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

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.

Chipmunk and belovedbyHim  - thank you.... somehow I missed an entire page of comments, including the full length rationale for taking my son off of our insurance. I will certainly start the process once I get the "I'm a sailor" call.  I'm so surprised nothing was said to us by our recruiter. 

Another question that I can't find an answer to - what does "IT" stand for that some of you have mentioned? 

TIA! 

Trey thank you for explaining ASMO.  My friend (army mom) said the same thing - her son is often texting her acronyms - she spends a lot of time on google!   And that is so cool what your son joined - that's one of my fears is when my son is done bootcamp and school - I hear such horror stories of ship conditions. Not sure if that group is taking that on as part of it - but anything to make military life more "enjoyable" or at least not miserable, is great!! 

IT: This one depends on the context. At BC, IT is Intensive Training or Instructional Training; extra PT given to a recruit or a division as a corrective action (punishment). IT occurs when a Recruit, Recruits, or a Division need/s an extra reminder of what the Navy way to do things is. A session of IT cannot be longer than 45 minutes. IT is also Information Technology; the Naval community made up of communications experts who process, transmit and analyze a wide variety of data. IT is also the Information System Technician rating (https://www.cool.navy.mil/usn/enlisted/rating_info_cards/it.pdf).

• What does ??? mean? (A Guide to Navy Abbreviations and Terminology)

Tammybikerunfaithlove:  I was just on my son’s ship in June. They had a Family Day Cruise. So we spent the day on the ship-check in time was 4:00am. And we left after 9:00 pm. Went out to sea, watched an air show from the flight deck, ate with the crew, etc. I can tell you, it is not a life I would be good at living. Hate confined spaces…. Not a fan of ladders…. BUT the friends my son has made on that ship, the skills he has learned, the experience he has had, it is like nothing I have ever seen. Not in high school. Not in college. Not in the working world. 

tammybikerunfaithlove-- Ship life is tough (You are basically "At work" 24/7) but it's not unbearable.  Navy life is an adjustment but both my Husband and son LOVE many aspects of it! Just like anything there are parts that are just sucky but what my husband told my son (And really all our kids) is that the "Suck doesn't last forever, so do what you can to get through it as quickly as possible and if it's beyond your area to make it go faster find a way to look for the positive in it all".  In other words, what can this "Suck" teach you?  (Patience, improved skill,how NOT to do the thing,  What you don't want to do again.....).  There is also Beauty that only our sailors will ever get to see! The Stars on a moonless night with no lights to disrupt the view!  Whales lazily swimming past, Other Countries and peoples, Friendships that transcend mere friendship.... It can be the best thing if that is how you choose to view it.  It's all in the mindset! 

In this case IT is referring to Intensive Training. That can be sit ups, Air chairs (Squats), Planks, Push ups, Standing at Attention... or other prescribed Physical activities. (They cannot just make up exercises and it cannot last more than 45 minutes) If they pass out during IT they will be taken to medical to be checked out and IT is Rarely Individual... Usually it's a group consequence because the whole purpose of BC is to get them thinking as a group and not an individual.  Sometimes it's referred to as "Getting Beat". RDC's CANNOT strike a recruit, so if you hear your SR say "they got Beat" what they are referring to is an intensive IT Session!

Thanks for explaining what IT means! 

Shanny - that sounds like such a cool experience. And I love you framed it - nothing like it in school, real life. 

belovedbyHim - thank you also - you're right - perspective is key. 

All of this is my mamma heart worrying. He's been gone just over a week and while I was far from a hellicopter parent, letting go is still so hard. I will get there. I tell myself - if he can do hard things, so can I.  I've read in the news about some poor conditions on ships. I've seen similar things mentioned in a facebook group I joined.  So it does make me nervous - but I'm working on trusting that my son is becoming a man and that he will learn how to handle hardships as they come. I will get there.... One day at a time - with a whole lot of praying and trusting God.  

Thanks - so grateful for being part of this group! 

tammybikerunfaithlove -- Did you see my post about when my son left?  I couldn't stop crying for weeks!! I'd melt down at the drop of a hat!  I was a Hot MESS!!! I was worried all the time. I hardly slept or ate or really didn't do much beyond read on here and cry.  I finally had my melt down in his room about 4 or 5 weeks in... I was still worried/concerned/ unsure but I knew I had NO control over this.  I also was not a helicopter mom but due to various things my sailor had never been gone from home for more than a week and even then it was always closely supervised and he could call home any time he needed/wanted.  It did help some to know that they are still closely supervised but what makes it especially hard it the sudden and complete lack of communications!!  Our children have never really been out of reach from us.  They had Cell Phones (some from elementary), texting, email,  in person contact or were with trusted adults we could call.  Boot Camp has NONE of that!!  We have a video of someone elses kid and a vague idea but not a detailed blow by blow of what they are doing.  We have no idea how they are processing all this new information and life style and stress... What we are Honestly worried about is the unknown and the fears that our minds produce!  Please don't go borrowing tomorrows troubles or fears! Today has enough of it's own.
(If it makes you feel better my son went to Mast early in his Navy career (staying up too late and over sleeping)... He's still in and it hasn't prevented him from progressing and being able to do what he wants for his career.  You will always find and hear about the negative.  (If it Bleeds it Leads is true for ALL news... Civilian and Military!)  It's not Newsworthy to say "My kid is loving the Navy." or "My kid says this is just a normal job... just with funky hours" or "Everything is going great... Nothing new to report here" but when there is a problem that is What you will hear.  IT'S NOT the day to day reality for 99% of the Sailors and Officers in the Navy or in most branches.  This is NOT to minimize those who are struggling or hurting but until you have something for sure to worry about try not to borrow trouble!

belovedbyHim ...  thank you for all that - for sharing your story (makes me feel a little more 'normal' and a lot less 'crazy') and yah.... I need to stop letting all of this consume me. It's funny, because he's the kind of guy that wouldn't want me to help anyway... he's all like "I got it mom".  But you hit the nail on the head.... it's that sudden disconnect / no contact - and the not knowing.  18 years flew by! Not sure about 10 weeks LOL   Thank you again.  I'm still a hot mess - but I know it will pass.  Bless you! 

tammybikerunfaithlove-- {{{{BNMH}}}}} Just like when they were little... The days are long but the weeks are fast!  You are not Crazy!! (My husband actually in all seriousness asked if he needed to take me to the hospital!) This group helped me work through it so I stick around to help others make the adjustment!  One day you will look back on this time with fondness... I Promise! And while Being a Navy mom NEVER gets easier, YOU Do get STRONGER!!!  It's ok to be a hot mess here... we won't judge you for that!

I have a question, does anyone know of rv parks near the base? 

Cindi@FrostyAcres --  A quick Google Search turned up these.  You cannot stay at the one on base however so Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park

is your best bet. 
https://campgrounds.rvlife.com/regions/illinois/naval-station-great...

I don't RV so No idea if they are any good or not.

Thank you, but unfortunately that is a State Park and they only have electric. We are traveling with my disabled BIL and need a place with full facilities to shower and have water and sewer hookups. the closest one we can find is about an hour away, I was just hoping that someone that has been up there new of a place, google does not always work well.  Sometimes it takes us to mobile home parks.

Good Morning Everyone!!

Yesterday was a really busy day for me, but I am glad BelovedbyHim was available, and she is honestly a lot better at walking with you ladies through the silence of BC than I am. 

Cindi@FrostyAcres - I do not know if there is any sort of tourism information for the Great Lakes area, or even Illinois that might be able to help you. I will say, if you find out anything be sure to let us know, so I can add the information. 

Tammybikerunfaithlove - You are welcome! FYI- if you click on a link to the group page from your email feed, it will take you to that post which might actually be on the next page by the time you read it. I read my email feeds, but then come back to online and make sure I scroll down to the bottom of the comments to see that I am on Page 1. 

How are some of our other members doing? I know some of you have had issues with trying to view on mobile devices, hopefully you can use a computer. 

Cindi@FrostyAcres - Here is a link to the GL Welcome Center - you might be able to call them for any suggestions - Naval Station Great Lakes Welcome Center | Military.com - 

Great Lakes USA website - Illinois - Great Lakes USA

These are the other searches that I found - RV Parks in Naval Station Great Lakes, Illinois - Top 7 Campgrounds...

Best 10 Naval-station-great-lakes, Illinois RV Parks & Campgrou...

I believe this is the one that BelovedbyHim said is for military only, but I would call them and ask, if nothing else for their advice. As my mom always said, "It never hurts to ask, the worse they can say is No." - 

MWR Navy Great Lakes RV Campground

Happy Wednesday!

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

PIR SEPTEMBER 2022

PIR AUGUST 2022

PIR JULY 2022

Bookmark this site !!! Recruit Training Command Home Page (navy.mil) This is your go to source, it is all I had when my son was in BC. 

If you go to the graduation page and click on the Graduation Ceremony it will pop open this page hopefully, - Recruit Training Command - Graduation (navy.mil) - Scroll down to Step 2: Plan your travel itinerary - there is a link to the family brochure as well as some other things things that might be helpful. 

Cindi@FrostyAcres - You might also call some of the motels and find out if they will at least allow parking of your large RV, if you do end up needing to stay in a motel.  One thing to consider is also parking at RTC. They have a parking garage, it is not built for an RV. I do not know what other parking that is around there which would allow for parking an RV. 

You might want to contact Sarge's Taxi service. Here is his most recent updated family BC newsletter- Navy Family newsletter (mynavytaxi.com)  

Join me in welcoming Kidsandmel03 to our group. I believe she is waiting to send her loved one to BC, so if anyone would like to chime in with some special words for her, that would be great!

Q's Momma - it's really hard to say with snail mail these days.  I know when B was at boot camp (2012) he mailed a letter every Monday and we received it in CA on Thursday.  Does it normally take a little longer for you to get mail in HI?  Hopefully you'll get a surprise soon and your letters will show up.  In the meantime just keep writing to him!

Please Note: New discussion above, SoS_Survivor_45 is asking questions about Liberty after graduation. 

Specifically, can unvaccinated family members (who are not attending the ceremony) come pick up their sailor for liberty. Also, their sailor is NOT staying in GL for A school, so likely flying out the following day or so. 

I don't think we have had anyone ask this yet. Thanks!

CBMom - Welcome to N4M and the BC Mom and loved ones group. We have some who just started this journey and others that are getting ready to as well. -