Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

1STEPFORWARD:  care packages for bootcamp?  Don't send anything to bootcamp unless your SR specifically asks for it. And even then, only send what they asked for. If they are asking,  they have received permission from their RDC to ask for that item. We had someone earlier say their SR asked for their running shoes due to an injury. She had received permission and instruction to have them sent. All packages must be opened in front of the RDC. And there will be punishment if they receive things they weren't given permission to ask for. 

As for in fleet, I have sent whatever I wanted or thought he needed. The USPS does have a list of things that cannot be sent to FPO addresses. 

WHOOP
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Attention On Deck!!!
CONGRATULATIONS TO tgcunny  AND her SAILOR!!!!
BZ!!!

1StepForward -- Shanny is Spot on!!! Do not send anything other than letters with your love (and Pics, puzzles, jokes, riddles... band-aids, moleskin) Unless your sailor asks for something Specific and then only send that item!

BelovedbyHim - Great advice! It’s so good to know that I will still have this group to rely on after BC. I can’t think that far yet- too far on the horizon-can’t see an island yet but it’s good to know it’s there and that there are others sailing beside me:) I agree with you about the fb groups- there is an entirely different tone here. 
Tcgunny- CONGRATULATIONS!!! How did he sound when he spoke to you? Was it super hard? So glad to hear they worked together and came in 2nd. Proud Momma on board here!!! 

JNMnavymomOH - Oh poor guy. Prayers for sure. I know my sons recruiter said the run was super easy but I’m a runner, a slow one , lol, but a runner and it’s hard to do that run if you are not a natural runner. Taking off a few minutes is harder than many people think. My son was most worried about that run and we even did an 8k together just before he went to BC. They will get him there. I saw in the videos looks like they will run with him to support him and help him keep pace? I’m sure he is getting faster though. They will likely be having him do some sprinting to increase his stamina. Running is mostly mental so he needs to tell himself he can do it and play mind tricks like counting/singing to himself. Ugh so hard to be away from him when he is crying and in pain. I bet he finds the resolve and gets through it will your support and the support of his crew and RDCs. Hang in there and please keep us posted. This is likely just a temporary setback, which will make him even stronger when he’s successful:) It sounds like to told him just the right things too!

Good Morning Everyone!!

CBMom - one of the reasons that I created the Beyond BC group was that during the PIR shut down, we had several members in this group who had been around for quite a time through all of the ups and downs, and I did not want them to lose that contact going from this group and scattering to many different groups. We also wanted a place where we could discuss life after BC is a member needed to share that, ask questions, or just post what their own daily life. 

I am not on FB, but the little my husband has shared and even things that I have heard here, I wanted to make sure that my focus when posting is always as encouraging as possible, helping you all to remember not to compare your or your SRs situation with another, because while there are similarities nothing is going to be exactly the same way as another member's experience. That is why I I liked the "ships in the night" analogy. 

JNMnavymomOH - Those phone calls are hard but doing the best you can to encourage is all you can do. Our SRs and sailors need to know that they can be honest and transparent with us about the things that scare them, the fears they have, the frustrations they are dealing with and that they will not be judged, you are still proud of them and just encouraging them in any way that you can.

When they are in school, in the fleet, at a duty station, sometimes they need to be encouraged to stick up for themselves and go to their chief with issues, or even go visit a chaplain (whether they are religious or not). Finding that new balance in our Navy Mom role, between encouragement but not being overly expectant in performance is also a hard happy medium to find at times. It is just a matter of practice and doing the best that we can at that moment. 

My son did not have issues with the running, but there were other things during his schooling that we had to really listen first and then encourage with constructive resolution ideas. 

Thank you all for your posts about marriage in the Navy. Luckily his GF (civilian) is not ready and she said she wrote him to tell him that. My son was born to 2 people who just love to love, so I wasn't surprised but I hope I can convince him to wait a bit. 

He is RCPO for his division and his thumb hurts from the cutlass lol

Welcome, Laura! The women here are so amazing. I don't post a whole lot but I read every post.

Congrats Athenasbow and tgcunny!!

JNMnavymomOH...I hope your SR can get his run in time. 

I've been writing some good dad jokes in each letter now. I steal them from guys I see on FB. I hope it's a little something to make him laugh and share with others

nursekim - That says a lot about your son's gf if she is willing to say she thinks they should wait. While distance can make the heart grow fonder, it can also change many things about couples as they experience different things and become involved in different people.  

It is always good to hear from everyone, even if you just post a hello and say you are reading and gleaning!

Reminder:  Once your loved one has completed BC and PIR, be sure to change their status on your profile page to Enlisted!!! It is a great way to honor their achievement, but it is also very helpful to those of us that follow the new members. 

We just get a notice that "so and so" has joined BC Mom group. For those that have common names, when I am searching through the member list, if I see someone's loved one is enlisted, I know that I need to keep searching for the correct new member. Updating your profile page, helps myself and others out when we refer to it for various reasons. 

Well said Chipmunk!

1Step Forward - If you are posting in your PIR group, it will not show on this group page. Each group on this site has their own page (s) with a comment wall where items post. And if you are using your mobile device there are times when I know others have had issues with their comments not posting, so it is best to just log in (or you don't even have to on this group, since it is public) and see if your comment posted. 

CBMom - Did you post and then delete? It is fine if you chose to do so, I just wanted to reach out to you. The message still came through in my email feed, but I have been in a car driving for over 10 hours - somehow, our stops always take longer than we think they are going to and I really need to go to bed. Since it is now past 1 AM, my time. 

Another reason for creating the Beyond BC group was so that issues going on in the fleet could be shared there and not post them here on this group page, where so many of you all are dealing with emotions that are already very raw. 

I will try to write more in the morning when I am not about to fall asleep but I wanted you to know that I saw your post. 

Stay confident in your son, and stay hopeful for a positive outcome!

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

PIR OCTOBER 22

PIR SEPTEMBER 2022

PIR AUGUST 2022

Thank you Chipmunk and BelovedbyHim.

TCGunny - Woot Woot!!! Congrats to your sailor!! So exciting! 

JNMnavymom - Aww poor guy. BC is rough! And running can be hard (I'm a runner too - and I've watched my pace fluctuate over the years). Prayers for him for strength and endurance. So glad you had a nice long call with him though.  Hopefully it lifted his spirits and he can take on this next week with a little more energy and enthusiasm. 

Nursekim - glad the GF isnt ready! 

I got an unexpected call from my SR Friday (shortly after getting a letter in the mail box) - he needed some info.  Got to chat for 10 minutes which was great.  He's having problems with the new RCPO in his div. Seems to want to fight and threaten everyone, including my son. My son is handling it well though - so fingers crossed!  

Happy Monday!

tammybikerunfaithlove -- When you write, encourage him to be a duck!  (Working like mad beneath the surface but allowing "Stuff" to just roll off his back that doesn't belong there!) The RDC's are watching and it's likely that the RCPO will not last long in that position if that is his attitude.  If he is truly threatening other SR's then he may not last long in the Navy as well!

nursekim-- Congratulations to your SR on the RPOC posting.  his thumb will recover (Or he'll learn to loosen his grip a tad).
I'm glad that she is cooling things down a bit.  That doesn't mean they shouldn't still be a couple but yes, time is their friend here. 19 and enlisted is a great place to be if you are single but for a couple, it's hard and of course if kids come along that just adds a whole 'nother level to the money stress which in turns adds to the marriage stress!  Encourage him that "Not yet" isn't the same as "No" or "Never".  It may turn out that they grow apart but they may also grow together! 

Just thought I would say "hello' as I sit here and refresh the USPS Informed Delivery site page every 5.7 seconds.

Oh amy that’s too funny! I get emails from them Around 715 every morning so I know when to expect it. Can you sign up for emails? 

I was getting emails for a while but by the time the email came in the morning, I was already at work and no access to check.  

Ha!  I'm getting a letter .. happy dance!  I've been very anxious, my SR had a follow up doctor appointment on 8/1 that would determine if she had to be set back or not and I haven't heard anything.  I assumed 'no news was good news' but I'm really more of a 'knowing is better than not knowing' kind of gal.

Awesome!! I hope it’s good news!

Amy -- Didn't you know a watched mail box never gets any mail!  (As soon as you get distracted that's when it gets delivered!... She says while watching the Amazon delivery truck update.....)

I Hope you are able to get home and get your letter soon!! If she was being set back that would be a Phone call Home, just to ease your mind!  Change in Training/ PIR date ALWAYS comes with a PHONE CALL!

CBmom - You are welcome!!

Amy - I have been a work in progress when it comes to the "No News is Good News", I much prefer having knowledge of what is going on as well!

Osheatoo1 - Hopeful for you and Amy to both have good news.

Madrebee -that's soooo sweet! Made my heart smile!! What a thoughtful youngman! 

Jennifer - BNMHs to you! belovebyHim is right - you will get through this, WE will get through this - even the moments of silence. 

Amy - soooo funny. I find myself on some late nights/early mornngs hitting the refresh button at USPS too! It was a Sunday night sometime after 10 pm that I saw my SR"s form letter was coming in. I slept well that night. Hope the letter comforted you! 

This week I am hoping my phone does NOT ring... when my SR called Friday for info he said he was in the process of getting a medical waiver there. My biggest fear is him getting sent home because he really wants this. So... we wait... for a letter - and not a call. Like Amy, as much as I know that the silence is a good sign, I still want to see a letter :)  

Happy Tuesday - and yay for letters!

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

PIR OCTOBER 22

PIR SEPTEMBER 2022

PIR AUGUST 2022

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

What US Navy Recruits Go Through

If you are interested in seeing what happens during the "Confidence Chamber" aka gas chamber, here is a video link:

Boot Camp Gas Chamber

Be sure to RSVP for Sarge's Meet N Greet.  Here's the link:  

Sarge's Meet N Greet

tammybikerunfaithlove -- Hoping you Don't hear from your SR (Wow it sounds weird to say that!!)

Jennifer -- How are you doing this morning?  Are you still feeling lost and discombobulated or are you doing better?  How can We help and support you today?

Jennifer - It usually takes 2 - 3 weeks before you receive your form letter with the address from your SR. I am not exactly sure where you are at in this BC journey, but you are not alone. There were many moms that during COVID especially and all of the quarantines that the SRs were going through were they did not hear from their loved ones for even longer. I know that probably doesn't help much and is not meant to make you worry, but just know that your son is working very hard. 

I tell the moms, as hard as it is, because we miss them so - put yourself into their shoes and remember that you have family and loved ones and this group to turn to, they do not. So, use all of your loves, prayers, and big Momma Heart to stand in the gap for them and support them from afar. 

Knowing what things my son might be going through helped me with how to focus my prayers for my son. Be sure to check out the BC videos that are posted in the upper left page of this group. 

MadreBee - How awesome that your son left a letter for you!!

Tammybikerunfaithlove - Staying hopeful that your son will get all of his medical situation worked out for the best!!

BNMHs {Big Navy Mom Hugs} - to all of you and those that are just reading and not able to post. One step at a time, one day at a time, and closer and closer PIR will be there. 

I got a letter today and good news, the doctor cleared her to continue and she is still set for PIR on 9/9 - only a month away!

Amy - That is wonderful news!!! So good to hear!

That’s fantastic news, Amy! 

awesome news Amy

My son failed the RDC assessment, so we have been ASMO'd. He thinks about 2 weeks. He was not able to provide a new ship/div, but that he would call me with that info at a later date. I didn't think he was physically ready, but he believed that he was. I fear that after his next assessment, they might send him home. I am praying that doesn't happen.  That he is only missing the mark by a few seconds, not a few minutes as he claims. Outside of this, he has sounded like the rest of it isn't horrible and he has done really well.  

Amy - that is such good news!

Tammyrunbikefaithlove - Hi! Hang in there! Hope all is cleared.

Amy-Woohoo!

JMHnavymomOH - Oh no! That runs a killer- so many kids worry about it and I think quite a few sound like they get set back temporarily but he’ll overcome this. So hard to hear as moms when they are struggling. BNMH!

I got some letters and my 2nd phone call so I’m so happy! He’s struggling in week 3 with homesickness but trying to hang in there. Cracks me up he still thinks I know everything and asks me when his next call is. Lol I’m like you know more than me! His group is having problems working as a team. They are often late and getting IT for mistakes and not working together. He said one stole food and they all got in trouble and some are really loud after lights out. They’ve already lost about 6 in their division so hopefully they get it together sooner than later. 

Amy - that's excellent news! The 9th will be here before you know it!!

JNMnavymomOH I'm so sorry to hear that. I've been told that if they fail the run and get ASMO'd then the SR will work with a running coach. They really don't want these recruits to fail. Praying he can get stronger and pass the next one without issue. 

CBMom - so exciting you heard from your SR! So funny he looks to you for all the answers! I love it.  I feel like everytime a parents talks about the updates from their SR, the SR reports allthe same stuff - lots of IT, late, not working as a team, talking when it's lights out...etc.  Too much. Bummer about the kid that stole food- not a good way to make friends in your division. Hopefully he learned his lesson! 

Still no word from my son so I'm feeling hopeful all is well. Have a business trip this week and it dawned on me that means I'll have times when my phone will have to be powered down on the plane :(  My phone hasn't left my sight since my son headed off to bootcamp! 

JNMnavymomOH - I am sorry to hear this news. Keep writing letters of encouragement so as soon as he has a new address you can send them to him and stay positive that he will be able to work through the run. 

tammybikerunfaithlove - If you have a way to change your voice mail on your phone (such that your SR knows you may be unavailable, but others would not realize you were away from home) - you might see if you can change it. Something like, "I love you and wish I could answer your call, but if I miss you hang in there and call ___ so and so", father, sister, g'ma - whomever. That way he has a message that he knows is from you and can hear your voice and knows to go ahead and spend his time trying to call someone else. Oh, you might tell him to be sure to leave a message!! - 

CBMom - That is funny!! Right now, we sometimes do have more answers to things than they do, but once they are out of BC, then they are going to be the ones with the answers and have to learn that they must communicate with Mom, so she knows all is well, because no one else is going to call her or take her son / daughter to the phone banks to call home anymore.