Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

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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  • Phoenixmom

    The hard cutoff is Oct. 1, 2020, when all driver’s licenses and ID cards must be compliant to go through airport security. (Most compliant states offer a choice to opt out of obtaining a compliant ID.)

  • Anne

    thankfulnavymama - I think it is harder for the moms than the kids.  Now that i know he is at RTC i can get back to a normal routine... i think the waiting was the emotional part for me. try and keep busy, write letters or cards when you miss him and remember it is only for 9 weeks.  I keep thinking of his time away like i would if he went away for college.

  • ellen0502

    shoppinmomma, If you are staying at the Navy Gateway Inn and Suites, which is the hotel on base, do be aware if none of you staying there have DoD identification you are very limited on where you can go on base without your Sailor. Walking to PIR is also NOT an option.

  • Phoenixmom

    See AZ doesn't need to comply until Oct 1st, 2020 but if we want to get a travel ID we can make an appt. to get one now. So it would be good for Travelers to see what is expected. Some states do have it in effect some have extensions.

  • Phoenixmom

    Thank You ellen0502 for the information.

  • Missomd

    Thanks Anne. I have a while new routine in morning now with David at boot camp. Work.out, walk or bike then have coffee, then decide what's for dinner, and then i sit at a desk and write a card or letter. Then I feel better about my son being away. It helps me get on with my day. Don't know if this will help.
  • Paul

    Sort of shows the value/importance of having and using a passport
  • NewNavyHusband

    Are passports uncommon in the US or something? 

  • MoMom

    We are still non-compliant here in Missouri (we're such rebels!). A bill was passed in May to allow people to get them, but it hasn't been implemented yet. But it looks like we have an extension until October 10. 

  • Phoenixmom

    Thanks Ladies for sharing a routine that may help ease the anxiety, I recommend to stay busy also.

    You are correct Paul, but they are so expensive and take so long to get, I did get a travel ID though that is until I can renew my DL. But thanks for sharing also.

  • Paul

    Newnavyhusband compared to other parts of the world, US passports are the exception and not the rule. We all have one. My boys have had one since they were about 7. Something most US citizens don't realize is a passport makes paperwork like I-9 for employment and even boarding a domestic flight a lot easier.

    And relatively speaking they aren't that expensive considering how long they are valid. Just don't wait until the day before a trip to get one
  • Phoenixmom

    NewNavyHusband I don't believe they are uncommon, but for me I don't go travel outside the country, but because it is needed now just to travel and get thru security and so on an ID would be all I would need. But for those that travel abroad then it would be nice to have of course.

  • Phoenixmom

    Since passports are the thing I will look into it, Never considered getting one but I just may. Thanks Paul.

  • NewNavyHusband

    Ah ok gotchya. 

    I guess it’s all a matter of geography. In Ireland they’re a necessity as I’m pretty positive there aren’t many people there who have never left the country. You could see it all in a few determined weeks. 

    America, not so much. 

  • Anti M

    I firmly believe every parent or spouse of a military member should hold a passport.  You never know when they may end up overseas, and if they have a medical emergency and you want to be by their side, you'd need a passport to get to them.  We just renewed ours, $110, good for ten years.  I have held a passport since I was 13, and only let it lapse once.  

  • Phoenixmom

    NewNavyHusband Welcome to the site, never seen a post from you but Thank You for Sharing. Glad to have a few Men on the site. Thank You both for sharing.

  • NewNavyHusband

    Thanks for the welcome. 

    I normally stick to my PIR group but today’s discussion had me curious. 

  • Paul

    Agreed newnavyhusband. And btw you hit on a pet peace of mine and something everybody who travels internationally should get into their vocabulary. And it frustrates me when I hear the President say it.

    I do not live in America. I live in the United States of America. It frustrates me when the President talks about representing the American people. One of the problems the US has internationally is the appearance of being arrogant. When the President says he represents the American people he is describing almost half the globe geographically.

    When you travel abroad you are taught that if you get into trouble to run to the US Embassy screaming "I am a US citizen" and waving your passport. Too often we in the US don't look at that embassy as sovereign soil. IE the hostage crisis in Iran in the late 70s was LEGALLY an invasion of the United States but here at home we could give a rip.

    Sorry. Off my soapbox now
  • Phoenixmom

    Yea, it took me for a loop to, just glad I was able to keep on my toes. LOL, It is never a dull time here so please feel free to share, Paul is awesome for asking great questions also. This site has been amazing for Great Question, and so much information, I tell you I learn a thing or two myself everyday!

  • Paul

    Anti M I so agree with you! Mine is current and always ready to go.
  • NewNavyHusband

    See Paul it’s weird. 

    When im talking to someone from back home, or Europe in general I say the US or USA.  

    When im talking to an American (or group of Americans) I say America as I don’t often hear them say USA or US when discussing the country or its history (unless it’s a USA chant Ofc). 

    But that could just be my personal experience. 

  • Paul

    My days of active involvement are close to ending when I start back to work!
  • Chipmunk

    MoMom - Our state is a non-compliant ID state as well, and we did not have up to date passports, but our ID's were acceptable at the time of our PIR. I would double check for sure, that is a good point.

  • Paul

    Newnavyhusband I'm certain that your experience is accurate. Once I started traveling abroad I came to the realization I don't live in America. Most citizens have no clue what country they are a citizen and as a result it's reflected by the President
  • Paul

    Heck we even screw up the voyage of Christopher Columbus. Consider this: when he left he didn't know where he was going. When he got there he didn't know where he was. When he got back he didn't know where he had been

    And we say he discovered America like he landed somewhere in the US and not the Bahamas
  • Phoenixmom

    I have a question about the passport, Would you need a book and card or will one or the other do? or to paly it safe both?

  • MoMom

    I don't believe the passport card is acceptable for travelling out of the country.

  • Missomd

    I got mine renewed last year. Wentt to Spaun and UK. The card is great to have. I bought the card extra and if you lose your passport in another country and you tucked your card away, you have another authentic passport verified id.
  • Anti M

    The card is cheaper, but limited to Canada and Mexico land/sea crossings.  The book permits international air travel.  You want the book.

    No matter which you choose, your photo will be awful. We got our photos done at Costco. 

  • Paul

    I have the book
  • Missomd

    To have both is only 30 more. When I took my daughter to Spain, we took our passports everywhere this summer. She thought she lost hers, we found it. But the new card will help if you lose your real passport
    For 30 bucks more, it's nice.knowing you have a backup to show security or state dept or embassy if you lose the passport book. I just tucked card in our other bags. It's great.
  • Phoenixmom

    Ok, looking into it as we speak, looks like the Post office can do passports, so the book will be better just in case. now it states that they can do the photo also, I'm sure everything cost. Thank You all so much for this information, great to have Folks with this kind of knowledge. Never thought about a passport but now my Son is in the Military I guess it would be smart to have one. Thanks Again All!

  • NewNavyHusband

    Wait wait wait, there’s more than one kind of US passport? 

    That seems.... excessive haha. 

  • Missomd

    You get the passport and also check box to get a card to go along with it. Very nice back up to carry on trips in case you lose tje passpoet book
  • Phoenixmom

    Explain NewNavyHusband, I am looking into the DS-11 for a New Passport. This is the information given to me online?

  • Missomd

    Our small town county clerks office can show you how to fill it out!
  • NewNavyHusband

    No use asking me phoenixmom, I’ve no idea I was just shocked because there’s more than one type (a card or a book apparently). 

    I have a UK passport myself. Does the trick. 

  • Phoenixmom

    Yes, we are offered a book and a card or either or. Thank You Missomd I appreciate your information. I believe I may get both to play it safe. Just want to make sure I'm covered for my Son's sake. I know I need not to worry because he will be fine, but this momma is a worry wart, so I want to cover all my bases. NewNavyHusband thank you also, it is always nice to hear others opinions.

  • Missomd

    Sure. I just did this passport and card thing this past year. It really helped in Europe. Also, it took about 8 weeks to get it back. You can pay extra if you want to get it quicker.
  • Paul

    We got pictures taken at Walgreens. Not a whole lot of money and didn't take very long
  • Phoenixmom

    Well Ladies and Gents, I will be signing off for the day.

    This was a Great time, I learned so much today thanks to you all. I appreciate all the post and sharing information. I am taking all information in consideration, have my application in hand and ready for the next step.

    Have a Great evening All!

    May the "I'm a Sailor calls come in along with the regular calls and letters also. Until tomorrow.

  • Phoenixmom

    Graduation Day Schedule

    6:30 am: RTC gate opens to guests.
    7:00 am: Ceremonial drill hall doors open to guests.
    8:45 am: All guests must be seated. Ceremonial drill hall doors close, no further entry for guests.
    9:00 am: Pass-In-Review commences.
    9:20 am: Divisions arrive.
    10:30 am: Pass-In-Review concludes.
    *Please plan on arriving at least 1.5 hours before the ceremony, which begins promptly at 9:00 a.m

    NOTE: There will be times when the number is reduced to three due to the number of recruits graduating.

  • Phoenixmom

     PIR: January 26, 2018 TG 12 - 12 Divisions (071-080, 806 and 912) 4 guests 

          PIR: February 02, 2018 TG 13  - 15 Divisions (081-094 and 913) 4 guests

          PIR: February 09, 2018 TG 14 - 16 Divisions (094-106, 807 & 808, 914 & 915) 3 guests       

    No PIR on February 16th and February 23rd

    PIR: March 02, 2018 TG 17 - 10 Divisions (107-114, 916, and 917) 4 Guests

    PIR: March 09, 2018 TG 18  - 9 Divisions (115-122 and 918) 4 Guests

  • Phoenixmom

    here is the info for March 16th Graduation, I do not believe it is up and running, but once it is you may join.

     March 16th  TG-19
    123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 919
  • Phoenixmom

    you can click on this site and it will give information regarding Graduation.

    www.bootcamp.navy.mil/

  • Phoenixmom

    Also this site takes you to Sarge's website he will give instructions to RSVP to Meet and Greet, gives info on his Taxi service and also has a family guide to PIR with shortcuts and all

    http://www.mynavytaxi.com/events.html.

  • MoMom

    Our library also does passport photos and renewals. 

  • Linda

    Phoneixmom I got I am sailor call today from my son I am so excited and proud 

  • MoMom

    Congratulations, Linda, and to your son, as well! Such an exciting time!

  • ReeseMom

    So happy for you and your sailor Linda!!