Order of Battlestations

[Cynthia]

PIR is 12/5. There are 13 divisions. Is there any "order" as to which night they usually do BS? If they do it early in the week and do not pass will they have a chance to redo it and still graduate as scheduled?

[Julie (Riley's mom)]

The divisions usually go in numerical order, two or three divisions a night, beginning on the Thursday night the week before graduation. The 800 and 900 divisions are put in with other divisions. If a recruit does not pass early in the week, they will usually be allowed to try again (depends on why they didn't pass). Some recruits even do it as late as the night before graduation. In that case, they don't stand with their division at grad, they sit in the stands and watch (but that's ok, because they are probably exhausted!). After having said all that, I just realized that Thanksgiving will probably throw off that schedule somewhat.

[Leann Poole]

There was a recruit in my son's division that fell asleep towards the end of BS and he was able to do it again the night before PIR. He finished BS at 7 am and PIR was at 9 am and he did march in and stand with his division. My son told me he kept (secretly) making noises or whatever to keep him awake. That poor Sailor.

[Hoppi aka Angie]

It is preparing them for the fleet. When a Sailor is in the fleet, there are times they might have to stay up over for a few days in a row with no sleep and little food. Think of the USS Cole!

[Susie-Mom of BlackGryphon]

So, our recruits will be beginning battle stations sometime around next weekend. It is good to have a timeframe. Thanks!

[Jodi]

My son is scheduled to graduate 12/5 also. I will be purchasing airline tickets soon (fingers crossed). Any advice on hotel accommodations?

[Cynthia]

We are staying at the Ramada Inn Waukegen-Gurnee. The rate is pretty good with PIR discount. I hear the Navy Lodge is good too, very basic, not sure if they have anything available. The Ramada has hot tub, micrwave and fridge. What division is your son. Mine is 803.

[Jodi]

My son is in Div 26 Ship 12.

[DebbieG]

We stayed at Courtyard by Marriott in Waukegan. Good Navy graduation rate. Close to restaurants and has shuttle to the base for PIR which I HIGHLY recommend that you use. Hotel is about 5 miles from the base for the rest of the weekend pickups and dropoffs. As I said if the opportunity is there to use a shuttle DO IT. The traffic trying to get into the gate is incredible and the shuttles just go right in. Your sailor can take the shuttle back to your hotel so you can pick up your car for Friday liberty plans.