Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

Jrdsmama - Yay!  So glad you had such a good time at PIR.  And yes, it does a mama's heart good to see their child so happy and succeeding.  

Jrdsmama, I am so happy for you. Yes you hit the nail on the head when it comes to their body language. That's why I hate talking on the phone or texting is even worse.  A Mom can tell if anything is bothering their child just by looking at them or if they are happy excited and motivated. I also enjoyed watching my son interact with his fellow Sailors, unbelievable how close the became in just a few months. Enjoy that open communication they will get busy real quick once school starts. Glad you had a great time.

Jrdsmama--- Yep, That first Sailor hug tells us so much!! I'm sorry you  only got the one day but glad you got that!!  Your son has a GREAT mindset!! They are getting paid to march, run and get yelled at... That's not really all that bad if you can get to that mindset.  Enjoy these A school days where you have easier communications. Go glad you had a good and safe trip!

Jrdsmama- Thank you for sharing!  Our PIR is Friday.  It’s been such a difficult couple of months sitting here in the anxiety of it all wondering how he’s really doing.  I cry for no reason.  My husband isn’t sure what to make of it.  I do hope I can find some of that ease you’ve found getting to finally see him.  How was your son able to communicate with you that he shipped out Saturday morning instead of staying in the THU?  Our son is going to Pensacola, as well.  I don’t anticipate getting the weekend together, but I have fears of sitting at the base waiting for him not knowing he’s already left for school.  Lol!!!  But really, I’m anxious about it. 

So my son's PIR is Feb 11th.  He has told his gf, both by phone on NYE, and again in a letter this week - that he will have Saturday as part of Liberty. He seems adamant and sure of it. 

This is contrary to everything I've read everywhere. I know sometimes the SRs have incorrect info.  But I wanted to check in and see if anyone else has heard this, recently.  

We had planned to fly home on Saturday - but if this is indeed true, then I'd like to adjust our travel plans a bit. 

HappyInTheValley - Right after PIR we hugged and cried on the floor.  Once that PDA was over we all walked over the NEX to pick up the coins he purchased and look at the photo pkg he purchased.  I asked him before he left to buy the biggest one they had and I would reimburse him for it.  It was plenty so I didn’t purchase any additional.  He left us there while he went to go report/sign out for liberty.  They had already given him his orders so he knew he would be shipping out.  Once he signed out we left and had the day.  We brought him back to base early and hung out and shopped at the NEX until he had to return to barracks. Another tearful goodbye and he was off.  He got his phone back just before leaving Great Lakes and we were able to text with him throughout the journey to Pensacola.  Now we have been able to FaceTime every day since.  It is amazing!!!  

I cried the entire 2 months he was gone.  I was absolutely amazed that I had no control over my water works and it actually kind of made me mad, LOL.  I read an article posted on another page that having a son is like the longest break up ever. Each stage of their life is like a break up but we don’t realize it until they are grown and leave us.  I think the military aspect drives that home 10 fold because of the lack of communication that comes with it.  It is impossible to let go of the need to know and see for ourselves that they are ok.

I can attest, although it was the hardest thing ever, that you will make it.  And I think be better for it.  I am confident after seeing my son that he is happy and this is where is he meant to be.  You will get there!  Just reach out if you need support, we are here!

Autumn96-my son’s PIR was 1/7. I had no idea he would be able to stay the whole weekend with us but I had made reservations through the weekend to check out Monday just in case and we got lucky. He knew he was staying at Great Lakes for school but only learned about having Liberty all weekend including sleepovers the day of graduation. He had to check in each morning and provide the hotel address but he was allowed Liberty until Sunday night. I am learning quickly that plans have to be flexible and nothing is ever certain with this new life. I hope you get to spend time with your son!!!

MAV- my son is not staying in GL,he will head to San Antonio.  That's interesting that your son had the whole weekend - because I've heard those staying in GL usually get LESS liberty.  I plan to be flexible - but I'd like to be sure to keep my son & his gf's expectations in check!  So for now, I'm telling them not to plan for the whole weekend. 

Autumn96-agree! Another thing I’m learning is to keep expectations low so I won’t be disappointed!!!!! And yes nothing seemed to go as I thought/read it would but it worked in our favor!! I thought we would only see him Friday. He was supposed to start school 1/10 and he just started today so I’m guessing the timelines are just estimates.

Best wishes to you!!!!

I just heard from my son!  He’s a Sailor now!!!  He says by the time he goes to bed it will be 40 hours with no sleep!  Not everyone in his division passed!  His good buddy was taken directly back in to redo the sections he failed!  Fingers crossed they all get to graduate together!  We’re flying out tonight!  What a relief that call was!!!  It’s been almost a month with no word!  He said he started using his letter writing time to study for the knowledge tests instead.  He was anxious to pass those and really proud of how well he’s done on everything!  Though he described battle station as the hardest, most stressful thing he’s ever experienced in his entire life!

Congrats to all brave moms and their Sailors!! My son is about to start his BC in 7 days and while reading all encouraging and emotional updates from moms here, I have just switched to anticipating mode now :-)

Is there any grp for BC starting Jan 27?

Hugs and best wishes to you all!!

HappyInTheValley-- They usually have their orders by the time they are at PIR.  So they can tell you then, Sometimes they will have them before and they can tell you when they make the "I'm A Sailor" call. Remember NOTHING is set in stone so plan to be flexible. And also what one sailor/family experienced is NOT how it will be for everyone. It helps to establish patterns that guide us in offering suggestions on how it most likely will play out but there are always exceptions, thus the motto Semper Gumby!!

Autumn96 -- See my comment to HappyInTheValley!  They may think they will get the whole weekend then only get Friday.  They may think they get Friday then have to stand Watch and you only get hours and not the day.  They may have the whole Weekend or just Friday and Saturday,  They will not know until they get their orders and those don't usually get issued until AFTER they complete BS21! (It would be super foolish to purchase a plane ticket for a Sailor who then can't use it because they didn't complete BC!) There are just so many variables which is why we suggest staying as late on Sunday as you can or even till Monday if possible.  I know not everyone can get that much time off so you take what you can and accept that the life of a Navy mom/loved one is one of making the most of the time together whenever it comes and for as long as you can get!!  Semper Fortis! Semper Gumby!

Jrdsmama -- The tears are normal!  Yes, our poor husbands just don't get it!  They never will.  There is something about that maternal bond that goes deeper than mere parental love. Not everyone is in touch with it but it's there.  A school is better, but BC is prep for life in the fleet!

MAV -- There are lots of things that contribute to when they start A school.  A 1 week delay is Nothing!  My Sailor had nearly 2 months to wait!

WHOOP WHOOP WHOOP ATTENTION ON DECK!!! WE HAVE A SAILOR IN THE HOUSE!!
Please join me in Congratulating HappyInTheValley  and her new SAILOR!!!
Safe Flight and Enjoy every second you have together!

ps-- It's not unusual for them to take the extra time to study instead of writing (Part of why we tell you No News is Good News) and nearly every rotation there is at least 1 SR who has to go back and repeat BS21! This is why at PIR you may see some sitting in the bleachers(They just finished that morning) and why they have body snatchers in the ranks looking for those who are asleep on their feet before they hit the ground!

Maya2021-- Welcome!  You have come to the right place!  We are happy to help you get through this.  There is NOT a group formed for SR's based on when they ship out but rather we form them based on When they are scheduled to finish.  You are looking at a PIR date around April.  B'sNukeMoM️MMN will post that group once RTC releases the PIR dates with the Div's graduating that week.  Until then you can post your questions or concerns on here.

Good Evening everyone!! I have been reading but not able to reply immediately. 

Ellen0502 - It was good to hear from you! Thanks for putting the PIR information out there so succinctly. I hope all is well with you and your family. 

Maya2021 - Welcome aboard! We are glad you have joined us. BBH answered your question, but I wanted to say hello and welcome. We are more than happy to answer your questions to the best of our ability. One thing you probably are realizing, just from reading today's posts is "Nothing is set in stone" One of the reasons I wrote my discussion above, "What PIR weekend might look like for those flying out" is because my experience 4 + years ago was completely different than anything which I read. So, I emphasize as much as possible, stay flexible, know that plans can change. And as MAV said to Autumn96 - keep your expectations low - I like to add though, never give up hope though!

Autumn96 - I hope you are able to spend as much time as possible at your sailor's PIR when the time comes. 

HappyInTheValley - BRAVO ZULU! to your new sailor. And our thoughts and prayers for his shipmate. Safe travels for you as well. Be sure to come join us in the Beyond BC group. 

Jrdsmama - So happy that you got to spend at least one day with your son. Be sure to check in the Beyond BC group for anyone whose sailor might have been at the same A school. 

Be sure to join your PIR group.  Here are the links (and April is up now):

PIR APRIL 2022

PIR MARCH 2022

PIR FEBRUARY 2022

PIR JANUARY 2022

Thanks ellen0502. I didn't realize that.

Thank you Ladies!!!  We’re checked in at the Holiday Inn in Waukegan.  One thing we had not considered was what to do with ourselves between 5am when we landed and 3pm when we were able to check in.  We explored down town Chicago for several hours, tried a couple donut places, wandered Target, and got some ramen in China Town before heading to welcome center for our tickets.

On our way to the hotel we drove up to gate 8 to see where we go to get in tomorrow.  I was surprised how little room there is for cars to line up.  Do they line up off of Ohio St out onto the main Buckley Rd?  How early do you recommend us arriving at the gate?  

Though we booked through the weekend, my Sailor said he’s pretty sure we’ll only have Friday afternoon together.  He hasn’t got his orders yet, but keeping my expectations low.  My husband says we can go to Wisconsin and get some cheese if we end up having time to burn.  

I can’t wait for tomorrow!  Literally planning my bedtime so I’m ready for the morning!  Woohoo!!!!

Navy girlfriend- sorry you can’t make it!  Here’s a link for you tube…

https://youtube.com/c/RTCPublicAffairs

For any of our new members: Here is the link to RTC Bootcamp website on their homepage they have listed the time and links for the live feed for PIR. Live streaming begins at 9 AM CST. 

Navy girlfriend, I am sorry that you do not get to attend PIR. Hopefully your sailor will have his phone afterwards and be able to call you. If not, know that sometimes they still don't get their phones back until they are leaving the RTC side, so hang in there. 

HappyInTheValley - If you see this in the morning, I believe we arrived around 7 AM, We were trying to be earlier but had some delays with issues at the motel not registering our shuttle request, so we did end up driving. We used Sarge's route and had no issues. I think they just wrapped the traffic around; I don't recall. 

I am glad you had a chance to get a little bit of time in Chicago. 

Happy Friday - I've got my RED on!

And here's the FB page to watch the live stream:

https://www.facebook.com/NavyRecruitTrainingCommand/

Be sure to join your PIR group.  Here are the links (and April is up now):

PIR APRIL 2022

PIR MARCH 2022

PIR FEBRUARY 2022

PIR JANUARY 2022

Good Morning Everyone!! Congratulations to all of our new sailors! I don't know what the GL temps are like this morning, but we woke up to 12'!! Per my computer, it is gradually warming with the sunshining - so I at least need to take advantage of daylight in my house and get busy on my many projects.

It is too cold though for me to be comfy in my RED shirt, but I am still Remembering Everyone Deployed on this RED Friday.

navy girlfriend - I hope you were able to watch PIR Live! If not they will put up the video replay usually later in the afternoon, I think. 

HappyInTheValley - I'm so happy for you! Worth the wait,  huh!? I wish your new United States Navy Sailor success and all the best!

Hello Everyone and welcome to our group. We are glad that you are here. 

For all of our newer members welcome and if you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask. Someone will answer and no question is ever dumb.

I usually help out more but with my schedule change have not been able to be on as much as I would like.

NavyGirlfriend- I am sorry that you weren't able to go and I hope that you saw the links to be able to watch today's PIR. Congratulations on your loved one becoming a Sailor!!

Ummi- Welcome and it's good that you are here.

HappyInTheValley- Whoo hoo Congratulations!!! Enjoy PIR to the fullest and enjoy every moment with your loved one!!!

 CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF OUR BRAND NEW SAILORS!!! MAY GOD PROTECT THEM TODAY AND EVERY DAY AS THEY BEGIN THEIR NEW JOURNEY!!!

Good Morning Everyone and welcome to all of our new members. You have come to the right place. No question is ever dumb and someone will answer you!!

A few tips to get you thru the first couple of weeks of silence. Staying busy is key. Keep your phone on you at all times and that ringer on loud as you never know when a call will come thru.

Staying busy is also key, start writing now so when you receive the form letter you can mail those letters off right away.

Come here and vent, cry, talk we are here for you every step of the way.

I and a few of the other moms have been here for awile and we all help out our new moms.

Here is some information for you to read:

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!!

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 is an app that you can download on your phone. It is great!! You can see what mail you have coming every day!!

To all of our new members - Good morning from me as well! We are glad you have joined us. This is the spot to come introduce yourself and share how your journey is going so far. 

This time of silence can be so hard, but it is your training for when your sailor might be in the fleet and have no communication with you. As Partyofseven said, staying busy helps, as well as writing letters. 

We are here to listen, encourage and help you become stronger yourself as part of the Navy Family.  

Hello New Navy Moms! - Keeping in touch with your SR is really critical to their morale...and yours! So take the advice of these seasoned moms and send your SRs letters, cards, news from home, news of other family members, etc. (Just don't send cards with glitter or anything that can rub off!) 

I just got the BEST letter/birthday present from my girl! She wrote that she was doing her practice runs and went past a whole bunch of newly-graduated sailors. She had a pity party for a minute, then got her act together and let the sight of these new sailors inspire her in her run. Then, I also got a letter from one of her buddies, and it included ANOTHER letter with a page of happy birthday wishes for me from 4 more SR buddies! Couldn't ask for a better present! So keep sending those letters and maybe even send one to your SR's BC friend.

Ummi - That is great news!! She is going to do great!! And Happy Birthday! - If you are willing, you might fill our new members in on your daughter's BC journey. 

Krystal that does make since about your daughter not wanting to hear your encouragement.  My situation was a little different because it happened after BC but suddenly he went quiet. I would text his phone and write letters but nothing. Finally after a whole month of no communication he called his Dad to let us know he was going to be re-rated. I was really hurt because I was always the cushion between him and his Dad and yet he turned to him. After I finally got to talk to him he said " Mom you were always encouraging me telling me I could do this and I was struggling so bad I couldn't even stand to read your letters. I couldn't stand to hear the disappointment in your voice." So I didn't call". I thought what kind of Mom could I be if my own son couldn't come to me when he was struggling so bad.

It is such a thin line, you try so hard to encourage and support them, but knowing when just to be quiet and let them vent and assure them that there is nothing in this world that would stop you from loving them. Sounds like your daughter doesn't want to disappoint you and loose that pride you have in her.  It probably is too late if she graduates in two weeks to write her and talk to her about this because you should be done sending letters. I would try to take some time when you do get to see her to reassure her your Love isn't  tied to her performance. Don't know why my son thought mine was but I tried to make it plain to him I Love him no matter what.

I will hold your daughter up in PRAYERS through these last stressful weeks.

Hi Krystal,

I just want to say, thank you so much for posting the message regarding your daughter. I am truly grateful to you and all the mothers who share, because it reminds me that I'm not alone about how I feel about my son who is in BC as well. He is feeling challenged in very similar ways just like you described your daughter is. His PIR is 2/11 and I'm praying all goes well so he can finish BC. I also am writing to him often, to keep his spirits up and motivated. He asked me to send him articles so that he can know what is happening in the news. He misses hearing about the outside world. On his last call he sounded more positive then the one before. But I can tell it is still very challenging.  He spent Christmas, New Year's Eve and his birthday in BC, so it was difficult for him and me. I miss him so.

If it is any comfort to you, sometimes I wish he had a girlfriend he could confide in. I can tell he does not want to worry me, so he may not tell me everything that's going on.

I'm hoping once he gets to A school, that some restrictions will ease up.

I'm praying for all of the recruits and families.

Thank you again for sharing.

Good Morning, Krystal, Anna, Northwoodsmom and others. 

I will try to post more later but I wanted you to know that I saw your posts and I will be lifting your SRs up in prayer this morning at church. Northwoodsmom shared very well from her own experiences. 

Be sure to join your PIR groups as those are not public and you might feel more comfortable at least expressing your own concerns there as well, although most of us don't join those groups. 

Another option is to send friend requests and then you may message that way as well. 

In the discussions above, I bumped mine on how to send PMs back into the queue. I think I also share how to do friend requests on this site for those that may still be figuring out the N4M site. I find this site is a lot easier to use on my computer. If viewing on a mobile device, we usually recommend that you put it into desktop mode. 

Feeling homesick, discouraged, or doubtful in boot camp happens.  They don't think they will make, or they want to quit and go home.  In most cases, this is temporary, and by the time Mom gets the letter or call, the SR's mood has changed.  Generally once the division clicks as a team, the fears dissolve.  Sometimes you can cheer a little too loud, and support can become pressure.  Try to find balance.  Let your SR know you hear them, that is is difficult, that they are in a strange new world doing what feels impossible, and it is okay for them to feel down now and then.  
One reason communication is limited is so they come to rely on their shipmates, just as they might need to do in a crisis in the fleet.  Support your child, your SR needs you, but also understand they need to lean on those who are sharing their experience. Your roles are changing, and this is difficult for moms as well!

AntiM, I just Love how you described too much cheering and support can add pressure. That is so perfectly said, see us Moms have never been through BC but you have and you can totally understand it. In BC as well as beyond we are placed on the sidelines so we do our very best to cheer them on and encourage them. We have no experience of what their lives are really like, their frustrations, loneliness, struggles and fear so we do the only thing we know.  Being a Navy Mom is so hard, thank you for your perspective on this, it means alot coming from you!

Krystal - I went thru this with our older son, not our sailor, but it hurt just the same. I think Anti M hit the nail on the head about how much the cheering puts pressure on. He really thought we were more interested in NROTC & which college he attended than him feeling satisfied and happy with his choices. It was a tough lesson for our family about the message they receive versus the message you thought you were sending. Letting them know you are proud of their perseverance and the fact they bounce back from set backs, are able to change paths when life dictates and the simple fact they "show up" every day is something to cheer. Most of us were their center for so many years that it is hard when they go to someone else first. I almost feel like I should apologize to my own mom for doing just that. On the other hand we also realize they need to have a safe place to talk things out and vent even if it isn't us. Be proud that your daughter is talking to someone, that takes courage. There's so much our sailors are trying to navigate that we don't understand. Encourage her to find her resources and talk to those people too. BC is just a start in learning what those are and utilizing them. Just like this site is for us!