At one time ,I read sailors go to expeditionary combat skill training school in Mississippi, following basic - does the Navy still do this, or is it something a sailor does later in their training career ?

Bill  

ECS is primarily for MAs out of RTC, or those sailors who get assigned to Coastal Riverine Groups (CRGs). Some MAs go there right of A School, or down the road as my son did. But other Rates are involved with the CRGs; it takes sailors from across the Rates to create versatile teams.

DIVISION 103

About an hour ago:

RTC FRIENDS: It has come to the attention of the Public Affairs Office that recent form letters were sent out with the wrong graduation date. The correct graduation date for divisions 125 thru 134 and division 921 is 4 April, 2014.

- U.S. Navy Recruit Training Command

Thank you NRTC, just got word my Son is in division 129.

DIVISION 095

Random Images from RTC- Division number were NOT noted:

Random Images from RTC- Division number were NOT noted:

Random Images from RTC- Division number were NOT noted:

Hello all,

Well, our son left for RTC today, and it was one of the hardest things my wife and I have ever gone through.  Thank God for this site because so many questions are going through my head...

If anyone has any idea of driving vs flying to Great Lakes, that would be much appreciated.  We are in northern Maryland, and it does not look too bad to drive it + we would not be constrained to flight times and would be able to spend every possible minute of liberty together.  Thoughts?

Thanks

   Firstly....Welcome to the family, Marco! It is a very difficult time for parents...just read some of the threads to know that you are not alone. We have all been through it and understand exactly what you are feeling my friend! Regarding driving vs. flying.....depending upon your son's future A School (at Great Lakes or elsewhere) will effect just how much liberty time he will have. Most Sailors head out Saturday morning after PIR. You will have time on Friday and can rejoin him at the airport until he leaves. Those that stay at Great Lakes will have the rest of the weekend of liberty. Best of luck to your Son in the coming months!

Thank you Tom, I appreciate the reply and words of encouragement.

Awesome!!!  and Congratulations!!!  Please let me know.  I figure for the cost of airfare and everything else, it would just be easier to leave a day earlier and see the sights by car.  Thanks for the reply.

hey Marco......College Park grad here...class '77

from RTC:

GUESTS ATTENDING GRADUATION TOMORROW: Tomorrow morning’s forecast is calling for wind chill temperatures of -15. Keep in mind that at this temperature frost bite can occur in about 20 minutes.

Recruit Training Command recommends that guests should:
• Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing. Outer garments should be tightly woven, water repellent, and hooded. Please refrain from wearing clothes that leaves your legs and arms exposed to the weather.
• Wear a hat, because 40 percent of your body heat can be lost from your head.
• Wear Mittens or gloves.

DIVISION 119

Got our letter today!!!!  Although this site has always made me feel welcome and a part of something bigger, but having this letter I REALLY feel like part of the team here.  I know we still have a good way to go before graduation, but to everyone in the Boot Camp Group - Thank you to the members who encouraged me in the beginning and hang in there those still waiting for that letter.  It's like crossing a milestone!!!

now you can really start writing YOUR letters!!!!

You know it.  Already started the second one!!!  Thanks

Absolutely…I will answer all calls…dealing with the million phone solicitors is worth a single minute of real conversation with my SR…thanks

It also comes up pay phone.

Coming from a Army background - still learning Navy lingo- the RTC organization "ship" , is that like a Army Company ? and a "Division" is that like a Army Platoon?

Thanks- Bill

"Ship" = barracks, Division = about 88 recruits so not sure what that would equate to in "Army-speak"

and here is RTCs general physical layout: http://www.navydads.com/group/bootcamp/page/rtc-great-lakes-general...

Congratulations Tony and congratulations to your son.  

was going to say...keep it low key, keep it black and remember it will be used at work......

I have the same question as Tony.  I would like to get my son something that he could keep/use when he goes to A school.  I don't know what would be an authorized item would be in A school.

Chris....an engraved Challenge coin is always a nice idea. You can choose a Rating or other coin from those available. Many of us have started this and added to the collection as our Sailors progress...

Great Ideas, thank you.  I guess A school is not as strict as boot camp and is more like a campus?

Unless its changed drastically in the last 18 months, your sailor will be able to wear a watch after PIR. The restrictions pertain primarily to electronics as to what can be taken back to their ship. If you meet your sailor at the airport before their departure, you can pass on their electronics. and if you meet your sailor before departure you can get a gate pass to wait with them before flying out. The USO can assist if need be. Chris, your sailor will have different phases as to how much freedom they have. Its called phasing up. Best of luck to your sailor....and you!

ship 04 div 811 PIR 03/28/2014 has any body herd how battle station went.

I'm sure the calls are coming tonight, The Navy knows that most parents work and it will difficult to get a hold of us during the day. My son is in Division 120 so I assumed,  119 and 120 were the first ones to go. I will  post something as soon as I hear please do the same

Thanks Alex. Yes Sir.

My son just called, I got the "I'm SAILOR" call. I couldn't be a prouder father. Congratulations to all           

Congratulations!  It's a wonderful feeling when that call comes in and even better at PIR. Cherish it.

That's great news

DIVISION 145

Your point #7 needs to be taken to heart by all dealing with divorce and separation issues.   Though my two sailor's mom and I are also divorced, we sat together as a family, ate together, and planned for liberty time together.  Remember your sailors call your former spouse mom or dad so cowboy up, act civil, and GET ALONG for your sailor's sake.  And give your sailor some time alone with their mom or dad....they deserve it and regardless of your family situation, they are just as proud of what your sailor has accomplished as you are. Thanks for posting that Eric!!!!

Hey Eric Congrats! Thanks for sharing your PIR experience and tips! And as a divorced parent myself like Paul, #7 is a big one as some folks unfortunately will tend to use this happy occasion and turn it into an ugly one. Tell me more about the steak at Lovell's sounds really good! heheh...