Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

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

PIR SEPTEMBER 2023

 PIR AUGUST 2023

 PIR JULY 2023

Thanks to everyone for all the support, I haven't logged on for the last couple of days. Sorry for the late response, he left yesterday. His flight was delayed and he didn't get to the training facility until 1:10am. Poor kid had a long day, I just pray he was ok. 

Sandra

@Sandra - if it's any consolation, they make sure they arrive between midnight and 2am to RTC generally, so no worries. Everyone else is running on the same amount of sleep, or lack thereof. My boy stayed at the hotel in town the night before, awoke at 3:45, headed to MEPS, did his inprocessing part there, went to the airport, and when he finally arrived at O'Hare, they had him and a bunch of others hanging around the USO for hours, saying they were awaiting late flights but really it was to keep them up so they could do their usual. :-) All part of the training!

Welcome to any new members we might have. I have been out of pocket for a couple of days and headed for a nap, I have not been well, but I am glad you all have joined us. 

Be sure to come here and chime in with your questions. This is the best spot to ask. 

Sandra -- Never worry about getting on here or not... We are not going anywhere and you had a lot going on.  Yes, sleep deprivation is part and parcel of the training.  He still hasn't gotten to sleep. (Maybe I should add that to the DEP suggestions... Sleep on the plane or at the USO while waiting for your flight!) They want to increase their stress to the MAX in the first few days/weeks to see how they handle it.  If they were placed in a battle where lives were on the line they want to know how they would respond.

Good Morning Everyone!! Congratulations to all of our new sailors!!! We are rejoicing with those of you who are at PIR!!

If you have one coming up soon, I highly recommend you either watch the live feed today or one of the recent recorded ones so you have an idea of what to expect. 

Our graduation ceremony will be live streamed Friday at 0900 Central. Use either our Facebook or YouTube link to view.

Today is also RED Friday - Remember Everyone Deployed! Even though my son has completed his service, I still proudly wear my RED shirt for his ship that he was assigned to and most definitely while they are deployed!

Sandra - Your emotions and feelings are all valid as well. To some extent, we moms seem to have "sympathy pains" while our kids are in BC. At least that is the way I was. I did not know anything about this site until a week before graduation. I sort of went through the motions like a lost puppy without its master, even though it was my son. I had lots of things to keep me busy, but I did not know what was going on with my son. My husband found me a schedule of BC. It turns out later, that things were changed around after talking to my son. But it at least gave me something that I knew might be happening or I could ask my son about it letters. I had something to grasp a hold of and relate to what he was going through. Many prayers and nights of just sending him all of my love that was only tangible from spirit to spirit and in motherly bonded love. 

Be gentle on yourself, watch the videos on the upper left here, when you think you are ready for them. Take time to rest and care for yourself as well. 

Please join me in welcoming some new members to our group.

I have been under the weather a bit and behind on personal welcomes - 3rdGenProud and Tinnekke - We are glad you are here and have joined this group. This spot in the Comment Wall area is the best place to come say your hellos, ask questions and start connecting with others. 

Watch today's PIR live - happening now:

LIVE PIR JULY 14.2023

Is anyone able to answer this question that was posted elsewhere - Remedial Swim? - Navy For Moms (ning.com) - She is asking if they have remedial swim classes for those at BC that don't have many skills. 

My son was on the swim team in high school so I never had any concerns. I know some have trouble with the float. 

@Chipmunk - the video from the main page about RTC shows that they do have remedial swim for people who need it!  It was kind of a touching part of the video because the swim instructor was so proud of the recruits he is able to help!

Navydaughternavymom -- that's what I thought too. 

Navydaughternavymom - Thank you!! - I am glad they share that on the video. I have to admit, those videos were posted after my son was in BC and I have never taken the time to watch them to see what is covered. 

Hi All! 

I'm back from this past Friday's PIR. I didn't cry; I got goosebumps! My daughter cried. I honestly didn't recognize him at first! What a positive change in him! We were all overwhelmed! If you would like to ask me any questions, I'd love to answer! 

So, we have us a Sailor now! Thank all of you for your positive thoughts, prayers, vibes...

patti - I am so glad that you had a wonderful time!!  Be sure to share your experience in our discussion, PIR Weekend Experiences - Post Covid as well as reply here. It is easier for me to search for these discussions and pull them back up to share with others later than hunt through the comment wall area. 

We are glad you are sticking around with us in the Beyond BC group and we will definitely be coming to you with RCU questions!!

So glad your PIR trip was great patti.. I know I got those goosebumps too.. I never managed to pick mine out lol

I did hear over this weekend as I was talking with other families that there is a remedial swim. Just to confirm the original question.

patti-- YEA!!!! I'm so glad you got to go and that you got to see him!!! Goosebumps are a given!! Yes they do change a ton and even more so when they have been there for 9 months!!

Patti- congratulations! I know it had to be so wonderful to see your son! I didn't cry at my son's PIR either, although I did during one of the live broadcasts that I watched when he was performing - maybe I got it all in then? :) Where is he headed to next?

Diahn, he is at Sub School now for 2 months in Connecticut and then onto A-School.He has Liberty this weekend. If all his qualifications (I'm assuming paperwork) are finished, he can have an OVERNIGHT Liberty!

Patti-that’s great! The qualifications are probably what the go through to qualify to stand watch. My son is in Pensacola and had to go through quals, although he classed up almost immediately, so he hasn’t actually had to stand watch. 

patti - So happy for you and your son! It was a long road but hopefully worth it. I got goosebumps, too. Ceremonial things like that get to me anyway, and when your kid is involved, it's that much more moving. Glad you had a great time!

Patti, so happy to hear you got to see your son...I know its been a long journey. 

This was from a week ago, but apparently I posted in the wrong discussion group. I clearly still don't know what I'm doing! "Heard from the boy child yesterday - ASMOd at the beginning of Wk7. Stress fractures in shin(s). Poor kid is super tall and not a regular runner so I suspect it's that - but no telling, really. Anyway, any advice on how long this would usually take at the RCU for this injury? He said he'd try to call later this week with more info if he can. We only got like 30 seconds to talk. @patti - wasn't this the same with your kid?"

TravelinMom -- You'll get it!!  Hopefully Patti will come on and you two can connect either via Private message (Click on the person's name and that will take you to their page and you can select "Message" from there and that is how you PM someone. You did that with me...) or you can reply on here for more general information. 

I am so sorry this happened to him and I hope he's able to make a full recovery quickly!

TravelinMom - I'm so sorry that your son has been ASMO'd.  Prayers for a speedy recovery!!!

Patti - congrats on having a Sailor and getting to see him at PIR.

To the new to BC moms - just thought of this when I saw another post about not being able to spot your sailor at PIR - my son volunteered to carry a flag during PIR.  Then he wrote me a letter telling me which flag he would be holding (along with a diagram of where he would be standing)!  That was super helpful because I could let my family know too.  It was easy to spot him on the live feed! 

My son shipped out on July 6. He went to the chaplain yesterday and called me very very briefly. He is struggling. Cried the whole time. He's having a hard time studying and extremely homesick. Thursday will be two weeks he has been there.  That call was heartbreaking and I'm trying not to worry but its not working very well. :(

DiannaB, my heart breaks for you and your son. That had to be the hardest phone call, I have been told it is very common for them to have a hard time the first month. I'm sure things will start to get better for him. My son left July 12th, I pray everyday for him. 

Sandra

DiannaB - I’m so sorry to hear that your son is struggling. Those first few weeks really are the worst. My son graduated May 5 and he told me that he could barely eat those first couple of weeks because he was so miserable. It DOES get better. The first time he called me, he cried as soon as I picked up the phone. It’s absolutely heartbreaking. They definitely break them down to build them up in later weeks. My son looks back on his time at RTC with a lot of pride, now. I hope your son will do the same. Stay strong, Mom - send lots of letters and encouraging words. <3

DiannaB, I am also very sorry to hear how your son feels. My guy shipped out on the 6th as well. Perhaps they are in the same Division. The one thing I have constantly reminded my son is that from my experience having gone through Great Lakes myself is: "His life in the fleet will be NOTHING like boot camp. AT ALL". The Navy (in my experience) was fun and interesting with no one yelling like in BC. Please remind him of that and I hope it gives him comfort that if he can just get past these 10 weeks, he will have a very fun, interesting and rewarding lifestyle. I will pray for your son to find some relief and peace.

My heart goes out to you DiannaB and your son. Praying that he will find his place there and push through, knowing that BC will end soon. It just seems like an eternity sometimes.

Its so helpful to know I'm not alone in this as my son walks this path so thank you!  Im not 100% sure I am doing this right but...

@ Sandra, thank you for your words of encouragement.

@ Diahn - that is very helpful. My son also said he didn't eat the first few days. Thank you!

@ 3rdgenproud - my husband who was airforce told him the same thing but Im sure its hard to believe while going through it. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement

@ joe-mom - Thank you so much for your prayers!

@ belovedbyHim - Yes, that is exactly what I did! He already got one and said that helped him a bit. I've written daily since then and will continue to. Thank you for that!

DiannaB - I echo all the others who have replied, especially sending Sandboxx letters, for this case. 

My son told me that the one thing they kept asking him over and over was - Are you homesick?? My son is a lot like me, in that sense of knowing I am just a phone call away usually - so that did not bother him much, he was more scared of doing something wrong and screwing up. 

But the yelling and screaming was getting to him. Mind you, this momma let off steam a lot, unfortunately with my kids - but as he say it, unnecessary yelling and especially the cussing was hard for him. They are trying to break him and get him to buckle - Keep sending him lots of encouragement and support. This first phone call is often one of the hardest for us moms to hear and for them to make. 

*as he saw it, unnecessary. 

Chipmunk - Yes I think the yelling/cussing will be or is a lot for him too. Do they normally call home around the 2nd or 3rd week? I'm hoping it will encourage him if we can talk to him longer. Was your son glad he stuck it out and does he like the Navy now?  Thanks for your input :)

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

PIR SEPTEMBER 2023

 PIR AUGUST 2023

 PIR JULY 2023

DiannaB -- You did it Perfectly!!  Yes they usually get the first "Social" call around week 3 or 4 (depending on if they "earn" it)  Those calls are usually 30 min to 1 hour (Plan on the shorter time) and tears are not unexpected! Try and keep your tears to a minimum... You can cry later and come here and vent!  You want to reassure them that this is NOT personal and it IS temporary!! Usually by week 5 things are looking better and by week 6 they are getting the hang of the whole thing!  By the end Nearly every person who had come back and shared has said their Sailor thought that BC wasn't really so bad.  My Sailor has been in for 10 years and he makes fun of me... He says I was more traumatized by BC than he was and I didn't go there! (It was rough going for a while but I am well over it and only stick around to encourage those who are feeling as lost as I was. )  Encourage him to take the long term view, to master the Million mile stare and to become a duck!! (Calm on the outside but furiously working to get his S*^t together underneath!! {do what he's told and do it as fast and as good as he can!})  Hopefully he doesn't tell them he's homesick and he's able to finish!

Chiming in with a me too.. my sailor sounded awful that first phone call. later called with a ASMOed. another sad one.. didn't get a good one until the end. but he got through. said he was glad he did it.. we wrote uplifting letters full of encouragement every day.. used Sandboxx.. gotta remind him it isn't that long and he can do it.. 

Boot Camp Mom's, I know  that going through this training sometimes seem exhausting. Trying to stay supportive and encouraging through your recruits tears and doubts while your dealing with your own fears and questioning ( is this really the best thing for them?)  I just want you all to know after 3+ years my son has no doubts about his decision, he absolutely loves what he is doing. He was one of the recruits that also had the added stress of Covid, not being allowed to have his family there or even able to leave bases for over a year.  Yet after everything he went through he will tell you this is the best decision for him. 10 + months might seem like a life time going through RTC but it is actually only a moment to achieve their dream. My son now works on the electronic systems on Super Hornet Jets.  He is proud of his achievements and as his Mom  watching those jets take off I too shared in all that hard work and was so proud!

Hi everyone.  Brand new Navy Mom here.  Grateful to have found this group and have been soaking in all of your wisdom and knowledge!  Great tips and advice.  Thank you!

hi babysharkmom.. now I'll be humming that tune for the next 24 hours lol...  Welcome.. feel free to ask away/vent/etc.. we are here with you through it all...

Welcome BabySharkMom -- (Yep... Earworm activated!!) I left a message on your page with a link to my blog that will provide some helpful Information to you.

BabySharkMom - Welcome Aboard!! This is the best place to post, and ask your questions and share your concerns. More of our members will see your posts here. There is a lot of information on this group page. If you are viewing on your mobile device, we generally recommend that you put your phone into desktop mode. 

There are pages on the upper right side of this page which Lemonelephant put together  - be sure to click View All.  Directly above are discussions, as well as the welcome information. On the upper left side we have links to videos, Navy Speak and OPSEC information.  

DiannaB - My apologies for my delayed reply, I had some other meetings. 

My son has actually just recently completed his 6 years of enlistment as a Navy Nuke. As I recall he had a phone call around week 3 and week 6 or 7 and then his "I'm a sailor" phone call the Wednesday afternoon before his PIR that Friday.  (That timing is different now, but it was how things worked 6 years ago.)

My son never went into the Navy with any plans for making this a career choice, so I am not really sure how to respond to your question of was he glad he stuck it out. He did realize that most of the yelling and cussing was just the way they did things, he just saw no point in the why of it. 

He served his time well, accomplished an advancement, dealt with all of his ship's progress towards deployment, even in the middle of COVID. Met his future wife on his ship, got married and has changed what he thought he would study with his GI Bill to something totally different because of his experiences, and relationships that he had during these last 6 years. Was it always easy, NO, it was hard, many long hard hours of studying and working, not to mention being halfway across the country from family. But I can't imagine what things would have been like, if that was not what he had done. And I have a wonderful DIL as well!

I don't have as much time to spend on this site as I used to, so I am sharing this while I am thinking about it, not as a message directed to any single person.

Sending our kids off to BC is not easy, but neither is having one of them come home from BC or later on down the road. Through the course of time that my son was in the Navy and I have been a part of this group, he knew of many people who were separated, including a very good friend of his. I have had private conversations with members about their sailors separating out. B'sNukeMom likes to say, "It is not the end of the world."  But it can feel like it, and it can be hard to know how to best support your loved one. I don't have any magic words to say, but you are not alone and neither are they - it can just seem like that. 

We are proud of every young man and woman who offer to serve their country and enlist in the military or become an officer. But sometimes things don't work the way we planned, and life takes a different direction. Offer encouragement, but mostly just be there to listen if they need to talk, or silent if they don't want to talk, and let them know you love them!  

Sandra - He was hard to spot even though he was in the back row (tallest in back, shorter in front).

He is now in Groton, CT for 2 months. He is coming home this Saturday (just for the day). How exciting!