Right John.... if your talking about the first "I'm Here" call. He probably did borrow a cell phone. It is easier for them to do that during that call I think. After that call though, the recruits will be required to send their cell phones home. The next calls you get will be from the 847 area code (usually identifying as Waukegan). They have a large bank of phones at the exchange near what they call Recruit Heaven. The RDC's will allow them to use the phones as a division for a reward or a morale boost for them. This is also where they make the "I'm a Sailor" call upon completion of battle stations in the last week of training... this call can actually come as late as the day before graduation, which can be a bit nerve wracking if you have plans to fly out to RTC for graduation. Remember, no news is ALWAYS good news. So, if you don't hear from your recruit as often as you would like, just remember that everything is fine. You will be contacted if anything is wrong or if they get held back or anything like that. May daughter, who graduated basic in April, was able to call and talk to us for an extended period of time twice during boot camp. The first time was after she was there for about a month, then another call about a week later, then the I'm a sailor call. She wrote several letters each week, but they only have outgoing mail on Monday, so we received all the letters she wrote each week on Thursday, which became a day to look forward to for us.  

Hello everyone. I just want to thank Jim and the admins of this truly special site. My son graduated June 10th and is currently in A school at GL and then will receive orders mid Aug. He's changed, now a man when we talk. For those who can make it to PIR it is one of the grandest moments ever. I've also watched the ceremony a few times after and I cry from pride. Congrats to all of you parents and loved ones and to your sons and daughters!! Again, thanks guys for giving this site and support!!

Thank you for the kind words Lien! We wish the best of luck to your son!

Informal Division Photos, Divisions 267 and 268

There were just too many pictures to put them on one at a time.

from RTC:

For those waiting for their divisions' informal photos to be posted, there is still a delay in doing so. Unfortunately, those divisions had numerous recruits who were Sick in Quarters for the original photo so we rescheduled their photos in order to be able to have as many recruits included as possible. We are currently undermanned in the Public Affairs Office and only have one photographer. We plan to be able to take all their photos next week so we ask for your patience and understanding. The good news is that many of you will be able to see your recruits whom you otherwise wouldn't have, had we taken the photos on the original photo date.

The smartest move is to scan the photos (if needed) and edit those into a letter with your handy-dandy word-processer software......handling separate photos can get to be a problem and space becomes an issue....

Division 279

Division 280

Division 273 and 274 Males

Division 273 and 274 Females

Division 275

Division 276

Division 277

Division 278

Division 818

Division 940

Division 281

Division 282

Hey all, Just wanted to let everyone know that NavyOutfitters.com has products for Moms and Dads and we have Navy Blue candles and PIR ribbons

My son is with Ship 6 Division 294.  I am counting down until graduation on August 26th.  I can't wait to see his pictures and most of all see him at graduation.  He has been made Port Watch Leader.  He told me he will be one of the first ones I see at graduation.  I am so beyond proud as I am sure many of you are of your sailors.  Anyone attending graduation, I am that mom with tears of pride, joy, and a whole ball of emotions.

how do they work it if your sr gets hurt just before battle stations 21 and can not graduate with his div. do they put him in another div. to finish or send him to ship 5 

RTC Facebook Group Photos has been updated!

Been looking for Div 272 photos I can not find them they graduated on Aug 5th

if you people would look above this post a little you'll see a pic that says RTC Division Photos....click that and read what it says....272 is in there.