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

I tried to watch todays PIR and the live stream feed must have had some technical issues, very disappointed, was hoping to catch a glimpse of my daughter.

Amy - try watching it again.  It is posted now and working.  Maybe you'll still see her!

Today's PIR:

PIR 08.26.2022

B'sNukeMoM - I tried, still a no-go, frozen in places.  Not a huge deal, it was always going to be a long shot to see her anyway.  She said she would be assisting with guests and I don't think they video too much of the audience.   I'm good, got the BS call this week and the mystery package arrived.  I had sent her a prepaid envelope to send back some of her mail and that's what it was.  I am hearing that I may get one more call after the last run test, so excited for that if it happens.  Otherwise, I'll just be busy packing my bags and looking forward to a really long drive!

Q's Momma, thank you for the confirmation, happy, happy dance!

Liz -- 6 years seems long from your end but mine will have 9 at the end of this month (From PIR--- We have lots of milestones to mark time)  It seems to have flown by in the blink of an eye!  Just like their childhood passes quickly, one day you will feel the same way about their initial commitment.  If they choose to extend, re-enlist or go career... We'll be here for that too.  Maybe not on this page but Navy moms don't abandon Navy Moms.

Amy, Q's and all our other BC Moms-- That's great news about the additional Phone call following the final PFA!! We'll add that to the milestone check boxes for moms to mark off as they process through BC!!  I KNOW you all live for knowing when you might possibly get a phone call so these details are helpful for others to know when there may be calls coming in.

Good Morning Everyone!

For those that might be waiting for a phone call, especially if you are nearing the approximate 3 weeks, make sure you have your phone ringer on loud and the phone on your person. My calls came in the afternoons on Saturday, but that is not the case for every division. 

Amy- How did you do the prepaid envelope? My son says he’s running out of room for his mail too.

Liz, 

This weekend marks 5 years since my sailor's PIR. We were still driving home from GL. So much has happened in those 5 years, the most blessed, his marriage to another sailor, who I refer to as my sailor gal. 

Even though we do our best to prepare them for adulthood, I don't know that anything helps to prepare us for letting them fly, especially when they join the military. 

Lori - Welcome to the BC Mom and Loved one group. I haven't had a chance to post a personal hello on your page. This is the best location on our group to come say hi, let us know where you are at in your Navy life journey, ask questions and share with others. More of our members see the comments here than up in the discussions. 

Everyone have a wonderful afternoon - I will be off again for a bit. 

Good Afternoon

Got a call from my son yesterday.  He is doing well, but failed the RDC assessment again.  He is making progress though.  So he said they will keep him where he is until after BS21 and the final run.  If he fails that, they will send him back to another division starting from 1-1. Will they just keep setting him back until he passes?  

I am watching about the envelope.  I have a feeling that we will need to do the same thing the longer he is in.

JNMnavymom, prayers for your son to pass his final RDC. They should have someone working with him.

CBMom and JNMnavymomOH - sorry for the delayed response.  I go to bed earlier than most toddlers and I don't kick and scream about it. I get up early and work on Sundays.  

I went to the post office and purchased a Priority Flat Rate envelope with postage, it was $8.95.  I filled out the label as from her to me. I mailed it to my daughter in large brown envelope with a short note advising her that it was paid so all she had to do was put whatever it, seal the envelope and mail.  I figured she might have had to open it in front of the RDC so kept it short.   She sent back most of the letters the family had sent and some of the paperwork she had been given when she opened bank account, etc.  She kept the letters from her boyfriend - LOL.  Hope this helps you and your SR.

Liz:  it's ok to be upset. My son has been in for just over 2 years. I still have the occasional break down. Not as often as I used to but it's still there. He is currently home on leave and will be returning to base soon. Had a moment of sadness just today because he must return soon. I just started a new job as well. Good luck on your first day!  I hope it goes well and you love your new job

Liz - welcome!!  These mothers are amazing, full of encouragement and information.  RDC is Recruit Division Command. The assessment is the physical fitness (PFA) tests that they must pass to continue in training.  For my son the problem is the run.  BS21 is Battle Stations, which is their final test of all they have learned prior to being "capped" or being able to call themselves a sailor.  After BS they have a final PFA to which they must pass in order to have PIR.  Thank you as I am frustrated as is he.

Northwoodsmom - Thank you. They do have someone helping him. He said that his time has improved, he went from 16 and some change to 14:56. But he needs to be at 12:15. I guess since he shaved over a minute off in 2 weeks it might be possible should he be ASMO'd again to start over.

Liz - welcome!  My daughter is currently in BC and should  graduate in 11 days, 15 hours, and 51 minutes, I  put a countdown widget on my phone as a reminder to look forward. Other things that helped me in the beginning was watching the videos that are available and just trying to learn as much as possible.  I also find that having my blue candle lit is comforting. It's OK to be heart broken, I cry every day at some point, or multiple points but it's not as overwhelming now.  The support here is AMAZING so please, ask whatever you want to know.  BNMH - Big Navy Mom Hugs

JNMnavymonOH, - I can not say for certain, if they will continue to set him back, just so that he can pass his PFA, but what I can assume is that based on what I know his A school will require PT at least once if not 2x / week and they use to also do a 5K, I think it was in the mornings one day a week, before they went and did classes. Because they know those sailors are less likely to be as physically active - if you get my drift. 

So, because they want these SRs to become sailors, I am sure they are working hard to get them to make it through and pass the physical test.  All the best to him!!

Liz & Lori - Here are some links for you - Blue Candle & Video 1 - BC & Video 2 - BC

Amy - Not much longer!!! 

Happy Monday All! Hope everyone had a lovely weekend! 

Welcome Liz & Lori! I echo what others have said - this is an incredibly supportive and encouraging group of women! It has been my saving grace in moments where I felt totally insane with all this! Liz - good luck at the new job. I hope today went well.  Like others have said - this journey is not an easy one - for our kids or for us here at home. My son has been at BC since July 11th (less than 4 weeks now till PIR!) and there are days my heart just hurts from missing him. I cry several times throughout the week - but not as intensely and not as long as I did that first week or two he was gone. It does get better. BNMHs to you! 

JNMnavymomOH - sorry to hear about your SR! That's so frustrating. I'm glad he's been able to make some improvements though!  I will pray your son is able to pass the final PFA!  

Good Morning (and in some cases, good afternoon!) and Happy Monday.  It's been a busy one and I'm just getting a chance to log in.....you all have been busy this morning.  Good to see ;-D