Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

B'sNukeMom  - curiosity question.... just noticing no PIR for 12/23 and 12/30 .... so do they have a couple weeks (10ish weeks prior to those dates) that they stop taking recruits at RTC?  If someone gets ASMO'd then they get pushed out to January?  Never really thought about the impact of holidays and bootcamp I guess. Interesting.  :)     BTW... I just LOVE Dory!  

Hi there!  I also noticed about the No PIR dates in December.  That's when my son's grad would typically be, so I'm VERY curious about any released info on this as soon as it comes down the line!  With it being the holidays until Jan 2 and standby, it sounds like he may get leave at the end of week 10, but with No PIRs scheduled, I'm just left wondering how in the world it will all work!  Any ideas? 

tammybikerunfaithlove -- No I understood. GL- RTC (Bootcamp Side) is the one that has the space issues.  GL A school side has a bit more space but they also take the THU Sailors so that fills them up.  That's why GL -RTC (Boot camp) wants to move the Sailors on to their A school location as quickly as they can.  The A school can take their time and house and feed the Sailors and that frees up more space at GL-RTC (Boot camp) for the next incoming batch of New SR's.  I am aware that your Sailor is in A school at GL and that his GF is in A school Elsewhere (I now know P-cola).  I was responding to your lament about why they could not just give all the new sailors the whole weekend.  I too wished we'd had more time.
Glad they are both looking fit and good and I hope they can make this work for them.

AIRCMom#1 & tammy -- yes those SR's who have Recently arrived will be there LONGER than the 10 weeks if they get ASMO'd or are there during the holiday Stand Down Period.  They DO NOT get to come home during that period and SR's who arrive at A school right before the Holiday Stand Down May not get to come home either.    AIRCMom#1 -- If you message me I can help you figure out when your SR may have PIR (Unless he has signed up for Sandboxx, in which case you may already know.)  They do reduce the SR's shipping to GL and No New SR's will arrive for those windows (I believe.)

I have looked and searched but cannot find the answer to this question. I just want to confirm that "Fully vaccinated" for purposes of PIR is at least 2 weeks past the the original dosing (ie. Pfizer is a 2-shot series, so after the 2nd shot) and not all the boosters, right? I'm afraid we'll get there and be told, "Nope, shoulda had the boosters, too!" Thanks so much for all the info! This has been so, so helpful!

Fawnface -- Yes. 2 weeks past not including boosters.  B's Usually posts this once a week (I found this back on the 28th) and I believe it's shared in the files.
From B'sNukeMomMMN ---

*** COVID PROTOCOLS ***

Thank you, belovedbyHim 3! I saw this post several times but it never specifically clarified that the boosters are not required. I appreciate that you did. 

belovedbyHim - thanks for all that info! So nice to have this group so we all can share our experiences and support each other through the journey!

Fawnface - Be sure to share with us when you receive the "I'm a sailor" call, so that we can rejoice with you. I see BelovedbyHim replied to your question. As I recall, B'sNukeMom clarified someplace else that it was just the initial immunization, not the booster that was required. 

For those of you that may not realize here is the RTC Bootcamp website - It was my go-to when my son was in BC because I did not find this site until a week before PIR. 

AIRCMom#1 - Welcome Aboard!! I am glad that you found our site, joined this group and found your way to the comment wall to post. This is the best place location to ask your questions and share your BC emotional roller coaster ride. More of the members see the posts here than even in the discussions above. This discussion of mine, Private Messages - Creating & Sending + OPSEC , might help you navigate this site a little. Also, be sure to read the information pages on the right that Lemonelephant put together for us and watch the videos that are posted in the upper left. I view N4M on my computer it is much easier to scroll around, if on your phone be sure to put it into desktop mode. Also, Blue Candle has some good ideas. 

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

 PIR DECEMBER 2022

PIR NOVEMBER 2022

PIR OCTOBER 2022

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).

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

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®

Be sure to RSVP for Sarge's Meet N Greet.  It's held on the Thursday night before PIR.  Here's the link:  

Sarge's Meet N Greet

The Meet N Greet for October 20th is cancelled, Sarge has to have surgery.

NOVEMBER 10, 2022 PIR IS A THURSDAY

MEET AND GREET WEDNESDAY 11-9-22

NOVEMBER 23, 2022 PIR IS A WEDNESDAY

MEET AND GREET TUESDAY 11-22-22

My SR arrived at Boot Camp at GL last night.  Got the call that he was there at around 11pm.  He sounded very rushed, and out of breath.  Lots of noise and yelling in the background.  He sounded a little scared.  We've tried our very best to prepare him for what's in store, and he kept saying that he wouldn't have any issues, but could tell from his voice last night, he was a little shell shocked.  I think that boot camp will be so good for him!  I'm excited to see the changes that happen over the next ten weeks.  But now I'm on the emotional ups and downs, worry and pride roller coaster.  I recorded his call last night so I could have it to listen to until I hear his voice again.  Can't wait to start the letter writing.  He said on the phone last night we should get his address in about two weeks.  Hopefully I don't have multiple anxiety attacks before then!! Here we go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

lapdja - Hang in there! My SR has been gone two weeks and the only communication I've had is the "I'm Here" call as well.  Good idea to record it - I didn't think of that!  Time seems to be creeping by but I'm sure it goes faster for them.  This group has been great and such a support!  Stay strong!

AIRCMom -Welcome aboard! Looking forward to getting to know you and hearing about your future sailor's journey through BC and beyond! This is a lovely group of supportive moms! 

Lapdja - BNMHs to you! The ups and downs can be hard! I'm learning it ebbs and flows through this journey. The changes will be amazing. I'm still in awe of how much my sailor has changed. That first call is a bit of a shock - I was so glad I was prepared for it.  I also recorded it !!  I think we recorded the second call too. Funny though - I never listened to either one again - but still have the recordings. I should play that "i'm here" call for my son when I see him again - could be funny now that he's on the other side of BC.  Hang in there - we will carry you through the rollercoaster ride! 

Tootie - I found that after the first 2 (painfully slow) weeks, time started to feel like it was moving a little faster. Hopefully your SR gets to call in another week or so. 

Hello Ladies, I know time is moving at a snail crawl for alot of you, how about a couple ideas to keep your minds and hands occupied? Let's see now there is the Blue Lantern or Candle ideas post just above the comment section.  We light/ burn them while they are going through BC, deployments or just because we miss them. I know it is a little early but you could start gathering ideas for your door anchors for PIR. Some motels don't allow them but some do. Another idea that was great is putting small flags up in your yard, you start with 10 of them and then remove one every Friday your recruit is at Boot Camp. By the time you remove number 10 you should be heading down to Great Lakes.  You could make wreaths for your front door to show your Navy pride. Read up on the donation baskets for the Sarge's Meet and Greet, that's up there somewhere to. Never too early to be looking for great ideas and buying supplies. Here is the wreath I made for my front door. The busier you stay the faster time will fly. Prayers for all your recruits and your aching hearts.

Northwoodsmom - thank you - great ideas!  And I love your wreath - so creative!

I made two wreaths already!! One for me and one for my parents! navy%20wreath%202.png

lapdja, they are beautiful. I guess you are way ahead of me. That would a great auction item at Sarge's if you were planning on going.

I got the "I'm a Sailor!" call! She sounded exhausted but is super excited and counting down the days to graduation. Can't wait to see her. She said her team did a great job and team work was awesome throughout. Yay!

Northwoodsmom & lapdja, those wreaths are super cute!

Fawnface, congratulations, so happy for your daughter and you. Prayers for a safe trip to Great Lakes. Give that Sailor a hug from all of us too.

I love those wreaths.  I wish I was creative like that.  I would love to purchase one for my house after my son graduates.  

OPFA failed, retake on Friday. My mama heart can't take this set back week by week.  

Congratulations for those that get to PIR this week!!

lapdja & northwoodsmom - Beautiful wreaths!

Fawnface - Congratulations to your sailor!! 

NJMnavymomOH - prayers for success for your son on Friday

 Fawnface  woo hoo... congrats.. BZ to your new sailor...

JNMnavymom, gosh, I can't imagine this rollercoaster you are on. Holding your son up in Prayer that Friday he will persevere and you will get a positive phone call filled with excitement. Your indeed are being structured into a very strong Navy Mom!

Fawnface - BZ (Bravo Zulu) - Congratulations!!

Yes, at the end of this I should be able to handle just about anything.  Talk about a learning curve/experience.  Thank you for your prayers and good luck wishes.

lapdja -- Welcome to the wildest ride you never knew you would be on!!  yep... Once they get there and the yelling starts, even the most prepared are a little shell shocked!  Just remind him, when you hear from him to Keep his head down, His mouth shut and to do what he's told, when he's told, the way he's told and he'll be just fine!!  Your Wreaths look awesome!!!

Tootie --- {{{{{BNMH}}}}} The great silence is so hard.  You can do this and so can your SR!!

WHOOP
WHOOP
WHOOP
ATTENTION ON DECK

We have a sailor!
Congratulations to Fawnface  and her Sailor!! BZ!!!!

JNMnavymomOH ---{{{{{BNMH}}}}} There are no other words to say!!!  You are going to be the strongest of us all no matter what may come!

lapdja - Your wreaths are lovely! 

Keep in mind that there is a lot of rushing and change going on with your SR (seaman recruit) in the first 36 hours at BC. Be sure to watch the videos posted in the upper left. Also, begin writing your letters now so that you can mail them off when you have an address. 

Be sure to look at the pages in the upper right (click view all). One of those is Letter writing and fun stuff/questionnaire

this blog posted is linked there, but I am sharing here because there is new information with regards to Sandboxx App for BC   that was just updated in Sept 2022. It is posted there as well as check out RTC Bootcamp website

Fawnface - Congratulations!!  You have a sailor!!

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

 PIR DECEMBER 2022

PIR NOVEMBER 2022

PIR OCTOBER 2022

JNMNavyMom oh my heart hurts with you. This is such a tough journey. Prayers for strength and speed for your SR today! 

LAPDJA & Northwoodsmom I absolutely LOVE your wreaths! You should sell on ETSY - I'd totally buy! :)  Really wish I had that kind of creativity and talent! 

Fawnface Woot Woot!!! Bravo Zulo to your sailor!!! So exciting! 

Good Morning,

I have just read that we can send Contacts and solution, I guess for Graduation. Is this correct? I copied and pasted it below. 

"The exception is that about 3 to 4 weeks before PIR you can send contacts and a small amount of solution. Writing "Contacts for PIR" in the corner of the small box or padded envelope is useful, but not necessary since your recruit will have to open the package in front of the RDC."

JNMNavyMom - sending lots of hugs your way today and praying for your SR - hang in there!

Junebugg - My understanding is that is correct. I would send a note though to your SR and ask them if they want you to send it to them. 

*Disclaimer* - I do not have first-hand knowledge on contacts, only what I know has been the case in the past and what Lemonelephant was able to glean when she wrote those pages. 

JNMNavyMom - prayers for your son.

Best wishes to anyone attending PIR today.

Remember your RED shirt today. My son's FRG (Family Readiness Group) sold Red Deployment shirts with our ship for a fundraiser. Every time I wear that shirt when my son's ship is out whether for a short excursion or a longer one, it takes on a totally different meaning. 

JNMnavymomOH, I am praying for your son today (and for you).  My heart is with you and I will pray for you every time I think of you.  Big hugs!!!!

Today's PIR happening now:

LIVE PIR 10.7.2022

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

 PIR DECEMBER 2022

PIR NOVEMBER 2022

PIR OCTOBER 2022

When my son was in boot camp we were allowed to send him his contacts for PIR.  In the end he decided not to have us send them and he just wore his glasses.  We took them with us to PIR instead.