Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

cocacola451 - Welcome!! I left some information on your page.
As for the Phone... I told my boss that my son was in Bootcamp and if He called I would need to step into a quiet space to take it.  I have also seen where others who were teachers, told their class they might get a call from their Sailor and they had a plan for the kids if this happened.  They also spoke with their Principals so they knew what was up. 

patti -- Your comment made me LOL!!! My Son has said that Navy stands for Never Again Volunteer Yourself!!

@cocacola451 My kid headed to BC in May and he's 17 - it's not that uncommon. He's still there since he is in the RCU (like the hospital division) due to an injury he's recovering from, and will be turning 18 in the RCU unfortunately. He's absolutely determined to see it through though and is just biding his time, healing, and doing his PT to build himself back up so he can get to PIR (graduation.)

Lara - There is a lot of information to take in, just do what you can and take a break as needed also. We keep learning and growing, no matter how long they have been in, and even when they are out and moved on. 

We are still waiting on a ship date.  My son signed a contract to be a spook (CTR) while we wait on word if he is officially approved for the nuke program (he's passed all tests with flying colors and met with the nuke scouts,) which we are supposed to find out between today and Wednesday - he's hoping for ETN over EMN.  New contract will have to be signed.  Ship date is pending that decision, but we know it may be quick, like less than a month.  I'm more nervous for him at boot camp than I am for him in the learning portion.  I know it will be a huge shift from his life here and we've been trying to prepare him without scaring him (my SO is former Army - 17 years.)  I'm trying to do my research to make his transition less shocking since we know Navy is not quite the same as the Army bootcamp over 20 years ago!

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

PIR NOVEMBER 2023

PIR OCTOBER 2023

PIR SEPTEMBER 2023

**REMINDER** BEGINNING OCTOBER 5, 2023, RECRUIT GRADUATIONS WILL BE CONDUCTED EVERY THURSDAY (NO LONGER ON FRIDAY), EXCEPT FOR THE WEEK OF THANKSGIVING, WHEN GRADUATION IS ON WEDNESDAY.

Lara - Thinking about you today and tomorrow. I think we had a couple of posts in the last few days about things to be mindful of and remind your loved one when they leave. Be sure to check back through the messages. 

TravelAddictedNavyMom - Welcome to the BC Mom and Loved ones group. We are glad you are here.  - FYI - unless they have changed things, your son will not be assigned a Nuke rating until he is part way through BC. And it is all "needs of the Navy". There is no guarantee that he will get ETN over EMN or even MMN. 

@chipmunk Thank you!  We are both trying to navigate this and there isn't a lot of information any my son doesn't always want to ask his recruiter.  

Ask that recruiter lol.. it's their job to answer or do their best to find out.. they have higher ups to ask as well..

Good Luck to all the new ones heading out..  we are here for whatever  you need.. info, hugs, non judgmental venting..

TravelAddictedNavyMom - what Chipmunk said!  Nuke rates are assigned during bootcamp and they don't really get much of a say in it lol.  Needs of the Navy will be his new mantra!

I got the November PIR group up now too.

Lara -- {{{{{BNMH}}}}}}

TravelAddictedNavyMom -- I second (third?) Ask the recruiter!!! It's their job and he doesn't have to go if he's not happy with the answers!! Better for EVERYONE if he gets those answers NOW instead of later and then he's unhappy or worse miserable with his job!

Lara, make sure your son has his phone charged up and his charger. Ask him to please call you when he lands at the airport in GL before he loads on the bus. Then keep your phone close by and ringer on loud. Their "I'm here" call comes very late at night or early the next morning.  - More hugs!!

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

PIR NOVEMBER 2023

PIR OCTOBER 2023

PIR SEPTEMBER 2023

**REMINDER** BEGINNING OCTOBER 5, 2023, RECRUIT GRADUATIONS WILL BE CONDUCTED EVERY THURSDAY (NO LONGER ON FRIDAY), EXCEPT FOR THE WEEK OF THANKSGIVING, WHEN GRADUATION IS ON WEDNESDAY.

TravelAddictedNavyMom - whole heartedly agree with the with other moms. ASK THE RECRUITER. Their job is to sell dreams but that doesn't mean they don't have access to the information your son requires. He might not want to ask but he is destined to be less happy if he does not. I have boys, so I get it. Hard to get them to do that. Being the squeaky wheel now is good practice for if he joins. Good luck. 

Trey - you could not have been more spot on with your advice to not go to the airport with our SR.  We went to the swearing in and left after that so our SR could finish contract signing and preparing to go.  As strong as I tried to be, my husband had to put up with me crying most of the 2 hour drive home.

Now waiting for the “I arrived” phone call much later this evening.  So much respect to those of you who have already navigated these waters.  This is harder than I anticipated and such a bittersweet day.

Incredibly thankful for this group!

I'm glad you got to see his swearing in,, we had to watch it on youtube..  yea, the strength just wasn't there to handle it.. I know. we can all say how hard it was but until you are the one feeling/dealing with it, it just doesn't set in for real..  that call will be super late/super early.. once they get on the bus, they keep them awake and stressed.. hope he naps on the plane and had a good meal..  let us know when you get it.. hugs to you

Lara and BabySharkMom - {{{BNMHs}}} - All of your feelings are very understandable!!  

Lara - I know you and I are quite possibly staring at our phones, waiting for the call.  100% with you that it will be good to get them past this first really long day and get them some rest.  You have to be very proud of the example your oldest is setting for their younger siblings.  Navy Moms rock!  😉

Lara - we just got the call!!  Our SR sounded calm (and scripted).  I was able to ask him if he was doing ok and he said yes.  I took the advice of others and talked over him just a bit and told him we loved him and are very proud of him.  He said I love you, I have to go.

This group fully prepared me for that call.  I knew exactly what to expect.

NucMomTami - incredibly excited for you.  Please post how your call goes.  Our son gave us the standard script of course but sounded positive and coherent!  

Glad to hear you are all getting phone calls. Remember, every recruit, every situation while the same, is still different, so don't try to compare, just know that things may or may not be similar but hopefully close to what others share. 

NucMomTami - please feel free to share the link to the BC video you found. We have a couple posted in the upper left side of this page as well. 

BabySharkMom, Lara & NucMomTami  -- And so it begins!! At least you can compare notes and with any luck you will get a chance to meet up in person in about 10 weeks!!

Lara - There is no rest for those weary travelers. You may be aware but for others, they keep the recruits up for 36 hours or so, just to see how they can handle that pressure. 

Everyone have a wonderful day! Start writing your SRs now.

At some point, you may receive a call from the American Red Cross, just reaching out to new military families, so don't be surprised.

Here is Sandboxx App for BC  information and a link to Informed Delivery - USPS

NucMomTami, wait until you do your first grocery shopping run . I remember grabbing all his favorites only to realize I forgot he wasn't there to eat or drink them.  He loved chocolate milk, I managed to drink about half of it but ended up throwing the rest away. It takes a while for our hearts and brains to catch on.

lol be nice to the Red Cross guy .. I kept getting a call and reacted like the guy was a telemarketer.. I apologized for a few minutes once I realized who he was and why calling.. 

Sometimes my brain/heart still haven't caught up.. Been two years.. 

NucMomTami -- Yep... the excitement/anxiety/nerves keeps them from getting a good nights sleep, then they are up for the next 2 days... They just don't get to catch up for the next 10 weeks!! (Unless they get their wisdom teeth out... then they are SIQ and are allowed to sleep due to the meds. It stinks for those who DON'T... No Rest for them!! In fact they pull extra duty!)  Glad he was able to catch a Nap on the plane!

Today is our 10 year PIR Anniversary!!Time really does fly!! I spoke to my Sailor today.  He's getting ready to leave for deployment and spent the last few days getting all his gear assigned and ready.  He was just home for 2 weeks and he is couch surfing since his stuff is in storage from his last station and he leaves so soon. 

I still remember those early days when I was a hot mess. I couldn't stop crying and worrying and this site was an absolute life saver!!
So to all you new moms... It will be OK!! You will get through this!! We will NOT abandon you!! One day, you will look back on this and realize that this is the "Easy" part. 

Ask all your questions, vent all your frustrations, whisper all your fears... We are here, we care and we may just have the answers you are looking for.
Then come back and Share all your Joys, Shout all your Celebrations and let us Revel in the Bravo Zulu's of your sailors Navy life!!  Just as the tides ebb and flow there will be good and bad but you Never have to Navigate alone.

Northwoodsmom -- I forgot about the grocery shopping!!! Standing in the aisle with tears streaming down my face because I didn't need to buy his cereal any more!!

Welcome rmarie25!! I left information for you on your page.  Please take a minute to introduce yourself and tell us a bit about where in this Journey your child is at?

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

PIR NOVEMBER 2023

PIR OCTOBER 2023

PIR SEPTEMBER 2023

**REMINDER** BEGINNING OCTOBER 5, 2023, RECRUIT GRADUATIONS WILL BE CONDUCTED EVERY THURSDAY (NO LONGER ON FRIDAY), EXCEPT FOR THE WEEK OF THANKSGIVING, WHEN GRADUATION IS ON WEDNESDAY.

rmarie25 - Welcome to BC Mom and Loved Ones Group. We are glad you have joined us. This is the spot - the COMMENT WALL where you want to come and share your start in this Navy journey, ask questions and share your ups and downs. It is the best place to post and have others notice your comments / questions. 

Ladies, This is a Regular Announcement: Please put this information in your Phones:
I have a contact labeled {sailor ICE} with this phone number and text number as the phone number under the contacts, then I have the needed contact info in the notes section. The info in Italics below. Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it or have to remember where or what you need! In the event of an emergency I can just pull up the info on my phone and hand it off if I’m not able to think clearly!!

If an emergency (such as a serious illness, death or birth) of an immediate family member takes place then military families can initiate a request for Red Cross emergency assistance. The message will be verified and then delivered. If the emergency requires leave for a service member, the Red Cross will verify the emergency to the service member’s commanding officer. Eligibility for emergency leave will ultimately be determined by them. Throughout the process, the family member will be able to track the progress of the message from anywhere in the world online, by phone, through our mobile app or in person.

To best prepare for an emergency, please have this information ready when reporting an emergency message:

· The service members name, rank, social security number and unit address {SR Davy Jones, 123-45-6789, Great Lakes Naval Training Center Ship 99, Div 1904.} {In Fleet This would be their Ship Name and number}

· The name of the person with the emergency and the nature of the situation {King Neptune, Hospitalized in critical condition}

· The name and contact information for the medical authority to contact regarding the status of the emergency {Doctor Jack Sparrow, Barbados General Hospital, 555-123-4567}

To access these services through the Hero Care Network, create an account and send the message here or send through the Hero Care app by texting “GETHEROCARE” to 90999 or call a Hero Care specialist at 1-877-272-7337.

Please have this discussion before your sailor leaves or ask in an early call or letter (Reassure them that all is well at home but you have learned you should have asked sooner.) No one likes to talk about the possibility of death but it happens and it’s easier if you have a plan for how to handle these situations. When you can, ask if they want to know about anyone not parent or sibling while in boot camp (They likely will not be allowed to leave anyway), ask if they want to come home if it’s a parent or sibling (In Boot camp, It will likely be short, 2-4 days at most) This is very rare and I only know of one case where it has happened in BC but again, better to be prepared! 
The Red Cross may reach out to you while your SR is in BC. This is normal and nothing to be surprised about. They want to make sure you also have this information available and know that they are there should you need them.

Welcome to KLsewso & aslrebecca -- Please say hi and introduce yourselves.
This is the place to chat, ask questions and get the most support.
I have left information on both your pages and hopefully that will be helpful for you.

welcome all.. hi aslrebecca.. will be neat to hear how he handles boot then.. 

Hi everyone I am planning my son's party for this weekend and he leaves for BC Sept. 11th.  When he first told me the day he calmed me down and said "I'm going to be ok mom this is something I want to do."   So proud of the maturing he has done in the last few weeks and he is already physically fit (has been doing something similar to American Ninja Warrior for 10 years).

KLsewso -- The ANW course will be helpful but remind him to work on his Push-ups and the run.  He can take his own Running shoes.  They should be in good condition but not brand new.  If he needs replacements, today would be a good day to get them so he can break them in before he leaves!
What an awesome Day to leave.  My Sailor joined because he remembered seeing me in shock on 9-11 and he never wanted to see me that way again. (He was a little kid and he doesn't realize that if anything happened to him, the tears I shed that day would be nothing next to the tears for him but I appreciate the sentiment.)  Enjoy these last days and try and make them happy ones. (You can cry after he's gone.) Write him a not of encouragement and tuck it into his wallet to read when he "Really Needs it!!". He'll know when that is.  Then have him call and leave you a voice mail-- Don't listen to it till you "Really need it!!" Again, You'll know.  We all handle this time differently but in the 10 years my sailor has been in and I have been a part of this group, that pattern has been nearly universal!  There will be a time you just can't take it any more and knowing you have those things can help ease that just a bit!

alsrebecca -- Ohhhhh I can't wait to see how he feels about actual Yelling!! 
Yes the fact that you are a Navy Child/Wife will be somewhat helpful (As it will be for your SR) but it also means you KNOW the realities more than most.  I was also a Navy wife.  Desert Storm was an Eye opener.  Hubby had just returned a few months earlier from Deployment and was on a new ship.  Their deployment date was moved up.  He left when I was 3 months Pregnant, Arrived home a week before her delivery and was gone again before she took her first steps. (a week after he left).  The silences were the hardest since he was on Amphibs. They had to get close to shore!! He was the Assistant CHENG. and was in the Oil Steam powered vessels where it was 130 degrees at times.  They did 15 min rotations in Ice vests!

KLsewso & alsrebecca-

Enjoy & Congratulations!

Welcome aboard KLsewso & alsrebecca - We are glad you are here!! This is the best place to come and chat and get to know others that have SRs currently at BC or have been around for a while. And when BC is over we have other groups for you to join as well. My sailor finished his enlistment as a Nuke but he married our Sailor gal as I refer to my DIL, so they still live halfway across the country from me. 

Do we have anyone getting close to PIR date? If so, let me know and I will send you the link for the Beyond BC group. 

Good morning all⚓️Chipmunk my SR is approaching PIR! He will be heading to SC as a Nuke.