Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

Chipmunk- thanks for all the info.  I should have been more clear about the watch.  I’m planning on getting it for her to take to A school so that’s why I thought the Apple Watch and wrist band would be ok.  I’m not sending her a watch to BC because I know I can’t and from what I’ve heard she can buy a simple one from NEX (is that what it’s called?). 

I am definitely feeling proud.  In her letter she said as of now it looks like she will have liberty on thanksgiving so I’m hoping it stays that way   

As for the address book I can totally see that happening   Imagine the first night and feeling rushed lol

partyofseven - I’m not overwhelmed, the contrary, I appreciate the time you take to explain and inform me.   In my last letter from yesterday I sent her stamps and pictures which she asked for and also our phone numbers so hopefully she will get it this week and then we can get our call from her letters she does sound like she’s doing great and better  with each week.   

I’m such a proud mom   All my keys have a navy lanyard now   I have the bumper sticker but read somewhere it’s not always good to publicize that, any advice ? Thanks for the idea of a small bag for the airport where she can look through for what she needs.

mytidbitz,

You are very welcome. I have a navy mom sticker as well but it just says Navy mom without any names or anything else on it. So far it's been ok.

I don't have any of those stickers that have the people or animals on there listing my kids names and animal names as I don't like them. :) So I've never used them. I have seen them on other cars but they just arent' me.

BBH- Hey,

Know I am second checking myself. Lol Are they able to take things back to GL when they go back from liberty or no? I want to make sure I remember right since they've opened up PIR.

Remember we were able to do that when we had our PIR.

Thanks as always for your help.    :)

mytidbitz - I understood what you meant about giving her a watch when she went to A school. I was referring to mailing a gift card to her. Sorry, I wasn't clear myself. 

So to clarify - to my knowledge parents are still not allowed to meet sailors for their fly out or transportation to A school. So if they are still on the RTC side they will not likely be able to anything back with them after liberty that would be considered "unapproved" for RTC side. If they are on the other side of the base in THU or at A school, then I think they are allowed to have acceptable items to take back to their barracks. 

Oh and Navy mom sticker, personally I don't have any stickers on my car at all. But definitely no stickers with b'day, ages, or names, even ships when they are in the fleet. 

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

 PIR NOVEMBER 2021

 PIR OCTOBER 2021

3rd PIR for December is now listed:

December 3, 2021 TG-01 

(001,002,003,004,005,006,007,008,009,901)

December 10, 2021 TG-02 (011, 012, 013, 902)

December 15, 2021 TG-03 (017,019,020,021,903,904)  This is a WEDNESDAY PIR.

gio0525 -- If your SR is staying in GL for A school you will for sure have the weekend (Thursday-Sunday, And they may need the Chit) if they are going elsewhere, You will need and want to be more flexible. They May only have Wednesday, Leaving on Thursday (Less common) or Any other day that weekend.  You will not know till closer to PIR, or maybe not even till after so you will want to be somewhat flexible with your plans for that weekend. 

Yes they do have to know the phone numbers.  We suggest you write them on a slip of paper and have them put it in their wallet which they get to keep when they get to BC. (Just make sure it's black or dark brown)

mytidbitz -- You feel that pride because you are proud!  It's not an easy task they chose and most don't want to do it.  You are right to be proud!  Sadly unless you have a Military ID you cannot buy a NEX Gift Card.  (That has been the bane of Navy Moms everywhere!!) Yes, You are better off to just put the money in her account if you can.  If she's flying out you won't have an opportunity to meet her at the Airport and she can't take anything back to base.  You'll have to wait till she's at A school and Mail it to her there.  If she's staying at GL you can let her go through stuff in your hotel room.  Just an FYI so you don't take a bunch of stuff you just have to take back home again..

partyofseven -- If they are staying at GL for A school, Yes.  If they are flying out to school elsewhere -- NO.
It they are THU on the A school side - yes, on the BC side -- NO.  The BC Side they are not allowed to bring anything that they were not allowed to have during the previous weeks of training, so no Cell Phones, No Civies, Nothing that isn't regulation (Although I have heard of some swapping out undergarments -- Might not be worth the risk though.  All that stuff would need to be mailed to them at A school.)

Chipmunk -- Even in the fleet sometimes gift cards can go missing.  Best to transfer directly all the time.  You can send a card and ask them to let you know when they open it to get their gift if you want to "Surprise" them. I know it feels super impersonal but other than inexpensive things it really is the best option!

Good morning Ladies, congratulations to all returning from PIR. I just wanted to put my 2 cents in about gift cards. Do not send them in a card or a envelope. We all would like to think everyone that entered the Navy is honest and are of good character but that is not the case. Yes the Navy does their best to try to filter out many of them but many still manage to disguise themselves. Many working in the mailroom are not always of good character. They feel a gift card in a envelope the confiscate the cards and use them for themselves or sell them. Protect Your Sailor and yourself from being a victim. I would send my son gift cards in a care box  sometimes hid in a box of bandaids or inside of socks where they wouldn't be so easy to detect. It is a shame that we can not trust people but that is the world we are living in. Our mama hearts want to give so much to our children which is good just be smart about it.

Elina Hello, I can help a little until on of the more knowledgeable ladies come on. If you go to the top of this page under the list of members(pictures) you will see a bunch of different topics. Half down the list is the 800 and 900 hundred divisions. Just press on it and the information will pop up.  Sorry I can't be more help but I am on my phone and can't copy and paste. Good Luck and congratulations on mail coming.

BBH - Yes, in the fleet things can go missing as well, especially gift cards and cash. That is true. I was referring to mailing those only to an apartment address if you had one not to the fleet address. Personally, I don't mail gift cards, so I should have been more clear about that, my apologies ladies.

I never had issues with mailing items to my sailor at his schools, however others at the same location did have issues. There was a point when he was in an apartment for Prototype and because of the layout of that apartment, the PO addresses were slightly different than the delivery addresses for FED EX, UPS, etc. The apartment office had given us the wrong postal mailing address and that was a mess!! I even called the local post office down there. You can't deposit a new driver's license in a bank account!! Some things have to go through the postal service.

I am more comfortable mailing to his current apartment address but I still mail only stuff and usually use Priority mailboxes that include insurance coverage. I keep a list of what I do pack so that if I have to make a claim I can.  

Elina, here is the info about 800 and 900 groups.  https://navyformoms.ning.com/group/bootcampmoms/page/900-divisions

Northwoodsmom - Thanks!!

Elina - Here is the link - 800 and 900 Divisions - Navy For Moms (ning.com) - My understanding is they are not having any 800 divisions currently. Those SRs are being integrated in with the other divisions. So when you read through the information look for the 900 division information. It is the honor guard division and they will perform either in the band, choir, honor guard or assist guests at PIR. We have had a couple of other newer members on the group who have / had SRs in a 900 division, one of them just this last week, so they may be able to share more with you.

Here is the PIR live feed information from the BC website. I believe the 900 divisions perform in the 2 PIR groups prior to theirs. - 

Live streaming of our graduations begin at 9 a.m. CST every Friday. Videos will also be available for viewing afterwards as well on our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/NavyRecruitTrainingCommand and our YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/c/RTCPublicAffairs/community​.

MomofJoseph - Thanks!!! I was probably typing when you posted. It is great to see everyone helping out!

Good morning ladies.

Elina, I feel your joy.  We also have 2 more envelopes coming today!  But I think I won't stalk my mailman today and just let him do his job at his pace.  When does your son graduate?

Belovedbyhim - thanks for the info.  I had read the USO would give you passes to stay with your sailor at the airport until he/she flies out.  But I guess that's changed?

Chipmunk - Got it, won't be sending any gift cards.  Too bad we can't send NEX cards. 

partyofseven - The only bumper sticker we have on our car are 2 marathon stickers.  But I realized the bumper sticker she gave us said proud to be a parent of a US Navy Sailor so I'll wait until PIR to then decide if to put it on our car.

Have a great day everyone!

mytidbitz - We use to be able to stay with our sailors at the gate. Those passes are issued by the airlines themselves. So for future info, if your sailor flies home for the holidays, when you take them back to the airport, you can see if you can get a gate pass to stay with them. 

Most of the new sailors are being transported by other means than commercial flights which is why you can't stay with them currently. I know this may start sounding like a broken record - But only your sailor will be able to tell you what their orders are. And how they will be transporting from GL to their A school. 

One more comment about gift cards...  When my son called, I asked him if he got the gift card I sent via Sandboxx.  (I only sent $25 NEX because I wanted him to be able to buy a phone card.) He said he got it, but didn't need it because when they got there they gave them $150 on a card for NEX.  Then he said, "Well they didn't GIVE it to me - they deducted it from my paycheck.". So he used that to buy his phone card. But he was really grateful that I told him stamps were on the way.

momofjoseph - That's great info to have.  I had read they received a nex card but then read they had to use it for their uniform and seabag but that there was an allowance for that so I wasn't sure if it was in addition to their pay or deducted from their pay.

I'm also sending stamps today.

Chipmunk - Thank you.  I'm usually someone who tries to stay present, but can't help it in this situation, and I keep trying to plan everything but also telling myself most of it is going to be a go with the flow situation.  I had to look up what CHIT was.  

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

 PIR NOVEMBER 2021

 PIR OCTOBER 2021

3rd PIR for December is now listed:

December 3, 2021 TG-01 

(001,002,003,004,005,006,007,008,009,901)

December 10, 2021 TG-02 (011, 012, 013, 902)

December 15, 2021 TG-03 (017,019,020,021,903,904)  This is a WEDNESDAY PIR.

My son's projected graduation date is 10 December.

I joined the 900 division group. Thank you, Chipmunk and MomofJoseph for the links. On days when I'm limited to phone access to the site, it's very hard to navigate things.

Form letter was in the mailbox this afternoon, and I'm taking my stack of mail to the regional post office tonight when I take his brother to scouts. 

Next steps for our family is officially getting those days off from work for us. We had already made child care arrangements for his younger brother and sister with grandparents.

The December PIR group is posted - here's the link:

PIR DECEMBER 2021

Elina - be sure to join this group.

We have a Sailor!! We got a voicemail (I was in a client session during the call) and he left a VM for my husband!! I am so excited and can’t wait to see him on Friday! We leave Wednesday AM!

Imftnavymom21, congratulations I am so happy for you. Safe travels on your way to Great Lakes. Give that Sailor a big hug from all of us.

Elina -- Congratulations!!! Now you can send all the letters you have been writing! 900 Div!! That means you may be able to see him in the 2 PIR's before his. 

lmftnavymom21 -- WHOOP!! WHOOP!! WHOOP!!! ATTENTION ON DECK!! Congratulations to lmftnavymom21 and her sailor!
That is all.

One of our Moms asked the following question: "My sailor wrote home and asked for some specific Hygiene items.  Can I send them?"
This is the answer: If they ask for specific items they usually are permitted to receive them. Contacts and supplies, some makeup for girls and hygiene items are the items usually requested. However, Do not try and sneak any thing else in there because it will be found!! (Letters and love are allowed! but no food or other contraband)They will have to open the box in front of the RDC'S and they may choose to buy those items at the NEX There on base.  The RDC's do understand that not every item is available so they will on a case by case basis allow certain items from home.  DO NOT SEND ITEMS NOT REQUESTED!  This is only if they ask for something from home.

 lmftnavymom21 - Congratulations to you and your Sailor!  Safe travels!!!

Thank you all for your support!!!

mytidbitz - You are in good company here. We have all been in your place once before - lookint up words or definitions. 

  lmftnavymom21 -  Whoo Hoo!!!

Imftnavymom21- YAY!! You are lucky to get your call so early in the week! I know it is a big relief!  

Elina-Woohoo! The form letter is so exciting, isn't it!?? Im' sure he'll be thrilled to get all that mail from home. Even the kids that say they don't want mail (mine!) and insist they won't write back (mine!) end up loving the mail they get from home AND he wrote me weekly. 

I'm not sure if this has been shared recently for our new mommas about phone calls so I'll mention it.....You will be getting a phone call or an email from the Red Cross about how to contact your sailor in an emergency. Don't panic when you get this, it is legitimate, routine information. Also, if your SR gets to call home and the connection is so terrible that you can't understand a word they are saying don't be afraid to ask if they can call back from a different phone. My sailor laughed at me when I told him I was afraid to ask him to call me back because I thought he just got one phone call and he said, "I'm not in prison!" Haha!! I was just so happy to hear his voice even if I couldn't understand what he was saying. So if the connection was terrible I'd let him know and he move to another phone and call me right back. 

lmftnavymom21 Congratulations on your sailor!  Safe travels!

B'sNukeMom Thank you for posting the December link

Good Morning Everyone and Happy Happy Tuesday!!

Whoo hoo Imftnavymom21 congratulations on getting the I'm a Sailor call!!! That is awesome!!! Give your loved one a big hug from us and safe travels to you and yours when you leave. Enjoy every single moment of it and let us know how it goes when you get back!!!  Big hugs to you!!!

Elina- whoo hoo the form letter!! Yay now you can send off all those letters you have been writing. This is the first step in the communication stages. Yay!!

mytidbitz- Yay for getting more letters, that is awesome!! And you are fine I've had to look up a few terms as well all have. Lol

Yes mam you want to be flexible as well. I know it's hard for us momma's that are used to planning everything but you can do it!   ;) 

Have a wonderful day!!!

October, November and December PIR groups. Here are the links:

PIR DECEMBER 2021

 PIR NOVEMBER 2021

 PIR OCTOBER 2021

Ladies -- If you scroll up and look on the left hand side of the screen you will see a section titled "Navy Speak"  (https://navyformoms.ning.com/custom/media/pdf/NavySpeak.pdf )
This is a PDF that will explain many of the terms you hear not only on here but also from your sailor.  This is some (Most) of the new vocabulary your SR's are learning.  Master them and watch them be surprised when you too can "Speak Navy".

Good Morning Everyone and welcome to our group. For the newer moms when you are ready please come and introduce yourself and let us know where you are in this journey. We love to celebrate with you as well.

The first couple of weeks of no communication are hard and I always say staying busy is key and start writing now so when you get that form letter you can mail those letters off right away!!

HERE IS A BREAKDOWN OF BOOT CAMP IN TIMES OF COVID

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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. 

***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 as it lets you see what mail you have coming every day!! I love it!!

No question is ever dumb and someone will answer you!!

Good Morning ladies... I have to say that I am so happy I was referred here.  You have answered most of my questions without me even asking.  I just click all over the place and read, read, read.   With all that info you ladies provide, I have already reserved hotel and car rental, as well as the flight tickets.  I do have a question though.   My son's PIR is Nov 24th and his A school is in GL.  I'm aware they have to check into their school right after graduation and that will take several hours.  Since they will have liberty the whole weekend, do they have to stay within a certain amount of miles from the base?  Do they have to check in daily and spend those nights on base?  And does my son have to request a CHIT if we will be staying in town.? 

Good morning, gio0525.  They have to stay within 50 miles of base.  (I was trying to find the link so you could see for yourself, but I can't find it at this moment.)

My son also graduates on 11/24!

Yay!!!  At least I won't be the only one crying tears of joy.

Good Morning and Happy Wednesday!

Here is the info that SuzyChicago posted regarding liberty:

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.

B'sNukeMom - Would you know if the overnight liberty applies to those flying out for A School?

Good Morning Everyone!

gio0525 - My daughter is graduation on 11/24 also!  We can all cry and cheer together.

mytidbitz - also from SuzyChicago:

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.

AND JUST REMEMBER, EVERYTHING IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE!  Your sailor will have the most up to date info for you.

October, November and December PIR groups. Here are the links:

PIR DECEMBER 2021

 PIR NOVEMBER 2021

 PIR OCTOBER 2021

Good Morning Everyone and welcome to our group,

For those of you that will be traveling today be safe and have a wonderful time.

For those of you already there we are thinking of you and we can't wait to hear from you.

No question is ever dumb and someone will answer you!! Keep those phones on you at all times and that ringer on loud.

You just never know when a call will come thru.