Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

YIPPEEEEE!! My girl is an official SAILOR! Got the call today, she passed BS last night! THANK YOU MOMS FOR ALL YOUR ADVICE, INFO, ENCOURAGEMENT AND PRAYERS!

WHOOP!!! WHOOP!!! WHOOP!!!! Attention on Deck!!!
WE HAVE A SAILOR!!!!
Congratulations to Ummi  and her Sailor!!! It's been a LONG Hard Road but you both Persevered and Now you get to reap the reward!!! I Hope you get to see her soon!! (Does she get PIR or will you go to her A school to see her?)

Congratulations Ummi, so gosh darn happy for you both. Prayers for a safe trip.

Ummi - Congratulations!! Tell your sailor Bravo Zulu!! from all of us!! I saw your message last night, and was doing a happy dance where I was, but I wasn't able to reply. 

Congratulations Ummi!  BZ to your Sailor!

Wow Ummi!  How exciting!  My son told me when his BS is... obviously not repeating but I will be a nervous wreck when it happens, as I hear it is a really grueling challenge.  So proud your daughter has become a full blow Sailor!  That is something to celebrate for SURE!  Congrats!

How do I join my sons PIR date!

osubuckeyegirl, at the top of this page just below the blue ribbon strip you will see in small letter all groups and my groups. If you press on all groups the PIR groups should appear and all you need to do is press on the group that coordinates with your graduation date. There might be a easier way but that is the only way I know.

Yea, BS is pretty grueling but at the end my sailor said it was the most fun of boot.. go figure..

Lila and Trey -   From what I've gathered, BS21 is to SRs what "hell night" is to frats, but without the physical hazing! Definitely tests your muster!

I'm so proud of my daughter! On to A school!

BZ!!!! Congratulations to your daughter and to you Ummi!!  What a proud moment...Going through boot camp and all the markers to be a Sailor is such an achievement, they have worked for - god bless!

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

PIR MAY 2022

PIR APRIL 2022

PIR MARCH 2022

osubuckeyegirl - I just posted the link to the groups below.  Click on the blue hyperlink and that will take you to the group and you can request to join.

Ummi - I sent you a reply to your message, my apologies for the delay. Life is a bit busy for me on the home front just now. 

Information from RTC Bootcamp website - 

Recruit Training Command - FAQ (navy.mil) - This should be FAQ and show how to address and send your letters. Remember though to wait until after you have received your form letter. 

Can you say the form are you referencing the form that you fill out to come to graduation?

I got like a little packet in an envelope of a lot of information that I read over just making sure that’s what you’re referencing :-) because I’ve already sent letters off after

Also how does Sandboxx work?

osubuckeyegirl - The form letter, is just the basic all general "form" letter with information in it from your SR (seaman recruit) including their mailing address. If you received that, as well as the security access form and I believe they are still sending out a brochure with motel information, then that is all you will get about graduation.

The security access form is what needs to be mailed back in asap to your SR, I believe. - Here it is again if you need a copy to print - GUEST SECURITY ACCESS FORM (3 GUEST) V3.pdf (navy.mil) - 2 guests are all that are currently allowed to be listed on the form!!

As long as you are mailing letters to the address that was written in by your SR on the form letter, you should be good to go. 

Sandboxx App for BC

Click on the above link - there is information posted there by B'sNukeMom about the Sandboxx App. Many of us that stick around and post on here, did not use Sandboxx, but some of the others that have been through BC have. - Just remember - Anyone can read what you write - it is like a postcard, DO NOT share dates, or personal information. And do not use after Bootcampe!

I am sharing the link to Krystal's blog that she posted - Graduation - Navy For Moms (ning.com) in the general area - She has some questions and needs encouragement about her daughters final PFA and graduation this weekend if anyone is able to reply to her it would be greatly appreciated. 

Welcome to our new members. This is the comment area where we do most of our chatter, answer your questions and go through the emotional roller coaster with you. Please come introduce yourselves. 

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

PIR MAY 2022

PIR APRIL 2022

PIR MARCH 2022

Here is updated info on the Fitness Assessment that they must pass in boot camp. 

Navy fitness assessment

I can chime regarding both Battle Stations and PFA.

BST-21 is still being done around the end of the 7th week/early 8th week. The recruits can call home and scream "I'm a Sailor!!" all they want, but they still need to pass the final official PFA in order to graduate and that is now done in their 9th week. This is to allow them extra time to be able to pass it.

However, if they fail, they are given a second opportunity, depending on by how much they have failed. If they failed by a lot, then there's very little chance they'd be able to make up that time a few days later when they retest. They most likely will be set back in training to a division that has already completed their BST-21 as well.

Those given a second chance right away will retest within a few more days. If they fail, they'll go before a board to determine they should also be set back.

Unfortunately, because this final PFA is taken in the 9th week, yes, it's cutting it close. However, by this point recruits should be able to pass on the first attempt as they were assessed by their RDCs midway through training to see if they needed to be set back at that point for being unable to pass it.

The divisions typically do their final PFA in the order of their divisions within their training group. Those in the last divisions will be the ones doing their final PFA the week of graduation and those who fail will be down to the wire trying to pass the retest. 

This is all due to the new 10-week training where their final two weeks are comprises of life skills classes and of course, the final PFA. 

Bottom line: Yes, it sucks for those who fail their final PFA at the last hour. And yes, there could be a variety of reasons including previous injuries or illness setbacks. So, when you get that call saying they're a Sailor, that doesn't mean they're home free and will be graduating. Everyone still has to hold their breath and pray they pass their PFA.

Hope this helps understand the new process a little better.

SuzyChicago - thank you so much for this info!

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

PIR MAY 2022

PIR APRIL 2022

PIR MARCH 2022

Reminder for those of you that have PIR this Friday:

Update from RTC - the Mask Mandate has been removed but you are still required to show proof of vaccination. 

* * * New Guidance on Revised Pass-in-Review Policy * * *

Recruit Training Command is lifting the masking mandate. There is no mask requirement for recruits, staff, and guests attending Pass-In-Review. Each recruit can invite two guests (max, no exceptions) to attend in person to maintain capacity limitations. (Children 2 & under do not count toward the guest limit.) Guests 12 or older need to provide proof of immunization (14 days post final dose,) in the form of a COVID-19 vaccination record card, to attend. If you are unable to provide proof of vaccination, you will not be able to attend, and will not be issued tickets to attend. This policy is subject to change as leadership continues to monitor the spread and impact of the Coronavirus. Please continue to follow RTC social media accounts for updates and check www.bootcamp.navy.mil for the most up-to-date information. For specific questions and inquiries, contact the RTC Public Affairs Office.

Attending the graduation ceremony

ARRIVING: Once the gates open to the public, it will take some time to clear security at the gate, so please plan accordingly. Visitors 18+ will be required to present valid photo ID (driver's license, state ID card, passport, military ID card). Minors, who can't produce one of the forms of ID listed above, must present either a school ID, driver's permit, copy of birth certificate, or Social Security card.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

• 6:30 am: RTC gate opens to guests.
• 7:00 am: Ceremonial drill hall doors open to guests.
• 8:45 am: All guests must be seated. Ceremonial drill hall doors close, no further entry for guests.
• 9:00 am: Pass-In-Review commences.
• 9:20 am: Divisions arrive.
• 10:30 am: Pass-In-Review concludes.

*Please plan on arriving at least 1.5 hours before the ceremony, which begins promptly at 9:00 a.m.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

And welcome to all of our new members!

This is the best spot on this site to post your questions, concerns, feelings and such about sending your loved one to BC - More of the members are likely to see your posts here and you might receive a response a lot sooner than posting elsewhere. 

For our new members - be sure to read this discussion of mine above - Private Messages - Creating & Sending + OPSEC - It will help you learn how to navigate this site a bit, and also explain some things about OPSEC/ PERSEC as they pertain to this site as well. 

Remember where you see blue letters those are hyper links to other helpful information for you. 

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

PIR MAY 2022

PIR APRIL 2022

PIR MARCH 2022

Hi all i Continue getting emails from this site. signed up when my son was in boot camp so I thought I would share. its been 5 yrs this july and he will be getting out so for those that are beginning or almost at PIR here you go.

I thought I would share they continue sending me info, I figure someone going to Chicago to go see there loved ones could use it.

choosechicago.com

Happy Friday!  I've got my RED on ;-D

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

PIR MAY 2022

PIR APRIL 2022

PIR MARCH 2022

Hi can someone tell me what kind of prepaid card to send our son so he can buy things he doesn’t have access to his debit card and I don’t know which card to get most of them Revisa and I don’t know if she should do a prepaid visa or the debit etc.? Would like to get it sent him as soon as possible

osubuckeyegirl, they give him a card with money on it that comes out of their pay so they can get a calling card and things they need.

osubuckeyegirl - Northwoodsmom is correct and not only that, if they should set up an account with Navy Fed Credit Union, there was a branch there at RTC. I don't know how easily they are able to get to it, but they only need some very basic toiletry items at BC, before they leave BC they will need to buy padlocks for their seabags, which they get at the NEX. 

For those with loved ones getting ready to leave for BC, I highly recommend that if they are able to set up a Navy Fed Credit Union account that they do so. They may always keep their other account at their local bank as well, but with NFCU, they can have their checks auto deposited and normally they go in a day earlier, they have a special rate savings CD for the sailors, and various other things that are easier for them to deal with being in the Navy. 

I also recommend that they have their bank debit cards with them, primarily so that they can have access to them after they graduate and head to A school. 

In regards to a debit card as I stated it’s actually locked away with his wallet they put so much on that car they give them at BC He had to buy a watch he said he doesn’t have a lot left and he wanting to put more on a card so are we able to send him a prepaid card? And how often do you think they get to go to the local place to buy calling cars and so forth?

osubuckeyegirl, I am not sure about sending a card. I do know my son bought a calling card and got 4 opportunities to call home, he still had time left on that card when he left BC. We did send him with $50 cash when he left and he plenty but we bought him a watch as a gift after he finished BC.  They really don't need much at RTC, I think my son told me they put $150 on the card they gave him. I hope some one can answer your question about sending a card and if it's allowed.

Be sure to read this discussion:

Things to do in the last month before leaving

osubuckeyegirl - Sorry for not being able to reply sooner. And I am sharing this as well for others to read who might benefit. 

I know your SR is already at BC so the link below won't help much, but it says in there to be sure they keep their wallet. This is the first time I have heard of a SR needing to put their wallet in their box. You might suggest that he let his RDC know his wallet is locked up, I don't know if it can be retrieved or not.

As for mailing debit cards, I would be very cautious. Nothing is guaranteed that it will make it from the mail room to your recruit without being taken, unfortunately. If you send a card, I would see if you could get a Visa card, or something from your bank and ask if there is a way to cancel it if you believe it is stolen. I would not put much money, like $25 on it only. 

As for the watch, your sailor only needs a very basic watch in BC - I know because my son's basic $15.00 (at that time) watch which he bought from Wal-mart some time prior gave out at BC. He told me that there were some expensive $100 watches that people thought they needed, but they also had the basic inexpensive watch and that is what he bought. 

Any accessories, watches, wallets, umbrellas (during A school in various location), all need to be black, so for those preparing to go to GL, keep that in mind. 

I am sorry I can't be of much more help, I would suggest he talks to his RDC though and see what options he has. 

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

I usually post more and I am a mom that helps out on here as well. But it's been pretty busy for me lately. 

osubuckeyegirl-Hey, I wouldn't send him a pre paid card just in case he doesn't get it. They do get to go to the Nex to go shopping. When mine was in he said they got to go two or three times. Not sure if that's still the same.

Be sure to ask when you talk to your loved one again.

No question is ever dumb and some one will answer you. Let us hear from our new members. 

We love to celebrate and cry with all of you as you are going thru the boot camp experience.

God Bless and have a great day!!

Good Morning Everyone!

Hi Partyofseven - I hope your week goes well.

I was just going to see if I could clarify, I believe the reason that osubuckeyegirl is asking about a pre-paid card, is because she believes her SR is completely out of money. He used up what was on the NEX card they were issued, because he had to buy more items, including a watch than he had money for, and maybe a calling card. Also, his wallet was evidently locked up with his other belongings so does not have access to his debit card. 

I agree, sending prepaid Visa cards or phone cards are always risky, but I am not sure what other options she might have, if he feels like he needs money. Hopefully, someone might be able to help us with that specific question. Thanks!