New here, shipping tomorrow

[materfamilias]

Hello hello! We drop our son off at MEPS tomorrow afternoon; it sounds like we can hang out with him at his hotel room downtown until late in the evening and then we will be saying our goodbyes. I assume tomorrow we will learn his travel plans and times, as he doesn't seem to have that info yet, aside from reporting to MEPS Tuesday morning to swear in, he doesn't know what happens at what time afterwards. All of our questions are about ROM time, lots of conflicting info out there, the recruiter is saying some different things than what I find most recently online. We are curious what he can expect when he arrives at McCoy, are they bussing from Chicago all the way up there? When they first arrive is it the same as when they first get to RTC with packing the boxes, making the call home, etc? Does anyone even know? Plus, with the awful low temps right now, I am a little more concerned, we have zero experience with that kind of weather, our lowest temps here in the winter are occasionally down to 35, and it is even worse up at McCoy than in Great Lakes. How are they handling those kind of extremes? What should he wear to travel on Tuesday to be comfortable until they issue him clothing? Do they issue winter gear, coats, etc?

Has anyone sent their SR with a game device to ROM and can confirm they were allowed to use it?

These are the kind of concerns that are making me such a mom right now. Thank you all for being here! Our recruiter has not been very helpful, I get the impression he's not well informed on the current COVID changes.

[belovedbyHim]

Ok.  I'm so sorry I didn't get my info posted on your page earlier.  The TLDR: Have him leave you  a voice mail to listen to when you NEED it (Try and wait), Have him take a note from you in His wallet to read when He NEEDS it!! (Not right away). Take a book as well as the Old School Gameboy just in case.  Buy extra food with the Voucher. (Mine never spent his and that is just wasted $). They go from the Airport to GL to Check in and get their Initial bag of gear then they bus up to Ft McCoy (This is the last time line I have heard but it may not be 100%-- we just don't know till we hear!) They will be given warm clothing but he should take warm socks, gloves and a sweatshirt and or Coat. Layers are your Friend!! A Black Stocking cap will help but he will also be issued one in the first 24 hours in all likelihood. He can spend his own $ at the airport but shouldn't need to. Yes have him call from MEPS to give you flight info, to talk while waiting for flights (It's up to the Airlines if they will issue the Gate Pass) And as soon as he lands in Chicago. The biggest piece is to know that he will be safe and the key things to learn are Hurry up and Wait, No news is Good news and Semper Gumby!! 

[Mary]

Yes. He should definitely bring his own wallet with some cash - I’ve heard $50 - We have him $80 just because I was so anxious - the voucher is only $23

We also sent him with a debit card and a phone card 

sounds like you’ve got this under control. Good luck and safe travels!

[partyofseven]

Good Morning materfamilias,

And welcome to our group!! The other ladies have posted some good information for you. Big Navy Mom hugs to you as you begin this new journey!!!

We are here for you and if you have any other questions please don't hesitate to ask. 

Welcome again!!!!

[Chipmunk]

Your son will want to take his debit card and some cash. $50.00 is reasonable, although he won't need it as much on his flight to GL but when he travels to A school, or once at A school, he might want / need some cash. He does need to make sure he keeps his wallet close to him at all times. Unfortunately, thievery is common among some sailors and they will be reminded often to keep things under lock and key. Don't send him with too many snacks as he most likely will not be allowed to keep any leftovers - not sure just my guess. 

[galina]

materfamilias

wellcomen

during BC SR have 3 calls

first "I'm here" takes plase rite after they got off the bus usually it's 30 sec call in case phone was turn off to turn it back that all time spent

my SR called me after they landed

make sure he has all addresses and phone # of his family and freinds written

Second call in middle of BCT "I"m slill alive" It takes 2 min

third in the end before PIR

gotto go now post some more info be back

[Hilltop]

Hi There,

I wish you and your family peace on this journey.  My son left January 14th and we've heard from him once when he arrived(30 sec.call)to Great Lakes.  He should be out of ROM and in BC since we have not heard from him.  They say no news is good news.  Therefore, I'm leaning on that. I'm awaiting a Form letter from him with all of the pertinent information.  It seems everybody's experiences and stories are different, but contain the same general information.  I am thankful for this group because it does give me more insight into the Boot camp life than I could have ever imagined.  We were not military people, so I was totally confused when I realized there was no parent meeting when we dropped my son off (everybody I told that to had a good chuckle).  My son has always had the attitude that if it could be done, then could do it, too.  He's watched more videos with me than he cared to see.  My words to him before he left and in every letter is Be strong, Be humble, Be Wise, Be obedient, Be kind and pray often.  My prayer is that this life choice builds his character, but doesn't break his spirit! 

Wishing you and your family a successful and peaceful journey

[Cristina]

I'm still figuring out acronyms. ROM ?

[B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)]

Cristina - ROM is "restriction of movement".  SR's are being put into ROM while they quarantine - and some get put back into ROM again (and again).

[Chipmunk]

Cristina, 

And others, it can be confusing to know where to post your questions - I remember my first days on this group as well. I don't do much social media, so this was my first go around. But just FYI, if you post your questions down in the comment section on our main BC Mom group page, then it will be noticed by everyone that follows those via their email feed. The posts here in the discussion do not always show up in everyone's email feed. 

You might get a quicker response if you post in the comment wall. Otherwise, don't hesitate to ask a question again and just remember, we all volunteer our time on this site and so we answer and reply as we are able to. Be sure to check often. 

[Chipmunk]

Hi Hilltop, 

Just checking in on you. Hopefully you will be getting your form letter soon if you haven't already.