Graduation Question

[Worried Mama Ship14/Div300]

Hi Ladies! I have a question....maybe more like a decision I need you all to help me with. My son will graduate bootcamp September 21, 2012. He is a "grad and go" to Pensacola. My understanding of that is he, well, graduates and goes! LOL!  I dont think he will have any time with us, I have heard they can leave anywhere from immediately after PIR to that Sunday. I want to be there for PIR, will need to book a flight for his dad and I. So I'm wondering - would it be better to skip PIR and visit with him in A school? Is there a way I can find out when he flies out so I can plan better? I dont know if/when he gets leave while in school (right off the bat I mean). We're in NC - so obviously it is easier for us to get to FL than IL. Im not sure how long A school is, recruiter is not helpful whatsoever and my son says he was told 6 months. Can any of you experienced moms help me to decide what to do? I dont want to miss PIR, but I also dont want to run there just to see him walk by. I need to make a decision quick, but im truly torn! If I can spend more time with him while he is in A school, than I think that might be the smarter option. But is missing PIR a huge, once in a lifetime mistake I will regret forever?

[Anti M]

PIR is a marvelous ceremony, and there is nothing else quite like it.  If it is not a financial burden, I'd recommend it.  I didn't go (I'm the aunt. low priority) but I did march in mine a long time ago.  

They rarely fly out on Friday, most often they have a Saturday morning depart.  You can get a gate pass and go sit with them to wait for their flight.  No way to know until much closer to PIR, as they don't know themselves.  

Which A school in P-cola?  There are quite a few down there.  Also, whatever the "seat time" is, the time in P-cola will be longer than that.  They must earn their liberty privileges in A school, while they have greater freedom, they can't come and go as they please.  A visit won't happen easily until he's been there a few weeks.

[Michigan Cindy]

I would have to say that seeing PIR is the most fulfilling moment I've ever had as a mom.  Don't miss it.  Once he arrives at A school in Pensacola, he will be able to have his computer and cell phone, so communication will be easier.  Also, as Anti M pointed out, they get liberty privileges in increments, and the sailors are kept pretty busy.  But nothing at all like boot camp.

[Worried Mama Ship14/Div300]

Thank you ladies...I appreciate the input! My heart does say be at PIR, and I do think I am going to make the arrangements. Its so difficult not only being new to this and unsure how everything works (and changes!) but also not having communication with anyone other than on this site so I can better plan. I think I would be a wreck the day of PIR sitting home kicking myself for not going, and lets not even mention ripping my husband to shreds at everything he'll say that day no matter how nice he was trying to be!!! Haha! Thanks again!

[BunkerQB]

Go to PIR. Try to allow for "extra" time, so in case it works out that he can visit w you more. If not, take a tour of the city and think of it as a "mini" vacation. DO NOT MISS PIR. BUY ALL THE PHOTOS, VIDEOS, MOMENTOES YOU CAN AFFORD. Your recruit can order. Offer to reimburse him. Otherwise, they forget or don't think you need anything ... these are guys.. you know how that is.  I guarantee you will not regret it.

[FireTeamLeaderWife aka FTLW]

Worried Mama - I know it is hard not knowing and being unsure...I was the same way! My hubby may have been the service...but it was the first time we had a child go in! No clue whatsoever. The first three weeks are hard for the recruits AND US! It will start to settle down in your head soon..I promise.

Please feel free to ask us any questions on your PIR and/or message privately if need be.

I booked through until Sunday. We had a Thursday PIR as it was Memorial Day weekend. He was supposed to leave the next day but it changed two days before PIR...we had until Sunday. It doesn't always happen...but I was so glad I listened to the advice weighed it (financial etc) and was at peace with it...it took a while though!

I have been going o "events" with hubby for years...just the other day watched him accept a medal...small affair infront of the "watch"...it was still moving for me. Sailor son wore his uniform. So proud.

PIR is wonderful...even if we had only had the day and then the AP the next...I was glad to be able to share in his accomplishment with him.

[lemonelephant]

Go to PIR; you will not regret it.  Grad and Go is an outdated term and the practice has changed.  Now all Sailors who are staying in GL move over to the TSC on the day of PIR and most of those flying out (as your Sailor will be) fly out the day after PIR.  You will have the day of PIR with him from about 10:30 am when Liberty is called until sometime in the evening when Liberty expires, usually around 8 or 9 pm, but the Sailors must be returned to the RTC at least 30 minutes before Liberty expires to give them time to get back to their Ships.  Your Sailor will know his flight itinerary at PIR (send him a note card about a week before PIR so he can write down his flight information to give to you).  You can meet him at the airport and give him his cell phone and any electronics and possibly some comfort clothes (favorite underwear are a biggy after the "tighty whities" at BC) and maybe some snacks to put in his black backpack.  You will be able to spend time with him before his flight.  Know that all departing Sailors are taken to the airport at one time, which could be as early as 2 in the morning, but some don't fly out until the afternoon.  You should plan to leave late Saturday or on Sunday to give you the most time with your Sailor.  Once in a while flight availability issues cause a Sailor to fly out on Sunday instead of Saturday, but you wouldn't know this until PIR, so be flexible if you can or just plan to leave late Sunday.  There is a lot of good info for you at http://bootcamp.navy.mil/, especially in the Family Guide (http://bootcamp.navy.mil/pdfs/FamilyGuide.pdf).  Check out the info in the groups you have joined related to BC and PIR. 

[pruynemom]

My Fience said when he graduated Boot Camp and his parents didn't go he was very disapointed - If at all possible GO. My son is suppose to graduate 9/14/12 but last letter I got he may be delayed he was in SIQ but I already put work on standby..

[momof4]

Well said lemonelephant. We had made plans to flight home on Sunday and guess what?? She didn't leave until Sunday. She found out a couple of days before we left for PIR but we had already made our plans. I wanted to spend anytime with her on Saturday whether at the airport or in town. We met her at the airport and gave her the phone and extra things she wanted. Wouldn't have missed it for the world. My friend's son graduated 2 months later and he left Saturday but they picked him up and spent the day and returned before his flight. 

[lemonelephant]

pruynemom, If your recruit will be delayed, you get a call, so don't be too concerned with what he wrote in the letter.  SIQ for a few days typically does not cause a delay.

[Worried Mama Ship14/Div300]

It never ceases to amaze me, the extraordinary lengths N4M members go to, to answer another members questions and calm her fears. Its awesome and I am so grateful to all of you who took the time to explain, to give your own personal situation, and heartfelt advice. I have made up my mind to be at PIR. I know in my heart I would want to be nowhere else in the world, I was just fearful of chosing PIR and missing out on a better opportunity to spend time with my son. Thank you ladies, you have helped make my decision. I wish I had you girls on my shoulder for every decision I have to make! Hahaha! Pruynemom - I know a few older, retired service members from various branches and one thing rings true. Of the 10 or so that I know, there is a few who continually comment on their family not being there for thier graduation. That makes an impact I think, becaue Ive noticed the ones who had family there, never bring it up. I dont want to give my son anything to regret or feel disappointed for, if I have it in my power to be there. Thank you. thank you to everyone. And thank you lemonelephant ( I LOVE that name!) for the links, I will check them out and hopefully not need to bother you afterwards!!