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

PIR OCTOBER 22

PIR SEPTEMBER 2022

My SR has been transferred to Ship 02, is there a group for this so that I can get more information?

Hi everyone! My name is Melissa and my son will be leaving for RTC this Thursday! I'm trying to figure out what he needs

I'm so happy I found this group of moms! I don't have any friends or family with kids in the military so please indulge me when I have a lot of questions or get sad. I miss him already!

Hi Melissa!  Welcome!  I am Shanny. I guess I’m a long timer but feel like I’m a newbie still. My son has been in for just over 2 years now. You have found a great place with a whole group of people who have gone through what you are and we all understand. 

so, as for thing your sailor needs…. My son would say nothing but the clothes on his back and to wear his own running shoes as the ones they give them are horrible. But he skips the simple things…. If he is taking a wallet, it needs to be black. If he is going to wear a watch, something simple and black. (Don’t wear an iwatch or anything similar). If he is going to keep his bank account at home and not open a Navy Federal account, he will need his routing and account info for direct deposit. I wrote important numbers and addresses on a small piece of paper and stuck it in his wallet. They can keep their wallets but their phones will be put away until they graduate. If he is religious, they are allowed to bring a religious book such as a Bible with them. I think people recommended a pocket sized one as their room for storage is very limited. 

I know others will have more ideas. Their belongings and clothes they are wearing upon arrival need to fit in a box about the size of a shoe box. So they really do not want to take much with them

Here are links to some of the pages in the upper right corner, for everyone's benefit. 

Ship/Division - How it Works

Ship 02 houses the 900's division - 900's Division group - Cindi@FrostyAcres - I think this is what you are looking for?

The 800's use to also be housed there, they were the special forces trainees, but I believe they dropped this division during COVID and SRs with those contracts are now being integrated within the other divisions. If you do have a SR with a contract for special forces, DO NOT post that on this public page. Please reach out to B'sNukeMom or myself and we can get you in touch with information you may be looking for. 

Ship 04 is where the RCU - Recruit Convalescent Unit is located.  Recruit Convalescent Unit - RCU - For those whose recruits are sent here, be sure to join - RCU Ship 04 Div 741

Be sure to read through the information also posted on the Ship/Division page as there are several things housed in Ship 04. 

Hi Melissa, Glad to see you posting here. I was putting together the Ship information below for Cindi@FrostyAcres. I am glad that Shanny was able to say Hi!! She is a great gal! 

B'sNukeMom posted this a few days ago the link to BC FB page (https://www.facebook.com/NavyRecruitTrainingCommand)  - You have to scroll down a bit to Aug 23 2022 where guidelines are shared about what running shoes are permissible at Boot Camp now. 

- If you can get ahold of a prepaid calling card before BC, then your son can activate it at home. If not, they can buy them at the NEX. 

Like Shanny said, make sure they have their bank account information. Also, make sure they have their social security card. I think I also tucked in a couple of postage stamps as well. Some moms will write a short note to stick in the wallet or inside of their Bible with an encouraging message for them to be able to read when they have not received letters yet. 

Some SRs will write letters and leave for their families or will leave a voice message on the phone. Here is an information page about Letter writing and fun stuff/questionnaire

Ok, sorry, I am just really confused, I am pretty certain my SR told me his new address was Ship 02 Div 741, he was injured and will be in rehab.....everything on here says it should be Ship 04.  I want to get a letter out right away to him, but I don't know. Do you think his recruiter could help me?

Hi Cindi@FrostyAcres - I can't find anything on the RTC website to verify. All I know is what Lemonelephant has posted in the past and the Ship 02 Div 741 group on this site. I would honestly, join that group, but I think that Ship 2 is what you are looking at if your SR was injured. If in doubt, send a letter to both ships, but I think it is ship 2, if he was injured. Since you had not stated earlier that he was injured, I did not want to just assume and tell you it was ship 2. But if he told you ship 4, that is confusing.

I don't know if your recruiter has any more info or not. Maybe B'sNukeMom will know in the morning. I am sorry. 

Ummi - Do you by chance know if RCU is still housed in Ship 2?  Thanks! Her daughter was in RCU from an injury for awhile. 

Hi Melissa - As far as what to bring - Shanny covered that really well, but our sailor's recruiter had said he could have a small notebook (pocket size) and he could write addresses and phone #'s in it. We put grandparents, brother, some of his buddies, favorite cousin, etc. Gave him other people to talk to if he couldn't get hold of us, (you don't want them to miss the opportunity to talk to the outside world if they earn a phone call) He even wrote a couple of letters to his grandparents. I can't tell you how much that meant to them!  Just a thought, but our sailor was glad his recruiter mentioned it as he realized he didn't have very many phone numbers memorized. 

Osheatoo2 - Thank YOU!!! - I am sorry that your SR is in RCU as well. But I also appreciate you verifying the correct ship.  It sounds like we need to get some information updated on here. 

Cindi@FrostyAcres - my apologies for confusion. I was also tired last night trying to reply and had not even recognized totally the conflict with the ship #s.  I would go with Ship 2 Div 741 - especially since that is where your SR told you he was at. Considering we always tell parents, your SR / Sailor is the best source of information concerning themselves. I would stick with that. 

My sailor still carries a breast pocket sized memo notebook and a disposable mechanical pencil with eraser. He calls it his "pocket brain" and uses it also to write down other thoughts and ideas that he has as well as for notes and numbers / addresses. 

Here's the link to the Ship 4 Division 741 group.  We have it as Ship 4 on here (if it changed, we never changed it here).  Take a look at the group and you should be able to find some helpful info:

RCU Ship 4 Div 741

Still use the address your SR gave you.

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

PIR OCTOBER 22

PIR SEPTEMBER 2022

Melissa - Welcome! My name is Tammy. My son (SR) shipped of to BC on 7/11.This group is incredible. Everyone here will answer questions, share in your sadness (or other rollercoaster emotions you experience).  I stuck a few small pictures inside my son's bible. 

Cindi - hope your SR recovers soon. Sending prayers. 

Hi, Melissa!  My son is approaching the one year anniversary of when he left for RTC.  This group was a lifesaver for me!  I hope you will come here often when you have questions or when you need encouragement.  (I cried a lot when my son was gone, and certainly needed the support from here.)

Also, don't panic if you can't find a pre-paid phone card.  I didn't know they needed one until after he left and I had a MAJOR meltdown -- feeling like a terrible parent, thinking he'd never call because I'm a failure.  But not too long after that, he called and said he was glad I didn't send him with one because it was no big deal.  They gave him a $150 gift card to NEX on arrival, he bought a phone card, and the first time he was allowed to call, it worked out great!

The other thing that helped me is when I realized that boot camp was not just training my son; it was training ME to let go, to pray more, to get used to no contact.  When they are in the fleet, we have to be strong, so BC is our first training ground, too.  (Which I kinda sucked at, but I hope I'll do better next time!  LOL)

MomofJoseph - Thanks for coming and sharing. I am glad that you stopped by!

Hi! My son is set to head to the recruiter and then the hotel TOMORROW! I can't believe it! I got him a small, black wallet and out in it a paid calling card, addresses and phone numbers of family and his IDs and some cash. Do you know if visiting is allowed in Pensacola when they are in school?

oh one more thing...if SRs don't need 4 tickets for PIR, can they give it away or another SR? My son has 3 siblings who all want to go plus his dad and me. We're one short

Melissa - There are no trading or giving away extra seats at PIR. And it does depend on the size of the TG at PIR, how many divisions there are, as to whether or not it will be 3 guests, 4 guests, or if they will go back to 2 guests. The siblings can all go with you to see your sailor though, and some hotels will live stream the event, but you may also watch it on your computer on the hotel wifi (if it is strong enough). 

As for seeing your sailor once they are in Pensecola, it will depend on their A school schedule.  - If he will be flying out after PIR - be sure to read this discussion - What PIR weekend may be like for those flying out of GL - Navy For ...

It is a few years old and I am not sure if there are some other updates posted at the end or not but it is about as best of information as I can give you from what it was like for my sailor. 

Tell your son to be sure and let you know what his flight number and airline are, that way you can track him to GL. Also, tell him to call you at the airport, as that will be the last conversation before they catch the bus to RTC/ BC. Make sure you have your phone near you and ringer on loud. The "Im Here" call can come late into the night. It is a scripted call and I thought it was my son on a voice recording, it sounded so robotic. I just said "I love you" over and over. 

If you are able to go to MEPS, do so for swearing in. You are likely able to go to the airport, even if they transport them there. Your SR will have to show orders at the ticketing gate and see if you can get a guest pass. You will need all proper ID as though you are flying. You will go through security and be able to stay at the gate with him, if he wishes. Some do and some don't. We did not know we could.

Oh yes, they give the SRs a meal voucher at the airport. Tell him that if he has a lay over flight to make sure he buys enough food the first time to tied him over. They can only use the voucher once and for my son, they had a direct flight. They did not get food before they left our airport, but when they got to O'Hare, they were rushing around trying to find a food place, and eat before they had to catch their bus, because their plane had been delayed leaving on our end. They will be up for about 36 hours, so they want to eat to tied them over. 

Sorry if there are typos, it is past my bedtime but I saw your msg in my email feed and wanted to reply tonight. 

Happy Wednesday!

Melissa - as Chipmunk said there are no giving away or trading seats for PIR.  That is a HUGE NO NO.  And unfortunately the training groups have all been rather large of late so they are limited to 3 guests only, which makes it even harder on families. Hopefully you can find somewhere for friends and family to watch the livestream.

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

PIR NOVEMBER 2022

PIR OCTOBER 22

PIR SEPTEMBER 2022

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

Here is my discussion on the Sandboxx App - click on the link:

Sandboxx app while in BC

**Only to be used while in boot camp.

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®

 *** COVID PROTOCOLS ***
Recruit Training Command continues to operate in a COVID environment in order to protect the safety of both trainees and staff while meeting mission demands. This policy is subject to change as leadership continues to monitor the spread and impact of the Coronavirus. Therefore, the following protocols are in place:

• 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 able to attend, and will NOT be issued tickets to attend. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS.
• To ensure the health and safety of all, every person attending is required to observe social distancing protocols while inside all RTC facilities and throughout graduation ceremonies inside midway ceremonial drill hall. REMINDER: Policies regarding the graduation ceremony can change at any time due to changes in our health protection status and policy. Please travel with a mask in case the requirement to wear one while attending the graduation ceremony is implemented. For those unable to attend we invite you to watch the ceremony online from home. 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 at rtc.pao@navy.mil.
• Each sailor is allowed a maximum of FOUR GUESTS, (THREE GUESTS when 11 or more divisions are graduating,) on base for the graduation ceremony. No exceptions, and children 2 & under do not count toward the guest limit.

REMINDER FROM THE US NAVY RECRUIT TRAINING COMMAND FACEBOOK PAGE:

Everyone who is planning on attending a graduation ceremony MUST personally obtain a ticket, which will be distributed at the Recruit Family Welcome Center the week of your recruit's graduation. Tickets are free of charge, but you must have valid photo ID to obtain your ticket (driver's license, state ID, military ID, passport, or, for minors, a student ID, driver's permit, SSN card, birth certificate,) AND you MUST also have your COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card.

WELCOME CENTER ADDRESS/GPS: Navy Exchange (NEX) Burkey Mall, 2650 Green Bay Road North Chicago, IL 60088 (Do NOT use generic terms such as NEX, Recruit Training Command or Naval Station Great Lakes).

    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.

hi Moms! Leaving with my SR in 20 minutes to head to the recruiter and then the hotel. Flight to BC tomorrow. Not sure how I'm going to get through this...

You got this Melissa!  Remember to keep your phone on and ringer up high.  You will get that quick 30 second phone call when your SR arrives in Great Lakes.  I'm in CA and my call came in about 8pm PST.  Figure it might be later for you.  Just answer any call!  It will be a scripted call and you'll probably hear a lot of yelling in the background.  Don't let that worry you.  Just shout over your SR and tell him that you love him and he's got this!

Melissa - You will get thru it.  It may not seem like it though.  The trick I hear is to keep busy, find things to do to occupy your down time.  I am struggling with this myself though.  My call came in around 11:30pm and it was 9 seconds long.  It was "Mom, I'm here. You'll get mail from me in about 3 weeks."  I said I love you and you got this.  And then click.  Phone turned off and packed away until PIR. The first few days were the absolute hardest for me. Crying and feeling empty.  I don't cry as often now, but they do come unexpectedly.  It is a process of letting go and no amount of preparation could have prepared me for these feelings.  I was so excited when I got the form letter that I cried.  You raised a strong child!!   BNMH!

I added the November 10, 2022 PIR to the November group.

November 10, 2022 TG-48 4 guests allowed.  Please note this is a THURSDAY PIR due to Veterans Day (395,397,398,399,400,401,402,403,405,948) 

Deep breath Melissa.. you will feel so many emotions that you may just go numb for a day or two.. we did..  but we got through it.. I swear for us it was a 10 week anxiety attack.. stay busy as you can.. write letters every day.. I would surf for odd/funny short stories and tidbits to add some humor to his letters...  BNMH... stay flexible, this is hard on us as well as them as we learn to navigate a new reality

Liz -- I know you replied on Sunday but life happened here so this is my first time back on.  Yes, 1 week of BC feels like a lifetime but I promise that when you look back, it will feel so short.  One Week, One day, One hour, One breath.... just keep taking the next ONE and wait for the AMAZING results!!
(Oh and we don't count typos.... ~;o)

JNMnavymomOH -- They only have so many tries.  Remind me... Was he injured or has he always struggled with the run?

MomofJoseph  -- You didn't suck at being a BC mom... You were new and this is a VERY unfamiliar world!  That's why we need you all to stick around and help the new moms get their bearings!  Moms who came before charted the path, they relayed the word back to those who followed about what lies ahead, however we are on turbulent seas and sometimes the currents change slightly so you can signal those changes to the moms following you... this continues on and on, week after week, new moms come here with no idea what lies ahead except they have been told that "Here there be Monsters!"  It's our job to guide them to safe harbors, To be the Beacon that leads them safely through.  For some that journey will be short, others will spend a lifetime at sea and then there are horrible tempests that we try not to dwell on, but we are there for those too. 
Now, Here you are... Offering words of comfort, Encouragement and wisdom to the new Moms.... And you are doing a beautiful job at it!!

Melissa -- If you can go down tonight to the hotel he's staying at... DO SO!! Take him out to dinner! Have him call TONS tomorrow especially when he lands in Chicago!  That will be your last visit for a while so be sure to take advantage of it!

On the PIR tickets... No If they can only have 4 guests they cannot use another SR's un-used ticket.  In fact "Sharing" tickets can and will get them court marshaled!! DON'T DO IT!!!  I know it's unfair and it stinks but someone will have to remain at the hotel until after PIR at which time they can join you & your sailor off base.
You will get through this One Breath at a time, One minute, one hour, one Day.... Just keep moving to the next ONE!! You are not alone!! We have never lost a mom to Boot Camp... We won't start with you!!! Keep Breathing and keep going... We are here cheering you on and we KNOW what you are going through... You raised a Navy Sailor, You are stronger than you think!

Chipmunk, B's... You ever stop for a moment to be in AWE???
I have had a crazy busy week this week and this is the first time I've had a few minutes to get caught up on emails. 
I just was reading the posts from all these "New" moms to Melissa... They are not so New anymore and They GOT it!!!
I just am busting with pride in them!! I just thought they should know that, Yes... We are proud of their Sailors... But, We are Also Extremely Proud of them!! These Amazing Moms!!!

belovedbyHim4 - he has always struggled.  I feel so guilty for just thinking that it might be better for him to just come home and work on the run and try again.  I don't want him to fail, but the disappointment of watching his divisions and friends graduate while he gets put back is heartbreaking to hear about. I don't know what else to say to him except to keep going and never give up.

BelovedbyHim - Yes, it has been wonderful to see all of our new moms taking the other new members under their wings and encouraging them along. It helps so much when we get busy with our lives and can't always reply immediately. I love to see the many active posts!  

Let me just say, I don't believe any of you ladies "suck" at being a BC/Navy mom.  I am very thankful for your encouragement and wisdom.  Because of you ladies, I am able to feel confident in helping/pass on what I have learned or am learning to other moms just starting.  I do not have a military background so I am trying to be a sponge.  I know that there have been times where I have asked a question feeling rather dumb/stupid for asking.  Thank you from all the moms, whether new just starting or at the end of the BC journey. This journey is something else and it helps having other mom's who have experienced the same thing to talk with, vent frustrations or cry to. 

JNMnavymomOH -- I once heard the only "Stupid" question is the one not asked!  Ask away!!!
I'm so sorry his recruiter sent him knowing he was struggling.  He is making good strides by shaving off 2min in a short amount of time.  If this is what he truly wants, he CAN do it!! Yes it's hard but how much sweeter will be his victory for the struggle!  Keep encouraging him but you may also want to gently let him know that you will NOT see him as a failure if he decided the battle is too much.  Only he can know if he has truly given it his all and that is all we can ask.  The RDC's will work with him as long as he's working hard to improve!
I'll keep him in my prayers as he struggles to make his time!

Hello to everyone and welcome to the new members! 

The last few weeks have been a whirlwind for me: My youngest son got his license and a job all in the same week, I went on vacation, worked, traveled for work, and then back to work. I haven't been able to post but I've kept up with reading and am grateful for you who post. 

I got the "I'm a sailor" call yesterday when I was at work! It was so good to hear his voice. He thought he would have liberty all weekend. (He's going to San Antonio). I told him not to be disappointed if he only gets Friday and has to fly out Saturday morning. He gets his orders 9/12 and graduates the 16th. 

He is the Recruit Commander-front and center!- for the PIRs 9/2, 9/9, and his own on 9/16. I'm so excited to have the opportunity to have 2 chances to see him! If you are there or tune in, they will announce his name from Massachusetts.

I have a medical screening this Friday afternoon so I may not be able to watch. I feel so bad for those who were watching last Friday. 

Only a few more weeks and I'll be able to hug him!

I have to decide between Comfort Suites Grayslake and the Springhill suites in Waukegan. One is closer and the other is a little further away but cheaper. Any reviews? 

nursekim, congratulations to you and your son, I m excited for you. Now communication will open up. Prayers for safe travels to his PIR. Have a blast, big hugs and happy tears.

nursekim -- You know they post the videos on the RTC Facebook page so you can watch them later.

Here's the link to last week's video.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0-AmkhxdV8

This way even if you miss PIR due to your medical needs you can still watch it again later.

Wait.... I Almost missed it!!!

WHOOP!
WHOOP!
WHOOP!!!
WE HAVE A SAILOR!!!!
Congratulations to nursekim and her sailor!!
BZ on a job well done!

Thanks everyone! We went to the gym this am like we always then I was able to get him checked in with his recruiter, into the hotel and his brothers and I went out to eat dinner at his favorite hibachi restaurant! We spent the rest of the day together before his curfew at 9. He'll be in MEPS tomorrow and then I can go to the airport to see him off to IL. 

I can't stop crying since he has been my constant companion since he was born. I'm so excited for all he will learn and see, but I don't like the change in the family dynamic. He has only been away from home once on senior trip to Disney and he called me at least 4x a day. No phone, no memes, no FT will be really hard for him!

Thank you for all the encouraging messages! I'm so glad I found this page!

Melissa -- I left a link on your page with some tips before he leaves.  Take or leave what is useful for you.  There is also a time line that can be helpful (It's not a 100% this is EXACTLY  what will happen) in knowing what may happen.  It's also been helpful for some of our moms to establish a time of day where your SR (Seaman Recruit) KNOWS you will be thinking of them (Usually in the evening) and they will be thinking of you.  It's a way of staying connected even when you cannot connect directly.  We are here to help you get through this time.  Ask any and all questions even if you think it's silly or has been asked before, that's what we are here for.

Nursekim - WooHoo!! Bravo Zulu to your new sailor!! - I believe we have had several moms stay at the Springhill Suites. I will ask in Beyond BC group and see if anyone can post.  - 

JNMnavymomOH - Being set back is really hard, especially when they have been through so much with their division in BC. It is easy to want to just have our kids come home and be back "safe" with us, it is such a hard thing to know exactly what is best. 

I would get frustrated with my son's recruiter, insisting that he be at as many DEP meetings as they were asking for, primarily to come work on their run. It was just not that feasible for us, and I had to convince them that my son could do the swimming (he had been on a swim team), and he set himself a regimen of almost daily running and doing his other exercises. He knew ahead of time, what his time had to be for a young 18-year-old male and made sure he was under it. Now that I am in this group and hear about so many of the SRs that struggle with their run, even my DIL tells me her story, I see now why they were pushing it at DEP. Not everyone is used to that regimen or do they have the opportunity to put that into their daily routine when in school and then leave for BC. 

However, passing their physical requirements continue throughout their military career and it affects their advancements. So, if there is any encouragement to give him, I would say, remind him that this is helping to build his stamina and strength so that he can continue to meet future PFA requirements. Because it doesn't matter how well you do in your schooling, for your rate, or continue with your qualifications, if you can't do the run and other fitness requirements, you will lose money and not be able to advance. A set back now will be worth it in the long run. And maybe he can be a buddy or encourager to another person who is struggling as well.