Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

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

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.

Thanks and congratulations to everyone.

Spice76 -- I just left some info on your page.  Ignore the first part since your SR has already left.  This site is an official Navy site and I'm fairly sure "Donna" that started this page has long since had their Sailor retire!  This is your support page.  Come and share your thoughts, feelings, concerns and joy about all things Navy and not navy.  We understand the empty nest and you are not alone in this!!  It's NORMAL to have your emotions all over the place!! (Read that again... IT IS NORMAL!) Yes 10 weeks will fly by and while this is the Hardest thing you have ever let your kid do it's also the easiest part of their Navy career!! At least here you KNOW exactly where they are and what they are doing and that there is someone looking in on them to make sure they are safe and well!! Once they are in the fleet... Those training wheels come off! Welcome to the Fleet.... We haven't lost a mom to Boot Camp... We won't start with you!

Trey -- It's been nearly 10 years that my nest has been empty (Ish... the pandemic brought a baby bird back but he wasn't fully here since he didn't ever plan to stay as long as he did, but the world conspired to leave him homeless.....) I still miss my babies all the time!!

BZ to our New Sailors!!!
And may their Moms get ALL the Hugs!!!

Do we have any Thanksgiving Moms here??

B'sNukeMom - I love it!!! I am going to need to send that Snoopy Monday one to my granddaughter!

Good Morning everyone!!! Congratulations to our newest sailors and their families!  I just wanted to remind those of you who now have officially gone through PIR - Please update your profile page and show your sailor as ENLISTED!

Also, be sure to come join us in the Beyond BC group!! We would love to have you continue your journey with us there. 

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.

For all of our new members, besides our site here, be sure to also check out information at the RTC - Bootcamp website

If you are new to this gruop or the Navy4Mom site this is the best place to come say hello, to ask questions and post how you are doing. This is the Comment Wall for the BC Mom and Loved Ones page. 

If you are using a mobile device, we recommend putting it into desktop mode, at least so you can see how to navigate around the pages. Personally, I prefer using my computer for messaging as I see the full screen versus being on my phone. 

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.

rmarie25 -- Welcome back. Nope the Feb PIR hasn't formed and won't for a while yet but you are welcome to post here and we'll do our best to get you the answers you need.  When does he ship?
I'm glad you got moved and figured out how to get on here.

Once he gets to BC he can use the Sandboxx app to have them send you his Address, Div Number and PIR date.  (There is a link that B's has posted about it if you scroll up.)  You can start sending letters right away but as far as we have heard, the delivery procedure has not changed. 
*Each Div need to select a Recruit Mail Petty Officer (RMPO) and send them for training in handling the mail. This does NOT happen till after they have finished P-days.  Then it usually takes another week or 2 for that person to be selected and trained.  This means they've been gone for 3 weeks.  All mail that arrived before the RMPO was selected and trained was set aside to be sorted later.  Occasionally that later is MUCH later and sometimes it never happens. This is why we suggest waiting at least a week plus and numbering any letters you do send.  (It's a great idea to have a copy too.) Also because of this "setting aside"  Don't send anything irreplaceable and don't send money.
Once they have been gone for over a week you can start sending mail knowing that it more than likely will get delivered if you are using Snail Mail. It's usually sometime around week 3 or 4 when the first letter home will arrive.  Sometimes it happens sooner but that's the Average.

** Sandboxx costs to mail.  It's optional and NOT OPSEC or PERSEC so treat it like a Post card.  Whatever you write on it Can be read by someone other than your SR.  Also if the DIV moves to a new Ship, Postal rules don't usually include Sandboxx in forwarding them. Sandboxx is delivered via FedEx.

IF YOU HAVE Information that changes this info PLEASE let me know ASAP so I can update my posts.

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.

rmarie25 - I am glad that you have figured out how to maneuver this site better on your phone. You may always start writing letters to your son and hold on to them for mailing once you have his address. 

Welcome to our new members!! Please come here to the Comment Wall and introduce yourself. 

I have been sick and not able to be on the site much, but we are glad you are here. 

Hi everyone! I'm Shannon, my son just entered week 2 of boot camp! We just moved from the PNW to OH in July to help out with aging family, and I didn't think I'd be missing my kid this much lol. It's nice to find this group, thank you for welcoming me in. The other guy in this pic is my partner of 7.5 years, he is 3rd gen Navy and helped my son get ready to enter the service, so it's made the transition easier.

Hi everyone!  Wanted to share a few things I learned at PIR last week. 

1. Breathe!  You will need to remind yourself to just take a moment and look around and take it all in once you are seated in the drill hall.

2. If you have an honor graduate, they could be manning a division sign other than their own at graduation.  Once you secure your seats, take a walk ALL the way down and come back.  I could have hugged my sailor 2 hours earlier had I known!  Yes, the sailors are allowed to interact with family if they see us.

3. Let your sailor dictate what activities you undertake during liberty.  Our sailor wanted a long hot shower, comfy clothes and pizza.  It was fantastic!

4. Drive the route to graduation the day before and que up early the day of graduation.  We left the Navy Lodge at 6:15am and made it into our seats about 7:30.  It’s maybe a 10 minute drive between Navy Lodge and the base.  

5. On Friday, we went to the base to retrieve our sailor at 8am for liberty.  We actually got in the gate and got him picked up at 9am.  The que was very long!

6. We were able to go to the airport and wait with our sailor on Saturday.  It was time well spent as they were dropped off at 4am and flew out at 11am.  We had breakfast together and just chatted until departure.  The departure ticket counter will give you a pass if your sailor goes to the counter with you. This was our experience with United Airlines.

7.  The NEX where you pick up graduation tickets is full of Navy schwag.  Bring your husbands wallet!!!

Congratulations to all of the graduating sailors this week and to all of the parents and families who raised them.  PIR is an amazing experience and these young men and women are incredible and inspiring!  Hooyah Navy!

Awesome BabySharkMom.. thank you for the update and info.. so glad you got that time.. it's just the best...

welcome Shannon.. glad to have you.. yea, I was totally unprepared for the separation..  plenty to read here.. ask away, vent/etc.. we are here to help..

Shannon - Welcome! I wish you well in your new home.

BabySharkMom - Glad you had a wonderful PIR experience. I can't say enough about how much our PIR weekend meant to me and my family. Best of luck to your sailor in A school.

Happy PIR day!  Watch it live here:

LIVE PIR 11/16.23