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

[Irish Cindy]

Just think of it like your mail & personal things. Just takes a wee bit of effort but, all well worth it. Each one here gives something to someone. Tis good to be precautious yet, your heart will lead you to enjoy what this site does have to offer but just with a few guidelines to consider. It's the same old thing we have heard for a while now - sure it's accessible worldwide but, it also brings so much comfort and joy. Do not let the paranoia ruin that for you. We need you here!

[Navy for Moms Admin]

Steve's Mom:

does this mean that all ship groups will be deleted? No. I have asked the same question.

[shell]

cool. So as of rite now it is ok to say you have a sailor on the GW. And as usual, no last names, no locations no dates. :) Thanks CC

[Elizabeth]

Thanks Catherine for the great Info.

[Tracy (Andre's mom)]

Thank You for bringing us back to reality. Sometimes we get so comfortable on here with each other that we start to get too laxed and forget where we are at and what we are talking about.

[Kathy]

Thank you for all your do. I was a little surprised to see last names because of this very reason. We want to keep all our sailors safe and you never know who is reading anything when it is on line. We all think it moms, girlfriends, etc., but it could be anyone and we should keep that in mind when we write anything on the site.

[Josh (NC1)]

Just one more thing to add. You shouldn't discuss where your son or daughter is going or getting ready to visit, if they are on cruise. ie.. "my son is on the USS ___________ he told me they are getting ready to pull into (insert name of country). That is letting the entire world know ships movement.

[Navy for Moms Admin]

Correct. No ship/sub movements. BTW NC1-

This is how you can change your user name: click here

[Debby]

Even though my son's and I have different last names I changed my name on this site to protect both of them.. I would also like to add that I wouldnt list or even give out information on mailing my sons especially while in Iraq.. These days you really dont know whom you are talking to on the internet and as much as we'd all love to trust that the person we are talking to is 'one of us" you never know... you could be putting your child in harms way and not even know it..

Debby

[Jane]

Changed my name....no prob. Don't want to risk losing this informative site.

[Christie U]

Good idea! I did that and also searched within this site. I found 1 entry that I had forgotten about and got it deleted. Thanks!

[KELLY]

I could not agree more with the statement about bringing extra guest to the PIR. In July I wrote how I thought it was wrong for members to tell people to "break the rules" and feel free to "go against what the Navy was saying". I found it hard to believe that the Navy would set a rule and be comfortable with people telling others that it wasn't enforced and encouraging people to ignore the rule and bring how ever many people they wanted. That is exactly the responses I was reading when people asked about bringing more than 4 guest. I am pleased that I will no longer be reading those responses to the question: "What if I have more than 4 people?"
I believe I even contacted you about this issue in July.