Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

Continuing with ticket information - 

If you are attending a graduation ceremony, you MUST personally obtain your ticket, you cannot pick up tickets for others. Tickets will be distributed at the Recruit Family Welcome Center, located inside the Navy Exchange Burkey Mall, Bldg. 3452, 2650 Green Bay Road Great Lakes, IL 60088 

Additional information on ticketing is also available at www.bootcamp.navy.mil. (See http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/faq.html#grad_ceremony.)

Once you receive your ticket, please DO NOT lose it, as this will be the only ticket you will receive. These tickets are not transferable and are serialized to each graduation attendee. If you do not have a ticket, then you will not be permitted access to the base.

The Recruit Family Welcome Center will be open on the following days and times: Thursday [10:00 AM to 7:30 PM], and Friday [5:30 AM to 8:00 AM]. ***Certain federal holidays may require adjusting days and times. Please refer to the command website for those specific updates***

Please plan accordingly so each person listed can check in to receive a ticket for the graduation ceremony. Again, if you don’t have a ticket you will NOT be allowed entry to the base. Tickets will only be issued to those guests who the graduating recruit has verified will be attending. 

On the form it says the following; "All Non-U.S. Citizens/Resident Aliens will be considered for installation access on a case-by-case basis."

So I was just wondering if anyone had gone through this process. 

Mom2Boss - You found the fine print, I did not look, sorry. I have not heard of anyone else dealing with this since I have been here the last six years, but that doesn't mean it hasn't happened. I would turn in the request, or at last give your SR the information and then plan for the loved one to have a place to stay during PIR if they are not allowed to attend but want to come to see your sailor. 

Mom2Boss - and others - Here is the link for the contact page on the RTC website - U.S. Navy Recruit Training Command > Contact Us - They have email option and phone option. Email, might work better, I don't know. 

Also, be sure to read their FAQ - U.S. Navy Recruit Training Command > FAQ

Temporary Holding Unit @ RTC - This may be of interest to those of you with sailors who will fly out of GL to their A school. I was posting this in another group and thought I would share here. 

Q. My Sailor is being placed in the Temporary Holding Unit. What does this mean?
A. Sailors placed in this unit, are Sailors who have graduated from Recruit Training Command and are awaiting follow-on orders to their school. The reasons for placing a graduated Sailor on hold can vary from clearance issues, needing a special physical, or sometimes it is as simple as waiting for a class to fill up.

These Sailors, however, are not just waiting around. They follow a daily schedule. Many maintain work assignments while awaiting their follow-on orders, to include: manning the Ship, acting as escorts for recruits transiting to medical or legal appointments, or performing office duties at locations throughout the base.

They are also housed separately from other recruits and have the ability to enjoy liberty, and are permitted to leave the base for recreation or for visiting with family members. They may also call home during their non-duty hours.

This is from the FAQ page. - When my sailor was at RTC, there were several sailors being held in THU, and he would have as well, if he had not been able to get all of his medical clearance done, which meant, we did not have as much time with him at PIR. - Yep - SEMPER GUMBY - always flexible!

This is posted above in the discussion thread but if you are reading on your phones here is the link again. - What PIR weekend may be like for those flying out of GL - Navy For ...

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

PIR JULY 2023

PIR JUNE 2023

PIR MAY 2023

Johanna - Welcome Aboard!! We are glad you have come here. I am so sorry that you are experiencing this situation with your new DIL. If possible, I would speak to your son privately, and let him know that you would still like to be informed and that the only way you will have an address to write him, is if he mails his address to you. Also, you might want to read this about the Sandboxx APP. SANDBOXX APP for letters to BootCamp - Navy For Moms (ning.com)

I don't know if he can provide two different email addresses or not. Also, let him know that if he would like you to come to PIR, then he will need to put your name on the Security Access form and let you know that he has passed BC, and when he will be having PIR for certain. He is allowed to make more than one phone call during his phone time. He could call you first and just keep it very short and say hi, and then call his wife and have the rest of the time with her. Sometimes they only have 30 minutes on that first call so don't expect this. 

Be sure to read all of the information on this group page. It is easier to navigate if you are on a computer. And come here often and post in the comment wall area here. More of our members see these posts. 

I know you feel like you are in panic mode and I understand. But I also understand what it is to be the mom who no longer gets the first phone call after my sailor married. Thankfully, I do have a good relationship with my DIL, but it still is hard knowing you are not their #1 priority. 

Also, if he can at least get you his Ship & Division #, once he is at BC, either through his wife or someone else, then we can help you get his mailing address. 

Johanna -- Welcome!! Your Son will be your best and in most cases ONLY source of information.  As Chipmunk said, You need to make it clear to him that HE has to provide you an address and include you in his letters and calls. 
We and RTC can only provide general information. RTC actually won't provide you with any information at all.  They are adults and it's 100% up to them to reach out and contact you.
This isn't to say you can't have any information but to encourage you to talk to him and let him know that you support him and want to be able to communicate.

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

PIR JULY 2023

PIR JUNE 2023

PIR MAY 2023

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

Happy Thursday!

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

PIR JULY 2023

PIR JUNE 2023

PIR MAY 2023

Good Evening Everyone!!! How are we doing? 

Please join me in welcoming BennyLj2023!!! to our group.  

BennyLj2023!!! - This is the best place to come ask questions. I think your loved one is getting ready to leave for BC?  Is there anything we can help you with? Once you have found your way down our group page here to post a hello, be sure to go back and start reading through the information above and the pages on the upper right side. 

If you are viewing this site on a mobile device, we generally recommend that you put it in desktop mode. I find it easiest to navigate and reply on my computer. 

I know you are just starting out on this journey, but we can help you through all the various stages of DEP and BC. 

BennyLj2023 - Welcome! 

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

PIR JULY 2023

PIR JUNE 2023

PIR MAY 2023

Congratulations to the 443 new Sailors today.

Watch the PIR live - here's the link:

LIVE PIR MAY 19, 2023

Thank for the warm welcome. My son is leaving next week and I am grateful for the support from this group.  I am excited for my son's new journey, but like all parents, I am going to miss him.  

I do know this is an incredible opportunity for him, and a positive, fulfilling life choice. I am happy for him.

His brother was in the Army for two tours, and I remember how boot camp felt to us at home. I know my son's experience in BC in the Navy will be his own, but am glad to see more of what he will experience. 

I am so excited to have so much information to read about BC and I am glad for this group.

Thank you for all you do, I so appreciate it.

BennyLj2023 - Wishing your son a great BC experience. And thanks to both of your boys (and you) for their service!

Diane - I have to scoot for a bit but I wanted to say hello!! You have found the right place to post and ask your questions. Hopefully others will reply, otherwise, I will do my best to get back to you later today!!

Yes, you can send pictures, just not too many, they don't have room for a lot of stuff. 

Johanna -- Best guess... As long as everything goes smoothly you are looking at an Aug 4 PIR (ish) (Could be Aug 11 as well, if he's held up waiting for a Div to form.)

BennyLj2023 -- Welcome.  Thank you for raising young people who are willing to defend our country.  I left some information on your page but you may already be familiar with much of it since you have been through Army BC.  It will be interesting to see how much the Navy experience differs from the Army. Depending on when in the week your son leaves you are looking at the end of July or early Aug for PIR (Again assuming no issues)


For all of our DEP Moms... Please read the changes to Sandboxx!  You want to have your SR Opt IN to get you the address and PIR info quickly, However.... After BC Please forget that the app exists!!!

Several years back my Sailor was due to come home from deployment.  We had made arrangements to go be there when he got back.  We were a day out when we learned that he would not be coming home on time.  A girl friend of one of the sailors who was part of the advance party returning ahead of the main body sent a "Booty call" Sandboxx message including a timeline and dates.  That group of ~50 Sailors got to spend several days camped out in an airport hanger eating from vending machines till the food had run out!  The rest of the battalion came home about 2 weeks later than expected in the middle of the night with no fanfare and no notice.  Once they were back they had to call for rides to come get them in the middle of the night.
While I am sure that none of you would be sending messages of this nature, please be aware that while Sandboxx has been approved for use in BC, it is NOT OPSEC or PERSEC compliant for use in the fleet!  There are better and more secure ways to communicate. 

Diane, you will be so excited to finally hear his voice, I had my head in the clouds for days afterwards.  They use pay phones so be prepared that the connections are not always the best, try to find a quiet place so you can hear. Always have your phone with you and answer all calls. You may have to turn off your spam alerts so you get all calls. You DO NOT want to miss the call. You would end up beating yourself up if you miss the call. If it's not your recruit you can always hang up. 

Some recruits are excited and will talk endlessly about what he/she is learning and friends they are making. Others are very homesick and having trouble adjusting to BC. A lot has to do with how their division is gelling together. Be encouraging as you listen, next phone call is usually alot better as they become more like brothers/sisters. They make friends and build more confidence in themselves. You know your son better than anyone else, I was very surprised at how well mine was handling RTC but he was 26 and more mature than others.  It can be a little heartbreaking for a Mom if their recruit is struggling but it is only temporary and they just need your encouragement. I hope your son is doing great.

Diane -- Welcome.  I left a message on your page.  You are NOT alone in your feelings.  I was a HOT mess all those years ago.  I couldn't stop crying and I felt like someone had died... even though I knew they were fine!  This site was a life saver for me!  I want you to know that your feelings are valid and you are NOT going to be left to wonder and worry on your own.  We are here to help you get your sea legs and learn to navigate this new life!  We haven't lost a mom to Boot Camp yet, We won't start with you!

Does/Has anyone sent money or phone cards to their BC Recruit? Is so how have you done it. My SR told me she is running low on the card they are given, she can use her own money but I would rather help her out. 

I sent mine with a couple versions of calling cards, couldn't ever get them to work except for the ones he bought at the NEX. Probably easier to send her/give her money after boot. sending through mail can be risky of getting lost. I think they put their wallets in the 'box' that doesn't get back to them until PIR time.

Hey Diane.  I had serious misgivings after walking out of the MEPS hotel. I mean come on Navy you expect me to just leave my best work.. lol.. I still don't like looking back at tthat time.. They don't mention that when your kid signs up that ALL of you sign up. Mine had it rough for awhile.. Was an only child/homeschooled/not very experience socially.. It hurt to hear his depression in that first phone call about 3 weeks in. and then he got washed back two weeks for a stupid/not thinking stunt. after that got a longer call, and if something does happen you will get a call. His last call after Battlestations  was so casual because he was tired/excited.. We used a recording app on our phones so we could record our calls with him and play it back however many times we needed to hear him.. 

Trey, I don't know for certain, since my son was at BC prior to them holding their belongings, but he never sent his wallet home. So, I think they are allowed to keep their wallet. 

Mom2Boss - if your daughter is able to use her bank account and access her own card, I recommend just putting money into her bank account. They should be receiving their first pay check also after about 3 weeks. And they can buy a calling card at the NEX. 

We recommend that you never send gift cards, there is still potential for the mail to be lost or for them to be stolen since many other hands handle the mail, at BC, at their schools, and even at their commands unless they have a USPS PO box. 

Mom2Boss -- As others have said.. If you can put Money in her account that is best.  Next best would be if she can provide the card number you can see if it is reloadable.  It is SOOOOOOOOOOooooo Hard to find calling cards that are not reload cards for cell phones that you may go crazy trying to hunt one down and by the time you do and she may well have graduated and have her cell phone back!!

They do get to keep their wallet as long as it is black or brown and fits in their pocket. They are discouraged from having a lot of cash or cards that can (and do) get stolen.

MomofK -- I hope he does.  It does help it go faster.  Just know that you are in a safe space here.  We are here to help you as you make this transition. 

Do the recruits get to attend "church" on Sundays and on holidays like 4th of July, do they get some type of celebration or is it all business as normal?

I do think so.. mine talked about a couple different 'varieties' like christian and Buddist. and I think holidays they do get to hang but mine wasn't there over a holiday except Labor Day.

MomofK - Keep asking questions, that is what we are here for. As you can see, not everyone answers every day or to every question, but usually you get a reply. If not, feel free to ask again. 

As far as 4th of July, I can reply to that one, since my son was a SR then. No, they do not get any special celebration and I think for him, they did not even have it count as a holiday, but I might be remembering wrong. I do know they did not get to go look at the big eclipse that happened during his summer in BC. I even sent him some of the special paper framed glasses so he could view it. (I had not found this site yet!!) Needless to say, he told me later the RDC just got a good laugh out of my sending them to him. 

4th of July, might be like a Sunday for them. They have "down time" but not really. My son was always working on something that needed to be finished, and he helped his bunk mate out, so that he could attend church services. He was allowed to write on Sunday, but generally told us that he only had about 10 minutes to do so!

I don't know what the change was after COVID but the times to attend a religious service were changed around so that there were not a lot of SRs all together in one location, but I don't recall if that has been changed again or not. 

MomofK -- Yes they are allowed time to attend religious services however, that is their "Free time" so they have to decide what they really want to do with it.  They can use it to write home, Iron Uniforms, study or attend Worship.... If they are struggling they may choose to do other things instead.  They cannot Sleep or eat or "Fraternize" but that is their time. 
On the 4th of July they have Weekend/Holiday routine.  They treat all Federal Holidays (Except Thanksgiving and Christmas) as the Weekend/Sunday routine (No worship services though)  All this means is that they do not have PT or testing happening that day. They do not get to sleep in or watch Fireworks or do anything super special except maybe get yelled at a little less.  Thanksgiving and Christmas have some special activities around them but they are usually limited to just a Special meal unless you are super close to PIR in which case they may get to leave BC to see family (Locally only) or go with service groups to have a nice Not Navy meal. 

MomofK -- Church is a great place to get mentally recentered  and I'd encourage you to encourage your SR to attend but just know that they have so many things that need to happen and not enough time (By design btw) so if they need to focus on something else that may be what happens. 

Welcome to all of our new moms!  You have come to the right place!

MomofK - In my experience, the first call was about 30 minutes, but I think he had an hour.  He wanted to call his girlfriend, so he left time to chat with her.

As for including pictures in their letters, I had heard they didn't have much storage space so I printed a picture onto printer paper, and then wrote the letter below it.  That way he didn't have extra things to keep up with.  

Also, remember no glitter!!!  And sign up for Informed Delivery so you know when a letter is coming.  (The picture below is of me on the day that I knew his first letter was coming! LOL)

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

PIR JULY 2023

PIR JUNE 2023

PIR MAY 2023

I got a text message from Sandboxx today, does that mean I won't get a physical note with his address, should I wait on that?

MomofK - since your recruit elected to use Sandboxx you will not receive a physical letter.  Just remember that Sandboxx is to be used only in boot camp - not after!