Questions about PIR

[Lori B]

I will be going to Great Lakes on January 8th for my son's graduation on the 9th. Do you get to see your child before the Graduation? How long do you get to spend with your child after the ceremony? My son told me he has Liberty that weekend. Does that mean he is able to spend the whole weekend with us? Is there anything special I should know or do prior to going to the ceremony or to Great Lakes? I already see how bad the weather in Chicago is. Thank you!

[Holly Edmunds]

Hi Lori -
So we are going to my daughter's boyfriend's PIR on Jan. 23rd. My understanding is you do not see them before PIR and you see them briefly for pics/etc afterward. Then they go for A-School processing - if your packet says Grad & Go - you can see them at the airport before they leave but otherwise, since he has liberty he will be able to leave base and go out with you...they have to sleep on base (returning about 8PM?) and not sure when they can be picked up in the mornings. They must wear their Navy clothing at all times (even swimsuit if your hotel has an indoor pool).I've heard they line up AM of PIR as early as 6:30AM...be prepared for VERY cold weather...got to love that lake effect! :) Hope this helps a bit!

[Lori B]

Thank you so much. I hope he does get to leave the base with me and spend some time with us. Yes, the weather is going to be bad and we are coming from Arizona so I am not used to the cold either :) Where do I see if the packet says grab and go?

[Mary, Proud Mom of Nick]

I know you must be excited about the PIR. You do not get to see your son before graduation morning. It is wonderful that he has liberty that weekend - is he staying in GL for A school? Usually they don't know what type of liberty until they check in to their new ship.

The PIR lasts 90 minutes and then they will call liberty so all of the families can see and take photos of their NEW Sailors. By 11 am, they will be dismissing everyone from the graduation hall. Generally the Sailor must report back to their ships to back out/get final instructions. Our son stayed in GL for school and he had to ride the bus over to the other side, the bus left at 12:30 - by 2:30 he called to say he was free for the weekend. He did have to call in each morning and night. Others had to report back to base each evening and in some cases they even had duty that weekend. Even if they have to return at night, they are dismissed early each morning - you can still enjoy a great weekend with your Sailor regardless of where they may have to sleep.

[Lori B]

My son is supposed to be going to Florida for A school. He thinks he is leaving on Monday after graduation. I will find out more I hope when I see him at PIR. Thank you for your input it is always appreciated and helpful.

[Kirsten]

Hi Lori,

if he is leaving then you can take him off base right after PIR. Depends on his RTC he will determine if he can stay with you the whole weekend or if he has to be back on base at a certain time. For us it was 8pm that Friday, 9pm Sat and Sun. Usually you will be able to pick him up in the morning between 7am-8am.
Enjoy and Congrats !!!!!!

[Lori B]

Thank you....I know we will have fun!

[Jason's Proud Mom]

Hi Lori. .
Just returned from my son's PIR (12/19). First off, what an AMAZING event it was everything and MORE from what I've read on this site. My son was able to leave with us on Friday at around 1:30, then had to be back at 7:30p.m. On Saturday we got to pick him up at 8:00A.M. and had him until 8:00P.M. On Sunday we were able to go to the church services on base (really a wonderful experience and memory for all of us)and was able to spend the day with him until we had to leave for our flight. The only thing I can tell you for SURE, is that NOTHING is for SURE. My son was first told he would have liberty for the weekend, then they told him he was leaving immediately after PIR, and then when we arrived at GL we were AGAIN pleasantly surprised that he wasn't leaving for his A-school in Pensacola until that following Monday. So just be prepared for things to change a zillion time. I have learned in my short time as a Navy Mom not to count on anything!! It's easier that way. Good luck to your Sailor!! PIR is something you will never forget!!!

[Lori B]

Thank you. My son was told that he was leaving right sfter PIR for Pensacola, then like you said it changed to Monday after Graduation. I am going to go to the PIR and just enjoy whatever time I get to spend with my son that weekend. I just pray the weather allows us to fly into Chicago:).

[Lori B]

Thank you for giving me more information about PIR. My son is going to A school in Pensacola. He mentioned that he was not leaving until Monday after Graduation (which is on Friday). But, from the looks of it, I think things will change by next week when I get to see him. I will keep you posted. Thanks again.

[Jody Gault]

Donna, I just now signed up for Navy moms. Our son graduates Jan. 30th and is scheduled for the grad n go to PNS that day (he says only 1 hour free time). My question for you is....any idea/suggestions for PNS budget hotels? I and our family fly free because of my airline retiree status so if he gets delayed and doesn't go to PNS until Monday that will be fine too. Just trying to make reservations for hotel and car rentals now. I would appreciate any information you can offer. We're thinking of getting an ACE car rental because it seems cheaper than the airport express for the 4 of us and of staying at teh Days Inn in Libertyville or the Red Carpet Inn in North Chicago on Buckley Rd. Thanks so much and happy 2009!

[Lori B]

My son just graduated on Jan. 9th. We stayed at the Red Carpet Inn (cheap and only 1 mile from the base). It is worth it! We arrived to the Graduation at 5:50am to wait in line, they did not allow cars to begin entering until 6:30am. I was told get there early and thank goodness this website existed, because I was full of information that was helpful. Dress WARM, it snowed and was freezing this past weekend and wear good warm comfortable walking shoes:) They sell tee shirts with their divisions on them for $15, they sell out very fast. Any more questions feel free to ask.....We rented through Hertz for $9.95 a day...they gave us a minivan.

[Nathalie in CA.]

Hi thanks for the great information! I've been wondering about hotels, car rentals, timing etc! My daughter goes to GL March 3, so I am on countdown!!! What does PIR stand for?
Congratulations!!