ALUMNI OF PIR 12/29/2011 TG 06 — 10 Divisions (021–028, 904 & 906)

FireTeam - Now that was funny.  I was wondering what curse word started with "D".  The only oneI could think of is "Damn"...which really isn't a curse word.  I searched the "P-2" day and now can see what word it is....  Yea, for a bunch of moms, I don't really want to say that word either.  Even though it part of human nature...  

I'm laughing right now because I know that post will get alot of hits today just because everyone wants to know what the "D" word is....  It will be kind of like playing "Where's Waldo".... 

Could someone possibly enlighten me on two issues surrounding holiday leave...

1. If a sailor chooses to take the leave, does it have to be the entire time (until 1/8/12) or can they request 4-5 days so that they are not "in-the-hole" with their leave time?

2. If they choose to go directly to A school, what will they be doing during the 'stand down' time?

Any insight is appreciated!

eleesmom:  I think that they can request the leave they are entitled to (5 days after bc...they accumulate 2.5 days a month) or any part of it.  It is up to them how much of their leave time they request.

During "stand down" time, they may not be doing much.  Usually when they are waiting for classes to start anyway, they are going through indoctrination of the base and then lots of waiting until classes start. Might be better to ask this question on the group representing the A School that your sailor will be going to.

eleesmom-I gave up on trying to figure the whole thing out.  I wrote to my daughter and told her we can stay in Chacago until Sunday.  She has to let us know what her plans are.  My days of being in change are over.  (Hate it)

They are aware of their choices I believe.  The fact that they can only write 1 day a week and it is not top on thier priority list doesn't help us on this end.

eleesmom I asked the same questions just a few min. ago to RTC facebook page I am still waiting for a answer. They told me that they have to leave RTC but I want to know if they will have a place to stay if they only take their 5 days that they have earned. We are staying for 4 days so he could stay with us but I want to make sure he has a place after that since he will stay in the GL. will let you know what they say.

natalie - The "D" word is "Death".... As per this line "But lets say their is a death, then by all means see the Chaplin only!"

Alot of moms freak out because their future sailor is going to boot camp.  When there is a death in the family, it makes it that much harder.  But life is life.   It something that will happen to all of us someday.

Like FireTeam says, we (the N4M veterans) sometimes want to post about stuff like Deaths because it's a fact of life.  But some moms take it way too hard.  They're emotional wreck just from boot camp.  The unknown is what makes most people fear.  This is why I post everything on my own website.  The deppers on my website know whats coming at them, and how to avoid the problem areas.  I want them fearless when they go to boot camp.  

Just like the Iraq and Afganistan war we are in now.  I know alot of you moms are truly scared for your sailors.  But lets talk about the true facts, instead of the unknowns.  

As some of you know, I'm the group admin for the Crytpology area here at N4M's.  We had a mom who's son was about to deploy to Afghanistan and she was worried.  I explained my way of thinking and now she is totally fearless.  This is what I wrote:

xxxxxx - In todays age, I wouldn't be scared at all.  Heck our police get shot at more than our military.  I'd much rather be in Afganistan as a CT, than walking through the ghetto in my own country (the U.S.)

What people fail to realize is that when they show the # of military that have died in the middle east, it includes people that died in car accidents and other weird stuff (ie suicides).  You have more chances of getting wack here in the U.S. just by driving a car down the street.  Everyone still has that WW2 stuff in their heads where we lost thousands per day.  But lets look at the numbers in our generation.  It's 1850 people since 2001.  That to me is incredible. Heck, we're at war! 1850 people in 10 year of war is not that much.  It's just that the news plays it up.  

I truly hate talking about deaths, especially to a bunch of moms.  But people just need to know the facts.   10 years of war (1850 people) doesn't even add up to the single day of the World Trade Center killings (2996 people).   We can walk around scared or we can live our lifes.  To me, I would be honored for my son spearheading our military in the middle east.  When you look at the numbers, it shows that he's not in harms way.  

Just my view.....of course, I'm not a mom either.... 

http://icasualties.org/oef/

Sorry to bring down the emotions of the group.  It truly wasn't my intention.  My intention is helping you moms understand the Navy and the way we do stuff.  I talk a wide range of topics at all levels of understanding.   

I know you guys are a bunch of moms, and if anyone suggest I should delete the below post, then please let me know.  You can even PM me if you want to remain anonymous.  But to me, it's a fact of life....    

ArNavyMom & natalie - Thanks for understanding.  I was actually going to kill my original post, but decided to just add to it with my second one with the disclaimer.  

Craig - I'm a wife and a mom...I haven't been "in" the service but as you are all finding out about how some don't "get it" while we here do...you are starting your path on a different mentality.

I feel the same way...knowledge can "arm" you. As you say, that mom is fearless now. Your DEPpers get fearless and are prepared. Your line "The unknown is what makes most people fear", is so true and why this site is such a blessing to us moms because we can get the unkown known. I have said that to my son several times over the past 8 months when he was going through something new...you just don't know...once you do it won't be so scary.

I try to refrain as much as I can, address stuff when it comes up (if I have the knowledge) but there are some things that need to be addressed before so you don't make what to you might seem an innocent mistake...but in the end costs a lot. Homesickness and "D" depression are another one (that's also on P-2 day)...that "D" word has cost some their career...

Like Craig, I can delete this post too. Didn't really want to be a downer...I brought it up after all...so blame me.

Just want you moms to have the best info and be informed so that your fears can be eased...Craig and the other veteran moms are great about this.

FireTeam - It's time we change the emotions again...

For those that are GF, BF, or Married to recruits... It's time for your 1st test....

You big goober...you beat me to it was thinking about posting a cartoon... and of course ALWAYS "the "master"... ...I'm not worthy!

 huh...

...d'oh!

...g'nite!

Good Nite?  So you're going to bed?  Trying to prevent bad eyes huh?  

Just saying....

Well...we could do this all nite...dueling posts...

 

...but I think I'd rather save my eyesight!

Good Morning All! Has been a good weekend. Hope it has been for everyone else. Seems like I was busy but I really could not tell you what I did. haha!  I agree with Craig- but it still is hard because it is not "our" norm or our "realitiy" it is foreign in all sense of the word. These are OUR children and it is just hard.

We have to keep our heads up and our positive vibes aimed toward our kiddos. Remind them to keep their heads in the game and push on. They can do what they started and will be a much better person because they found strength in themselves that they may not have known that they possessed. That is why "they" are our protectors!   ( ok- I have my early morning cheerleader hat on)

Have a wonderful day y'all!

Here's today's! Thought this was right on the mark - at least for me!

Don't let people drive you crazy when you know it's in walking distance.

Information prevents ignorance.  I would rather be informed.  Besides, I thought the “D” word “don’t”.  Don’t say this, don’t say that.  A friend of mine whose son served in the Marines told me this when I had my “break down” when I found out my daughter was joining the service and un-enrolling from college.  “She will be safer and better looked out for in the Navy than on a college campus.  She will have people who care if she is where she needs to be and when she needs to be there.  She will be with others who are taught to look out for each other and care about each other’s wellbeing.  Most importantly, she will be a part of something that is bigger than herself and will learn life lessons that she could not learn anywhere else.”  How true that is!

Craig that cracks me up, I can't believe they are really posting those signs.

Momshouse- I love your thought for the day :-)

Ruth:  Talked to my sailor last night and he said the same thing as your daughter did.  He has been in 2 yrs this month and said that the Navy has been very good for him, and he has grown up/learned alot.  It is a great mentoring ground for our kids, I believe.  I know many in my parents' generation went into the service before college, and felt it was a great maturing ground for them too. 

Thanks diannep-  As parents we think we know the best path for them to take, but we have to trust that we raise them to make their own way.  Once I got over my shock, I realized this was the best decision for her and her future.  Doesn't make me miss her less, but I do take comfort in knowing she is safe and is looked out for.

so agree RuthL I know my son will be a stronger more determined man, who will feel confident in himself in whatever path he takes in his future, We will alway be here for guidence but the final decision will be his, kind of sad that I have to step back now, but it is part growning up and life. So proud of them all.

moms - Love the quote for the day! Look forward to them, thank you!

You know...as well as my son growing and learning...I've learned a lot about myself. He wasn't growing here and it was time for him to go...not only for him but for me too. He needed something more to help him on the path of being a man not a child and I needed to become the mom of an adult. I am ever grateful that he had somewhere to go and do that. Going off to college would not have worked. He needed the structure of the military.

There are the ups and downs of military life...good and bad...but the opportunities are there if you stretch yourself and go for them. The chance to travel and experience life. Teamwork...humility...like your friend said Ruth..."part of something that is bigger than herself". They are...and so are we in a way, as we learn how to support them best.

moms...someday, God willing, it will be your "norm"! It is hard...but you have a great attitude...you all do!

While my husband was deployed, I felt so bad that he was missing his sons enlistment and graduation, our middle son graduation from HS, youngest earning his belts in karate... all these major events. He did too and of course we missed each other. Those six months had so many new things for me! "Caring" for my husband while he was away (packing boxes and sending letters and cards for support), launching one into the Navy and finishing up HS with the other. So much more. A whirlwind that sometimes moved in slow motion! He once said to me, "I don't know...I think you have it harder. At least I'm in my element." You know...I sat down and thought about that...and it gave me peace...because I realized that I was in mine.

Found this on the Military and Patriotic Graphics group. Originally posted by Carla Street. Where's Waldo had come up and these reminded me of it!

Navy NWU's

FireteamLeaderWife: So true it's just taking that step to let go, Brought tears to my eyes again. but thank you for this

  Hope this is all you soon!

Good afternoon everyone,

I lose alot of sleep staying up to read the posts, comments, stories etc.  But it is well worth it, this site makes me smile when I miss my son n just want to cry. It keeps me informed and teaches me more than I could ever share here.  It is an adjustment for our entire family (as for yours) however, as Fireteamleader said "we have to become mothers to our ADULT children."  I guess deep down I was not prepared to have to switch roles....we start out at the mommies to our babies and somewhere they grow up before our eyes and venture out into the world. They make their own choices (good or bad) they scrape their knees and bump their heads, but through our prayers, support and love, they emerge stronger, tougher, wiser and this is when our role changes.  Luckily for me I still have my two boys 15 and 6 and 2 year old grandson to keep me insane..LOL.  Thank you everyone for taking the time to write and share your experiences, it helps a newbie mom like me understand and appreciate the letters and "kid in a box" even more.  

Ok Ladies Need some HELP! I was told my son was in ship12 div 030. RTC posted a pic of another division and When i enlarged the photo it seems my son is in the pic. I even called his sisters into my room one by one and told them "this is what they look like in RTC". so why did they point out the same person I think is my son? I am worried now cuz if his division changed then his PIR is a week earlier which is 12/29 not 1/06. Can any1 help.. plz.. 

NavyMom...have you received your form letter?

Yes, I was going to ask the same thing, FTLW.  If the form letter said Div 30, that should be where he is.  Any changes to the PIR date mean that they have to let you know this.  Or did you get the Div 30 info from his recruiter before the form letter was sent out?  Sometimes their info is not correct. 

Its the date on the form letter. I asked RTC they said it could change if a recruit had a set back but that couldnt be it cuz then he would graduate later rather than earlier.. When did ur loved one get to GL? Thank U!

NavyMom:  Are you absolutely positive that was your son in the pik?  I ask because I saw my son in a pik...without his hat on....was sure it was him.  Printed it out.  So happy to see him...well, it wasn't him!  WOW!  How could I not know my own son?  But sometimes with the same "hair do", uniform, etc...they look alike.  Just maybe, it wasn't your son in the pik and he still is in Div 30?  Hopefully he will call/write soon and can confirm this.

In the meantime, assume that he is still in 30 and try not to worry about it...my son was asmoed when there so I know that they have to let you know if there is any change in the PIR date.  He called me immediately when asmoed, and then again when put back in a division. 

diannep.. I enlarged it, its the exact pose he did on his Senior pic. His lips, neck ( i know weird) is the same. i will have to wait and see. Its just that I have already book my hotel for the PIR on 1/6 and if i need to change it i need to do it asap. If i could send u all the 2 pics i would. Unless i post them here but is that allowed. I would love the input. Crazy Mommy here. can we say Cuckoo...lol

Navymom-Call his recruiter.  They can get the information for you.  I hate to bother them, but this would make me call.

Thank you RuthL.. I was thinking the same thing.. Till I hear from him I will just use the ship/division i was given first.. Thank You ladies!

Good morning everyone, I hope you all have a great day :-)

HAVE A GREAT DAY Y'ALL!

Short n sweet & to the point today:

I am woman!  I am invincible!  I am pooped! 

house divided-LOVE IT! 

NavyMom:  You can post anything on here that RTC posted.  So feel free to post the piks here if you like. 

As far as changing the hotel reservations, I feel sure you will hear from your SR soon and be able to confirm his division number.  I would tell you to call Public Affairs to confirm, but I think they will just tell you to refer to the form letter, and if you haven't heard differently, that is where he is.  But if you want to try just in case they can confirm it, here is their number:  847-688-2405

AMEN, ArNavyMom!  The joy comes in caring for/giving to others, for sure!

@ ArNavyMom & diannep...I got word that he is in fact in the same division as his form letter.. I was so worried and now my mind is at ease... Thank You for the info!!

YAH!  So glad it was finally confirmed, NavyMom.