Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

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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!

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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. 

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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

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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!

Welcome to our new members - we are glad you have joined us. This Comment Wall area is the best place to come introduce yourself to the group. Also, be sure to check your profile page for comments or friend requests. 

Good morning! I used Sandboxx, where you can attach NEX cards to your letter. They never expire, so they can take the NEX gift card with them when they leave BC.

My sailor seemed to have enough to get what was needed, and yes, he got the cheap watch there, still uses it and had bought a couple of calling cards because the one I got him just wouldn't work right and no way was I going to miss a call because of that. That first card they give them is like an advance on their pay. if he has navy fed, he can use his debit card after that. 

Good morning everyone! Just a tip on the calling card. You can purchase them from ATT online and they are US and ship to shore for some ships. Here is the info:

https://www.virtualprepaidminutes.com/Navy_prepaid_calling_cards.aspx

ATT Navy Calling Card

Sign up and pay online. You can print and send in the mail. I cut it out, wrote the PIN on the back along with a short note and laminated it. Worked great for my sailor.

So, I haven't posted much, but definitely appreciated all of the advice and comments. I wanted to share our experience from this weekend.

We heard from Ian on February 28 that they had passed Battle Stations, and then we didn't hear from him again until we saw him on Friday. They say "no news is good news" so we took that to heart, although I kept expecting a call. 

We flew into Chicago Midway on Thursday morning and drove about an hour to Great Lakes. We picked up our Graduation tickets at the big NEX (not the one on post - Turn onto Green Bay Rd. off Buckley Rd.) We needed to show our vaccine cards and driver's license, they checked us off the list and wrote our names on our tickets, we used them to get on and off base all weekend, so don't lose them!

We stayed at the Spring Hill Suites (about 10 minutes from the base) they had cute little "Graduation packs" with mints and Kleenex in it. They did play the graduation in the lobby for people who didn't have tickets.

Originally, he told us he was going to Pensacola Friday night/Saturday morning at 2am, but it turns out they went this morning. Key take away - be flexible with your plans, we had reservations in Chicago for Saturday night, so we did a lot of driving! Totally worth it. :)

We got the idea to decorate our door from another family, so it was a great surprise when we brought him to the room.

We left the hotel Friday morning about 6:20am, got to the gate line about 6:35 and were parked in the garage about 7:05am. It is a huge hall with metal bleachers, there are a couple of tables there, one with drinks (concession sales stop at 8:30am), one with pictures and coins for sale - I think they only take cash, and one with some apparel.

They have signs up where the Divisions will be, so you can figure out where to sit.

That big garage door you see in the background opens and the divisions march in when it is time. I'm getting goose bumps all over again thinking about it.

That second flag holder is my son! <3 

Will continue post I can only have 4k characters.

Post 2 continued.

Saturday morning we took him and his friend to Chicago, the friend had never been. We did some sightseeing and got deep dish pizza. Then they took showers and a nap, while my husband and I took a walk and had a snack. (Apparently their "showers" are one minute at BC, so they still smell a little funky.) We drove them back so they were there about 8:30pm, their liberty lasted until 9pm. The pic below is the walkway from Soldier Field (where the Bears play) on our way to the Field Museum.

A group of them took the Metra (station right outside of the base) to Chicago Sunday morning and did a little more sightseeing. We saw them for a bit, we were a little bummed, because obviously we wanted to hang out with our newly minted sailor, but I think it was great for them to hang out and celebrate together in "the real world." We took them back to Great Lakes and then headed back to Midway.

I can't tell you how impressed we were with the change that happened in 75 days. He's talking about how he set up his TSP (Thrift Savings Plan, the govt. equivalent of 401k) and 12% Navy Federal Savings account. 

We did use Sandboxx to send letters, you can attach one picture per letter, and like I said in a previous post, you can attach a gift card for NEX that doesn't expire. We also sent the daily motivation and the newsletter. They are desperate for things to read. We didn't get much communication back, but he has kept all of the letters he got, and apparently reread all of them multiple times.

We did see recruits yesterday at NEX buying supplies and making phone calls. They were all marching and singing, and the weather was beautiful, so they were just in BDUs, not their parkas. 

Hope this helps! Now they are off to A-school in Pensacola, excited for the warm weather after a snowy and cold boot camp. :)

IVL'sMom, great pictures and tons of valuable information. Thanks so much for sharing. So very happy for all of you!

On the Banking Note--- Not only does NFCU deposit their Pay a day early but When the Government had the shut-downs over budget battles and so many Government employees were not getting their paychecks, NFCU Covered those missing pay checks so our military were taken care of!  I have been a member since 1988 and while I have opened other "Bank" accounts I always ended up closing them because NFCU was sooooooo Much better!! (My kids have all had accounts from the time they were born, if not before!) I am still on all their accounts so if they need a hand I can transfer $$ to them easily.  Yes there are other ways to send money but this is just super easy for me.  They should be able to use their paperwork from MEPS to set up an account before they leave, however they may make your SR wait till their ship out week before they open it. 

Thank you for belovedbyHim. We are definitely when he’s done if he hasn’t already set him up with a navy federal credit union does he need anything military wise documentation? For that?

Also do you know of any good hotels to stay at near the base for training?

So we received our first well technically second phone call from our son Saturday morning and I said hello and he said mom and he broke down crying he left this tough as nails boy but inside I knew he was scared this whole process has really taken a toll on myself as a mother wanting to protect as that nurture. Yesterday was the fourth week starting and he has an assessment today which he’s very very nervous about so I’m asking for prayers. He never did well studying in high school as he hated school because he was bullied even as an athlete which I feel from middle school to high school is why he is where he’s at today and I know he will become more than those kids will ever be doing something so courageous and honorable by going into the United States Navy. He deserves this and deserves to do well and we are more proud than ever and his dad is a Navy veteran as well. I just keep the Lord in my heart and pray a lot he is renewing his face and has learned a lot about himself are ready just in three weeks. The past few years he has not treated me well and as he was crying told me in the phone he was so sorry and he will never be like that again to me and wrote that in the letters that we received yesterday as well. People say they leave a boy and then come back a man and what I see is a boy who’s finding himself and becoming a man and realizing and regretting many things so I just try to keep him positive and upbeat let him know that it’s OK. Is next six weeks can’t go fast enough as we try to patiently wait to see him. Again if you can provide your prayers or say a prayer for him today that would be great. 

osubuckeyegirl - you should have received a brochure in your form letter from your son with hotel information. That is what I used. I thought it was also available online at the RTC website but I can't find it. Several people have stayed at the Springhill Suites. Some will stay at the Navy Lodge. No matter where you stay, be sure to check out their cancellation policy. 

There are a couple of other groups that you might be interested in joining - Christian Navy Moms - this one is a closed group / private group like the PIR groups are. The other is Prayer Wall and it is visible to the public, but you may join and post prayer requests there as well as here. I will be praying for your SR. I am sorry that he suffered through so much as a young man in school, that is hard. 

Here is a link to another group that is not very active but I intend to post some more information over there when life is not crazy here on the homefront - I do have a link over there for the July 2021 hotel brochure if it is still viable. - Where to Go in Chicago! - Navy For Moms (ning.com)

I have stayed at the Sonesta ES suites on white oak drive twice now and will again.. very friendly, knowledgeable and navy related lol.  little style outdated but have  a mini kitchen, full stove and microwave, fridge.. very nice.. they don't make me pay to have my sailor stay overnight or two with me.. because I'm usually there 1 or 2 nights by myself

IVL's Mom - I left a comment for you on your page. 

Trey - Thanks for that input!

osubuckeyegirl, I am holding your son up in prayer. Thank you for sharing your experiences, I know their is alot of things going through their minds (Sailor and Recruit). Their Mom is their rock most of their young lives, the one constant that will never abandon them even if they latch out against us.  I know for a fact my son wasn't the nicest to me either when he was searching for who he really is. Most of the time because of frustration and I was the closest to him.  You will start seeing a change in the next few weeks and once you get to his PIR I know you will be blown away by his maturity and self confidence you will see in him.  Hold on Mom your prayers are being answered. Big hugs to you!

osubuckeyegirl , I cried when I read your post and have added your son to my Navy Mom prayer list.  It is so challenging AND encouraging to see our boys become men.  Praying that your son will do well and will continue to grow.  :-)  Big Hugs to you!

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osubuckeyegirl  Your son sounds similar to mine - he hated school too and was often the target of bullies.  I know some of his frustration about being an unhappy High School student boiled over on me but not too much.  He worked for two years after HS full time to take the time to figure this all out and he did it on his own.  He wants this and wants to be proud of himself and wants you to be proud of him too, same here from mine.  We talked about the fact that he would become a man while there and when I saw him next he would be different in many ways.  My son has been there a little over 6 weeks now and I can tell you from his letters, he is learning to admire the confidence and stature of the officers and he is learning to find his way.  He was tremendously homesick early on and I probably did a little too much protecting of him and thus he had to find his way here and well, birds must fly the nest as we all know.  Even while Mom keeps an eye out.  Trust in God.  My son is working for the chaplain and has been praying on his own.  This is a step out in faith and trust for all of us.  I know your son will do great things!  This is where he may become a man but now he will realize where his foundation is...  They learn to appreciate what they had a home when they are cut off like this.  It is a temporary angst.  He will gleam with pride at his PIR.  Good Luck to you and Blessings on your journey through this.  

osubuckeyegirl :

Hello! Welcome to the site!

I was reading your post and my eyes filled with tears bc I can relate to you. 

It is funny how our boys leave exactly that, "boys" and learn and appreciate so much while in bootcamp. My son went into bootcamp last March he did 2 weeks of ROM and  10 weeks of  Bootcamp and he changed. I remember when we took him to the recruiter's office to leave he was very upset and then when he got off the plane in GL and even on the "I'm here call" he is also a very tough kid (wrestler, dirt biker, hard worker), but a family kid. He graduated high school in 2020 and knew for years he wanted to go into the military not sure the branch until he did some research about the Navy and we spoke to several recruiters. 

He called us his first time and when my husband answered the phone my son was cool and normal conversation as soon as he handed me the phone my son starting crying and he said he missed everyone and can't wait until graduation to see us. The next 2 more calls he choked up and was really down in the dumps and homesick. We kept telling him how proud we were and we can't wait to see him (at the time there was no graduation allowed in person) We did go that graduation weekend to see him and he stayed at our hotel for a few days (they were given time off if they were staying in GL) 

Back story:

His idea was college was not for him, he had no idea what he wanted to do (we encouraged a year or two off to figure it out) he just knew there was nothing here in our town for him and in his own words, "I want to travel and see the world" Well he he is getting that now.I can tell you he really dislikes what he is doing and wishes he was back in this small town he says. My husband and I are encouraging him to give it time and it will be ok. 

Right now he struggles being 20 years old, married and being away from his wife and not talking to us and other family members. We tell him the job you are doing is very important and we will talk when you can. They leave our house a boy and blossom into a man over time. 

I am excited you will get to see him graduate and feel that excitement when those doors open. Many of us did not experience that, but that was COVID time for ya. 

Best of luck to you, the family, and your son! hugs

Thank you Jeniffer, our son's sound almost identical. My son had the same attitude. I did after I posted, found out he passed his first test of 75 points 69/75 which is amazing and perfect score last to inspections. I hope this gets better. i just want to hug him so badly. I never expected to feel like I do, helpless to protect and be there. I protected him and sheltered I think a little too much, but some of the things he is saying are major changes and hopeful. I will pray for your son and family also:)

osubuckeyegirl -- those tears are 10000000000% normal!!  It's soooo hard though to hear them and stay strong!  I'm willing to bet that the next phone call he sounds so much better!! Part of this whole process is our kids becoming adults as well.  It's a tough transition but if you all do it well, you can find that they are decent humans to be around. 
{{{{{HUGS}}}}}