Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

some examples of navy decorations, you can decorate your Hotel door But I wouldnt put names on it or maybe your hotel room!

mytidbitz -- I would love to be able to make amigurumi but sadly I can barely crochet.  I had a friend try and teach me years ago but after months of trying she suggested I try knitting instead since I could make my stitches as tight as the needle I was using and at least then it would be even!

Xav’sMom’sCatchingOn-- I'll leave some info on your page for you to read.  You are in the right place to get answers and support!  The Navy does Guarantee their job so long as they continue to meet the requirements (Physical and training/testing)  so the job he signed up for is the job he'll have in all likelihood.  It's rare to re-rate to something else.

MomofJoseph -- You are doing a great job at being vague! ;o)
If you share too much one of the admins can help you edit your comment.  Also just know that since this is the Bootcamp page we understand that you are also in BC and still learning!  You will not be "Blamed" or "Condemned" for oversharing.  We may point it out so you learn what is and is not allowed.  For example I can share that my Sailor is a SeaBee or even that he is a BU but I don't share his unit here or his deployment location although I may say he's deploying soon or changing commands soon.  If your SR is in SPEC-OPS You may be advised to share even less.  If you are not sure if your SR is going to SPEC-OPS Look at the information for 800 & 900 Divs. https://navyformoms.ning.com/group/bootcampmoms/page/900-divisions

Phoenixmom and Northwoodsmom - I love the candle idea.  Thanks for the suggestions.  What kind of decorations do you suggest when attending PIR.  Do you mean at home?

Mustangmom65 - I used to knit and then started crocheting.  My mom had taught me years ago had to make a chain, but when I picked it back up I started following youtube patterns and then stuck with it.  I hear ya about the ripping out, just learned it's called frogging because it sounds like a frog when you're ripping out all the stitches.  LOL  By the way I told my husband you're restoring a 65 mustang and he asked all sorts of questions.  He restored a 62 VW a few years ago and he even named her Pamela.  

drc2873 - Congratulations!  So happy for you and your Sailor.  Hope you get to hug him real tight at graduation!

You can either make, order from amazon or etsy has a lot of Ideas for wreaths and ribbons

belly's mom 25 - 

Congratulations and thanks for sharing with us about your PIR weekend!  My daughter is scheduled to graduate and I can't wait untill I can book the flight and hotel.  I'm hoping she will have a few days of leave with us.  I haven't received the first letter or phone call yet but hopefully soon and she'll have more info about her schedule.

the ribbons below many Moms wear them to PIR I would decorate with them and of the examples I put is for decorating PIR. so much to choose from. Me and My daughter decorated the inside of hotel with mason jars full of red white blue candies. she decorated the hotel door with balloons

phoenixmom - I love these!  I am definitely going to have the ribbons made for myself and my family for PIR weekend.  I already have my outfit picked out for it too and it's not until November!  Lol

As for decorating the hotel room, am I right that your recruit can't visit the hotel room while on leave that weekend?

Phoenixmom - Love all these ideas!

If I can help post anything else please let me know I am here to help! and You are welcome!

 PIR NOVEMBER 2021

 PIR OCTOBER 2021

This is some good Info if your loved one is flying out. I think the only thing is you cannot meet up with them at the airport!

What PIR weekend may be like for those flying out of GL

We have our first PIR for December:

December 3, 2021 TG-01 (001,002,003,004,005,006,007,008,009,901)

Hi mytidbitz. Your sailor can still visit your hotel room even if they can't stay with you. We had ribbons made from Etsy to wear at the PIR and then we had a little area inside our hotel room decorated with a wooden anchor and some other decorations. She couldn't take any of it back with her but it made it fun. 

Hi Ladies, any one needing ribbons I have about 15 left for free. I made them to pass out at the Sarge's Meet and Greet but that was the week they cancelled our PIR because of Covid. You will have to send me PM. I will take a picture tomorrow at school because I don't have internet at home. One side saids Proud Mom or Dad and the other Hooyah.

drc2873- WHOOP! WHOOP! WHOOP!  ATTENTION ON DECK!! We have a new Sailor onboard!! Congratulations to drc2873  and her Sailor!! BZ!!

So Very Sweet of You NorthWoodsMom, first one to PM is the winner!!!!! LOL!!! had to do this sorry, had to make someone laugh!!!

mytidbitz--- Rip-it, Rip-it, Rip-it!!! Yep it sounds like a frog!! (The actual pulling out of the yarn doesn't usually make any noise if you don't count the sailor speech coming from the maker!)
-- If you have the PIR date you can make your travel arrangements just be sure to make ones that are Changeable and or refundable.  Your SR will not know their travel plans if they are leaving GL for A school until AFTER they complete BS21 (in 99% of the cases). The Navy doesn't mind paying last minute and since they are traveling privately it's even more of a guessing game.  If you can plan to stay till LATE Sunday or even till sometime Monday just in case.  If they are staying at GL then you for sure should stay till then. (Unless Monday is a holiday then stay till Tues!)
-- They are allowed to visit your room.  The only place off limits is the Gateway Inn (Military hotel ON Base) and unless you are Active Duty or Retired you most likely will NOT be staying there. (This may have changed)

As for the hotel room -- I did not decorate my door-- Didn't know it was a thing.  I would not have because my sailor would not have been happy and it is questionable for PERSEC!  Especially if you are staying in town... You are advertising you have a Military person and may make yourself /family a target for someone who has a beef with our service members.  It's not likely but just something for all our moms to keep in mind.  This is part of learning a new way of living.  Yes we are proud and Yes we want to show off that pride but you need to "Read the room" and be wise as you are making these choices.

***INFORMED DELIVERY UPDATE***

For those of you who have USPS Informed Delivery,  I received an email today that they are discontinuing the App as of 6/12/2021 and you have to download the USPS Informed Delivery Mobile App to your phone.  I just did it and the process is pretty simple.

This is a great app to have. You can see what mail you have coming in every day.  :)

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!!

Chipmunk reposting your Info. down below!!

belovedbyhim - Thanks for the laughs.  Lol.  Yes, I also have a few choice words I say when I have to redo a row.  

I've been looking at a few hotels in the area already, if anyone has suggestions, I'd gladly take them.  I'm glad to hear my recruit can visit our room because she would definitely appreciate it if she saw we decorated it for her graduation.  I wouldn't decorate the door either.  It's sad, but I also think of attracting the wrong attention, although I'm so proud of her already and want the world to know.

If her graduation is a Wednesday, day before Thanksgiving, do you still think we should stay until Sunday?  The more time we can spend with her the better.

phoenixmom - question about the ROM for week 1 and 2.  Does that apply to fully vaccinated recruits?

mytidbitz I Have been hearing those that are vaccinated are still being processed that way or being held until their div. fills.

mytidbitz -- Where is her A school?  That will answer your question best.  It's uncommon for them to move them ON Thanksgiving (Only because sailors in charge at those A schools what the day with their families too.) but it can happen.  If she's staying in GL Then YES!! If not then Plan to leave Late Friday or Saturday. (You will have tons of other Travelers to deal with too...)  Plan to arrive early Tuesday to leave time to pick up tickets.  Everything else for PIR is the same just on a Wednesday instead of Friday (BS21 will be more condensed too-- Earlier phone calls likely)|
The chances of going to THU or when they may move her just makes it a bit harder to guess as to which way would be best to jump.  You know what your schedule and work will allow so you need to make your best semi-informed guess.

I just got a surprise phone call! My daughter and another SR earned a 15 minute call for rolling their neckerchiefs the fastest. It was so good to hear her voice. She is proud, and really looking forward to BS next week.

She finally told us her job - she's part of the Honor Guard. I think if my hubby had been wearing buttons he would have busted every one of them :-)

Also, she said that the SR who had mail returned finally received a letter from her family. I told her that I had called in reinforcements, and that SR had letters coming her way. She said it was good, that it will be good for her to get more letters.

Wendy - she said your daughter came over and told her that we were talking, so they do know each other. :-)

BelovedbyHim - Her A school is in Texas.  I was planning on flying out Monday afternoon so that Tuesday morning we could get our tickets.  It’s also because I’m so eager to go.  

Mustangmom65 - Yea!  I’m so happy you got a phone call from your daughter.  And honor guard!  How cool is that???  

I’m also happy the her fellow recruit got a letter from her family.  It warms my heart.  I’m so grateful they had a change of heart and reached out to their daughter.  ❤️

PART ONE FYI tidbits:

ROM (Restriction of Movement) aka Quarantine: Unvaccinated recruits arriving to boot camp are required to complete 14 days of ROM, followed by five in-processing days (P-days). They do not complete their banking info until they are in P-days. They send home the form letter during P-days as well. 

Those arriving vaccinated may have to ROM a day or two while their vax cards are being verified as well as having to possibly wait for a division to form. If they arrive without their vax ard, they're doing 14 days of ROM. If their card is laminated, they're doing 14 days of ROM. Their form letters will be mailed sooner than the unvaxxed.

PAY: It typically takes at least four weeks before first paycheck is received. However, for those in ROM, it will be longer since they do not do their banking until P-days. Keep that in mind if you're the one at home expecting funds to be deposited.

TICKETS: Only two tickets per recruit is allowed (children 2 and under do not count toward that two-guest maximum) and all guests age 12 and older must be fully vaccinated with 14 days having passed since your final injection. There are no exceptions. None. Zero. Nada. No amount of begging or pleading will net you a ticket if you are unvaxxed. No test results, no other paperwork will be accepted except for your original vaccination card or a photo of it. And yes, your card CAN be laminated. The recruits' cards cannot, but yours can.  

Only your recruit may make any changes to their access list for the names of their guests and they have up until a week prior to make the changes. You cannot call RTC with changes and expect them to make that change as they cannot. They cannot even confirm who your recruit has listed. This is a matter or privacy/security.

CEREMONY: Masks are required indoors at any spot at RTC. No one is enforcing mask wearing outdoors, so once you are outside and wish to whip off your mask, you have every right to do so. 

Flowers, banners, balloons, etc. are not allowed in the drill hall. This is a formal military ceremony, not American Idol. Expecting to wave a huge banner is not going to happen. Such items either must be returned to your vehicle or they can be left at the front desk of the visitors center for retrieval after the ceremony.

LIBERTY CALL: Huge change here. In the past, when the ceremony was over and liberty was called, the entire crowd would rush the floor and collide with the new Sailors in an emotional and most fantastic scene ever as everyone is bawling their eyes out and embracing in the stronger hugs they ever felt. Not no more, damn COVID. Now, the graduating 900 division will remain in the drill hall while the rest of the divisions are marched outside and line up according to division on the sidewalk. A recruit will be holding up their division flag for easy recognition. The guests remain in their anxious seats while those Sailors file out. Then the guests will get the go-ahead to get the heck outta there and go find their Sailors on the Sidewalk. 

Quick question : is asking if anyone is in my daughters division number against opsec ? 

PART TWO FYI Tidbits:

LIBERTY: For recruits staying in Great Lakes for "A" School, they will need to return to their barracks and prepare to be transferred across the street to the main side of the base where the schools are located. Some may not being doing school here, but may be transferred for a holding period. This check-in process and liberty brief takes a long time and they will not be released until at least 4 p.m. and possibly later. However! You have the best scenario as they currently are allowed overnight liberty from that point until Sunday evening (Monday evening if Monday is a federal holiday). I believe they must remain within 50 miles of the base. They will have their phones back so they will be able to call you when they are ready to be picked up.

For Sailors going out state for school, they will have liberty on Friday and must be in their barracks by 9 p.m. This doesn't mean you drop them off at 8:55 p.m. as there will be a long line of cars also returning Sailors. BEWARE! All guests in your vehicle must still have their tickets in order for you to drive onto the base. You will be allowed to drive as far as the chapel parking lot to drop off you Sailor who then must walk the rest of the way to their barracks. If someone in your vehicle does not have a ticket, you will have to drop your Sailor off at the gate and be instructed to turn around and depart. These Sailors will NOT have their phones with them and they cannot bring anything back with them to their barracks.

DEPARTURE: Sailors may be bussed or flown to their next command and many will still be doing so via military transport. This means you cannot meet them at the airport. Only recently have a few flown commercial air. Your Sailor will not know until they receive their orders during their final week. 

EXTRA LIBERTY: Those graduating Wednesday, Nov. 10 and staying in Great Lakes for school will have Wednesday through Sunday for liberty. Those going out of state most likely will not depart until Saturday, but only your Sailor will be able to confirm. The same goes for Thanksgiving week. 

ADMINS: I posted all this so you all have the most updated info as things are continually changing and it's easily understandable how many many be confused. Anything you need to know, simply let me know and I'll answer as best as I can! You all do an amazing job in keeping everyone correctly informed. You all are the grooviest gals!

mytidbitz -- It's better to ask in your PIR group page than here.  You CAN ask here if anyone is having PIR on X date that they reach out to you on the Closed PIR group page.  That would be the Better OPSEC/PERSEC way.  (If you did it the other way it's not the end of the world but it's not ideal!)

SuzyChicago -- Thank you so much for the "Inside Scoop"!!
That will really help to make sure we are providing the most up to date info to the new moms!  Things sure have been topsy turvy for a while and the rapid changes just added to the confusion!

drc2873 - Congratulations on your new sailor!! 

 Everyone, I bumped our Blue Candle discussion back into the queue above which some of the ladies put together earlier this year so that we could share our candles and PIR decoration ideas there. Please remember though not to display last names especially in your pictures and feel free to add to the discussion. 

Welcome to our new members!! Great to see everyone posting and asking questions. FYI - all of us that stick around to help you out volunteer our time here, so some days there is more info shared than others, but please do not hesitate to ask your questions or share your emotional roller coaster. If we miss answering your question, feel free to ask again, we are use to repeating ourselves, it is okay! 

Even with the changes there is still a lot of great information posted above the discussion area and in the pages to the upper right be sure to check those out as well. 

Phoenixmom - Thanks for sharing! I appreciate it!

SuzyChicago - Thanks for the up dated information!!

belly's mom 25 - Thanks for sharing your PIR experience - Looking forward to having you join us in the Beyond BC group.

BelovedbyHim - Thanks!!

Good morning Ladies, here are a few of the ribbons I have leftover. I did pass out several at the airport, at the time we were allowed to see our Sailor off. I do still wear mine occasionally and plan to at my son's Power School graduation. Anyone wanting them just PM me and I will mail them to you.

Good Morning Everyone and welcome to our group,

We are glad that you are here. Let us know how you are doing. We love to celebrate and or cry with you as you go thru this journey.

Keep those phones on you at all times and those ringers on loud as I'm a Sailor calls are coming thru and you don't want to miss any calls.

mytidbitz- Good Morning sorry I couldn't answer you yesterday. I was teaching 5th grade. Love this grade of mine.  :)

Your PIR group will be the best group to ask those kind of questions. It's more personal with information in the PIR groups. I still talk to some of the ladies that I had PIR with. 

Also, I stayed at the Navy Lodge so it was ok and actually recommended to decorate our doors. I remember walking thru the lodge and looking at everyone's doors. It was really neat. 

I also made my banner for his door, I painted an achor with his name and division # on it and ordered two ribbons that we wore at his PIR. I can't show the pictures because I don't know how to block out his name!! Lol

Phoenximom- thanks for posting that. I was teaching yesterday and was not able to post yesterday.   :)

belly's mom 25, Thanks for sharing your experiences and I'm so glad that you had a great time. It was wonderful wasn't it?

SuzyChicago- Hey and thanks for posting all of that. I will update my sheet as it makes it so much easier when we are posting. And you are right on about when they call liberty. I will never forget my son't PIR. I can't imagine having to wait more time before you get that hug!! It makes it all the more worth while thou. 

Thank you mam.   :)

Northwoodsmom- They are so pretty!!

drc2873- congratulations to you and your family. Whoo hoo we have a Sailor in the house!!!!

I know you can't wait for that first hug!! Safe travels and enjoy your time with your loved one!!!

Good Morning All, Happy Hump Day. hoping all is well with everyone!

NorthWoodsMom I Love the ribbons, You did a Fantastic Job!

Keep phones close all More I'm a Sailor calls will be coming through!

Good Morning and Happy Wednesday!

SuzyChicago - thank you for the Up to Date info!  We appreciate it (and understand it can change at any moment!).

Here are the links to the October and November PIR groups.  Be sure to join your group:  

 PIR NOVEMBER 2021

 PIR OCTOBER 2021

northwoodsmom - That's so nice of you.  I would be grateful to have 2 sent, one proud mom and one proud dad.  I believe I have to send you a friend request in order to PM you, is that right?  

belovedbyHim - I'm a really tight crocheter, sometimes I have to move up a hook size.

partyofseven - I work at an all girls high school, fun times!  LOL

mytidbitz - Yes!! You will have to send Northwoodsmom a friend request. Also, keep in mind that when she accepts you will not receive a confirmation, so be sure to go to your profile page and check on the left hand side for your friends. 

Here is my discussion above - 

How to send PMs (Private Messages) to friends on N4M & some OPS...

Hi there- I am trying to finalize the flights. What time do we have to pickup our PIR tickets by?

Imftnavymom21 - this information is from the RTC website - 

Recruit Training Command - Graduation (navy.mil)

STEP 3: Pick up your tickets for the graduation ceremony

TICKETING: Everyone who is planning on attending a graduation ceremony MUST personally obtain a ticket, which will be distributed at the Recruit Family Welcome Center the week of your recruit's graduation. Tickets are free of charge, but you must have valid photo ID to obtain your ticket (driver's license, state ID, military ID, passport, or, for minors, a student ID, driver's permit, SSN card, birth certificate,) AND you MUST also have your COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card. Once you receive your ticket do NOT lose it, as this will be the only ticket you will receive. These tickets are not transferable and are the only means to access the base for attendees.

WELCOME CENTER ADDRESS/GPS: Navy Exchange (NEX) Burkey Mall, 2650 Green Bay Road North Chicago, IL 60088 (Do NOT use generic terms such as NEX, Recruit Training Command or Naval Station Great Lakes).

RECRUIT FAMILY WELCOME CENTER HOURS:

Thursday [10:00 AM to 7:30 PM] and Friday [5:30 AM to 8:30 AM]
**Certain federal holidays may require adjusting days and times.
Please refer to the website for those specific updates**

Plan accordingly so each person can check-in to receive a ticket for the graduation ceremony. If you don't have a ticket you will NOT be allowed entry to the base. Tickets will only be issued to guests who the graduating recruit has verified will be attending. Please ensure those who check-in to receive their graduation tickets are the same as those who were listed on the security form.

**DO NOT GO DIRECTLY TO THE BASE WITHOUT FIRST PICKING UP YOUR TICKET**

Imftnavymom21- Hey and whoo hoo it is getting close. When will you leave? It will be so exciting to see your loved one.

From what we have learned from other families is that it is pretty easy being able to get your tickets from the welcome center. 

Another day closer to your PIR!!   :)