Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

Any I'm a Sailor calls come thru?

Hi MilMomof2 Back in the past a few PIR's ago some Mothers did use it and mentioned it was a Great experience, they had to change plans as their Recruit had gotten set back and they said they had no isssues. But I myself no Ma'am never used I flew AA.

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I have a question about BS. Once a SR gets to the final battle station, does it happen that a group won't pass or graduate? 

Our PIR is not for some time, but I am realizing we will most likely be making preparations to leave, if we haven't already left, when the "I am a Sailor" call comes in.

Good Nite Folks, Have a Great Evening!

Is it normal for our recruits to not respond after we tell them we love them and we are proud of them when their scripted call comes through?  He read his script, I said a few words, and then it was like dead air and after about 10 seconds, the call ended.  I'm not sure what I was expecting - I guess maybe a "goodbye."  I'm just sitting here worrying that something happened with my cell phone and he never heard my quick words of encouragement.  Here we go...strapping into the roller coaster of emotions.

WaterLily - Your scripted call sounds like my son's, except for the fact that I heard him ask, "is that all" to the person standing behind him and likely over his shoulder. I have never asked him specifically about that call if he could hear me holler I love you, but YES, they will just hang up the phone, and I don't think they are suppose to say anything else, except what they are told to. 

Flygraceful - Others can correct me, but I am fairly certain that if they make it to BS, then they will do everything they can to help every recruit make it through. If there is a reason that they have to go back through BS that same week, they will not necessarily march in PIR, but instead will be sitting in the stands on the side (they are too tired, and they missed the practice), but they will still be given liberty. I have known of people who did not get their "I'm a sailor" call until after they were already in GL and picking up their tickets.

Seeing friends with kids in other branches, who go home after their BC for 7-10 days.  I'm aware Navy does not do that after BC, but is there some point when that happens?  After A-school?  Or is that just not something that happens with Navy?

NewToNavyMom - One thing to keep in mind with the Navy, is there is the "usually this is the way it is" and then there is the "exception to the rule".  No, there is no going home after BC, and "usually" there is some time off after A-school, but then again that may not happen for your sailor and it could be more or less. Also, depending on their rate, they might come home for Thanksgiving or Christmas, or they may not. They are accruing leave time once they start BC, but when they can take it, will depend on Needs of the Navy.

Thank you Chipmunk. That's what I was hoping. I haven't read anywhere of anyone failing their final BS. There's just that element of not knowing 'for sure' that troubles me. 

WaterLily - When my daughter called, it was 22 seconds and she sounded hesitant and tired. Like she was trying to say everything exactly right. I told her "OK" and "I love you" 3 times. Then she hung up. Now, the waiting is HAAARD.

We did finally get our first real phone call on Saturday. It was wonderful to talk with her for 45 minutes. Good luck to you

Chipmunk, thank you for your response.   Very helpful!

flygraceful, thank you as well.  That’s amazing that you got a very long phone call later on!  I won’t expect or hope for a call that long, but just looking forward to getting through these first few weeks and getting his form letter so the letters can begin.

WaterLily - one of the things your recruit is trying to tell you in the scripted call (I was too busy yelling I love you to my son because I thought I had received an automated call, he was so robotic in his delivery, so I missed it almost) is that they will call in about 3 weeks. We at BCMoms sometimes refer to it as the "I'm Alive" call.  This again is a "general" expectation - but things can alter or affect whether a SR is actually able to make that call, and not always for the negative - they may be standing duty watch and not able to go with the rest of their division to the phone banks. My son's first call at 3 weeks was all of about 20 min if that long, but it was better than the scripted call. 

Keep your phones close, ringer up and changed. Remember NO NEWS is actually GOOD NEWS, because that means they are progressing through and staying on target for their PIR.

To All our Newcomers - Be sure to read the information you find above the comment wall and the pages on the right. - Click View All - 

There is a wealth of information here that the veteran moms before you have put together that answer most questions, especially if some is not able to respond here quickly. 

If you are trying to navigate this site on your phone - put it in Desktop Mode. - Personally, I do most of my N4M time on the computer, especially to respond and I find the phone hard, but I figured out Desktop Mode and that helps.

Have a great day everyone - stay busy, those waiting for I'm A sailor calls and headed to PIR - Hang in there, the call will come, so be packed and ready to go. 

I also want to remind you that we are all volunteers on here with busy lives, so the name of the game is we help each other out here and if you can't find the answer to your question or don't get a response, do feel free to post it again, sometimes it can get buried. 

I am off with tasks at hand, but others should be around later in the day.

Good Morning All, Happy Hump Day! Hoping this Morning finds all well and Productive.

Good Morning Mrs. Chipmunk thank you for all your Knowledgeable answers to the ladies! Much Appreciated! Have a Great day!

Welcome to all the New Comers please stop by and Introduce yourselves, This is where it all begins, Once the I'm here call comes thru it begins with the waiting Game. and that waiting Game can be up to 3-4 weeks before you receive any other word. Know that your Recruits are fine and working Hard. If there is anything that I can do for you please let it be known.

Please keep phones on High and near as those I'm a Sailor calls will be coming through. If travelling please think about changing message to something like I am on my Way. Just in case.

Waterlily the scripted call can lead to so many emotions, I was stunned as well when I received Mine, I was just so Thankful that a Young Gentleman let my Son use his Phone to call me as My Son was told not to take his phone, I was basically talking over him, and he said Mom I have to go I love you and I'm ok. this call came at 1:30 in the morning so I had my phone on me while I laid on sofa waiting Patiently. Hard to fall asleep afterwards as well. Then sadly to say the tears were on right after for weeks. I literally took time off because all I did was cry. I was fortunate to say the least that around or near the 3rd week I did get a call around 8 am sat. Morning. I was so surprised and happy, didn't share the phone just put on speaker for all to say Hi to my Bud. Then it was me and him who chatted. So all who are awaiting the first call be patient, You don't want to receive a early call these calls can be if more info is needed or being set back or being ASMO'D. Key is to stay busy and I know that is easier said than done. Best wishes All!

Here is a little something for those that may be attending PIR and have a Loved One who will be flying out, you can send something like this to get the information that is needed.

About a week before PIR send your recruit an index card to write down the flight details and then s/he can give it to you after PIR. Sailors or loved ones have gotten so excited that they have gotten details confused so this may prevent that.

If you want to put something on the index card, you could put the following:

Please fill this out when you get your final orders and then give it to us at PIR. Do not mail it.

Name of Airport:

Approximate arrival time at airport:

Date and time of flight:

Airline:

Flight number:

Gate number:

Best place to meet (if known; otherwise, we'll meet at the USO):

For those that are beginning, Know that you will receive the I'm here phone call when they arrive at BC, the box should arrive within a few days and can take up to 2 weeks. this comes by Fed Ex and needs to be signed for. The form Letter will be sent 9-14 business days after the first PFA which takes place on the 5th Business day of arrival (Excludes Weekends) this site will explain when the form letter will arrive. See Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) and Fitness Improvement Training (FIT) this will also let you know what happens if the PFA is failed and how many test of PFA there will be and when they take place.

Here are the current PIR groups. .

PIR: July 12, 2019 TG 36 9 Divisions (243 - 250, and 936)

PIR: July 19, 2019 TG 37 5 Divisions (251 - 254, and 937)

PIR: July 26, 2019 TG 38 10 Divisions (255 - 260, 817 - 819, and 938)

PIR: August 02, 2019 TG 39 15 Divisions (261 - 274, and 939)

The August 02, 2019 TG 39 will be allowed only 3 guests for PIR

PIR: August 09, 2019 TG 40 13 Divisions (275 - 286, and 940)

The August 09, 2019 TG 40 will be allowed only 3 guests for PIR

PIR: August 16, 2019 TG 41 15 Divisions (287 - 300, and 941)

The August 16, 2019 TG 41 will be allowed only 3 guests for PIR

PIR: August 23, 2019 TG 42 7 Divisions (301 - 306, and 942)

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

Congratulations to this week's Captain's Cup winners!
Div. 249 won in the all-male divisions, while Div. 247 won in the integrated (male-female) divisions.

Captain's Cup is a friendly athletic event held on the weekend prior to their graduation. The recruits get a free morning to enjoy some fun competition between the divisions in the training group.

Events include basketball, volleyball, relay races and more. There is one winning division for integrated divisions and one for the non-integrated divisions, and each winning division receives a traveling trophy to display in their ships.

Recruit Training Command

190709-N-BM202-1020 GREAT LAKES, Ill. (July 9, 2019) Recruits march in formation at Recruit Training Command. More than 35,000 recruits train annually at the Navy's only boot camp.  https://www.facebook.com/NavyRecruitTrainingCommand and http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/.

I got my sons 2nd letter today. He asked for letters twice in his letter which is killing me. I sent 15 days worth of letters the instant I got his address. Im utterly gutted by his letters just asking for mail. Im really hoping he has gotten them by now. I sent them on the 5th. Today is his birthday and its the first time we've been apart for it. 

Sushicat242000, ugh, I’m so sorry. Everyone feels differently about Sandboxx, but I must say, my son gets all of his Sandboxx letters, the very next day. The ones I sent through the post office trickled in, and I’m not even sure he got them all. To me, it’s worth every penny - we only write him using the app now (and include pictures) Don’t worry, he will eventually get your letters, but I know it’s heartbreaking to have him wait. Hang in there (and considering using Sandboxx!)

Sushicat242000- also remember the letters your getting from him are at least a week behind. I chose to use Sandboxx while my SR is in boot camp  and I love that I can track the letters and know they are delivered. I sent some letters regular mail as he wanted me to send a story and he got chapter 3/4 before Chapters 1/2 and I sent them like 4 days before.  It’s weird how the real mail works. I bought a package so made it a little cheaper and I send a letter a day even if it’s a short couple sentences with a picture. 

WaterLily, my sons "I'm here" call was just like flygraceful's. I too said I love you 3 times, I was half asleep. Lol To date, that was the most awkward call I'd ever hd with my son. I didn't like it. And yes, this is going to be an emotional few weeks for you "wondering". I think that awkward call almost makes it harder! My son is in week 4 although he's been there 5 weeks and I've yet to speak to him more than 5 minutes, but I'll take 5 minutes any day! Hang in there, "no news is good news"! **hugs**

Hi all!! I'm back after a wonderful, crazy, annoying vacation!! New York was interesting (the Crazy part).  I don't think I'm cut out for big city life though.  I was also hacked while there (the annoying part) so I had to spend my first day back trying to shut down the scammers.  I think I have all my accounts back except my iTunes but I don't really use it much anyway. Then we got to go to Puerto Rico to visit my oldest at the resort she works for and our Sailor Son got to join us.  The only thing that would have made it perfect would have been if our youngest could have joined us but he just started a new job so has no time off.  However sine he and Sailor son share an apartment in CA he got to have fun with his first 2 big earthquakes!  No damage just a bit surprised.

I see you have been active while I have be playing (well some was for work)!
Sushicat242000-- The first few letters are always rough.  They are overwhelmed by it all.  He likely got your first letters (Assuming you mailed them as soon as you got your form letter) about the same time you got his. My son got a letter every day or every other day while he was in BC because after I mailed the first rush of letters I made it a point to mail something that often.  I only got 4 letters total back.  My views on Sandboxx are clear.  The Navy asks that it not be used due to OPSEC and PERSEC and in the fleet it is a HUGE problem (Delayed returns from deployment, Canceled Ports of call being the 2 biggest that impact us at home) so it's better to just never get in that habit to begin with. Trust that they will get there and your SR will be ok in the wait.

ErikaWithaK-- Have your phone on LOUD, Charged and with you at all times (Yes even in the potty!) You should be getting a call this week unless he has watch. Your PIR group should be posting when Div calls are coming in.

WaterLily-- At the time I was heartsick to have missed my son's "I'm Here" call but now I am grateful.  His dad said he didn't sound like himself and from all I've heard over the last 6 years no one thinks they are a great call!  This is the hardest part of BC but trust us when we say you don't want to get a call for a few weeks!  Sometimes it's for info but often it's sad news.  Pray, Write, take up a hobby, workout.... Whatever you need to do to keep busy and remember... You know where he is and what he is doing 24/7 right now.  In 9(ish) weeks, that all ends!  You will make it just fine!! We are here for you if you need us!

Hello! If all goes well, our SR PIR date will be 8/16, but we have yet to receive our Form Letter.  We know our SR's address and have been exchanging mail and received a phone call on Friday 7/5, but I am still waiting on this letter. He even told us we would be getting it, but nothing so far. I have printed out the form and think I will mail it tomorrow. I'm hoping there aren't consequences for him, since we haven't mailed it back to him yet. Anyone else in this situation? We are on the west coast, so maybe I just need to be patient. :) Many thanks!

Jen80smusic - hm I would think you should have received it by now. The main thing is the form. I think you are probably good to send him one anyway. It goes directly to him and he then passes it onto his RDC's. Our daughter called on 7/6 and we received our form letter on 6/29. Have you been in contact with any other parents from you SR's division? Just wondering if they have received their form letter. If so, and their PIR date is 8/16 you are probably right. 

Good Morning All, Happy Friday! well we have another PIR down, I must say time is surly flying by. I will put the PIR dates and if you see yours Please click on it and Join that group. They have much needed info for you as well.

Today's Daily Bread:

But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

Here are the current PIR groups. .

PIR: July 12, 2019 TG 36 9 Divisions (243 - 250, and 936)

PIR: July 19, 2019 TG 37 5 Divisions (251 - 254, and 937)

PIR: July 26, 2019 TG 38 10 Divisions (255 - 260, 817 - 819, and 938)

PIR: August 02, 2019 TG 39 15 Divisions (261 - 274, and 939)

The August 02, 2019 TG 39 will be allowed only 3 guests for PIR

PIR: August 09, 2019 TG 40 13 Divisions (275 - 286, and 940)

The August 09, 2019 TG 40 will be allowed only 3 guests for PIR

PIR: August 16, 2019 TG 41 15 Divisions (287 - 300, and 941)

The August 16, 2019 TG 41 will be allowed only 3 guests for PIR

PIR: August 23, 2019 TG 42 7 Divisions (301 - 306, and 942)

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

Jen80sMusic, The form letter can take up to 14 days and in some cases maybe a couple more. Mailing the Security Access Form before you get the form letter will not get it to him any faster. It may in fact delay it getting to him.

Please wait until the form letter is received before mailing anything to your recruits.

Regarding Sandboxx - when it comes to BOOTCAMP, basic training addresses are NOT considered OPSEC/PERSEC, therefore it is NOT in violation.

Recruits are even told about Sandboxx at USO, in case they want to pass on the information to family members. 

Since 2014, over 2 million Sandboxx letters have been delivered to recruits.

The app/company, was started by two retired Marines.

*The Navy doesn’t endorse Sandboxx because the Navy CAN’T endorse Sandboxx. The Department of Defense cannot endorse an NON-Federal entity, i.e., a private company. It’s not because they believe it’s a security violation, as many make it seem. The Navy can’t endorse McDonald’s either, but members of the military are certainly allowed to eat there, and use the app. 

There isn’t a thing on this earth that I would do to jeopardize my child’s safety while he’s training, and serving his country. If the sandboxx app was ANY kind of security breach, I wouldn’t dream of using it. But it’s not, so I do. We should all keep in contact with our recruits in whatever way we personally feel is best, but I think it’s important to clarify the misinformation about the app.

And to repeat, I am speaking about their time in boot camp. After BC, means of communication will change, mostly because they’ll have their phones, laptops, etc. 

The information stated above is easy to look into, but I got the info from an immediate family member who has worked for the DOD for many years. It is accurate. 

I hope everyone is having a great weekend.

p.s., my recruit loves that sandboxx sends paper and a return stamped envelope w/ each letter..another perk :)

Good morning/afternoon to you all. Been under the weather with kidney infection (ouch) and I drink a lot if water, so very strange,.

Please keep phones near Um a sailor calls may be coming thru, Any advice from any Moms who just attended this past PIR can also be appreciated.

Welcome all New Comers glad to have you along, please stop by and introduce yourself. Love to hear from you.

Shoes2BeHappy - Thank you for this! That is one of the best explanations I have read on Sandboxx.

I have used it a couple of times just to ensure that my SR gets mail and to let her know how many letters to expect in the mail that week. 

Captain Cup Winners Division 254 Integragated (male female) Division 937 all male Division. Congrats to these Div.

Any I'm a sailor calls? Be patient calls will come.

My son went in 6/20 and so far I havent gotten any calls except for the Im here call.

@flygraceful - you're welcome! I still have tons to learn about the Navy in general, but the comments regarding Sandboxx really had me puzzled, so I finally reached out to a family member who I KNEW would know. Bottom line, we should all write to our sons and daughter's however we feel most comfortable, but I think it's important to know that using Sandboxx is not a security breach or against the rules. 

ShushiCat242000 that is pretty normal as far as calls go. You are promised 3 calls I'm here, I'm still alive, I'm a sailor calls. But as always keep your phones close because you never know when a call may come thru. This site will explain more.  https://navyformoms.ning.com/group/bootcampmoms/page/phone-cards-an...

Hi Everyone,

Newbie here.  I just got my daughters form letter today, PIT date of 8/30/19. Sadly only 3 tickets being issued to be divided amongst me, her dad and  2 younger sisters ages 10 and 11. Any suggestions on how to navigate this? Dad or I will be devastated to not see all her graduate, but I have no one to watch her sisters and they’re too young to be left home or in a hotel miles away all alone :( 

Tinks#1fan, Welcome! Is there another family member or close friend that can also come and stay at the hotel with the girls? We have a total of 8 going out to Great Lakes with only 3 tickets to PIR (8/9). My 2 younger kids will be staying at the hotel with family and live-streaming the PIR. 

Thinks#1Fan I'm happy to hear you received form letter, when I received form letter we were also told we were only getting 3 tickets, it was me husband daughter and Son in law who went to Chicago son in law stayed behind at hotel they video streamed PIR, mist hotels do but sometimes they have problems with streaming. There's not much I can say 3 tickets is all they will allow, there is no swapping tickets or anything like that, and since the girls are old enough they will need tickets to get on to base or PIR.

Erikawithak that is an awesome idea, thanks for sharing.

Hi Tinks#1fan,

I’m new here too. I’m still waiting to receive my form letter from my daughter. She arrived at RTC the night of July 2nd. How long did it take for you to receive your letter? Anxiously waiting.

Thanks everyone. Unfortunately we don’t have anyone who can come watch the younger girls, so I guess only 1 of us will end up at graduation. Such a bummer :(

mom of a future sailor, my daughter also arrived July 2nd at 0100 ish. Just got the letter today here in the mitten state. Yours should be coming soon. I had been stalking my mailman anxiously for days also ! 

Thank you Tinks#1fan. I’m out in So Cal so maybe I’ll get the letter in a few days, I hope.  Sorry to hear you can’t get another ticket. Maybe that will change before then.

Tinks#1Fan I'm sure your husband will allow you girls to go to PIR and stay behind and stream the PIR. Know that all hotels have shuttle or maybe first class drop off and pick up from hubby.

Tinks#1fan-- That is a tough call! Sadly once they send out the form letter the number of tickets does not change.  It sounds like you will need to find out from your Sailor who they most want to be at PIR and who they will see at the Hotel after.  I'm sorry you don't have a family member who would be willing to come or watch your girls for you.  Most of us are luck enough to be able to go to PIR but remember that not everyone is able to make it for many different reasons.  It may be more practical for you all to stay home and go visit when your sailor is in A School.  That is a decision only you, your husband and SR can make.

That is a hard call. Do you have family st home where girls can stay and you and hubby go? Sounds like a family meeting, we usually have family meetings to get things that need to be said or vote on things. It works for us. If not then I'm really sorry.

Its another site as this but speak on Moms with daughters, I hear its actually a great group as well.