Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

Happy Thursday and Happy PIR Day!

Watch today's PIR live:

LIVE PIR 9.19.24

Congratulations to all our new Sailors and their families!! Thinking of you this evening and hoping everyone has a wonderful few days enjoying this beautiful fall weather and the time together. Well deserved rest and relaxation for Sailors and family! 

I've got my RED on!

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

PIR: NOVEMBER 2024

PIR: OCTOBER 2024

PIR: SEPTEMBER 2024

Hello all!  Question for you…my daughter gave me a box that’s about 80 flippin pounds that my son packed before heading off to basic. I’m supposed to ship the box to A School once we get an address. I opened it, just curious as to what the heck he packed to make it so heavy. 10 frisbee golf frisbees, his computer, ear phones, computer fan thingy, and balled up clothes.  Does home boy really need all that?!  Better yet, is he allowed to have all that (other than his computer)???  It seems excessive for the first month of school, but I wanted to ask all my subject matter experts!  

Rolo’s Mom -- Desk top Computer or Laptop?  Remind me what Rate (Job/A school?) Yes on the Disc Golf but maybe start with 3-5 discs till he's more settled. It's also Highly probable that his Physique will have changed and many of the clothes he packed will no longer fit.  If you are going to PIR you can take some things with you and give them to him at the Airport. (Computers are NOT a good thing to send through the mail!!) Lastly look at the Priority Flat Rate for shipping.  Your biggest challenge is going to be having him get a mailing address for you to send it to!!

BelovedbyHim, it’s his laptop (that weighs a lot because it’s some special gaming type 🤷🏻‍♀️) and he’s going to Nuke school in Charleston. Good point about him having a new physique!  

Rolo's Mom - Since your son is going to Nuke school, I am more inclined to say, yes to taking his computer to him. They do a lot of studying!! More than the average Joe. Be sure to read my discussion on the Nuke Mom page, Nuke A school daily schedule

That said, they do need down time, and my son preferred to receive email messages versus cards and letters that he had to keep track of. I recently posted information about the address at GC (Goose Creek) on the Nuke Mom page, so once your son is there, be to check in and we can direct you again. They have a mailroom with set hours, and receive packages via USPS, FedEx, UPS, and I believe Amazon. 

As for clothes, I would only bring for him a couple of pairs of sleep clothes, and 1 or 2 casual outfits. Unless they have changed the rules, they will not be in civilian clothes immediately when out and about, so you will have time to actually ship clothes to him. There is also a small NEX that is easily accessible to those sailors where they can purchase any needed toiletries, laundry items, etc. There is also a Wal-Mart that isn't too great a distance either. My son bought a bicycle and rode that until we were able to get a vehicle to him in the middle of Power School. They do need a vehicle during Prototype, since they live off base. 

Rolo's Mom - My son did use his laptop at A school. We shipped it by UPS. They packed it and insured it. It was not inexpensive but it did arrive fine so was worth it. Where he is in school now they have provided them laptops so you might have you son double check whether or not he wants it now. As for clothes, our sailor mostly wanted his own underwear and socks. Did send a pair of shorts and a couple of tees. The flat rate boxes seem to be getting smaller, but at least a set price no matter how heavy you pack them. Something I remind our sailor is to take advantage of family welfare rec equipment. They can check out/rent stuff for less than you can ship and then makes for less they have to haul to their next stop after school. Our sailor said the laundry room at A school always had a ton of "free" stuff left by people who weren't able to take to next base. 

Rolo's Mom - Continued -- 

Meeting at the airport, be sure to read this discussion of mine. It is over 7 years old at this point, but it is written from my perspective as a Nuke Mom. What PIR weekend may be like for those flying out of GL

Your sailor will be loaded down with lots of things to carry in their hands and to get checked in on the plane. I do believe that your son will have allowance to take an extra small rolling suitcase with him on the plane. However:  It must be all black, because if they are in uniform, all accessories have to be black. That includes the umbrella which I bought my son, since pop up showers are common in SC. I would suggest no more than a small rolling carry-on size. It needs to be rolling so he can manage it. The only thing they can wear on their back, if they are in dress uniform, is their seabag. They will be carrying a garment bag and also likely have their black backpack which they are issued in BC. If they are not in dress uniform there may be other options, that is just what the USO man told us when we were all at the airport at O dark early the day of my son's flight. 

When my son was there, they still shipped home their cell phones, so we took that, his Kindle, and a single change of T-shirt, underwear and shorts for him to sleep in or be casual. I shipped a larger box of clothes to him once he was settled, but a lot of it stayed at home. We took these items to the airport in a small black drawstring bag which he managed to tuck into his backpack. His seabag was stuffed full and had a lock on it. 

Oh!! Be sure to tell him that if they go to the NEX at BC to buy their padlock, that he might want to get an extra one. My son used the one for his seabag on his backpack where he kept his computer locked up, but they also need a lock on their closet or such at NNPTC. My son was just frustrated that when he went to buy a lock, if he had known he might need two that he did not buy two at that time, instead of having to go back later and buy another lock. 

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

PIR: NOVEMBER 2024

PIR: OCTOBER 2024

PIR: SEPTEMBER 2024

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

PIR: NOVEMBER 2024

PIR: OCTOBER 2024

PIR: SEPTEMBER 2024

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

PIR: NOVEMBER 2024

PIR: OCTOBER 2024

PIR: SEPTEMBER 2024

Good Evening!! I see we have some new members joining us here on the BC Mom and Loved Ones group. Welcome Aboard!! We are glad to have you. This Comment Wall area is the best place to come say hello, ask questions, share your ups and downs. More of our members will see your comment posted here and be able to reply to you if needed. 

It has been over seven years since my son went to BC and a lot has changed since then. We do our best to keep up with the new updates so we always appreciate your feedback. 

Good morning!  For those who have future PIRs…the line to get into the parking lot can get VERY long. The gate opened at 0630, we got here just after and the line is a mile long and getting longer. We’ve been stuck at the same light for a bunch of signal cycles with little movement. We have two hours before we need to be seated, so I’m not panicking yet. But, just an FYI…get to the gate super early if you want to get in relatively quickly. 

Happy PIR day!! Congratulations to all the new Sailors and their families today!! Have a wonderful celebration and weekend with well deserved rest and relaxation for everyone! 

Rolo’s mom - yes!! Being there early was a great idea, and leave plenty of time to return your Sailor tonight for the same reason! Lots of traffic, but that’s ok. Enjoy the time together! 

Happy PIR indeed. 

Rolo's Mom - thank you for the update. We were on the fence whether to try Sarge's shuttle or drive in but your note makes me think the shuttle is indeed the way to go. My husband is not so good with the super early wake ups LOL.

Happy Thursday and Happy PIR Day!

Watch today's PIR Live now:

LIVE PIR 9.26.2024

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

PIR: DECEMBER 2024

PIR: NOVEMBER 2024

PIR: OCTOBER 2024

I've got the December PIR group started - link is below.

I have a newly minted Navy sailor in the car with me!  He looks amazing. It took two hours to get through the car line to get onto the base with a few minutes to spare. I think the main issue was that a lane ended and people had to merge. It took sooo long to get to that point but then it progressed a little faster. It was a cool ceremony!  

Congratulations Rolo's Mom (and Rolo)! Glad you made it in time. PIR is amazing.

Rolos mom, congrats to you and your sailor. Thank you also for the update. That's a heck of a wait to get in but so happy for you.

We cannot wait for our daughter's PIR!

WooHoo Rolo's Mom!  Enjoy your time with your new sailor!

Yay! That's a great big moment! Very happy for you Rolo's mom and all families who got their new sailors today! So thrilling! Thanks for the updates.

Congrats Rolo and Rolo's mom.  Very big day indeed.  Enjoy your time together!

Congratulations to your new sailor Rolo's Mom !!! 

Any Florida moms here?

Please check in and let us know how you're doing with this hurricane.....

Yay!  Rolo's Mom!!  What a great day!  So happy for you and your new Sailor in the family!!!

WHOOP
WHOOP
WHOOP

ATTENTION ON DECK
WE HAVE A SAILOR!!

Congratulations to Rolo and Rolo's Mom!!! Enjoy your time together and get all the hugs and photos!!!

And I've got my RED on!

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

PIR: DECEMBER 2024

PIR: NOVEMBER 2024

PIR: OCTOBER 2024

Awesome weekend. We got our 2nd call last night! She finally sounds like she is getting better. She was confined to bed for 3 days but is still pushing through and seems to be doing great. She absolutely loves it. We finally found out which week she is in. She started boot on 8/27 but because of the holiday her division is only starting week 4 this week. It should have been 5 but P days got pushed back. So confidence training is this week. She is actually excited for it (must get the crazy from her dad). 

Hope everyones SR is doing great. Have a wonderful Sunday!

bhmom - I am so glad you received a phone call this weekend! It is great that you SR has a positive attitude, that will go a long way for her. 

bhmom -- I am so glad you got the Phone call!!! Sometimes they just need a few days SIQ to help them get over the hump of the Ricky Crud.  There are a ton of things that can happen during P days that delay training, Federal Holidays are just one of many.  It is helpful to know where in that training they are!!

On that note:  Here is the Link to the OFFICIAL USNavy BootCamp Training Schedule. https://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/Recruits/COs-Welcome-Letter/

I suggest that our BC moms print it out and then Date it.  Use a Pencil because of those possible training delays.  Starting in the Left most Column You will put the day they arrive (This is the Day AFTER they Flew into MEPS... SO for example if your SR leaves MEPS for BC tomorrow 9-30, Then you would put 10/1 in that first box.  Continue DOWN the column then move over 1 row and continue DO NOT skip the BLANK squares... those are Weekend or Training hold days. Repeat until you reach your Projected PIR date!  Please NOTE... This is the Official schedule but it can change for countless reasons for your Individual SR.  Remember THEY are your best source for information.  IF you have questions please ask. We will try and help or at the least try and help you find the answers.

BelovedbyHim and Chipmunk, thank you. The support and info are terrific. 

Really appreciate it and kudos to all the Sailors like Rolo who made it through PIR last week!

Have a great week!

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

PIR: DECEMBER 2024

PIR: NOVEMBER 2024

PIR: OCTOBER 2024

bhmom - I'[m so happy for you that you got the phone call and that your daughter is HAPPY!  That makes such a difference for them AND for us moms!  Hoping the rest of the time goes great for her and you.  Do you have a PIR date yet?

MomofJoseph, thank you! I agree, we are thrilled she is still liking it so much and it makes all the difference. We cannot wait for her PIR on Oct 7. Unfortunately she said she only has a couple hours of liberty on PIR day as it sounds like she is shipping out to San Antonio the next day. The good thing is she said there are a bunch of people going to the same A school so she will have plenty of buddies. For the first time it seems she has truly found a place she feels she belongs and is excited for whatever comes her way.

We booked our hotel through Sunday so any suggestions anyone has on can't miss attractions, we are all ears. 

Thanks again for all the encouragement. You guys have made this process a whole lot easier!

Have a great night.

We did Chicago in a day using the City Pass when our SR graduated in July:  Griffin Museum (okay-quite a few exhibits were out of order); The Bean (cool); the Art Museum (wonderful if you like Art); the Buckingham fountain (a nice break); the aquarium (was very crowded but had some interesting habitats);  a river cruise (was a nice break off the feet and surprisingly interesting).  The next day, we did the botanical gardens.  We enjoy nature so that was a highlight, even if it was a lot of walking after the previous day and a little warm.  :-)

Masaleza, thanks so much for the suggestions. Those are great. My husband loves river cruises and you kind of have to drag me away from gardens, zoos and aquariums so these are right up our alley. Appreciate it!

bhmom - October 7th is sooner than I thought!  I'm so happy for y'all!!!  Congratulations!