DEP-Leavin' for bootcamp in February

It is common for recruits to indicate in their first letter that they have not received mail due to the way that mail is processed at the RTC, but your letters will get to your recruit, not necessarily in the order you sent them,

LemonElephant posted this.

Most who shipped this week will have PIR on 04/20/2018, but some, if not all of those, who shipped on Monday and Tuesday will have PIR on 04/13/2018 if they were placed in one of the last divisions in last week's TG and are in a Push Division. It is possible for some who arrive on the same date to have PIR a week apart. Wait on The Form Letter to know the PIR date for sure. Arrival and What Happens at the RTC within Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones) will let you know what is happen in and what to expect. 

To guesstimate the PIR date, count 9 Fridays after your recruit arrived to get the most likely PIR (graduation) date,

I see that LemonElephant has posted this also

If you will not be home when "the box" arrives, then leave a signed and dated note for the FedEx driver to leave a package from Great Lakes or Waukegan and the driver will leave "the box" since the note will count as your signature. See more on that and more in Arrival and What Happens at the RTC.

This is harder than I thought it would be. He left Thursday and I can't stand the no contact either. Our youngest received dog tags yesterday at his baseball tournament which was supported by the USO (Hits for Heroes) and he came home last night and hung them on his brothers door. Oh boy.....tears.......

Rachel- it is hard.  I totally understand that - I’m right there with you. My little guy is taking it hard too- he’s 9 and just breaks down for no reason cuz he misses his big brother and just wants to know he’s ok- my 9yoa isn’t understand the no news is good news.  I gave  him one of my SR’s blankets off his bed. 

Just think they will be done with p-days soon and then our count down begins..... we got this!!!

i started a journal and write to my SR every night - it’s a great outlet.....

stay strong- hooyah!!

Arrival and What Happens at the RTC within Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones) will let you know what is happening and what to expect. The first paragraph includes a link to an article about the first 24 hours at the RTC. It is a good read.

I know he will get sleep it's just not being able to talk to him. Just have my moments....lol

Dawn, you are very welcome. I am glad to help.

My son left on Wednesday the 21st. It was a very emotional last few days at our house. I kept finding our daughter laying in son's bed crying and our dog would be on his bed also. As the days go by each one gets a little bit easer. Just wonder at every moment of the day what he is doing now. Really do miss him but i couldn't be prouder of him.

Good Morning Ladies, Hope you all are doing well.

I seen post how you all have been feeling, It is hard Ladies no doubt about that, but once you do hear from your Son/Daughter it will ease your minds. And once letters do start coming in the weeks will pass. Just remember they are also missing home and their families, it is just as hard for them as it is for us Mothers, with no contact until the time comes. I like to make Mothers aware that the first letter and call may be hard, some may cry some may sound sad. Their will be a lot of emotions going on. So I do ask that you stay strong for them. Tamster I'm so sorry about your daughter feeling the way she does, it can be hard for youngsters to understand. My Grandson was also the same and I think because it was that one minute My Son was home the next he was gone. He would say that his bud left him. it took some time for us to explain to a 3 yr. old who was so close to his Uncle, that Bud didn't leave he is on big boats, so little by little he started to understand. It does get easier as time goes by, Keep your Head up, No News is good News, although it is easier said than done it is true. Have a Good day Ladies.

My son leaves today, we're headed down to MEPS to see him swear in this morning. I'm trying to save the emotions for the ride home!

PIR: March 02, 2018 TG 17 - 10 Divisions (107-114, 916, and 917) 4 Guests

PIR: March 09, 2018 TG 18 - 9 Divisions (115-122 and 918) 4 Guests    

PIR: March 16, 2018 TG 19 - 7 Divisions (123-128 and 919) 4 Guests

PIR: March 23, 2018 TG 20  - 10 Divisions (129 - 136, 809 and 920) 4 Guests

PIR: March 30, 2018 TG 21 -  9 Divisions (137-144, and 921) 4 Guests

PIR: April 6, 2018 TG 22  - 11 Divisions (145-152, 810, 811 and 922) 4 Guests

PIR: April 13, 2018 TG 23  (will update divisions when known)    

I4d4wn Best wishes to you and your Son Now he will be a SR. (Seaman Recruit). Tell him to stay focused and we all are routing for him. Please make sure you keep phone close tonight calls can come early or late night, depending when he gets to base. and the call can come from any area code if he uses someone else's phone, if he took his maybe he can lend someone his to make the call. they do not have phone banks for those that are just getting there. I know my son used another's cell when he got there, was told not to take his cell so he didn't. But you will receive it back in the box with his shoes and clothing.

God Morning Dawn, I did the same kept it in until I got into the elevator and the tears poured out, and it was on after  that. If anything I felt like I was in Mourning for weeks, my husband didn't know what to do, all I did was cry. My best friend had gone away and no one could tell me any different.  I'm sure he was nervous as they all are, not knowing what to expect, in back of their mind they think they know but actually it is totally different when they are actually there. I was told they think we complained and yelled they haven't heard anything yet. so that was a little nerve wrecking to me. You will be fine, you seem like you are doing well already. if there is anything I can do for you or anyone please do not hesitate to ask.

OMG! Dawn when I went thru that , My Daughter would tell me the same thing. I said I know, and don't say that, It's just I am missing him so. My daughter and Husband would tell me to chill he is ok he has this. But there's nothing like a Mom's love and how we tend to feel. I am sure you will feel better when you hear from him or his voice. that is what it took for me.

I miss my son so much too. It's the not knowing how he is , is the hardest .his dog misses him terribly  But, he did 4 yrs in college and the first 3 weeks I cried like a baby. it got easier as the year went by. I am hoping these weeks go by fast also.

Hi Lisa, from experience the  Not knowing is the Hardest! because you have so many things running thru your mind, and then no communication. The reason it is said "No News is Good news, is because if you do get a call before time the call is usually because they were injured, sick or failed the FIT/Run ect. and that is a call you don't want to receive. so if 3-4 weeks have gone by and you haven't received a call then he/she is good to go and you can start making your plans. Now they do have to pass BST-21 I will put the link so you can read on it, and they also have a video on you tube it is an intense test their final test and they do have to pass to be able to have PIR.

Hi, all. Just stopping in to report that I received 'the box' today! I kinda cried. It just makes it that much more real.

My daughter, who left for BC (hope that stands for boot camp lol) Wednesday (20180221), must've been pretty nervous when she filled in the address field. She spelled my name wrong! Just left out a letter. lol

One thing that surprised me; she didn't get to keep her wallet. All of her 'important' stuff is gone, but her cash and bank card are still in there along with the little note I left for her.

 I'm hoping to get the form letter soon, also. 

God bless you all and your Sailors/Future Sailors. 

Here is the Link to BST-21 this is their final test and it is basically how they work as  team. this needs to be passed and cannot fall asleep during or after.

 Battle Stations-21 (BST)

thank you I would appreciate that. I must say this site has given me so much information and understanding of what my son does for training. Do you have links to PIR and Sarge's meet ad greet. I am starting to just plan ahead so do you know the best hotels to stay at. thank you for all you support it helps  tremendously.

Here is information.

Top 10 North Chicago Hotels Near Naval Base Great Lakes | Illinois

and also do not forget the Navy Gateway and Navy Lodge. you have to have your Recruits information to make reservations.

PIR: March 02, 2018 TG 17 - 10 Divisions (107-114, 916, and 917) 4 Guests

PIR: March 09, 2018 TG 18 - 9 Divisions (115-122 and 918) 4 Guests    

PIR: March 16, 2018 TG 19 - 7 Divisions (123-128 and 919) 4 Guests

PIR: March 23, 2018 TG 20  - 10 Divisions (129 - 136, 809 and 920) 4 Guests

PIR: March 30, 2018 TG 21 -  9 Divisions (137-144, and 921) 4 Guests

PIR: April 6, 2018 TG 22  - 11 Divisions (145-152, 810, 811 and 922) 4 Guests

PIR: April 13, 2018 TG 23  (will update divisions when known)    

Plan to arrive the day before PIR so you won't risk missing this very special event and go to Sarge's Meet and Greet from 5 pm to 10 pm at the Lakehurst Event Center (go to http://www.mynavytaxi.com/events.html to RSVP) and maybe part of another Meet and Greet (Flanagan's has one).

NavyMama2 that is Great News, I don't understand why they sent her wallet they are allowed to have them, I would definitely  take it with you to PIR for her. Keep your Head up things will get better and easier.

The Navy Gateway Inns & Suites is located on the main part of the base, about 1.5 miles from the RTC. This option is now available only for those with a military or dependent ID. Go to http://ngis.dodlodging.net/propertys/Great-Lakes-NS---IL or call 877-NavyBed (877-628-9233). You will need to give your recruit's name and division number when making the reservation and/or when checking in. They will begin taking reservations by phone 30 days before PIR or you can make reservations online about 6 weeks before PIR. There may be restrictions on where you can go on base without your Sailor being with you. Taxis and shuttles pick up and drop off at the gate, so it is better if you have a vehicle if staying at the Gateway Inn and Suites

The Navy Lodge is located 1.9 miles off base from the RTC in the Forestal Village Housing area and guests of graduation are allowed to stay there since your recruit/Sailor will be your sponsor. You will need to give your recruit's name, rate (E-1, E-2, or E-3), and division number when making the reservation and/or when checking in. Go to https://www.navy-lodge.com/lodge_page.html?p_lodge_number=05 or call (847)689-1485. All rooms are non-smoking. They also have some family suites that include a kitchen as well as some rooms with kitchenettes. You can also book adjoining rooms if needed. All of the rooms, with the exception of some of the ADA rooms, have two queen beds. All rooms include direct TV and DVD, a refrigerator, a microwave, and free Wifi. They offer cribs and roll-away beds if needed at no additional charge. They have a breakfast to go that you can take with you to PIR and a free continental breakfast. There is a picnic area available if guests choose to have a cookout.

Driving to the RTC

If you plan to use a GPS to navigate to the base, enter this address: 3355 Illinois Street, Great Lakes, IL 60088

You can avoid most tolls by using Route 41, it goes all the way to Chicago and will get you from Chicago to RTC and nearby lodging. If you are traveling through Chicago on the way to and from Great Lakes, follow 94 East which merges into Route 41 to avoid toll roads. Your hotel may be able to give you directions to the RTC that will avoid toll roads. 

OMG! I am going through the same thing with my family. They just don't understand my emotions. I have good days and bad i will see one thing and there I go again crying. I know this will get better but I am driving my family nuts :)

I'm sorry, I found it at one time and now I can't find it. I received an address from my daughter's recruiter, but had read somewhere on here that maybe they weren't too reliable.  Can anyone point me in the direction of that post/discussion, ... Or just give me any tips? Should I just wait for her form letter? Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you. 

Just received my box!!!  Can't wait to receive the form letter so that I can send all the letters I have written!

Stay strong Navy Moms!

Hi Tamster it is all ok, MY  family didn't understand me and now that my son is deployed, he messengers them and first thing they tell him please get with mom she's going stir crazy not hearing from you. so it is Normal.

MalsMom Great News! I would number the letters and ask how he received, I know that sometimes there letters come at different times so he probably wont get them in sequence. It's a mail thing at BC.

NavyMama2 here you go.

It is best to wait for the form letter before mailing letters to your recruit, but if you do get an address from your recruit's recruiter, double-check the address the recruiter gave you against those at http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/contact.html#contact. 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 or not get to your recruit at all. 

When recruiters actually do have the correct information, they sometimes give extra information that you do not need in the address,

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 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

Letter Writing & Fun Stuff/Questionnaires to send to your Recruit

Battle Stations: On board ship, a location and conditions to respond to when under attack or in a simulated attack in a training situation.

Battle Stations-21: The final boot camp test. It is a twelve hour long simulation of battles, crises, and ship life. It's a make or break event, that takes place on a state of the art simulated ship called the USS Trayer. The ship actually sits in water, and sights, sounds, smells, and motion provide very realistic simulation of various historical Naval crises that the Recruits must successfully overcome. If the Recruits pass, they graduate from boot camp, and are allowed to trade in their recruit cap for a Navy cap in a very moving ceremony. See Battle Stations-21 (BST).

Well Ladies my time to sign out, it was Great chatting with you all, I hope you have a Great Evening get some much needed rest. I know that the worrying and stress can be a lot to handle, and can make you sore, so please rest your Pretty minds and know all will be fine, your Loved ones are in good hands. if you have any questions I will be back tomorrow ready to help out. God Bless you and your Families.

Thank you everyone for the encouraging words. I got a text about 2 hours ago that his plane landed...now just waiting by the phone for the call! What a rollercoaster today has been!

I4d4wn- Your doing great!  Keep your strength. The call is very quick -less than 15 secs.  Be prepared to get your I love u and u got this in - you will have to talk over them, cuz they don’t even get a chance to listen to a response.  You got this as well!! Stay strong and welcome to the journey! 

And my call was 9pm-(I thought it would be much later) it really varies as to when they get from the bus from the airport, and then to RTC.  Just keep your phone close!! If he kept his cell phone it most likely will come from his number, if he didn’t it could come from whomevers phone he borrows.

Oh good, I was starting to worry that I hadn't heard anything yet, but now I won't. Maybe I'll start doing the giant pile of dirty laundry he left in his room to keep me occupied. ;-)

I got my call! He sounded so nervous and just said "I'm here, I'm safe, I'll send you a box in 3 weeks" then hung up. Thanks to this site, I know what he was supposed to say!

Our daughter left on the 6th and I knew all about the scripted call. We knew what she was going to tell us so we just wanted her to hear one more time how much we loved her.  She said it back and hung up. Got our first letter 2/23 and she said she was afraid to say it for fear they would hear and “drop” her!  We have now heard from her by letter and phone call and I feel so much better!

My Son arrived in Great Lakes tonight at 7:47 from Houston. Still waiting on his call.  

Ok will do CW Mom.  Thank you!!

Hi all, My daughter arrived in GL last night, too. Call came at 11:15. FYI I am not much of a social media person but I appreciate reading all the information and others experiences and resolutions.

Good Morning Ladies, Glad to hear that your Loved ones arrived safely. Now the communication stops until the 3-4 week. Please say strong Ladies because it can be an Emotional roller coaster, I will not give false information. If there is anything that I can do to help you please do not hesitate to ask. This site is so good for prayers/Scriptures and much encouragement. So please reach out what you would like posted as far as Information. Great to have you all along and I send Best wishes to your Son/Daughter and know they will be in good hands, but they will be working Hard to accomplish their Goals. Have a Great Day Ladies.

These sites will give a clear picture as to what happens when your Loved one arrives.

• Arrival and What Happens at the RTC
• Ship/Division--How it Works
• 800 and 900 Divisions
• Phone Cards and Phone Calls