Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

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.)

Just a heads up, if your Recruit goes to BC right after the holidays you might have to add another week. My son did not start until his division was filled. Also they did not have PIR every week because of the stand down . There were several weeks February and March with no graduations.  Just something to keep in mind.

TravelAddictedNavyMom -- Good luck tomorrow!!  (Oh and remind him... NO PRANKS at BC.  The Navy DOES NOT have a sense of humor!!! {at least not at bootcamp!}) It's unlikely he'll see or talk to his friend who is also going a week later. Just so you know.  Yes being a nervous wreck is normal for you both!!  Take deep breaths and take it one day..., hour..., minute..., second... at a time!  We are here for you.  Our kids have only themselves!!

Trey -- Actually the swearing in being live streamed IS new Post Covid!  They had photos before but not video at most every location.  It's awesome for those parents who cannot make it to MEPS for various reasons.

Angie -- I think this is in the "Phone call's" link above, but if your SR has a bad connection they can see if there is another phone available but usually if they push in on the cord that helps.  These are old pay phones that are used multiple times a day by SR's in various emotional states.  They are minimally maintained! (Yes we have asked back when MY SR was at GL to get them fixed!! Even had a bunch of us call the Phone company to service them!! That was 10 years ago!) hopefully pushing in on the cord slightly will improve the connection enough. 

Lisa -- So many possibilities for what that complication could be.  It could be paperwork missing or personalities clashing or Venus was in the wrong quadrant of Mars and Zeus was jealous!!
SO...He left on the 19th?  That puts your PIR Either Right before or after Thanksgiving.  Did he give you the "New" PIR date?  It's possible that you "Might" get to see him that week for Thanksgiving. 

Belovedbyhim. Nooo not at boot camp!  The friend they want to prank isn’t in the Navy. They were talking about when they get to A school since they will be at the same one that they get together and send him 2.4 metric tons of corn. My son actually left yesterday with 7 others. His friend gets there Tuesday, his recruiter said if their division isn’t full there is a chance he might get same division but it by no means is guaranteed. They are expecting to see each other at A school though. I’ve done OK. I am happy he did this and want him to start his own journey. I left home and moved 1/2 way across the US so I’m excited for him to get out and start his life.

Actually, talked to the youngest (16 yo) about him looking into being a Navy diver. He’s my scuba buddy and loves diving and is now considering that or looking into welding jobs (already has some experience) or mechanic jobs (he rebuilds motorcycle engines for fun now). 

Today though starts my new normal. Not having my oldest home sharing insta reels while I’m trying to work or ask me 100 times what’s for dinner or when we can go to Disney for Food & Wine. He’s already asked to go to Disney to ride Tron and do Festival of the Holidays when he is home for Christmas liberty. I’m sure I’ll start missing him in a few weeks. I’m used to not seeing them 2-3 weeks at a time when I travel. I know he’s in good hands. 

Trey, there was a way to see him swearing in at Meps? I didn't get to go to meps the local recruiters drove him down a day early and put him in a hotel. 

this may have been related to covid as there were still restrictions at MEPS where only the recruits could go in and such.. it was broadcast on youtube and I believe it was from the MEPS base itself,, which was Dallas for us. Not sure if still done by all but you could check the website for the meps station he used or contact them..

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

PIR DECEMBER 2023

PIR NOVEMBER 2023

PIR OCTOBER 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.)

Happy Monday evening to everyone!  
 
Those of us anticipating a PIR on 11/9, I received a phone call Saturday afternoon from my son, which lasted about 10-15 minutes. I am hoping you also had gotten a call too BabySharkMom & NucMomTami!! He said that he was anticipating the Confidence chamber today (Monday) and I am thinking he is on week 4, day 3 today. He stated he hadn’t started any firearm training yet, which would make sense based on the schedule above on this page! It was such a blessing to hear his voice. I miss him so much! He is my oldest and first to leave home. We are all missing him, but excited he is doing well and moving forward and closer to PIR! 

I am so glad you had a wonderful visit with your Sailor G’sNavyMom!! And congratulations!! The information you shared is so helpful!

Will your son stay at Great Lakes for A school?

Did I understand you correctly when you referenced that he was able to take items back with him that evening to his Ship after being on Liberty with you during the day? 

I am anticipating that we may get into town too late the evening before to get to Sarge’s, is it the type of experience that families come and go, or has a distinct program that has a start to finish? 

Were you able to connect with your Sailor the night before when their phone was given back? 

Good night to everyone and to our SRs, hoping for a quiet, restful night 🌙

G'sNavyMom -- WOW!!! It sounds like you had a Wonderful time!!!  The electronics info is new.  Is this for sailors staying in GL for A school or for those shipping out?

Lara -- We missed Sarge's Meet & Greet due to flight delays but it does have a specific "Program" portion.
We don't suggest giving specific points on where they are in training. You don't need to delete your message but it would not be OPSEC or PERSEC to be as specific as you were.  (This is a learning opportunity... NOT A SCOLD!!) A better way to have phrased it would have been "He's anticipating the Confidence Chamber this week (or Soon)" instead of "On Monday" or instead of "Training week 4 day 3" Say "He's been gone just over a month".  (***Takes off her Navy Mom  Helper Hat)
I'm so glad you got a phone call and that your SR is doing well!!!  I hope that he enjoys this next phase and gets to call you soon and share all his adventures with you!!

Oh my goodness,  I don't know what happened to my post! I'm having computer issues, so I don't know if that was a contributing factor...ugh!

To answer your questions,  my sailor is not staying in GL for A School. He has not shipped out yet. He is waiting for them to be ready for him. He said he could take non-perishables back too, but no clothes or toiletries after PIR Liberty. Many other sailors had shopping bags in their hands as we watched others go back in. I was hesitant because this was different information than what I was told in my research prior to leaving for PIR. 

Lara - i'm happy you received a phone call from your SR. There’s nothing like hearing their voices and knowing they're doing well. I hope he enjoys the upcoming phases and you receive more calls in the next few weeks. My sailor called a total of 5 times while at BC. That being said,  keep your phone close by and the ringer on and loud :)

As far as Sarge's meet and greet, you'll want to RSVP because he orders food depending on head count. It is a sit down dinner/event. You can always call him and discuss it with him. He's very receptive, helpful and accommodating. It's a patriotic, family oriented evening. He acknowledges veterans and gives helpful hints and information for PIR.  

My sailor chose to not contact us the night before PIR when they received their phones back because he wanted to make the whole experience a surprise.  It was nice he had his phone after PIR to communicate with him. 

Hope this info helps.  Enjoy your day everyone 💙⚓️

Thank you G’sNavyMom, that is good to know!

BelovedbyHim, Thank you! That is helpful to me! I will be more aware! 

Take care everyone and Have a wonderful Tuesday! 

G'sNavyMom - So happy for you! It truly is one of the best days ever.

G"sNavyMom - I am still mostly out of pocket & hard for me to reply. But I glanced at your note. Is your sailor in THU? I thought I had information about that in my discussion"PIR" for those flying out but maybe not. I will try to connect with you soon. We may need to update some info. THU is common, just not the "norm". I am sorry you did not have mor info. 

Happy Tuesday everyone!

Lara - glad you got a call on Saturday!  Made the weekend a bit easier, I bet.  We did receive a call on Saturday as well. I bet you agree that it is so good to hear our kids voices! Div 347 seems to be doing well.  Cheering all of them on for a successful “confidence chamber” day!  Sounds like maybe pictures this week also?

I do not recall who posted the “Mom questionnaires” but our SR is loving them.  He said send more!  Once again this site has proved incredibly resourceful!

Have a great day, everyone!

G'sNavyMom -- Your info is New information!! That's why you didn't see much about it.  As Chipmunk asked... is he in THU (Temporary Holding Unit)? Was this the case for his whole DIV? We know the way things have been before but as COVID taught us.... Semper Gumby Extremeis!! If this is a REGULAR Change That's Awesome and we will update our information but we need confirmation from you all, Our Boot Camp Moms!! You are the ones who can tell us when these changes happen and as always... Trust your Sailors!! They KNOW what their orders are and what is allowed or not (We only know what once was but may not now be...)
Yes... On TIME is LATE!!! So be Early!! Again , I'm so happy that you got to spend time together!!

Lara -- This is your training time... Mistakes happen... Just be glad we don't make you do 50 push ups every time!! ;0)  You can share your post as is within your PIR group page since that is "Private" (as much as anything on the internet is) and this page is Public.  It can get confusing remembering who posted what on which page and where you can and can't share. 

BabySharkMom -- YEAH!!! Phone calls are AWESOME!!! I know you and Lara and the same TG, are you all the same DIV's too?

Will the Lisa who wanted to join the Christian Navy Mom group please contact me.  (There are a TON of Lisa's on this group but not all are active) Thanks.

Is it normal to already get my SRs ship and division?  He left a week ago tomorrow. Today I got a Sandboxx invite with his ship and division. I know things can change but I was expecting this would take another week or 2??

Good Morning Everyone!! I have been "out to sea" so to speak and while I have a new phone that I could post occasionally, oh my, I honestly don't know how you all do it on your mobile devices, even in desktop mode!! 

I tried to post a message yesterday, but I did not have proper connections and it never went through. 

Just remember, this group and the Beyond BC group are our training grounds for being Navy Moms and Loved Ones. We are all here to learn and grow together. Sometimes those of us who have been around can come across as "No it alls" and it is not our intention, just the difficulties of social media. 

Last month, we had a member ask about sending thank yous to the RDCs or a gift or something after PIR and we stressed that while the thought was nice, it was not recommended, and definitely not without checking with your SR or sailor first. I had a chance to mention that to my sailor gal recently and she was in full agreement with us that would not have been the thing to do and your SR or sailor could get in trouble. 

Our primary goal is to be helpful, unfortunately it may not come across that way, so the best thing is to just keep talking or even private message us. 

Congrats to all of you getting phone calls. And please keep sharing with us new updates. G'sNavyMom - I wasn't able to read through everything you shared the other day, but do update us more. Thanks!

THU - Temporary Housing Unit - 

There is a group on this site if your sailor ends up in THU before heading to their A school. - My sailor was not in THU, but I was in contact a lot with the member who started the group, so I am a member of that group. - Hurry up and Wait-THU - Navy For Moms (ning.com)

If you have any newer information on THU, I recommend that you join that group and post a discussion with a very specific subject line, so that the information can be easily located. Some information on this site, sits as references, I know I occasionally go searching the site when I am asked a new question that I don't know the answer for. 

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

PIR DECEMBER 2023

PIR NOVEMBER 2023

PIR OCTOBER 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.

Reminder - this week starts the new Thursday PIR's.

hey Travel... from what I have read recently. that is not surprising you have his info already.. Sandboxx is faster.. I know info has been posted around somewhere lol.. 

Yes, the Sandboxx info happens rather quickly.  Just remember it is recommended to be used ONLY in boot camp.

Here's more info on it:

Sandboxx app while in BC

EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 5, 2023: Enjoy LIBERTY (free time off base) with your NEW SAILOR!  

Sailors are allowed to spend time off base (Liberty) with their family following the graduation ceremony. The amount of time spent depends upon where your Sailor is going for follow-on training. The Navy is required to transport Sailors to their next command, so Sailors MAY NOT travel to their next command in your vehicle or with tickets purchased by themselves or by you.
 

• SAILORS REMAINING AT GREAT LAKES FOR SCHOOL: Sailors remaining at Great Lakes for “A” school Will have the following schedule:
  • DAY OF GRADUATION:  You will normally have free time off base (liberty) with your Sailor from the conclusion of graduation until about 8pm.  You will return your Sailor using the RTC main gate and drop your Sailor off at the RTC Chapel.  The Sailor MUST be in his or her barracks by 9 pm, so plan accordingly.
  • DAY AFTER GRADUATION:  The next day, your Sailor must check into his or her school before being granted more free time with you time off base (Liberty). You will pick-up your Sailor OFF BASE at the Great Lakes National Museum of the American Sailor between approximately 10am and noon and the Sailor can normally remain with you off base until Sunday evening.  For more information about liberty procedures, please contact the school house directly:  
  • Culinary Specialists (CS):   Although this “A” school is located in Virginia, these Sailors will remain in Great Lakes for up to one week to complete additional firefighting training.
  • Engineering:  For Surface Warfare Engineering School Command Great Lakes:

GRLK_SWESC_PAO@navy.mil

• Combat:  For Surface Combat Systems Training Command Great Lakes:

scstc-gl_pao@navy.mil

• EOD:  For Center for Explosive Ordnance Disposal, please call 847-688-6819 (EOD Sailors ONLY!)

• SAILORS TRANSFERRING TO SCHOOL OUTSIDE OF GREAT LAKES:
  • DAY OF GRADUATION:  You will normally have free time off base (liberty) with your Sailor from the conclusion of graduation until about 8pm.  You will return your Sailor using the RTC main gate and drop your Sailor off at the RTC Chapel.  The Sailor MUST be in his or her barracks by 9 pm, so plan accordingly.
  • DAY AFTER GRADUATION:  The next day you may return through the main gate and pick your Sailor up at approximately 8am in the RTC Chapel parking lot.  Once again, the Sailor MUST return to his or her barracks by 9 pm that evening, so plan accordingly.
  • SATURDAY MORNING:  You may meet your departing Sailor at the airport to say good bye and to give the Sailor any small items he or she may want for “A” School (laptop, a few items of civilian clothing, etc.) but remember your Sailor is already carrying a seabag, garment bag, and back pack!

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.

TravelAddictedNavyMom -- Yep.  This is a more recent change and I think it makes it Easier for you all!! (a good thing!) It's up to you if you want to use Sandboxx since it is considerably more expensive than regular snail mail.  They do not start getting your letters right away (As best we know) so you have plenty of time to write and get letters there either way.

Good Morning Everyone - Please join me in welcoming Wiecki mom to our group!

Wiecki mom - We are glad you are here. This is the comment wall area where we do all of our daily chatting. 

My children keep saying they are going to get me into the 21st century with my technology and devices sooner or later, but I have to say - even with my new phone, such that I have enough storage again to read my emails and check into N4M from it - I still prefer to view this site on my computer. It is so much easier to navigate and type out my comments to you. 

But I realized why some of you may have difficulties navigating this site on your phones. I was totally lost until I put my phone back into desktop mode. Granted, the screen was tiny, but at least I could see everything. It also explains, why sometimes you miss links to other information that is on this group page. So, every so often, put your phone into desktop mode and scroll around our page, or the other group pages!

Today's PIR happening live now:

LIVE PIR OCT 5, 2023