Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

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. 

AntiM, that statement had me rolling. That is so true, when my daughter and I went to Charleston you could pretty much tell a Nuclear Sailor just by looking at them even without a uniform. We stayed at a Airbnb apartment complex and could just pick them out, even at restaurants in Park Circle you just knew. Most of the time we were spot on. Sailors carry themselves different also, head held high and very well mannered.

Sailormom—your a sailor mom for sure now!!

thanks for all the great info everyone!! Good to know as we are attending PIR next week

SailorMom -- WHOOP!! WHOOP!!!! WHOOP!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!   Safe Travels!  Be sure to get a hug for every Navy Mom in this group... (That's 13509 hugs btw!!)

Roenick9 -- Welcome, Let us know where you are in your journey and how we can help.

Anti M-- HAHAHA!!! Yep the hair cut, the perfect posture and the deer in headlights look...  you can spot them a mile away!

SailorMom - Congratulations!!! Remember to come join the Beyond BC group and to change your sailor status to Enlisted on your My page!

Jules - I was actually wondering if CASH was needed or not. When we were there, stuff outside the hall was cash only but inside they were able to take credit / debit cards. It is good to know that you need extra CASH. 

Roenick9 - Welcome to the group! We are glad you have joined us!

Everyone have a restful night!

Morning all! Congrats to your new sailors!!! I am 1/2 way through my trip. Leaving in a few for the last leg (about 8 hours to GL) drive 8 yesterday and am tired. Still haven’t heard from my son but am hopeful I will today!! Fingers and toes crossed! Good vibes!!

Pizanche-- Wow you are up early again!! Drive safely and try and get to bed early tonight; Friday's a BIG Day!!  Praying you get your phone call soon!!
Good night!

Morning, friends!! Thank you all!! I’ll try to get in at least that many hugs!!! I definitely am a sailor mom, now!! I’ll let you all know how PIR and liberty goes for us, my son is staying at GL for A school, also!

Congrats to all of you with kiddos graduating. Does the I am a sailor call typically come in earlier in the week like a Tues/ Wed or does it stretch sometimes till Thursday? It seems like they are all across the week on here so maybe bs are through out the week for different divisions. 

We got our call on Wednesday afternoon! My son’s division was in the middle of the division numbers that are to graduate on the same day, so maybe they go in order division by division? That’s just a guess, I’m not for certain about that! 

Our call came Monday evening. His division was the first in numerical order last week, so it does seem that they go in order that way. I believe I've read that they run anywhere from one to four divisions through BS a night.

Pizanche, prayers you get that call, if not keep going he might of just had Battle Stations later or maybe just couldn't get to a phone. 

Both you and SailorMom have a safe trip and may the time with your brand spanking new Sailor be Blessed!

I didnt get 'the call" until the day before graduation. Try not to worry. Battle Stations are LONG - and hard- and some still have duty in between. My Sailor literally got 6 hours of sleep in 3 days. My understanding is that the do go in division order. His division had the highest number that week so they went last. 

Congrats to all who got the call! So excited for y'all.

Still no call. Just make it to IL! 

Thank you for the warm welcome.  This sight has already answered more questions than the recruiter.  So instead of being frustrated with miss information we are rolling with it.  

Our Journey just started. Our SR is in week 2 (I believe) of Bootcamp, after quarantine. We got our letter about PIR date of Oct. 15 "subject to change".  After BC schooling in TX.

My questions at the moment, is since we would have to travel out of state How long after the ceremony will we get to see her. Letter said subject to change 1-2 hours. I got the impression we could take her off base for a quick lunch. Is this correct or will we have to remain on base?

Also every time I try to access the web http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/  I get an Error message. Saying traffic is high.  Any tips or thoughts?

At the moment all of this is surreal. So I will be reading a great deal of information from the rest of the moms on this sight.  Like I said you all have been far more helpful than our recruiter. Thank you so much