Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

To everyone with a loved one at RTC or soon to be there, we say, "Welcome!"  To those who are sticking around after PIR to help those who are just beginning this awesome journey, we say, "Thank you!"

**BEGINNING OCTOBER 5, 2023, RECRUIT GRADUATIONS WILL BE CONDUCTED EVERY THURSDAY (NO LONGER ON FRIDAY), EXCEPT FOR THE WEEK OF THANKSGIVING, WHEN GRADUATION IS ON WEDNESDAY.

This is a place to talk, ask questions, and share stories. It is our desire that this Group will provide the information, encouragement, and support you need while your loved one is at RTC in Great Lakes. Enjoy your time here and feel free to Comment and join in the Discussions. Be sure to check out the "Pages" to the right, located under the pictures of the Members, especially OPSEC and PERSEC (Making Changes to Your Profile), (Click "View All" to see all of them.)

Please, if you no longer want to be a part of N4M's consider NOT deleting your profile as everything you have ever posted will disappear when you delete it .  You can leave a group but don't permanently delete your profile!

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  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

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

    PIR JULY 2022

    PIR JUNE 2022

    PIR MAY 2022

  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

    See the source image

  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

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

    PIR JULY 2022

    PIR JUNE 2022

    PIR MAY 2022

    2 more training groups have been added to July.

  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

    Today's PIR happening right now - here's the link:

    Live PIR April 29, 2022

  • osubuckeyegirl

    Does anyone have any good suggestions on a nice hotel near the base for graduation we are going next Friday but we will be driving on the base versus taking a cab. 

  • Chipmunk

    osubuckeyegirl - I believe several have stayed at Springhill Suites. Some will stay at the Navy Lodge - but that that might be booked. 

    Hopefully some who have been there recently will reply. Congratulations to your sailor!!

  • Northwoodsmom

    The Spring Hill Suites is very nice has a shuttle and a place to watch the ceremony for those that couldn't attend. It is in Waukegan about 6 minutes away.

  • Trey

    I stay at the Sonesta ES suites. We did for PIR and I went back for another visit in March. I do like it.. a bit dated but fair pricing and friendly staff. many are retired Navy/dod/etc..  no shuttle, but okay grab and go breakfast. easy uber/taxi too. 

  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

    See the source image

  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

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

    PIR JULY 2022

    PIR JUNE 2022

    PIR MAY 2022

  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

                                 REMINDER

    * * * New Guidance as of May 6th, 2022 - Revised Pass-in-Review Policy * * *

    Starting with the graduation on May 6, 2022, the number of guests allowed will increase to four. If you have already submitted your guest security access form listing two individuals, please have additional guest information ready to provide to your recruit when they call. All guests must have a ticket including active duty personnel and veterans. (Children 2 & under do not count toward the guest limit.) COVID-19 immunizations are still required for guest attendance. 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 issued tickets and will not be able to attend graduation. 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.

  • Chipmunk

    Here is some more information about hotels shared by another member:

    Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago/Waukega

    438 Lakehurst Rd, Waukegan, IL 60085(847) 473-6600

    Sonesta ES Suites Chicago Waukegan

    1440 S White Oak Dr, Waukegan, IL 60085(847) 689-9240

    Holiday Inn Express & Suites Chicago North-Waukegan-Gurnee, an IHG Hotel

    611 Lakehurst Rd, Waukegan, IL 60085(847) 473-4400

    SpringHill Suites by Marriott Chicago Waukegan/Gurnee

    4101 Fountain Square Pl, Waukegan, IL 60085(847) 688-9800
  • Chipmunk

    Courtyard by Marriott Chicago Waukegan/Gurnee

    3800 Northpoint Blvd, Waukegan, IL 60085(847) 689-8000
  • Chipmunk

    She also said they had stayed at the Residence Inn for their PIR which was 4+ years ago. 

  • Northwoodsmom

    The last letter I sent a survey letter to my son with what he wanted to do for the weekend of or day after PiR. It was a multiple choice kind of like this.

    What would you like to do after PIR.

    a) go to the mall 

    b) just stay in the motel and chill

    c) go sightseeing

    d) sleep

    What would you like to eat?

    a) steak

    b)Mexican food

    c) seafood

    d) Oriental buffet

    e) stay in and just order pizza

    What would you like me to bring you?

    a)Lounge clothes

    b) tennis shoes

    You get the idea, just wanted the whole day about him and that allowed us a little time to plan for timing and directions. Of course none of this happened because of Covid but I still have his survey hanging on my fridge. This way your not forced to ask him all these questions when they are drained from battle stations and they just don't beeant to have to think until they get some sleep.

  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

    See the source image

  • Chipmunk

    Good Morning Everyone!!

    I hope the hotel information was helpful!!

    Have we had any "I'm a sailor" calls coming in? Are they able to call after the final PFA? I am curious about that as well. 

  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

    See the source image

  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

    Happy May 4th!

  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

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

    PIR JULY 2022

    PIR JUNE 2022

    PIR MAY 2022

  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

    See the source image

  • Awesomeakmom

    I received the "I'm a sailor" phone call!! I thought that he was tired before and now with extreme homesickness, it was the most an emotional one. I'm going to need a towel for graduation. 

  • Northwoodsmom

    Big congratulations to you Awesomeakmom, I am so happy for you and your Sailor. Safe travels!

  • Chipmunk

    Awesomeakmom - WooHoo!!! Bravo Zulu to your son!!

    Did he let you know if they would be able to call again after the PFA? If not then it is "No News is Good News" 

    For those of you that have been to PIR or have a sailor - please come join us in the Beyond BC group.

  • Awesomeakmom

    Thank you! Yes, he will be able to call on Tuesday after PFA's, so I'm looking forward to another phone call so close to today.

  • Chipmunk

    Awesomeakmom - Thanks for giving us an update on phone calls after final PFA - I know you are looking forward to seeing your sailor. 

    Congratulations to any that have PIR today.

    Here is the link to the home page for RTC - RTC Bootcamp website - They now have a link in their yellow banner for the Guest Security Access Form, so you don't have to hunt the website for it. Also ... 

    Live streaming of our graduations begin at 9 a.m. CST every Friday. Videos will also be available for viewing afterwards as well on our YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/c/RTCPublicAffairs/community​.

  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

    See the source image

  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

    Happy RED Friday - I've got my RED on.

    Awesomeakmom - wonderful news!  

  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

    Here's the link to watch today's PIR - going on now:

    PIR MAY 6, 2022

  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

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

    PIR JULY 2022

    PIR JUNE 2022

    PIR MAY 2022

    July PIR group added the 7/22/2022 PIR.

  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

    Today is our first PIR that is back to welcoming 4 guests.                   

                                 REMINDER

    * * * New Guidance as of May 6th, 2022 - Revised Pass-in-Review Policy * * *

    Starting with the graduation on May 6, 2022, the number of guests allowed will increase to four. If you have already submitted your guest security access form listing two individuals, please have additional guest information ready to provide to your recruit when they call. All guests must have a ticket including active duty personnel and veterans. (Children 2 & under do not count toward the guest limit.) COVID-19 immunizations are still required for guest attendance. 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 issued tickets and will not be able to attend graduation. 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.

  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

    See the source image

  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

    Here's hoping you get a phone call this weekend - but remember, there are NO guarantees!

    If you don't, just know that your SR is thinking of you ;-D

  • sunflower

    I got this message from the American Red Cross today and thought that others may like to see it so you would have the information for when your SR heads to the fleet..

    Each May, our nation reflects on the tremendous service of our heroic men and women in uniform and honors the sacrifices of America’s fallen service members on Memorial Day. Here at the American Red Cross, our mission was born on the battlefield through Clara Barton’s care for Civil War soldiers. Today, we are proud to continue Clara’s legacy of service by supporting the U.S. military community from the time service members take their oaths to when they navigate their lives as veterans. I am deeply inspired by the strength and selflessness exemplified by our military members and their families – and I am profoundly thankful for the compassionate support you show them as a part of our Red Cross community.

    Gail McGovern
    President and CEO
    American Red Cross

    P.S. If you are a servicemember or veteran experiencing hardship, don’t hesitate to text GETHEROCARE to 90999 and it will be our honor to assist you.

    You can check out all of the services here: https://www.redcross.org/about-us/our-work/military-families.html

  • love4Leo25

    Hey there!!! I haven't been on in a few months due to having to work 10 hr days 6 days a week but it is over (for now). there was an accident at work (guy in critical condition) so they cut us back to 8 hours. I finally get a full weekend! Yay.  

    Well I just found out that my sailor had his BESS today. He texted me his certificate. Proud Mama here. Now to A school.

    I hope everyone is doing well!!!

  • Northwoodsmom

    love4Leo25, how awesome, congratulations to your son. Glad you will have a extra day, six days and long hours are gruesome.

  • Chipmunk

    love4Leo25 - Sorry to hear that you have had a rough work schedule! Hopefully the employee gets better, it sounds serious. 

    Congratulations to your sailor!!!

  • partyofseven

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

    love4Leo25- Hey and oh no. Hopefully your coworker is starting to get better. 

    Kudos on your son's accomplishment. Whoo Hoo. 

    Hopefully everyone had a great day yesterday.

  • partyofseven

    Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise Him again—my Savior and my God!

  • Chipmunk

    Good Morning Everyone!! 

    Hi Partyofseven!

    I hope you all had a special day yesterday. Did anyone receive a surprise phone call this weekend? 

    Did we have anyone at PIR this weekend? If so, please come share your experience when you are able. I think this was the first PIR where 4 guests were allowed again. 

  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

    See the source image

  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

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

    PIR JULY 2022

    PIR JUNE 2022

    PIR MAY 2022

  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

                               REMINDER

    * * * New Guidance as of May 6th, 2022 - Revised Pass-in-Review Policy * * *

    Starting with the graduation on May 6, 2022, the number of guests allowed will increase to four. If you have already submitted your guest security access form listing two individuals, please have additional guest information ready to provide to your recruit when they call. All guests must have a ticket including active duty personnel and veterans. (Children 2 & under do not count toward the guest limit.) COVID-19 immunizations are still required for guest attendance. 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 issued tickets and will not be able to attend graduation. 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.

  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

    Be sure to RSVP for the Meet N Greet on Thursday.  Here's the link:

    Sarge's Meet N Greet

  • Chipmunk

    Good Morning Everyone!! 

    Welcome to our new members. This is the best location to post and ask your questions as more members follow this feed than the discussions above. 

    The more you chat the more those veteran BC moms who still follow are likely to reply. Let us know how we can help, come share your emotional ups and downs, we are here to encourage and support you!

  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

    See the source image

  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

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

    PIR JULY 2022

    PIR JUNE 2022

    PIR MAY 2022

  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

    USPS Informed Delivery - Sign up and receive an email from the US Postal Service showing what mail you will be getting each day (if available in your area).  

    Informed Delivery®

  • partyofseven

    Good Morning Everyone and welcome to our group. No question is ever dumb and someone will answer you.

    Staying busy is key when you are in the first stages of boot camp while you are waiting to hear from your loved one.

    The mail app is great. You can see what mail you have coming every day. I still use it and mine has been in almost 5 years now.   :)

    Have a great day everyone!!!

  • partyofseven

    He causes us to remember His wonderful works. How gracious and merciful is our LORD!