Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

I am still waiting for my daughters form letter too, she called me today which was a total surprise she has only been at BC for ten days. She said for security clearance for her job she needed to get the full name including middle name, address and phone number of someone that is not a family member and that she's known for more that 7 years and needed right then and there. I was on the spot so I started rifling through my phone contacts trying to find a family friend that I knew or had all their information. She couldn't tell me how she was doing, I asked her and she got quiet, I said can you not say and she said no she could not. She sounded a little down and almost like she was getting choked up a little, we were on the phone for 12 minutes. She also got a chance to tell me she sent the letter and I should be getting it any day. Also she let me know her PIR is 2/9/2018 and to send stamps and she purchased a phone card from the NEX. She also said she will get to call us in 2 weeks. After I gave her the information I tried to get in as many positive words of encouragement I could before she had to hang up, I was a little choked up too. ;(

I recently received my wife’s form letter, but I couldn’t find any mention of a password to download the vehicle pass for driving on base on her PIR day. Does anyone know the process of getting it? 

Thanks! 

NewNavyHusband - I just saw your note, and now I think you are offline - the gate pass is obsolete, I believe. Instead you turn in the information requested for the tickets, then pick up your tickets prior to PIR. All persons entering RTC must have their ticket anytime they are going on base now. 

Ah ok that makes sense. Just panicked when I kept reading about some sortve password haha. 

Thanks for clearing that up! Panic over. For now anyway :)

 NewNavyHusband - It is quite understandable. The issues with the gate pass and the password to print it out will probably continue to surface occasionally, because all the information out on the internet can't always be updated properly, so it is better to clarify, than to not ask. There is a lot of information above, but it can all start blending together.

@Thirty8Specshell I got the same kind of call from my son but a longer list. I got 2 days to email everything to the security officer.  Moms work under pressure too.

My husband had a knee replacement last year.  Will he need a special note from the doctor to get through security at PIR?  He is excited to see our son and doesn't want anything to go wrong.

Ali, Your husband shouldn't have any problems through security. The knee shouldn't be an issue. Not to hard to prove with the scar running down the front of his leg. Ha! I can say that about the scar because I too have one.

@mkl7993  I am curious why the security clearance is coming up while in boot camp. I thought this was all taken care of a head of time, so it's got me a little concerned. Has anyone else got this kind of call home or know why they would be processing security clearance now? Maybe something to do with the job they are going into I'm guessing. 

My son said to expect it along the way and to not be alarmed and we may get repeated questions. 

Does anyone know of a room for extra guests to view the ceremony? Or is just the 4 guests on the form letter?

Hey I got hear from my son today he was crying he failed a test the fold with the shirt. I told him to practice for it again before he take it again and when he that tired find inner strength to carried on and to push forward

Thank you @ellen0502!  I appreciate all the help and support here!  Christmas will not be the same without our son!  I keep telling myself "a new normal".  Sometimes it works!  Thanks for listening!  Merry Christmas to all the families!

YEAH!! Got my sons form letter & address today!!  Happy but sad... He won't have letters for Christmas... I'll send something out tomorrow but due to the weather, the holiday etc etc I'm sure it will be delayed.  Also very sad b/c his PIR is 02Feb18 and I can't be there... I have Breast Cancer and my fourth treatment has just been changed to 01Feb18  :(  That means nobody will be there for him.  I'll just have to pay for the package of pictures and video I guess!  Then shoot for A School Graduation after!  Merry Christmas everyone!

Thank you Kbpoohbear!  

Having had a top secret clearance myself long ago, I know the process takes quite a bit of time, and is expensive.  They only do a preliminary check before boot camp, so as not to waste funds on those who are going to drop out of be disqualified.  More is done during boot camp, but they don't really dig deep until A school.  

@mdun ... my thoughts are with you are you go through treatment.  I am so sorry you will miss PIR, but hey, you do what you have to do.  Your son will understand, and will be with 80+ of his new shipmates.  I am sure some of the moms here will be happy to share a hug or two from you with him!

I'm at 13 years now, although my BC was easy, as such things go.  You've got this!

@Linda ... someone/everyone always fails something with folding the clothes.  It is easy to mess up, and easy to find fault with even the best folded uniform item.  He'll get it!  That's one way how they teach and reinforce "attention to detail".  I failed folding my bras, I practiced, and to this day, I fold them boot camp style!

@mdun5959 prayers for healing for you and the very best for your son at BC keep writing to your son they love letters even though they get them a little late but they look forward to them!I was worried for the pictures and the long lines to pick them up on graduation but my son actually ordered and paid for them and they were able to pick them up before PIR. I hope you have a Merry Christmas!

@Linda, im sure your son will pass it the next time continue to give him support and words of encouragement that will help him a whole lot! I will keep him in my prayers and all of our sons and daughters in BC & A School

@Thirty8Spechell..like sambam32 said, my son told me they will be doing a more extensive background check. They did a basic one before he left but not to be surprised by more in-depth later. Seems normal. 

@Thirty8Speshell ...sambam32 is right...my son said the same thing. He said they were going to do a more in depth background check when in BC and not to be surprised.

Does anyone have a son /daughter on ship 6 Div 77 and if so have you received a letter from them? I'm feeling down haven't received anything from my son.

mdun5959 - See if you can connect with another mother in your PIR and SR division to see if they can give a special message to your new sailor, or even better, if they would allow him to call home to you!!

@Paula if you've just received his box recently the form letter should come soon after with his ship# and div. It's hard during the holidays. I'm waiting on my first letter from my son but nothing yet. I'm staying hopeful and positive. Best of luck to your son.

@Thirty8Speshell see if this link works...someone posted earlier and explains 800 div

http://navyformoms.ning.com/group/bootcampmoms/page/ship-division-h...

http://navyformoms.ning.com/group/bootcampmoms/page/ship-division-h...

http://navyformoms.ning.com/group/bootcampmoms/page/ship-division-h...

The second link works...my iPad is posting weird, sorry for repeat

I received a personal letter from my son 16 days after he was there. He asked me to send something specific.

I then received letters every week after that, although 1 was 2 weeks past the date he wrote and reminding me to send specific item. 

I just received a letter today saying he was getting discouraged until a couple days ago, he received a lot of mail. 

None of his letters suggested as to why they were being held. Yet ik from other family members letters were sent out and family at home didnt receive them till 1/2 way  through. Could also be our mail system. 

@Mom1st I would suspect our mailing system has much to do with delays especially this time of year!  Glad you are getting letters.  Sending my first letter to my SR this morning and hope to get one back soon.  Hang in there everyone they are working hard and reaching for the stars in their futures!

My Sr call and was bawling it so so hard not to cry. When ur child bawling, but positive talk and encouragement I spoke to him even though afterward I call like a baby

Meant say cried bawling after I hung up with him

Anyone got Sr in division 075 and ship 11??

I'm sending out my third letter.  I try to write a little everyday about what is going on at home, I figure he would like the distraction.  Once I have a couple pages I mail it.  I hope we get a letter or call soon!  I miss him so much!

Mashinka yeah my son in that division and ship he ok but just so over exhausted and tired

I was very surprised to get a phone call from my son yesterday.  It was SO good to hear his voice but he is SO sad.  He called to tell me that they are pushing him back a week because of his attention to detail.  He didn't get too much in it regarding what type of attention he's have issues with and couldn't talk long at all.  He just started the conversation with "this isn't good" and told me he's getting pushed back.  I could tell in his voice he was devastated.  I reassured him that it was ONLY a week (easy for me to say) and no worries!  I asked him a couple of questions and he said he didn't think he had time to talk and then asked someone next to him "do I have any time to talk Chief?" and the person said no and to wrap it up.  So my understanding is  he leaves his ship and division for another one.  So I was very upset getting off the phone (but happy I got to hear his voice!) and about an hour later we got our mail and his letter was in there.  It was SO hard to read!!!  He said he is stressed and constantly nervous because he's having problems with his clothes being perfect for inspections and you have to have the crease etc.  He said they kept telling him if he didn't get it he would be set back and if that happens, he's done.  He said he couldn't deal with that. I'm so sad for him.  He is finding this so hard (which I'm sure 99% of everyone that is in boot camp feels!) and I'm nervous for him.  This Christmas is going to be EXTRA tough.  The worst thing is I don't know his ship and division so can't even send any letters/card with words of encouragement to him!  Thank you for reading such a long rant.  I'm just beside myself right now.

Ryan's mom my Sr failed it to he said he got retake and he been sit back to but believe are Sr know what they expect he will pass rite long with my son who call and had the same problem, he was exhausted and tired and bawling he ever failed any thing I told him find his inner strength when he tired and push with all he got and God will see him though. He homesick but this where they give him order and become second nature without thinking

My SR is near end of boot camp. First few weeks were super difficult, my son wrote that he wanted to quit, he said homesickness was “crippling.” The first phone call we had was short and he was in tears. After the fourth (?) week we had a 30 minute phone call and he sounded so much better and said he was glad he came to boot camp! Pray, pray and pray! Write often! It is such a HUGE, ABRUPT change. Things will get better! 

Got a second letter from my SR yesterday.  All is going well, they’re starting to come together as a division...after lots of IT.  She’s a section leader now (she got a PO2 pin to wear), as well as a divisional “stick” (flag carrier).

She’s requesting insoles for her boots, is this something I can send and if so, what’s the best kind?

I just want to emphasize what everyone else is saying. Take heart, moms, and continue to be strong and encouraging for your SR. As was already stated, they will not be dwelling on whatever struggle they are having. Try not to dwell on them, yourselves. I know it’s easier said than done. I spent 2 weeks crying after I missed my sailor’ 3 week phone call, thinking he was still upset about it. He wasn’t. The first few weeks are the hardest, adjusting to a completely different way of life, and dealing with being cut off from family and friends. Keep writing, and please don’t underestimate the power of prayer! Keep praying for your SR! 

Blessings to you all, and 

Merry Christmas 

Thank you all for your support.  This is so much harder than I anticipated and I'm sure it's that is that way as well for my son.  I could tell he felt beat down and felt like a failure.  He's such a great kid and takes criticism to heart so I know this was very tough for him.  I know he's in good hands and that is what is keeping from from going insane.  My hope for him is that he will "buck up" and really focus on his attention to detail.  You all are amazing ladies and I appreciate your words of encouragement.  I truly do!  xoxo

Got my kiddo's box today... actually it came yesterday but because of a FedEx glitch I couldn't get it until today.  I just looked at my SR's handwriting on the box and started to tear up.  I think the FedEx worker thought I was a tad crazy!!  LOL  It's now sitting on the sofa next to me.  I think opening it will keep til tomorrow!  =)

I saw Phoenixmom's post about not going into her SR's room for a while.  That's me, too!!  I think I will start in my SR's bathroom... that's a safer starting point for me.  =)

I love reading through this site.  Seeing other Mom's in the same situation is somehow comforting.  Seeing the encouraging words from one to another is so uplifting.  Blessings to each and all!!! <3

krikris - not sure if you found any help on your question about insoles for your daughters boots, but my son took with him and I sent him for Christmas, lol, moleskin. I had found it somewhere in the site as a suggestion to take with them to BC because of the boots and PT shoes. I haven't received any personally feedback yet because I have only received 1 letter and I haven't talked to him yet :( 

Merry Christmas!