Good Afternoon!! It is good to hear from everyone!!

BC is all about taking it one day at a time. 

The flags are different rewards, so to speak, that each division earns. When you watch PIR (which I highly recommend that you watch either live or a reply of one a week or so before yours, so you have an idea of what to expect), you will see each division marching in carrying the flags that they have earned for different reasons. Be sure to notate what they look like or what your sailor's division has so that you can ask them about the flags afterwards. 

tammybikerunfaithlove - Be sure to check your private messages!

Good evening!  Yesterday I set up a countdown widget on my phone with my SR PIR date. Every time I look at my phone, I smile. It's helping me to look forward and if it's helping me, it might help someone else so I thought I would share.  

Amy  - That is great!! I am glad that it is helping you!! If it makes you smile that is a good thing. 

Laura - Welcome to the group!!! I think we have another Laura that joined recently who I might have missed. 

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

PIR OCTOBER 22

PIR SEPTEMBER 2022

PIR AUGUST 2022

* * * The Latest Guidance as of August 15th, 2022 - Revised Pass-in-Review Policy * * *

Effective immediately, everyone must wear masks indoors at Naval Station Great Lakes (NAVSTAGLKS).
NAVSTAGLKS has been directed to return to HPCON Charlie. Presently, Lake County, Illinois, has a high level of COVID cases. All guests attending the graduation ceremony are required to wear a mask while indoors, for ticket pickup at the Welcome Center, and while indoors at Recruit Training Command.

MASK MANDATE BACK IN EFFECT - see post below.

B'snukemom thanks for the update! Bummer - going to be hard enough to pick out our sailors as it is! LOL  Fingers crossed the numbers go back down and they lift it again!  

Happy Monday! Wishing you all a very blessed week! 

lol  you will find yourself in a game of where's recruit/sailor waldo for sure.. I was certain I had mine picked out.. wasn't even close.. 

My son went through BC in 2020. We weren't allowed to go to PIR. So I stalked RTC Facebook page daily looking for pictures. Then...  there he was!  In their PIR pictures. Looking right at the camera. Closeup of him and 2 others. So keep checking those pictures!  It's seriously one of my favorite pictures. Even if he is wearing a mask 

We were in the same boat as Shanny. Stalked RTC photos is a most appropriate description of what we did. My husband or I would find a potential "match" and blow it up, turn it upside down, squint, close one eye, etc, Found a PIR photo of 3 sailors in profile, was sure (OK sorta sure) one was our sailor. When he got to A school I sent it to him and asked if it was him. Cue the eye roll...and "geez Mom, you can't even tell your own son in pictures??"  Lost serious parenting points as we also never could find him in the PIR footage no matter how many times we watched it and he told us where he was in the formation. I love the photo (even with the mask, could be a Navy recruitment poster, and plan to print and frame it when we get around to redoing his bedroom. Where's Waldo, the Navy version!

Does it have to be a certain kind of mask or any mask?

AgnesB, Shanny, Trey, tammybikerunfaithlove - I couldn't attend my girl's PIR so I wstched it live. I knew her division number, so I listened carefully as the announcer called it out. They walked by so quickly that I  couldn't make her out. When they presented the state flags I was SURE she was holding the Arizona flag (even though she's from Maryland). I KNOW my child! Turns out, that was somebody else's child. My child was wearing new glasses and had lost some weight. BUT, I watched it again later on YouTube and finally caught her serious little face go right by the camera! All 4 seconds of her! I watched it over and over, got all teary snd texted her aunt and grandmother with the precise minute:second count so they, too, could glimpse her for an instant. Ahh, it was glorious.

Amy - they don't specify mask type.  I believe it just has to completely cover your nose and mouth.  I know some places had issues with bandana or gator type so you might want to steer clear of those just to be safe.

Please join me in welcoming Rosanne - to our group!!

Amy - I concur with B'sNukeMom - I also do not think they will allow face shields. Some of the military bases have returned to mask mandates and those employees were issued the cloth masks like the sailors had. You should be able to use the disposable masks. You might check with your local pharmacies like CVS, Target, Sam's - they may still have a supply of the masks that were issued for free distribution to the US population. 

Ummi - Even though we attended PIR, there were many who could not, and I did the same thing with my son's video - I marked the precise counts for them to scroll to and see him!

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

PIR OCTOBER 22

PIR SEPTEMBER 2022

PIR AUGUST 2022

Hi Laura, You are getting close!!! I am glad that you have had communication with your SR!! If you haven't joined your Aug PIR group, be sure and do so, that is a private group and you can connect with others in your group. B'sNukeMom just posted the links again. 

Welcome to the group, Laura!  Your PIR date is quickly approaching!  2 weeks left. Have you received the I’m a sailor call yet?  So they may not say those exact words but it is the call that signifies they made it through before the final 2 weeks that sound like classroom work?  I know someone will correct me if I’m wrong…. So much has changed since my son went in. 
I’m Shanny. My sailor has been in 2 years and is in the fleet right now.  That’s first call can be brutal. The first letter was hard for me as well. He was miserable but they were in quarantine so they had nothing to do but sit. And wait.   Welcome to the board. There are a lot of great people here so feel free to reach out anytime 

Welcome Laura!  If your SR is Ship 13 then I believe his PIR is 9/30 (My SR's girlfriend is Ship 13 - that's how I know).  Glad you've been able to talk with him. Nothing really prepares you for this. I keep telling myself "settle in for the ride, this is just the beginning"  (My SR is Ship 11 - his PIR is 9/23) 

Welcome Rosanne!  Looking forward to getting to knowyou! 

Laura - Be sure to join the September PIR - Groups - Navy For Moms (ning.com)

So, FYI - as best as I have ascertained over the last few years, private groups do not show up on a person's profile page when you go to look at their page. So, if I recommend that you join a PIR group, or another group that is private, and you already have, it is because I cannot tell by looking at your profile page. 

Everyone - be sure to check out the discussions that are posted above. I know if you are on your mobile phone, you might not see it, so go to Desktop Mode. I try to keep some of our popular discussions bumped into the queue - one of them is our Blue Candle discussion that also has some posts about decorations or items for Sarge's Meet n Greet raffle baskets. 

BC Moms-- Be sure to ask your SR where in formation they are so you can find them (For example: Row 2 from the left when looking at them from the Audience... 5th sailor back from the front of the formation....(This does not include the Sticks and "Officers"))

Welcome Laura! I believe your SR might be in the sister ship/connected to my SRs’s. Mine is in 335. They may do drills together;) Are you going to the PIR?

Hi!! It's nice to meet you! Yes, I am absolutely attending the PIR. I mailed the paperwork back to my son 2 days ago! Will you be there as well?

Happy Wednesday!

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

PIR OCTOBER 22

PIR SEPTEMBER 2022

PIR AUGUST 2022

Reminder that all the September and October PIR's so far are only allowing 3 guests due to their size.

Here's the Guest Security Access Form for 3 guests:

Guest Security Access Form - 3 Guests

       REMINDER FROM NAVY RTC

      COVID Message Board

* * * The Latest Guidance as of August 15th, 2022 - Revised Pass-in-Review Policy * * *

Effective immediately, everyone must wear masks indoors at Naval Station Great Lakes (NAVSTAGLKS).
NAVSTAGLKS has been directed to return to HPCON Charlie. Presently, Lake County, Illinois, has a high level of COVID cases. All guests attending the graduation ceremony are required to wear a mask while indoors, for ticket pickup at the Welcome Center, and while indoors at Recruit Training Command.

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.

Laura - Welcome Mom! BNMH to you! I can't wait for you to get that "I'm a Sailor!" phone call. Yes, you will squeal, yes, you will cry. It's so much fun!

Laura- Yes! We will be there together to celebrate;)

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

PIR OCTOBER 22

PIR SEPTEMBER 2022

PIR AUGUST 2022

USPS Informed Delivery - Sign up and receive an email from the US Postal Service showing what mail you will be getting each day (if available in your area).  

Informed Delivery®

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

What US Navy Recruits Go Through

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

Boot Camp Gas Chamber

Happy (almost) PIR Day to all our Moms going !!!  We are so excited and happy for you!!!

Hi everyone! I have so many posts to catch up on but I needed to ask...my SR is the RCPO for his division (939). He wrote me today telling me that he is the RC for his PIR-front and center, making announcements. I am just so proud of him. 

But what does RC stand for? 

nursekim - he is the Recruit Chief Petty Officer

He is the primary recruit assistant to the RDC's (Recruit Division Command) and is responsible for maintaining good order, discipline and security within the division at all times.

Good for him!

nursekim - Wow - congrats to your son! That's exciting. My son's division has already gone through 2 RCPO's - hoping this current one goes as he's stirring up trouble with everyone. Not an easy job for any recruit! Hope your son excels! 

Q'sMomma  Woooot Woooot!!!! Congrats!!! That's sooo exciting. And a whole hour - how sweet is that!!! 2 weeks will be over before you know it! So excited for you! 

I got mail today - both from my SR and from his GF. Both are doing really well. My son missed making a call home when his division did b/c he was in SIQ - though he didn't tell me what he was actually sick with. Said he would miss the firefighting test on Monday and would have to make it up later. Other than that all is going well for him.  His GF, who was struggling with being homesick and not liking manyh of the girls in her division, has had a nice turn around. She's made some friends (and is learning to tolerate those that like to cause drama) and is overall doing well. She said she struggles sometimes mentally with all of it - but the physical part she's doing graet at and is passing all her tests so far. Was nice to get two letters in the mail today.  

Nursekim - congratulations to your SR!!!

Q'sMomma - WooHOO - We have a Sailor in the House!! 

Now that you have a sailor, please feel free to come join us in the Beyond BC group. 

tammybikerunfaithlove - I am glad that you received some letters. Even if there are ups and downs, it is still good to know what all is actually happening with them.  

WHOOP, WHOOP, WHOOP!! New Sailor in the house!! Q's Momma's young man made it through!

nursekim -- Congrats on the RCPO for your SR!!! That's Awesome!!

Q'sMomma-- HOO YAH!!! We have a Sailor!!! Congratulations on making it through!!  Are you going to GL for PIR?

tammybikerunfaithlove  -- Letters are great!! I'm glad they are doing well and I'm sorry you missed a phone call home.  Being SIQ is no fun and missing out on a phone call is even more so!  Yep, sometimes all they can do is stay out of the drama and keep their heads down  and get through it!

Hello Boot Camp Mom's, geez been very quiet on here. I apologize that I don't remember all your names but I am thinking of all of you on this Red Friday. How are you all doing? I know the seasoned Moms have done such a great job with information on what to expect but just want you to know we are here for any questions that might come up. Like so many others we keep our notices on so we can see if any in BC need help with anything. We are also here if you just need some encouragement through the tough emotional rollercoaster you are experiencing. Love to share in your tremendous JOY when you get those letters and phone calls too.

Just thinking of you all and holding you up for strength and courage through the beginning of your journey!

Good Friday Morning!!!!  HAPPY PIR DAY for those graduating today!!!  I hope all of you are doing well. 

I saw a post about that arrival call…. We used to call it the hostage proof of life call. Such a hard call to get…. Expect that first personal letter you receive to be a little rough as well. They do get better. You have all raised very tough and determined kids. 

I hope today is a great day for all of you. One Friday closer to PIR

So sorry Ladies, just noticed my notices were shut off on this group so I wasn't getting the notices. If you find you soundly went silent you might want to check under this box and make sure it says Follow! 

Just popping in to say "Happy Friday"!  Another PIR today - so exciting for those who get to see their saliors!  I laugh at how much money we are going to spend just to see our SR on 9/23 for a day before he ships off to A school. Crazy - but I don't even care. I will treasure every little second of it! 

Enjoy your weekend! We are off to go camping - though will be soooo strange without our son there. :(  Welcome to the 'new normal'.  And  my girls graduate high school this coming year - I don't know how I got to this phase of life soooo quickly. It's so bizarre.