Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

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®

REMINDER FROM THE US NAVY RECRUIT TRAINING COMMAND FACEBOOK PAGE:

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.

WELCOME CENTER ADDRESS/GPS: Navy Exchange (NEX) Burkey Mall, 2650 Green Bay Road North Chicago, IL 60088 (Do NOT use generic terms such as NEX, Recruit Training Command or Naval Station Great Lakes).

Here is my discussion on the Sandboxx App (to be used during boot camp only!). Click on the link:

Sandboxx app while in BC

Good Evening - I hope everyone had a great day! I had a very busy one, so I appreciate B'sNukeMom posting the links. 

Be sure to join your PIR group.  A second training group was added for August.  Here are the links:

PIR AUGUST 2022

PIR JULY 2022

PIR JUNE 2022

Good Morning Everyone!! 

I want to welcome CindyJill to our group as well!. 

Has anyone started a new hobby, or a project to help them get through this time of silence?  If you plan to stay at the Navy Lodge for PIR, I do believe that they allow you to decorate your door - However for other motels or hotels, most will not, and it is also not a good idea to "adverstise" your sailor. However, some of the moms will take things to decorate the inside of their hotel room. 

During the PIR shut down many of our moms picked up on the Blue Lantern idea and some of them are posted in the discussion above - Blue Candle

A third training group was added to the August PIR group.

Good Morning Everyone!!

For those of you that have just recently sent your SRs off to BC - {BNMH's} - Big Navy Mom Hugs!! 

We refer to this time of no communication as the great silence and share a few of our Navy Mom mantra's with you. 

"No News is Good News"

"Semper Gumby" - Always Flexible

"Phones close by and ringers on loud." - Just in case they do get an opportunity to call you, or they might need some additional information. 

We also refer to the emotional roller coaster ride of BC. It is okay to talk about it and share how you are doing, or feel like you are not doing well. We all have been there. 

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

PIR AUGUST 2022

PIR JULY 2022

PIR JUNE 2022

Hang in there.. Those roughly 3 months of boot camp were one big anxiety attack I swear.. but we got through it by trying to stay busy and writing letters/taking pics to send him.

One note that I noticed.. all the calls I received while he was in BC has the area code 847, which is Waukegan..  don't take it 100%, I answered more spam calls than I care to admit, but this area code always came through for us.  

Good news! I received a message from Sarge and he plans on having the next Meet N Greet on 6/16.  Hopefully he'll have his page updated soon with the dates.

Do we have any of our BC moms going to PIR this week??

CindyJill - hi there lady! We're all here to help, listen, answer questions and offer suggestions. NO question is "silly"...we've asked them all ourselves at some point LOL! Glad you found this site. You'll make some good connections here.

Hi moms. 
I was just wondering if it gets better after boot camp? My heart aches so much and I can’t imagine missing him like this for the next six years. 
thank you all so much. 

Lisa I wish I could say it gets easier but after 2 1/2 years in I just think your heart learns to adapt. I could of never imagined the deep emotional feelings I still would be enduring through this rollercoaster of a journey. It is truly different than the college route my daughter took and trying to figure out where you fit in on their journey is mind boggling. You want to be supportive like that cheerleader mom on the sidelines at a little league game but still their go to comforting listening mom when things don't go the best for them. They don't want to disappoint us either but there are times they struggle. Knowing just the right amount of encouragement without making them feel like a failure if they just can't meet the potential they set before themselves is a important job we take on as Mom. You will always be needed it just is different. They are trying to figure things out for themselves becoming a incredible amazing person you always knew they were and you will always be a part of that. Prayers as you learn to navigate your part through this journey.

Lisa - We don't hear a ton from our sailor, but knowing that we can communicate makes all the difference. I actually loved getting the boot camp letters. Our sailor hates to write so probably the only time we will get those. If your sailor isn't much of a writer there are some fun questionnaires on here that you can send for them to complete and return. I did some editing to break them up, mixed in some funny questions with some serious and sent extras in case there is anyone who needed mail. Got one back from our sailor's bunk mate that made me cry. He did eventually hear from his family but that point in time he had not and needed a boost.Hang in there, it does get better.

Good Morning Everyone!

I would like to welcome justmissbecky to our group as well!! Please come say hello to the group.

Lisa and others - one of the best parts about this N4M site in my opinion is that you can stay with people that you get to know and continue on your Navy journey with them, both as friends or in various groups. Right now, you are just getting your feet wet with your Navy Mom training and while we are feeling overwhelmed with our emotions, remember your SRs (seaman recruits) are thinking the same thing. 

Do not be surprised when you receive your first letter or phone call that they are sounding very down and miss you, but our part is to be the encourager - so coming here for us to encourage you will hopefully help in that role. 

Your first communication is generally the "I'm Here" scripted phone call. Then you will receive the "form letter" with their address. The only writing you should see on this is where your SR hand wrote in their mailing address in the otherwise typed information letter from RTC (Recruit Training Command). 

Start writing letters of encouragement now, number them and then you can mail them as soon as you have their address. I emailed my son almost every night, just sharing something about our day - NO, he did not receive the emails at BC, but they were there for later but I use that method to write my family a lot and so I then printed those emails out, and would add a handwritten note to him each time and mailed my letters. 

We have members on this group who have sailors in all various areas of the Navy, everything from Seabee, Hospital Corpman, Nuke, Airmen, Air Traffic Control, Security, to name a few. 

We also have members whose sailors are on subs, aircraft carriers, and probably other surface vessels not mentioned often.

We also have members whose sailors were set back in their BC training for various reasons or had to change their rating once they started going to A school. 

If you need help, do not hesitate to reach out here, even if you need to just say, "can someone reach out to me", or feel free to click on our pictures and reach out to us. 

Here are a few links to some helpful information - 

RTC Bootcamp website - This was my go-to before I found this site and is still our source of updated information. 

Informed Delivery - USPS - Sign up to see what mail you are receiving (depending on your area there may be a 1-2 day delay.)

Sandboxx App for BC - PLEASE only use during BC.

Wear RED on Fridays - On Friday's we wear RED to Remember Everyone Deployed

Letter writing and fun stuff/questionnaire- Agnes B mentioned this below

Be sure to check out the Pages of information above in the right hand corner (under the member pictures) of this group for a lot more information about BC. 

Here is the group for my sailor's rating - Nuke Moms Group

Good Morning all and Happy RED Friday!

Lisa - it doesn't get easier - you just get stronger!

Here's the 6/10/22 PIR going on right now:

PIR JUNE 10, 2022

Just a heads up - I believe the 8/19/22 PIR will only be allowed 3 guests rather than 4.  Normally when there are more than 11 divisions graduating they cut it back to 3.

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

PIR AUGUST 2022

PIR JULY 2022

PIR JUNE 2022

Q. How many guests per recruit are allowed to attend the graduation ceremony?
A.   ALL GUESTS, including Active Duty/Retired Military Personnel and those ages 3 and older must be on the access list. Each recruit may invite four guests max, no exceptions (three guests when there are 11 or more divisions graduating,) to attend in person. (Children 2 & under do not count toward the guest limit.) Please follow the instructions on the Guest Security Access form you received in the mail from your recruit.

it does get better after boot.. having more communication helps a lot. It helps deal with the empty nest stuff. Been almost a year for me, he is finishing up A school in GL and the thought of losing what ability I have to talk with him once he is out in the fleet makes me sad again. But it's a good thing for him and his life and for me to know he is doing great things. Still miss hugging him though.. don't know if that really changes but you do get more use to the feeling.

Thank you all.. the insight you all have shared, is priceless. Much love and gratuity. 

Lisa - you are welcome!! Staying connected to those who understand is why many of us are still around - we just understand each other and what we are going through. 

Good Morning Everyone!!

Join me in welcoming johnette to our group. 

I would like to say this is where all the action is but we have several other very active groups on this site as well. But this is the best place for connecting when your loved one is getting ready to leave for BC or has just left. 

How are we doing today? 

For those that have a SR (seaman recruit) at RTC for about 3-4 / 5 weeks now, you might receive a phone call, so be sure to keep those phones close by and ringers on loud. Some have even changed their voicemail message to just say an "I love you" sorry I missed your call. 

To clarify - When I asked "what is your SR rating?" I was asking for the seaman recruits job - what they had signed up for to do in the Navy. 

Since this group is kept public for others to easily find us, we recommend that those especially with a special ops job, or Pre-Buds not post that information here on this group. You may reach out to B'sNukeMom or myself privately if you have specific questions you are unsure about asking here on the group page. 

Hi  johnette, glad you made it here!  Hang on, it'll be a bunmpy ride sometimes, but you have your SR's back, and we have yours. Your child will grow, and so will you. Don't  hesitate to reach out... one or more of us will respond. Enjoy the BC ride!

Lisa -- I won't lie and say it gets easier but YOU do get stronger and you adjust to this new life. I was a Hot mess when my Sailor went to BC.  This group and the moms on here all those years ago were able to help and keep me semi-sane.  My sailor will be at 8 years at the end of this month.  It hasn't always been easy but that Ache is gone most of the time and when it flairs up I have resources and friends here who understand!!  You are not alone and your tears are NORMAL!!!  The ladies here and in may of the other groups you may pass through are an amazing source of comfort, help and encouragement.  Don't be afraid to share or ask for help or answers!! If we know the answers we will help!

Good Morning!! 

May you all have a good day!

To all our new N4MS: 

Becoming a Navy Mom wasn't on most of our horizons, or so we thought. Some will glide into it naturally, I so envy those Mom's but for me it was a nightmare. The raw emotions, lack of sleep and tears at a drop of hat had me thinking I was insane. So grateful to the Moms that pulled me through.

Now I spend my days growing into the role as a Navy Mom and what a amazing privilege it is. Yes I have found out just like learning your role as a regular Mom finding out the best ways to manuever through situations this is just a extension of that. Just a whole lot cooler.

Friday while wearing my Red Friday Proud Navy Mom shirt walking down a boardwalk in the middle of no where thousand miles from the nearest sea a young man came up to me. Said I saw your shirt, I was a former SeaBee. I sat contently as he told me his adventures talking almost 30 minutes to a complete stranger that I never seen as that, I saw one of my son's brothers in arms. I thanked him for his service and for sharing with me, gave him a hug. My daughter couldn't believe her eyes, whatever happened to her shy introvert of a mom. I am proudly growing into the title of Navy Mom.

Things might seem to be a big mess right now for many of you but I promise you will grow into your new title as Navy Mom and you will wear it proudly. It just takes time and a open heart full of compassion learnt from the seasoned Moms on here. 

Happy Monday!  Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!

We saw Top Gun Maverick.  I definitely recommend it. And it was filmed on the Lincoln and the Vinson.

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

PIR AUGUST 2022

PIR JULY 2022

PIR JUNE 2022

Here's a new video posted online that shows the 10 weeks of boot camp:

What US Navy Recruits Go Through

Per Sarge there will be Meet N Greets on 6/16 and 6/23 but not on 6/30.

Be sure to RSVP.  Here's the link:

Sarge's Meet N Greet

Good Morning Everyone!!

How are we doing today? Yesterday was a hot, busy one for me. For our newest members please come say hello to tgcunny who just joined, so that she might know who else has a loved one at BC currently or getting ready to leave for BC. 

Thank you to all of my "seasoned" moms for your words of encouragement. Northwoodsmom, I am so glad you shared your story. 

My sailor is coming up on his 5th anniversary soon. It is hard for me to fathom because it still seems like yesterday when he left.

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

PIR AUGUST 2022

PIR JULY 2022

PIR JUNE 2022

Reminder that the 8/19/22 PIR will only have 3 guests allowed due to the # of training groups graduating.

**NOTICE FROM RTC 6/1/2022*** - MASKS ARE REQUIRED AGAIN

Lake County, Illinois, has moved to Community Transmission level HIGH.

Effective immediately, everyone must wear masks indoors at Naval Station Great Lakes, which means all guests attending the graduation ceremony are required to wear a mask while indoors for ticket pickup at the Welcome Center and while indoors at Recruit Training Command. The number of guests allowed has increased 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. REMINDER: Policies regarding the graduation ceremony can change at any time due to changes in our health protection status and policy. 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.

Here's the link to the Security Access Form for 3 guests:

SECURITY ACCESS FORM - 3 guests

REMINDER FROM THE US NAVY RECRUIT TRAINING COMMAND FACEBOOK PAGE:

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.

WELCOME CENTER ADDRESS/GPS: Navy Exchange (NEX) Burkey Mall, 2650 Green Bay Road North Chicago, IL 60088 (Do NOT use generic terms such as NEX, Recruit Training Command or Naval Station Great Lakes).

I'm arranging my travel for PIR August 12. Is it better to arrive the evening before (Thursday) to pick up my ticket rather than Friday morning? What has your experience been with lines and crowds? Thanks!

we aimed for thursday evening.. airline had other ideas so we got in too late, but it wasn't terrible grabbing them the next morning.. trust someone like sarge's taxi guys to get you there and such... really didn't have a line but family was limited to 2 when I was there september..