DEP-Leavin' for bootcamp in February

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)    

So very glad to come back to work.  I could not stand sitting at the house anymore.  But thankfully I have a new hobby.........Fed Ex stalker!!  Yes I am impatient.  Told my husband and youngest son to let me know when the box arrives and not to touch it until I can get there.  This will be fun!

Rachel to Funny! couldn't help but to chuckle!

At first recruits are only permitted to write during holiday routine on Sunday 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. Letters are put in the mail bag on Sunday and the RMPO mails them on Monday unless Monday is a federal holiday. Any letters written throughout the week won't go in the mail bag until Sunday during holiday routine. Some RDCs permit letters to be placed in the mail bag only on Sunday afternoon with mail going out Monday morning even when they can write on other days and others permit them to put letters in the mail bag on the day they are written for the RMPO to mail the next morning.  It is up to the RDC and there does not seem to be a "norm" for this.

Once your recruit can receive mail, Mail Call is every weekday evening (M-F). All mail received at the RTC is distributed to the recruits on the same day that it is processed.  The division's RMPO distributes the mail to the recruits during Mail Call in their compartments that evening sometime prior to Taps

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, as long as you use the address in The Form Letter.

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

When Will the Recruits be Paid? and Information for Spouses

Got our "kid in the box" yesterday!  It was also my son's birthday so at least we could celebrate something! He left on 2/20 and we are in California so not too bad!

Hoping for the form letter end of this week. I admit, I'm a little inpatient...  ;) 

Great News SailorMoon Happy Birthday to your Son!

Just got back from Jacksonville last night.  We were there for swearing in ceremony.  We got our phone call last night about 1am.  Looking forward to the box, phone call and form letter...

Good Morning Ladies, Hope all is well.

Dawn and tmdtwins that is Great News!

Don't know if you know the reason the Jeans are rolled up, it is because they get fitted for shoes so they have them rolled up.

If your recruit was wearing long pants/jeans, the legs will most likely still be rolled up; this is because the recruits must roll up their pant legs before having their feet measured for their footwear and they don't have time to unroll them before packing the box.

So now it's the form letter for you Dawn and the Box for tmdtwins.

Hang in there Ladies, and Congrats to your Loved ones for taking this Journey!

Have a Great Blessed Day!

Our daughter shipped the 13th. We received the box last Monday, amidst lots of laughs. We have a big family, so our daughter has toddler siblings...when we opened the box they knew to expect her phone and shoes. But when all they found in addition was a jacket, sling pack and shirt the comments were, "Oh no!! She's naked! She had no pants!" We all had to laugh, because of course the 4-yr-olds could not remember that her button broke, that they fell asleep seeing her off, or that some of her clothes she planned to just toss. So no raw emotion here, it was a really fun time...the box is still sitting in the kitchen a week later, with tots looking in daily to check on their sister. Our call came as expected, and we anticipate the first letter later this week. Aiming for graduation in April.

Dawn you are more than welcome, It is a pleasure to be able to do this. I was in your shoes when my Son went to BC and was so devastated, My Best Friend was gone didn't know how to cope with it. so as I started learning more and more, and got thru it, I decided to stay and help others while my Son was in A school. So I know about the Emotions that come with all this. Now my Son is Deployed so I am learning how to cope with that and trying to learn more.

Hi Mia, this is to cute how adorable and funny! LOL! I cant imagine their little faces when they seen her clothes. Wishing you well with this Journey and Congrats to your Daughter!

Got "The Box" yesterday, it was bittersweet. I looked at my son's handwriting and thought back to when he was learning his letter in kindergarten it seems like just yesterday he started school and now he is on an adventure all his own. I put the box on the floor and waited for my husband to get home so we could open it together. Our dog that was very close to my son went crazy she could smell him and wanted to get into the box. It was so sweet she made me smile. Now just waiting on his form letter, i can't wait to send all the letters i have written over the week he has been gone. I can't believe it has been a week already. Hope all the time goes by this fast and we will see him soon.

I missed the delivery of "the box yesterday. I signed the slip and put an extra note on the door today. Hopefully they will leave it. I wish the dog could answer the door to accept the package.

I find it hilarious about the dogs, hey they have feelings too., Lisa I'm with you on that. This is too cute!

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)    

I hope this information helps.

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

When Will the Recruits be Paid? and Information for Spouses

Do not send musical or recordable cards, or cards/letters with glitter or flocking that comes off, or contains confetti, or anything that will be messy or draw undo attention to your recruit. (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

Sending cards and letters in colored envelopes does not usually cause a problem for the recruits. Some (not all) 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. 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. 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. 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.

Do not send packages or envelopes of any kind that require more than standard postage. 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. Recruits, including those in the RCU, are not permitted to have books or magazines other than the training materials provided by the RTC.

There are many hotels in the area and there is information in the grad pack and on this site about them. If you fly in, renting a car will make your life easier. Also, if you are flying, some airlines, such as Southwest, will allow you to change your flight if something happens without a charge, so you do not have to book refundable tickets.

(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.)

There is no set number of calls a Recruit will be able to make.

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 MSgtRet DIV 912.), or due to a problem and are on the Navy. Recruits may need information concerning allergies during P-days or when completing Page 2 (NAVPERS 1070/602 - Dependency Application/Record of Emergency Data) or when completing other paperwork in the second week. The calls for information or due to a problem are supervised and the Recruit is not usually permitted to chitchat. 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.

Good Morning Folks I hope all is well with you all, if there is any questions I can answer please let me know. May the boxes and form letters come your way! Have a Blessed Day!

My SR left Monday (3 days ago) and his box just showed up at my door! Keep an eye out, ladies!

I should mention I'm in Arizona, so was very surprised how quickly it got here!

I4d4wn well come to navy moms, glad you were home to receive, I also am from AZ Phoenix. Glad to have you along.

Hi Karik, usually we ask Moms to wait on sending out Letters, because they tend to give to much info. I will send you info on your page so you can read up on it. Welcome to the site.

Posting sites that will go week to week in BC.

Basic Training Exhibits - Weeks 1-8 - Great Lakes Naval Museum

Navy Boot Camp - Week By Week - The Balance

Karik - Be patient- I know it’s hard - I’m right there with u. I want to write and get communication with my SR badly.

Although you received the address from the recruiter it may not be right.  The SR’s don’t  get mail any faster if we send it out early. They must appoint someone from their TG (training group) to be In Charge of the mail.  Until that is done the SR’s don’t get mail.  

Wait for the form letter!  It will be here soon! 

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,

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 (1-3 or 1-4 DOT) when they start receiving mail depending on when P-days ended and the division formed.

Our daughter shipped the 13th. Box arrived the 19th. Form letter arrived today (3/1). Timeline was the same in the past few months for her best friend, her coworker, and her cousin, all at the same RTC, so we were pretty confidant we would see the PIR date letter between today and Saturday. PIR 4/13!! No additional letter, but we didn't expect one. What struck me was her handwriting - I have educated her at home for her whole life, then she lived at home for college, so I know her writing well. She was obviously EXHAUSTED when she filled in the few spaces and wrote a note on the side (everything in pencil). But, this is her dream, and she's living it. So tired or not, I know she is where she wants to be.

That is awesome Mia so Proud of her!

SailorMoon, Soproud, Rachel, Dawn, Mbear99, Caseysmom, Elizabeth, Lisa-
Ok I think I have all the moms who’s SR’s left the 20/21/22ish. Informed delivery just let me know form letter is coming today!!!

Just an FYI - I could tell by my SR’s return address that my SR Is in the push division - PIR a week earlier than thought.
But I guess I won’t know for sure I’m till I get that form letter.

Hooyah!!! Let the communication begin!!

My son left on 2/20/18 from Phoenix, AZ. So far the only thing I've received is his box and the initial phone call. 

Anyone from that 2/20 date get the form letter yet? Thanks 

JL2018AZ

 That’s the day my son left as well I had informed delivery by US PS and it shows a letter coming today.  Now I’m just a few towns over from Great Lakes so yours might be in the next day or two

Ceej0337 Thank you!!! I can't wait 

Hi Ladies!

My daughter left for boot camp Feb 21.  

Can you tell me where to sign up for informed delivery?  

thanks!

MalsMom- I found it on the what do the month before your SR leaves. I know it was on USPS.com and there was a section for informed delivery. I also put the app on my smart phone.

I recommend the informed delivery. Nothing but bills so far (lol) but I know it will come in the following days.

Thank you!

We got our first 'real' phone call this morning. No tears from any of us, but lots of laughs, lots of info shared by our daughter. She is doing well, saw several people sent home or bumped back including another gal that she flew to Chicago with. That was tough. It was good to hear her voice, hear how excited she is to be there. Her first real letter arrives today. This whole process is flying by so fast!

Mia- I was wondering how the first phone call would go!  Glad to hear she is excited!  Can't wait for our call!

Can someone please remind me of the kinds of photo/DVD packages that either the SR or I can purchase? I need to know what to clarify with my son in his next letter. Will he purchase or will I? When does he have to pay By?

Thank you!

Tmansmom if you go to boot camp moms to the right you will see sites and the one to the bottom pictures DVD it will give  prices and a ,number to order. My phone won't allow me to copy and paste , your recruit will be purchasing the pictures they have to. So if you would like to reimburse him that is an option. But you will not be able to order until his PIR. The site will explain.

And it is best if he sends them home, instead of waiting in line. And using valuable time that can be spent with your sailor.

Dawn on boot camp moms there is a site to the right when they get paid, good info.

There is a site from USPS and the sandbox app they inform you when a letter is received. First calls can go either way, happy to hear from you and the next could be sad because they are home sick, tired. They are missing you all as much as you them, and are having the same emotions. Be strong for them and have them to focus. I have been hearing from many that BC is different from what was expected, and there are many not making it. The standards have changed, thank goodness they are making it that they need to pass these standards before leaving to BC. It should of happened long ago, the heartache frustration of a loved one including the families should be spared.

Happy Monday everyone!  Hope everyone has a great day!....and we receive a letter this week!!!

Happy Monday to you too!

Good Morning Ladies Hope you all had a Great weekend,

MalsMom Great News, how are feeling now with this. Some kind of communication so with this I hope you are at ease.

Dawn was wondering if you had got your Questioned answered, please let me know.

TmansMom please let me know if you are still needing answers to your Question about the pics and Package.

Wishing you all well Have a Great Day!

Hi Phoenixmom!

Informed delivery shows I will get the letter today!! Can't wait!