Recommendations for PIR

[YMM (Ship 12 Div 98)]

A) What to bring; B) What to wear; C) What do do and not to do during the ceremony; D) Protocol; E) Arrival Time; F) Other

[YMM (Ship 12 Div 98)]

Where to sit at PIR: There are very clear signs with the division numbers on them. Just sit directly in front of your sailors division sign. I had heard that rumor about sitting to the right of it, but it didn't mean a thing when I got there! Bring those binoculars, you will need them - plus, these guys all look alike (trust me on that!). IMPORTANT: If you see your sailor walking around before the ceremony begins, don't walk up and hug them!!! They are WORKING and that could get them into trouble. I saw this happen at my PIR and the mother was so hurt when her son yelled at her to stop it and sit down. I don't want any of you to go through that!

Okay, let's see, your PIR group begins with Div 261, so that will be the first division to march in. If you are seated in the bleachers facing forward towards the empty floor, they will be at the far left of the building and each division number that follows is slightly to the right of that first division - don't worry, the signs will help you! When you are looking at that empty floor, you will see 2 huge gates, one on the left and one on the right. Your sailors will enter from the left gate, walk all the way across the room (yes, in front of the bleachers), then around the back to line up in front of their division number. So everyone in the bleachers gets to see every sailor walking by. Hope that helps!

 

Forgot to mention that Div 938 is unique, as that is the performing division and they are ... well performing, however that is the last group in the line, so as far right as you can get (which is near the door that you walk in to). Those families have to wait a little longer to go hug their sailors because they need to put their "stuff" away - but you get to see them more during the ceremony too because... well, because they are performing!

[Deneen(Nurse McGyver)]

My MASN was in a 900 division and did not march in because they were the performers.  Be prepared for this if you have a 900 division SR

[YMM (Ship 12 Div 98)]

Bring: photo ID, camera, binoculars, tissues, lint brush and tide pen (dress blues in the winter and dress whites in the summers), chapstick; hand lotion (cold weather dries you out) towel for your recuit to sit on while ya'll are out enjoying Chicago after PIR and for you to sit on while you watch PIR, Don't forget an umbrella just in case. Watch your make-up when you hug him/her--he/she has to be very careful with their uniform , a  checkbook-for the photo packages(minimum pkg is ~ 140.00) and anything else you want to buy at PIR. At the hotel :bring old clothes for your recruit to wear while at hotel (in case there is enough time for that so they can be comfortable.) REMEMBER though, In public sailors must remain in military issue clothes...even to swim

[Tiff_O]

Sailors are only allowed to wear their uniforms while on liberty. Even while swimming they are not allowed to wear civilian bathingsuits, only the authorized PT gear.

http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/rules_liberty.asp

 

If you are in the hotel room, then civilian clothes would be okay, but if you so as to step foot out of your personal hotel room, you would have to be in uniform, so why even bother?

[Tiff_O]

Your sailor will have to get used to not being able to wearing civi's (civilian clothing) when they want. They won't be able to wear civilian clothing for a bit anyways when they go to school either. It takes work to get priveledges such as that.

[YMM (Ship 12 Div 98)]

Be there as early as you can-before 7:30 am. Wear dressy casual, nice jeans are fine. If your PIR is in the winter months , you may want to wear flannel underwear. Wear comfortable shoes-you may have to climb bleachers and will be doing a lot of walking. Remember layers are the way to go. Gloves, hat, scarf. (For winter PIR)

[YMM (Ship 12 Div 98)]

Be careful about too much kissing and hugging You also need to leave their R arm free while on liberty in case they have to salute to an officer. No hand holding is allowed. They have to behave very differently from a civilian.
Bring their laptop and phone to hotel so they can catch up with their family and friends at home.

[YMM (Ship 12 Div 98)]

LAST MINUTE TIPS:
Make sure everyone has ID's (birth certs for kids without ID's)
Bring at least 2 copies of the gate/parking pass - whether you plan on taking a shuttle to PIR or not, you'll need it to return your sailor back to base in the evening.
Binoculars - trust me on this!
Tide Stick Pen and a lint brush
Tissue - self explainatory!
Camera - and charger (or film)
Cell phone - and charger

Umbrella-just in case
GPS, reservation numbers, maps you may have printed
Husband, kids, etc (easy to forget those!)
An open mind to how your weekend will transpire - remember, they will be tired, they will be hungry and they just want hugs!
Bring your Sailors cell, laptop, ipod and all chargers to usein the room to catch up and if they are G&G you can give pass them on.
A comfy pair of clothes for your sailor to relax in while in your motel room
A sweater or jacket - it gets cold in the PIR hall
Whatever cool ribbon or name tag you may have made for your Meet & Greet

If you have room in your bag…a towel for your Sailor to sit on if you do go out and sightsee.

Best advice: Have fun and whatever you do, do NOT bring your sailor back to the base late. No one will forgive you for a long, long time! (If someone is late, they lose liberty the next day - and their whole division loses a couple of hours!!! NOT COOL)

[cocojazz]

thank you

[YMM (Ship 12 Div 98)]

When you get your form letter please make a copy of it and/or put it where you’ll not forget where it is. You’ll need the password for the gate pass. Even if you take the shuttle you will need it if you plan on driving your Sailor back to the base after liberty

[YMM (Ship 12 Div 98)]

Taken from the Naval Training Center website.   PLEASE NOTE THE WALKING DISTANCES AND BE SURE TO DRESS WARM AND WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES!!!!

PARKING

"Family and friends will be directed to general parking at the Chapel lot, which is about 3 city blocks from the site of the graduation.  Another parking lot, about 1 city block away is available for those with handicap stickers or hangers."

SHUTTLES

"Most hotels in the area also have shuttle service to the graduation.  The shuttle terminates at the visitor center located at the front gate.  It is approximately a 1/2 mile walk to the site of the graduation from the visitor's center. 

 

[balsuz Kevin's mom :)]

What is closer for walking distance: Shuttle or parking your own car?