Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

Keep checking PIR: January 26, 2018 TG 12 and join when it is up.

Thanks Phoenixmom! You ROCK! My recruit has only been away a week, I've received my Kid in the Box and Form Letter and it feels like its been several weeks since the departure! 

I'm so grateful for this site as I would be completely lost without all the support and information! Sometimes a bit overwhelming, but I LOVE IT!  

I've made a wonderful friend on this site whom I can't wait to meet at Sarge's dinner too! I hope I've made a friend for life! HUGS to all the ladies here! 

Thank You sambam32, that is what this site is all about, sometimes to much info can be overwhelming but it comes in Handy. and meeting Great people is always a Plus way to go too you! You will Love the meet and Greet, Sarge and his Wife are Amazing people, they put on a Great and fun Meet and Greet. Go Prepared and RSVP you will sit with your Div. that your Son/Daughter is in and meet all the people/families who have their Loved ones in same Div.  There will be a Vendor there also who will be selling shirts, Blankets, Flags and those I must say are awesome, got one with my Son's name, Div. and the ship he was on thru BC. I have it on his wall in his room. so take money/card.

Would love to hear if any " I'm a Sailor calls come in so please post and share. It is always a thrill to hear!

I know some families have hotel doors decorated for their new sailors when staying at Navy Lodge. Does anyone know if this happens at other surrounding hotels? 

Hi Cali, yes if you let the Hotel that you are staying at that you are there for PIR and your Son/Daughter is Graduating they do it for free or you may also decorate the door. Let me say that it is a special surprise for them.

Also I would Like to mention if you are undecided as to what to get your Sailor for a Gift many like the Coins. Div. coin, Ship Coin, Flag coin, they do sell them inside PIR along with other things. You may need to get to PIR early because they do have lines. also each div. Makes their own Flag so those shirts/sweatshirts are sold as well with the Div. coins. Coins run from 15-18 bucks. Not sure what the shirts are there we ordered and had ours made at the Meet and Greet. So just an FYI.

U.S. Navy Recruit Training Command If your recruit is staying in Great Lakes,you will not be able to pick them up until about mid-afternoon, after they have transferred across the street to the mainside and checked into their new barracks. Some may have to check into new barracks at RTC if they are going to be on hold so they too will take a few hours after grad to do this. Some may have watch duty so you'd have to come back as well. All others typically can leave with family right after the ceremony.

U.S. Navy Recruit Training Command - Home | Facebook

Challenge coin - Wikipedia

Thanks for the tips Phoenixmom!

Yup! Anytime.  Just want to make sure everyone has the up to date info. so whenever you go to PIR these will be the rules for ticket pick up and for those staying or not staying in Great Lakes. All sailors will be briefed beforehand so they themselves will know the drill. On the face book website it is a good thing to go on also they have up to date info on there.

oh and before I forget you may be able to get a glimpse of your son/daughter. they do have pics on there. also on the other sites also.

Are there any official RTC sites?

Yes, check out https://www.facebook.com/NavyRecruitTrainingCommand and http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/. They will have lots of information for you. https://www.facebook.com/NavalServiceTraining also has items at times.

https://www.facebook.com/ASBPGreatLakes has pics of some of the recruits who give blood while at the RTC. Those donations occur about 2 weeks (10 to 16 days depending on the division) before PIR.

the January TG will be the only TG eligible for Christmas Adopt-A-Sailor. You will receive a separate form in your packet that your recruit sends home to you. For more information about Adopt-A-Sailor please go to this link on the RTC FB Notes page:

2017 Christmas Adopt-A-Sailor program

 PIR: December 8, 2017 TG 05 -  5 Divisions (033-036 and 905) 4 guests  

      PIR: December 15, 2017 TG 06 - 8 Divisions (037-042 and 906, 907) 4 guests 

      NO PIR: December 22, 2017 & December 29, 2017

      PIR: January 5, 2018 TG 09 - 14 Divisions (043-054, 908 and 909)  4 guests

      PIR: January 12, 2018 TG 10 - 7 Divisions (055-060 and 910) 4 guests

      PIR: January 19, 2018 TG 11 - 12 Divisions (061-070, 805 and 911) 4 guests   

Keep checking PIR: January 26, 2018 TG 12 and join when it is up.

I'm here with you Sandi, you are not alone. there are going to be a lot of Emotions that will come, And to me the best thing is to let them out. And just know it is ok to cry and feel the way you do. whether he texts you or calls have your phone near tonight don't want you to miss the I'm here call, and it will go fast so get in I love you quick. You will be fine and know we are here for you.

He will be calling his fiance and then she will reach out to family;-)  i know my last i love you personally was today at the swear in.  If I get a txt i will be happy.  ;-)  thanks for info and being there.  Im so proud of him but already miss him so much.

Well Ladies it is time to say Good Night.

Wishing you all a restful evening, for those who's Son's/Daughter's have left to BC please know all will be fine. I understand the anxiety, worried and just the missing part can be exhausting and a little overwhelming let's just take it one day at a time try to stay focused and or Busy. No words I can say will make it any better but that is why we are here together and we are here for each other. Until tomorrow Ladies.

~Psalm 3:5 I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the LORD sustains me

Psalm 142:3, When I am overwhelmed, you alone know the way I should turn.

@Phoenixmom thank you for the kind words. My son has been at bc since Monday and I didn't think it would be so hard. I've been a mess since he's been gone. He knows how proud I am of him and I've been writing to him everyday. I haven't gotten his box or address yet but I'm waiting. I pray for him everyday. Hopefully these weeks go by quickly. For all you parent's who's son/daughter is currently or will be leaving to bc God Bless you and them. 

Good Morning Ladies Happy Friday! hope all is well.

CONGRATULATIONS to all the New Sailors today and to their Families as well. May you be safe and have an amazing time today at PIR. This experience will be one you never forget.

Welcome to all the New comers to the site we are Happy that you have joined. This site you will find much needed information and a ability to express any feelings/emotions that you may have. Everyone on this site are Amazing and Wonderful and are willing to share their experiences/Thoughts/Emotions/Knowledge and also a good way to find a friendship that may Last Forever.

Have a Great day everyone!

 PIR: December 8, 2017 TG 05 -  5 Divisions (033-036 and 905) 4 guests  

      PIR: December 15, 2017 TG 06 - 8 Divisions (037-042 and 906, 907) 4 guests 

      NO PIR: December 22, 2017 & December 29, 2017

      PIR: January 5, 2018 TG 09 - 14 Divisions (043-054, 908 and 909)  4 guests

      PIR: January 12, 2018 TG 10 - 7 Divisions (055-060 and 910) 4 guests

      PIR: January 19, 2018 TG 11 - 12 Divisions (061-070, 805 and 911) 4 guest

Keep checking PIR: January 26, 2018 TG 12 and join when it is up.

Those of you with kids heading for boot camp in January will want to read this:

Navy Sets New Physical Fitness Standard to Start Boot Camp

Beginning Jan. 1, Recruit Training Command (RTC), the Navy's only boot camp, will require recruits to pass an initial run standard before they may commence basic military training.

The initial run standard is evaluated on the 1.5 mile run of the first Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) at boot camp. The initial run standard for male recruits will be 16 minutes 10 seconds and 18 minutes seven seconds for female recruits.

If a recruit fails to meet the initial run standard, they will have one chance to retest within 48 hours. If they fail the retest, recruits will be discharged from the Navy with an entry level separation, which allows them to reapply at a later date with a waiver from Navy Recruiting Command

There are going to be a number of moms blindsided by this new physical fitness standard when their kids are discharged in the first week of boot camp.
Get a stopwatch and start them running daily. NOW.

Good morning, all ~ I've discovered that no matter how ready you think you are ... you're not ready.  My SR has been in DEP since February and we all thought we were prepared.  Well, he left Tuesday and mama is a hot mess!!  I'm scouring the internet and this site for day to day activities during P-days just to try and figure out what he might be doing right now!  I start crying just walking by his room.  It's tough, but he will make through strong, I just know it.  His dad and I cannot wait to see him in February at PIR along with all the other new sailors.  I think I need a massage.  And a drink.  Maybe at the same time.  Have a great day, all!!

The new fitness standard is going to blindside a lot of recruits as well.  My son was in DEP for 5 months and during that time I think he had PT maybe 3 times.  It kept getting cancelled for one reason or the other.  If he hadn't ran on his own a few times he would have been a mess.  I agree with this new policy.  So many recruits go all the way through boot camp and can't pass the final PFA and are sent to FIT.  They are being paid a salary and covered by insurance and away from their families all that time just to be sent home after all the training.  If they go to join again later, if allowed, then they have to do the training all over again.  Better to be prepared as much as possible before they go to boot camp. 

A lot of parents ask when they should take their SR off of their insurance.  This is a good example as to why you should wait until after boot camp in my opinion.  If they are sent home it is harder to have them added back on.  Most insurance companies have rules about adding and removing dependents and when that can happen.  However, they also have a process to request a special circumstances removal.  I work in education and have state insurance.  I had to fill out a form that explained why I waited to remove him for 2 months after he was covered by other insurance.  It was approved because of the explanation of waiting to make sure he wasn't discharged during boot camp. Just my experience. 

Proud Mamma you continue standing proud, I understand How difficult it can be when our Sons/Daughter leave us, but they are doing a Great thing. And these few weeks are going to be rough for them. They will be working Hard with Fit, Swimming and standing watch, they will be very tired (exhausted) and believe me they will be missing you as much we do them. Be strong for them start writing letters of encouragement because this is what they are going to be needing. Like polomom said no matter how ready we can prepare ourselves we really aren't and it goes the same for our Sons/Daughters. My son was in ROTC for 4 yrs. signed up his Jr. Year of course I had to sign the papers, he thought he has this no problem. well let me just say when he went to BC it was nothing like he thought. BC is Hard and they will break the weak. He started second Guessing himself why he did this, I had to stop it quick and told him to pray and I prayed with him over the phone, I had to let him know why he chose to do this and the purpose behind it. Let me tell you Ladies he thanked me every time. And told me by me praying over the phone with him helped him more because he needed that.  We all are proud of our Children and to take the Oath that they have is an Amazing feeling for us and for them. I am so Proud of every single one of them for having the Strength and Courage and Determination. Amen!

Polomom that massage and drink at the same time sure sounds good! Have a Great Day!

Momof2 completely understandable, I kept my son on my Insurance all the way thru. just this month was our renewal and this is the time I removed him. But I had to make sure that is what he wanted. He is in A school now so everything is set with him Insurance wise.

Proudmama and polomom, I am in the exact same boat, my son left Monday and I have been a mess as well.  On a constant search of the internet for what he is going through and praying that he is not miserable!  Just received his box, made me even more sad!  I just have to remind myself that no news is good news.

my son called his fiancé at 9:30 last night for his last call.  he had text me at 6:45 as soon as his plane landed in Chicago before he got off the plane, so that was nice to see so I did not have to wait for the phone call! of course I cried when I got the text and then all night long:-)  but I am proud, just miss him and its crazy he is so far away!  but he is strong, he will do amazing.  for the last 6 months while waiting to leave he worked out 4-5 days a week, 2 days with a personal trainer.   so physically he was prepared, its the mental portion you cannot prepare for.  but he will succeed.

Mashinka I am with you on that, My sons Recruiter was awesome, My son was already Physically fit being in the Wrestling team since 7th grade, but his Recruiter took his time and spent time with him working out every week my Son went into the Office and they tested him on push ups, sit ups everything that was required. Also he got my Son into a Community College and he practiced his swimming and was tested. But from what I have heard Previously that not all Recruiters are doing this. It really floored me and took me by surprise. The Recruiters office knowing what the standards are should be helping and training them. My sons Recruiter as a matter of speaking he has followed my son all the way thru A school where he is now in Great Lakes. My son was pretty fortunate to have had such a Good Recruiter.

Sandi I am glad you were able to hear from your son.

Kbpoohbear kudos to your Son! that is awesome!

I wanted to mention in waiting for your Letter or call a good thing to do is learn some Navy terms Language, it is fun and when you speak to you Son/Daughter and they hear you speak some words you will blow them away! I hade learned a few things so when my Son spoke to me and I came out with some of my words he Laughed and said Mom were did you learn all of that, I had to laugh and said well what kind of Mom would I be if I didn't know what you were talking about so I learned a few of my own. It is really hilarious!

Mashinka My son so did luck out and so grateful for that.

But it just saddens me that all Recruiting offices are not taking the time to do this.

Kbpoohbear I meant Kudos to your son's weight Loss, but frustrated at how they are being with your son, My Best wishes to your Son.

Ladies I will continue to post the New fitness standards because this is very important information for all. I know it doesn't seem fair they way it may sound but since I have been on this site there have been many changes to PIR and Now with this new standard. I just want everyone to be aware. Thank You,

the January TG will be the only TG eligible for Christmas Adopt-A-Sailor. You will receive a separate form in your packet that your recruit sends home to you. For more information about Adopt-A-Sailor please go to this link on the RTC FB Notes page:

2017 Christmas Adopt-A-Sailor program

Those of you with kids heading for boot camp in January will want to read this:

Navy Sets New Physical Fitness Standard to Start Boot Camp

Beginning Jan. 1, Recruit Training Command (RTC), the Navy's only boot camp, will require recruits to pass an initial run standard before they may commence basic military training.

The initial run standard is evaluated on the 1.5 mile run of the first Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) at boot camp. The initial run standard for male recruits will be 16 minutes 10 seconds and 18 minutes seven seconds for female recruits.

If a recruit fails to meet the initial run standard, they will have one chance to retest within 48 hours. If they fail the retest, recruits will be discharged from the Navy with an entry level separation, which allows them to reapply at a later date with a waiver from Navy Recruiting Command

Ladies I want to wish you all a Great Evening and a Fantastic weekend. Thank you all for posting today and sharing. I have the upmost Respect for you all, And just remember take it one day at a time!

May the calls and letters come your way!

@proudmama...I am with you, my son left Tuesday. I write everyday him everyday too. Seems to help to write. It’s not easy....stay strong.

@Phoenixmom thank you for all your kind words and verses. It helps through all the stress of this new experience.

@mkl7993 Thank you. I just received his box today. It was very hard for me to open. I'm staying strong and positive and praying everyday.

@Mashinka... Yes let's stay hopeful. I'll be waiting for that letter also now that I have received his box. Many prayers for our son's/daughter's. 

So those of us waiting for our form letters..the post office (USPS) lets you set up an account so you can see what mail is being delivered daily. I set it up so on the days I’m at work I can see what’s coming before it’s in my mailbox. It’s a picture of your mail. It’s kinda neat. 

PIR January 26 is up and running.

Here is the direct link:

PIR January 26, 2018 TG 12- 12 Divisions, 071 - 080, 806 and 912. E...

KPoohbear- my son was on the border with his weight  even on the day at MEPS. Thanksgiving and his going away party he had to holdback. I felt bad. But on the final day he was below by 3 pounds. Whew. We were all concerned!! They have to do it on their terms. As parent we can tell them a million times though!!!