Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

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

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.

BabySharkMom -- AWE!! That list is AWESOME!!! I'm so sorry that you didn't know to look for your sailor!  This also goes for 900 Performing Div's too!!  Yes, Let your Sailor set the schedule, Hurry up and wait applies to parents too and I'm delighted to hear that they are letting parents/family wait with their Sailors at the gate!! 

Happy PIR Day!!

Congratulations to all the new Sailors today and their families!! It must have been a beautiful end of fall day at Great Lakes! Just lovely! 

Baby shark mom was right! It took an hour Friday morning in the line to pick up our Sailor last week!  Hang in there tomorrow morning! 

My Sailor just flew to A school earlier today as he was in the Temporary Holding Unit waiting for a sign off, but he has arrived and is settling into his new space! 

Hello to new moms! With leaving today, my Sailor is now farther away than he has ever been from us and home, being on his ow - so much change in such a really short time, truly. Exciting!! —but change nonetheless. 

Thinking of all our troops this evening, and especially those in the fleet and all those recruits readying themselves for their new Navy life. 

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.)

Lara-- I'm so glad you got the extra time.  Yes, Naval Base Traffic is a THING!!! Now only do you have all the families coming to get their Sailor, you also have all the folks who WORK there trying to get on base.  It can get to be rather crazy!! I wonder if parking nearby and walking to the gate is Permitted? That might cut down on the wait and traffic?  Your Sailor would need to tell you if that is permitted though.

I don’t know what others would say, but I did see some Sailors standing at the gate to go in and in the mornings I saw a few groups of 2 Sailors whom had left together walking on liberty down the sidewalk. I saw one parent walking with a Sailor. I am not sure where the parking would happen, exactly. 

I am not sure though if these individuals were there and walking on the sidewalk in leaving the base and this was considered ok. Whereas when we were trying to drop off, the info sheet was very clear about not stopping on the street to drop off due to it being a Safety issue and some of the security gate Sailors (not sure how to refer to them) getting quite loud and assertive in yelling at what was happening suddenly on the street associated with a drop off. Definitely a “yikes” moment to watch! 

I think the wait to get in the gate for pick up Friday morning caught me by surprise whereas I knew there would be a wait for the ceremony. I think I thought the only thing that required us to drop him off early enough in the evening was that the walk back to his ship would take time. When in fact, it was the wait in line plus the walk back to the ship, that certainly had to be accommodated, for in terms of time.

My Sailor liked going back at 7:30 each evening. He seemed most comfortable with how much time was needed to get back. My son didn’t sleep during his time with us, but he was tired by the time 7:30 came around to head back. 

Lara -- Yes, Stopping in Traffic is NOT ok!! There is a parking lot on the east side of the base.  I'm not sure where else is nearby.  The Navy Lodge is within walking distance but you have to be willing and able to walk up to a mile... It's not for everyone but may be an option.  They CANNOT Leave base alone at this point. (A school, THU or RTC Ship-outs). Maybe This is a question for Sarge and it may be that only Sailors in A school at GL are allowed to walk off base with a Liberty Buddy.

Happy Monday!

Reminder - PIR this week is on Wednesday due to Thanksgiving.

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.

IMPORTANT NOTE - THERE IS NO MEET AND GREET FOR THE DECEMBER 14TH GRADUATION.

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.

Happy Almost PIR for our Thanksgiving PIR moms!!  Just ONE more sleep till you get to hug your sailor!!

Today's PIR live:

PIR 11.22.23

Congratulations to all the new Sailors and their families! I hope everyone has a wonderful few days together and some well deserved moments of rest. 

Thinking of all our troops this evening, especially those in the fleet, new Sailors today, and all our recruits working so hard for their own PIR day. I am thankful to benefit from the service of so many. Wishing all a quiet and restful evening.

Happy Thanksgiving!! I know you are missing your SRs! I am also missing my Vet and Sailor gal - {{{BNMHs}}} = Big Navy Mom Hugs. We have a saying around here, "It doesn't get easier, but we get stronger!!" Remember, your loved ones miss you as well. Take time to write a nice long letter and maybe send a picture as well. 

How is the BC crew doing?  Thanksgiving is the first holiday for most of you to be without your loved one and with no communication. It is hard. But hopefully you had a wonderful time with other family and were able to be thankful that your SR is healthy and well. - Both of my sets of kids with my grandchildren were not able to be with us, and we did not even really get to talk much. 

We understand the struggles with BC especially, so please don't hesitate to come post here, share your ups and downs and vent even. 

I got to talk to my son on Wednesday post BS passing, then on Thanksgiving thanks to the Adopt A Sailor program!  Just 10 more days left of boot camp!  I am expecting a call this week after his OPFT for pass or fail news.  Prayers it is a pass.  

TravelAddictedNavyMom -- That is AWESOME news!! Be sure to come and share with us!!

TravelAddictedMom - That is wonderful news!!! Yes, do come share and we will be praying for all to go well with the PFT!!

Happy Monday!  I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

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

PIR JANUARY 2024

PIR DECEMBER 2023

PIR NOVEMBER 2023

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.

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.)

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.

HEY Boot camp Moms!!! I have good news.... This is from RTC

Happy Wednesday!

And just to clarify on the new cell phone usage - division 033 and 034 are February PIR's.

I have the February PIR group started.  Here's the link:

PIR FEBRUARY 2024

Today's PIR happening live:

LIVE PIR 11.30.2023