Ship out to DLI after PIR

[Abzymom(SH12/DIV272)]

My SR has PIR 8/31 which is Labor Day weekend.  From what I've read, I'm having a hard time figuring out what is "usual" for when CTI recruits leave for Monterrey after PIR.  And with the holiday weekend, I'm not sure if we can hope to spend the whole weekend with him before he ships or if he'll probably go immediately on Saturday after graduation. I've figured out that everything is subject to change, but can anyone give me an idea on how things work?  We're flying in Thursday, PIR Friday, should we stay through Monday just in case we can spend the time with our SR?  Any advice, counsel, opinions would be appreciated!  Many Thanks!

[tatmom4rc(Ship12, Div. 204)]

My Son went to Monterrey after PIR on 6/29 - we got him right after graduation.  Here is the advice that we got - tell your SR to not to go back to the ship after ceremonies to get photos or t-shirts or anything he may want to give you - that can take 1.5 - 2 hours (due to procedures) so you can take him from RTC.  We took a shuttle from our hotel and shuttle/cab back - they are waiting outside at the end of the graduation.  this keeps you from having to wait in a line of cars trying to get out of the lot.  Most SR have to be back by either 8:00 or 9:00 PM - they need at least an hour to walk back to barracks so give them extra time - Use your gate pass.  At some point after they are back at BC  they will be bussed to an airport (there are 2 choices I think) and you can go and meet them there to give him anything you bring from home for him. i.e. cell phone, Ipod, etc.  - He can have these things while he is with you on liberty, but when he goes back to BC that night he has to give them back to you - and you give them back to him at the airport.  Also, at the airport you can get anything that he wants to give to you.

My BEST most serious recommendation is to plan to attend Sarge's meet and greet - It is incredible - free food, beer 2 bucks he has a slide presentation and shows you exactly how the cars work to get on base, where to walk for the lines getting in, how to get around, what to do and not to do.  You can call him from home before you leave - he will help with setting up cheap cab arrangements - best car rentals, etc.  We took his number with us and used it through out our stay.  We would go somewhere he recommended and then when we wanted to get to the next place we would call him and ask him how to get there the quickest without tolls - he helped us immensely.  A definite blessing.  I talked to some Sailors that had graduated earlier that were stationed at GL - they said that they ONLY use Sarge's cab service for safety and cost.  They trust his group.  They are on time and responsible.  They also call him for what to do and where to go when they have leave.

Look under Events tab and then for the Sarge's meet and greet for your PIR date - that gives you his phone number if you want to call or you can post questions.

Good luck

[NYRican924]

Hi Abyzmom. The information you have is correct. Pretty much for Monterey bound sailors, they ship out the very next day, Saturday. Additionally they bused sailors as a group regardless of what time their flight leaves, so if the earliest departing flight is at say 0630, they will all head out by bus liek at 0400. I remember having to be at the airport at like 0530 to meet up with my son. His flight wasn't leaving til like 4pm. And what I found even more unbelievable is that he flew out that Saturday, July 11th, 2012 and his language class didn't even start until September 25 2012. I found this absolutely ridiculous!

     I will give you one important tip. When I left San Antonio for GL, I took a suitcase filled with some of Jay's clothes and things and expected to just pay an additional luggage fee when Jay was flying to DLI. To our surprise we didn't have to pay anything cause they are authorized up to 3 bags free and they only have two when they graduate, the duffle and a clothes bag. HHe was extremely happy because back at DLI, when they completed their restriction phase Jay was the only one with civilian clothes already. Everyone else headed to the mall in uniform to buy clothes (and spend the little money they have). Hope this tips helps :) And the tip from tatmom regarding Sarge is extremely valuable. Good luck to your sailor.

[Dee (CTI3 Spencer&Erin)]

A lot will depend on whether your sailor is in a "grad and go" division.  They leave ASAP to their A schools.  My son left the very day of PIR, though I don't think they do that anymore.  My DIL left the following Tuesday for Monterey but her division wasn't a GnG.

 

Good luck to your soon to be sailor!

[tatmom4rc(Ship12, Div. 204)]

NRYican is correct they take all the SR's at once. So the time at the airport varies. We did find out that O'hare wont take the luggage so early and he had to keep it with him.  I was surprised how small the USO was (compared to Denver - DIA) and it couldn't hold us  - - and there isn't any food or really any places you can "hang out" at before checking in and them taking your luggage.  Your best be is checking with Sarge for your SR's  specific needs - once you know them = when he calls after Battle Stations - and he has the details of his travel.  Sarge can give you the most help.  My SR. would have been at the airport 14.5 hours and we choose to have Sarge pick him up and bring him to us (so we didn't have to drive at 4 in the morning to an airport we didn't know, etc.) My son slept from 6 to noon, he took a shower, we fed him and went back to the airport.  Nothing extravagant, wanting to keep him close and safe (praying for no car crashes, delay's etc.) - - the Navy "prefers they stay at the airport - we thought it was too long of a time.  It is based on each individual's situation.  But at a minimum - please plan on some time with them at the airport to see him off.  I really treasure the time and I believe my SR does as well. Good luck.

[tatmom4rc(Ship12, Div. 204)]

Dee  I agree with you - regarding the "grab and go" comment - but it seemed to me (via Sarge's info) that if the SR's are not staying at GL they all get moved to the airport so that room can be made for the new TG division. It seems to be a big shuffle that is ongoing.  The SR's that stay at GL move barracks the day of PIR - and the others leave that night/next morning so the 'ship" is available for the next group.  Good suggestions.

[Abzymom(SH12/DIV272)]

Thanks so much for all the info.  You've really helped me a lot!!

[MSgtRet DIV 912]

As a follow-up to the question(s) posed in the discussion, has anyone experienced a CTI graduating from BC flying out of anywhere but O'Hare?  I'm planning to meet my [future] CTI at the airport to pass along his stuff 02Feb.  I'm aware that he won't know until a couple days before graduation, but am trying to plan ahead so can be prepared when he tells us after PIR. [That assumes he won't be able to call.]

I have checked routing and flights, any other alternative is not only much more complicated, but also much more expensive.  Trust me, if they are picking up the tab, the military does not spend a penny more than they absolutely have to.  And yes, the Navy has to pay for the seat and book your SR on a specific flight.  The "old days" of the government having X seats available to be requisitioned are long, long gone -- decades gone.  (60s, maybe?)

{Chuckle  --  this was s-o-o-o-o-o much easier when it was me transferring to language school forty-some years ago;  there was no question of parents attending basic graduation, and we just got bussed to the airport with stand-by ticket in hand and warned about being AWOL if we missed flights intentionally. Neither I nor my folks had anything to worry about.  LOL}

[sibehuskyfan PIR 9/26/2014]

Reading these now, I'm wondering if it's still possible to take our SR with us, like tatmom4rc did, I would've thought that the Navy wouldn't allow that?? Thanks for this good advice. 

[KoaNani]

Just discovered the thread. Good information. Does anyone still pack a suitcase with some of their clothing and any personal belongings for them to take to DLI after PIR? Are they allowed an additional bag for free still?

[ummhmmlies]

My son had his PIR 12/2 so this response is a little late... flew in Thursday afternoon.  The next morning we arrived early for the event, they released them all at 10:30 am and we spent the afternoon at a restaurant and the hotel before returning him at 7 pm.  I met him at 5 am the next day at Chicago airport to get him his phone as his flight to Monterey was at 9 am, mine was at 5 pm 12 hrs later but still worth it to see him

Now it 12/19 and he has progressed to Phase 2 (meaning he can leave base) and I get to see him during liberty hours of the 4 day xmas holiday, Yeah!