Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

Agreed! It's been well over 5 years and the shoes you all are in are the toughest (minus sub deployments)! Once life gets back to "normal" please checkout www.thefamilycore.com/freedom

My husband and I have a 5 children and created this family management platform to keep everyone connected and organized as military life can be stressful and rewarding all at the same time. Be blessed, know PIR is closer than you think and your Sailor misses you just as much as you miss them!!! - gld

Phoenixmom - My Sailor was permitted to stay with me Friday and Saturday night, he just had to call and check-in every morning. But only because he was staying at GL. He also was ONLY allowed to wear civilian clothes. He said in the brief they didnt want them to be targets so they had strict orders NOT to wear ANYTHING that was issued to them by the Navy. For those who were going on to A School somewhere else -- they all had to stay in their whites from graduation and they had to check back in on base by 9pm, I believe it was. If they dont leave under Sunday, you can pick them back up the next morning and they will know when they have to check back in. 

I was able to drive him back to his school when I dropped him off Sunday. But that can change at any point. There is a parking lot, with a small Navy museum next to the gate. That's the best place to pick up your Sailor when they are ready Friday evening. Also, even if you are able to drive them back on base...a lot of the buildings look the same so tell your Sailor to pay attention the the building numbers and where they are on base. It can get confusing. 

As always -- things can change at any time so just be flexible. 

Hi Jules My Son is Out of BC and A school he has been in 4 yrs now. But Indeed everything has changed. Good Info thank You. My Son wasnt allowed to stay the night and we had to take him back on base and sign him in and out. and He had to be in his Uniform unless indoors at hotel. so there is a drastic change in things. Thank you! Best wishes to your Son!

Dadyoftwins360 - be sure to go to your profile page. And look in the upper left corner of it to see if you have any invites for a friend request. One of the other dad's on this site has reached out to you. If you are viewing this site on a mobile device be sure to put it in desktop mode. If you can look at it on a computer the site is easier to manage that way. 

Jules - Thank you for the new update on especially wearing or not wearing their uniform. Most importantly, your sailor knows what they have been told, so we always listen to them first!

Packed and ready to go - all that is missing is the phone call!!! I am a bundle of nerves. trying to stay busy so I dont think!

Goodluck everyone

mwsrn- Welcome! Our son just graduated last Friday. He was in the DEP for nine months before going to RTC. It seems a lot more "real" now, doesn't it?

Hopefully your son can get by without quarantine since he's vaccinated! My son's division was split into groups of four during quarantine, and he was the odd man out. He spent two weeks all by his lonesome because he wasn't vaccinated until he got there.

Stay positive for him. It's going to be worth it. PIR on Friday was amazing. We're fresh out from the experience, so I'll answer any questions I can for you.

I did call the Museum today & they are NOT live streaming PIR. 

K⚓, I know when we booked at Spring Hill Suites in Waukegan that they had live streaming at the motel. They also had shuttles to the PIR. Your motel might offer the same, call and check.

That's great to know Northwoodsmom! That is the hotel I'm staying at. I'll call tomorrow. Thank you. 

Hey all, we are leaving for PIR September 2nd from Florida. Our son graduated 9/03! I’m hoping since he is doing Aschool in GL that he has liberty time. If so,  Are they wearing uniform out or they allowed to wear civilian clothes? I’m excited to visit the welcome NEX shop!!! I’m praying all goes well. 

No civilian clothes until they reach phase two liberty.  That takes two to four weeks.

Hi all, please go back a page or so and read what I think Jules shared about Liberty for those staying in GL. Stuff has changed and they are letting them wear civilian clothes. But not those that will fly out to their A school. 

Anti M - this is all new and not following normal protocol so not sure if it is just PIR weekend or all the time now? I would have replied as you did until I saw the message earlier. 

Pizanche - you are ahead of where I was with my son's PIR. He's got this!!

Welcome to our new moms we are glad you are here. I have had a long day, I will do my best to reply tomorrow. 

Ladies, This is a Regular Announcement: Please put this information in your Phones:
I have a contact labeled {sailor ICE} with this phone number and text number as the phone number under the contacts, then I have the needed contact info in the notes section. The info in Italics below. Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it or have to remember where or what you need! In the event of an emergency I can just pull up the info on my phone and hand it off if I’m not able to think clearly!!

If an emergency (such as a serious illness, death or birth) of an immediate family member takes place then military families can initiate a request for Red Cross emergency assistance. The message will be verified and then delivered. If the emergency requires leave for a service member, the Red Cross will verify the emergency to the service member’s commanding officer. Eligibility for emergency leave will ultimately be determined by them. Throughout the process, the family member will be able to track the progress of the message from anywhere in the world online, by phone, through our mobile app or in person.

To best prepare for an emergency, please have this information ready when reporting an emergency message:

· The service members name, rank, social security number and unit address {SR Davy Jones, 123-45-6789, Great Lakes Naval Training Center Ship 99, Div 1904.} {In Fleet This would be their Ship Name and number}

· The name of the person with the emergency and the nature of the situation {King Neptune, Hospitalized in critical condition}

· The name and contact information for the medical authority to contact regarding the status of the emergency {Doctor Jack Sparrow, Barbados General Hospital, 555-123-4567}

To access these services through the Hero Care Network, create an account and send the message here or send through the Hero Care app by texting “GETHEROCARE” to 90999 or call a Hero Care specialist at 1-877-272-7337.

This is a reason to have the discussion before your sailor leaves or ask in an early call or letter (Reassure them that all is well at home but you have learned you should have asked sooner.) No one likes to talk about the possibility of death but it happens and it’s easier if you have a plan for how to handle these situations. When you can, ask if they want to know about anyone not parent or sibling while in boot camp (They likely will not be allowed to leave anyway), ask if they want to come home if it’s a parent or sibling ( It will be short 2-4 days at most then 2 week Quarantine, unless Immunized and a delay in BC training-- Fleet still short followed by quarantine unless Immunized.)

mwsrn--

Welcome!! Please read my blog to give you an idea of what the first few weeks may look like.. First Things First-- The Quarantine Edition Up and to the Left is a link to all the Navy Lingo! It is titled Navy Speak and you can find it here. We are here to get you through the “Great Silence” of the next 4 weeks (ish) and the 10 weeks of BC (ish). You will come to learn that No News Is GOOD News and everything is Needs of the Navy. You life will be Hurry Up and Wait and it’s ok to make plans but they are subject to change until after they have happened so it’s best to embrace the Motto: Semper Gumby!! (Always Flexible!!)

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!!

All of this is assuming no exposure to COVID with additional ROM
Training typically occurs Monday - Friday but we have heard rumors that Saturday’s are now training days as well.
Normal PIR will be 10 Fridays after departure from Home but it can be less by 1 but it can be extended by ???? (lots!!) It just depends on how many times they get caught in the “Ring of Fire” but do not get COVID. IF they get COVID, Once they are recovered they will not be removed from training again even if they are in the “Ring of Fire”. (so there is that small silver lining if kids get sick)

Jules -- Wow!! Thanks for that tidbit! 8 pm!! WOW!!! Have to be in Civies!!! That is a HUGE change!!! (Ok Folks... Time to add to your PIR list! Pack Sailor Civies!)

Dadyoftwins360-- Yep!! While we will always tell you “No news is Good News” that doesn’t make it any easier! 99.9% of the time it is the truth however it is never easy

Pizanche -- Breathe!!!  You've made it this far, you can make it a little longer!!

Anti M -- It sounds like that may have changed. Jules sailor was told he HAD to wear Civies. If so this is a HUGE change.

Have a great day all - I am off to start my travels!!  

Pizanche-- WOW Early Start!! Safe Travels!! I'm off to bed!

Pizanche, prayers for safe travels and for that long awaited phone call. Enjoy your trip and give that Sailor a extra hug from us! God Bless!

Good Morning Everyone!! I slept in so I must get on with my day but I wanted to welcome two new members - Tracie & mwsrn!!

Some reminders - Please read back through several pages here of messages as we have posted some information that is helpful to all both newbies and those headed to PIR.

Do NOT give out your personal email or reply to anyone that is asking you to do so. If you receive a suspicious message copy it including the user name of who is sending it and send a message to our site admins - (scroll all the way to the bottom of this screen and in the grey bar is Report an Issue) click on that and share it. Ellen0502 and B'sNukeMom... are some of our more active site admins. 

This site is best viewed on a computer and those using a mobile device might want to put it in desktop mode if you are having difficulties navigating. 

Be sure to check your profile page daily, especially if you are not receiving any email feed from this site. Comments are posted on your page, friend requests are made and other things there. You can get to your profile page by either clicking on your Avatar (your little icon picture) below where one of your comments have already posted, or by scrolling to the very top of this page and in the blue ribbon banner click on My Page. 

Please keep OPSEC / PERSEC in mind. Remember this group page is public so others like you can find it when they are searching for information. As much as we love to hear about your travels and such it is better to share those within your PIR groups which are closed & private. We post  the links regularly but they can also be found by clicking on Groups in the blue banner above. 

Finally - We do not post dates or even "day of the week of" for Battle Stations on this group page either. The Navy treats it like ship movement and it is just another one of those preparations that you are going through to be a Navy Loved One who must maintain silence about such things when your sailor is out in the fleet.  BC Moms and Loved Ones group is your training ground and we offer lots of grace (more than your SRs might get - we at least don't yell at you or give you IT (intense training - push ups, run, etc.) when you err.

BNMHs {Big Navy Mom Hugs} - Not just for our new members but for everyone, may you have a great day, choose Joy, find something to do that brings you satisfaction, start a new hobby, help a neighbor, offer water to the thirsty!! And write or email your SR or Sailor!!!  Let them know how much we appreciate them and their service. Off to send mine a note!

Thank you guys so much for the support! 

Happy Wednesday!

Good morning! I have enjoyed seeing all of your posts and continue to remind myself, as I enter 14 days since my son left, that no news is good news right now. We moved our daughter into her dorms last week so it has gotten even quieter in this house!

I love seeing all of your stories and messages. It definitely helps get through the days!

JenningsMom - My son stayed in GL and HAD to wear civis while on liberty. NO Navy issued clothing allowed unless they are flying out to somewhere else, then they HAFTA wear Navy issued uniform.

Tracie - you are welcome!

Imftnavymom21 - I have five children and every time one of them went off to college, BC, camp, anything, going past their empty room was just weird. BC was hard though because I knew where he was, but didn't know how things would be going and knowing I could not even get letters to him was hard. Staying connected with this group(s) helped me a lot. 

Imftnavymom21 I am also 14 days  since my son left! It drives me crazy not being able to talk to him, but I know he is ok! I love reading all the comments,  don't post much myself,  but knowing this group is here is a great help. Good luck to you and your son!

Thanks Jules for the information 

Goodluck to all the new bootcamp entries. You mind hang in there.. no news is good news!! Soon the letters will role in!! 

Good Morning Everyone and welcome to our group. We are so glad that you are here.

Yes, civis until they have made it up to phase two.  Keep your phones on you at all times and those ringers on loud so you don't miss any calls. Another day closer to some for PIR.

Pizanche- Good Morning and safe travels as you head out. It's so exciting. Can't wait to hear all about it!!!  :)

drc2873- Hey and I am glad that you are posting.  :) 14 days that is good. I know right? I am the same way. It's good to hear from you. 

Imftnavymom21- Good Morning, you ad drc2873 are on the same time frame it seems like. You are very welcome and that is good to hear. We try our best in supporting all of our new moms and families.   :)

JenningsMom- Good Morning.

Tracie- Good Morning and you are very welcome. It is good to have you on here. BBH's blog is really good and you will find a lot of information in there. 

God Bless and have a great day everyone!!!

Strange that they have changed it to civvies only at GL right now.....I wonder what the reasoning is on that?  Seems odd for sure.....

Be sure to join your PIR group:

 August 2021 PIR

September 2021 PIR

October 2021 PIR

Just a reminder since it was discussed in another group.

You may get either an email or phone call from The American Red Cross.  This is legitimate.  Your SR will have provided them with your contact info and they are reaching out to let you know what services they offer in case of an emergency.  It’s important to store their info in a safe place in case you ever need it.

If an emergency (such as a serious illness, death or birth) of an immediate family member takes place then military families can initiate a request for Red Cross emergency assistance. The message will be verified and then delivered. If the emergency requires leave for a service member, the Red Cross will verify the emergency to the service member’s commanding officer. Eligibility for emergency leave will ultimately be determined by them. Throughout the process, the family member will be able to track the progress of the message from anywhere in the world online, by phone, through our mobile app or in person.

I just posted a notice about the Red Cross and how I keep that info handy .  I may be back a few pages but If you need it again just ask.

B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN - They told them that is was because they didnt want them to be "targets" while out on liberty. They must be having issues.

My Sailor was more than happy to go to Gurnee Mills Mall and get some new clothes (they dont have much room at A School). What he wanted MOST -- underwear -- and a mask that wasnt white. They were told that the white mask would make them stand out as new Sailors. 

The "must wear civvies" policy is very interesting, and somewhat concerning.  Changing liberty rules is a pretty big step, I wonder if the threat levels are up?  I've seen the "no uniforms for commercial air travel" and "civvies only" overseas, but never at Great Lakes.  Wonder how long it will last?  

We have a SAILOR!!!!!! Just got the phone call!! He sounds exhausted but so proud, as he should be! I absolutely cannot wait to see him!!

I'm with you on that Anti M, doesnt sound right at all, Bud was paranoid when we went out had to make sure his hat was on right everything in order and even had to carry around his bag or box that they had. it was weird couldnt walk hugging or holding hands. it was very strict back then. seems to soft now.

On a side note -- when I went last Thursday to get my grad ticket -- it was really fast. Show your ID and Vax card, they will check the list and give you your tickets. 

Take CASH if you want to buy anything AT graduation. They sell coffee, drinks and snacks. Also NAVY stuff...but you gotta pay CASH!

SailorMom, congratulations, I am so excited for you. Yes they deserve to be proud. Hope you have a safe trip if you plan on attending. Give your Sailor a big hug from all of us. 

Shanny, I was wondering about you, how is everything? Not like you to be this quiet!

Thank you for adding me, new to the group and have tons to learn :) 

Shanny I was gonna ask the same as NorthWoodsMom, how have you bwwn? Thank NorthWoodsMom!

Roenick9  Welcome to BCM so glad to have you here, theres a bit going on as most of the moms are expecting their loved ones to be Graduating soon. But pleased come Introduce yourself and let us know where we can be of help ask any questions.

HERE IS A BREAKDOWN OF BOOT CAMP IN TIMES OF COVID

(as put together by belovedbyHim)

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!!

Once you know your recruit's PIR date, be sure to join the group for that date. PIR groups are posted on the Comment Wall below once they are created. 

USPS Informed Delivery - Sign up and receive an email from the US Postal Service showing what mail you will be getting each day (if available in your area).  

Informed Delivery®

Here is some Great info from Mrs. Beloved. for all the new Comers this is for you.

Welcome!! Please read my blog to give you an idea of what the first few weeks may look like.. First Things First-- The Quarantine Edition Up and to the Left is a link to all the Navy Lingo! It is titled Navy Speak and you can find it here. We are here to get you through the “Great Silence” of the next 4 weeks (ish) and the 10 weeks of BC (ish). You will come to learn that No News Is GOOD News and everything is Needs of the Navy. You life will be Hurry Up and Wait and it’s ok to make plans but they are subject to change until after they have happened so it’s best to embrace the Motto: Semper Gumby!! (Always Flexible!!)

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!!

All of this is assuming no exposure to COVID with additional ROM
Training typically occurs Monday - Friday but we have heard rumors that Saturday’s are now training days as well.
Normal PIR will be 10 Fridays after departure from Home but it can be less by 1 but it can be extended by ???? (lots!!) It just depends on how many times they get caught in the “Ring of Fire” but do not get COVID. IF they get COVID, Once they are recovered they will not be removed from training again even if they are in the “Ring of Fire”. (so there is that small silver lining if kids get sick)

Be sure to join your PIR group:

 August 2021 PIR

September 2021 PIR

October 2021 PIR

Northwoodsmom- Thank you so much! We are leaving first thing in the morning!! I’ll give him hugs! He knows all of you from our phone calls and letters, he’s thankful that I’ve had you all! He thinks it’s pretty cool that I always know what’s going on! I’m forever grateful to the group! Navy moms are the best moms, I’ll never be convinced otherwise!!

Well, those staying at Great Lakers have moved from RTC's control to TSC's policies, so that my explain the difference.  I have news for them, while the uniform is easy to spot, so is that haircut and their demeanor.  The women, not so much, but the guys?  Ha.

Great Lakes... Lakers is a typo. 

Thank you all for the PIR info, especially the CASH recommendation by Jules! As my SR graduation date nears,  I'm getting a tad nervous.