Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

G'sNavyMom - I'm sure there are pros and cons to either way.  Back in 2012 when B PIR'd we used Sarge's taxi service (because we didn't rent a car).  It worked out perfectly as he got us right in and bypassed most of the traffic. He also picked us up after and took us back to the hotel.  If you use the hotel shuttle make sure you reserve your spot early!

B'sNukeMoM - thank you! I appreciate the information. 

G'sNavyMom - The shuttle has benefits, but if you have your own vehicle, I would be prepared to take it and just leave extra early. We signed up for the earliest shuttle, the night before at our motel. But when we went down to breakfast, found out that our name had never actually been added to the list. We ended up driving and using Sarge's directions from what he had told us the night before. We found a spot in the parking garage by the great hall and had no issues. As it turned out, that was the better situation for us, since our sailor was not able to leave with us right away. 

FLEXIBILITY - that is the main thing!!

Chipmunk  - oh jeez! Sorry that happened to you. We will have our own vehicle,  so I think we will drive there and get there early. Gates open at 630 I believe. Thank you for this information 

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

• 6:30 am: RTC gate opens to guests.
• 7:00 am: Ceremonial drill hall doors open to guests.
• 8:45 am: All guests must be seated. Ceremonial drill hall doors close, no further entry for guests.
• 9:00 am: Pass-In-Review commences.
• 9:20 am: Divisions arrive.
• 10:30 am: Pass-In-Review concludes.

WALKING ON BASE: Pedestrians may walk onto the base using the gate adjacent to the METRA train station (Gate 8). Shuttles, taxis, and shared rides from hotels will drop you off in the parking lot adjacent to Gate 8. Once on base, approximately a quarter mile from the gate to the entrance of Recruit Training Command's Visitor Center (USS YORKTOWN).

DRIVING ON BASE: A driver's license, vehicle registration, proof of insurance or rental car agreement and graduation ticket must be ready to present to security at all access points. Once on base, attendees will be directed to park in the parking structure adjacent to Recruit Training Command's Visitor Center (USS YORKTOWN). Please obey the following while driving on base:

• No cell phone usage while driving on base!
• Seat belts are required for all drivers/passengers at all times
• Motorcycle drivers/riders MUST have proper protective clothing/equipment such helmet, long pants, long-sleeved shirt, and over the ankle hard-soled boots.
• Recent graduates are prohibited from operating motor vehicles, including motorcycles, and are NOT allowed to be a passenger on a motorcycle.

MULTIPLE SEARCHES POSSIBLE: All graduation attendees are required to enter through Recruit Training Command's Visitor Center, for security screening, prior to entering the ceremony itself. Every person, bag, and vehicle on the base is subject to search. Metal detectors and other security devices are in use onboard Recruit Training Command.

• ITEMS PERMITTED INTO GRADUATION CEREMONY: Small bag/personal item (purse, satchel, etc…), small diaper bag, small camera bag, and personal wheelchair or walker. Strollers and car seats are allowed but discouraged due to space limitations (you may leave them in your car).
• ITEMS NOT PERMITTED INTO GRADUATION CEREMONY:
  • Large bags, backpacks, luggage, posters, signs/banners, large tripods, gift bags of any size, and flowers.
  • Alcohol, illegal drugs, knives or weapons will be confiscated by security. Any person found with these items will NOT be permitted to enter the ceremony.

NO WEAPONS! Weapons possession on federal installations is highly regulated and those in violation are subject to arrest and prosecution.

Is the walk long if you take your own vehicle?

G'sNavyMom - NO, the parking garage is right next door to where you will be entering into the Great Hall. 

Oh wonderful! Ok, thank you for all this Information. Greatly appreciate it!

G’sNavyMom- we drove our rental, used the shortcut and had no issues, line went by fast. But try and be early so you have time to buy division merchandise. There is a line for merchandise, so me and my son waited in our seats while my husband got the division calendar I wanted. Seats do fill up fast so keep that in mind. 

Eds Mom Danielle, get ready to be pleasantly surprised when you get to see that boy. He is going to be alot more mature especially right after book camp. Those towels will be perfectly folded and promptly put away. It's one of the perks we are shown as a Navy Mom, first time I seen mine get up from the table with his plate and cup and rinse them and put them in the dishwasher I almost passed out. I am sure you will be very happy and almost in awe what the Navy can do in 10 weeks that we can't do in 18 years.

G'sNavyMom -- We drove in and it wasn't a problem at all.  I prefer the flexibility of having my own car vs having to wait for a ride to arrive.  If you do go early, just know that you are sitting for a LONG time on Hard bleacher seats.  Bring a "Situpon" or a folded jacket to provide padding.  It's fall so cool mornings are the norm... Layers will be your friend.  Enjoy your PIR and be sure to tell your sailor that you are to collect hugs from all of us from him! 
I can't wait to hear all about your wonderful visit next week!!! (Don't feel like you need to check in during your weekend... spend those precious moments focused on the moment... we'll still be here when you get back!)

Hey Bootcamp Moms --
With talk of a government shut down looming large, you may be wondering if this will impact your sailors. The Short answer is yes.  This article may provide helpful information on what to expect. https://veteran.com/government-shutdown/

IF your sailor has an account with Navy Federal Credit Union, their pay will be covered.  NFCU has a policy in place that all Active duty are covered for a period of time in the event that a government shut down impacts pay.  In 2018 they covered 3 pay periods.  That was the longest shutdown.  NFCU knows they'll collect those funds just as soon as the govt resumes payroll and that it's all really just paperwork/shuffling.  If your Sailor does NOT use NFCU, they need to check with their financial institutions to see what options are available.  They need to prepare now in case the proverbial Sh** hits the fan! 

This is NOT fair to our service members but then nothing about government is designed to be fair! Encourage your Sailor to put something away for savings so they can better withstand this kind of nonsense.

So excited I got a postcard from my son.  He admits things are different but he is doing well.  Figured out he will be graduating November 22, right before Thanksgiving.  Will he have a long weekend with us or will he be going to his A school right after?  Will he go to A school and come home for Christmas?  So much to think about.  We have decided to drive out as holiday week is going to be a s### show.

KLsewso --Maybe and Maybe.... Since PIR that week will be on a Wednesday, you may get Wednesday, Thanksgiving, Friday and maybe the following Saturday (Maybe even through Sunday so plan for him to leave on Fri or Sat be happy if you get more!! ) Driving is a wise plan.  Figure out where you want to eat Thanksgiving meals at now and make those reservations.  You will likely have to return him to base every night by 8 or 9 pm (Remember on time is Late in the Navy!!) so keep that in mind as well.  They have a limit on how far they can travel. 

As for Christmas -- Most A schools shut down over Christmas holidays.  They don't want to have to babysit a bunch of new Sailors so this is the only time they are allowed to "Go in the hole" for leave time.  Depending on the A school they will get anywhere from 1-3 weeks of possible leave.  Some A schools split the leave time so you either get 10 days including Christmas or 10 days including New Years, others just want them gone until they are ready to resume classes.  It's best if they return the DAY before their leave is up just in case of bad weather.  IF they are delayed due to weather beyond that, they need to contact their command as soon as they know there is any possibility of a delay. They really need to do everything in their power to be back on time and that includes planning for possible weather delays.

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.

Hello everyone, our family had a great PIR weekend with our son. It was so great to see him, we got there early and had to sit in the bleachers for several hours, but no complaints here. I was just happy to finally be there, and to see his face. Which was a lot thinner than I expected, my sweet boy. When it was over it was a mad house and hard to get to him, my legs were shaking as I walked toward him. He was originally flying out on Saturday morning, but didn't actually leave until Sunday. We were so excited and very happy we booked our room for the whole weekend. He was still the same kid, just more aware of his surroundings and the rules. We also went to the airport to see him off, he's doing great. Bootcamp being over is such a relief for these kids, and he was already looking forward to A school. He has his phone now, we can text and he also facetimed me yesterday to show me his room. I feel so much better, saying goodbye was so much easier. We will probably drive down in a couple of weeks to see him. 

Sandra - Isn't PIR awesome? I'm so happy you had the extra day with your son and that you are feeling good about where he is now. It's never easy on us moms, but we get through it.

Sandra - this brings tears to my eyes. I'm so happy for you and your family. There's many emotions for our Sailors/SR's and for us too. So happy for your Sailor. We are GL bound in 2 days. Friday can't come fast enough. I miss my boy so much💙

G'sNavyMom - Wishing you and your family a wonderful trip to PIR. It's going to be an amazing time. Hard to fathom until you actually experience it in person. Safe travels!

joe-mom - thank you very much. I'm emotional now, I can't imagine how I will be at PIR. I'll report back after we return home.

G'sNavyMom- Its going to be an amazing wkend for you and your family, I hope the information I sent you helped, it was very detailed. Whoever created it did a good job

Sandra - thank you very much. Yes, the information you sent is so helpful. I appreciate you very much! 

joe-mom, yes PIR is awesome. We didn't take video because my son purchased it, which was great we enjoyed not having that distraction. 

Sandra - so happy for you!  Sounds like you had a wonderful time.  I can almost hear the sigh of relief in your typing!  😄

G’sNavyMom - have a fantastic trip to PIR!  Excited for you and your family and especially your SR!

Hope everyone is doing well and having a great week so far!

Sandra -- I'm so happy that you had such a great time!! Bonus days are always Amazing!!

G'sNavyMom -- Safe travels and Fingers crossed for bonus days for you too (Even though the odds are slimer than slim!)  Enjoy all those hugs!!

 Northwoodsmom I cannot wait to see what they were able to do with him LOL  after 24 years of trying to get him to write legibly somehow they got him to write like a person and not a gorilla!!  I could not believe his handwriting on the last letter.  I can't wait to wrap my arms around him...these next 5 weeks are going to be lloonngg!!

This may be a silly question.  Back story...we are campers, if I cannot take my RV with me I don't usually go, so other than a trip to Canada 10 years ago I haven't needed a passport LOL Here's the question, passports for military...does he have to get his own passport? I would think yes if he is traveling on Leave for fun, but  I don't know!

belovedbyHim I keep rereading your post about Christmas Leave as if I cannot believe what I am seeing!  I thought we would not see him until after A School!  I am very excited to hear there is a possible break for the holidays!!  I just looked up "Go in the Hole" and now understand the policy.  This site is such a great resource!!!  Thankyou everyone!!

Hi all - Happy Wednesday!

Eds Mom Danielle - a passport is highly recommended.  If he's in a foreign port and off duty and wants to travel he WILL need a passport.  My son's command made it mandatory....

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.

B'sNukeMoM Thank you!

So wonderful to hear PIR stories.. and those heading out this week and shortly.. hugs all around.. I don't miss BC time for sure but seeing him that day was one of the top 3 moments in my life.. probably number 2.. number 1 was the day I held him first lol before the Navy got in the way..

Trey - I agree 100%! You nailed it.

Eds Mom Danielle -- Yes... Have him get one ASAP!!! They may or may not need it and they always have to get Command permission to travel to a foreign country (Including Mexico and Canada).  They do not need their passport to travel "On Orders" but if they get stationed overseas and want to travel to nearby countries (Europe is common!) or if there is an emergency and they need to travel quickly, having their passport is very useful!! (Get yours too!! You never know!!!) Have them go ahead and schedule an appointment now... They can always reschedule later is needed.  They can do this at their A school location or when they are home.  DO NOT wait till they get their Command orders!! It's a Nightmare then! 

MY Sailor is a SeaBee -- a dirt sailor.  Always stationed on land... His first command was Sicily Italy!! He didn't have a passport.  He could go to the mainland but he could NOT go anywhere else!  Not to Greece, France, Spain, Germany.... all these wonderful countries a day or less away and he couldn't visit because he didn't have his passport.  He came home on "Surprise Leave" but Didn't think to make an appointment and because he wanted to surprise us he didn't tell us so... We didn't advise him (19 and knew it all..... HA!) He had to Come back at Christmas and call to get an "Emergency " Appointment at the Passport office and got chewed out when he got back to command for not planning ahead. We got our Passports to go visit him and took a 3 week vacation to Italy and London while he was there!  I just realized the other day that our passports are expired so that just got added to the list.  Sailor is on deployment but if something happened to him it would be tricky to get there.  If something happened here at home, He could get a civilian flight back but having his passport will make getting through customs easier!

Trey -- Yep!!! Top 3 for sure!!

Eds Mom Danielle -- On the topic of Christmas Leave.... My post is Common but that is not to say it is 100%!!! Do NOT be surprised if it changes!! (That said... Buying changeable travel tickets may not be a waste of $$... Just check on change fees and compare to short notice travel costs.....)

I also love hearing all the PIR stories but I will admit I am so jealous. Having that once in a lifetime  experience stolen for us because of  Covid still tears at my heart. At least I got to watch it live streaming there were a lot of moms who never even got that. I really think when a ship does their Tiger Cruises or Family days they should make sure to invite those families first, just my thought.

Northwoodsmom -- {{{{{BNMH}}}}} I know that time was so hard on all of you but you were resilient and had a toughness that was amazing to see.  Because of your shared bond, Beyond BC was born!! So much was lost in 2020!!! Graduations, Weddings, Births, Deaths, Funerals, PIR... There is no way to make up for those major life events!!

Well tomorrow is the day. We are in Jacksonville. I head to MEPS in the morning to see him swear in and I’ll head home without my first born, I gave him the option for me to sit with him at the airport or not. Luckily he chose not. I’m tired and worried I won’t sleep well tonight.

He’s a nervous wreck but when we stopped at the recruiting office they reassured him it was normal. We spent the afternoon at the mall here hitting his favorite stores (all the geeky ones lol).  I sat in the lobby with him watching reels he wanted to show me and telling me a prank he and one of his friends want to pull on another of their friends (the one he is planning with arrived at Great Lakes a week after him.). I’m grateful he’ll know someone there and hope it helps him get through. 

Big Hugs Travel.... seeing him swearing in will be cool.. we couldn't because of covid, but they are usually put out on youtube, not just during covid. I sent the link to other family member..  Hate to say but good call on the airport..  leaving him at the hotel for us was bad enough.. would not have been able to see him get on that plane. 

Congratulations and safe travels to everyone at PIR today and this weekend! 

So my son is at BC now. Day 9 but not really. Got two calls yesterday to say moving him to another division with same graduation date. But was two days behind. For a “complication” don’t know what that is. It was a 1 minute call. Second phone call was that division was full so PIR will be a week later. Another week added in not seeing him. Ugh, I think the hardest part is the letting go and not having control to check up on them. He is straight out of HS. Also just to be clear I am not a helicopter mom. Just one that likes to know he is okay. 
anyway have no idea what this “complication” could be. 

Just got another phone call saying he was pushed back a week due to paperwork being lost. ? He said he would explain later. But confirming PIR date. and that it is like he is only on day 3 even though he has been there for 9 days. So I guess all is well. 

Lisa - My son had a similar issue. Got a call from him during week 1 of BC saying that MEPS had neglected to send some of his medical paperwork to Great Lakes, so he was being ASMO'd for a week. I had the same reaction as you - another week that I have to wait to see him??? It was fine, though, and he ended up loving his new division.

TravelAddictedNavyMom-Its going to be ok, its not easy but it will get better. I can say that now, but I wasn't sure it was going to be when our family went through it. Come on here read other moms stories, we can all relate to your situation in some way. Write lots of letters, I wrote everyday. Its helps, its almost like you are having a conversation with your him.

Lisa-Hang in there, I've heard similar stories and everything was fine. I'm glad he was able to call you to give you an update, I'm sure that helped put your mind at ease

Happy Thursday!

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.

Moms whose sons have an S.O. Contract headed to BUD/S there is a group for you.

It is called, BUD/S and SQT (Stages of a S.E.A.L.)

Interested:

Send a friend request to NavyMom(J) for more information.

(Click on the highlighted links.)