PIR Reference Information

Graduation dates are posted at the bottom of this page - http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/upcoming_grads.asp - right now it's up to 7 June 2013, and should be updated soon.  The official RTC site for families is invaluable, with FAQs and this pdf Family Guide - JTFsubmom, your answers for paperwork and getting on base are in that Guide.    

Could someone please remind me where to find a group for PIR 14 JUN 13.  I would like to officially join since my letter arrived, yeah!!

oneproudmom and bonitacruzita5894, PIR is on Friday unless there is federal holiday on Friday that would move it up and PIR is always on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. It would never be on Saturday since many of the people involved with PIR, such as the PAO, are not scheduled to work on the weekend.

JTFsubmom, I'm guessing you figred it out since PIR was yesterday. Just in case someone else needs it, you need the vehicle/gate pass from http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/upcoming_grads.asp and have registration and proof of insurance or car rental agreement available when entering at the gate. Be sure that everyone in the vehicle has ID. See PIR Day and Liberty During PIR Weekend and http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/pdfs/FamilyGuide_v14Mar2013.pdf.

I am wondering if my carry on purse will be allowed inside the ceremony hall? It's actually a large designer purse I bought from the department store but I am using it as my carry on bag and purse. It's under 20lb in weight.

When will I find out the exact date for my son's PIR? 

Kathy, you will find out when you receive the form letter. See Arrival and What Happens at the RTC (clickable link) within Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones). I invite you to join that group while you are there and to check out the other Pages (found under the pictures of the Members) as well.

HizproudMama, a small purse is allowed; perhaps you can just carry your wallet and secure your purse in the car.

Just thought I would add this piece of information regarding guest gate passes at the airport to accompany your new sailor to the gate when he/she leaves for their school.  My sailor was told by his RDC that we would have to call the airlines to get gate passes for the family.  In his last phone call home before PIR, I told him to write down the airport, airline, flight number and departure times from RTC & and the flight.  He handed these to me at graduation.  I did call the airline (as my sailor was told to do) and was told that guest passes would not be given out without a reservation number or having the travel agency call for them (The US Navy).  When my sailor went back to RTC that night he checked for a reservation number and there was none. We left our hotel at the same time our sailor left RTC for the airport & found them getting organized in front of the ticket counter by a USO volunteer.  The volunteer was extremely helpful & after he organized the sailors, he took all of the families to the ticket counter and obtained guest gate passes for them as long as they had ID.  No reservation number was needed & our sailor did not need to accompany us either.  I wish I would have know this ahead of time; would have saved alot of stress, anxiety and time on everyone's part.   He flew out of Midway.

Thank you  MamaKrayKray  for that info.  Calms our anxiety about the whole situation. 

Thank you all for the important info no matter how small ..Im still a few months out .. my daughter leaves in June for BC.

Any suggestions for cameras? I have a digital SLR .. are they allowed? My case is the size of a purse .. Thanks again for the info .. 

I had no problem with bringing in my camera.  You are not allowed to take pictures of the base but can take pictures inside the drill hall during the ceremony.

Also - Check your photo ID's - they will not let anyone in with an expired ID.

Anyone know procedure for under 18 .. we are taking my16 yr old .. does she need an id or will her school id work?

Thanks for the camera info .. 

No problem evetnaz, glad to help & provide info.  Regarding the ID for under 18, her school ID should work.  My 16 year old already had his driver's license so that was not an issue.  We took a certified birth certificate for my 10 year old & that worked fine.

You will also need ID at the airport for those of you going to send your sailor off to A school...school ID, State issued ID( my kids all have one of flying, easy to get) or birth cert....if you have more people going to the airport then PIR double check everyone has ID. I saw some families having to sit outside of the gates at the airport. And a grandma that went back to the hotel at PIR with a youth that didn't have ID...double check that names are the same on the ID as the guest list..:)

evetnaz, the following is from http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/pdfs/FamilyGuide_v14Mar2013.pdf:

Identification:

All guests 18 years and older must present valid government issued photo identification (driver’s license, state ID card, passport, military ID card). Guests 17 years or younger who do not possess one the items listed above must present one of the following: school ID card, driver’s permit, copy of their birth certificate or social security card.

Your form letter also gives that info (http://www.navyformoms.com/group/newmomsstophere/page/5-what-your-o...).

Graduation June 28 - anyone have the same date for their SR?

Eaglemom2, join the group, PIR 06/28/2013 TG 33 - 12 Divisions (237-246, 814 and 933) (clickable link), to connect with others with loved ones training with your SR.

eaglemom2...yes join the group lemonelephant posted below. There are only 2 or 3 of us there. And we know there are more moms out there.

Received a letter written over a weeks time from my SR. In her letter she wrote she was not fit for duty and was instructed to write that she was not going to PIR on 5/31. In the same letter, written a few day later she was released FFD. Good news is that her back is finally feeling great! Just not sure if the change to FFD means she is going to PIR still 5/31 or that is changed? Any thoughts?

LJK I have know idea but I will say a prayer for your daughter. After Battle Stations hopefully you will get the im a sailor call and your mind will be at ease. I know thats still a little ways a way but when you are booking try southwest in case you have to change your flight. Be positive shes gonna make it!

LJK, if she is still in the same division that has PIR on 05/31/2013, then PIR is still on for 05/31/2013.

brittaniiii, only your Sailor will know his flight details and yes, he should be able to tell you following PIR. He will fly out of either O’Hare International Airport or Midway International Airport. See PIR Day and Liberty During PIR Weekend.

I am leaving from my hotel to PIR via shuttle or taxi and need a place to put my luggage. Is there such a place?

Navy Mom 1991, No, why aren't you leaving it in your hotel?

Navy Mom 1991, what is your SR's PIR date? From his date of arrival it should be either 05/31/2013 or 06/07/2013. Join PIR 05/31/2013 TG 29 - 10 Divisions (205-212, 811 and 929) or PIR 06/07/2013 TG 30 - 11 Divisions (213-220, 812, 813 and 930) to connect with others with loved ones training with your SR. See PIR Day and Liberty During PIR Weekend to help you plan your weekend. Where will he be going to "A" School and/or what will his rating (job/specialty) be?

Navy Mom 1991, most hotels will let you check your luggage at the desk for a few hours if you're leaving after check-out time, for free or for a nominal fee; call them to see what their policy is.  Then you could "cab" it back to pick up your bags.

Eaglemom2,  my SR is also PIR 6/28   have you heard from you SR yet. I received a call yesterday.  It was great to hear his voice.  Can't wait for graduation.

For those of you with SR's in the 07/12/2013 TG, join the group, PIR 07/12/2013 TG 35 (clickable link), to connect with others with loved ones training with your SR.

Thanks lemonelephant, I called the hotel, Sleep Inn and guest services will keep my bag. I am so nervous about the trip. I am traveling alone for the first time. I appreciate all your post!!!

Also thanks  Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom!!! I am going this weekend, PIR 05/31/2013. I hope to go to the meet and greet the night before as well. Is the ceremony outside or inside?

Navy Mom 1991, PIR is inside. See PIR Day and Liberty During PIR Weekend. Where will your Sailor go for "A" School and/or what will his rating be? There are groups for most of the "A" Schools and/or ratings and knowing that can help you to better plan yor weekend. Join group, PIR 05/31/2013 TG 29 - 10 Divisions (205-212, 811 and 929), to connect with others with loved ones training with your SR.

Is it okay to bring binoculars to PIR???

Navy Mom 1991, yes.

well my son made it safe and sound to RTC on May 13th got the call at 9:50 pm pdt.then i got a second call the 19th, graduates on july 12 scared i wont make it.

is there any programs to help me make it there

Navy Mom 1991: yes, bring binoculars.  BUT, do NOT sit directly in front of your son/daugher's Division number or all you will see is a hat.  Sit in front of a Division number one above or one below that number so you can use the binoculars to see him/her from an angle.  OR use the zoom on your camera to see him/her.

janet, no, there are no programs to assist family members in going to PIR. Saving Money PIR Weekend within Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones) may give you some ideas. I invite you to join that group as well and to check out the other Pages (found under the pictures of the Members) as well. Join the group, PIR 07/12/2013 TG 35 – 9 Divisions (257-264, and 935), to connect with others with loved ones training with your SR.

NOTE TO ALL MOMS GOING TO PIR, I JUST LEFT FROM SEEING MY SON GRADUATE! Binoculars were key to seeing him and the advise about sitting next to your division number rather than in your division was also good advise. You will only see them at an angle as they are lined up straight and if your son/daughter is not in front you will not be able to see them. I stayed at Sleep In and used JB Taxi Service as that service is recommended by the hotel. Sleep Inn (847-578-9900) had very comfortable sleeping arrangements and the bed was great. The staff are also very friendly and it is located less than 10 minutes from base. Also, since I did not have my own transportation, it was nice to have a 24 hour diner across the street. There is also a convenient store and Subway in walking distance. The TV in the room had limited channels. was the only thing. Juan from the taxi service was GREAT! He helped put me at ease as my flight was delayed but he adjusted and was there to pick me up without any problems. His number is 847-980-4537. He goes beyond what is necessary to give you information about PIR and the base and so I highly recommend his service.  He also will provide shuttle service from Sleep Inn to the graduation. Also, Sarge from meet and greet is a military vet BUT he is a taxi service. I did not attend Sarge's meet and greet but please know this is a taxi service and I do not think that is very clear on these post as I wrongly assumed he was affiliated with the Navy, but I did find his information very helpful as well on this site. 

Navy Mom 1991, there are many posts on this site (including his own page, OldSarge) that disclose that Sarge is an Army vet and has a taxi service. He will also provide tips on PIR and information about the area to Sailors and their loved ones even if they do not use his services and his Meet and Greet is not just an advertisement for his services. Everyone is welcome and the informatiion and food have gotten great reviews from many--and of course the chance to meet with others you've gotten to know on N4M is great.

Marylou, they aren't tickets, they are names on the Access List and no, your SR can only put down 4 names (3 if it is a large TG). You will need to discuss with your future Sailor the names of the 3 or 4 people that she wants to attend and make sure she knows to order the DVD so that others can watch PIR later. Be sure to check out the discussion, Things to Do in the Last Month Before Your Future Sailor Leaves for the RTC.

My son is allowed 4 guests for his PIR. He listed his fiancee, his aunt, his dad, and me. His uncle is retired from the Navy and would like to attend. Does my son need to remove one of his listed guests so his uncle can attend or are retired Navy personnel allowed to attend without being on a list?

Which hotel would be good to book in Chicago? Inexpensive...but, not in a bad neighborhood (don't know the area) - and also as close as possible to Midway Airport. Or O'Hare? But, I think Midway may be more likely for them to fly out of to Pensacola. ??? Thanks!

Yes, you can print more than one gate pass so that not everyone on the Access List has to arrive together, but be sure that the others in your party are planning to arrive round 7:30 or earlier because they will probably still be in line for a while. Those arriving at the gate at 8:30 risk not being admitted to the Drill Hall.

donnamae, only those on the Access List are able to attend PIR. If he wants his uncle to attend, he will have to remove someone and list his uncle when the time comes to turn in the names for the Access List about 10 days before PIR. Since the RTC will be streaming PIR live at http://www.livestream.com/usnavyrtc, those not able to attend will still be able to see it as it is happening. (See http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/upcoming_grads.asp.) I invite you to also check out the info in PIR Day and Liberty During PIR Weekend within Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones) and to join the group while you are there and/or to check out the other Pages (found under the pictures of the members) as well.