Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

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. - 

Be sure to keep your phone charged, then close by you and your ringer on loud. Are you able to go to MEPS for his swearing in? If not, are you able to go to the airport to stay with him (You have to get a gate pass from the airlines - your SR (seaman recruit) has to be there to show his orders)? 

If not, be sure to tell your son that he and only he is the one from now, moving forward who may communicate to you any of the information regarding his orders, his flight airlines and #s. He needs to call or text you that information. Hopefully he has his phone charged up. Ask him to call you when he lands in GL, it will be the last time you can talk. 

Very late in the evening, early morning you hopefully will get the "I'm Here" call. It is a scripted call that last for only a few seconds usually. I thought it was a recording of my son's voice. I just kept saying I love you over and over. 

Other than that, stick close to this group, you found your way here. Start a new project or hobby to keep yourself busy, Answer any and all calls. If spam, just hang up. Start writing letters of encouragement to him and when you have his address then you may mail them. 

There is a lot of information on this page, it is easier to navigate on a computer, but if on a mobile device I was told to put it in desktop mode. Take things in one bite at a time, there is a lot to absorb. 

ChicksMom03 and Q's Momma - I am sorry to hear that you have not heard from your SRs. I know you both have different situations and I wish I could give you answers but I don't have any. I know throughout COVID there was a lot of missing mail, and separations. Maybe some of those moms will have more words of knowledge or encouragement. 

Good Morning Everyone!!

May you all have a wonderful day!

Welcome to our newest member CBMom

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

PIR SEPTEMBER 2022

PIR AUGUST 2022

PIR JULY 2022

Thanks Chipmunk! My son just swore in and happily he just met another SR training to be a Seabee too! You and this site have already helped me so much with this journey- thank you for all being here;)

Welcome Kris!  Please click on the link below as it has info for your recruit to prepare himself before he leaves.

Recruits - prepare yourself

Welcome Brian’s Mom!!

the specifics of the 900 divisions have changed and evolved since my son went through. We used to have 800 and 900 divisions that were different from the rest but that has changed. Maybe someone will have some info they can share with you. It’s been 2 years since my son left for boot camp. 
also, I think someone was checking to see if unvaccinated family can pick their sailors up after PIR outside the gate for like a dinner or something. So that may still be an option. I may have missed the answer to that one. 

Good Evening everyone!! I called in the reserves!! Thank you!

I have had a busy day and still not done, I hope all are well and I will reply when I am able. 

The two times I have visited my sailor at GL A school this year I went on base both times to and fro and never had to show my vaccine card, I had it with me anyway and a mask in my pocket as well in case I needed it because the threat level on base moves up/down

Trey - That is good to know. My wonderment still though, is that is the A school side of the base and not the RTC side, where things still remained strict, at least for my sailor when he had to report back that night before he flew out for his A school. They could not bring cell phones or anything they had not been allowed to have in BC back with them after liberty, we had to deliver it to them at the airport. I just wonder, if they have to show their tickets (as has been mentioned in the past), to get back on RTC or I thought even the GL school side. I would assume that if you could not pick up a ticket without having showed your vaccine card, then probably you would not be able to pick up your sailor either.

Good Morning Everyone!!!

Welcome to any of our newest members!

I have another busy day but will try to catch up as I am able and post my welcomes on profile pages. This is the best group to be in whether you have a loved one getting ready to leave for BC or currently there. Be sure to post your questions, concerns, emotional ups and downs, here - this is where more members see your posts. 

BNMHs  = Big Navy Mom Hugs!!

Bootcamp living streaming begins soon. Watch it here: (3) U.S. Navy Recruit Training Command | Facebook

RTC Public Affairs - YouTube

or you may watch past ones at the YouTube page.

Recruit Training Command Home Page (navy.mil)

Be sure to bookmark the above site, that was my go-to site before I found N4M. 

RED Fridays

And Remember to Wear Your RED!     On Fridays we wear RED to remember everyone deployed!

Here's the link to today's PIR:

LIVE PIR JULY 22

Ok Ladies,  It's OFFICIAL! I have heard from RTC and YES, Following PIR Sailors are Permitted to leave base and CAN Meet their Loved ones Vaccinated or NOT, OFF BASE! So For those of you who cannot attend PIR due to your Vaxx Status, You can Still Travel to GL and Meet your Sailor at the Gate Following PIR to spend whatever Liberty time they have with them!! (This includes overnights if they are granted that permission/Liberty) Once they leave the base they can go pretty much anywhere that's not specifically off limits so meeting Family would be just fine. Please ask your sailor to specify where you would like them to meet you!  You may not look very different but I can assure you that your Sailor will and you may not spot them right away unless you know where to look! (There is a Train Station Lot just outside the East gates that may do very well for meeting Them!)  HAPPY PIR to Those who are there today and to those who are making plans to attend!!

This is great news, thank God! BelovedbyHim, Thanks for contacting RTC. This fills my heart with hope. 

SoS_Survivor_45 -- You are welcome!  I KNOW you are not the only one but it is still good to know that you can Travel to GL and meet your Sailor after PIR at the Gates.  You would have to leave the hotel before Liberty call on the live stream and all other rules and conditions apply but you can at least get the day (Assuming they have everything in order!)

Good Morning!!

I think I am caught up with reading through posts and welcoming new members. If I missed someone, please come say Hello!! We are glad to have you!

One of the ways to connect with each other is to make friends on this site. When I first joined, Lemonelephant was still doing a lot of the moderating and reaching out to new members and sending them friend requests. I do not do that as much because I also don't delete any of my friends after a lot of inactivity. However, please feel free to reach out to me or others and send your own friend requests, I generally accept anyone that asks to be my friend. 

With that said, I have updated my discussion above, with a reply, because I realized, I never actually shared how to go about making friends on this site - just how to send PMs and some information regarding what is public and what is private on this site. Private Messages - Creating & Sending + OPSEC

Good Morning Everyone and welcome to all of our new members. We are glad that you are here.

I am a mom that helps out on here also. I have not been posting a lot lately as I have started back to school and I've been pretty busy.  :)

I am also a pre covid mom. My son has been in a little over 5 years now. He also started right after high school and he is my youngest.

I always say don't not post someone will answer you and we have all experienced those feelings. 

On the weekends it can get quiet but post anyways.  :)

BBH- thank you for posting that. I thought I had heard it from another mom or read it somewhere. So that is good news for us all. 

Some of the things that I always say on here when mine first went in write everyday. I wrote mine twice a day, once in the morning and once before I went to bed. This helped me as much as he loved getting them. Now, they may say oh don't send me letters but that is not true. :) They want to hear from us as much as we want to hear from them. Then we you get that form letter you can mail your letters off right away.

Another thing boot camp is as much for us as it is for them. While they are getting stronger so are we. 

Staying busy is key. Oh and another thing keep your phone on you at all times and that ringer on loud. You don't want to miss any calls as you just don't know when a call will come thru.

God Bless and once again you will make it thru this journey and we are here for you every step of the way!!

Hey is there anywhere we might see pics of them in training during boot camp? Anywhere that would follow certain divisions? Thanks!

CBMom, if you look at the top of this page it will give you a link to the RTC Facebook page, I never seen my son there but they do post pictures of the training. I know when Covid first started they had pictures of the Sailors making face mask too. When you get to the sight just push on photos. I hope you get a chance to spot yours.

Hey CBMom- here is some other links as well.  :)

https://www.navy.mil/viewGallery.asp

Yes, check out https://www.facebook.com/NavyRecruitTrainingCommand and http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/. They will have lots of information for you. https://www.facebook.com/NavalServiceTraining also has items at times.

https://www.facebook.com/ASBPGreatLakes has pics of some of the recruits who give blood while at RTC. Those donations occur about 2 weeks (10 to 16 days depending on the division) before PIR.

You may also find pics in https://www.navy.mil/viewGallery.asp.

Northwoodsmom- Hey and thanks for posting that.  :)

Hello!  My SR called yesterday and requested that I send her running shoes.  Does anyone have any guidance on sending mail other than letters?