the secret to the site is to click things!!!  Almost anything in BLUE is a link that will take you somewhere else.  And when you start to think about PIR, be sure to explore our PIR group and we have lots of hints and helps and links there to help with planning and learning what to expect when you get to Great Lakes- http://www.navydads.com/group/pirtipshintsandhelps

well,got a letter from my sr yesterday.said he made it through the gas chamber and passed his last phisical test.he was supposed to have battlestations yesterday on 9/4 which was also his 18th birthday.hope his division did good.well only 1 week left pir is 9/12 so cant wait too see him.it will be very emotional.good luck to all new sr and families.go navy.

Well we are on week 4. my son is a little bored but said things are getting better. I told him to stay focused that he is 1/2 way there and then to Corpsman school. ship 3, Div 315, PIR 10/10/14.

Well Andy my son is at the start of week 2.I am so proud of him.He has followed in the family tradition,he is a third generation sailor.I served 6 yrs as a corpsman,so tell your son welcome to a historic and proud job in the navy.My Dad retired after 21 yrs service as a CT.

Andy something else you can relay to your son about corpsman,they have been awarded more congressional medals than any other enlisted group

Just want to make an editorial comment here...we see a lot of members join and use the site for boot camp and then effectively never use the site again after PIR.  I've been dealing with the Navy since '05--- my daughters PIR was in OCT '05 and my son's PIR was in Apr '07......and I've had a bazillion more questions about Navy life post-PIR than I ever did about Boot Camp.....PCS moves, getting married, legal issues while deployed, mail and phone contracts, care packages, holidays, leave, airline and transportation issues and issues, uniform allowances, benefits and insurance costs, family issues like funerals, buying and selling cars, etc., etc.- and about a million other things....stay active and ask your questions!  There is a wealth of information available for you....use this as a resource to make the following years  less stressful !!!!

I'm liking it Jeff....Bravo Zulu!!!

I was looking at the weather for the Lakes....1/2 of what it is here in Texas... My daughter has got to be loving that..lol

Just had the 1st call home from our daughter in Boot Camp.

She was all crying and stuff. Said that she is REALLY homesick.

Makes me feel guilty about suggesting that she join.

I know that she'll get over it, but it still makes me sad and guilty.

First 3-4 weeks are the hardest then the recruits adapt...normal...don't feel badly about that.  Stay positive- make sure you're positive with her and let her know that she's got this! 

Yes, I was very positive with her. Telling her how she can do it, etc.

Her brother went through BC 1 1/2 years ago and I felt the same way with him. I guess I just miss having her (and him) around. Plus I guess as a parent I still want to baby them...

As she was talking though she did calm down, especially when she told me she passed her swim qual on the 1st try. And that was the 1 thing she was afraid of!

Bill how far into BC is she?

A lot of times that is simply a way to vent...they cannot do that at RTC so those kinda calls are normal....she will do fine!!!!

It's time to start thinking about PIR...the days might pass slowly, but the weeks fly by!  Stop by the PIR group and join in as there are tons of hints and suggestions to make your experience smooth and effortless! click this link: Go To PIR Group

Michael, she only got up there on the night of Sept 2nd.

I think she was also scared. She said that they had already "gotten rid" of a bunch of girls. She didn't say why though.

that's one of the reasons that is best for them NOT to call until about week 3 or so...right now all they are thinking about is home and the RDCs have a real struggle with keeping them focused on the task at hand......

You are right. More time to get accustomed to Navy/Boot Camp life before calling would be a good thing. I was surprised when she called. I actually was afraid that something bad had happened.

No News is Indeed Good News !!!

Anyone know about 800 divisions?  I don't recall seeing an 818 Division in the 9/19/14 PIR until a few days ago. Is that a group that has been transferred from another PIR?

I was on here about a month ago for my son who ended up hurting his back and was medically discharged. I want to add that my sons best friend from toddler age(is like my son as well) and we just said bye to him last week so he is in his first week of basic. He is EOD so I will be following him throughout his weeks until graduation. 

We received the generic letter today. Annie arrived at the Lakes 09/09 and graduation is 11/07.....

                Comment by Michael Bradburn 1 second agoDelete Comment

It seems like forever since my Kevin has been at Great Lakes.  Getting ready to graduate from BESS in Groton, then has orders to be on the crew of the new Indiana boat after some temporary assignments on boats at Norfolk.....  Full speed ahead Kevin!

Congrats John Alexander, my son would have graduated on Oct 3rd as well, # 307. He hurt his back and they medically discharged him. I wish your daughter all the best..Fair Winds..

I was just told the Division 820 won this week's Captain's Cup.

HOOYAH 820!!!

Division 820 wins Hall of Fame!

HOOYAH 820!!!

My son was the oldest as well. Thanks for the well wishes, he will do fine he just has not found his calling yet. I guess God has something else planned for him.

Congratulations John, we were just there last weekend watching our sailor graduate. Enjoy your time with your new sailor and take lots of pics.

If you're looking for a nice place to eat I heard Jimmy's Charhouse in Liberyville was really good from a few people. We went to Steven's in Gurnee and the food was OK but the service was horrible.

Feel free to ask away. We stayed at the residence inn which was nice. They had a grill that we cooked dinner on Saturday night instead of going out. Our sailor really loved the home cooked meal instead of going out, that was for certain.

Congrats on your daughters graduation John, My son would have graduated tomorrow as well if he hadnt been medically discharged. Enjoy the time. 

Terry, my son did too.  He arrived last night about 9:00 EST I think, maybe a little before.

When do they get to come home for any length of time? I know other branches depending on your MOS you get to go home after basic before going to AIT.

typically after A-school....moving to the fleet- orders typically state "report no later than" and they might have a few days they can fit in.  The longer A-schools generally have a holiday break and if lucky they might be able to get a leave chit....but they may have duty and not be able to get away