ADMIN UPDATE: Members MUST Read ASAP: Updated RULES.

[Navy for Moms Admin]

Hello N4M Members!
I don’t often start threads and put them on the top of the page like this but it’s important and I need everyone to read it. We’ll be enforcing some new rules starting today per direction of the Navy. No need to get upset or panic… okay? I like to call this the growing pains of getting bigger and needing to become a bit stricter about a few things.

1. So, Navy saw it as a breach of security on N4M’s when members were telling other members how to bend and break the rules (IE get into PIR w/o a parking pass). Thus, any tricks like that can’t be talked about. We don’t want to jeopardize the safety of our recruits. This also includes, “I have more than 4 people that want to attend PIR”. If we see that question- the response should be something like:
“Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, IL is the homeport for all Navy recruit training. If you have specific questions regarding Boot Camp, Pass-in-Review (graduation) or a recruit, please visit http://www1.netc.navy.mil/nstc/rtcgl/family/index.html. If you cannot find the answer there, please phone RTC Public Affairs on 847-688-2405 or email on [e-mail].”

2. Sailor last names are not allowed to be posted. We know in this day and age, that often your children have different last names than you. So, it’s up to you on if you want your last name on here or not, but the Navy is telling us- Do not post sailors last name. You can say my son’s name is John. Just not John Smith.
For people that want to now change their user name... you can find out how to do it here.

3. Remove physical addresses of sailors. (Exception to the rule is FPO address).
It’s not necessarily that our sailors don’t want to be contacted by our sweet Navy Members…it’s more that we have to be sensitive to their privacy. Even if you wanted to post your sailor’s address or your sailor’s friends address, please don’t.

4. Please do not post any names/numbers of the RTC Staff.

So, obviously- easy quick changes on your end. Please go through your profiles, posts, photos, groups, events and videos to make sure the above is deleted and/or edited out. Obviously, I’ll be going through and deleting things as well but it’s helpful if you look over your own stuff.

Thank you for reading this and editing/deleting any of your comments in advance.

Elle

[Joyce Tucson Mom]

Thanks Catherine . . . I appreciate the info - and (of course) appreciate YOU even more:)! GIANT HUGS:)!

[Our Homefront Heroes]

These are good rules. You never know who is reading this forum and you want to keep our Sailors safe. OPSEC has rules about giving out ANY address for our troops, I have been doing this for a couple of years and been told even FPO AND APO addresses should not be posted. You can send addesses via private message or email if you are sure of who you are sending it to. Be cautious tho, some people get their addresses and send hate mail and we don't want that.

May I add, OPSEC also doesn't want troop movements posted, so you should not post dates your Sailor is leaving or coming back from deployments

[Navy for Moms Admin]

N4M's Guidelines have been updated

The ship/sub movements has been enforced already. I am going by what my team and bosses tell me. If you aren't comfortable with posting an FPO address- please don't post it.

[diane {Shawns mom}]

I thought that FPO is actually a post office box...that goes to the actual base where the military is stationed and then the base gets it to its location...I know the FPO for my son is the zip from the base. area.........
any comments....all new to me...
OK have a question what does "A" stand for in APO..I asked the USPS clerk and they didn't know
I do know that the "F" in FPO stands for Fleet...
thanks
xoxoxo

[diane {Shawns mom}]

thank you hoppi....

[Ramona Hernandez]

Thanks Catherine, I totally am in agreement. I wouldn't want to jeapordize our sailors or any military for that matter. It makes alot of sense. Ramona

[Mo (Shane's Mom)]

Thanks Catherine....We all want our sailors to be safe and secure!!! I will go in and make changes to mine as necessary.

Mo

[Sondra]

Just a question...I did not post my son's last name on my profile, but when I replied to a few of the other Navy moms who welcomed me aboard, I did give them my son and stepsons' last names. Will these show up to the general public or just be visible to myself and the moms I replied to? Really didn't want them to be made public as I always worry about the wrong people seeing too much info.

Thank you!

Sondra Simons

[Navy for Moms Admin]

Depending where you put it. On their wall? Yes. In a PM? No.

If you are uncomfortable with your post you can always delete it.

In everything you write you have an option to delete it. (Except after you sent a PM... once it's sent, it's sent. Like if you dropped something in the mail box). There should be an X to the right after you post on peoples pages/blogs/threads/groups/videos/photos. All you have to do is click it. It may take a few seconds to delete.

Sincerely, CC

[LynnDear]

Sondra, type in your son and stepson's name on a general search from goggle. If it comes up and you want to change it , right click and copy, then click the ( x ) to delete. Then paste the comments and edit it.

[HTsWife]

Thanks Catherine!
Thanks for all you do

[Diane]

Thank you Catherine.