Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

So happy, got my first letter from my SR!

Hello Retriever, Our son arrived Tuesday of this week. Praying blessings upon yours and each one in their TG, may they be strengthened to endure and push through all obstacles that  are placed before them, mentally, physically and spiritually.

Hip Hip Hooray!  Finally received my SR's form letter.  PIR date of 5/5/17.  Ship 3 div. 138.  Anyone else.  Soooo nice to have an address!

cjtizzy55, That is exciting! : )

 I have a question: If my son arrived in BC this past Tuesday, would he be in his first week? When do their weeks begin and end? 

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the blue candle tradition, check out Blue Candles.

Chja, there are links to that candle within Blue Candles.

Blessed, your recruit is still in P-days. Arrival and What Happens at the RTC will let you know what is happening and what to expect.

Just got a call from my SR!!  So good to hear his voice!!

Gmom, let your recruit know it arrived. Most say just to bring it to PIR, but some want it.

my son will have arrived at BC 2 weeks, this coming Tuesday. When may I expect a letter? thanks.

Retriever we received our form letter on day 11. I seem to recall some getting day 14 or even 15. It does seem to vary a bit but I'm guessing you will get it early next week. It was hard waiting for that form letter to come. All the best to you. 

I got my form letter on day 18.  The waiting was so hard!

Retriever, The Form Letter arrives an average of ten days after the recruit's arrival at the RTC. Some will have it 7 days after arrival (a few earlier than that, but not many) and most will have it by 14 days after arrival. It will tell you your recruit's address and PIR date and other important information. Keep it in a safe place.

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.

Note: If it has been at least 2 calendar weeks since your recruit arrived at the RTC and you do not have a form letter, then you can call the recruiter and get the address and mail letters to your recruit, but be sure to double-check the address against those at http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/contact_recruit.html or Ship/Division--How it Works.

Here are the current PIR groups:

PIR: March 24, 2017 TG 20 - 7 Divisions (101-104, 809, 810 & 920) 4 guests

PIR: March 31, 2017 TG 21 - 7 Divisions (105-110 & 921) 4 guests

PIR: April 7, 2017 TG 22 - 7 Divisions (111-116 & 922) 4 guests

PIR: April 14, 2017 TG 23 - 9 Divisions (117-124 & 923) 4 guests

PIR: April 21, 2017 TG 24 - 10 Divisions (125-132, 811 & 924) 4 guests

PIR: April 28, 2017 TG 25 - 5 Divisions (133-136 and 925) 4 guests

PIR: May 5, 2017 TG 26 - 9 Divisions (137-144 & 926) 4 guests (Keep checking and join when it is up.)

Click on the date of your recruit’s PIR and join the group to connect with others with loved ones training with your recruit.

I have a question. If I copy and paste pictures on a regular piece of paper that I print can I send that to boot camp with my sons  letter?  I was hoping to do a little collage for him. Thanks!

sjm4mom That is the best way to do it!  I send my son things on my letters like that all the time.  Saves space!!! 

Thanks Gijoesgirl! I just don't want to do anything that will get him in trouble. 

My husband has been moved to ship 4 due to a knee injury. Not sure what PIR group he will be with once he's been medically cleared...

Amazing how one day you are packing a bag for your trip this weekend and the next you are getting heartbreaking news that your reunion has been postponed at least another 30 days, maybe longer (if he needs surgery). We are both heartbroken.

sjm4mom You are welcome!  I totally understand you want things to help him not hinder him!!!

CrissySue I am so sorry ~ you both will be in my prayers for a quick recovery and reunion!!!

CrissySue, I'm sorry about his injury. Since he was to have had PIR next, week, he most likely will go on to the PFA and BST from the RCU and will not have a PIR.

sjm4mom, see the info in Letter Writing & Fun Stuff/Questionnaires to send to your Recruit.

Thank you Gijoesgirl

LemonElephant, yes. I have been told he will not get the ceremony. Thats okay - as long as I get to see him during that weekend.

he's already passed his PFA, all he had left was BS21.

CrissySue - I am so very sorry for your heartbreaking news.  I can't even get my brain around how devastating that would feel.  I'm sure some day you may tell your grandchildren and be able to smile or even laugh but it doesn't help you feel any better right now.

Thanks lemonelephant , great information

Sorry CrissySue, he will get through it. Keep your chin up!

CrissySue, My heart goes out to you and yours. Praying for a peace in the disappointment, may you keep your eyes to the future and know, God has a plan and purpose and it is for your and your husbands good. May your husband be encouraged as he sees your trust and faith in what is to come.  You will one day look back and see this was but a bump in the road and be glad you did not pull off and linger, but pressed on to what was to come. We are all pulling for you both.

Is anybody PIR 5/5?

CrissySue praying his knee heals fast and he can finish.  

UGAfan, my son is PIR 5/5 also. He is ship 06 DIV 140

Waiting on a real letter.  

I received the form letter yesterday and my son is PIR 5/12. he is ship 6 div 147 (chicago bulls division)

Here are the current PIR groups:

PIR: March 24, 2017 TG 20 - 7 Divisions (101-104, 809, 810 & 920) 4 guests

PIR: March 31, 2017 TG 21 - 7 Divisions (105-110 & 921) 4 guests

PIR: April 7, 2017 TG 22 - 7 Divisions (111-116 & 922) 4 guests

PIR: April 14, 2017 TG 23 - 9 Divisions (117-124 & 923) 4 guests

PIR: April 21, 2017 TG 24 - 10 Divisions (125-132, 811 & 924) 4 guests

PIR: April 28, 2017 TG 25 - 5 Divisions (133-136 and 925) 4 guests

PIR: May 5, 2017 TG 26 - 9 Divisions (137-144 & 926) 4 guests (Keep checking and join when it is up.)

PIR: May 12, 2017 TG 27 (Keep checking and join when it is up.)

Click on the date of your recruit’s PIR and join the group to connect with others with loved ones training with your recruit.

My son arrived at Boot Camp last night.  He texted me several times on the bus ride to Great Lakes.  I am a little concerned because he lost his glasses from the swearing in to arrival at Great Lakes.  I'm not sure if there is anything I can do.  I do have another pair but not sure where to send them since I will not have his information for a week or so.  Any suggestions.

gonnamissmykid, the vision exam is on P-3 or P-4 and glasses are received that day, so he would already have his BCG's by the time he would be able to get a package from you since he can't receive mail in P-days. Once you have The Form Letter, then you can write to him and ask if he wants his civilian glasses for his pics and send them to him. See Letter Writing & Fun Stuff/Questionnaires to send to your Recruit. The BCG's are not as ugly as they once were. See "BCG or BCG's" in What does ??? mean? (A Guide to Navy Abbreviations and Terminology).

Crusty - Your son appears to be following a path exactly two weeks behind my son. My son left for boot camp on February 27th we received his form letter on March 10th and he graduates April 28th his recruiter also had thought he would graduate a week earlier on April 21st so my guess based on that and your son's division number that his graduation will be May 12th and you'll likely be receiving his form letter in the next couple days. The not knowing is the hardest thing I think.

Cristy-I posted something identical to this post 2 weeks ago-lol: "How in the heck did my kid get into 900 Division with no music background?!" Turns out he is Div 921, which is Honor Guard. I have been told it is a great honor to be picked for honor guard. Does he have some kind of leadership background? My son said he was picked when they asked him his about his previous job. He was a cabin leader at a camp for special needs kids. I've been told they also choose based on high ASVAB scores, strong military bearing, etc. So it could be a number of things, but based on the Div number I would say he is in Honor guard (which is different from Stick/Flags, or band/AKA Triple Threat.) Someone correct me if I'm wrong. In other words, there are 3 groups within 900 Division. 1. Band 2. Sticks/Flags 3. Honor guard (rail guards, body snatchers, etc. There is information on this page about that. Also, you may get to see him at the 2 PIRs prior as they will perform for 3 graduations. Message me if you have ay other questions.

How do you know if they are in 900? Would their division number be in the 900's?

ScoutToNavyMom, yes the Division starts with a 9.

How do you find out what the DIV means; seeking info for 135.....anyone have a clue???

carleys_nana, your recruit is in a regular division. See the info in Ship/Division--How it Works.

Cristy, I believe that Division 927 is Ship Staff/Honor Guard, so no musical ability required. See the info in 800 and 900 Divisions and I left some more info on your My Page.

junebug, thanks for you great explanation.