Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

Hi all! I am needing some help/advice for my SR, if anyone is able? Every letter he sends to any of us, he talks about how scared he is about the 1.5 mi run and not passing it. He did fine on the initial run when he got there (arrived 6/16), and he’s telling us there are really only 2 more ‘assessments’ on the run- one in about a week and then the ‘official’ PFA before graduation (or before Battle Station). He’s 18, so he needs to complete this in just over 12 min. He isn’t worried about anything else BUT this. He keeps saying he has to get ‘a lap a min’ on his 15 min runs so that he can get the 1.5mi done in 12 laps.

Here’s my ask- he is asking for any running tips at all from anyone to help him do this? I’m not a runner at all, so I don’t have too much advice to give here. I’ve told him to focus on his breathing and trying to pace himself so he doesn’t tire early, but I honestly have no idea how these SRs do this….please help if you know anything. His biggest fear is getting set back and feeling like a failure because he can’t do this one thing. 
thanks in advance—

LMCinTN - I did not see your post until later and my kids are busy, but I have reached out to them and am awaiting a reply to share with you. The 18-year-old males do have the toughest PFA as far as requirements. 

LMCinTN -- The RDC's do make it sound like they are always failing, especially in the beginning!!  If he made his initial run and he was running his time before he left he should be ok.  You are telling him right, to focus on his breathing and pace and as long as he's paying attention to that he should be fine.  I'm not a runner at all (In fact I joke that if you see me running, call 911 because there's either an axe murderer after me or a wild animal and I will trip you to slow them down!!)  but this is what my sailor told me he did.  They WILL Let them know if at anytime they are at risk of not passing.  It won't be just a worry but something they are being actively pushed about!! The RDC's Do NOT want them to fail either so they will get extra work if they are falling behind!

LMCinTN - First things first...Tell him not to stress it before he gets to it. Most things physical are 80% mental (my stats). You gave GOOD advice; focus on breathing and pace himself.  He might want to try focusing on a particular marker along the track, say, a doorway or a flag, and set his goal on getting to that marker. Or he could  set his goal on passing a SR up ahead of him by just upping his pace just a bit. Either way, if it turns out he doesn't pass, IT IS NOT OVER. No need for depression or feelings of failure. The Navy really DOES WANT TO HELP HIM TO PASS! My Sailor failed a few times, then worked with her coacht/trainer, took her advice, then finally  passed. Send up your best prayers. I'll send some, too. 

LCCinTN, like many have said the Navy does not want them to fail. My son struggled with push-ups, they assigned him a coach that worked with him and he worked up his numbers and passed. My son did alright with his running but I remember him telling me that they had pace setters working with the ones struggling. I hope this helps relieve some of your anxiety, they will do everything possible to help them make it. They are not only in the tearing down but in the rebuilding process. Prayers for your worried mind and your son's strength and perseverance!

Thank you all so much for the advice on the running. I’m firing off a letter tonight with all your encouragement- I know this will be a tremendous help to him (and me!). Grateful for this site and all of you. 

LMCinTN - I am glad that some of the other mommas were able to chime in. Here is what my sailor DIL shared - I did not hear from my son but he worked on his running a lot before leaving for BC, so I don't think he had much issue with it. 

"Hey Mama,

Q'sMomma:  my son did not have his removed. He did have a cracked tooth that they fixed though. His dentist and orthodontist have always said his wisdom teeth wouldn't be a problem as they never fully formed. And my son said the dentist at BC said he didn't need it done. 

I believe recovery time is built into the schedule and shouldn't effect your SRs schedule. My son had to stay with the recruits that had their wisdom teeth removed because he had the cracked tooth taken care of. And it didn't change anything with his schedule. I hope all goes well with your SR and he avoids the dentist chair!  I heard those that don't have it end up doing extra watch shifts. 

Q’s Momma- my son had heard about the wisdom teeth before he left so we scheduled a visit for a consult and ended up getting them pulled at home before BC so he could have a more comfortable recovery (meaning more ice cream). He just ended up having more watch time at BC while the other kids had dental stuff done, but…none of the recruiters ever mentioned this whole wisdom thing to us during DEP. I’m very thankful for the people who did tell my son- we would never have known either. Don’t worry- there is recovery time built into the schedule if he gets them pulled. They do this stuff all the time there! There just may not be as much ice cream as if he were at home. :)

Q's Momma - my daughter is in boot camp now and she said they had already been to dental. She did not need her wisdom teeth out but does need a couple of fillings. Our recruiter did not mention wisdom teeth either, guess it's not a good 'selling point'?

My son hates the dentist. That may be genetic because I do too!  So he would avoid them at all costs if possible!

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR LOVE AND SUPPORT ♥️⚓️

Lisa - BZ to your new Sailor!

Since we have a lot new members I'm going to post the discussion on OPSEC and PERSEC as a reminder.  Please click on the link below to familiarize yourself with this and to understand the importance of it.

OPSEC and PERSEC

Lisa - You are welcome!! We are so happy for you!!

Q's Momma - I brought up the wisdom teeth a couple of days ago, when we were talking about the Peanut Butter Shot (which is not just in the Navy, my husband recalls having it in the Army 30++ years ago!). I thought I had posted a link to information about it, but I just did not find a decent posting, not full of pop-ups!!

I am glad some of the others have been able to reply. I don't check my messages except when logged into my computer and we have had a busy day. My son did not have his wisdom teeth pulled. But he stood extra watches, the worst were in the middle of the night, while those who had their wisdom teeth pulled were SIQ - Sick in Quarters - for a couple of days. They could still study for their tests but were to rest. I do believe this time is built into their division time frame at BC. 

As I recall, I have heard that the dentist at BC are fairly skilled at removing wisdom teeth, because they do so many of them. But no, not as much ice cream!!

Q's Momma -- 2 Things -- 1 can you send me a PM letting me know where in his training he is for the dentist (I want to make sure My Welcome Blog contains accurate information and you all are the BEST source for current events)
2-- My Sailor did not have his wisdom teeth taken at BC but instead had to stand watch for those who did.  He Told me he wished he had, had them taken out in BC instead he had them out just before he was supposed to deploy in 2020 and instead he was in his apartment alone with only Tylenol prescribed and feeling too much like crap to drive to get anything.  They may not get them out at BC but they may get them out eventually.  Either way they are well taken care at BC and they will be closely watched.  The only way there would be a setback is if there is a complication.  Those are exceedingly rare!  If they do get their teeth out they are 2 days SIQ (Usually the Weekend) They also DO NOT have any major PT test the week following. Your SR's will be OK!! Promise!

Good Morning Everyone!

I will probably be fairly scarce for a few days working on deadlines, but we have you covered here. Be sure to reach out with your questions, feelings for the day or week. Share any happy dances because you received a letter or phone call!!

I was starting to get a little discouraged that alot of form letters were being received. But, I viewed my informed delivery this morning, not only am I receiving my form letter, there is a second one there. Unfortunately our mailman does not come until after 5 pm......I submitted my request for the PIR group also.

Please join me in welcoming SoS_Survivor_45 to our group!! 

Cindi@FrostyAcres - One of the reasons that I am glad I did not know about this site until the week before PIR, I had no one else to compare to with regards to the timing of my Form Letter, "Kid in a Box" (as we use to refer to the box home with their cell phones and clothes), personal letters, or phone calls. 

I am so happy to hear that you are getting mail. With ID you can zoom in and look at the return address. Do they both have the same return address (it should have his Ship & Div #). Are the postmarks different? If there is a difference, in either of those, then I would wait until you can open the mail and check his status for certain. Otherwise, I would mail just a quick note to him and say, I can see an address in ID but I can't open my letters yet, so I just wanted you to know that I am getting two pieces of mail from you - and I just wanted to send you a note and let you know I love you, praying for you, - anything short and encouraging. 

Hi all! 
 My son arrived at Great Lakes on Monday July,11th. I received a phone call from him on Friday the 15th saying “I need you to remove me from the health insurance policy” He couldn’t elaborate for the obvious reasons, Im wondering if anyone else has received this call & not quite sure to make of it.

My older Son was also at Great Lakes & we never received that phone call, good thing as he suffered a seizure & concussion
,sent home to seek additional care. Just wondering if anyone has more knowledge of this before I remove him from the plan. Thanks!

BobaGoo - well that's interesting.  I know when my son went in back in 2012 we were advised to wait to remove them from our personal insurance until the completion of boot camp.

Any newer moms have updated info regarding insurance?

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

PIR SEPTEMBER 2022

PIR AUGUST 2022

PIR JULY 2022

BobaGoo, hello and welcome. We talked about removing our recruits from our insurance policies, even with your son telling you to it is best to wait until they make it through BC. You just never know what might happen, a unknowns medical condition or anything else that would keep them from becoming a Sailor. Once you get that call telling you he made it, that he is a Sailor, yes then remove him from your policy. Everything will be covered under the Navy policy. 

How are you doing? I hope you are adjusting as you encourage him through this journey. So happy you joined us here.

BobaGoo - We were never officially advised one way or another, but my husband had been in the Navy and he thought it was best not to remove our son until he was finished with bootcamp. 

I just received a call from my recruit that he was ASMO'd.  Now in Division 291.  Bummer but not unexpected.  He will get through it!

Cindi@FrostyAcres -- You can go ahead and mail out the letters you do have, assuming you can read the address on the ID email.  The Form letter will just be basic info but YEA For a REAL Letter!!! That's Awesome!!

BobaGoo -- That's interesting.  We typically advise waiting till after they complete BC before you remove them since there are several things that can happen that result in them being sent home (As you well know!) and getting them added back can be a real pain in the Backside!! I'd write and ask for more information on why!  On a Completely separate note... YES!! PHONE CALL at only 1 week in!!! I hope you said all the Supportive (and slightly mushy) stuff... (Proud, love you, you got this,...) Welcome back and is the older son doing well?

waryrpryncs -- I'm so sorry.  I know it tough when this happens but yes they can push through this!! Are you planning to go to PIR?  How far back was he ASMO'd? (typical used to be 2 weeks but COVID played havoc with schedules so I'm just checking to make sure I have accurate info.)  These Setbacks are never fun but they are also not the end of the world.  You can send him a note of encouragement to keep at it and you know he can do this!!

I got my first letter from my son.  He says they don't have a lot of time to write, but even as short as it is, I am super happy.  He said he passed the swim qual, but was iffy on the physical.  It must have been ok, as I did receive the form letter.  He made mention that lots of other SRs are not listening.  Hopefully they are not having lots of IT.

my sailor got ASMO'd as well. really got him to focus and realize this was his future/career and made him decide to totally focus on complete, which he did Sept 2021. 

We were told nothing about the insurance.  I gave a copy of the insurance card to take with him and told him that since he had insurance now, mine would be secondary.  It wasn't until he left that I was told that he couldn't be on any other policies.  I was told he would get into trouble for being on another policy.  I decided I would wait until he graduated and then notify my employer.  All I have is his DEP contract, hopefully that will be enough.

The way it was explained to me was that of your sailor is on another policy, Tricare becomes the secondary. They don’t take the primary role. And they don’t want to be secondary because that makes it easier for the sailor to potentially hide medical issues if they use another insurance. It took me 6 months to get my son off my insurance because it was COVID and there was a freeze on being able to drop plans. Had to fight over it. 

Super excited, I'm getting another letter tomorrow!  I just got one on Friday so I really wasn't expecting another so soon.  I thought I read that mail only goes out from RTC on Mondays?  It may be old news since we got a phone call on Saturday, but I don't mind one bit.  

JNMnavymomOH -- I regret to inform you that they are in fact having lots of IT!! Even if they were the best behaved, most physically fit bunch of recruits they would still be doing something wrong and thus getting lots of IT!!  That's just part and parcel of the first few weeks of BC!  My sailor still talks about how his Div was the AirChair Circus!! He said his max time was 30minutes of Air Chairs!!  His Thighs were like Rocks when we saw him at PIR!!

Yes, Wait till they complete BC.  While TECHNICALLY Shipping to BC or being sent home SHOULD qualify as a "Major Life Event" it can be a nightmare to add them back if they are sent home, especially if it's due to a medical issue! (Even an injury that happened in BC!)  AFTER PIR, Then YES You Must remove them from your policy as they can get in trouble.  TriCare (Military Insurance) Is ALWAYS secondary... No Matter What their status!! Thus you DO NOT want them on your policy.  They would have to meet all your co-pays and deductibles before Tricare would pay a penny, and they are instructed to not have any other insurance because they are ONLY allowed to see military doctors (unless emergency or on leave-- then they have to report it to TriCare)  It also looks to the government like they could be trying to hide something.  It doesn't matter how good your insurance is or that having them on or off would not impact your payments... As SOON as you get the "I'm A Sailor" Call, start the process to take them off!  If your HR or Insurance company gives you any grief let them know they can take it up with Uncle Sam and THEY can Pay the bills because you have Notified them that your Sailor is to be taken Off (Then follow up with an email so you have it in writing!!) If they need Proof, Your sailor can get a letter from their A school Command or scan and email a copy of their Orders (Redacted of course).  They should NOT however need proof and you can push back on that if you are concerned about OPSEC or PERSEC. (Letting others know you have a loved one serving is NOT a violation of either.)

Because of COVID, many of the usual topics are not updated as regularly so I appreciate you all asking on here.  Those of us who have been around a while want to make sure you get the support and information that we got when we were new and feeling adrift in these uncharted seas!  This is your safe harbor to get your sea legs.  If you mess up in here we may correct you, but just know that we don't fault you. This is your Boot Camp experience.  Better that you make a mistake here than on a public page that isn't monitored and can't be undone.  So Ask away! Share your joys, Sorrows, Fears, and Celebrations!! We are all Navy Strong Moms!!

Amy, Monday mail going out was the Norm for many years.  That may have changed recently however.  For your sake I hope it is the case!  That would be Awesome!

Amy - So happy for you!

BobaGoo - I am glad to see that you found your way to the BC Mom and loved one group and asked your question here. I hope that we have helped you out. 

waryrpryncs - I am sorry to hear that your son has been set back. Hopefully, it will all work for the good and he will benefit from the set back. 

JNMnavymomOH - My son started out each of his letters with, "I only have ten minutes to write!" They were short, but yes, they meant so much to me. My letters came every Thursday, except for the week when he had gone to medical on that Sunday. Thankfully, we had a call that following Saturday, or I am sure I would have started really worrying not hearing from him. 

May you all have a restful, peaceful night's sleep, as well as your seaman recruits!!

BobaGoo - welcome!  I've been told not to remove my son from our insurance - first time I've heard of removing him at  all, even after bootcamp.  I don't plan on removing him (unless someone enlightens me as to why I should) until he ages off my policy. My family insurance plan cost won't change so I have no incentive to remove him at this point (two other teens still at home). 

Warypryncs - what does ASMO mean? Sorry I'm trying to keep up with all the acronyms - that one isn't in any of the lists that I can find.  Love your attitude about it - and yah... he'll get through it. These kids seem to turn out to be far tougher than we ever expected. (Assuming that about mine - he arrived on the 11th.)

My son's GF arrived at GL yesterday. Was nice to be able to be a support to her mom - even though I'm just a week into this journey - I've learned a lot already and it seems no one really understands this journey fully unless you walk it. I had someone say to me how my situation was just like sending a kid off to college.... Ummmm no..... So not the same! 

tammybikerunfaithlove - Please scroll down a bit and read what BelovedbyHim posted about leaving your son on your insurance after they have completed PIR!  She knows what she is talking about. Her husband was Navy, and her son has been in 8+ years.  Our son would still qualify to be on our insurance without any extra "monthly" expense, even after 5 years of being in service. However, he is an adult with a full-time job, benefits, and now married. He is self-supporting and has Tricare only now. I went round and round with my husband for a while before we took him off of our insurance, but in the long run it is for the best. 

And from experience with another adult child who we had kept on our insurance, while your premium price might not change, if something should happen and your sailor need medical attention dealing with coordination of benefits and fighting insurance on who should pay, or being stuck paying for large outstanding bills, is a hassle and headache that is just not worth dealing with. 

I am glad that you have been able to be an encouragement to your son's gf's mom. That is great!

tbrfl - ASMO stands for Assignment Memorandum Order.  Basically it's an administrative decision to set one back in training.  It will give your SR a little more time to improve in one or more areas.

ASMO is Assignment Memorandum.. basically sent back in training for X weeks...  and here is a basic truth about recruits and sailors. once you start talking/texting again. they will toss acronyms around like confetti at a new year's eve party.. and don't assume autocorrect failed.. it is that.. lol.. mine has been in a year now and still hits me with new ones, latest being csadd which is something he is volunteering with.. The Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions.. so proud my sailor is trying to help out his fellow shipmates when things get tough..

FYI - the new suicide hotline # 988 went into effect 7/16/22.

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

PIR SEPTEMBER 2022

PIR AUGUST 2022

PIR JULY 2022

Here's the link to RSVP for the Meet N Greet: 

Sarge's Meet N Greet

 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.

Here's a video posted online (6/13/22) that shows the 10 weeks of boot camp:

What US Navy Recruits Go Through

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).

                   *** COVID PROTOCOLS ***
Recruit Training Command continues to operate in a COVID environment in order to protect the safety of both trainees and staff while meeting mission demands. This policy is subject to change as leadership continues to monitor the spread and impact of the Coronavirus. Therefore, the following protocols are in place:

• • 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. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS.
  • To ensure the health and safety of all, every person attending is required to observe social distancing protocols while inside all RTC facilities and throughout graduation ceremonies inside midway ceremonial drill hall. REMINDER: Policies regarding the graduation ceremony can change at any time due to changes in our health protection status and policy. Please travel with a mask in case the requirement to wear one while attending the graduation ceremony is implemented. For those unable to attend we invite you to watch the ceremony online from home. 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 at rtc.pao@navy.mil.
  • Each sailor is allowed a maximum of FOUR GUESTS, (THREE GUESTS when 11 or more divisions are graduating,) on base for the graduation ceremony. No exceptions, and children 2 & under do not count toward the guest limit.