Welcome to the Navy Boot Camp Support Group — we’re glad you’re here. If your loved one has recently left for Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, you’re probably feeling a mix of pride, nerves, questions, and a whole lot of “what happens next?” That’s completely normal. This group is here to walk alongside you through every stage of boot camp — from the first phone call and mailing letters, to training milestones, PIR graduation, and beyond. No question is too small here. Whether you’re a parent, spouse, partner, sibling, or friend, you’re among people who understand exactly what this season feels like.
Boot camp can feel overwhelming from the outside, but your Sailor is being guided step-by-step through training, discipline, teamwork, and growth. While communication may be limited at times, the support you give from home truly matters. Use this space to ask questions, share updates, celebrate wins, and get encouragement on the tougher days. We support each other here — with accurate info, kindness, and respect. You are not going through this journey alone, and neither is your Sailor.
Comments
so much to look into too i'm lost with all of this.
Yep, looked on here first but wanted a little more details. It is funny how different the Navy boot camp is from my Army experience almost 30 years ago!
and realize that schedule is NOT cast in stone and is flexible according to various needs......
Eric- did you look at this?
https://navydads.com/forum/topics/navy-bootcamp-weekly-training
I found this site that goes into the daily routine of the RTC recruits. I like to follow along each day to get a glimpse into what our son is likely doing. http://www.navydep.com/forums/showthread.php?t=433
RE Covid - On Jan 9 our son called us from RTC saying that him and other 7 recruits were being placed in a 14-day isolation because they were in contact (next bunker) with a recruit, who was tested positive when he went to see a doctor for a sore throat. He then called us again on 22nd advising that he is being released from isolation the next day and provided new ship/division info. So, now instead of mid-Feb, his PIR will be in early March.
Makes for some interesting reading.....Fort McCoy :
https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2020/11/06/is-fort-mccoy-t...
Marc I feel your pain. I get that it is your daughter. I understand that you want to protect her and that, at least in your eyes, answers should be easy to come by. I get that.
My son had PIR three years ago. I went through my first Christmas with him in boot camp and no communication. All we could do was pray, trust and wait. And that was long before COVID reared it's ugly head.
Learn the saying "no news is good news" because you are going to live it. My Sailor is a nuke on a submarine. EVERY in his life is classified. The lack of information is commonplace.
You have to learn not to focus on the unknown Marc or it will drive you insane. Celebrate those few phone calls and continue writing letters with positive support. It doesn't necessarily get any easier it just becomes a little more normal.
That's what your Navy Dads are here for. Reach out to us. We have been there and are here to support YOU while our Sailors and ones like them support and mentor your daughter.
God Bless your family!
Paul.smith.fd@gmail.com
Paul
good luck- things are in a constant state of flux with Covid - don't think anyone knows exactly what is going on on any specific day......
you can read about what happened but as far as what they are doing today please remember it is the US Military and there are security concerns communicating between the Navy and civilian word
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2020/10/16/navy-got-head-start-...
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