Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

Here's the October TG's and divisions:

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

October 8, 2021 TG-46 (441,442,443,444,445,446,447,448,449,450,451,909)

October 15, 2021 TG-47 (453,454,455,456,457,458,459,460,461,462,463,464,910)

October 22, 2021 TG-48 (465,466,467,468,469,470,471,472,473,475,476,911)

October 29, 2021 TG-49 (477,478,478,480,481,482,483,484,485,486,487,912)

And link to the October group:

October 2021 PIR

I just called the hotel I'm staying in for PIR, Spring Hill Suites Mariott and  was confirmed they have a shuttle for graduation at 6:30am AND they live stream it in the hotel lobby. 

K anchor - That is great news! Thanks for sharing with us!

K- That is good to know and thanks for letting us know.  :) It won't be long now. 

As a reminder, please do not send your recruit any info about what is currently going on in Afghanistan. This may seem strange, but what info is shared with the recruits right now is up to the RTC. It is now up to the Navy to let them know!!

Morning. 1st off, thank you all for your kind words!!! PIR was yesterday and I wanted to share my experience. Remember you may not get the Sailor call until Thursday, it’s ok!! Also I drove on base. 
We picked up our tickets on Thursday, very organized, make sure you have your ID and Covid card!! You can’t get through the doors with out them.  
Friday was long and emotional. The entrance gate was very confusing because when you put the address is Apple Maps, it doesn’t recognize it, Don’t worry, it brings you to the correct place, don’t try and go in the wrong gate. We were at the gate about 6.30 and there was already a long line. Again, have IDs, ticket, Covid card for everyone in the car, our and ready to show. Also they are checking registration and insurance, so have those out also. It was very organized, and they will get you to the parking garage. You must have a mask on at all times (IL is back to having a mask mandate starting 8/30). We walked out of that garage and there was the next check point, same.. IDs tickets, Covid card. We got out bags checked here ( some people didn’t and went forward to the next bag check) make sure you have your bags open, it goes faster. They will stamp your hand so you won’t have to have it checked again.  Again this process was organized and painless. We walked through a very cool small museum on the way to the drill hall. (2 lines, one for who got their bags checked and one for those that still needed it) show the stamp and very quick . Into the drill hall now- it is huge!! They have places you can buy stuff and coffee/water. The coffee place you can use credit cards. But faster with cash. We found my sons division and sat high on the bleachers (I’m short so I could see better) you wait hours, but it is so worth it!!! 
My son is flying out Saturday, so his Liberty was only Friday, but I am glad I got that with him. We had a great day!!! Lots of laughing and talking. Dropped him off at the chapel near the gate near the NEX at 2000. Lot of folks in this parking lot. Hung out for another 1/2 hour and off he went. The RDCs are recommending that back on base by 2000 and leave family/friends but 2030 to get back to the compartment by 2100. 
It was a long emotional whirlwind ride, but I am forever grateful that this opportunity  was open for us parents. I know alot of folks didn’t get to go. 
my son just texted me, he got his phone back and he is on the bus on his way to his flight. 
Again, thanks to all of you and please if I can help anyone with anything, please just ask. 

Good morning. This is the last weekend with my son before he ships to BC. I am not sleeping well and have this aching feeling in the pit of my stomach. I am sure you all can relate. I am beyond proud, but my heart hurts at the same time. 

Pizanche  - glad everything went smoothly and you got some time with your Sailor! 

@Pizanche thank you for this overview!! I shared it with my family and it will be so helpful for everyone as they make the journey to PIR!!

Good Morning Ladies - I am sorry that some of us "regulars" have been sparse this morning. Life on the home front goes along for us and yet your world is spinning with so many questions and emotions. 

Blumum - this is my reply to you in the Main Room chat if you don't see it there - 

They will need to have their bank information with them account numbers and such to take to BC. My son had a form that I think NFCU (Navy Fed Credit Union)  gave him but he ended up not needing it , I don't think. But your SR for sure needs to know their bank account number and routing number, especially if not NFCU. Their recruiters should be relaying this information to them but it is okay to ask here as well.

Purchase phone card if able locally - I think I bought my son's at a Walgreens. It has to be for a pay phone not cell. My son activated his before he left, that way he knew how to use it. Otherwise they will buy them at the NEX at RTC. 

SRs are given an allowance to purchase items they need at BC, it should be enough to last until they get their first check. 

All accessories should be black, so simple black watch, black wallet (not as big a deal on color), black drawstring backpack (easy to put inside their "box" until after BC), again not as big a deal but it gets you thinking ahead. They may have a small Bible, not sure about other religious text. My son was able to have a very small pocket sized notebook, and he had a mechanical pencil he took with him. Make sure they have their cell phone and charger. 

Leave a small note tucked inside their wallet and a couple of stamps for their first letter home. Write addresses on a notecard and stick in wallet, some write inside Bible, + phone numbers. Make sure they have their home mailing address, phone numbers and Social Security Number memorized. 

They also need their SS card, ID, Vax card - ?? not sure if anything else. 

Tell them to let you know their flight number & airline when leave MEPS and to call you from airport in IL before they get on transport to BC. That is your last call until you receive the "I'm Here" call which is very late in night or early morning and is a scripted call, sounds like a recording. Just keep telling them, "I love you and You've Got this!"

Others will chime in this is what I can think of at the top of my head.

Hugs to all of you, especially our newbies and those almost done! We are here for you, so keep posting and if we don't answer something ask again. A lot of us have a lot going on and so we might not be checking in as often, which is why we encourage you to stick around, so we always appreciate those who do and even if someone posts something that may not be as accurate, it is okay, someone will correct and we just keep moving along. Things can change on a dime when it comes to some of the information that we have - such as we found this last week with Liberty and clothing - so it is okay. Ask and answer we are a team, we are a family - We are Navy or in BC just like our kids, or even DEP!

Tracie & Blumum -- I hope you read my blog and have done some if not most of the things I suggested. I strongly advise you to have the talk about what and when should something happen at home. Your feelings of sadness are normal! You raised a Strong young person, which means you are stronger than you may realize right now!! Hang in there and know we are here for you! 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)
I Hope you’ll come and join us on the Main Boot Camp Moms page: https://navyformoms.ning.com/group/bootcampmoms You may have to scroll down a ways to reach the comments but we’d love to get to know you and answer any questions or concerns you may have or just be a support from others who “get it”. 

Just got a phone call from my SR!! Was not expecting it at all! It was just a I get 30 minutes to talk kind of call.. all is well with him.. he's just doing his best to listen and learn and not fail inspections.. 

So hang in there..you will hear from you SR when you least expect it!

drc2873 -- Congratulations!!! Now you know why we say keep those phones close and ringers on LOUD and answer EVERY call!!! You just never know when they may get to call just to chat!!
So glad he's doing well and I know this will have you on cloud nine for days to come!

Hi everyone, I just received an unexpected 45min call from my son, I was so happy to speak with him he gave me his div # and ship# but didn't know the address but isn't the address the same for all the recruits? Anyway he's doing well and I told him to just pray and be encouraged and I love him.

There are different addresses for the ships.. the faq page which talks about writing your SR has the full address for each ship 

drc2873- Whoo hoo that is awesome. Now you know why we always say keep those phones on you at all times.  :)

Glad to hear he's doing well. Big hugs to you and enjoy that feeling till the next call or letter comes in!!!

LiLDsmom-Hey, Whoo Hoo that is awesome!! I love it!! Especially when they are unexpected it just feels great to talk to them. Glad to hear he's doing well.

Now you can send those letters off right away!!

let me get that link for you:

Here it is:

Ship/Division--How it Works. 

Let us know if you need anything else!!

Glad to hear you both got calls today!!!

LilDsmom -- I was trying to reply from my phone hours ago but clearly it did NOT work.
The address format is:

SR LAST NAME, FIRST NAME, MI
SHIP XX DIV XXX
XXXX ????? STREET or SAILOR DRIVE
GREAT LAKES IL 60088-XXXX

You do NOT need to use all Caps, although your sailor will. Only information in bold below--along with the division number--must be included when writing to your recruit.

Ship 01 (Bldg. 7122): USS Pearl Harbor (LSD-52) xxxx Kansas Street, Great Lakes, IL 60088-3122 (This is the barracks where your recruit will sleep during P-days. Your recruit will not receive mail in this ship.)

Ship 02 (Bldg. 7105): USS Reuben B. James (FFG-57) 3600 Ohio Street, Great Lakes, IL 60088-7105 or 60088-3156

Ship 03 (Bldg. 7104): USS Hopper (DDG-70) 3600 Ohio Street, Great Lakes, IL 60088-3156 or 60088-7103

Ship 04 (Bldg. 7103): USS Arleigh Burke (DDG-51) 3600 Ohio Street, Great Lakes, IL 60088-7103

Ship 05 (Bldg. 7102): USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) 3610 Illinois Street, Great Lakes, IL 60088-3118

Ship 06 (Bldg. 7101): USS Constitution 3510 Illinois Street, Great Lakes, IL 60088-3119

Ship 07 (Bldg. 7117): USS Chicago (SSN-721) 3405 Sailor Drive, Great Lakes, IL 60088-3401

Ship 09 (Bldg. 7116): USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) 3415 Sailor Drive, Great Lakes, IL 60088-3415 or 60088-3515

Ship 10 (Bldg. 7115): USS Enterprise (CVN-65) 3425 Sailor Drive, Great Lakes, IL 60088-3425 or 60088-3525

Ship 11 (Bldg. 7114): USS Kearsarge (LHD-3) 3505 Sailor Drive, Great Lakes, IL 60088-3505

Ship 12 (Bldg. 7113): USS Triton (SS-201 & SSN-586) 3515 Sailor Drive, Great Lakes, IL 60088-3515

Ship 13 (Bldg. 7112): USS Marvin G Shields (FF-1066) 3420 Sailor Drive, Great Lakes, IL 60088-3520

Ship 14 (Bldg. 7111): USS Arizona (BB-39) 3410 Sailor Drive, Great Lakes, IL 60088-3510 or 60088-3410

Ship 17 (Bldg. 7121): USS Mason (DDG-87) 2705 Kansas Street, Great Lakes, IL 60088-3140 (This Ship is seldom used for recruits.)

https://navyformoms.ning.com/group/bootcampmoms/page/letter-writing...

https://navyformoms.ning.com/group/bootcampmoms/page/ship-division-...

Tracie and Blumum-Welcome!! And oh boy do we ever know that feeling of trepidation over what our kids will be going into. The element of the unknown for those (like myself) who are new to the military life, can be overwhelming. Letting go of our kiddos is never easy but we are a generation of parents who could always reach their kids via cell phones and to not have that option can feel foreign and unsettling. You WILL make it through, you might doubt yourself at times, but you WILL! That mixture of pride and concern is totally normal....in fact whatever crazy range of emotions you are going through from one minute to the next for the next couple months....ALL normal! Even if you feel grief....I felt grief and no one could understand it, not even my family, but you know who did?? The amazing ladies here. They got it! We got you!

drc2873 and LilDsmom-YAY!! Phone calls are the best!! It makes all the difference just to hear their voice and we know they are moving along through the process and on their way to a successful completion! 

Awww thank you belovedbyHim, and all of you guys I love how helpful we all are, just one big family.

LilDsmom-- Yes we are!! This last week is part of the reason why!! We are the ones who understand what it means to be a Military parent/family and all that goes along with that!

Good Morning Everyone,

And welcome to our group. It's been good to hear of some of you getting letters and phone calls. That is the best!!

Keep writing those letters and staying busy is key. Keep your phone on you at all times and those ringers on loud. You don't want to miss any calls that may come thru.

LiLDsmom- You are very welcome and that link that I posted for you has other information in there as well.

BBH- No worries. I had posted the link for her in my post before my scripture of the day. I gotcha ya!!!  :) 

Trey- Good to see you posting. How is everything going?

God Bless and have a great Sonday everyone!!!

Hi. My SR had messed up and got sent back 2 weeks, was a real blow and wasn't feeling good, was sad for him and us. Got a call from him yesterday, he is actually doing much better now, loves his new div, it's a lot smaller. Since he has done most of what they are doing he is either getting to take a break to regroup himself and also helping his shipmates with either what is coming or taking the port watches so they don't have to miss class. So relieved, even if it takes us another 2 weeks to see him.

For those who just attended the recent PIR, how long does it seem to be taking for after graduation and before release for liberty? I hope hotel shuttles are back too, we are staying at the Sonesta suites.

We just dropped our brand new Sailor off and are headed home! He is staying in GL for A school. We picked up our tickets on Thursday afternoon, it was a very fast process probably ten minutes total. We took a shuttle from our hotel to PIR, we were on base and through the initial ID and ticket check with no problems. The hotel shuttles bypass the incredibly long line. PIR was amazing and we were able to visit for about 45 minutes after PIR before he had to return to his compartment and pack up to move across the street. He called us around 4:30 to come get him. Since he was staying in GL, he was only allowed to wear civilian clothing and was able to stay with us all weekend for liberty. It was incredible to get to spend that time with him and take him to Chicago to explore. He seems really happy and excited about his journey! It was super hard to leave him again and even harder when it finally sinks in that it’s not just for those initial 8 weeks that he won’t be home but he will probably never live with his momma again! It’s bittersweet, for sure! I’m so proud of him and this life is making for himself!

SailorMom- Thank you for this information!! My son will be staying at GL for A school so we can plan to have our family go out so that we can all spend time with him!

Trey - Glad to hear that your SR is back on track and moving forward!! As to liberty time, that will vary depending on what he is doing afterwards. Is yours staying in GL for A school or moving elsewhere? 

Good morning everyone ok can we give our SR's address to other family members in order to write letters to them? I don't want to jeopardize any type of opsec stuff so please my sister's let me know, oh and Imaftnavymom21 my sailor is staying in GL for A school as well. You guys I'm getting pretty good with these acronyms lol have a blessed Sunday. 

SailorMom, ASWarrior - Yes, it is very much a bittersweet moment. All of my other children when left after high school have come back home for a season, but like you said, likely my sailor never will. 

Be sure to come join us in Beyond BC group and change your profile page to show Enlisted for your sailor status, if you haven't already. 

lol I always forget to mention that, he is staying at GL

LilD- Yes- I gave his info to family members so that they can write him. Any letters from family and friends I know if welcomed. As one of the other ladies said on here- I would avoid talking about what is going on in Afghanistan and anything else that could cause your child stress. I just keep it light and give updates. Also tell stories that I know will help him when he is stressed- like when I have to sit in his kindergarten class each day because he didn't like structure lol!

LilD - Here is other helpful information also!

Letter Writing & Fun Stuff/Questionnaires to send to your Recru...

Happy SONday!

I got a call from my SR niece yesterday, another privilege call, yay! For the 5th call - though it’s a privilege but wasn’t a happy call. She failed her run and will retake this coming Thursday, she passed everything else (inspection/academic, etc) I wasn’t expecting a call since she just called last week and a week before that (her mom wasn’t answering too early in Cali) she was crying and I don’t know what to say, I didn’t want her to hear me crying as well. Please please help me pray for her. Thank you 

Question: how many times do they have PFA? Her projected PIR is 9/24 so I’m assuming there’s a final PFA a week before that and that’s another stress overload — wheeeww 

Gigi their final PFA should be about 9-10 weeks in, I am sure that includes their quarantine time. Prayers!

On a lighter note: she received all my letters including the Manila envelope where there’s sanitary napkin, wipes and moleskin. She asked permission with all these. She also in need of hand sanitizer travel size about 3 so we will see. Ask your SR if they needed those and ask permission to send. 

Enjoy the rest of the weekend everyone!! 

Thank you Northwoodsmom- I am so stressed for her never I felt this during my son’s but was so sad - that’s the difference. For now I look forward to visit SC this weekend. I’ll virtually hug your son for you 

Gigi, thank you. Prayers for safe travels and Blessed togetherness!

Trey-- I'm sorry he got set back but glad he's doing better.  Sometimes that is the best thing that can happen to them!

SailorMom -- So glad you got to spend this time with your sailor.  It's hard to say those "see ya later's". 

Trey- I'm sorry he got set back but happy that he is doing better. that is good to hear. 

SailorMom- Glad you had a great time with your loved one. Now the communication opens up a little more and it's nice to be able to communicate more while they are in A school. 

LiLD- Hi and yes family members can write as well. Just let them know not to say things that would stress your loved one out and no glittery or music cards to be sent. that is a big no no!!

Sailor mom thank you for the information!! We will be biding this week and am excited fit the time able to spend with him!

Does anyone know if they are doing standby tickets?

Good Morning - JenningsMom - from what others have said, I would doubt they are doing any standby tickets. I have not heard from anyone here that they are. I would say it is very unlikely since the person's name was not on the security form. 

However, some of the motels will do a live stream but also, if you have a motel with internet service or a phone that can act as a hotspot, you should be able to view it via that option as well live with the links on the RTC website on a laptop or other mobile device - Recruit Training Command Home Page (navy.mil) - and that clearly also states two guests no exceptions! The link should also stay active for viewing afterwards. Sometimes it takes a bit for them to get the video completely uploaded. 

Trey - As far as shuttles, the best thing is to contact the hotel and verify. Also, we stayed at a hotel (4 yrs ago) that had a shuttle, they did several runs. When we checked in the night before we signed up (at least I thought we did) for their earliest shuttle when we went down for our continental breakfast, we found out that our names were not on the list and we would have to wait for a later shuttle. Thankfully, we had our car and were able to drive over because I did not want to be on the last shuttle!

As for the time after graduation until liberty for those staying in GL - hopefully someone will reply but this is what I recall from reading through the posts. I believe I have heard it was as late as 7:30 pm for some of the earlier PIRs. The other day someone said they picked theirs up around 4:30 PM. It use to be a lot earlier but there seems to be a lot more briefing, probably because of the weekend overnight liberty. And one thing you will realize, just because it was such and such for so and so - it will may be completely different for you. My son's PIR was when I grew my Semper Gumby muscles - rubber by rubber!! 

Yesterday was one of the hardest days of my life…it’s so strange but I feel that grief feeling that another mom was talking about.  It’s just so hard knowing your child is anxious, nervous and scared. As moms we just want to take that all away. Thank you guys again for the support! 

Tracie, I felt the same way. I couldn't imagine anyone else but me yelling at my son. All I could see was this scared little boy and I couldn't be there to comfort him. Then in the 4-5 week I got the call from him, he was excited and happy and was making all kinds of new friends.  Just by the sound of his voice and the enthusiasm for his future I knew my little boy would be just fine. Prayers you will get that same phone call soon, it does a Mama's heart so very good and brings a peace over you. I finally got a good night's sleep.

posted an hour ago

ICYMI, recruit division 377, a division sponsored by the USS Bunker Hill (CG 52), graduated from boot camp last week. Before that happened, we were able to capture them during their final evaluation period drill inspection. Spoiler alert: they passed!

September 3, 2021 TG-41 381, 382, 383, 384, 385, 386, 387, 389, 390, 391, 392, 904

September 10, 2021 TG-42 393, 394, 395, 396, 397, 399, 400, 401, 402, 403, 404, 905

September 17, 2021 TG-43  405, 406, 407, 408, 409, 410, 411, 412, 413, 414, 415, 416, 906

September 24, 2021 TG-44  417, 418, 419, 420 ,421, 422, 423, 424, 425, 426, 427, 428, 907

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

October 8, 2021 TG-46   441, 442, 443, 444, 445, 446, 447, 448, 449, 450, 451, 909

October 15, 2021 TG-47   453, 454, 455, 456, 457, 458, 459, 460, 461, 462, 463, 464, 910

October 22, 2021 TG-48   465, 466, 467, 468, 469, 470, 471, 472, 473, 475, 476, 911

October 29, 2021 TG-49    477, 478, 479, 480, 481, 482, 483, 484, 485, 486, 487, 912