PIR from the Significant Other's perspective! and Random stuff

[Melissa, Navy Girlfriend]

Hi everyone! I just got back from my boyfriend's PIR on 8/15. I'm so glad he's graduated!
So, the motel.
We stayed at the Red Carpet Inn, in North Chicago. The motel was really close to base, 1.5 miles away. It also had a nice outdoor pool and hot tub. If you're looking for close and cheap, this is decent. It offers transportation to the PIR, though I don't know what it costs as we didn't take it. Their 'continental breakfast' was terrible, though, only offered donuts, coffee and orange juice. My boyfriend wanted to do nothing but rest and relax, so it was sort of difficult for his family to pack into the one room that he was lounging in. It was really just a motel. Not terrible but certainly not five star.
The PIR
Oh my goodness, the line up starts early. We were in line before 6AM and we were not the first ones in line. Be warned, they do randomly choose cars to search. We watched bunches of people file out of their cars and pop trunks open to have the cars searched. Make sure you take a camera with a good zoom, my piddly little point-and-shoot couldn't take good close-ups of my boyfriend's face, who was in the front rows of his division, and I was in the front row of the ground level!
The ceremony is kind of long, at least, I thought so. We got into the drill hall at 6:45AM, got our seats, and waited around. They do sell drinks, souveneir 'Dixie cup' hats, and the division t-shirts. The T-shirts are $15 a shirt, the hats are $5. Line up for those early, we managed to snag the last Mediums for my boyfriend's division. The ceremony didn't actually start until a bit after 9AM, as they show a short video of some of what the new Sailors went through during boot camp. The whole thing wraps up around 10:30 or so. And Liberty call was my absolute favorite part. :)
The rules for PDA!
**The Sailors in uniform are not supposed to hold hands.**
They aren't supposed to kiss, either! (At least, not French). If you're walking around with your Sailor, the most they can do is lock arms. So, when Liberty is called, as much as you may wish to tackle them, they really shouldn't be! Hugs and kisses are ok at the liberty call, but evidently, we aren't supposed to 'overdo' it. I didn't find this out until I had him in my arms already. They aren't told what's ok and what's not until the day before PIR.
They're supposed to swim in their authorized swim trunks. Also, there's no drinking on Liberty, even if they're of age. No driving, either. Oh, and if they are talking on a cell phone, they're supposed to stay in one place, no walking and talking on the cell phone.

We went to Gurnee Mills Mall and wandered around, got food, and watched movies. That was the extent of the activity my boyfriend wanted to do.
Definitely get a Tide-to-Go pen or something similar. My boyfriend had marks on his pants from shoe polish where someone else marching in PIR stomped on his pants, and I got my makeup on his shoulder (*blush*). Their summer whites look great, but are terribly impractical for wandering around!
Take lots of pictures! Lots and lots! Just not outside the drill hall, they will confiscate the pictures or your camera or something. We waited until we were at the motel and the mall to get in our pictures.
That's all I can think of. I hope this is helpful!

[Lauren]

That's all very helpful!! I will have to restrain myself when I see my husband :). I've got a list of some things I need to take so a Tide-to-Go pen will now be on it. I

:) Lauren

[Nancy (Kyle, Casey and Ross's Mom)]

Thanks for all the info....good stuff.

[Angie F.- WA: HM mom]

Hi Melissa, I hope many Moms, wives and girlfriends heading to PIR get to see this post. I'm going to leave the link on the Boot Camp moms forum. The detail is wonderful and spot on. Speaking of, we also found Shout Wipes to be handy to have-along with the Tide to Go it was an unbeatable pair for undoing the "damage". =) Thanks again and CONGRATS to your honey of a Sailor!

[Tara]

Your post was informative but more than anything, it made me even more anxious for my time to come. I can't wait for this adventure!

[LuAnn P]

Melissa, thanks for such a great post, we go next weekend, God willing he passes battlestations!!

[NavyMom/Wife * Bretton's Mom*]

Hi,

I know there is a certain curfew for the Sailors to be back at night, Is the curfew set at a certain time for everyone? Or is it set by Divison?

Thanks, Michele :)

[Melissa, Navy Girlfriend]

I think they're all supposed to be back in their compartments by 8:30 PM, but, if they win the Honor Division or Hall of Fame, they do get some extra time on liberty, so in that way, I guess you'd say it's by Division.

[Leia]

I am glad that I found this information as I have already packed my son's swimming trunks...guess that won't be going now. I am greatful that you have posted this information. My son is going into battle stations this evening and I am just praying that the next 36 hours are going to be gone with a blink. Thank you, Leia

[Melissa, Navy Girlfriend]

Leia - They're supposed to wear their issued skivvies/trunks/whatever, BUT, that doesn't mean I didn't see bunches of new Sailors in civilian swim trunks. :)

[Heather]

Wow thanks very informative! Def things you wouldnt know til it was too late :)

[Jessica]

I have a very random question. I am going to my bf's graduation on the 9th of Jan. and I having trouble deciding what to wear to the PIR. Lol. All of the information you have included is very helpful, and I figured since you have already been to the PIR you could give me some suggestions! Thanks so much for all the information so far!

Jessica :)

[Achseh]

Wear what you would wear to church and you'll be fine. It's held in a large hall- we were there in July and it was quite warm, but I can see the potential for it being chilly in the winter, so a cardigan might be good, too. Just remember that they are in their dress uniforms, so the ceremony dictates some decorum.

Bring warm clothes with you- GL is very cold this time of year.