This site is for mothers of kids in the U.S. Navy and for Moms who have questions about Navy life for their kids.

FIRST TIME HERE?

FOLLOW THESE STEPS TO GET STARTED:

Choose your Username.  For the privacy and safety of you and/or your sailor, NO LAST NAMES ARE ALLOWED, even if your last name differs from that of your sailor (please make sure your URL address does not include your last name either).  Also, please do not include your email address in your user name. Go to "Settings" above to set your Username.  While there, complete your Profile so you can post and share photos and videos of your Sailor and share stories with other moms!

Make sure to read our Community Guidelines and this Navy Operations Security (OPSEC) checklist - loose lips sink ships!

Join groups!  Browse for groups for your PIR date, your sailor's occupational specialty, "A" school, assigned ship, homeport city, your own city or state, and a myriad of other interests. Jump in and introduce yourself!  Start making friends that can last a lifetime.

Link to Navy Speak - Navy Terms & Acronyms: Navy Speak

All Hands Magazine's full length documentary "Making a Sailor": This video follows four recruits through Boot Camp in the spring of 2018 who were assigned to DIV 229, an integrated division, which had PIR on 05/25/2018. 

Boot Camp: Making a Sailor (Full Length Documentary - 2018)

Boot Camp: Behind the Scenes at RTC

...and visit Navy.com - America's Navy and Navy.mil also Navy Live - The Official Blog of the Navy to learn more.

OPSEC - Navy Operations Security

Always keep Navy Operations Security in mind.  In the Navy, it's essential to remember that "loose lips sink ships."  OPSEC is everyone's responsibility. 

DON'T post critical information including future destinations or ports of call; future operations, exercises or missions; deployment or homecoming dates.  

DO be smart, use your head, always think OPSEC when using texts, email, phone, and social media, and watch this video: "Importance of Navy OPSEC."

Follow this link for OPSEC Guidelines:

OPSEC GUIDELINES

Events

**UPDATE 4/26/2022** Effective with the May 6, 2022 PIR 4 guests will be allowed.  Still must be fully vaccinated to attend.

**UPDATE as of 11/10/2022 PIR vaccination is no longer required.

**UPDATE 7/29/2021** You now must be fully vaccinated in order to attend PIR:

In light of observed changes and impact of the Coronavirus Delta Variant and out of an abundance of caution for our recruits, Sailors, staff, and guests, Recruit Training Command is restricting Pass-in-Review (recruit graduation) to ONLY fully immunized guests (14-days post final COVID vaccination dose).  

FOLLOW THIS LINK FOR UP TO DATE INFO:

RTC Graduation

**UPDATE 8/25/2022 - MASK MANDATE IS LIFTED.  Vaccinations still required.

**UPDATE 11/10/22 PIR - Vaccinations no longer required.

RESUMING LIVE PIR - 8/13/2021

Please note! Changes to this guide happened in October 2017. Tickets are now issued for all guests, and all guests must have a ticket to enter base. A separate parking pass is no longer needed to drive on to base for parking.

Please see changes to attending PIR in the PAGES column. The PAGES are located under the member icons on the right side.

Format Downloads:

Latest Activity

Navy Speak

Click here to learn common Navy terms and acronyms!  (Hint:  When you can speak an entire sentence using only acronyms and one verb, you're truly a Navy mom.)

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Navy.com Para Familias

Visite esta página para explorar en su idioma las oportunidades de educación y carreras para sus hijos en el Navy. Navy.com

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Donna

Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

Information

Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

To everyone with a loved one at RTC or soon to be there, we say, "Welcome!"  To those who are sticking around after PIR to help those who are just beginning this awesome journey, we say, "Thank you!"

**BEGINNING OCTOBER 5, 2023, RECRUIT GRADUATIONS WILL BE CONDUCTED EVERY THURSDAY (NO LONGER ON FRIDAY), EXCEPT FOR THE WEEK OF THANKSGIVING, WHEN GRADUATION IS ON WEDNESDAY.

This is a place to talk, ask questions, and share stories. It is our desire that this Group will provide the information, encouragement, and support you need while your loved one is at RTC in Great Lakes. Enjoy your time here and feel free to Comment and join in the Discussions. Be sure to check out the "Pages" to the right, located under the pictures of the Members, especially OPSEC and PERSEC (Making Changes to Your Profile), (Click "View All" to see all of them.)

Please, if you no longer want to be a part of N4M's consider NOT deleting your profile as everything you have ever posted will disappear when you delete it .  You can leave a group but don't permanently delete your profile!

Members: 13216
Latest Activity: 20 hours ago

Answers to Common Questions

New in 2022: Navy to lengthen Basic Military Training

Navy to lengthen Boot Camp - Navy Times

Are there any official RTC sites?

Yes, check out https://www.facebook.com/NavyRecruitTrainingCommand and http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/. They will have lots of information for you. https://www.facebook.com/NavalServiceTraining also has items at times.

https://www.facebook.com/ASBPGreatLakes has pics of some of the recruits who give blood while at RTC. Those donations occur about 2 weeks (10 to 16 days depending on the division) before PIR.

You may also find pics in https://www.navy.mil/viewGallery.asp.

RTC will stream PIR live at http://navylive.dodlive.mil/ beginning at 8:45 am CST on the day of PIR for those who are unable to attend in person. (Once PIR has passed, you will be able to see the video at https://navylive.dodlive.mil/. If the one you want is not there, then click on a PIR video and then change the date in the URL to the date you want. You will have to change both the numerical date and the written out date in the URL. For example, if you want the video for the March 3, 2017 PIR date, then change https://navylive.dodlive.mil/2019/08/23/navy-recruit-graduation-august-23-2019/ to https://navylive.dodlive.mil/2017/03/03/navy-recruit-graduation-march-3-2017/.)

 

Can recruits take anything to BC with them?

Recruits should go with what they have on their backs, their cell phones, and not much else. Effective August 2022 Recruits can bring their own (approved) running shoes.  (See Things to Do in the Last Month Before Your Future Sailor Leaves for RTC.)

 

What will the first day be like at BC?

See Arrival and What Happens at RTC and Ship/Division--How it Works.

How long is the "I'm here!" call and when will s/he be able to call again?

See Phone Cards and Phone Calls.

 

I got my recruit's address from the recruiter. Can I trust it?

Double-check the address the recruiter gave you against those at http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/faq.html#contacting_recruits, but we strongly encourage you to wait on the form letter before sending mail to your recruit since the address provided by the recruiter prior to that can be wrong up to 11 business days or more after the recruit's arrival if the recruit failed the first attempt at the run and then passed (or failed) the second attempt and was ASMO'd to a different division (or to SEPS) or if RTC needed to move recruits for some reason. Sometimes a form letter is not mailed by accident and if it has been at least 3 calendar weeks since your recruit arrived at RTC and you do not have a form letter, then you can call the recruiter and get the address and mail letters to your recruit since the address in the system should be the correct one at that point, but be sure to double-check the address against those at http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/faq.html#contacting_recruits or Ship/Division--How it Works

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**NOTE: There is a virtual graduation for your Sailor that you can watch on the RTC FaceBook page.  It is posted the FRIDAY after PIR.

RTC Facebook Page - Graduation

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When will the Form Letter come and what is in it?

The form letter will arrive in your regular mail around nine to fourteen business days after the recruit's arrival at RTC since it is not mailed until a division’s 1-1 Day of Training, which takes place after your recruit has taken and passed the run portion of the Baseline PFA, which is on or about the fifth business day after arrival (later if the division that your recruit was tentatively placed in upon arrival did not fill until a later date). See Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) and Fitness Improvement Training (FIT)The brochure that is included from MWRGL about hotels and other things is at RTC Friends and Family Brochure October 2017. The form letter includes your recruit's address, so now you can mail out all the letters you have been writing. There is more on this in Letter Writing & Fun Stuff/Questionnaires to send to your Recruit.

The form letter will also tell you the date of PIR, so you can start making plans for your trip. There are many hotels in the area and there is information in the grad pack and on this site about them. If you fly in, renting a car will make your life easier. Also, if you are flying, some airlines, such as Southwest, will allow you to change your flight without a charge if something happens, so you do not have to book refundable tickets.  ** EDITED - LIVE PIR's RESUME 8/13/2021**

UPDATED TRAINING SCHEDULE (6/2022 - Thanks to belovedbyHim)

The Expected timeline will look like this:

Day 0 -- Travel, Arrival and "I'm Here" scripted phone call

Week 1 Day 1-7 -- Arrive Onboard RTC and begin P-days (P-days- Initial Processing Days) including 2 days of P-hold (Weekend)

Day 8 -- Begin training and mail form letter out. Look for it to arrive around 1-2 weeks later
Week 2 -- First week of Training including PT and Swim Qualifications
Week 3 -- Marlin Spike - (Line handling- How to tie up a Ship to the Pier) , First inspections and tests (Dental May be this week or next... Not Confirmed)(Form letter/ Personal letters usually arrive this week) 

Week 4 -- Confidence Chamber & Fire Fighting training
Week 5 -- Fire Arms Training    

Week 6 -7 -- More training, Drilling (Flags and Marching).

Week 8 – Battle Stations (done prior to final PFA). Your SR will call home to say they are a Sailor but they still have to pass final PFA in order to graduate.

Week 9 & 10– Warrior Training (Life skills) and Final PFA


Approx 10 Fridays from Departure they will have PIR!! If you can go you will be amazed at the change that happened in just 10 short weeks. For the time being they are also still Live Streaming the PIR ceremony.

Once you know your recruit's PIR date, be sure to join the group for that date. PIR groups are posted on the Comment Wall below once they are created. 

USPS Informed Delivery - Sign up and receive an email from the US Postal Service showing what mail you will be getting each day (if available in your area).  

Informed Delivery®

How long should I plan to stay in the Great Lakes area?

Arrive at least the day before PIR so you can pick up your ticket/s for PIR and also attend Sarge's Meet and Greet if you wish to do so.

If your Sailor's "A" School or training is in GL, then plan to leave late Sunday or on Monday. If your Sailor will be flying out, then plan to leave late Saturday or on Sunday to have the most time with your Sailor. (This may need to be adjusted if PIR is not on Friday.) See Saving Money PIR Weekend and PIR Day and Liberty during PIR Weekend.

**UPDATED LIBERTY RULES - GL - AUGUST 2022**

Here is a link from Great Lakes regarding their Updated Liberty Rules during PIR weekend, effective August, 2022. (Thank you Amy for sharing this with me.)  I'll post it in a few different places.

Updated Liberty Rules for GL - August 2022

SARGE'S MEET & GREET  - BACK AS OF 3/18/2022

Plan to arrive the day before PIR so you won't risk missing PIR and go to Sarge's Meet and Greet from 4pm to 8pm the evening before PIR at the Lakehurst Event Center (go to http://www.mynavytaxi.com/events.html to RSVP). Sarge has a taxi service and he is a wealth of information. His cell number is 847-212-0246. His Meet and Greet and services have been getting great reviews. Find Sarge on N4M as OldSarge.

 

Who can attend PIR?

RESUMING LIVE PIR - 8/13/2021 

As of 11/10/2022 PIR Proof of vaccination no longer required.

Proof of vaccination is required.

Your recruit will indicate the names of up to FOUR guests who will be permitted to receive tickets and attend PIR. RTC may change that to three guests if there is a large TG. Children ages 2 and under do not need a ticket to attend PIR, but a copy of the child's birth certificate may be presented in order for the child to attend PIR. The names of the guests will be listed on the Security Access Form. Your recruit will send the Security Access Form with the form letter and it will need to be completed fully and returned to your recruit. if you do not receive the form letter, then you can download the Security Access Form and complete it and send it to your recruit, but your recruit has the final say on who will attend PIR.

ALL GUESTS 3 YEARS OLD AND OLDER MUST HAVE A TICKET TO ATTEND PIR, INCLUDING MILITARY GUESTS (ACTIVE DUTY, RESERVE, RETIRED, VET). No extra guests allowed, no exceptions.

GUESTS SECURITY ACCESS FORM: If you are going to be attending the graduation ceremony, you will need to fill out the security access form, which is included with your form letter. Return the form to your recruit according to the instructions. 

ONLY YOUR RECRUIT CAN CHANGE THE GRADUATION CEREMONY ACCESS LIST: Your recruit will be able to make changes to the access list throughout training. The last opportunity to make changes will be the week before graduation. If there is a change to be made to the access list (such as a name spelled incorrectly, name-swap, etc…) please communicate any changes to your recruit by mail. Recruit Training Command staff cannot change these names or release the names of those on the list. Please do not call for additional seats!

The form can also be downloaded by anyone from the website, but only the recruit has final say-so as to who will be invited. Those names are submitted and those names will be printed on tickets. All of those guests attending must be present with ID to pick up the ticket in person. No exceptions, no swapping of tickets, no changing of names during final week of graduation.

If you are attending a graduation ceremony, you MUST personally obtain your ticket, you cannot pick up tickets for others. Tickets will be distributed at the Recruit Family Welcome Center, located inside the Navy Exchange Burkey Mall, Bldg. 3452, 2650 Green Bay Road Great Lakes, IL 60088 

Additional information on ticketing is also available at www.bootcamp.navy.mil. (See http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/faq.html#grad_ceremony.)

Once you receive your ticket, please DO NOT lose it, as this will be the only ticket you will receive. These tickets are not transferable and are serialized to each graduation attendee. If you do not have a ticket, then you will not be permitted access to the base.

The Recruit Family Welcome Center will be open on the following days and times: Thursday [10:00 AM to 7:30 PM], and Friday [5:30 AM to 8:00 AM]. ***Certain federal holidays may require adjusting days and times. Please refer to the command website for those specific updates***

Please plan accordingly so each person listed can check in to receive a ticket for the graduation ceremony. Again, if you don’t have a ticket you will NOT be allowed entry to the base. Tickets will only be issued to those guests who the graduating recruit has verified will be attending. 

Driving on to base.

Driver’s license, vehicle registration, proof of insurance or rental car agreement and graduation ticket must be ready to present to security at access points. Everyone in the car ages three and over must show their ticket to graduation. If someone in the car over the age of two does not have a ticket, they are not allowed through the gate, no exceptions.

  • NO cell phone usage while driving on base! 
  • Seat belts are required for all drivers/passengers at all times
  • Motorcycle drivers/riders MUST have proper protective clothing/equipment such helmet, long pants, long-sleeved shirt, and over the ankle hard-soled boots.
  • Recent graduates are prohibited from operating motor vehicles, including motorcycles, and are NOT allowed to be a passenger on a motorcycle.

See http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/faq.html for the Frequently Asked Questions.

What will happen PIR weekend?

See PIR Day and Liberty during PIR Weekend

http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/graduation.html and http://www.navyformoms.ning.com/custom/media/downloads/N4M_PIR_infographic_web.pdf.

S.O. Contract:

Moms whose sons have an S.O. Contract headed to BUD/S there is a group for you.

It is called, BUD/S and SQT (Stages of a S.E.A.L.)

Interested:

Send a friend request to NavyMom(J) for more information.

(Click on the highlighted links.)

Be sure to check out the Pages to the right (under the pictures of the Members) for additional information. (You will need to click "View All" to see all of them.)

Donna is no longer active on the site. Several others who have begun this journey before you are here to help. (Donna, we are forever thankful that you started this group that continues to help so many.)

Discussion Forum

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PASS Class Guidance?

Started by legoNavymom03. Last reply by B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet) Dec 18, 2023. 1 Reply

PIR Weekend Experiences - Post Covid

Started by Chipmunk. Last reply by Chipmunk Oct 11, 2023. 19 Replies

Bootcamp

Started by Angie. Last reply by B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet) Sep 28, 2023. 5 Replies

Logistics when leaving for boot camp

Started by Happynurse. Last reply by TravelAddictedNavyMom Sep 21, 2023. 8 Replies

Comment Wall

Comment

You need to be a member of Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones) to add comments!

Comment by staceybea12 on August 20, 2014 at 11:12am

@AprilB1977: Yes it is very hard on us and them. Not knowing is for sure the worst part but will get better. Go on "No News is Good News" for right now. Once you receive the letter and/or box, you will know that the "Moment of Truth" has passed and he did not say he was homesick.

Letters: must be only one stamp so don't send so much that you have to apply a 2nd stamp.

And I know how you feel. My son and I have a great relationship and talked and texted daily. I helped him through tough choices and helped him weigh pros and cons. I cannot do that now and it kills me but the time really does fly by and it becomes easier.

Comment by WENDY on August 20, 2014 at 10:38am

Hi April,  the first real 2 min call at about 10 days in, and my son seemed really down. Then the following weekend i got another call and there was a big difference in his voice. Keep writing as much as you can...have others write.  Have to keep him encouraged for sure.  It;s hard on them but all for the good.  

Comment by AprilB1977 on August 20, 2014 at 10:34am

My son knows of the "option" because he has a cousin who when asked about being homesick, he stood up and was sent home but I don't know what day that is on and how I would know if he stood up or spoke up so I was wandering what day they actually do that on and how would I know :-(  I have already started writing letters.  Once I have his address how do I send them.  Do I have to mail them individually or all one package?  My dad is also writing him daily.  UGH I feel so lost.  I'm the mom that ALWAYS knew what he was doing, where he was, and when he would be home.  He gave me NO PROBLEMS what so ever as a teen other than being mouthy.  He was either at school, at work, or in his room on the computer so I always knew.... Now I don't haha so it's killing me but I'm dealing with it the best I can.  I just need to know those things about how would I know if he were being sent home!  Thank you everyone for listening to me vent and whine and answering my questions!

Comment by FlowerPowerNavyMom on August 20, 2014 at 10:27am

Hey April. It was abt 10 days before I got my first call. He was homesick and crying but in all honesty, doesn't know there is a option not to finish what he's started. Your son is normal and it will subside. Once you get the form letter, WRITE, WRITE, WRITE!  But make sure you follow the guidelines. Just keep encouraging him and letting him know you love him. Many hugs for you and your son.

Comment by staceybea12 on August 20, 2014 at 10:17am

@AprilB1977: Wow, so sorry to hear this! My son was in DEP for nearly a year to the date of leaving. There were a few times as we approached the leave date that he thought about not going and we talked it out. Then at MEPS he appeared so scared and unsure and I just kept encouraging. He now graduates on Sept 5th and is doing great. He stepped up early to RPOC, has won awards and doing great. I write him encouraging letters everyday and try to always include a quote of encouragement. It is very important to know that we back home are cheering them on. My son tells me they get letters daily but can only write back on Sundays. He said he really looks forward to reading letters from friends and family each night before he goes to sleep to keep him motivated and encouraged. Start writing now so you can mail them out once you get the letter. Good luck!

Comment by AprilB1977 on August 20, 2014 at 10:07am

I have a question, my son shipped to Great Lakes Monday evening.  He's been in the DEP since November going Nuke.  Monday morning when reality set in he begged me to come get him and basically said if I didn't take him home he will make sure he gets sent home.  He was ok while I was at his swear in but then again after I left I was getting ugly txt messages.  I didn't take any of it to heart because I know he's scared and nervous.  But how long are they at boot camp before the "are you homesick" questions comes and how will I know if he's on his way home.  I guess that's my "not knowing" problem.  I got my phone call at 10:45 Monday night telling me he was there and I would get the box etc etc.  I'm just biting my nails waiting for a call or something that says he's coming home.  This was all his idea but when I showed the tough love Monday, he didn't like it and neither did I but I know there's nothing for him where we live.  He's too smart to live where we live.  He's a very smart child but I've always given that extra push for him to reach his full potential.  HELP!!!!  Should they have already gone through the moment of truth and the homesick question and would I have gotten a call by now?

Comment by lemonelephant on August 19, 2014 at 11:17pm

Alyce, if your then Sailor flies out, then he will most likely fly out the day after PIR. See PIR Day and Liberty during PIR Weekend. Leave a comment on my My Page with your recruit's contracted rating (job/specialty) and I will leave a comment on your My Page with info on his rating and groups related to it and the "A" School.

Comment by Alyce on August 19, 2014 at 11:04pm
When do I find out when my son leaves for "A" School after graduation?
Comment by Micah'smom on August 19, 2014 at 6:15pm
I got my box today!! Yay!
Comment by lemonelephant on August 19, 2014 at 6:07pm

There has been a LOT of confusion about Sailors and the Navy Lodge and I have been getting inquiries about it and have seen several posts in PIR groups about it as well as in the discussions due to a review at http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g36077-d2262412-Reviews-Nav.... That review has some WRONG information. Here is the truth. Sailors who stay at GL for training or "A" School MAY need a deviation chit to visit guests at the Navy Gateway Inn and Suites (it's been that way for years) and now also MAY need a deviation chit to visit guests at the Navy Lodge. Sailors who fly out do not have to get the deviation chit and are able to visit guests at any hotel. As I have indicated even those staying in GL MAY NOT have to have the deviation chit. Don't make the decision on where to stay based on the review that is based on a misunderstanding of the policies at the TSC.

 
 
 

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