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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  • Shannon

    How and when do I find out my sons PIR date? This 2 weeks he has to spend in quarantine is confusing me when it comes to trying to follow the timeline for boot camp. It seems like there is no information on how the 2 week quarantine ROM works now that it’s back in Great Lakes
  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

    Shannon - if you look up above in "Answers to Common Questions" you will see the information that BelovedByHim put together titled:

    HERE IS A BREAKDOWN OF BOOT CAMP IN TIMES OF COVID

    You can look for the official letter around the 4 week mark (although it could be sooner or it could be later lol!).

  • goofynavyson

    belovedbyhim-this is weird but i got a phone call from a person saying they worked for red cross and needed my email address so they could send me information for the armed services? do they do that? just wondering it scared me i thought something bad happend to him.

    so my son is supposed to graduate tomorrow. he wrote me and stated he will be stuck at boot camp for up to 48 more days because his A school is full. do you know if they get there cell phones back? i dont know if we can go visit or not. but i hope we do. i know we cant go to PIR but im hoping we can just go visit him. does anyone have any answers??

  • belovedbyHim

    Shannon  -- The Expected timeline will look like this
    Day 0 -- Travel, Arrival and "I'm Here" scripted phone call

    Week 1&2
    Day 1-14 -- ROM (Restriction of Movement/ Quarantine-- Lots of studying and waiting) Unless they are Fully Vaccinated (2 weeks after final shot) in which case they skip straight to Week 3.)

    Week 3
    Day 15-21 Arrive Onboard RTC and begin P-days (P-days- Initial Processing Days) including 2 days of P-hold (Weekend)
    Day 21-- Complete P days. (Initial PFT & Run)

    Week 4- First week of training 
    Day 22-- Begin training and mail form letter out. Look for it to arrive around 1-2 weeks later

    Week 5 -- First inspections and tests (Dental May be this week or next... Not Confirmed)(Form letter/ Personal letters usually arrive this week)

    Week 6 -8 -- More training, Drilling (Flags and Marching), Fire Fighting training, Marlinspike (Line handling- How to tie up a Ship to the Pier) and weapons lessons, Confidence chamber( May or may not be happening yet, we don’t know for sure).. Warrior training in here somewhere.

    Week 9 & 10 -- Stressful!! They have all their final inspections, PFA, Drills, BS21 and Tests. This is the lead up to the end!!

    ROM is still the same at GL as it was at Ft McCoy as far as we know.  Remember we only know what you all share on here from your Sailors.  You don't say when your sailor Flew to GL so I'm not sure where in all this you are but if you still are unclear as to what to expect please reach out!! I'm happy to try and help you get a better idea of what to expect.

  • Shanny

    goofynavyson:  yes, the Red Cross will call you/email you while your SR is in bootcamp. They basically reach out to explain how they can help you in case of an emergency.  They will reach out to your SRs command for you to botany them of an emergency. This is completely legit. They WILL NOT ask for things like social security number or anything like that. If they do, this is not legit. Hang up and call your local chapter yourself and they will help to get you the correct info

  • belovedbyHim

    goofynavyson -- First "ATTENTION ON DECK"  We have a Sailor in the HOUSE!!!!! WHOOP WHOOP WHOOP CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!
    Yes that phone call is legit.  They didn't used to do this but they want to make sure you have the information I just posted last night.

    To answer the 48 day THU question.... It depends.

    If they go to THU (Temporary Holding Unit) on the BC side, No they will likely NOT get their phones back.  Phones are not permitted on the BC side of GL. 

    If they go to the A school side then Yes they will get them back.  This can take a day or so. 

    They can also start on the BC side and then be moved to the A school side as space comes available and they may be authorized their phones then.  We have also heard of times when even on the BC side they have been allowed to call or text  but that has been incredibly rare. 

    How's that for a "Navy" answer!! (Lots of words and letters but no real answer!! LOL... It's the Navy Way!!) I wish I could give you a "You can Count on "this" to happen but it's the Navy and our motto is Semper Gumby!!

  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

    Here are the links to July, August, September PIR groups:

     PIR JULY 2021

    PIR AUGUST 2021

    PIR SEPTEMBER 2021

  • goofynavyson

    belovedbyhim-thank you. i assumed they would not let him have his phone back. and im glad that the call from red cross was real because unfortunately with all the scams its hard to know who is real...i appreciate all the info you guys do have. i know that it is day by day. thank all of you ladies for all the knowledge you share. it has been a very long 10 weeks. so whats another 48 days....lol

  • goofynavyson

    VERY FRUSTRATED.... i know that my son just tried calling me to tell me that he is a sailor but i couldnt hear him. he tried calling me 4 different times and the phone on his end was not working... talk about wanting to lose my mind... i have been waiting all week for that call. i am literally crying right now...

  • Northwoodsmom

    Congratulations goofynavtmom! I am so sorry about the phones, they really need to do something about them. He called and you know he made it that's the important thing. My son was able to call later again but I think it was because of them shutting down PIR in March of 2020 but I hope he gets another chance to call you.

  • Chipmunk

    goofynavyson - Oh My!! That is so frustrating and I feel your pain!!  Hopefully, he will get his phone back soon and be able to call you! - I would like to invite you and anyone else that has a graduated SR to come join us in the    Beyond BC  group.  It is a good place to ask other questions about A school, stay connected with those you have met here in BC Moms and just hang out. 

  • Chipmunk

    Shannon - Welcome Aboard!! I am glad that the other ladies were able to answer you question for you! Please don't hesitate to ask more questions or just come share how your day is going. 

  • AgnesB

    goofynavyson - I'm so sorry. If it helps something very similar happened when our son called me at work to tell me. He tried several times and mostly I got he was a sailor, he wasn't going to buy another phone card, he'd call once he got his cell phone back. Only time i thought I was going to lose it at work. Hang in there, hopefully he can call again soon!

  • Shanny

    ANOTHER RULES UPDATE FOR PIR (BOOTCAMP GRADUATION!) AS POSTED BY RTC

  • K⚓️

    Thank you Shanny for posting. 

  • JenningsMom

    This is becoming an emotional roller coaster 

  • Jules

    I am sick to my stomach this morning. I am vaccinated, that's not my worry. I'm waiting to hear they will get any liberty at all. It wouldnt make sense for them to require you be vaccinated to attend the graduation, then let the sailors out on liberty.  Now I'm worried that I won't even get to see him AT ALL. Please PRAY y'all. If I dont get to see him now, who knows when I will get to see him again. 💔

  • partyofseven

     CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF OUR BRAND NEW SAILORS!!! MAY GOD PROTECT THEM TODAY AND EVERY DAY AS THEY BEGIN THEIR NEW JOURNEY.

    BRAVO 

  • partyofseven

    Good Morning Everyone and we are glad that you are here.

    JenningsMom- I know it is and we are here for you as you go thru this journey. I know some days seem harder than others. I wrote mine twice a day and tried to stay busy but we always miss them. Every night I am thankful that I made it thru another day. Big Hugs to you!!!

    goofynavyson- Whoo Hoo We have a Sailor in the house. Congratulations on a job well done. Now communication will open up a bit more and that is great. Hopefully you will get to hear from him soon and that he gets his phone back as soon as he can. Big Hugs to you!!!

    Jules- We totally understand. Remember No news is good news. We are here to laugh, cry and listen as we go thru this together. Big hugs to you and it will be ok.

    REMEMBER ON FRIDAY'S WE WEAR RED TO REMEMBER EVERYONE DEPLOYED!!!

    God Bless and everyone be safe out there and prayers for everyone to be able to see their loved ones when they can!!!

  • partyofseven

    Linda- Good Morning and big hugs to you as we wait this out!!!

  • partyofseven

    Psalm 145:18

  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

    Hi all - Happy Friday!

    See the source image

    I have updated the information up above to reflect the new change regarding the COVID vaccination policy in order to attend PIR.

  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

    The first October PIR has been listed:

    October 1, 2021 TG-45 (429, 430, 431, 432, 433, 434, 435, 436, 437,439, 440, 908)

  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

    Here are the links to July, August, September PIR groups:

     PIR JULY 2021

    PIR AUGUST 2021

    PIR SEPTEMBER 2021

  • Phoenixmom

    In light of observed changes and impact of the Coronavirus Delta Variant and out of an abundance of caution for our recruits, Sailors, staff, and guests, Recruit Training Command is restricting Pass-in-Review (recruit graduation) to ONLY fully immunized guests (14-days post final COVID vaccination dose). Specific information on this policy change will be provided in the coming days and weeks. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your support.

    PLEASE NOTE – This policy is subject to change as leadership continues to monitor the spread and impact of the Coronavirus.

  • Phoenixmom

    Live Streaming is Back! While the ceremony is still the shortened version of the regular ceremony, it will be live streamed at 9 a.m. CST Friday. Use either our Facebook or YouTube link to view.

  • goofynavyson

    does anyone have the link so i can watch the graduation?

  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

    goofynavyson - here are the links:

     Facebook or YouTube 

  • goofynavyson

    im not seeing the one for today

  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

    Graduation

    Watch Grad Live

    Live Streaming is Back! While the ceremony is still the shortened version of the regular ceremony, it will be live streamed at 9 a.m. CST Friday. Use either our Facebook or YouTube link to view.

  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

    I believe the live stream is over now.  I think you will have to wait for them to post the video.

  • JenningsMom

    Partyofseven— thank you! I still haven’t heard from my son yet :-( waiting for mail so I’m able to write him once I have his information. I am not vaccinated but I feel I am pressured to do so now just to be able to attend. This is an emotional mess for my family. I agree with Jules… will they even be able to see us? I’m praying

  • Trey

    I too am still waiting to hear from my son. Haven't gotten the form letter yet either.. He shipped the 8th so I'm blaming the Navy for not being consistent. They need to hear from us to know we are behind them.. We are vaccinated but will see where the guidelines go..

  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

    goofynavyson - the video is up now from PIR this morning.

     Facebook 

  • goofynavyson

    i got a text from my son stating that he couldnt talk to me for a couple of hours. he loved me and he is a sailor. between yesterday not being able to hear him and then today i couldnt see him graduate i thought i was gonna lose my mind. WE GOT A SAILOR IN THE HOUSE!!! thank you ladies for posting the facebook page. i actually got to see my son walk by the camera. i started crying here at work...i just want to hear his voice...

  • JenningsMom

    Goofynavyson-- Congrats!! that is awesome to hear!!

  • JenningsMom

    GUESS WHAT EVERYONE???

    I JUST GOT MY LETTER FROM MY SON. GOD IS GOOD!!!

  • Trey

    nice... how long did it take.. hugs

  • goofynavyson

    trey 39-i believe they are an hour a head of us and when i looked at the time he tested me at 10:20am. i havent heard from him since that text. 

    i did see him tho at the graduation. he walked right next to the camera... it has been very emotional these last few months. i really didnt think i could be such a cry baby well i am...hang in there ladies and gentlemen. it has really been a very long 10 weeks.... i am so ready to hug and kiss him.. just waiting for the word....thank you for all the encouragement. 

  • Sandy

    Jenningsmom so happy for you ❤ hoping to hear from mine soon.
  • mustangmom65

    Just got a letter from Son #1, well my husband got a letter but he's not here...so it's mine, right?

    He said they've been really busy with training this week. They had a Static Material Inspection while they were out at firefighting assessment. He personally took zero hits, but his section took more hits than any other in the compartment. He is section leader, so it was his behind that got chewed out. He said afterwards he was on his way to turn in his crow, when half his section stopped him. They said his help was the only reason they passed, and they asked him to please remain section leader. So he's holding on to the crow for now, he says. He also said he can't understand how his div is #2 when they are still marching like they just finished P-days. He takes things so seriously, and he expects everyone else to as well. They are probably doing just fine, just not up to his standards ;-)

    He did really well on the run, and has lost 32lbs. Those are both good things! He said he will need to score really high on the final PFA in order to retain honor graduate status. Overall it was a good letter, and he is almost done.

    Hoping for a letter in the next week or two from Son #2

  • Phoenixmom

    Thats Awesome News  mustangmom65 . My son was also a Leader in his Div. My Son would help push those that wanted to give up he would run with them he would swim with them. My Sons Div. won the captains cup. My son mentioned it is really hard when you see those that deserve to be there and are fighting to make and then those that make a Joke out of everything and just mess around. Way to go for your Son!

  • JenningsMom

    Trey2-- He sent it off July 21st and i received it today. He left for bootcamp June 23rd and had to quarentine as well.

    Pizanche-- Thank you!!

  • belovedbyHim

    JenningsMom-- Yes it is a total Roller Coaster!! Both now in BC and later in the Fleet. YEAH!!! Letters are AMAZING!!!

    goofynavyson-- The fact that you got a text is a good sign! That means he has his phone but can’t use it yet. Once he’s settled in at A school you should get to talk all you want! (GL is Central Time zone-- There are 4 Eastern, Central, Mountain (the one that everyone forgets about) and Pacific), It’s ok to be weepy, BC is a Major life and lifestyle change!!

    mustangmom65 -- Awesome!! Those letters make everything better!!

  • Sandy

    Hoping to hear from my son he left all quarantined up on July 20th I was recovering from breast cancer and a mastectomy. Missed his arrival call feel so awful about that. Hoping to hear from him any day.
  • goofynavyson

    Belovedbyhim he got to video chat me. He said he will be in gl for at least 6 months but he does have his phone. The best day of my life besides having him. He looked really good. We are gonna make plans to go see him. He said they got liberties this weekend so we could have been there. A little upsetting but its ok we will see him soon enough. Just happy this part is over.
  • JenningsMom

    Sandy- I’m glad you are doing better. You should hear from him by letter soon if he didn’t have to quarantine. It’s usually a couple weeks after they arrive. My don took a month due to him quarantined but he received his vaccine so he doesn’t have to worry. Goodluck and let us know if we can help.

  • belovedbyHim

    Sandy-- Did he leave home to Quarantine at BC on the 20th?
    I'm so sorry you missed the scripted call but it's so scripted that they sound robotic or like a recording.
    I'm so sorry about your cancer diagnosis.Praying that you beat Cancer's butt!!

    he Expected timeline will look like this
    HERE IS A BREAKDOWN OF BOOT CAMP IN TIMES OF COVID

    Day 0 -- Travel, Arrival and "I'm Here" scripted phone call

    Week 1&2
    Day 1-14 -- ROM (Restriction of Movement/ Quarantine-- Lots of studying and waiting)

    Week 3
    Day 15-21 Arrive Onboard RTC and begin P-days (P-days- Initial Processing Days) including 2 days of P-hold (Weekend)
    Day 21-- Complete P days. (Initial PFT & Run)

    Week 4- First week of training 
    Day 22-- Begin training and mail form letter out. Look for it to arrive around 1-2 weeks later

    Week 5 -- First inspections and tests (Dental May be this week or next... Not Confirmed)(Form letter/ Personal letters usually arrive this week)

    Week 6 -8 -- More training, Drilling (Flags and Marching), Fire Fighting training, Marlinspike (Line handling- How to tie up a Ship to the Pier) and weapons lessons, Confidence chamber( May or may not be happening yet, we don’t know for sure).. Warrior training in here somewhere.

    Week 9 & 10 -- Stressful!! They have all their final inspections, PFA, Drills, BS21 and Tests. This is the lead up to the end!!

  • belovedbyHim

    goofynavyson -- That's wonderful!! Now that he's set in A school you'll be able to call, text and Facetime any time you want(ish) They are generally busy from 6am-4pm (give or take a couple hours and Duty times) I hope you are able to go see him soon! (PS. Federal Holidays are always a good bet!! (3 day weekends and usually Friday is only a partial day as long as he doesn't have duty!)
    I know that you are upset that you weren't there for this weekend but honestly there was NO way you (or us) could have known especially with everything in Flux!  There was a mom on another group that was in route to see her sailor for the first time in almost a year and 5 hours in he called to tell her that base was closed and he wouldn't be able to see them. That would be even worse!

  • Chipmunk

    Good Evening Everyone!! I have not been able to be on my computer all day so just playing catch up. 

    Sandy - thoughts and prayers for you!

    Goofynavyson - I am sorry that you did not have the information to be able to go spend the weekend with your sailor. I am not sure I even had that in my brain to have mentioned it. 

    I am rejoicing with those of you that have had good news and those of you that are struggling or still waiting to hear, just remember you are not alone and we share in your struggles.

    Your sea sisters that have sailors out in the fleet are also riding that emotional roller coaster as rules keep going back and forth with regards to visitation and not, our sailors who have gotten vaccinated have gone back to being told they have to wear masks again. It is hard, Hugs and love to all!