Boot Camp Girlfriends

my bf is in bootcamp he left october 26th :( i cried 24 hours straight it was so upsetting i just cant wait to see him i miss him so much but i am glad i have supportive friends and family i just want to hear his voice but i cnt hope he calls in a few weeks i miss him like crazy what should i do

hisgirl2010-we all know what you feel like!! my bf just left for his 1st duty station after having leave for like 2 weeks. that time was amazing! but having to let him go was sooooooo hard. it never gets easier...but we get stronger. as i have herd from many before me! i am really sorry! you will get to hear his voice soon! and once you get letters from him and start writing him you will feel better! i too cried and cried both times he has had to go..... we are here for you!!!

jesspoo05- thanks i mean i know i will hear his voice but i just want to see him u have the ups and downs and i just sent my letter like 2 days ago and i just cant wait i really hope i get one next week i am very anxious cause i heard tht he has 5 hours free time every sunday so i am excited to hear from him and i wont get to hear his voice for like 2 more weeks

Hi I'm new to N4M . My boyfriend leaves for BC Tuesday 11/9.. last chance to see him will be 11/8 for MEPS. Anyone help me out with any advice for when he does leave? We have been talking a lot staying up late sitting on the couch going through all of his Navy stuff so I know and understand what he is going into. I've done a lot of learning about the Navy as well but am still nervous about him leaving. Also, Anyone else's other half leaving nov 9th?! And... anyone know if they can take a watch with them and keep it while in Boot camp?!

ns<3js, you usually don't. the recruiter will pick him up and take him to a hotel for the night, and in the morning he goes straight to meps then straight on a plane.

NS<3 JS: My bfs recruiter took him to the hotel the night prior to him leaving. His mom and I were able to go to the hotel (about 40min away) about 2 hours later. We had dinner and talked and stuff until it was time for him to get some sleep (they were woken up at 3 am for some physical exam type stuff). Just ask the recruiter when he gets dropped off at the recruiting station. Then we went to MEPS and saw him the next morning... we got there around 0930 and he left around 1300 to go to the airport.

NS<3 JS the best advice I have for you, be positive and supportive. Time flies by. Be patient. Keep busy. Learn as much as you can. Write like crazy. And always, always be positive and supportive of him. My boyfriend graduated friday and it was amazing. Now I wait to see him again in Dec. for Christmas, but I know what he's doing is amazing even though I miss him like crazy. And I'm always here to talk if you need it :)

hisgirl2010- My boy also left on October 26th. He came to school (I'm still in high school) to say goodbye to me that morning. I was a wreck after he left, I couldn't even make it through school. Some friends and I skipped the rest of the day and just had a cry day, comforting each other. Supportive friends and family are the best! My friends distract me and keep me happy, and when I need to cry, they're always there for me. I don't know what I'd do without them. But hey, they graduate in 6 weeks! I'm going to his graduation :)

Thanks everyone for the advice and support!! Of course we both cried when it came to saying goodbye but we just kept reassuring each other it won't be long until we get the letters and all of this will be worth it. I am so proud of him for doing this. Last night I did get a chance to go hang out at the hotel with him but curfew was 10pm so I left and drove home after that. Got home and fell asleep after talking on the phone with friends for a while... but woke up every 30 mins-an hour. I tried to assure him that I would be okay and not to worry about me and to focus on getting through boot camp. So good luck to him & thanks everyone!

you will be okay! promise! :) it'll get easier to cope with and get used to :)

Hello! My bf left for bootcamp 11/03. As you all know it was a very hard day. Anyone else have someone leave this day?

Hey.. My boyfriend left on 11/3 also... we haven't gotten his letter yet so not sure his Ship/division.

Thanks Libby!!! That's SOO exciting!! CONGRATS to you both!!! My Boyfriend has only been gone a week, and i swear it's been the longest week ever! I thought I was WAY more independent that this! haha Did your Boyfriend get to leave right after graduation since he has A-school at GL? I hope you have a BLAST with him.. enjoy Chicago- it's the best city ever! :)

My boyfriend left for boot-camp on November 9th and times been going by really slow. I got his address from his recruiter a couple days ago and I was wondering how long will it take for him to get the letters I sent? Do they usually hold off on giving the recuits their letters? Also, when will I find out the day he is graduating?

It usually takes at least two but usually three weeks for them to be given any mail. You will recieve your first letter likely before he has opened any of the letters you have written. They get their letters within the first week. Expect that to come during week two but possibly a LITTLE later. You'll find out PIR date in the letter. my guess is 1/7 or 1/14 just like me!

Thanks! I can't wait to get the first letter from him :) I was thinking it will January 14th too!

Thank you! I can't wait to see him graduate, it will be amazing! I've been writing him everyday :) Aw thats sad how the RDC's would give out the letters :/

That's just some RDC's. My ex said his were actually really really cool. But the thing of it is they break them down before the build them up. So they will most likely lighted up ALOT. Yes, your letters will overlap, but they DO answer questions and such..sometimes questionaires are you best bet, because they're already written, it cuts down on time...they don't have all of sunday to write, Sunday is Holiday Routine is what they call it, it's down time, but it's only a few hours. Questionaires are like Q:is the food good, circle yes or no. Or put a scale of like 1-5 on it or something. you CAN send photos, put them on a word document and make a collage of them, on computer paper, saves them the precious space they need to save. Keep them G. Seriously, not even PG. The RDC's have rights to look at them if they wish to! Anything vulgar, or inappropriate in the slightest can get them in trouble. NO signing cards, and stay away from sparkley things. if you do put perfume on it..put it on LIGHTLY. RDC'S smell it, they can get in trouble. Don't decorate the envelopes either. You'll get your first letter about 2 weeks from when they left. The first week is called PDAYS. Processing days. Getting settled ETC. But when you get the mailing address from the recruiter, watch out, sometimes it is wrong, because they're putting them in Divisions and Ships, and things change. So mail to the one you have, they will eventually get to him, it will take longer. It may be the right address, but in my ex's PIR group, multiple ladies were given the wrong address. But they will write you, then write to the address the mailed from. You, or his family will get his box of clothes and a form letter, DO NOT LOSE THE FORM LETTER, I STRESS THIS GREATLY. THIS IS YOUR LIFELINE TO GRADUATION. DO NOT LOSE IT. you'll go to bootcamp.navy.mil/ and go to families > upcoming graduations then 11 days before your sailor graduates you will be able to use information on that wonderful FORM LETTERRRRR(DONNTTT LOOOSEEEE ITTTT) to print your parking passes. Print a few. Make sure, if you drive, clean out your car before you go, they can check your car if they please. Eaterys are in Waukeegan,(right by GL) The Red Carpet Inn, is right next to base. Ramada is really close as well. Signs will lead you to PIR. Be there at 6:30. 4 people are alotted to attend PIR, kids 12 and under do not count towards that number. If you have extras, you may bring them, dont bring more than like..2. Make sure EVERYONE has proper ID's, state issued. Or Birth Certificates for kids. Ladies, don't wear dresses..unless they're on the longer side. This is a dressy event, i'm not talking ball gowns here. I'm talking comfortable, and classy. A nice pair of jeans and nice top and flats would do. Don't wear anything uncomfortable for shoes, you WILL regret it. that base is HUGE. And Chances are, you'll go do something that day. Gurnee Mills mall in Gurnee(close to GL) is really really nice. Volo Car museum is REALLY cool. Lincoln Park Zoo is free for everyone. The Shedd Aquarium is pricey, definitely an all day thing. Pack warm, you dec/january ladies...it's COLD in GL. Especially by the lakes. Don't smoke around your sailors, AT ALL. They cannot go back to base smelling like smoke. Uhmm..if you have any questions about GL, or anything like that, I live not far from there, and i'm up there alot. Feel Free to message me on here, or email me. uhmnicolelee@gmail.com Let me know who you are :)

I like the idea of sending him a questionare. I think i'll write one today for him. Thanks for letting me know about the perfume because I was planning on spraying some on, but now I know to put it on lightly. His recruiter gave me his address two or three days after he left, hopefully it's the right one! Thanks for the information about graduation. I can't wait to see him graduate :)

It will be awesome:) You'll love it!

Just got my First Boot Camp Phone Call!!!! :)

If phone calls come, do they usually come on the weekend? Early in the morning or late at night or what? Congrats Darah! That's so awesome, i'm jealous haha.

My phone call was on a Sunday around 1:30.... and only because his division was doing really well! i hope you get a call soon... it was the best feeling in the world! :)

New to the site! & new to this whole Navy life. I am a Navy girlfriend, boyfriend leaving for boot camp Jan 10th, 2011. Wanting to meet friends. Especially ones with guys leaving after the first of the year! .

My boyfriend is already through boot camp, but I thought I could give you ladies a little more info that I wish I'd known ahead of time. Graduation was amazing! I definitely recommend attending, but remember, there are strict rules for your sailor. Like you're not allowed any public displays of affection (they give you a little space right after the ceremony for hugs and stuff). Wehen you're out in public and he's in uniform, you can't even hold hands. You can hold his elbow like you're at prom, and that's about it. Haha. I forgot once and was holding Bret's hand on the pier, and we got reprimanded by a sailor out of uniform, so there really are people watching.

Hi ladies, If any of you are interested in joining my military spouse support group Trading Pearls for Dogtags (gfs, wives, fiancees) feel free to check it out. I started it after my Fiancee graduated in June and I can honestly say I have developed wonderful relationships with many of the girls. Check out the website and if your interested in becoming a member, just follow the instructions on the home tab! I appreciate the support! Have a wonderful day ladies. pearlsfordogtags.webs.com

two words to bypass to PDA... hotel room =] And it's kinda cute to walk around on the arm of your sailor especially in uniform <3

Definitely a good point about the hotel room :) and it does make you feel pretty special, like cinderella or someone, to hold his arm while he looks so perfect in his uniform. :) oh, and one other thing I didn't think of until it was too late: don't sit too high up in the bleachers at graduation. We sat in the very top row, and it took forever to find him in the sea of people because they release them for liberty all at once, so if you can help it, pick a front row seat! Haha

I want to start planning the trip for my boyfriend's graduation but I need some help. Which hotel would you recommend to stay at? I've heard good things about Springhill Suites, Homewood Suites & The Navy Lodge. How will I know how long I should book the hotel for, if I don't know if my boyfriend is a grad and go or not?

bret's girl- Yeah I heard that you can literally run down to the floor to find them! I plan on getting there extremely early so I can see him ASAP after they announce liberty!

PIR dates everyone??

my boyfriend PIR's 1/14

Hey Ladies! I've already been through boot camp graduation(my boyfriend, now ex/almost boyfriend again) if you have any questions whatsoever, you can either add me and message me, or ask on here and i'll try to check back in:)

I guess some helpful things are:

Hotels - Red Carpet, Ramada in Waukeegan, Navy Lodge and Springhill - all wonderful and close by. Book soon, they fill FAST.

Transportation - There are shuttles to and from base from MOST hotels, be sure to check with the hotel first. Get there around 6:30. If you get there earlier, they will NOT let you line up. Truthfully, the walk isn't bad from the parking garage. Dress warm, it's VERY cold. Wear comfy shoes. I don't suggest dresses(they aren't easy to run in.) Wear something comfortable and classy.

Things to do - Lincoln Park Zoo has WONDERFUL winter displays and lights, free admission to all. Volo Car Museum, VERY neat, good price. Museum of Science and Industry is an all day thing. Gurnee Mills mall is HUGE, very nice, has a movie theater, ice skating rink and arcade along with 38947389 stores. And a Rainforest Cafe.

PDA - Basically, quick kisses are okay. Brief hugs, okay. ONLY latch his LEFT shoulder, right has to be open to salute. No extensive lovey dovey anything. He WILL get in trouble. Remind him (sometimes they forget) When they step inside, remove their cover(hats) and when they go outside, put it on.

Liberty - They will say "Now hear this..Now hear this...LIBERTY CALL" Que - YOU RUNNNNNN TO YOUR MAN. I cannot stress enough, GET HIM BACK ON TIME. By on time, that means start taking him back 30 minutes before he has to be back, you do NOT want him being late, he will get in ALOT of trouble, and may lose liberty for the whole weekend.

Grad N' Go - Some Sailors are Grad N' Go. This means they leave at some point to thier A school at some point during the weekend. Some have A school in Great Lakes, how this works is they will see you at Liberty call, then you will leave him and go do something, grab a bite to eat or something. Then he will call you 4/5 hours later to come back and get him because he's moved into A school. In this case, NOT ALWAYS, BUT SOMETIMES, he will NOT know until his graduation day that he MAY get overnight with you. Yes, that means he gets to stay all night with you. However, he HAS to be back when they tell him he does. He won't get this if he has duty or watch for some reason.
Grad N' Go to somewhere else, if they leave Friday you will get a few hours with them, and take them to the airport, and if you ask, alot of times they let you sit at the gate until he flys out. If he leaves on Saturday, you may get him overnight, there is no FOR SURE. You will get him Friday, and Saturday until he has to leave, Same for Sunday.

**I HIGHLY SUGGEST BOOKING A HOTEL FOR FRIDAY-SUNDAY AT LEAST.**

Any other questions, feel free to ask.

Well, It depends, sometimes they will bus him to the airport and you meet him (BEST BET TO LET THEM BUS HIM SO HE ISNT LATE FOR ANY REASON) then follow and meet him there. You will most likely get him right after Liberty Call until 7 30 pm ish. Then he will probably have to go back and get packed. (It could be different, each situation and RDC is different) PDA is basically everywhere. Don't have excessive PDA going on in public. Later farther into his career holding hands/kissing isn't as big of a deal. Long 1st kisses and last kisses/hugs before they leave ARE acceptable. But otherwise, I highly suggest not to. Kisses here and there is fine though. Short ones.

This means not even hand holding. My sailor and I were walking along a pier, and for the first time all weekend (this was sunday) I forgot, and we were holding hands, and he got yelled at! By a guy who wasn't in uniform! So it is serious, no matter where you are, not even hand holding. You are allowed to formally hold his left (as nicole said; to keep his right free for saluting) elbow like at prom. My bf kept saying, no one cares and its not big deal, but I wouldn't listen. And then I forget and we get yelled at! Lol sheesh. Its alot of rules, but graduation is an amazing experience!

Well, not everywhere! Thank goodness for hotel rooms! Bret was so excited to see a tv and listen to music, it was like watching a little kid on Christmas! Two weeks, huh? That'll fly by. Remember to sit low on the bleachers if you can. I sat at the top and it took forever to find Bret in the sea of people! And remember you can't take pics outside of the drill hall while you're on base-theyll confiscate your camera-so make sure and take some right away. We didn't get many of bret in his dress uniform because by the time we got him later in the day, he was wearing a different one (NSU's) and he refused to put it back on! :)

You can kiss him in the car etc. However, yes, people not in uniform...they're DEFINITELY watching, and they don't look like it. But they are. Don't doubt it for a second. You can take him either back to the hotel, or in the car. You can give long kisses in public when you first see him and right after. If you really want good pictures, take them against a wall at the drill hall. You can take pictures when you're out and about though too. Just enjoy your time.

Illinibeam - I noticed you live in Champaign, you're about 20/25 minutes from me. Lol.

12/22 PIR :))
Can't wait!

my boyfriends PIR is on 1/14.... i checked the prices for airline tickets and found out that it's better to fly into milwauke airport instead of o'hare airport. how far away is milwauke airport ? would you recommend flying into there instead ? are there any recommendations for hotels?

Milwaukee isn't too far actually, a few people from my EX'S PIR flew into there and bussed down..but you'd have to either rent a car, or get a bus lined up. GIVE YOURSELF EXTRA TIME. Weather isn't too great around GL Right now. Bad roads, so I'd go a day early..to be honest. or 2 days if you feel safer like that.
Ramada is close and good.(In Waukeegan, 5 min from base) Springhill Suites, Red Carpet Inn, Navy Lodge, ALL WONDERFUL hotels.

thanks for the information nicole :) i decided that i'm going to fly into o'hare airport instead because its closer to and i'm not sure how the weather will be when i'm there.... i just made reservations to the residence inn ! :) now i just need to rent a car & buy the plane tickets !

Ohare is a VERY busy airport, I will let you know what. I am about 3 hours from Great Lakes and just flew through Ohare a week ago today actually. It's busy, and BIG. Try and rent a reliable car good in snow/ice, because we've got snow here. alot of it. Dress warm!

thanks for the advice ! (: i can't wait to watch my boyfriend graduate lol !

It's absolutely amazing. Trust me though. YOU WILL GET IMPATIENT. They talk FOR EVER.

lol ! its really exciting to look forward to, but i found out that my boyfriend is most likely going to be a grad n go :/

that's not always a bad thing though. if he flys out saturday, you may have him overnight. or if he's at a school in great lakes, you may have him overnight.

do you know where his a school is?

i hope so ! and hes going to a school in san antonio texas

I'm in Colona. Not far from there. Probably 45 min. I thought your thing said Champaign. Lol.

San Antonio, how that worked with my ex's pir, a buncha people went there and they left..Saturday I think.. most of them got overnights. He won't know until graduation day though,