Nicky, no, there are extra days built in since the actual training time is 6 weeks after P-Days, so the holidays will not affect the time at the RTC. By counting 9 Fridays, PIR will most likely be 02/05/2016, but since your future Sailor is arriving at the beginning of the week, 01/29/2016 is also possible if your then recruit is placed in a Push Division and is in one of the last divisions from the TG from the week before.
Hi All! I'm new to the site. My son went to MEPS last Monday. I've been trying to gather info since this absolutely new and foreign to me! When I looked at the PIR ceremony guide, it seems as though there won't be much time to visit before he has to leave again. Maybe only hours, is that right?
@Amyjane. Depends on where he is going to A school. If he stays in Illinois you can probably see your SR Sat and Sun. If he flies out to A school you will probably get to see him the day of graduation and you can meet him at the airport until he flies out.
Hello, My name is Michele. My son leaves for Boot Camp on January 27th. I'm new to this site and I'm still trying to figure out all the terms and abbreviations for everything. I don't have anybody to really ask. My son Jordan is the first in our family to join the military. We are very proud. We are having a "heading to boot camp party" on the 16th. Any party ideas would be appreciated. I am also very curious about if there are any other moms who's son or daughter are going to be an ABH. Also I have seen the list of items that recruits are allowed to bring. One of which is Writing Material. Does anyone know if this needs to be a certain type or size of paper and or envelopes and if we should include postage? Anyway, just thankful for this website/group and look forward to meeting everyone. Cordially, michele
Hi! I'm a new member and just wanted to say a big Thank You for all the great info! It's helped ease my concerns. I've been a Navy wife and thought I was prepared. But I didn't know anything about the Nuke program, so I had lots of questions.
My future Sailor is older and hasn't lived at home for quite a while but I'm still sad just knowing I won't be able to talk with him whenever I want... Silly, I know. but boy does it bring back those memories of helplessness during deployments!
Anyone else out there have an older kid?
very proud of my future sailor for serving his country.
laughingchipmunk, I also have an older sailor. He will be 26 when he ships out to boot on February 3. He lived on his own for 3 or 4 years before coming to live with us for the past 2. As much as I'm going to enjoy having my basement back, I'm going to miss him terribly. How old is your son? He must be a little younger than mine based on the 'Nuke' reference.
JulieTimsMom, my son is 24. I know what you mean! I think it's the thought of not knowing when I'll see him next or that he just can't come over whenever. We've started family dinner with him and all his grandparents once a week until he leaves for boot camp in May.
Wishing your son all the best for Feb and looking forward to hearing about his service!
I am a New Proud Navy Mom and I just wanted to say there is a great amount of support and resources on this site, where you can connect with people who understand your emotions and keep you informed. Thank you SO much! I dont feel so alone anymore because I have been a mess!
My son just left on Wednesday...so am I still on the right group?
Well Im new at being a Navy mom and am completely overwhelmed, in addition to having such limited computer skills. So far everything is so absolutely confusing. I know I'm with other moms now and am so relieved. Please be patient with my lack there of skills
Hi Cheryl - welcome! is your future sailor shipping out soon? I'm new here too and looking forward to learning as we go! This site has been a great relief for me. Hope you find it helpful too!
Michelle, my son shipped off to bootcamp November 16th. His PIR ceremony was 1/8. The only thing I would suggest buying for your son is a cheap prepaid cell phone and some minutes. We didn't want our son taking his iPhone, but if your son is traveling a distance, that might be the better option. We only live 30 minutes from GL. Honestly, everything he brings to bootcamp will be sent home in what they call (the box). His first phone call home will be short, very short, 30 seconds. It can come at anytime. My phone was with me everywhere I went. LOL Once he starts boot camp, you can send letters (once you get his letter with his address). You can only send letters and maybe a few pictures. We were told to send funny things and sports news, to which I did, but they took them out. I typed out my letters so I could get more info in. We were told not to send any bad news, so I tried to keep things light and funny, (comics). The recruits can't bring paper, envelopes or stamps. They can buy those at NEX. Half way through boot camp they will be able to call again, this is a longer call maybe 5 minutes or so. The last call he will make will be if he passes battle stations. He is no longer a recruit but is now a sailor and will be graduating. This is a call you do not want to miss. Hope this helps. Any other questions, let me know. Good luck.
Hi...my son is leaving for BC in April. I am here to find out as much information as I can. I have already read quite a bit and everything and everyone has been very helpful.
Hello. I am a single mother and my daughter is leaving for BC in May. She is excited and can't wait. I am very sad knowing my little girl will be leaving. I think I'm sad about coming home to a lonely home and missing our time together. Anyone else a single parent that has had a child leave? How did you get through BC with no communication for 8 weeks?
anxiousmom I know how you feel. My son will leave in April. I feel sad and wonder how I will survive BC. The one thing that keeps me strong is that he will be living out his life long dream. It is letting go that hurts. Just pray for inner strength.
anxiousmom & bluediamond - I'm right there with you and have found a lot of comfort in learning from all the great moms & dads here. I just watched the boot camp videos and it helped me to stop worrying about the unknown. It's been 5 months since my son signed up and he ships out in May (possibly March - if he gets the call) . I'm just now getting past the sadness and moving on to the excitement!
Focusing on their bright futures and being their strength and love at home is a new roll we can embrace as our children start their new journey! Best of luck to you and your future sailors!
Well, tomorrow is the big day. My almost-sailor will report to the recruiting office in the morning and be taken to MEPS and then his hotel for the night. We don't know what time his swearing-in will be Wednesday but are prepared to slap on our snow shoes and head out at first light if necessary. Feeling nervous, excited and so very proud. Holding back tears already. Hope I can sleep tomorrow night ;)
Well the day is here and we are all feeling sad and happy for him. He will be leaving to Great Lakes this afternoon. He looked great...We will miss you and now to wait for that formal letter and the box.
Hipychika, welcome! My daughter signed in January and ships in August. The rating (job) he is getting has a lot to do with when he ships and changing that from Reserve to Active will naturally change his ship date. Have you checked out the "Boot Camp for Moms" group? I'm a veterans wife (Marine) and this sounds normal to me, but I am new to the Navy. There are a lot of helpful folks in that group.
Hi Hipychika - my son also signed in September and won't ship out till May. I asked a similar question in his rating group discussion and it does seem to be common for his rating because there can be a very long security clearance process. I'm trying to get used to the "it depends" of the Navy and patiently waiting :). Hang in there and see ya on the DEP leaving in May group!
Everyone, Make it a habit to check your My Page because you may have comments from Members and not even know it if you have the notifications turned off for comments on your My Page. To reply to someone who leaves a comment on your My Page, click on "Comment Back" or "View Thread" (you will have to do that if the person has their profile set to "Just My Friends") below the comment. Also check in the upper left to see if you have Friend requests or any new messages in your Inbox.
New to this group and just wanted to throw up an introduction.
My son enlisted in October and will be leaving for boot camp in July. My husband is retired Army and my older son is in the Air Force, so, while we are new to the Navy stuff, we're old hat at general military stuff.
Welcome TheEscapist! Our second son leaves for RTC in July also. His brother is just beginning his career in the Navy. We are new to everything! LOL...
my son left on april 6th, I did get his box and then the form letter and the wonderful phone call - that was so hard to hear him and not be able to give him a big hug - anyone else feel this way?
I am already feeling that way, my son leaves in 5 days. Making the most of what time we do have left together. I cry mostly when he is not around, do not want him to see me crying...lol.
But all these encouraging words posted here have helped me alot.
Dixie it will get better. I felt like apart of my heart was taken. The first couple of weeks I would cry instantly. Now I'm counting down until I see him. I miss my son so much. I'm very proud of his choice and honored to be his Mom. This website was the best thing that could have happened to me. You will kind it to be very helpful.
My son left for BC 5 days ago and I miss him terribly. This Navy thing is totally new for me and wasn't on my radar for my son at all. He was so ready to start on this path and I wasn't ready at all. He is our only child and I know that for the next several years, we won't see him much at all. I miss his presence, his humor, even his irritating habits. I closed his bedroom door and haven't been able to go in yet. I worry about whether he will be able to handle boot camp and wonder how he is doing. All normal feelings, probably but I feel so lost.
@DonnaCatLover~hugs to you. Stay strong. I am here at the hotel with my son...tomorrow he swears in and then takes off for GL, I know I will miss him terribly. I too wonder if he will make it through BC...all we can do is surrender to God and know they are living out their dream. Blessings to you and your son.
@DogAddictedMom~Time will fly by so fast...the best way I dealt with it was by always being on this site which made me laugh and cry, gave me hope and strength. But also by planning my sons going away party it helped to take my mind off of his leaving. And well here I am today....his swear-in is in a couple of hours and off he goes to GL. You stay strrong and make the most of these last few precious moments left. There will be a roller coaster of emotions but oh so worthwhile when you see the pride on their face. Hugs to you momma and STAY STRONG!!!!
DogAddictedMom, mine leaves in September as well. I try not to dwell, read here periodically, share info with him as I come across it, and cherish what time we still have left. This website has been a godsend!
My son leaves exactly 2 weeks from today. I'm not feeling sad or anxious yet. I am ready for him to start this adventure. He has been without direction for two years since HS grad and he is a smart young man who needs to find his purpose, his passion and a way to use his brain! I'm hoping the Navy Nuke program will provide all that and more. So excited for him. But, all that being said I will still worry about him and not being able to text to talk will be tough. Can let the "worrying mind" get to me - especially during the middle of the night!
MomOf3, that is an honor and a lot of responsibility that will help her as she prepares for BC and will help her in BC and she may even be assigned a leadership position based on her experience in DEP. She will serve as a mentor to others in DEP and will help them as they prepare for BC.
Nik77
Nov 24, 2015
lemonelephant
Nicky, no, there are extra days built in since the actual training time is 6 weeks after P-Days, so the holidays will not affect the time at the RTC. By counting 9 Fridays, PIR will most likely be 02/05/2016, but since your future Sailor is arriving at the beginning of the week, 01/29/2016 is also possible if your then recruit is placed in a Push Division and is in one of the last divisions from the TG from the week before.
Check your My Page.
Nov 26, 2015
khoalandkhaos
My husband leaves in a little less than a month and some people say I need a POA and some don't. So confused.
Dec 15, 2015
AmyJane
Dec 16, 2015
Taylor's Mom
Dec 16, 2015
Michele (Proud of my son Jordan)
Hello, My name is Michele. My son leaves for Boot Camp on January 27th. I'm new to this site and I'm still trying to figure out all the terms and abbreviations for everything. I don't have anybody to really ask. My son Jordan is the first in our family to join the military. We are very proud. We are having a "heading to boot camp party" on the 16th. Any party ideas would be appreciated. I am also very curious about if there are any other moms who's son or daughter are going to be an ABH. Also I have seen the list of items that recruits are allowed to bring. One of which is Writing Material. Does anyone know if this needs to be a certain type or size of paper and or envelopes and if we should include postage? Anyway, just thankful for this website/group and look forward to meeting everyone. Cordially, michele
Jan 3, 2016
Michele (Proud of my son Jordan)
Ok I may of made a mistake. My son is not going to meps or in the delayed entry program. Can anyone tell me if I am in the wrong group?
Jan 3, 2016
lemonelephant
Michele, yes, you are in the right place. Your son is currently in DEP. He will go to MEPS and be sworn in on the way to the RTC. Things to Do in the Last Month before Your Future Sailor Leaves for... will tell you what he needs to take. Don't send writing material with him.
Check your My Page.
Jan 3, 2016
laughingchipmunk
My future Sailor is older and hasn't lived at home for quite a while but I'm still sad just knowing I won't be able to talk with him whenever I want... Silly, I know. but boy does it bring back those memories of helplessness during deployments!
Anyone else out there have an older kid?
very proud of my future sailor for serving his country.
Jan 5, 2016
JulieTimsMom
laughingchipmunk, I also have an older sailor. He will be 26 when he ships out to boot on February 3. He lived on his own for 3 or 4 years before coming to live with us for the past 2. As much as I'm going to enjoy having my basement back, I'm going to miss him terribly. How old is your son? He must be a little younger than mine based on the 'Nuke' reference.
Jan 13, 2016
laughingchipmunk
Wishing your son all the best for Feb and looking forward to hearing about his service!
Jan 14, 2016
DenyseNavyMom
I am a New Proud Navy Mom and I just wanted to say there is a great amount of support and resources on this site, where you can connect with people who understand your emotions and keep you informed. Thank you SO much! I dont feel so alone anymore because I have been a mess!
My son just left on Wednesday...so am I still on the right group?
Jan 15, 2016
lemonelephant
DenyseNavyMom, yes, this group, DEP-Leavin' for Boot Camp in January, and Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones) are the groups for you now. Once you receive The Form Letter, then Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones) and your PIR group will be more appropriate, especially after the discussion are posted for the Brother divisions in your PIR group.
Jan 17, 2016
MTDucky
Well Im new at being a Navy mom and am completely overwhelmed, in addition to having such limited computer skills. So far everything is so absolutely confusing. I know I'm with other moms now and am so relieved. Please be patient with my lack there of skills
Jan 19, 2016
lemonelephant
Cheryl, you will find a lot of info and support here. Join the groups I left for you on your My Page.
Jan 19, 2016
laughingchipmunk
Jan 23, 2016
vickiz01
Michelle, my son shipped off to bootcamp November 16th. His PIR ceremony was 1/8. The only thing I would suggest buying for your son is a cheap prepaid cell phone and some minutes. We didn't want our son taking his iPhone, but if your son is traveling a distance, that might be the better option. We only live 30 minutes from GL. Honestly, everything he brings to bootcamp will be sent home in what they call (the box). His first phone call home will be short, very short, 30 seconds. It can come at anytime. My phone was with me everywhere I went. LOL Once he starts boot camp, you can send letters (once you get his letter with his address). You can only send letters and maybe a few pictures. We were told to send funny things and sports news, to which I did, but they took them out. I typed out my letters so I could get more info in. We were told not to send any bad news, so I tried to keep things light and funny, (comics). The recruits can't bring paper, envelopes or stamps. They can buy those at NEX. Half way through boot camp they will be able to call again, this is a longer call maybe 5 minutes or so. The last call he will make will be if he passes battle stations. He is no longer a recruit but is now a sailor and will be graduating. This is a call you do not want to miss. Hope this helps. Any other questions, let me know. Good luck.
Jan 25, 2016
bluediamond
Hi...my son is leaving for BC in April. I am here to find out as much information as I can. I have already read quite a bit and everything and everyone has been very helpful.
Jan 26, 2016
anxiousmom
Hello. I am a single mother and my daughter is leaving for BC in May. She is excited and can't wait. I am very sad knowing my little girl will be leaving. I think I'm sad about coming home to a lonely home and missing our time together. Anyone else a single parent that has had a child leave? How did you get through BC with no communication for 8 weeks?
Jan 27, 2016
bluediamond
Jan 27, 2016
laughingchipmunk
anxiousmom & bluediamond - I'm right there with you and have found a lot of comfort in learning from all the great moms & dads here. I just watched the boot camp videos and it helped me to stop worrying about the unknown. It's been 5 months since my son signed up and he ships out in May (possibly March - if he gets the call) . I'm just now getting past the sadness and moving on to the excitement!
Focusing on their bright futures and being their strength and love at home is a new roll we can embrace as our children start their new journey! Best of luck to you and your future sailors!
Jan 30, 2016
bluediamond
Jan 30, 2016
JulieTimsMom
Well, tomorrow is the big day. My almost-sailor will report to the recruiting office in the morning and be taken to MEPS and then his hotel for the night. We don't know what time his swearing-in will be Wednesday but are prepared to slap on our snow shoes and head out at first light if necessary. Feeling nervous, excited and so very proud. Holding back tears already. Hope I can sleep tomorrow night ;)
Feb 1, 2016
Robertsmom
Well the day is here and we are all feeling sad and happy for him. He will be leaving to Great Lakes this afternoon. He looked great...We will miss you and now to wait for that formal letter and the box.
Feb 10, 2016
Bchgrl68
Feb 18, 2016
laughingchipmunk
Feb 18, 2016
lemonelephant
Everyone, Make it a habit to check your My Page because you may have comments from Members and not even know it if you have the notifications turned off for comments on your My Page. To reply to someone who leaves a comment on your My Page, click on "Comment Back" or "View Thread" (you will have to do that if the person has their profile set to "Just My Friends") below the comment. Also check in the upper left to see if you have Friend requests or any new messages in your Inbox.
Feb 18, 2016
TheEscapist
Hi all
New to this group and just wanted to throw up an introduction.
My son enlisted in October and will be leaving for boot camp in July. My husband is retired Army and my older son is in the Air Force, so, while we are new to the Navy stuff, we're old hat at general military stuff.
Mar 11, 2016
fayegirrl4*
Welcome TheEscapist! Our second son leaves for RTC in July also. His brother is just beginning his career in the Navy. We are new to everything! LOL...
Mar 11, 2016
lemonelephant
Be sure to check out the discussion, Things to Do in the Last Month before Your Future Sailor Leaves for....
Mar 14, 2016
CrnBrdMom
Hi All!!
We are completely new to the Navy and my son leaves for RTC May 18th. Long DEP journey but amping up now.
Beyond excited!!
Mar 16, 2016
Edwards19 ( Tricia )
My daughter leaves on May 18 2016 too
Mar 28, 2016
birdy713
My son leaves for RTC this Wednesday April 6th. I am so excited for him but am freaking out a little (which I know is to be expected).
Apr 4, 2016
Edwards19 ( Tricia )
birdy713 wow exciting, but yes stressful
Apr 5, 2016
Dixie
my son left on april 6th, I did get his box and then the form letter and the wonderful phone call - that was so hard to hear him and not be able to give him a big hug - anyone else feel this way?
Apr 19, 2016
Edwards19 ( Tricia )
Not yet , but I will in about 28 days :( I think everyone feels that way 100%
Apr 19, 2016
bluediamond
But all these encouraging words posted here have helped me alot.
Apr 19, 2016
Edwards19 ( Tricia )
wow 5 days .. Its so bitter/sweet these kids are so ready to start after a long DEP.. but we are not ready
Apr 19, 2016
Edwards19 ( Tricia )
I don't think we are ever ready, but we have to be I suppose if we have too :)
Apr 21, 2016
Dixie
So very proud, but feel so sad, like part of me is missing. I know this is a good thing and will support him always but the selfish me wants him home!
Apr 21, 2016
Edwards19 ( Tricia )
Dixie exactly ..
Apr 21, 2016
Kenya (Lovingmyson)
Apr 21, 2016
DonnaCatLover
Apr 24, 2016
bluediamond
Apr 24, 2016
bluediamond
Apr 25, 2016
Apple Lisa
Apr 25, 2016
Apple Lisa
Apr 25, 2016
New2Navy
My son leaves exactly 2 weeks from today. I'm not feeling sad or anxious yet. I am ready for him to start this adventure. He has been without direction for two years since HS grad and he is a smart young man who needs to find his purpose, his passion and a way to use his brain! I'm hoping the Navy Nuke program will provide all that and more. So excited for him. But, all that being said I will still worry about him and not being able to text to talk will be tough. Can let the "worrying mind" get to me - especially during the middle of the night!
Apr 26, 2016
MomOf3 (Dena)
My future sailor daughter just got informed that she was being promoted to Lead Petty Officer of her DEP station. Does anybody know what that means???
May 4, 2016
lemonelephant
MomOf3, that is an honor and a lot of responsibility that will help her as she prepares for BC and will help her in BC and she may even be assigned a leadership position based on her experience in DEP. She will serve as a mentor to others in DEP and will help them as they prepare for BC.
May 5, 2016