/2015 PIR and the 09/18/2015 PIR.)</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">947: Ship Staff/Honor Guard:</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">948: Sticks (Flags):</p>
<p><span><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">The above information is provided by <a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/profile/lemonelephant" target="_blank"><font color="#0000FF">lemonelephant</font></a>, the mom of a retired Sailor.</span></span></p>
</div>
</div> Ship/Division--How it Workstag:navyformoms.ning.com,2015-08-12:1971797:Page:91661822015-08-12T16:51:46.385Zellen0502https://navyformoms.ning.com/profile/ellen0502
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<p>TG stands for Training Group (the group of Recruits that graduate on the same day). TG 01 is the training group that begins training the first week of October when the Navy fiscal year begins, meaning that most of the recruits in TG 01 arrive the last week of September. The smallest TG I've seen had 4 Divisions (11/23/2011) and the largest TG I've seen had 15 divisions (11/30/2012 and 02/01/2013), but the Drill Hall was built to accommodate up to 16 divisions. There could potentially be 52 TG's in a year since there are 52 weeks in a calendar year, but the RTC skips about 4 weeks each year. When a week is skipped, the next TG number is advanced to catch up with the week of the fiscal year either immediately or at some point soon after that so that there are times when consecutive TG's do not have consecutive numbers.</p>
<p>A division is approximately 88 recruits who live and train together. There can be as few as 55 to as many as 100 in a division. The division number is important and will help mail get to your recruit when included in the address and will help you find your new Sailor at PIR. Each division, except the 800's and 900's divisions (unless there are 2 of them in a TG), trains with a Brother Division. Brother Divisions are two consecutive divisions beginning with an odd number (001-002 for example). 800's divisions are the divisions for the special warfare candidates. 900’s divisions are the performance divisions. There are 3 types of 900 divisions. There are the Band/Bluejacket Choir/Drill team, otherwise known as Triple Threat (the musicians, singers, and drill team), the Sticks (those who carry the state flags), and the Ship Staff/Honor Guard (the body snatchers, those who guard various things...). (See <a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/group/bootcampmoms/page/900-divisions" target="_blank">800 and 900 Divisions</a>.) Division numbers begin at 001 each year for TG 01. Division 901 is the first 900 Division and Division 801 is the first 800 division and they continue with consecutive numbers until the next fiscal year. </p>
<p>When a group of new Recruits arrives at the RTC, they go through a simple sort - those with a Musician (MU) rating and those with music or flag/drill experience are assigned to a 900 division if those are needed. Those going into Special Ops are sent to the 800 division when there are enough for a division, otherwise, they are assigned to a regular division. There are usually only 25 or fewer 800 divisions a year, so not every TG will have one, but some TG's will have one or two 800 divisions. (See <a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/group/bootcampmoms/page/900-divisions" target="_blank">800 and 900 Divisions</a>.) The remaining recruits are assigned pretty randomly, mostly as they arrive, to one to four additional divisions. When a large number of recruits arrive on the same day as happens during the summer months, that could change to a larger number of divisions that are started on the day of arrival, but seldom are more than four divisions filled on a particular day. In that case, recruits with similar ratings will end up in the same TG, but not necessarily in the same division. Once one division is full, they start filling another, so divisions often end up with groups of recruits from only a few areas. The Recruits' ratings do not influence which division they will be placed in except for those placed in an 800's or a 900's division. </p>
<p>Females are placed in integrated divisions, containing both males and females, or in an all female division and males are placed in either an integrated or all male division depending on the sort as they arrive. 800 divisions are all male most of the year, but can also be integrated divisions at times when there are enough female candidates for AIRR and/or EOD and/or ND to fill a compartment. (See <a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/group/bootcampmoms/page/900-divisions" target="_blank">800 and 900 Divisions</a>.) Division 317 in 2012 was an all female division, but that was a rare event up to that point.and was to honor the W.A.V.E.S. Beginning in the summer of 2013, each TG was to have one all female division, which would be the sister division to an all male brother division, but the practice was discontinued so that it is now rare for there to be an all female division.</p>
<p>Sometimes a division fills and there are only a few recruits remaining from the arrival group; they are held as the first recruits for the next division; or there is a division that is not quite filled and they must wait until the next group of Recruits arrives to fill the division. When recruits have to wait for more recruits to arrive to fill the division, they will be in what is called a Push Division. Some of the Recruits in those divisions will be at the RTC for 7 1/2 weeks (8 Fridays) rather than the 8 1/2 weeks (9 Fridays) that most of the others in the TG will be there. That is more likely to happen for those arriving on a Monday or Tuesday.</p>
<p>Sometimes there are Recruits who are unlucky enough to be held over and are placed in the TG for the next week rather than in the TG for the week they arrived in and are at the RTC 9 1/2 weeks (10 Fridays). That is more likely to happen for those arriving on Wednesday or Thursday or in the wee hours of Friday morning. That happens more in November and December when a large number of recruits ship early due to the Navy Recruiting Holiday Stand-down. It also happens when there is a week without a PIR or if storms cause recruits to arrive on a different day that the day they were sworn in. It also happens when a large number of recruits are shipped in the summer and early fall because of the need to ship recruits who signed up at the beginning of their Senior year of High School.</p>
<p>Those first 4-11 days after the new recruits arrive are called Processing Days (P-days). P-days can last up to 14 days for some recruits if they have to wait for additional recruits to arrive to fill a division. Although recruits are assigned to a ship and division upon arrival, they do not move to that ship until P-days are over and sometimes things will happen that will change a recruit's assignment or that will cause the division to be housed in a different ship; this is why it is possible that a recruiter might give you an address a day or two after your recruit arrived at the RTC indicating a particular ship and division and then when you get the form letter it is different. For this reason, you are encourage to wait on <a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/group/bootcampmoms/page/the-form-letter" target="_blank">The Form Letter</a> before sending letters.</p>
<p>The Ship number identifies the building their barracks are in. Each building also has a name of a famous US ship, but few refer to them by the name. It is the division number that is the most important and will help you to find your Sailor on the day of PIR, but the ship number is important when you send them letters because it helps to get the letters to them.</p>
<p>There are 14 different "ships" (barracks), and 12 or 16 divisions in each ship, and every one of them has a different address. Each of the 12 or 16 compartments within the ship can house up to 88 recruits and each ship can house up to 1,300 recruits. Each ship has its own galley, serving 3 nutritious meals a day for up to 1,300 recruits and staff members, as well as multiple classrooms. There are four sleeping compartments on each floor (deck) of the ship. The compartments are designated with a letter A through H (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta, Echo, Foxtrot, Golf, and Hotel) plus either 01 or 02 after that--A-01, B-02, and F-01 for example. When there are integrated divisions (those with both males and females), the males of the 2 brother divisions share a compartment and the females of the 2 brother divisions bunk together. We seldom see more than 14 divisions within a ship at one time. The older ships appear to only contain 12 compartments. Sometimes a recruiter will give a building number instead of or as well as a Ship number; you do not need to include the building number in the address, but you do need to include the Ship number. Only information in <strong>bold</strong> below--along with the division number--<strong>must</strong> be included when writing to your recruit.</p>
<p>Ship 01 (Bldg. 7122): USS Pearl Harbor (LSD-52) xxxx Kansas Street, Great Lakes, IL 60088-3122 (This is the barracks where your recruit will sleep during P-days. Your recruit will not receive mail in this ship.)</p>
<p><strong>Ship 02</strong> (Bldg. 7105): USS Reuben B. James (FFG-57) <strong>3600 Ohio Street, Great Lakes, IL 60088-7105 or 60088-3156</strong></p>
<p><strong>Ship 03</strong> (Bldg. 7104): USS Hopper (DDG-70) <strong>3600 Ohio Street, Great Lakes, IL 60088-3156 or 60088-7103</strong></p>
<p><strong>Ship 04</strong> (Bldg. 7103): USS Arleigh Burke (DDG-51) <strong>3600 Ohio Street, Great Lakes, IL 60088-7103</strong></p>
<p><strong>Ship 05</strong> (Bldg. 7102): USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) <strong>3610 Illinois Street, Great Lakes, IL 60088-3118</strong></p>
<p><strong>Ship 06</strong> (Bldg. 7101): USS Constitution <strong>3510 Illinois Street, Great Lakes, IL 60088-3119</strong></p>
<p><strong>Ship 07</strong> (Bldg. 7117): USS Chicago (SSN-721) <strong>3405 Sailor Drive, Great Lakes, IL 60088-3401</strong></p>
<p><strong>Ship 09</strong> (Bldg. 7116): USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) <strong>3415 Sailor Drive, Great Lakes, IL 60088-3415 or 60088-3515</strong></p>
<p><strong>Ship 10</strong> (Bldg. 7115): USS Enterprise (CVN-65) <strong>3425 Sailor Drive, Great Lakes, IL 60088-3425</strong></p>
<p><strong>Ship 11</strong> (Bldg. 7114): USS Kearsarge (LHD-3) <strong>3505 Sailor Drive, Great Lakes, IL 60088-3505</strong></p>
<p><strong>Ship 12</strong> (Bldg. 7113): USS Triton (SS-201 & SSN-586) <strong>3515 Sailor Drive, Great Lakes, IL 60088-3515</strong></p>
<p><strong>Ship 13</strong> (Bldg. 7112): USS Marvin G Shields (FF-1066) <strong>3420 Sailor Drive, Great Lakes, IL 60088-3520</strong></p>
<p><strong>Ship 14</strong> (Bldg. 7111): USS Arizona (BB-39) <strong>3410 Sailor Drive, Great Lakes, IL 60088-3510 or 60088-3410</strong></p>
<p><strong>Ship 17</strong> (Bldg. 7121): USS Mason (DDG-87) <strong>2705 Kansas Street, Great Lakes, IL 60088-3140</strong> (This Ship is seldom used for recruits.)</p>
<p><strong>Ship 1</strong> has separate compartments for males and females and is where your recruit will sleep and spend some time during P-days.</p>
<p><strong>Ship 2</strong> houses the 900 Divisions, which can be integrated (Triple Threat and Sticks/Flags) or all male (Ship Staff/Honor Guard) divisions. It contains all of the music practice rooms and instruments. Ship 2 has 16 compartments. Usually one 900 division per PIR group lives here, but occasionally a TG will have two 900 divisions and at least once there was no 900 division in a TG. Join <a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/group/900sdivisionsailors" target="_blank">900's division sailors</a>. (See <a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/group/bootcampmoms/page/900-divisions" target="_blank">800 and 900 Divisions</a> for more information.)</p>
<p><strong>Ship 3</strong> houses both integrated and all male divisions. Ship 3 has 16 compartments.</p>
<p><strong>Ship 4</strong> houses the 800 Divisions, which can be all male or integrated divisions depending on the ratings represented. It is used by recruits assigned as candidates to Naval Special Warfare operator ratings (SEALs or Special Operators, Navy Divers or ND, Special Boat Operators or SWCC, Aviation Rescue Swimmers or AIRR, and Explosive Ordnance or EOD). (See <a href="http://sofrep.com/10103/becoming-a-navy-seal-swcc/" target="_blank">http://sofrep.com/10103/becoming-a-navy-seal-swcc/</a> and <a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/group/bootcampmoms/page/900-divisions" target="_blank">800 and 900 Divisions</a> for more information.) Ship 4 is also the RCU-Recruit Convalescent Unit-where sick or injured recruits go to heal and be cycled back into another TG. (Join <a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/group/ship04div2341" target="_blank">SHIP 04 DIV 2341</a> for more information.) The FIT Division is also located here. Recruits who have failed a final fitness test (most often the swim or run) are sent here for intensive training in order to pass the test prior to having <a href="http://navyformoms.com/group/bootcampmoms/page/battle-stations-21" target="_blank">Battle Stations-21 (BST)</a>. Recruits may also be assigned to FIT within the first few weeks at the RTC; they are typically there for 2 weeks and upon completion will be assigned to a new division with a new PIR date. (Join <a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/group/fitprogram" target="_blank">fit program</a> for more information.) When writing to a recruit in a FIT Division, use the above address for this Ship, but put "FIT Division- Male" or "FIT Division-Female" in place of the Division Number or use Ship 4 Div 2347 (for those who failed the run by less than a minute), or Ship 4 Div 2444 (for those who failed the run by more than a minute), or Ship 4 Div 2381 (for those who failed any part of the swim test). The FAST and PASS programs are also here. (See <a href="http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=54872" target="_blank">http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=54872</a>.) Regular divisions can also be housed on Ship 4 if the need arises and will have the nickname of Rifle Division to distinguish them from the Special Ops Divisions.</p>
<p><strong>Ship 5</strong> is for those recruits in the process of being discharged from Boot Camp. It takes 2-3 weeks to be processed out once a recruit is moved to Ship 5 (SEPS). (Join <a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/group/ship17moms" target="_blank">Ship 5 Moms(Formerly Ship 17)</a> and see <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1797850894?profile=original" target="_blank">FAQ about SEPS</a> and <a href="http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/ship5/index.asp" target="_blank">http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/ship5/index.asp</a> for more information.) When addressing letters, use the above address for this Ship, but put "SEPS Male" or "SEPS Female" in place of the Division Number. The address may also include a compartment number, B-02 for a male for example. It is also for THU-Temporary Holding Unit-where recently graduated Sailors go if they are on hold for "A" school--those Sailors with a contract for Culinary Specialist (CS) often find themselves in the THU for one to four weeks after PIR. Those in the THU are in separate quarters from those being discharged. Few are in THU since the change to Friday and Saturday Departures, but some will be sent here while awaiting clearance or to conduct a special physical or while waiting to class up if there is no housing available at the "A" School or for some other reason. (See <a href="http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/ship5/index.asp" target="_blank">http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/ship5/index.asp</a>.) Federal Health Care Center blood collections are also done on Ship 5 when recruits choose to donate blood while at the RTC. (See <a href="http://www.militaryblood.dod.mil/ViewContent.aspx?con_id_pk=230&fr=s" target="_blank">http://www.militaryblood.dod.mil/ViewContent.aspx?con_id_pk=230&fr=s</a> and <a href="http://www.militaryblood.dod.mil/viewcontent.aspx?con_id_pk=813" target="_blank">http://www.militaryblood.dod.mil/viewcontent.aspx?con_id_pk=813</a>.) Ship 5 is actually located on the main part of the base and not on the RTC side.</p>
<p><strong>Ship 6</strong> was previously the RCU. It has been used for overflow at times.</p>
<p><strong>Ship 7</strong> houses both integrated and all male divisions. Ship 7 is not currently being used for recruits.</p>
<p><strong>Ship 9</strong> houses both integrated and all male divisions. <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1797851043?profile=original" target="_blank">Ship_9_USS_John_F_Kennedy_The_Story_and_History.pdf</a> Ship 9 is not currently being used for recruits. (No recruits have been housed in Ship 9 since the 10/03/2014 TG.)</p>
<p><strong>Ship 10</strong> houses both integrated and all male divisions. Ship 10 is not currently being used for recruits.</p>
<p><strong>Ship 11</strong> houses both integrated and all male divisions. Ship 11 has 16 compartments. <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1797851823?profile=original" target="_blank">Ship_11_USS_Kearsarge_The_Story_and_History.pdf</a></p>
<p><strong>Ship 12</strong> houses both integrated and all male divisions. Ship 12 has 16 compartments. <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1797854856?profile=original" target="_blank">Ship_12_USS_Triton_The_Story_and_History.pdf</a></p>
<p><strong>Ship 13</strong> houses only all male divisions. Ship 13 has 16 compartments. <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1798253948?profile=original" target="_blank">Ship_13_USS_Shields_The_Story_and_History_Part_1_of_2.pdf</a> and <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1798254614?profile=original" target="_blank">Ship_13_USS_Shields_The_Story_and_History_Part_2_of_2.pdf</a></p>
<p><strong>Ship 14</strong> houses both integrated and all male divisions. Ship 14 has 16 compartments. <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1798255728?profile=original" target="_blank">Ship_14_USS_Arizona_The_Story_and_History.pdf</a></p>
<p><strong>Ship 17</strong> is used for overflow and also for THU. It is also used as the In-processing barracks for those in the <a href="http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/navet_osvet.asp" target="_blank">NAVET/OSVET Program</a>.</p>
<p>Any ship that houses integrated divisions could be used to house the all female division in each TG.</p>
<p><br>
Three other ships that are important for your recruit are the <strong>USS Marlinespike</strong>, the <strong>USS Chief</strong>, and the <strong>USS Trayer</strong>. The USS Marlinespike is where recruits learn basic seamanship, line-handling, shipboard watch and teamwork. The USS Chief is used to introduce a recruit to the concepts of shipboard damage control, firefighting, and chemical, biological, and radiological (CBR) defense. The USS Trayer is used for <a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/group/bootcampmoms/page/battle-stations-21" target="_blank">Battle Stations-21 (BST)</a>. It is an award-winning destroyer mockup that uses special effects technology from the theme park industry to simulate shipboard emergencies as a capstone test of recruits' skills and teamwork.</p>
<p>Your recruit will spend some time during P-days on the <strong>USS Red Rover</strong> for medical and dental exams and procedures and receive his/her glasses if those are needed. (See <a href="http://www.lovell.fhcc.va.gov/locations/USSRedRover.asp" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.lovell.fhcc.va.gov/locations/USSRedRover.asp</a>.)</p>
<p>If your recruit becomes sick or injured, s/he may visit the <strong>USS Tranquillity</strong>. (See <a href="http://www.lovell.fhcc.va.gov/locations/USS_Tranquillity.asp" target="_blank">http://www.lovell.fhcc.va.gov/locations/USS_Tranquillity.asp</a>.) The USS Tranquillity is a branch of the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center (FHCC) and recruits may be taken there if needed.</p>
<p>If your recruit requires additional dental work, s/he will get that on board the <strong>USS Osborne</strong>. (See <a href="http://www.lovell.fhcc.va.gov/locations/USSOsborne.asp" target="_blank">http://www.lovell.fhcc.va.gov/locations/USSOsborne.asp</a>.)</p>
<p>BTW, a great thing to do while your Recruit is in BC is to change your Username to include your recruit's Ship and Division number, but not if s/he is in an 800 division. (Check out <a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/group/bootcampmoms/page/opsec-and-persec" target="_blank">OPSEC and PERSEC (Making Changes To Your Profile)</a> for more on making this change and other changes you may want to make.) If others know the Division number and PIR group, they can identify you faster. <strong>Although including the Ship and Division number in your Username helps to find others in the same division, if the Chiefs and/or RDC's are checking out the site, this draws attention to the division number, so you may want to consider removing that from your Username once you have made contact with others with loved ones in the same division.</strong></p>
<p>There is more information on FAST, FIT, PASS, RCU, SEPS, and the THU and much more in <a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/group/bootcampmoms/page/what-does-mean-a-guide-to-navy-abbreviations-and-terminology" target="_blank">What does ??? mean? (A Guide to Navy Abbreviations and Terminology)</a>. </p>
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<p><span class="font-size-1"><font size="3">The above information is provided by</font> <a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/profile/lemonelephant" target="_blank"><font size="3">lemonelephant</font></a><font size="3">, the mom of a Sailor</font></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-1"><font size="3">The PDF documents with The Story and History of the ships are thanks to</font> <a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/profile/Craig900" target="_blank"><font size="3">Craig</font></a><font size="3">.</font></span></p>
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</div> N4M’s Community Guidelines and OPSECtag:navyformoms.ning.com,2015-08-12:1971797:Page:91661802015-08-12T16:49:42.988Zellen0502https://navyformoms.ning.com/profile/ellen0502
<div class="description" id="page-content"><div class="xg_user_generated"><div class="description" id="page-content"><div class="xg_user_generated"><div class="description" id="page-content"><div class="xg_user_generated"><p><span class="font-size-2"><font size="3">Hello Everyone.</font></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><b><i><font size="3">Safety for your SR (future Sailor) and you!</font></i></b></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><b><font size="3">Sailors LAST…</font></b></span></p>
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<p><span class="font-size-2"><font size="3">Hello Everyone.</font></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><b><i><font size="3">Safety for your SR (future Sailor) and you!</font></i></b></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><b><font size="3">Sailors LAST</font></b> <font size="3">names are</font> <b><i><font size="3">not</font></i></b> <font size="3">allowed anywhere on this site. If your last name is different from your sailors it is still not recommended. This site is publicly viewable...anyone can read the public pages.</font></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><b><i><font size="3">FIRST</font></i></b> <i><font size="3">names</font> <b><font size="3">are</font></b> <font size="3">allowed</font></i> <font size="3">but I, and some of the other “veteran” moms, will most often</font> <i><font size="3">advise</font></i> <font size="3">you not to use them. So, let’s say you use your last name in your N4M name, post a picture of your SR...call him/her by their first name...it makes it very easy to match them up with you while in Boot Camp.</font></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><font size="3">SR=Seaman Recruit...this is a good way to refer to your loved one while they are in BC.</font></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><b><font size="3">Why does that matter?</font></b> <font size="3">Your SR's are trying to get through BC with as little undue attention as possible. "Fly under the radar", so to speak. So...</font><i><font size="3">Less is best!</font></i></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><b><i><u><font size="3">The MOST important reason for being discreet is OPSEC-OPerational SECurity.</font></u></i></b> <font size="3">This is a way of life for us now. It will be for your Sailors career and for some of them, even more so, depending on their individual security clearance. We keep our PIR groups public so that anyone may join and feel welcome. We would rather help you to learn about what is okay to say and what is not on the internet...closed groups or open ones. Even in face-to-face relationships I don't give specifics about my husband or sons military life.</font></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><font size="3">Here is a link to the "</font><b><font size="3">Community Guidelines</font></b><font size="3">" for</font> <b><font size="3">N4M</font></b><font size="3">:</font></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/forum/topics/navy-for-moms-n4m-community" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><font size="3">http://www.navyformoms.com/forum/topics/navy-for-moms-n4m-community</font></a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><font size="3">Here is the link for "</font><b><font size="3">OPSEC is everyone’s responsibility</font></b><font size="3">" specifically:</font></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><a href="http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=3342" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><font size="3">http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=3342</font></a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><font size="3">Here is a link to the video on OPSEC on this site:</font></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><a href="http://www.navyformoms.com/video/opsec-internet-safety" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><font size="3">http://www.navyformoms.com/video/opsec-internet-safety</font></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-2"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1797850796?profile=original" target="_self"><font size="3"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1797850796?profile=original" width="574"></font></a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><font size="3">OPSEC</font></strong></span> <font size="3">OPerational SECurity - is simply denying an adversary information that could harm you or benefit them. OPSEC is a process, but it is also a mindset.</font></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><font size="3">✓ Donʼt discuss future destinations or ports of call.</font></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><font size="3">✓ Donʼt discuss future operations, exercises or missions.</font></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><font size="3">✓ Donʼt discuss dates and times of when we will be in port or conducting exercises.</font></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><font size="3">✓ Donʼt discuss security procedures, movements, or arms.</font></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><font size="3">✓ Donʼt discuss readiness issues and numbers.</font></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><font size="3">✓ Donʼt discuss specific training equipment.</font></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><font size="3">✓ Donʼt speculate about future operations.</font></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><font size="3">✓ Donʼt spread rumors about past, current or future operations or movements.</font></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><font size="3">✓ Donʼt discuss deployment or homecoming dates (including Tiger or Family Day Cruises)</font></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><font size="3">✓ DO assume the enemy is always trying to collect information.</font></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><font size="3">✓ Keep in mind there is no guarantee of security for information transmittal, or that a chat room or forum described as “military” has its membership restricted to militarypersonnel and their families.</font></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><font size="3">✓ Be smart, use your head, and always think OPSEC when using email, phone, chatrooms and message boards.</font></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><font size="3">PERSEC</font></strong></span> <font size="3">PERsonal SECurity - This is protecting your personal information, it is protecting the individual and his/her family and community.While the military is not as strict on PERSEC as they are on OPSEC, it is still an important</font> <em><font size="3">aspect</font></em> <font size="3">of security. Don't post phone numbers, addresses, email addresses... that can be traced directly to you or your recruit/Sailor.</font></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-2"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1797850944?profile=original" target="_self"><font size="3"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1797850944?profile=original" width="574"></font></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span class="font-size-2" style="text-decoration: underline;"><font size="3">Social Media</font></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><strong><em><font size="3">Since the subject comes up about OPSEC and social media in general, here is some additional information I have found posted on this site by other long time members:</font></em></strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><strong><em><font size="3">Naval Operations Security (OPSEC) on FB:</font></em></strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><strong><em><a href="https://www.facebook.com/NavalOPSEC" target="_blank"><font size="3">https://www.facebook.com/NavalOPSEC</font></a></em></strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><strong><span style="color: #0000ff;"><font size="3">FB page shut down:</font></span></strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><a href="http://www.navytimes.com/news/2011/05/navy-facebook-page-opsec-gossip-bataan-052811w/" target="_blank"><font size="3">Gossip shuts down Bataan’s Facebook page</font></a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/lIAFOWmcoRY?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_JFkly2pZo4?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><font size="3">Please take the time to review this information.</font></span></p>
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