Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

13283 members

To everyone with a loved one at RTC or soon to be there, we say, "Welcome!" To those who are sticking around after PIR to help those who are just beginning this awesome journey, we say, "Thank you!"

**BEGINNING OCTOBER 5, 2023, RECRUIT GRADUATIONS WILL BE CONDUCTED EVERY THURSDAY (NO LONGER ON FRIDAY), EXCEPT FOR THE WEEK OF THANKSGIVING, WHEN GRADUATION IS ON WEDNESDAY.

This is a place to talk, ask questions, and share stories. It is our desire that this Group will provide the information, encouragement, and support you need while your loved one is at RTC in Great Lakes. Enjoy your time here and feel free to Comment and join in the Discussions. Be sure to check out the "Pages" to the right, located under the pictures of the Members, especially OPSEC and PERSEC (Making Changes to Your Profile), (Click "View All" to see all of them.)

Please, if you no longer want to be a part of N4M's consider NOT deleting your profile as everything you have ever posted will disappear when you delete it . You can leave a group but don't permanently delete your profile!

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AnchorsAweigh!

@Nikmukemom and SCsunshine777, hahaha brilliant, love it! We are going to be soo surprised at what they will be doing when they hopefully come home, for Christmas.

Jul 29, 2017
AnchorsAweigh!

@3B'smom, thank you for telling me that. I hope your son calls you again soon. I know no news is good news..

Jul 29, 2017
tutorlady

@AnchorsAweigh, Nikenukemom and SCSunshine 777 - After PIR my sailor was very excited that I had brought a lint roller. It was explained to me that lint rollers help to get the last bit of dust up off of the floor. (This from the kids who never felt that their bedroom "needed" to be vacuumed). BTW, I tried it - and it really works!!! Have a good day. God bless your sailors; and, God bless America!

Jul 30, 2017
SCSunshine777

@tutorlady Yes my daughter always hunted my lint roller at home as she was in the Marine ROTC in h.s. I still haven't gotten a letter from her. She would be interested in knowing that her boyfriend that is supposed to leave for the Marines on Aug 21st...recruiter called him and may want him to leave earlier. There is a solar eclipse supposed to be then and the schools are even out here for that day. Don't know if them changing his day has anything to do with it. Had to tell her old sister today who was going to graduation that her name is not on the list, (but their youngest sister is.) She was disappointed. Asking that she doesn't even get to see her at all. I told her no she can't go to graduation and my husband is not on the list either. This is really stressful for people to have to choose between loved ones on a limited list and to not be included because of that is really upsetting to family members. My daughter has listed my ex husband (her dad) and not her stepdad who raised her.I told my oldest daughter that she should be able to see her if she has liberty, but my daughter's A school is at Great Lakes and I saw where processing someone said could take 5 hours. So, All of us would be inputting vacation days from work (not sure how much time we would have with her) due to we would be traveling from SC so we could see her graduate.

Jul 30, 2017
librarianmom

@SCSunshine...they live stream the graduation at hotels and everyone can see them after. My other two sons are doing that. We are taking my sons girlfriend to ceremony.

Jul 30, 2017
Rumace

My son went to Great Lakes on July 10th. We got a first letter from him (not form letter) July 27th, postmarked the 24th. He called Saturday, the 29th at 3:00 p.m. and talked to us for about 25 minutes.

Jul 30, 2017
Rumace

Almost forgot, he had one wisdom tooth removed. Our family dentist had said he thought they were coming in straight. My son said it wasn't bad. He wasn't knocked out but was given some pain killers and rested for two days.

Jul 30, 2017
Soccer Mom

Good news for the THU conversation. My son whose PIR was on July 21st had his medical signed on Thursday has his orders and is headed to Goose Creek on Tuesday. He is ready to go!

Jul 30, 2017
Lesliepartyof6

Soccer mom : I live about 15 minutes from Goose creek:) congratulations!

Jul 30, 2017
SCSunshine777

Congratulations Soccermom

Jul 30, 2017
Proud Navy Mom 2017

Can someone tell me what the Challenge Coin is?

Jul 30, 2017
NickSydmom

Soccer mom that is so exciting. Congrats

Jul 30, 2017
TessaNator⚓️

ProudNavyMom: This 3D coin was exclusively made for PIRGifts under a license agreement with a major coin manufacturer/mint.
The design was developed by a very knowledgeable member of the U.S. Navy who knowledge on all facets of the Navy and Navy life is truly remarkable.
This is a great gift for those that have made the transition from civilian life to becoming a sailor in the world's greatest Navy..... Hooyah.... Go Navy!!!!....
This coin is 1-3/4 inch.
As shown, there are two coins. This is just to display the front and back of coin
Each coin is $21.95
Free Shipping within the United States.

copy this link and scroll down. you can buy on amazon.

http://www.navydep.com/forums/showthread.php?t=433

Jul 30, 2017
TessaNator⚓️

challenge coin only $1.27:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Commemorative-Coin-U-S-Navy-Honor-C...

Jul 30, 2017
raising3247

SCSunshine777 - If your daughter is going to A school in Great Lakes then even though it will take her awhile to process over to the other base on Friday she will get Saturday and Sunday liberty and you will be able to spend those days with her. I hope this helps with planning your trip. You are so right about it being hard to pick who gets to come to the graduation and who doesn't. I have heard that most of the hotels around there show a live feed of the graduation so the family members who can't see it in person can watch it on there. You can also watch it online.

Jul 30, 2017
SCSunshine777

@raising3247 doesn't she have to report back to the base at a certain time at night and also be picked up in the morning at the base somewhere? Can my husband go with me to pick her up or drop her off if he is not on the PIR list for liberty? I don't like driving in this city traffic. What do I do after she graduates? Do I leave base and wait on her to call to say she can be picked up? I saw somewhere they can't have their cell phone. I remember my stepson got his when we went there in 2012, but he was going to CA after graduation. I don't remember if it was just while he was with us he had his phone or if he took it with him after the ceremony, so he could call.

Jul 30, 2017
NickSydmom

I read somewhere, each division designs its own flag and a coin is made with that design. Is that true?

Jul 30, 2017
Marchella

I keep seeing people post about these challenge coins can you tell
Me a little about them?

Jul 30, 2017
BoyMom4

@TessaNator .... PLEASE be careful when ordering from Ali Express.... they have been known for credit card fraud and they are not located within US. Just don't want you to fall victim to identify theft this close to PIR!!

Jul 30, 2017
Jocelynn

I got my first call too,yesterday. He's having it rough but he's hanging in there. Not only did they pull his wisdom teeth also, but he said his ankle swelled up when they first got there and then he had a sore throat relapse ( he had been sick before he even got there). My heart broke for him. But, he said things were starting to get better. I gave him the best words of encouragement I could and I think he's going to be O.K. So emotional !!!

Jul 30, 2017
Proud Navy Mom 2017

TessaNator- Thank you for the info about the coin! I've also been watching videos on YouTube about boot camp. Moms that haven't done so, should! Very informative and you can kind of see what your recruit is doing! Just type in "Navy Boot Camp" and there are 3 different videos starting from O'Hare all the way though graduation.

Jul 31, 2017
TessaNator⚓️

Boymom4: thx, I've placed over 500 orders from aliexpress, no fraud issues yet in 6 yrs (knock on wood).
ProudNavyMom: I have been watching videos on different sites, very helpful. You tube has some good ones too. But, navy websites the best! Helps me know what is making or boys into men in 8 weeks...and or girls into strong capable women.

I do get tears in my eyes every couple days....you spend 18-20 years nurturing, teaching, loving your kids....then when they join military....boom....gone!
So as a newly empty nester....I just picked out a puppy! Pics to follow

Jul 31, 2017
raising3247

SC - Yes she has to report back to the base at night. Your husband can go with you to pick her up and drop her off. She will call you and tell you when to pick her up at the gate. She can have her cell phone on Friday night when you take her back to the base.

Jul 31, 2017
Momof4gkids

So you picked your sailor up Saturday and Sunday. Were you able to spend anytime with them Friday once they were checked into A school or not? My daughter will be staying in Great Lakes also

Jul 31, 2017
Anti M

They should have a few hours on Friday, late afternoon/evening. Enough to go to the mall or for a meal, maybe enough time to relax and take a shower all by themselves in the hotel room.

Jul 31, 2017
SCSunshine777

I was wondering since they said somewhere there is a delay when the recruits get mail from us...is there a time that we should stop writing since they won't be at bootcamp and transferring over to A school there? Or will they forward any mail that comes in to them at bootcamp to the A school until we get that address?

Jul 31, 2017
SCSunshine777

I would think it would forward. I just wouldn't want anything to get lost if other friends and family were writing also to the bootcamp address.

Jul 31, 2017
ellen0502

Don't forget to join your recruits PIR group. There is lots of info for you there about training, PIR, hotels, etc.

Here are the current PIR groups:

PIR: July 28, 2017 TG 38 - 9 Divisions (227-234 & 938) 4 guests

PIR: August 4, 2017 TG 39 - 11 Divisions (235-244 & 939) 4 guests

PIR: August 11, 2017 TG 40 - 8 Divisions (245-250, 818 & 940) 4 guests

PIR: August 18, 2017 TG 41 - 7 Divisions (251-256 & 941) 4 guests

PIR: August 25, 2017 TG 42 - 9 Divisions (257-264 & 942) 4 guests

PIR: September 1, 2017 TG 43 - 13 Divisions (265-276 & 943) 3 guests (This is Labor Day Weekend. If your recruit will be staying in GL for “A” School or training, s/he will also have Liberty on Monday. The holiday weekend will not affect those flying out.)

PIR: September 8, 2017 TG 44 - 14 Divisions (277-286, 819-821 & 944) 3 guests

PIR: September 15, 2017 TG 45

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

Jul 31, 2017
raising3247

My husband says they will forward mail but there's no telling how long it would take to get to them. I plan on my last letter being about a week before graduation.

Jul 31, 2017
AZ2OH2IL2UT

SCSunshine777 I stopped sending letters to my kiddo in BC ONE WEEK before PIR. Mail is NOT always forwarded. My son never received the last letter I sent him.

Jul 31, 2017
lemonelephant

Here are the current PIR groups:

PIR: August 4, 2017 TG 39 - 11 Divisions (235-244 & 939) 4 guests

PIR: August 11, 2017 TG 40 - 8 Divisions (245-250, 818 & 940) 4 guests

PIR: August 18, 2017 TG 41 - 7 Divisions (251-256 & 941) 4 guests

PIR: August 25, 2017 TG 42 - 9 Divisions (257-264 & 942) 4 guests

PIR: September 1, 2017 TG 43 - 13 Divisions (265-276 & 943) 3 guests (This is Labor Day Weekend. If your recruit will be staying in GL for “A” School or training, s/he will also have Liberty on Monday. The holiday weekend will not affect those flying out.)

PIR: September 8, 2017 TG 44 - 14 Divisions (277-286, 819-821 & 944) 3 guests

PIR: September 15, 2017 TG 45 - 11 Divisions (287-296 & 945) 4 guests

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

Jul 31, 2017
lemonelephant

Nicknukemom, yes, each division designs its own flag and that design is put on T-shirts. You may be able to buy them PIR weekend or you can order them beginning the Monday after PIR at http://design.americanoutfittersltd.com/MWR/Products.

There are coins for each of the ships, not the divisions. There are two versions. One version can be purchased PIR weekend at the RTC and the other is available through pirgifts.

Jul 31, 2017
NickSydmom

Thanks lemonelephant

Jul 31, 2017
NickSydmom

If they are in a push division, how long does it take to catch up with the other divisions?

Jul 31, 2017
Proud Parent of 3 Sailors

My son was a push division last year they ended 1 week earlier. So they have their battle stations and call you as you are heading to the airport.

Jul 31, 2017
ellen0502

NickNukemom, I am not sure you can really say a PUSH division really catches up with the other divisions on training. they all are two or three days off from each other. They just have the six weeks of training crammed into less time.

Day by day schedule probably not followed exactly, but main training per week mostly is (with added). Battle Stations may even fall on week 6 day three or four instead of week 6 day 5.

No worries it all gets done.

Aug 1, 2017
acb2

What is the website for Facebook pics of recruits in boot camp?

Aug 1, 2017
ellen0502

Here is the link to the RTC FB page for random photos.

RTC FaceBook

Aug 1, 2017
NukeMomInTexas

I see several people mentioning a phone call (besides the 30 second "I arrived" call you get the night they get there) I was told we wouldn't be getting any phone calls, only letters thru graduation.

Aug 1, 2017
SCSunshine777

On the "I've arrived" call my daughter said I'd get a call in 3 weeks and a letter in 2 weeks. I have seen several others on here getting calls too. I have not gotten a letter or a call, but Monday would have been exactly 2 weeks since age left. I don't know how soon everyone else has been getting their calls and letters.

Aug 1, 2017
Phoenixmom

I believe it just depends, my son called me the second week on a sat. then I started receiving letters so far only one call and three letters. but continue to write, that is if you have an address and sometimes the Recruiter can give you that if they have the correct information that is. or when you receive the formal letter with their accurate address. I'm sure ladies the call will surely come soon!

Aug 1, 2017
Miigwanikwe

They are able to call around week 3. Then 2 weeks after that. My SR told me they were allowed 3 phone calls

Aug 1, 2017
raising3247

I didn't get a phone call until week 4. They can lose their phone calls because of any number of things. Also depending on their RDC they can earn phone calls too. My suggestion is keep your phone on you at all times. I got my phone call whole I was at the farmers mkt on Saturday. I've heard some parents missing their call because they were in the shower and didn't take their phone into the bathroom.

Aug 1, 2017
NickSydmom

I got my call 3 1/2 weeks.

Aug 1, 2017
paigec

A few weeks ago someone suggested sending an index card to our SR for them to fill out an give to us on PIR day. About their travel plans and such. Considering they may not be able to mail us the info in time. Could someone refresh my memory on that??

Aug 1, 2017
SailorMomfromNE

this was a Facebook post recently about that:

JUST BECAUSE SAILORS ARE GOING TO THE SAME A-SCHOOL DOES NOT MEAN THEY WILL BE ON THE SAME FLIGHT.
Does your Sailor fly out for A-school?

Every week we have at least one member post that their new Sailor "forgot" which airport they leave from so PLEASE make sure, if your new Sailor flies out to A school, they know which airport they leave from, Midway or O'Hare, before you leave RTC after liberty has been called. Also, all those going to the same place will not always leave from the same airport and perhaps not even on the same day so asking others "which airport do Pensacola Sailors leave from" in the group won't help.
FLIGHT CARD FOR RECRUITS LEAVING FOR "A" SCHOOL
Mail this on an index card to your recruit and take a copy with you if they are flying out to another base on PIR weekend. Once they get their itinerary after the completion of Battle Stations, they should fill it out and then give it to you after PIR ceremony. They won't have this info in time to mail it back to you; they receive it in their hard copy of orders and itinerary the week of graduation. They will go back to their ship and rack to check out and this is when they should grab this card - so remind them! This will ensure you end up at the right airport, terminal, airline and gate.

Airport________________________________
Airline_________________________________
Gate Number_________________________
Flight Number _______________________
Flight time_________________________
Layover_______________________________
Arrival time___________________________

Aug 1, 2017
Lesliepartyof6

I received my "im still alive" call on sat july 29th at about 6pm eastern time. He arrived in great lakes Tuesday July 11th.(19 days in)

Aug 1, 2017
paigec

YAY!! That's it!!! Thanks!!

Aug 1, 2017
Eidlhe

I got my phone call today. I'm not sure if it was because it's week 3 or because I had to have RC notify him of a death in the family. So happy to hear from him. He has a nasty cold. Said that he has sent two letters so far. We have not received them, nor has he received the ones that we sent.

Aug 1, 2017
Eidlhe

NukeMomInTexas - we were told in our 30 second call that they might get to call home in week 3 of BC.

Aug 1, 2017