belovedbyHim - girl, girl, girl. Glad I'm good at holding back tears, 'cause I ain't got no tissues! I loved that your son persevered, that his RDC stuck with him and his division-mates encouraged him. But I really loved that you realized the Almighty is in control of everything and you submitted your will to His. Well done, both of you.

Ummi  - or anyone else with more experience on injured SRs than I have, are you able to reply to this new blog post ? - My daughter in law was injured in her 4th wk of training. - Navy Fo...

Amy, maybe it is his pictures. I know my son mailed his home but now with them having 10 weeks maybe they are on the way. I hope it's something that special 

Amy - Your son might have mailed his photographs to your house instead of trying to pick them up at the Photo Lab. 

Hi Northwoodsmom!! I had not refreshed so did not see your reply. Glad to know we are on the same wavelength!!

Amy -- Agreed on the likelihood that it's Photos.  It could also be division T-shirt.  It's easier for them to mail those than for you to have to try and take them on the plane!

Ummi -- I knew that God was in control for much longer but that weekend... It was such a rollercoaster.  I Shared in hopes that another mom will find encouragement that even if things look bleak in that moment... There is always Hope!! FB Popped up with the memories which is part of what prompted me to share.

Good Morning to all of our BC members - How are we doing today? For those of you waiting to send your loved ones off to BC, do not hesitate to ask any questions that you might have. 

Just some basics - All accessories for sailors must be solid black, so generally billfolds, but I think we found a dark Navy nylon one for my son, that is in a pocket, but watches and later umbrellas must be all black. 

Does your loved one have a valid state driver's license? - If they are going to Nuke school, they will be living off site during Prototype and their crazy watch hours makes it hard to have others drive them. So, those sailors need a car and a DL for the best opportunity for them to succeed. Also, Norfolk, VA and surrounding area is huge, having a car is ideal. 

Does your loved one have a passport? - If you have time and are able to take care of this prior to leaving for BC, great! Otherwise, they can do it later, after they have their military ID, but they will also need a Birth Certificate.  - Something to think about. 

Do they have a prepaid calling card? - Those are getting harder to locate. I think I finally found ours 5 years ago at a CVS pharmacy. My son was able to activate it beforehand and know how to use it which was a plus, since they don't often have a lot of time at the phone banks. If you can't find one - don't sweat - they have them available to purchase in the NEX at RTC. 

Do they have a basic black watch? My son liked the simple waterproof ones from Wal-Mart, and did have to replace his at the NEX, but again just bought a basic one, not the fancy expensive kind. 

Are they exercising? Do they know how fast they need to run? This might sound silly but stress fractures and not making the cut on the run are some of the primary reasons that SRs (seaman recruits) are set back in their training. Can they do the proper float for the swim test? Have them ask their recruiter. 

Make sure they know it will be a few weeks before they hear anything from you, and that their form letter could possibly get lost in the mail, so to be sure to write you and mail a letter with their address to you as soon as they are able. - Put a small note, scripture, or word of encouragement in their wallet, small Bible (our MEPS office had some there as well), (check on other Holy books allowed), for them to read when they are missing home. - Tell them a specific time when you will be thinking only about them during the day / evening - sending all your love and prayers their way, so they can hold fast to that as well. 

Have the talk -  Who do you want to be contacted about if something happens to them? And at what stage of sickness, illness, etc.? Most likely if something major happens you will need to contact the American Red Cross. Decide ahead of time if they want to know and possibly be flown home for a funeral, in the middle of BC. It has been a couple of years, but we had a situation like this occur, from my time here on the site. 

BelovedbyHim  awww - I love that story - thanks for sharing. I try so hard to give my anxious thoughts to God - not always successful - but it definitely helps! 

Welcome jog6. Tiggerkat. kirby20 & Fawnface !!  This is an incredible group!!! I've recieved so much since joining - information, education, support, encouragment, validation... You name it! 

CBMom - that's so awesome your SRs group is coming together. And I'm with you on the change... my son's most recent letter was sooo...different!

TGCunny - I just LOVE your pic!! Congrats to your sailor! 

Just playing catch up on all the posts. We had a nice time camping and boating all weekend (though strange without my SR there!).  My daughter's 17th birthday was Saturday and she got a letter from my SR on that day - he wrote a nice letter and sent her some $$ which really shocked her. They were super close when they were young - then the teen years hit and there was A LOT of bickering (there's only 14 months between them). Suddenly now... huge shift. She had written him about how worried she was with school starting without him and who would protect her from the bullies. He wrote back and said "give me names and I'll take care of it when I'm home"  - Been waiting for awhile for this "big brother" moment... (and no, he wouldn't really beat anyone up... it's just the sentiment).  We got a letter yesterday from him - and in both our letter and hers, he wants her to come to graduation (warm my heart!) so... she's coming now. (I'm in shock how much money we are spending to see our son for not even 24 hours! - crazy but I don't even care!). Like CBMom said... the change is incredible. He's been there for 6 weeks (oh gosh that hurts my mama's heart) and he's changing so much already. I'm so proud and yet I miss him so much my heart aches today.  (Maybe it's my hormones LOL)

OK.... off to get some work done! Happy Tuesday! 

tammybikerunfaithlove - I am so glad that your daughter is going with you to graduation and that you are going to be able to attend!  His letter to his sister was priceless, I am sure. 

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

PIR OCTOBER 22

PIR SEPTEMBER 2022

PIR AUGUST 2022

hello! can anyone tell me if we are allowed to send our SR's mail vis USPS flat rate service? I wanted to send him a flat rate envelope so he can mail back some mail he has received. I was hoping to send a flat rate envelope so he doesn't need to be concerned about the postage but those envelopes are kind of bulky so I think sending them flat rate is better?  

Danamom - you can send it.  They might make him open it in front of the RDC just to make sure there isn't any contraband in it.  I would hope that he wouldn't get "hit" for this lol!  Just put a note on it saying it's for him to send letters home ;-D

              ATHLETIC SHOE UPDATE

Check out the new Facebook post on the RTC page.  Recruits are now allowed to bring their own personal running shoes to boot camp but there are guidelines to follow:

Navy Recruit Training Command - FB

Great News!!!

I have a Sailor!  It was so good to hear her voice but she was so very tired that she sounded sad.  

Yay Amy!  BZ to your new Sailor!

Thank you!  

Danamom - the flat rate envelope is a good idea, but consider that your recruit may not write too often.  The Navy keeps them pretty busy!

Amy - GO AMY! GO AMY! GOT A SAILOR, GOT A SAILOR! Big Navy Mom Hugs for you!

Amy - WooHoo - So glad you got your phone call!!!  

Amy - Now that you daughter has passed BS-21 - please feel free to come join us in the Beyond BC group - Beyond BC - Navy For Moms (ning.com)

WHOOP!!!

WHOOP!!!!
WHOOP!!!
WE HAVE A SAILOR!!!!
Congratulations to Amy and her Sailor!!! BZ!!!!

tammybikerunfaithlove & CBMom -- We tried to warn ya!! you let them leave as boys and the Navy gives them back as Men!! The Change is Amazing!! (And yes that kid is still in there and sometimes they can be real sh***y even after but for the most part they are really changed!)

Can any of our recent Grad moms please confirm the timeline with your SR and let me know of changes?  Thanks

Danamom  -- Yes you can send a prepaid envelope for them to mail back excess mail but ask if he wants one. My sailor didn't want to part with his letters till we saw him at PIR.  He may have to open it in front of the RDC's but it should not be an issue.  He can ask first and reply to you and that way he knows it's coming.  The Tyvek ones work best.

B's -- That's Great news!!! Maybe wearing their own shoes will reduce stress fractures and other injuries! (I wonder why the change?? Supply issues?)

Amy - WooooooHooooooo!!!! Congrats to your SAILOR!! She must feel so proud of herself! Such a wonderful accomplishment!!! 

belovedbyHim - LOL -... yup - the warning was there! 

I learned of the running shoes prior to my SR heading to bootcamp from a facebook group I'm in. They made that change because too many SRs were getting injured during the runs. It's a smart move for sure. As a runner, I know the importance of getting the right running shoe for your foot, your style of running...etc. My son is also a runner - so he was happy to bring his own shoes.  Funny about the change... his recruiter didn't know until I told her - though it was apparantly posted on the recruit command's website I think in June? Seems recruiters don't always get informed of the things they need to know. 

Hi everyone. I’m in the car driving from TN to Chicago. Crying different tears than I was almost 10 weeks ago. I can’t believe PIR is actually happening in just two days for my son. This has been the longest and most emotional summer EVER, and I just need to say a huge thank you to everyone here. I may have stayed quiet for a good deal of BC, asking just a few questions here and there, but believe me…I read ALL the comments and soaked in every single thing. Felt everyone’s emotions like they were mine. Saved every piece of advice in my ‘Navy’ folder. Used the support to lift me on my bad days (and there were/are MANY). This group is incredible, knowledgeable and supportive beyond belief- and does all of this in such a way that is not ‘judgy’. THANK YOU. Means the world to me when trying to navigate these unchartered waters with so many questions!!!! 
xoxo to all. Hooyah to my sailor! Here’s to the future- couldn’t be a more proud mom! 

LMCinTN - Congratulations!!! And thank you for letting us know that you were reading, even if not replying or commenting. Some days it can get pretty quiet around this group and those of us that stick around and help out on this group, as well as post on others, we get busy with our own daily lives as well. It helps us to remember that even if we feel like we are the only ones posting a word of encouragement or something, that you all are soaking it in.  - When you get a chance, check your profile page, I left some information there for you. 

We have a great group of members who stick around, posting and paying it forward. All of you are welcome to do the same. 

For our new members that recently joined, I started a follow up group to this one about a year and a half ago. Once you have the "I'm a sailor" call after Battle Stations or are heading to or have attended PIR, you may join. If I don't send you a link to the group, you may always click on my Chipmunk and find me and post a note, requesting to join. 

It is a great way to stay in community with other Navy moms from all various groups and areas on this site, instead of just isolating to a rate or ship specific group that may not be as active. 

We also occasionally call on our Navy Mom Posse, a phrase that came about during the Covid shut down, when we had moms not receiving any communication about their SR. When I call up the Posse, I am usually asking for help in that group to come to the aid of this group, either to answer a question that we can't or just to reach out to you all. Many of them just do so anyway. 

Be sure to join your PIR group.  Here are the links - November PIR group is started now too:

PIR OCTOBER 22

PIR SEPTEMBER 2022

congrats on the new sailors... I so remember that feeling. been almost a year for me.. actually this time last year our son was ASMO'd two weeks.. such a roller coaster ride.. ps.. I don't like rollercoasters lol.. I get motion sickness and boot also gave me plenty of upset stomachs and stress headaches..  

Hugs to all.. have a great day

LMCinTN - safe travels!  Hopefully you'll be going to Sarge's Meet N Greet tomorrow.  Here's the link:

Sarge's Meet N Greet

Congratulations Amy and LMCinTN, so very happy for you both. 

Amy your daughter is probably just relieved it is over, she is probably just exhausted and not sad. This is just as a strain on their emotions as it is for us if not more. She just needs hugs from her mama! 

Reminder if you are heading to PIR this week!

        MASK MANDATE BACK IN EFFECT

* * * 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.

LMCinTN - safe travels!  I'm right behind you in 2 weeks!

LMCinTN - BZ to your Sailor!..and you! You both hung in there. On to A school (our C school) Keep in touch on Beyond BC and let us know how your Sailor's doing from time to time.

LMCinTN Huge congrats to your sailor! Such an exciting and emotional moment! Tomorrow will be incredible!  

Be sure to join your PIR group.  Here are the links - November PIR group is started now too:

PIR OCTOBER 22

PIR SEPTEMBER 2022

LMCinTN-- Have a Wonderful time!! Enjoy every second and safe travels to you and your Sailor!

Happy Friday and Happy PIR day!! Just saw that mask mandates were lifted yesterday!  Nice that you will be able to see your sailors face today!! 

Woke up missing my son today. This is going to be a 6 year roller coaster of emotions.  Only 4 more Fridays, God willing, till I see my boy! 

Tammy - BNMHs!!! 

Liz - Welcome to the BC Mom and Loved One group!! This is where you should come say hi to everyone. Tell us what week your daughter is in at BC. 

Welcome Liz!  My daughter is in boot camp right now and should graduate in 2 weeks.  She told me in her letters that the nightly routine is her favorite, that she has time to prep for the next day by cleaning her boots and braiding her hair, etc.  She must also be writing during that time as most of the letters I have gotten have been journal style covering several days.

my sailor was in boot this time last year. he went in under a 6 year contract because of his rate.. some rate/jobs have a very long school time, so that is built into the contract. My son has just finished A school last month and won't go to his C school until november, but that still isn't a start time.. his A school was like 6 months and C school will be as well.. and there is hold time while the navy lines up classes to start.  he is a FC/Fire Controlman with a weapon special of CIWS. yea lol it's a long time, especially for us.. ask anyway.. big hugs to you

My son also signed a 6 year contract. He was in Nuke School but couldn't  absorb the tremendous amount of material they were given. At the end of Power School he was re-rated to Aviation Electronic Tech and he is in school for another 6 months. Just wanted to put this out there that even though they changed rates they are still obligated for the 6 years mainly because of all the classroom time (schooling) they have to do for the job they have.

Remember even though they don't make it through a rate it is not a loss, the education they receive and study time and everything they put into it is invaluable and something they will never lose. The Navy will do everything possible to help them achieve their goals as long as they are willing to put in the hard work and if for some reason they just can't do it the effort they put in is highly recognized by their supervisors. They will be re-rated if they have a good attitude and a strong desire and show great character.  

COVID Message Board

* * * The Latest Guidance as of August 25th, 2022 - Revised Pass-in-Review Policy * * *

Effective immediately, indoor mask policy is relaxed per CDC guidance. Naval Station Great Lakes (NAVSTAGLKS) remains in HPCON Charlie. Presently, Lake County, Illinois, has a medium level of COVID cases. Guests attending the graduation ceremony are NOT required to wear a mask while indoors, for ticket pickup at the Welcome Center, or while indoors at Recruit Training Command.

Today's PIR happening live:

PIR 08.26.2022

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

PIR OCTOBER 22

PIR SEPTEMBER 2022