Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

Happy Friday everyone!! 

Congratulations to all the new sailors from yesterday’s graduation! I hope everyone is enjoying their Friday with their sailor! 

Thank you to everyone about the information about phones and electronics. That is helpful to me. I had her to that some individuals do take a tablet or laptop and that they use that potentially to do some of their work during A school.

Chipmunk— did you say that your son was using his own bicycle at A school? Did he just bring that with him?

Babysharkmom - that would be great to meet up! I am not on Facebook, but I can send you an individual message (if I can figure that out) and hopefully we can connect! I am wondering, too, if maybe at graduation people are seated in part as family groups based on division. So that’ll be interesting to see.

It is amazing to me to be at this point with only a few days left of Boot Camp for my son. I am so proud of him! I think he has enjoyed his time and he has really liked being able to share in the experience with all these new individuals who have been part of his division, and others who he has come into contact with. I can’t wait to see him! 

Lara - This discussion of mine that is in the queue above (at least easily visible if you are on a computer or desktop mode on a mobile device) explains how to become friends with someone on this site and set up private messaging. Private Messages - Creating & Sending + OPSEC

Just a friendly reminder that personal "GoFundMe" pages are prohibited.  If you receive a request from someone to visit their page, please reach out to me.  Thanks!

As for laptops or tablets during classroom instruction, that will very much depend on your sailor's rate. If they have any sort of security clearance or doing classwork that is classified, then I am doubtful they will be allowed to use laptops or tablets. I know for my son it was not allowed. However, they can have them in their BEQ (Bachelor Enlisted Quarters) for their personal use and for communication with family and friends. 

Lara, my son's A school was in Goose Creek, SC. The weather was mostly temperate, and the location of his base was relatively close to places where he wanted to go. He bought his bicycle at the local NEX and rode it exclusively, until we could get a vehicle out to him. He still owns that bicycle. He was able to transport it to his duty station and store it when not using it, but a car is an almost necessity at certain bases. 

TIME Change reminder!!! 

Happening this weekend! We FALL back!! 

B'sNukeMom - Thank you for the reminder that "GoFundMe" solicitations are not allowed on this site. - Also, if anyone reaches out to you asking you to come email them at their personal email, especially because they have information to share with you, let the admins know. 

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.)

rmarie25 - the SWCC group is different and unfortunately it hasn't been active in quite some time.  Here's the link though:

SWCC

And sometimes if you post someone might answer - if you are lucky!

Lara -- click on the Picture of the person you want to talk to.  Be sure to scroll up and check your Inbox too.
They can take their personal laptop or tablet but in MOST cases cannot use that for "Work or School" related stuff.  Again, If the Navy thinks they need it they will be issued it... Or granted access to whatever it is that the Navy says they need! (Uniforms, computers, Phones, cars, guns...)
Seating at PIR is Sort of By DIV.  There will be signs placed on the floor showing where the DIV will be and most people sit in that "area" with their family.  You sit there on a First come, First served basis.  SO... If you sit in the front you are closest to the "action" but, If you sit at the back, you can lean on the wall.  Sit near the stairs and you can get quickly to the floor but it's a sea of bodies all surging in the same direction...(Move Fast)

rmarie25 -- Please go edit your Profile info.. Your "Stage of (Sailor’s) Navy career?" should be DEP not enlisted.  After they leave you will change it to "At Bootcamp" and once they have PIR then you will change it to "enlisted".  This helps us to know where on the Journey you are.  There is some info I don't post if you've already been there (Bootcamp) and done that because it won't be useful.  We want to support you where you are.

Lara - and others - hopefully this link works. This should be a video of Nov 2 2023 RTC PIR - BC Graduation

I found it very helpful to watch one of the videos of a recent PIR before I attended my son's PIR. Watching on the video you may fast forward through slower portions, but it can give you a sense of what to expect, but there is still nothing like being there, especially when the sailors all start marching into the Great Hall. 

Good Morning everyone!! I have done my best to get myself to bed early the last couple of nights, but I still shut down when it gets dark outside!!

Congratulations to all of our new sailors!! If you attended PIR, be sure to come post some information both here in this spot and up in the discussion area - PIR Weekend Experiences - Post Covid

As well, feel free to come join us in the Beyond BC group as well as remember to change your sailor status from Bootcamp to Enlisted. 

Good morning,

I have read the very helpful breakdown of BC days/weeks as posted above. However, I am having trouble understanding the first few weeks. If my SR arrived on 10/31, approximately which day would he be on? 

Thank you!

cocacola451 - first of all, welcome!! We are glad you are here. As for the BC days/weeks, especially the P-days, that is not my specialty. Hopefully, BelovedbyHim will see your question and be able to give you a better answer. - I did not find this site until my son was about to graduate, so I went through BC flying by a little blindly other than with a schedule my husband found online elsewhere. Later, my son told me the weeks did not match up. 

So, take heart, even though you want to know exactly what your SR (seaman recruit) is doing, when and where, you may not still have the best idea. But you can always start writing. I would say he is probably into his first week of training by now. 

Have you received any notification from Sandboxx yet with his address? If not, then he may still be processing. Be sure to read this post if you have not already - SANDBOXX APP for letters to BootCamp - Navy For Moms (ning.com)

I mostly wanted to reach out and let you know someone saw your post. These first few weeks of no contact can be some of the hardest us moms deal with, but we learn to live by the motto, "No News is Good News!" 

CocaCola I would think p-days or week 1. Have you gotten a Sandboxx request yet?  If so, it keeps you up on where you recruit is. I attached my son’s below it shows he’s on week 6 and it’s great because I can click on it and it tells me what he should be doing that week.  

@CocoCola I have found that it is off a week or at least a few days. week one is not really P week. When I have spoken with my son on Saturdays, he had not completed what was showing on sandbox for that week but said their weeks are like 1-1, 1-2, and I found that actvities are usually the beginning of the next week if that makes since. their weeks do not include weekends. so it seems to me it goes thursday/friday and then monday-wed are all one week. Does that make sense? I am a new recruit mom as well but learning. My has been their since 9/19 but was held back 2 days because of paperwork and then the division they were going to put him in was full so they held him back a week. I learned when married to a military man, the military motto is, "Hurry up and wait" 

hi cococola.. welcome.. good info here and awesome support. we have been where you are.. please ask.. or just vent, whatever helps.. we will hear you

Happy Graduation week to a few of us anticipating PIR this Thursday! I am so excited for my son and to see him!! 

I am curious if anyone has a comment on about what time your Sailor was available to go with you after the ceremony? I have seen a few statements about that and I know it can vary also. 
I had really been wanting to try and help my son get a passport ahead of leaving for his next training site, but turns out Friday is the Veterans Day federal holiday and the Waukegan city clerks office which will do walkins, is only available until 1 PM. I am aware that Waukegan Township will do appointments though. I’m still trying to decide if I think it’s gonna be even possible.

Coca-Cola — I also tried to figure out a lot as to what week my son was on, and what day of training. The Sandboxx helped me at least figure out an estimated graduation date based on their timeline that they include under weekly updates. Then I think my son was able to reference a specific week and day. I have wondered if everybody’s weeks I’ll start on Thursdays now.

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

PIR JANUARY 2024

PIR DECEMBER 2023

PIR NOVEMBER 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.

Remember no PIR on 12/21 and 12/28.

Traveladdicted navy mom, I sent you a friend request I think our sons are in the same PIR. Dec 7 ?

TravelAddictedNavyMom -- That's great!  Hey, If you think of it can you create a new thread or send me the info and I'll create one that has each of the weeks expanded?  Hopefully with the addition of Sandboxx we'll be able to help the new moms navigate these weeks!

cocacola451 & Lisa -- So "Week" in Bootcamp Navy speak is just any 7 day period.  NOT Sun-Sat or Mon-Sun.... The switch back at A school but not BC. 
IF your SR left home on 10/30 and left MEPS on 10/31& arrived in the early morning hours of 11/01 then that is Day 0 and they have completed 3 p-days (Wed, Thurs Fri)  Had 2 P-hold Days (Sat and Sun) and are on P-Day 4. 
If they left from MEPS and traveled on 10/30 then they are on P-day 5.
The "Week" is 5 days of training with 2 days of "Hold" on Saturday and Sunday.  Their Training can start on any day except Sat or Sunday.
I hope this helps.  Sorry for the delay. I started typing this early this morning and didn't get a chance to come back to it till now.

Lara --Don't try and add passport stress to PIR weekend.  There is no reason.  Just enjoy each other's company!  He can always get his passport later.  Your time at PIR is so precious!  Enjoy every second!

Lara, - I agree with BelovedbyHim, don't spend extra time trying to do a Passport. As for time after PIR, it can be so variable. We did not get our son until about 5 pm, I think, because he was still trying to get things done, so he could have his orders all lined up and able to fly out the next morning, instead of being stuck in THU (temporary holding unit). -  FLEXIBILITY - that is the name of the game at PIR. 

Let your son take the lead on what he wants to do or not do. 

We live near a college town which has a dedicated passport office (versus one in a PO, which can take forever, depending on their postal patrons) on the campus. When my son was home for holiday standdown during A school, I was able to take him with his military ID, and other documents and they got him right in, took his picture, and did his passport. The college itself was closed, so we were even able to park very close to that building as visitors. His passport arrived very quickly, but he had already left back for school, so I just held on to it, until we drove out to see him. Then we bought him a small firesafe box to keep his documents in. 

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

PIR JANUARY 2024

PIR DECEMBER 2023

PIR NOVEMBER 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.

If my memory is working we have 3 Moms with Sailors on their way to PIR...Lara, BabySharkMom & NucMomTami.   Angie are you this week too?  Who else am I missing?
I hope those of you who are able, all have safe travels and a WONDERFUL time!! If you are unable to attend, I hope you are able to watch the Live stream and get long phone calls right after!! (If you are going and you are willing & able, consider adopting those sailors who don't have family in attendance.  Your Sailor may have a buddy or 2 who they don't want to leave behind.)

belovedbyHim - So sweet of you!  Yes, headed to Great Lakes tomorrow morning!  Cannot wait!  Seems like only yesterday that you and Trey were providing information to get us newbies through this.  I think it was maybe you who said, “We’ve not lost a Mom to boot camp yet and we don’t intend on starting with you!”  Super excited to see our sailor and incredibly proud of all the new sailors.  We did tell our son to bring along anyone who does not have family attending.  We will happily spend time with these kids.  They have all earned a nice lunch and whatever else they may want to do.  Will post after graduation and share anything I learn.  Hooyah Navy!

Babyshark... yes I posted that.... it's part of my welcome blog post too.   Sometimes you just need to know that someone gets it and you aren't alone.  10 weeks flies past. Heck...10 years has flown past for me!   Enjoy your time and we look forward to hearing all about it!

For new moms.  We understand exactly what you are going through.   The more you post here the more we can encourage and support you.  This site is YOUR boot camp site.  This is where you learn, goof up and learn better, get stronger and find comradery.  Those of us who have sailed these waters before you are here to help you navigate your child's Navy experience.   Some are here for the long haul and some for a short trip.  At times it can feel like you are in the middle of a tempest but you are never alone.  We haven't lost a mom to Bootcamp and we won't start with you!

My youngest left for boot camp today. His nerves and emotions were all over the place. Which made me an emotional wreck. As this is his first adventure on his own, and my first time being an empty nester. Hopefully the next few days it gets better. I know 10 weeks go fast as it seems like he was just born I blinked and now he is 19 and on a plane to Chicago. Shout out to whoever started this group.

Hi Spice76.. welcome.. nerves and emotions oh my.. we totally get it.... yea, they are tiny babies and then off of their own with no time passing..  still having some empty nest issues and been two years lol..  BigNavyMomHugs.. ask/vent/talk as needed.. tons of great people and info..

BabySharkMom - Congratulations to your sailor!! Enjoy your time at PIR. Thank you for hosting other new sailors as well. 

Spice76 - Welcome Aboard!!! We are glad you are here. 

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

PIR JANUARY 2024

PIR DECEMBER 2023

PIR NOVEMBER 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.

USPS Informed Delivery - Sign up and receive an email from the US Postal Service showing what mail you will be getting each day (if available in your area).  

Informed Delivery®

click on the link

Here is my discussion on the Sandboxx App - click on the link:

Sandboxx app while in BC

**Only to be used while in boot camp.

PICK UP YOUR TICKETS FOR THE GRADUATION CEREMONY
(THIS IS OFF-BASE)

TICKETING: Everyone who is planning on attending a graduation ceremony MUST personally obtain a ticket, which will be distributed at the Recruit Family Welcome Center the week of your recruit's graduation. Tickets are free of charge, but you must have valid photo ID to obtain your ticket (driver's license, state ID, military ID, passport, or, for minors, a student ID, driver's permit, SSN card, birth certificate,). Once you receive your ticket do NOT lose it, as this will be the only ticket you will receive. These tickets are not transferable and are the only means to access the base for attendees.
 

RECRUIT FAMILY WELCOME CENTER HOURS:

Day before Graduation: 10:00 AM to 7:30 PM
Day of Graduation: 5:30 AM to 8:30 AM
 

Plan accordingly so each person can check-in to receive a ticket for the graduation ceremony. If you don't have a ticket you will NOT be allowed entry to the base. Tickets will only be issued to guests who the graduating recruit has verified will be attending. Please ensure those who check-in to receive their graduation tickets are the same as those who were listed on the security form.

**DO NOT GO DIRECTLY TO THE BASE WITHOUT FIRST PICKING UP YOUR TICKET**

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.

Hi to all the new parents that have son/daughters leaving or just started bc I can relate to how hard it is.I am a single mom mines with to bc at 17.I am a empty nest.I honestly didn't think him neither  I would make it but thank God we did, to me this site helped me.

Good evening everyone! We are here, excited for tomorrow’s PIR, seeing my son, and celebrating with all the Sailors and their families! Thank you to all of you for walking with me through these first steps into Navy life!

As a Wisconsin family, we wish all new recruits, PIR graduates, and Sailors in the fleet — FORWARD! 

Congratulations to all of our new sailors today!! May everyone have a wonderful time at PIR!!

Marshannon - Thank you for sharing. You are not the only empty nester going through all of this or getting ready to go through it. 

Lara - From one Wisconsin family to another, congrats to your sailor! Enjoy PIR - it is truly a special time.

Marshannon - We're with you!

Today's PIR happening now:

LIVE PIR 11.09.23