this photo, from today's PIR speaks volumes about the pride we Navy dads have.....

Yes, I got my I'm a sailor call from my son in Division 401!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good Morning all, I cant say how pleased I am in finding this page to share with other parents that are going thru the same thing. My son shipped out last week and we received his "I am here and safe" call on 10-16. we have yet to receive his box and we are anxiously awaiting his letter with his address and division. I look forward to reading all of the posts here as well as sharing the information we receive. 

My son, SR Long shipped two weeks ago. The box you will get has an address on it, but it may not be his actual address. Wait for the phone call or letter for his actual address. He will probably call you any day so keep your phone on hand. My son has called me twice and he sounds GREAT!!! He and many of the others are adapting well. You may get a letter for a chance to adopt him for a day at thanksgiving... I did, and cannot wait to see him. SR Long is div 904

Robert, what is this Thanksgiving adoption letter?  My sons division has a PIR date of 11/27, my wife and I are hoping to spend the day with him on Thanksgiving after graduation, hopefully before he ships out to A school.

Apparently, they do not have to be graduated. My son's PIR date is 12/6 but I adopt him on 11/28. If they are eligible, I am certain you will receive the info. 

don't know what current policy is, but in the past only sailors with PIR dates within two weeks of the holiday were eligible....see what I can find out if I have time later today or tomorrow....

I agree. That would explain the offer as the holiday is only 9 days from PIR.

I just hope we can get more info for those who graduate the day before, might be a gray area.  But, either way My wife and I are very proud of our son, he was picked for the 903 division, even though he did not have any JROTC experience, and he told us yesterday he was assigned to be the RMAA of his division.  He seems to be adjusting well, but as he is 20 and had lived on his own for a bit the separation may not be as difficult for him.

I've been seeing posts about "adopting my SR" for either Thanksgiving after PIR or for the holidays (I can't remember which). Can someone explain this in detail? My first reaction is to ask why I need to "adopt" my SR when he's my son or daughter in the first place? I don't mean to sound confrontational with that at all...just not familiar with the concept.

So, when they graduate and are on the liberty for Thanksgiving and/or a day or two after that (say, for example, he doesn't go to A school until the following Monday), you have to "check him out" each day? Does that mean he has to return to RTC each evening or can he stay in a hotel with us while on liberty? Or something else?

We have been chatting with other parents on Navyformom.com about getting together at something Cracker Barrel for Thanksgiving dinner. That's why I'm asking.

they have to muster back on base each evening.

More details will be coming out closer to the time, but keep in mind the Navy (nor Great Lakes) doesn't "shut down" because of a holiday.  There are still watches to stand, heads to clean, etc., just as there would be on a ship's deployment.  That said, our daughter had A School at GL, but had to call at 0600 and 1800 daily to see if she was assigned any duties.  Fortunately, we did have part of Friday, all day Saturday and part of Sunday with her.

My SR's PIR is on 11/15, so he will fly out to his A school on Saturday 16th.  (I assume)  What will his Thanksgiving or Christmas liberty possibly consist of?

So what are they expecting after they get out of phase 3 are they going to join a new division, start over or just finish there milestones they left to finish like live fire, gas chamber, ect? does it matter that she was on her 5 week before she went in RCU? Sorry keep getting different answers or does it just matter what the RDC or who ever is in charge feels like doing?

in my experience they continue from where they were

my daughter had severe stress fractures as well....she was in RCU for 6 weeks, she PIR'd, and served 5 years on the USS Abraham Lincoln. Things will be fine...keep the faith.....

Hang in there Brandon...

If letting him go doesn't make you a "Man", I don't know what does. You are not only a Man, but a good Father.

how about putting some of that info on our site?

if there is generic info that would other dads consider posting that...a way to pay it forward!

Brandon, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

LOL Cody!!!!! Having a 30-year old son I can remember those days!!!!

Can remember watching a National Geographic show about the ocean with the family and Eric turning around and telling us that an octopus had eight testicles.....yeah....I lost it!!!!!

I almost did....I knew I blew a snot bubble or two trying to keep it in!!!! And again when I was trying to explain the difference between testicles and tentacles.........your time is coming dude so cherish it as it goes by waaaaaaay too quickly!!!!!!

believe that is ship 4

they are supposed to be able to wear a "plain wrist watch"...issue becomes defining "plain"....and please ask yourself if they really need a watch at RTC

Well I got to talk to my step-son last night and my wife was overjoyed to get a second phone call from him in the last few days. His spirits seem good on this call which is always a positive sign that he is doing well at boot camp. I had a chance to talk to my wife after the call and found out that some of the recruits do not get mail because no one sends them any and someone of them do not have the ability to call home. I can assume they do not have a calling card to use to call their loved ones.

While I am extremely excited to hear the good news about Glenn but I am also sadden to think of those recruits who don't hear from anyone. Does this happen often with recruits?

@ Brandon

The Black watch and white numbers are fine as long as the watch is not faddish ie oversized. He may or may not be allowed to wear his watch during boot camp according to the RDCs. Once he graduates basic and moves on to A School, it will be his decision as long as the watch is not faddish

I apologize, but I an going to have a minor meltdown. I have been looking at lots of internet pages and youtube videos for information concerning things like navy basic training and different rates and A schools. I must say there are lots of great videos posted by our service members ( thank you all)....But what really pisses me off are some the comments I read posted to those videos and here are my thoughts for those people.

1 we can tell you are not a service member because you obviously lack the honor that the military teaches, no matter how much you brag how bad you are...you probably have done nothing!

2  the disrespectful comments concerning training and how easy it looks or how that would be a breeze....please....get off you butt , join the service and run something other than your mouth.

3. remember the people you are trying to belittle with your stupid comments are the very reason you can sit at home and post them....you have the right to post your opinion in this great country because of them so what you should post is thank you.

Thank you, to every service member in every branch in every rate, You are all equally important to our freedom.