Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

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!

LMCinTN:  I believe it is just the first 2 shots (or 1 if it is the J&J)  when I went to tour my son's ship last week they just required the first 2

LMCinTN - I concur with Shanny - currently boosters are not even required for the sailors, so I don't think they are required when attending PIR. When the information was first put out I don't believe the booster shots were available and all I see on Recruit Training Command Home Page (navy.mil) is it just says to show your vaccination card. No booster shot mentioned. 

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.

No booster is needed.

B'sNukeMom - Thank you for the verification!! 

Help me welcome another new member - nursekim - We are glad you have come and joined us. Remember that there is never a dumb question, we have all been in your shoes and we are here to help and encourage you as best as we can, as well as answer any and all questions as best as we are able. 

Sending BNMHs {Big Navy Mom Hugs} to everyone tonight as you do your best to enter into a restful, peaceful sleep. As much as you may be missing them, remember they are missing you as well and they are facing a new environment, new persons in charge of them and new seaman. Send your love and hugs to them through your thoughts and prayers. 

Nicole0704, tammybikerunfaithlove & nursekim - Hi Ladies! Welcome to the best place for Navy Moms. All these mothers are a Godsend to you because they will be the ones who help hold you up , so you can hold your SR up! All of us here GET IT because we've been where you are now. No judging, no expectations, no funkiness. Just listening ears, great advice and possibly friends you'll keep in touch with when your SR graduates and YOU head over to Beyond Bootcamp. 

Good Morning Everyone!! 

I have a busy day ahead of me, so I won't be on much, but others are around. We will answer as soon as we are able. 

JNMnavymomOH - I am glad to hear that you received your "I'm Here" call. I was talking to my son, and he said they tell the recruits they only have a minute to talk. I gathered from what he said that he wrote out his script or at least read through it to decide what he wanted to say. He shared that some of them might have gotten 2 minutes in. I am sure a lot of it is nervousness, not wanting to sound homesick on the phone - they have people standing around them and it is a new situation for them. 

Over the years, I have learned that every member, while we experience most of the general things, may have a slight variance to how it actually happens or in some cases doesn't happen at all. 

Letter writing is good. My son was also at BC during the summer and was there during 4th of July. I so hoped that he would be able to see some fireworks, but I don't think so. I remember going to a local concert / fireworks display and when they played the Military Theme Songs - YouTube I stood for the Navy, in honor of my son, I was so proud of him. 

I will also call him, even if he can't answer his phone, every time someone would play or sing at church - Lee Greenwood's God Bless America - one of his favorite songs. It was my way to help him connect again and remind him that his service was appreciated. 

 What is RED Friday?

Go to the link above to find out the story. 

belovedbyHim, thank you!  I know the new Navy Moms see us as strong moms now I only wish they could of known the true mess we really were at the beginning. You were a life saver in my darkness of despair! Love you so much along with all the others.

Hi everyone! Thank you for the welcome! My 18 yr old son arrived on Tuesday. I got my call at 11pm and it was exactly how I thought it would be...I almost laughed. I said I love you twice over him and I hope he heard me. All I heard him say was "I love you."

I've only cried a few times so far. He hardly spent weekends at home lol so we are adjusting. I'm super excited about everything he is going to learn.

His recruiter prepared us for what his going away would be like and I'm so glad to have found this site so I have more info on what he's doing. 

nursekim - We are glad you have joined us and came to say hi! This comment wall area is the best place to post for more of the seasoned moms to see. 

When those of you waiting for your form letter, receive your PIR information, be sure to go to the Groups page and join your PIR group.  B'sNukeMom posts those fairly regularly throughout the week as she is able. 

I also want to say that all of us who have been through BC have learned that everyone handles the adjustment to our lives that goes along with our loved one leaving for BC in different ways. There is no one right way to deal with our loved one leaving, so no matter what your experience, it is okay to share. 

For those of you who have SRs who will fly out to their A school might find this discussion of mine helpful - What PIR weekend may be like for those flying out of GL - Navy For ... - Some things may have changed or adjusted from when my sailor went through, but the most important thing is to stay flexible. 

Welcome ProudMomma to the group. We are glad you have joined us. Be sure to come say hello. 

Hi ProudMomma, welcome!  What a great name you selected for yourself. Many of the Moms have chosen names that reflect our kids' initials, our hobbies or interests, nicknames from years ago, what we aspire to, where we live, or our faiths. But we have all become YOU, Proud Mommas! Be sure to view the documentary  "Making of a Sailor" Its from 2018, so some stuff has changed a bit, but it was really helpful to me as a new Navy Mom.

https://youtu.be/pDwLsrmDBF0

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

PIR SEPTEMBER 2022

PIR AUGUST 2022

PIR JULY 2022

Good Morning Everyone!

B'sNukeMom - Thanks!

May everyone have a wonderful Sunday - Here is some information about Phone Cards and Phone Calls - The SRs do not call on Sunday due to chapel worship, however, I do recall that during the height of COVID, they had started having multiple chapel services to allow for more distancing, so I would just say, keep your phone handy still. Once my sailor was in A school, I actually had a few calls from him while in church service because he would forget the time zone difference. 

Also, Lemonelephant mentions the "box" being sent back home with your SRs belongings. That is no longer the case. They hold the boxes at RTC now and return them prior to them leaving for A school.  

Good morning everyone. Happy almost 4th! The last 2+ weeks have been an absolute roller coaster of emotions for me/us since my SR left for BC. Yesterday, however, was a turning point in this journey: not only did I get the first letter from my son, but we also got our first real call. I know all the experienced moms know how this feels, but wow. Hearing his vulnerable voice on the other end of the phone, wanting to reach through the line and give a hug, wishing time could fast forward 8 weeks…all the feels. I hung up proud, but worried like all of us mommas do. Get this…The best part was he called back 10 minutes later to say he only had 2 minutes but wanted to let me know how much he loved me and ‘I’m gonna make it, Mom’. Yes, you are. Yes. You. Are. 
So I have my motivation to carry until the next letter and next call. I know he’s fighting through this and staying strong- it’s the very least I can do here at home to do the same for him, right? 

Thanks to all of you for your support on here.