Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

Hi Moms! A few weeks ago I was asking about what I can send to my SR in the mail. Well, I talked to my girl last Saturday and she's in RCU with stress fractures. She told me that most of the SRs there are BORED OUT OF THEIR MINDS, becsuse unless they are on LLD , there isn't much they can do all day. She said they can receive magazines and workbooks. Stuff like word puzzles, adult coloring books, specific interest mags like tech, science, geography, nature, military history,  etc. (Vogue and Elle might not be a good idea). She said there is a general "library" bookcase in the RCU and they share the books and mags so everybody can benefit. Keep in mind, this is in the RCU ONLY as far as she knows,  so it may not apply to other divisions. ASK YOUR SR FIRST WHAT'S ALLOWED BEFORE SENDING ANYTHING.

Hi, Ladies!  Let me apologize in advance for the length of this message.  I haven’t written lately because I was waiting for my son to get to his A school.  He graduated one week ago, and since his PIR was the day before Thanksgiving, and since he didn’t have to be at A school quickly, he got several days of liberty.

Here’s what I learned:

1. I should have brought civilian clothes for him to wear while relaxing in the hotel. (Someone suggested this, and I had it in my suitcase, but he asked me not to bring it because he said he couldn’t wear civilian clothes.) Once we got him to our hotel room, he realized that the clothes were for him to wear IN the hotel room, and he really wished he had them because he had to be careful to keep his uniform from wrinkling.
2. The greatest gift I gave him (in his eyes) is a prepaid cell phone with unlimited talk and text ($25). I texted his friends and gave them the number (and asked them to pass it on).  When he turned the phone on, it beeped and beeped with messages from his friends.  He left the phone in our room when he went back on base each night, but was grateful to be able to contact his friends during the day.
3. We have to be flexible and remember “no news is good news.”  Some of his division brothers thought they were shipping out on the 29th, but they were woken at 0200 on the 26th and told they had 30 minutes to pack for A school.  (I felt bad for any parents who thought their Sailor still had a few more days of liberty.)  Also, my son told me what day/time he was shipping out, and I asked him to let me know that he arrived safely, but I didn’t hear from him until the day after he arrived.  I had to keep thinking “no news is good news.”

I have now changed my profile from “at BC” to “enlisted” and I’ve joined the “Beyond BC” group.  But I think I’ll hang out here for a while because I want to hear about your journeys as well.  Thank you for the wonderful support!  In hindsight, it was only 58 days and it wasn’t that bad.  But in the middle of it, it was DIFFICULT and I needed y’all.  Thank you so much!

MomofJoseph - I took some sweats for my sailor to relax in while in the hotel, but she saw a target on the way to the hotel and had to go in, LOL, so she wound up buying some new pj type sweats. Oh she also purchased a portable cell phone charger so that when she got her phone back on the way to A school she could charge it since you don't get your phone back until it's time to leave and the phone would be dead after being in a box for weeks.  It was a great idea because then she could text me on her way to the airport and before she took off.

As for the phone, she was using my phone every chance she got to catch up with her friends.

Ummi - Thanks for the update on what is allowed in RCU!! We are all cheering and rooting for your SR!

mytidbitz and MomofJoseph - Thank you for sticking around the BC Mom group, your updated information is helpful and so much is still fresh in your mind to share with others! Lots of good ideas you shared as well. And yes, they will want to change out of their dress uniforms in the motel room and maybe take a nap if they have time. 

FYI re: liberty drop-off.  We had been told that if anyone in the car does not have a ticket, then you have to drop the Sailor at the gate and make a u-turn at the gate.  But that is not true!  The guards at the gate will yell at you if you do that!  :-)  (mytidbitz and I both found that out the hard way!)

For us, they told us to drive to the train station (it's the next right past the gate) and have our Sailor enter through the turnstile.  We dropped him off there at night and picked him up there in the mornings.

If everyone in the car has their ticket for PIR, you can pick them up at the chapel, but my son said, "It's like 100 yards closer so it's not worth it."  (Only my husband and FIL had tickets; my son wanted me to be able to pick him up and drop him off, so we used the turnstile at the train station every time.)

mytidbitz dropped at a different location - so maybe she can share that with everyone.

I should be thanking you all for letting me stick around.  Although I joined the beyond bc group I still feel like this is my first “home”.  

Momofjoseph’s drop off location was better than ours.  The first night we did as she did and dropped her off on the curb a few feet past the gate as so many other cars were doing and we got yelled at because it’s an active road and we were backing up traffic.  We weren’t but I wasn’t going to argue.  There was so much yelling that the next day we weren’t sure what time to pick her up because we never got the chance to finalize the plan as she was running out of the car.  Lol.  But since she had said she thought it was either 7 or 8am pickup we got there at 7 thinking if it’s 8, it’s better that we wait in the car for her than her waiting from 7 to 8 am in the cold for us.  So we drove up and waited by the chapel and it was actually nice to see the whole division march across to the chapel parking lot.  We drove back to the hotel where she slept almost until dinner time.  

No one had told us about the drop off near the train station so the next night we just dropped them off on the curb again but across the street this time.  

Gio so happy you got to spend both your sons birthday and thanksgiving together.  I was super happy we got thanksgiving and thought even if I only get Wednesday and Thursday with her at least we all got to spend Thanksgiving together.  

Besides sweats and her crocs for her to relax in, I also brought her contact lenses and some underwear and bras because she didn’t want to wear the govt issued ones anymore. Lol.  She also did sleep alot.  (I had also sent her a pair of contact lenses a week before PIR because she got permission for me to do so and she didn’t want to wear her glasses that day) 

Now that’s she in A school it’s easier because we can text and call each other but she is a bit upset that she thought she had two weeks for Christmas liberty  and then they told her 8 and now it turns out it’s 6 and travel days are included in those 6.  The fare was also $$$ 

mytidbitz - All of the BC alumni are welcomed and encouraged to stick around here, you are what helps to keep this group and this site going for all future Navy Moms and loved ones!!  Thank you for your recent updates and information regarding PIR as well.

Good Morning Everyone and welcome to our group,

Elina- Another day closer and not to long now. This is the slowest time to go by and the fastest. lol You can't believe you actually made it but then you are so excited your just so ready to see your loved one!!

mytidbitz and momofjoseph- Thank you so much for all of your updates. You ladies that go thru PIR since COVID are our eyes and hears and it really helps the new moms as they come thru to.

Ummi- Thanks for your update to. It's a good reminder for everyone to always ask before sending anything to your SR. Prayers for your loved one that she is doing better. 

Thursday's was mail day for me when mine was in so prayers for letters to come to you ladies today. 

Christmas leave time can be a real bummer for those with new sailors, there is not much time and you do need to plan for an extra day between travel and arrival, if at all possible, especially for their return flight. 

As for the drop off at RTC or the base, I remember Sarge telling us to be back early with our sailors because they were not allowed to be dropped off and walk back on the RTC site - we had to drive them back and drop off in the chapel parking lot for those of us whose sailors were still on the RTC side to fly out the next day or so. That was 4 + yrs ago and prior to tickets and so many other restrictions so having current up to date is good. You ladies are some of our first PIR groups since they opened back up and everything is changing. Your insights are very helpful and your feedback to other new members asking questions in the future will be very helpful!

Be sure to join your PIR group.  Here are the links:

PIR JANUARY 2022

PIR DECEMBER 2021

Any questions please don't hesitate to ask. And someone will answer you.

Yes, the holidays can be tricky and each base will have their set rules and restrictions for their particular base.

Always get changeable tickets if your looking to fly out to your loved one or if flying your loved one home. These are some of the things that I have learned since my sons have been in.

Be flexible, be ready and always talk to your loved one first as he or she is your best one to have the final say on what will be happening.

When they do come home don't have a lot of things planned for them. Let them sleep, relax, let them make the call on what they want to do while they are home. Mine learned real quick that running around trying to see everyone is not what he wanted to do while on leave.

So we set it up and let everyone know when he was home and if you wanted to see him to come over but that he wasn't gonna be the one driving all around to see everybody!!

My situation is a little different as mine went thru different trainings at different bases before going to the Marine Side. He is now a Devil Doc and works with a Marine Unit. He is  now a HM3. My other son is also a HM3 but he is on a ship. 

I know it's hard but try not to stress because your loved ones already are while everyone is trying to figure out their holiday schedule.

And as always we are here for you no matter what!!

Just a reminder for new members - please read this info regarding the use of the Sandboxx App while in BC:

Sandboxx app while in BC

So,in his last phone call, my son mentioned he might have to stick around GL after PIR to complete some medical stuff for Sub Command before moving on to A School. Has anyone had experience with this? 

Elina - Some things may be slightly different after 4+ years and with Covid - however, I wrote the following discussion because my son's PIR did not look anything like what others had mentioned. What PIR weekend may be like for those flying out of GL - Navy For ...

My son was not going subs but was going NUKE and they had several medical things that had to be verified and double checked. Many of the Nukes at that time were held back in THU - so they did not fly out. My son on the other had was determined to fly out and spent hours after PIR to get all the paperwork done that he needed to. 

Feel free to send me a PM if you have more questions. 

Happy RED Friday and PIR!!

I have to scoot but may you all have a great day!! If you have a 900 div SR, be sure to watch the live PIR. Even if not, it is helpful to watch through the replay so you can have an idea of what to expect for your PIR. 

RTC Bootcamp website

Good Morning Everyone,

Welcome and we are glad that you are here!!

congratulations to all of our brand new Sailors. May God be with you today and every day as you begin your new journey!!

On Friday's we wear RED to remember everyone deployed!!

Have a great day everyone!!

Be sure to join your PIR group.  Here are the links:

PIR JANUARY 2022

PIR DECEMBER 2021

Hi Mynx569 - if your SR just left for BC it's possible you could have PIR the end of January, but most likely it will be in February.  The February group isn't up yet but I have the link to the January group posted below.  There's lots of info up above and that will give you an idea of what to expect.  Read through it and of course, feel free to ask any questions you may have.

WelcomeMynx569, so very happy you joined us here. I know questions are swirling around in your head, when you get the time just post them and someone will sure answer you. If you just want to share your feelings that's okay too. It is a ride full of emotions and knowing others share what you are going through helps.

Hi Mynx569 - Glad you found your way over here. 

FYI for you and other newer members, this site is really a lot easier to navigate on a computer versus a mobile device. (It is sort of old school!!) If you are on a mobile device, be sure to put it into desktop mode, I believe that is the way more of the members navigate on their phone. 

Quick question: 

After PIR. If we take the shuttle from the base. Do I need to shuttle back with my sailor after liberty or is it ok for him to go back on the shuttle by himself?

JCNavyMom - I am going to just say, - Likely you need to be with your sailor. - Our situation was different. We also had our own vehicle, but I believe that if they are out and about, they either have to be with a fellow sailor buddy or their parents. We were with our sailor as long as we could be and had been told that we could not just drop them off and let them walk into the RTC side of the base. 

Is yours staying in GL for A school or going out of state?

Thank you! Trying to decide whether or not to rent a car. Trying to play out all the options.  Do the shuttles run at night for the purposes of returning the sailors?

He will be going to Gulfport for A school

The Shuttles are run by the various individual hotels so you would have to ask them for their schedules.  Sarge also runs a Taxi/shuttle service and that works on demand.  Of course with a car you can decide when and where you want to go.
Your Sailor MUST return to base with their "Battle Buddy"  In most cases for PIR that is YOU.  They cannot return alone.  That can get them in trouble. In all cases defer to your Sailor!  They are give very clear instructions on what is and is NOT allowed!!

Ok cool, great info! Thanx!

Oh my goodness ladies, got my first phone call from my SR. He sounded so good and is doing well. We had 45 minutes to chat and it was heaven!  Although he was vaccinated he did go to ROM. He arrived in GL on 11/10 and is starting week 2 this week. He passed his initial PFA and swim test and can make his bunk in under 3 minutes. He does have an in grown toenail that he has to have minor surgery for this week. He also said he has written several letters but we have not received them yet. He got our initial 11 we sent, and is still getting more every day, lol.  What a relief to get his call, finally!

Hiya jrdsmama! Glad you joined. You got a 45-MINUTE CALL?! I'm jealous! Now comes the fun part...waiting for the next call. It may be a while. They'll be lots of waiting on your end. The ladies here have much experience and advice,  so avail yourself of their expertise and support.

Jrdsmama, so happy about your call. The first one is thrilling.

6 sleeps until my son's PIR!  It seems surreal to see the day in the weather forecast.

To distract myself, I'm trying to stay super busy (this time of year helps with that).  Anxiety starts to creep in whenever I slow down and start to wonder how my son is feeling.

My recruit only gets 20-30 minutes and I just got the first letter. He told me that he gets a call on 12/1 and he was going to use it for his GF. I understand (young love) but dang I need to find out some stuff too LOL.

Jrdsmama - WooHOO!! A phone call!! Your letters should be arriving. If he is receiving your mail, make sure he is remembering his mailing address correctly. 

Ummi - Yes, lots of hurry up and waits!

Elina - Counting down the days with you. Definitely keep busy and make sure you are packed ahead of time. I was so nervous waiting for my son's call that I had not finished packing, then he called, we were able to talk, but I was needing to finish packing and I ended up making us late to get on the road. We had a 12 hour drive to GL. 

Just a warning, we call it the "I'm a sailor" call on this site but your sailor most likely will not refer to it as such. I expected my son's first words to be "I'm a sailor", instead he said, "Have you left yet?" I was so sure that meant that he had failed BST and not to come, my heart sank, and I was trying to figure out what he was telling me. 

love4Leo25 - You might want to consider sending your son a questionnaire where he able to answer with yes / no or multiple choice to specific questions that you might have. Enclose a SASE and ask him to return. You might also ask his GF, if you are speaking, the questions that you have, if they aren't too personal and see if she can get some answers for you. 

JCNavyMom - If your son will be flying out to his A school, it is very likely that he might be leaving very early on Saturday morning. Then again, some of them are being held in THU and you would have the weekend to be able to check him out. I would plan for whatever gives you the most flexibility, renting or using Sarge's taxi service. 

Be sure to read my discussion above regarding PIR weekend and flying out of GL.

Granted it is 4+ years old now and they are still not flying the sailors on commercial airlines to my knowledge, but I believe I explained some of the obstacles we faced. Normally, those whose sailors flew out, were to have them able to take liberty immediately following PIR, but that is not always the case. I was actually glad that we had not taken the shuttle to the ceremony, or my husband would have had to have ridden back to the hotel, picked up our car and brought it back to RTC, hoping he knew what papers to be able to show. (We were also pre-tickets, so did not have to take that into account to pick those up ahead of time.) All said and done, despite being one of the longest, most tiring/draining weekends of my life, and I have had a few - I was glad we had driven the 12 hours to and fro (actually hubby did most of the driving) because we were not beholden to anyone else and had the freedom to drive where we needed to and when we needed to.

If you are renting a car, you might want to find out if you can rent it for the weekend with possibly an early return, or if you would be able to extend your rental and what are the penalties for doing so. My son was not able to give us any information on his orders over the phone. We knew nothing of the change until we were trying to get hugs from him after PIR. And he was one of the last divisions to make calls home.

Jrdsmama -- YEA!!!! Phone calls are such an amazing Morale boost for not only your SR but for you too!!! You may find you experience a lot of crazy emotions over the next week or 2.  That is Normal! Just come here and share and we'll keep you on the right course!

Elina-- Are you traveling to PIR?  If so, Safe travels!  I can assure you your SR is super busy this week!! They won't have much if any time to think and all they are feeling is relief that they made it to the end. That and they are feeling tired!!  My SR said BS21 was his FAVORITE part of BC, closely followed by the gun range! 

love4Leo25  -- He may have more time but as always they have to earn their phone time.  These silly kids!!!  Girlfriends and Boyfriends may come and go but Momma's are forever!! Call Your MOM FIRST then you can call the SO's!! Moms are super understanding about young love but you gotta show mom some love first! You may want to write and share with him that you understand if he has limited time but can he please call you first and you promise to share him with the gf!  (I have seen Sooooooooo Many of these young people get their hearts broken because Navy life is HARD on romance!!)

Just an FYI, the phone card I purchased from AT&T online for Navy personnel worked like a charm. I can monitor the balance and reload it online also.

Jrdsmama - That is good to know!!! I am glad it is working well. Do you have a link for that which you can post for us again? Thanks!

Chipmunk- Yes, here is the link. I purchased online, printed out the “card” and wrote the number and pin code on the back along with a short note. Then I cut it out, laminated it and put it in his wallet. Super easy and I can check the balance of minutes and re-load if I see it getting low.  https://www.virtualprepaidminutes.com/Navy_prepaid_calling_cards.aspx

Jrdsmama I’m so happy for you! Again I thank you guys so much for sharing your 1st calls. I’m anxiously awaiting for my daughter’s 1st call, but it makes it easier reading about you all's.

Be sure to join your PIR group.  Here are the links:

PIR JANUARY 2022

PIR DECEMBER 2021

Hi everyone and welcome to the new moms.  My daughter graduated on 11/24 but I found this group to be so helpful during her time at BC that I’ve stuck around.  

jrdsmom - he should definitely call you first but it’s totally understandable that he would want to call his gf.  Hopefully he will have enough call time that he can make a call to her and one to you on the same night.  My daughter didn’t have a bf but she does have a best friend she wanted to call.  So she would call us and we’d talk for a bit and then we would add her friend to our call.  She always called my cell phone so that was easy to do and also since it wasn’t her bf she didn’t care about having any privacy for the call. Lol

Chipmunk and jcnavymom: my daughter flew commercial to A school but this was also thanksgiving weekend so it may be different than other weekends.   We didn’t meet her at the airport because she was traveling to the airport at 3 am and our flight wasn’t until later that afternoon   Also because she was traveling with four of her division mates and she said it was perfectly ok if we didn’t go   I actually got the feeling she didn’t want us to go.  

We flew in and rented a car to get around   Im glad we did because it gave us more freedom as to where we went and for us it was just easier   Especially since sometimes we had her division mates in the car with us because they didn’t have a ride to their hotel or they didn’t have anyone to have dinner with   

mytidbitz - that is good to know that there might be some of the sailors flying commercially. So, moving forward, families will need to double check with their sailor to see if they know what the orders say. Thanks!! 

IF they are flying out Commercially, You may still want to go hang with them at the airport!  Yes it is going to be the Middle of the Night but sacrificing sleep for a few more hours together is worth it!!  They may say they want to spend time with their Shipmates but they'll have plenty of time to do that once they get to their A school.  Most of the time they have a couple of weeks of just hanging out waiting to class up and they can hang out then!  
That's my 2 cents!

We checked out of our motel at 1 AM in the morning to go meet our sailor at the airport on the Saturday after PIR. Granted, that was back when they were still mailing home the cell phones. The only way we could get it to him was so to meet at the airport. We actually spent more time with him at the airport (almost 5 hours) than we had with him after PIR, because he was trying to get his orders squared away so that he could actually fly out instead of being held in THU.  Even if he slept on my lap for part of that time, I would not have traded it for anything. 

Welcome to our new members!!

We are glad you have joined us. I am not sure if I have managed to post a personal welcome message to everyone recently. Please feel free to post your questions here and we will do our best to answer or find an answer for you.