Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

no more physicals at meps anyway lol.. nope, drop him off at hotel (and man that was the worst for us and then got worse). he may get a pee test before getting on the bus to the airport. 

it got better.. for us we took him to the hotel the day before and he checked in. then we all went to eat and hang. they have a curfew to be in the hotel. 

Thanks Trey, we know its going to be hard. I have been struggling so much, I know he is making a good choice but it is still hard. We are beyond proud of him, we know he will be fine and that we will adjust to him being gone. I am not looking forward to that fast approaching day. I have told him not to worry about me, I may be sad to see him go but I am proud of him.

Sandra

Is there a color that running shoes must be.  My daughter just bought some that are navy blue by Brooks

Supposedly navy blue and black and grey are OK. Hopefully, because the shoes we had sent our boy with were grey just because that's what he had. It may be good to note, I've heard on here that the wallet they take with them with their ID and such should be black or Navy. I didn't know that before so I assume he had to pack away his wallet! His Dad gave him a nylon tie dye one just because it's one of our minimalist scuba wallets - so that actually cracks me up! I could have given him a different wallet if I knew!

The things they don't tell you in the START manual... hehe

Sandra - we feel your pain here (because we've been there, done that!)  For me this group was a lifesaver!  I had a complete MELTDOWN on Day 9 because I heard something about sending a phone card and I felt like a terrible mother and I was afraid he would never call home because I was such a failure.  But I got lots of encouragement from this group and it turned out fine.  He bought one at the NEX and it was all good!

One of the things that helped me was a mom telling me that when they are in BC, the Navy is also putting us moms in "Navy Mom Boot Camp".  We are being trained for the silence for when they are on missions and we are learning to be strong and to remember that "no news is good news."  You can do it!  (And know that we are here if you feel like you can't do it.) BNMH!

MomofJoseph -- Getting their Wisdom teeth out is a catch 22.... They may not need them out... My sailor didn't have his out until well after Bootcamp (6 years in fact) but he had to stand all the extra watches to cover for those who did. They got to sleep (SIQ) for 4 days where as my sailor did not.  If they do need them out they get 2 days SIQ and the weekend to sleep/rest/recover and they are closely monitored by the RDC's, their Shipmates and Medical for any adverse reactions/ Complications.  Since the Dentists do this every week they are experts in removal and are likely better than many non-Navy Dentists.

Sandra -- Not a complete physical, They just go over the paperwork to make sure nothing has changed.

Stephanie -- Navy Blue should be fine.  We have not seen where RTC has posted any specific color.

TravelinMom  -- There are SOOOOOOOOOOOO many things they don't tell you.

Most information about what to take to BC was given to my son by his recruiter. I usually drove my son, so as time grew closer, I talked with him as well and found out about the phone card, they told my son black or Navy blue for his wallet and so we found a slim nylon wallet at Wal-Mart. 

As far as accessories, I learned from my son when he needed an umbrella for the pop-up showers in SC that his umbrella and any accessories they wore, watches, backpacks, etc. all had to be black. 

The night before MEPS, I was told to bring my son to the recruiting office, and they transported him to the motel. We could have gone and meet him at the hotel for dinner but were told he had to be back early for a meeting that they would have with all of the recruits. Since it was a church night for us, I just said my goodbyes at the recruiting office. We were able to go the next morning, which was my husband's birthday and wait with him there, and then watch his swearing in. At that time, he did have another physical as I recall at MEPS, so they may have changed things since then. 

If you do go to MEPS, be prepared to go through security, just like at the airport. At least we had to. No pocketknives or anything. 

Also, if your son was given a Navy t-shirt, I think they like them to wear those to the airport, but my son had left his at home and no one told him. 

I get you Sandra.. such a mix of sad and proud.. I still get tears at  times and been almost 2 years..

Has anyone heard that BC has changed to 8 weeks? My son just came from a DEP meeting, This is the first I have heard this. 

Sandra

Sandra -- That is how long it used to be before they added 2 weeks of "Warrior Training"  and then BC became 10 weeks.  If it's going back to 8 this is the first we are hearing of it.  You, and other New moms will be our best source of information since you can tell us how long from when they leave to their PIR date it is.  (We can figure it out based on the Div # if that info isn't included in the Sandboxx text)

belovedbyHim - what portion is considered "Warrior Training"?

Hi all, 

   I am so thankful for all these incredible Navy Moms. I did receive a couple of form letters in an envelope addressed by my son. I was excited I had a real letter, not just yet! I was concerned about the wisdom teeth removal. I had a really bad mom moment. 

   I sent a few letters and pic with the Sandbox app and I am sending some snail mail. Did your sailors have any feedback about mail preference?

Yes, I told my son if its 8 weeks great. We will just wait and see, he said one of the officers at his meeting today said they just made the change. I will definitely keep all of you posted. 

I asked hubs and he said it was the expanded Marlinspike and Fire training etc. According to my son, all that is the part he looks forward to :-)

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

 PIR AUGUST 2023

 PIR JULY 2023

 PIR JUNE 2023

Shebamom -- Sandboxx wasn't an option when my Sailor was in but I had a very negative experience with it in the fleet.  A girlfriend sent a Booty call letter including dates and times.  This caused part of the battalion to be held in an airport hanger eating out of vending machines for several days and others to be held at their deployment location for a little over a week longer.  They came home in the middle of the night with NO notice given to family at home.  We had made plans to be there for home coming but when they were delayed (No idea at the time for how long) we were unable to change plans to accommodate that.  If you bought Sandboxx, Try and use it all up while they are in BC and then forget it even exists after!!

TravelinMom -- Our understanding is that it includes much of the stuff that was "Sailorization" and "Indoc" that used to happen at A school.  Finances, Sex Ed (Harassment, safe, etc...) Mental health (Mental toughness, reporting, Support services available...).  I'm sure there is more and hopefully some of our newer moms can come share what their Sailors learned.  We first heard of the change to 10 weeks in 2021 as a test group went through.  Then in 2022 they took it to the whole RTC for all Div's.  I'd be surprised if they are abandoning it so soon but maybe they need to move SR's on to A school so they are sending that training back to the A schools....?  There is nothing on the RTC site but I'll keep and eye out.  If anyone here sees that their PIR is only 8 weeks out, Please let us know so we can make note of that change.

my sailor was in BC summer 2021 and he bumped into the 'testing' of 10 weeks. he was official 8 but got washed back two weeks and I remember him mentioning that kind of information because he got to skip it while waiting for A school.. it may be that the hold times for many A schools are long enough they could move it back over there.. just have to wait and see lol.. Navy..

MomofK - I am so sorry to hear this. Be sure to tell your son we appreciate his willingness to serve and if he decides to try again in 6 months we are here rooting for him. If he decides to pursue other things that is okay as well. 

We have a couple of other members whose sons are back home and waiting to head back to BC before long. Please do not delete your profile page and feel free to stick around. The recent information you do have is still valuable to other new members coming on. 

I'm sorry MomofK.. at least he can try again after having a chance to heal.. much appreciation and love for him and all of them..

MomofK, your son is in my prayers. Like Chipmunk said there are a lot of recruits waiting to get back in as soon as they recover and get waivers if needed. I am so thankful to your son for his decision to serve and if the Navy isn't the direction he is to follow I pray that he is Blessed with a outstanding future. God Bless.

MomofK -- I'm so sorry for this news.  Hopefully he will be home soonish and can address whatever this health issue is and resume his Navy Journey if that is what he so desires.

MomofK - I feel for you.  My son came home with stress fractures in January after being in RCU for four months. He is now healed and rested and will be going back at the end of July.  It was really what he needed and he is more determined now than ever.  My prayers to you and your son.  It took my son a couple of months to get over the disappointment so be patient with him when he gets home.  It will only make him stronger!

This is what is so amazing about this group, Mom's will reach out out and be willing to share their experiences to encourage and comfort others. Thank you Tootie, your a Amazing Mom!

Sorry to hear this news, MomofK, but know that we are all here for you and praying for your son and for you, as you walk alongside him.

Sending prayers

So sorry MomofK, I hope he is ok and is not serious. As a mom we feel their pain deeply, 

Happy Thursday!

MomofK - sorry to hear this news.  Hopefully he can get whatever the issue is resolved and can try again in 6 months. 

Here's the link to the Ship 5 group:

Ship 5

It's not real active but the link to the FaceBook group is posted there and you can get some better info from them.  It also has the re-enlistment codes listed which are important if he wants to try again.  As Chipmunk said, thank him for his willingness to serve and prayers for a speedy recovery.

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

 PIR AUGUST 2023

 PIR JULY 2023

 PIR JUNE 2023

MomofK - My sailor went thru almost the same thing when she was in BC. Stress fractures, too. She spent about 2½ months in RCU. Please tell your Sailor that if he needs to take the time to get himself back together, the Navy will love to have him back. His determination and drive will help make him a better sailor. And if he decides to turn himself toward a different  opportunity other then the Navy, then he'll almost certainly took what he's learned so far and apply it to his new endeavors to be the BEST version of himself. Give him BNMH from all of us.

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

 PIR AUGUST 2023

 PIR JULY 2023

 PIR JUNE 2023

Join us in watching 573 of the Navy's newest sailors at PIR today.  Here's the link:

LIVE PIR JUNE 9, 2023

Thanks for providing the link for the live PIR. My son's will be in a month! Exciting! For those family members that can't be there does the link stay live for a while afterwords or is there a way to access the link after the graduation? and if so for how long?? Thanks for all the sharing of info back and forth!

norcalmaven - PIR ceremonies should be available to view on YouTube and Facebook indefinitely. You can also buy a DVD at the NEX photo shop when you're at PIR, but it apparently takes ages for them to get it to you. Still waiting for ours, and it's been 7 months! I called about it after a few months' wait, and they just said they were extremely backed up.

norcalmaven - You should be able to locate the link in an archived version afterwards. It may take a bit to get it online, so if someone can watch it live that is great. After my son's PIR, I came home and watched through the archived video and marked all the locations that I could see my sailor and then I sent the link with my notes to my family and friends. That way they could ffwd through what might not be of interest to them. 

We did the same, Chipmunk! Made it so much easier for family and friends.

Awesome! Thank you!!

joe-mom - It definitely made it easier to watch!!

Everyone, please join me in welcoming Berenis to our group. We are glad to have her. 

Berenis - Hi!  Welcome to the moms group!  Can you let us know if your recruit is already at BC, or waiting to go, or just exploring options?  This group will help answer lots of questions for you!

For me, my son has been in for almost 2 years.  This group was a lifesaver when he was at BC and I was losing my mind because of missing him!  

Berenis - welcome! My son finished BC May 5 and is in A school in Florida - this has been a great group to help you navigate all of it!

Berenis - Welcome to the group! You've found the right place for any questions you have/information you need. These ladies are a wealth of knowledge and are always so helpful. My son had PIR last November and is currently in Nuclear Power School in SC. We're heading down there to visit him this Friday. Haven't seen him in 7 months, so I am READY for this trip! All the best to your son.

Berenis - Hi and welcome to this group of helpful, insightful, knowledgeable, funny Moms! Lots of good listeners here, and moms who have been through what you'll go through, and whose kids, (Sailors now), have gone through what yours will go though. No question is silly or stupid, we've all been new Navy Moms, too. Good to have you!

Does anyone know if (and how) you can send the guest form through sandbox?

I received my daughters letter from 6/6 today and she's said she needs the guest form by this Thursday 6/15, I sent it the first week of June, about a week and half ago. She said she doesn't get my letters till 2 weeks later. I'm worried the form will not make it on time. She said I can send it throned sandbox, I just don't know how. 

Hi all! My 17-year-old son Jeremy ships out for BootCamp on July 5th. He has 3 weeks left at home. I am trying to enjoy his remaining time and not worry over the what-ifs. It's very difficult not to let the sadness take over. We have always been so close. I have done everything I know to do in preparation. I've read all the feedback from moms on what to do while they are in BootCamp and still none of this is easy. Thanks for letting me vent here. 

Mom2Boss - I reached out to some of the other moms who may have used Sandboxx - we did not have this option when my son was there and we mailed ours in as far as I recall. I would print off from RTC website and fill in again. Maybe you can take a picture and send an attachment? I do not know if that is how Sandboxx works. I would also send another paper copy as well, and then also send her a note telling her who all is coming. If they ask for SSN, I would NOT send those through any sort of email app. 

DiannaB - I posted a note on your profile page. Hang in there, and know we are here for you. 

Okay - I am off to finish last minute preparations for my family time. Be sure to holler if you need anything and the others will pop on when they can to reply. 

Chipmunk - Have a great time!

Mom2Boss - As I recall, I printed the form from Sandboxx, filled it out and mailed it to my son. It seems that, like you, we had a small window of time to return the form, but everything worked out. If you've already mailed it, I'm sure it will get there in time - especially if your sailor is aware that it's coming and to be on the lookout for it.

DiannaB - Your feelings are perfectly normal! It's a scary but very exciting time for your son and his family. He's made a huge decision to join the Navy - congratulations on raising this self-aware young man. I'm sure he will make you very proud. Enjoy your time with him before he leaves, and know that we are always here for you on this site. Welcome!