Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

Good Morning Everyone!!  Have a Great week!

Happy Tuesday!

Sarge's Meet and Greet what a wonderful time! he will put you in your div# so you will meet others who are in the same group as your Sailor. I would put your name that you use on here so others will know who you are and maybe your Name underneath. Dont forget to take cash, they had a vendor inside of one end of the hall. They will sell all sizes of shirts, flags, also stenciling. they will have a cash bar as well and lots and lots of food. many folks made up baskets to be raffled off so they will sell tickets and you put your ticket on what you would like to win. It was a fun night! next day PIR!!! Inside the Hall at PIR there will be vendors as well, they sell challenge coins and more!

Sarge will also go over the route to the PIR and ways to beat the traffic. Also every Hotel should have a shuttle, it was 3.00 a person. they took us and picked us up and we paid only once. 

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

PIR SEPTEMBER 2022

PIR AUGUST 2022

PIR JULY 2022

just click on here and you will find info in regards to Sarge's meet and greet

Sarge's Meet and Greet

http://www.mynavytaxi.com/events.html to RSVP).

Good Afternoon Everyone!!

Hi Phoenixmom - Thanks for posting! It is good to have you sharing. We have missed you. 

I agree with Phoenixmom - if you can make the meet n greet, it is a nice evening of getting together with other Navy families. Unlike some other military branches that might had a weekend long celebration, we only have PIR, so Sarge's Meet and Greet is a nice way to get to meet other Navy families. 

Welcome to our newest member Momof1 !! 

Hey Everyone, just got a call from my son who has only been at RTC for a week and needs to quarantine.  He called to tell me they are switching his division and when he called he was crying.  He said its because he was in Medical for his mental health.  I understand my son is sensitive and im sure a lot of recruits cry.  Has this happend to anyone?  What does this mean.  Im sure he is bored as he hasn't started training due to the quarantine.  Hes never been away from family and im sure its hard.  Does this mean they will kick him out?  Can he quit? I wish there was some way for me to know and help encourage him to push through.  Any help or advise would be appreciated.

NavyMom57, I dont want to sound rude or mean or insensitive But this Happen more than its mentioned. they are going in and being shut from the world right now. no communication no news no nothing. so I am sure that has a lot to do with it. I would read on whats happening in BC.

These that I am listing is what is going on or what needs to be passed in order to pass.

See Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) and Fitness Improvement Training (FIT). 

• Arrival and What Happens at RTC
• Ship/Division--How it Works
• 800 and 900 Divisions
• Phone Cards and Phone Calls

Some dont realize how hard it is to be shut out from anyone and everyone, they do this to see who can handle the pressure or who will crack. its much of A TEST  for them as it is for the Parents. as Your Loved one moves up they will be on a duty station and head out for deployment and sometimes there is no communication , they cant have those that cant handle it to be somewhere where they are needed and focused. if that makes any sense. I have been at this for 5 yrs now and my Son has been on deployment at least 4 times already. its long hours for them and little sleep. so they must remain focused at all times.

I guess Im worried about him getting discharged before he even starts.  I think if he was actually in bootcamp and busy his mind would stay busy.  What do they do with guys having a hard time and why would they switch his division?  I have no idea what it means.  I feel so helpless.

navymom57 please dont worry to much, you cant overthink it. he will be fine, is there anything  they need to know or wasnt said about mental health? if not, then I wouldnt worry.. if they were going to send him home you will get a call in regards to that. best thing to do is to keep your mind busy and occupied. Us Navy Moms go by "NO News is Good News" as long as there are no calls early on then he/she is good.

Thank You Beloved!

Thank you all for any and all advice.  I want him to get through this.

navymom57 - I apologize that I wasn't able to reply earlier, I have been with family. But belovedbyHim and Phoenixmom have all had sailors in as long or longer than I have. During the height of COVID and the extensive ROMs (restrictions of movement) also referred to as quarantine, there were many of our members posting about their SRs being down, frustrated and homesick. 

As I recall my son telling me, they would ask them specifically if they were homesick. It is hard to know exactly what is going on and for us moms that is the hardest thing. We have been used to being the ones who could maybe "fix" things for our kids, be in control of their comings and goings to some extent, and even what atmosphere they have been in. As the ladies shared, BC is about tearing down the individual and trying to build them back up as team players. For those of us not familiar with the military and this way of thinking, loud verbal yelling and even cussing, it can be difficult to deal with. We have to be the encouragers for our SRs and only they know whether or not this is a place they really want to fight for and be a part of. 

Also, during 2020-2021 there were a lot of SRs who had to change divisions, especially if they were found in the "ring of fire" - that was a group of SRs who had their berthing around someone else who "popped" (tested positive for COVID) and they would all be sent back to ROM. Even those who just had to quarantine for the 2 weeks prior to BC it was rough!!

You are not alone, and your son isn't the only one who has gone through this before either. We are not here to judge - but to encourage and offer whatever support we can. 

JNMnavymomOH - Please feel free to update us with what his recruiter told you. 

We rely on our own information or what has been the case in the past and the recruiters don't always have the same information as well. 

If you do not have a calling card - that is okay, he may buy one at the NEX. 

I am fairly certain that he will need his Photo ID - preferably a State issued driver's license. His Social Security Card. And his bank information. He may take his cell phone and his charger, they are now keeping those there in their box, it is no longer being shipped home. 

His wallet should be black or a Navy, I think, all other accessories such as watches or umbrellas have to be all black. My son was able to have a small, memo-sized, breast-pocket sized notebook and a disposable, retractable pencil to take notes. 

They are also able to take a small Bible, some people put a card in there with phone numbers and addresses or I think my son had his in his notebook, or on a piece of paper in his wallet. 

They should have very little cash on them, they may have their bank debit card, but they need to keep track of their wallet at all times. 

Some moms have cut small pieces of moleskin and put them in their wallet - great for the blisters that develop on their feet from the shoes. 

It may be too late to help you - I am sorry, this is why we encourage people to post and ask questions here, but it is a lot to take in. I did not even know about this site until right before my son's PIR. Maybe this information can help someone else. 

Depending on the distance to the airport, you might be able to meet your son there and receive a gate pass from the airlines to follow him to the gate. 

I was in your exact shoes 5 years ago!!! 

May all of our members, have a restful, peaceful sleep tonight!

JMNnavymom - Try not to stress about the packing. Our sailor had very short notice from when he got notice he was leaving and the date he left. I didn't know about this site yet and reality it wouldn't have mattered as our focus was on getting him moved out of his apartment. We dropped him off with a backpack that only contained his wallet, toothbrush and a change of underwear and socks. His recruiter did tell him he could have a pocket size notebook so we put put some addresses and phone numbers of family members in it. He told me more than once the Navy would make sure he had what he needed and they did. Our bank was in mid transition of a merge with another bank so he didn't even have up to date account info or debit card, (all that showed up the week after he left). They got him signed up with the Navy Federal CU. Try not to stress. It will be fine! Take care 

navymom57 - my sailor said quarantine was hands down the worst part of BC. Everything at BC is a test. Our sailor said he approached it by trying to figure out what they were testing. My thoughts are with you, nothing is worse than an unhappy phone call or letter and you not being able to do a darn thing about it. Just remember the military isn't for everyone. Our older son tried ROTC and hated it. If he is separated help him see there are many ways he can serve his country, get an education, etc. whatever his reasons for joining in the first place. Help him see it's not a block in the road, but a detour. Hang in there. 

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

PIR SEPTEMBER 2022

PIR AUGUST 2022

PIR JULY 2022

His recruiter told him to bring a change of clothes, travel toothbrush/deodorant, his wallet with his ID and SS card. His phone and charger, and headphones. Also a small notebook for addresses/phone numbers. I also put 2 pictures (wallet sized) and some written encouragement.  He could also have a small religious book and a religious token no bigger than a quarter. I did not need to pack stamps or a phone card, as he would be able to get those there with no problem. I was unable to find a phone card anyway. Also the non-essential belongings will go into a box and kept at RTC while he will get a box with a lock for his personal stuff (wallet, letters, religious items). He has bank accounts here at home but we have decided it will be better for him to open with NFCU so there will be no issues. He has his debit card, cc and some cash. We are currently at the hotel and waiting for him to check in, so that we can go out to dinner. I will say my goodbyes with him here tonight, as the next 24 to 48 hours will be busy for him. I know this is common, the thoughts and emotions I am feeling. Countless other mothers have let their only child go. I do not look forward to my drive home or the next 10 weeks. Thanks for all your input since we started our journey 7 months ago. It's go time for the hardest thing I have ever done. 

JNMnavymomOH - I forgot about the change of clothes - Yes! - We lived close enough to the MEPS that due to the night he left for the motel, we had church, so we did not go to dinner with him but the next morning, we went to MEPS. We saw him swear in again, sat while he ate lunch, and waited there with him, until he left on a transport van to take him to the airport. He was able to give us his dirty clothes from the day before to take home. 

The phone cards are getting harder and harder to locate. My son said he was able to buy stationary at the NEX but did appreciate my sending stamps. Their stationary pack includes envelopes, so he told me to stop mailing him SASE!

The long weeks of BC are a big adjustment for both the families and the SRs.. 

I appreciate all the encouraging words. Is there any way to find out the address of where he is or do we just wait for the first letter?

navymom57 - My best thoughts are you are just going to need to wait. Did you receive the form letter with his original address? If so, you might be able to address his letters and then put ROM in the bottom left corner of the later. If you did not get a form letter with the address, then you are probably looking at waiting for an address or a phone call. 

navymom57 - I'm sorry I am short on time right now (I'm getting ready to leave on vacation and am swamped here at work).  I did see your post.

Here's the link to the Ship 5 group - it has the address there for you.  Also, there's a link there to the FaceBook group which is way more active than our group on here.  You should be able to get some answers there.  I'll try to check back in later with more info for you.

Ship 5

JNMnavymomOH - I know pretty close to what you are feeling. this time last year we sent our only son off to BC. Had dinner, lots of hugs/tears/oh my..  finally we said go get in the elevator and go to your room, we'll call you when we get home.. at least an hour drive.. We were numb all over our bodies, I couldn't even touch my skin it felt so weird.. we didn't really talk either.  Got the I'm here call the next night, couldn't even understand him he was talking so fast, reading a script I think, covid was still a thing. We dealt with the silence poorly, it was one long anxiety attack  for us. included a washback and reschedule of flights/hotel (keep them flexible). We all got through it and he stayed at GL for A school.. once you can talk again it gets so much better.. can't get the hugs as much depending on where you live but better.  Now he is almost done with A school and will be heading to C school later this year in Virginia I believe. empty nest is still a deal for us most days are fine now, but still have tough ones. the 8th will be a year.. so glad for him and his future and us for knowing we can take a lot as well.   Big hugs to you and all of us who are Navy family now..

Reminder - there is no Meet N Greet tomorrow.  They will start back up on 7/7.

B'sNukeMom - Thank you!

navymom57 - Deep breaths, make some prayers for yourself and your SR. Being quarantined is a b----. Nothing to but hurry up and wait. The hard part is keeping sane while you do do. My daughter got moved to another division in BC with no reason. Then she failed her PFA due to leg injuries. So she sat around in the RCU  doing nothing. Other SRs in there with her had a hard time mentally.  She told me she could receive reading material so I sent her books, magazines and word puzzles...anything to keep her mentally stimulated. It helped. The SRs would share reading stuff their families sent, so they had some variety. They encouraged each other where they could.  All this helped keep their minds "right". My daughter's best friend got separated both for physical and mental reasons,  but she was given the option to return in 6 months. Help your son evaluate his options. And rely on Him.

Ummi, awesome encouragement!

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

PIR SEPTEMBER 2022

PIR AUGUST 2022

PIR JULY 2022

Ummi - Thanks for sharing!!  And for those that may not know her daughter completed BC, finished her A school and I believe is at her duty station now - so there is hope!! 

Welcome JessGW - We are glad you have joined us! 

JNMnavymomOH - How are we doing today? One thing I forgot to mention was make sure your son knows to call you when he gets to the airport both before leaving and letting you know his flight information and also, when he lands. You will have more time to talk than later. 

Generally, you will receive an "I'm Here" call but as Trey said, it is a scripted call, I actually thought it was an automated call coming from my son's cell phone. It is very short, and I just said, "I love you" and did not even really hear what was being said. 

How are our other members doing? 

Please feel free to reach out here or reach out to any of us individually on our profile pages. See my discussion above on this page about how to send PMs. 

JNMnavymomOH, no more than any of us when we first started. you couldnt say my sons name without me starting to cry, before they used to send a box home with there clothes shoes phone, it was called a "kid in the Box" they dont do that anymore. I Literally put my sons box in his chair at the dinner table, my husband looked at me and asked if it made me feel better, it somewhat did. It will be hard, im not gonna lie, and the communication will be cut. I was always told to stay busy focus your mind on something else, I Know its easier said than done, but at least try. I completely gutted my sons room and remodeled it that kept me going. and I was so waiting for him to come home for Christmas so he could see it, it was the best feeling.

JNMNavyMomOH:  BNMHs. Text him. Hell I texted my son while he was in the air and couldn’t get it so he had it when he landed. If he is flying with a large group they meet his at his gate. See if he has his flight info and that way you can track his flight and know when he is on the ground just in case he can’t call. Don’t be surprised if he is only able to send off a quick text when he lands!  

JNMnavymomOH - You are not alone!! BelovedbyHim is not available much right now, but she shares a lot about her emotional ordeal over her son leaving for BC. 

Something I do my best to encourage is 1) Your son is going to be the one that will have to share any personal information such as flights, ship movements, new orders - Only he will be able to give you this information. So, helping him understand from the start that "If Momma ain't happy, no one is happy", and just at least letting you know that he is okay will go a long way to calming your concerns and also keep you from wanting to keep texting him. - I do not have an easy formula for helping you figure out how to communicate this to your SR, but not all of our sailors really understand this and as moms we have to help them understand it. 

2) - It is important to stay busy. Find a new hobby, volunteer your time, (USO, Veteran organizations, are good related options), stay connected with other Navy or military families. The Blue Star Mothers Group is good - BSMA Chapters by State (bluestarmothers.org) 

3) - Remember that just because your loved one has left home does not mean that you are no longer needed or there is no longer a place for you in their lives. Your role / purpose has just changed slightly from being all-knowing, in-charge, in-control, nurse, caregiver, chauffer, laundrymaid and cook to prayer warrior, encourager, letter writer, listener, sustainer of the home front, so they know that you are good when they are working, maintainer of at least a place for them to call retreat, when they do get to come home. 

4) - When you are able, be sure to watch the videos posted in the upper left of this BC group page about making a sailor, it will help orient you as to what they are doing and going through, so you know better how to encourage and how to stay connected with your loved one.  

{sharing this for others as well.}

{I find this site a lot easier to deal with on my computer, for those using a mobile device, we recommend that you put it into desktop mode.}

From my sailors -

Run, Fold, Listen, and Swim, "Yes, Sir" or "No Sir," better yet, "Yes, Petty Officer or Chief" (you don't say sir to enlisted) If too far to see their stars, then just call them a Senior Chief instead of just Chief.  - That is what my sailors said with regard to identifying between a Chief and a Senior Chief. Master Chiefs are easier to identify. And don't call a 1st Class Petty Officer, a Chief because they might be salty about being passed over for Chief. (Mine had to drop and do pushups!)

Memorizing the stuff that you get at MEPS out of the book, before you get to BC because it is a lot easier than trying to memorize once there. 

Welcome to our new members - Nicole0704 and tammybikerunfaithlove   - 

Nicole0704 we just shared some information with JNMnavymomOH that might be helpfu to you as well. 

Here is the link to my discussion above - Private Messages - Creating & Sending + OPSEC

Welcome to all our new members!  You'll find it helpful if you are able to take some time and read through the comments.  Even if you only go back a few pages, you'll find lots of info regarding the happenings in boot camp.  

I also try to keep the "Answers to Common Questions" up above current.  The last couple of years it's been crazy though and things can change at the drop of a hat.  If your SR gives you info that is different than what we post then please let us know so we can update!

The main thing to remember is to be flexible lol!

Here's a link to belovedbyHim's blog post.  Take a few minutes to read through it:

Welcome to the Navy! Everything will be Ok

MASK MANDATE IS LIFTED

* * * The Latest Guidance as of June 23rd, 2022 - 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. The number of guests allowed has increased to four, unless there are 11 or more divisions when the maximum number of guests is three. 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.

JNMnavymomOH, well I will tell you exactly who you are, You are a Navy Mom. Right now you are new and unsure but believe me your job is so so important. Not only to your recruit ( he'll be needing those encouraging letters) but to all the Navy Moms to be. Yes, someday you will be encouraging and pulling a brand new Navy Mom out of the pit of despair filled with more compassion formed by the struggles your facing now. Don't sell yourself short, your as important to the Navy family as your son is just serving in a different manner. We are our own kind of warriors united in surviving the journey, your going to be great at it.

Hi everyone. My son is finishing his second week at BC, and we got his form letter this week with his PIR date. If all goes well, we will plan on attending, but had a question: when they require 'full vaccination', does that mean everyone has to be boosted, or just a vaccine series? I can't find that clarification anywhere online. Thanks!