Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

Just thought of something else, other moms received a call from the Red Cross to check in on how they were doing while their recruit was in the navy.  I never received one of those calls, but maybe that's who's call you missed?

Krystal - if the caller ID said US Navy, then your SR might have needed other information, and for security reasons they may not have let him leave a voice message. The American Red Cross would have called from one of their phones, likely or maybe a call center - not sure (they were not making calls when my son was in BC.) 

Normally we do not recommend trying to get information from your SRs recruiter - but if you had met with them or talked to them in person, you might be able to call and ask them at least generic questions about why you would be receiving calls that say US Navy with no message being left. If they needed further information, they might have been able to get it from the recruiter or another source like your son's school. 

Also, for other new members - except for their "I'm here" call on their cell phone, other calls are made at the pay phone banks. The connections can be poor so ask them to call you back on another phone. I think Ellen0502 said once to have them hold the cord into the receiver to make sure it is getting a better connection as well. And those call will show as the local area code, but my son's first call showed with something from a totally different, maybe even foreign area code that was initially connected with the calling card, as I recall.  

HaleyAnn - We are glad you are here and that you are getting some of your questions answered just by reading through the posts. This is for Loved ones as well and we have had GFs and SO on this group also. There is a Girlfriend's group on this site, but I am not sure how active it is and how up to date they stay on the BC information. This is the best group for that. 

Here is the link for the Letter writing and fun stuff/questionnaire If you are viewing this site on your mobile device, be sure to put it in desktop mode as you will be able to navigate the screen easier - that is my understanding at least. 

So Krystal - did I catch you have two SRs? We have had other moms with multiples in BC as well. 

Good Morning Everyone and welcome to all of our new members. We are so glad that you are here!!!

This group was also a life saver for me as well!! 

Krystal- Welcome so glad that you are here. yay for getting one form letter right away. That is good that you have already sent letters. They love getting mail from home!!

I wrote mine twice a day I would start in the morning and finish before I would go to bed.  He always appreciated them and our letters would help when he needed that positive enforcement.

Sorry to hear that you missed your calls but you know that he is getting your letters and that is good. Now you know to answer every call and keep that ringer on loud. If you don't want to talk or if a telemarketer calls just hang up!

HaleyAnn- Good Morning and welcome. All our welcome here. We have grandma's, dads, gf's. So you are ok and you are more than welcome to be here.

Any questions please don't hesitate to ask and someone will answer you!!

ON FRIDAY'S WE WEAR RED TO REMEMBER EVERYONE DEPLOYED!!!

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

PIR JANUARY 2022

PIR DECEMBER 2021

If your SR has a SEAL contract please reach out to me privately as I have some information to pass on to you.

Thank you.

RTC still only has one February PIR listed:

February 4, 2022 TG-10 

(071,072,073,074,075,076,077,078,079,080,081,082,910)

This is a Regular Announcement: Please put this information in your Phones:
I have a contact labeled {sailor ICE} with this phone number and text number as the phone number under the contacts, then I have the needed contact info in the notes section. The info in Italics below. Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it or have to remember where or what you need! In the event of an emergency I can just pull up the info on my phone and hand it off if I’m not able to think clearly!!

If an emergency (such as a serious illness, death or birth) of an immediate family member takes place then military families can initiate a request for Red Cross emergency assistance. The message will be verified and then delivered. If the emergency requires leave for a service member, the Red Cross will verify the emergency to the service member’s commanding officer. Eligibility for emergency leave will ultimately be determined by them. Throughout the process, the family member will be able to track the progress of the message from anywhere in the world online, by phone, through our mobile app or in person.

To best prepare for an emergency, please have this information ready when reporting an emergency message:

· The service members name, rank, social security number and unit address {SR Davy Jones, 123-45-6789, Great Lakes Naval Training Center Ship 99, Div 1904.} {In Fleet This would be their Ship Name and number}

· The name of the person with the emergency and the nature of the situation {King Neptune, Hospitalized in critical condition}

· The name and contact information for the medical authority to contact regarding the status of the emergency {Doctor Jack Sparrow, Barbados General Hospital, 555-123-4567}

To access these services through the Hero Care Network, create an account and send the message here or send through the Hero Care app by texting “GETHEROCARE” to 90999 or call a Hero Care specialist at 1-877-272-7337.

This is a reason to have the discussion before your sailor leaves or ask in an early call or letter (Reassure them that all is well at home but you have learned you should have asked sooner.) No one likes to talk about the possibility of death but it happens and it’s easier if you have a plan for how to handle these situations. When you can, ask if they want to know about anyone not parent or sibling while in boot camp (They likely will not be allowed to leave anyway), ask if they want to come home if it’s a parent or sibling ( It will be short 2-4 days at most then 2 week Quarantine and a delay in BC training-- Fleet still short followed by quarantine.)

If you have not sent your SR with a Calling card-- Don't panic or worry.  They have them at the NEX and they can get them there.  Remember your SR is being paid and they can pick up the bill for some of their stuff!

Hi all! I have not been on in several weeks, my mobile version has not been the easiest to navigate! Hope all has been well! We are less than a week from PIR and so very excited! This group was so encouraging to me when I had no information and basically lost in the process especially in the beginning-many thanks and appreciation to all who help keep this form up and running!

I have a question regarding vaccine cards. Another mother who attended her child's PIR a last month received a letter via mail just before graduation stating that photos of vaccine cards were accepted for entry/ticket retrieval. She showed me the letter, which did in fact state this. My question is has anyone else received this or have any knowledge, information, or first hand experience on if a photo will be sufficient? Thank you very much!

p.s. Hope I am posting this in the correct manner and in the right area!

Happy Friday!!! BelovedbyHim- Thank you for the encouragement!  You’re right, it is my love showing!  It’s not pretty, but it’s powerful! Lol!!! : )

HaleyAnn- Welcome!  I received my son’s form letter this week.  They only send one so I forwarded the info to his dad, our family and his friends.  Be sure to ask your boyfriend’s family to pass that along when they receive it so you can send him some encouragement.  My son arrived on 11/10 and had to quarantine for 2 weeks.  Still no personal conversation, but I know it’s coming eventually.  It is a long silence.  I struggled most with not knowing anything about the Navy or what’s going on with boot camp and this site and the ladies here have helped me understand the process so much!!!  Just going from the anxiety of the unknown to the peace of understanding what’s happening there and approximately when that’s happening has really given me strength, comfort, and patience with this process.  

Krystal- I feel your pain!  Missing a call worries me.  I’m hoping those weren’t conversation calls and they got the info they needed elsewhere.  I was told I could possibly receive calls during my SR’s processing days if they needed info or something needed clarified or whatever.  I’m definitely going to take your advice, Ladies, and change my voicemail greeting!

Elina- Wishing you a special day today and looking forward to hearing about your experience when you get home!  It’s perfect timing for us because we’re planning our travel for January now.   

Cda2202 - This is the info posted on the RTC site.  It states you have to have the card.  But, if someone else received an actual letter saying otherwise it might be that they just haven't updated the site.  If you receive the letter stating a picture is ok then go with that.  Otherwise, take the card to be safe.

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.

mytidbitz -- If Krystal's SR was fully vaccinated it's possible they are calling for more information.  If they are in week 1 and did not Quarantine they are in Processing Days (P Days) and that would be a reason for the early Phone calls.  It's still unclear if the phone calls were from HER area code or from the GL Area code.

CDA - when I picked up my ticket there was another parent there and he was being told he needed to have the card or a picture of it.  They were not accepting the cell phone app version of the vaccine.  

Not sure if this helps.

@mytidbitz Hey thanks so much for the reply, so this other parent was told a photo of the card would be accepted is that correct? Good to know, that is helpful to hear.

@cda2202 -  I took my actual card just in case and I would suggest you do the same if you can.  But yes they told the dad he needed either the card or a picture of the card but all he had was the vaccine app proof.  I was hoping someone could text him a pic of the card before the PIR.  

Cda2202 -- I agree.  Take your actual card.  Better safe than sorry.

Received some updated info from a member whose SR just arrived 10/7 to RTC - unvaccinated.  This is the time frame she was given.  He won't leave GL until January (providing no other set backs).

Two weeks Rom

8 weeks BC

2 weeks Rom after Graduation .

Any unvaccinated recruits are 12 weeks from arrival. 

Regarding covid cards for tickets: You MUST either have the original card or a photo of the card. No other paperwork or app will be accepted.

Thank you Suzy! A must for the card is absolutely stated! It seems the allowance of a photo of the card being accepted is a bit of a gray area that I was interested in finding out more of. Thanks for everyones input!

B's Thank you for that update!  12 weeks Unvaccinated, 8 weeks if they have had both shots.

B’sNukeMom- My son arrived 11/10 unvaccinated.  His form letter said PIR is January 21st.  Are they saying after PIR he’ll need to stay two more weeks in ROM?  I thought they were going to vaccinate them during boot camp.  Is that not the case?

HappyInTheValley --  Your SR/Sailor is ALWAYS the best source of info.  If his PIR is 1/21 then plan on that.  Since we don't know if that ROM is for sure happening at GL or at A school plan your weekend based on SOP unless you hear different from your SR. We share info that we hear but we depend on those of you with SR's at GL to confirm or refute the intel we get.

All: NO, there is no two weeks of "ROM" added to boot camp. currently it is still only eight weeks. Eventually, it will move to 10 weeks and it has nothing to do with ROM.

SuzyChicago - interesting that she received info from her SR that told her he would have extra ROM and provided the timeline that he did.  He has a special ops contract - could that have anything to do with it?

Krystal -- Bootcamp is Typically 2 weeks long (14 Days)  Have either of your sons been there that long?

Are all our Moms Safe from the Tornadoes?

Krystal -- Your second would have finished ROM on the 7th.  It's possible that they called for Information.  In that case they'll keep trying unless the can get the information elsewhere.  It's NOT worth beating your self up over or even worrying about since there's nothing you can do now.  Just keep moving forward!

Hey,ladies

I just got home from PIR. in this post I'm just going to share my experience.  I'll follow up with additional posts about info from my sailor that may help answer some questions I’m seeing on the sight.

First off, our graduation only had 4 divisions. We picked up our tickets around 4pm the day before. We arrived at the gate around 6:45 the day of graduation. Both times we had little or no line. However, by 7 the hall was rather full and by 7:30 many were struggling to find their desired spot.I can’t image what it is like with 4x as many graduates.

Our son was able to tell us exactly where in the hall he would be since he was a 900 division member. His role at PIR was rail guard, and since the other guys were inexperienced, he volunteered for the spot right by the RDCs. We were able to sit only a few benches above him the whole time! It was wonderful! It took me only seconds to get to him at liberty call for a giant hug.

He loved the idea of going out to brunch then just chilling back in the room with us. Thoroughly enjoyed all the conversation with him, and his eyes just lit up as he probably told us about the division flags. He was so happy they were able to show them all off at PIR since they had won Battle E.

For returning to base, as hard as it was, I said my good-bye in the hotel. It was good because then my son was in the front passenger seat when they got to the gate. Make sure you say you have a recruit grad you are returning or they will send you to the wrong gate. Thankfully, it all eventually worked out, and he made it to the chapel lot in time, but not as early as he wanted.

For liberty post PIR, my son said that only on the day of graduation could he be checked out by family, other days of liberty required a group of 3-5 minimum.

Everyone getting a ticket when I did had a vaccine card. The guys working the table asked for a card when one guest showed her phone first.

Krystal, and any other mom that is waiting for the form letter from their recruit--my son said when he arrrived the first week of October, there were some guys who were just getting out of 14 days of ROM. They joined his division, and during P days, before the form letters even got mailed, they got caught in a COVID circle and pushed back another 2 weeks. They never reached the point of getting the form letter out.

2 weeks initial ROM, early P days, another 2 weeks of ROM, plus P days again, could have them sending a form letter out 5+ weeks after arrival. I pray this has not happened to any mom here, but something like that could be why a delay.

Krystal - So glad you heard from one of your SRs!!

Elina - Thanks for sharing!

Alright ladies and gentlemen

I got my call from my daughter on Saturday YAY!!

She is doing great a little homesick but she said she was doing really good. So I can breath now lol, I knew she was safe but I seriously just needed to hear her voice. To the moms that haven’t heard from their SR’s yet I’m praying for you I know it’s hard hang in there.

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

PIR JANUARY 2022

PIR DECEMBER 2021

2021 CHRISTMAS ADOPT-A-SAILOR

Recruit Training Command will resume our annual Christmas Adopt-A-Sailor program.

Recruits graduating January 7, 2022, have the opportunity to spend Christmas Day in the local area with their immediate families or be adopted by local civic organizations such as VFWs, American Legions and churches.

Birdie's Mom - I am sure you are walking on cloud 9 after your phone call!!! I am so happy for you!

Hey Ladies!!!  My SR called yesterday, as well!  I’m so thrilled to hear from him!  He’s doing really well!  He says he’s having a good time and enjoying the process.  He says he was given the job of religious petty officer so he directs SRs to the chapel for their various religious services, counts heads, and stands guard.  He was excited about it.  Today is his 7th day of training week one.  Tomorrow he starts week two.  

He arrived late on 11/10 and started his quarantine the next day, which would have him lined up to exit ROM on Thanksgiving, so they kept him in ROM for 16 days instead!  He started his processing days on Monday the 29th and his first week of training on Dec. 6th.  His form letter was postmarked on the 1st of Dec. and the first call came yesterday.  His graduation date is January 21st.  We got the form letter and call sooner than I thought we would.  He hasn’t heard anything about an additional ROM at the end of boot camp, so I’m hopeful that doesn’t apply to him.  He did get his first Covid shot during his processing days, so he’ll be fully vaccinated by the time he’s done. 

i feel so relieved, but impatient to hear from him again already!  I’m glad he’s happy.

Krystal - be sure to join the January PIR group.  Here's the link:

PIR JANUARY 2022