A permanent place for information about PIR. Forum discussions have been created to serve as file folders for specific details regarding different aspects of PIR. Please post information in the appropriate forum discussion. Thank you!
KF Ship 12 DIV 276, He will most likely fly out on Saturday. It could be in the wee hours or anytime up to Saturday evening. See PIR Day and Liberty During PIR Weekendto help you know how to plan your weekend. I've left additional info on your My Page.
Trying to figure out car rental for PIR weekend. It's on Labor Day Weekend and it seems like the prices are outrageous! Trying to figure out if it would be better to just use Sarge all weekend or use a rental car for less days. We are flying into Midway and I was hoping to use ACE rental cars, but they don't seem to have an agent there. So...would it be best to just use Sarge on arrival and departure day and then use a rental for Thursday, Fri and Sat?
Sierrascrapper, renting a car will give you more freedom--just my thoughts and may save you in the long run. See Saving Money PIR Weekend. Some of Sarge's rates can be accessed from his page, OldSarge.
AnnMarie9300, that info will be in the form letter. Your recruit will most likely have PIR on 10/31/2104, but you will have to wait on the form letter to know for sure.
Got an awesome phone call yesterday Ship 13, Div 352. Spoke for 20 minutes. He sounds so much better than the last phone call. I am finally feeling better that he is better and less homesick!!
MommaBB, Yes, you usually need your Sailor with you to go to the NEX on the main base. If you have your own military ID, then you can go on your own. If you stop by the Visitors Center and get a pass, you will be able to go to the NEX on your own. I think those staying at the Navy Gateway Inn and Suites and possibly the Navy Lodge can also get a pass to allow them to go to the NEX. No, the Division T-Shirts are not for sale at any NEX. Some are available on the day of PIR while you wait if you look around and you can stop by building 1326 after PIR and get them.
Ok so next question. On another page someone mentioned our SR needing a deviation chit to b able to visit us at the navy lodge. Don't remember hearing about that before. Is that true? And how does he get one now? Only week to go and last letter goes out tomorrow.
Never mind. I think I just found the answer in the saving money at PIR pages. Don't need a chit if not staying in GL for A school. But sailors do need to be with guests when they r in halls etc. Sound about right? I'm obsessing over nothing. Ugh. Just wanna see my boy!
I want to say Happy 20th Birthday to my SR son SHIP 13 DIV 022.. First birthday we are not together. Guess I will have a slice of red velvet cake for him..
I know the PIRs are livestreamed on the Navy's website, but are they recorded and archieved? My boyfriend is going to perform in the 2 PIRs before his and I have classes during the livestreams :(
My daughter and I both thought we say something going on at the RTC Thursday, Dec 4, but now we cannot find anything. Could someone enlighten us if we should be there Thursday? We both are taking off work to come up and an 8 hour drive is a lot if nothing is going on. THANKS.
The info concerning the address and date of PIR as well as other important information will be in The Form Letter. The first time you will see your new Sailor is in the Drill Hall on the day of PIR. There are 3 Meet and Greets the night before PIR (click on the Events tab above and move the calendar to the day before PIR), but those are for family and friends and the new Sailors are not present. SeePIR Day and Liberty During PIR Weekend.
You need to arrive at the RTC around 6:30 am on the day of PIR--there will probably already be traffic. Go up on Thursday so you will be rested and will not be late for PIR. If you arrive early enough on Thursday, do go to at least one of the three Meet and Greets. Sarge's gets really good ratings.
Having a really bad day. It's hard to see that some moms were so blessed to hear from their recruits. Just the need to know that they are okay is driving this mother slowly insane...
bertosky, your recruit is fine. If there was a problem you would have heard and that is not a call you want to receive. Arrival and What Happens at the RTC will tell you what is happening and what to expect.
No news is good news the recruits are so busy trying to adapt to new life and the days are long and they are missing us as much we them. be patient the first few weeks are difficult but as you receive letters n calls you start feeling a little more at ease.
We need to make changes to the pir guest list! My daughter (SR). isn't aware. Do I need to overnight her a letter on Monday? Does she need to have information by a specific date Before? PIR IS 8/7/15.
Please any help would be appreciated.
Mom of NavyBaby, She hasn't submitted the names yet--that is 3 to 10 days before PIR. Write her ASAP and give her the names of up to four people who will be attending. When she next calls, even if it is the "I'm a Sailor!" call, double check that she got the names. She can make changes to the names on the Access List up to 24 hours before PIR.
Hello Mamrodgers! my son just graduated this past Friday!!! It was absolutely FANTASTIC!!! Navy Lodge is the place to be, it is only about 5 minutes (if that, maybe more like 3) from the PIR entrance and Sarge runs a shuttle! I recommend as soon as you know the PIR date you call them, they book up very quickly! Also the Meet & Greet that sarge does the Thursday before PIR I highly recommend, he gives you all the information you will need. I didn't get signed up on his shuttle, but he told me to be in the lobby at 6:20 (when he was pulling out to leave) and I could follow him!! Well, there was a car line already, a long one, he passed the car line went up the hill, turned around, rolled his window down and told me to still follow him closely that he was making a left turn into the base. I did and we bypassed all that line, went right in, and we were seated at 7am!!! The drill hall starts to fill up very quickly and if you want to sit in front of your SR's division you will need to get there at least before 7:30am! Hope this helps and good luck to you and your SR!!!!
mickey1928, yes, All rooms include direct TV and DVD, a refrigerator, a microwave, and free Wifi. "Breakfast to go" is just that. It is breakfast in a sack that you take with you. See the info on the Navy Lodge in Saving Money PIR Weekend.
Recruit Training Command/Naval Station Great Lakes will shift to winter uniforms — Dress Blues — as of Monday, Oct. 5. This means the Oct. 9 Pass-In-Review will be the first group to graduate in their dress blues.
I received my sons form letter with his graduation date. He listed his Grandfather as a guest, however due to health issues he is not able to make it. Can my son change his guest list?
Classycalico, your recruit has not submitted the names for the Access List yet. The names on the form letter are for you. Write him now and explain and let him know the names of up to four people that he should list when the time comes to submit the names 3 to 10 days before PIR.
I'm sorry if this already listed somewhere - I haven't seen it. Is there a place to drop off a handicapped person that is close to the "overflow" viewing area? Grandma would like to attend, but walking long distances affects her breathing. Just curious. If everything is a lot of walking, she may view online. Thanks for any insight!
Suzie1507, no, there is no place to drop off someone closer to the chapel since anyone who is to go to the Chapel must start at the Visitors Center and be escorted with the group to and from the Chapel. If this person is able to stay at the hotel and watch the Livestream there, that would be better, especially since the Chapel is not always available to everyone who seeks to use it. See the info in PIR Day and Liberty During PIR Weekend.
lemonelephant
KF Ship 12 DIV 276, He will most likely fly out on Saturday. It could be in the wee hours or anytime up to Saturday evening. See PIR Day and Liberty During PIR Weekend to help you know how to plan your weekend. I've left additional info on your My Page.
Jul 30, 2014
pinkcanary
Anyone have suggestions for a graduation gift for my son?
Aug 5, 2014
lemonelephant
pinkcanary, check out Gift Ideas for PIR.
Aug 6, 2014
Sierrascrapper (ETN2)
Trying to figure out car rental for PIR weekend. It's on Labor Day Weekend and it seems like the prices are outrageous! Trying to figure out if it would be better to just use Sarge all weekend or use a rental car for less days. We are flying into Midway and I was hoping to use ACE rental cars, but they don't seem to have an agent there. So...would it be best to just use Sarge on arrival and departure day and then use a rental for Thursday, Fri and Sat?
Aug 13, 2014
lemonelephant
Sierrascrapper, renting a car will give you more freedom--just my thoughts and may save you in the long run. See Saving Money PIR Weekend. Some of Sarge's rates can be accessed from his page, OldSarge.
Aug 18, 2014
lemonelephant
AnnMarie9300, that info will be in the form letter. Your recruit will most likely have PIR on 10/31/2104, but you will have to wait on the form letter to know for sure.
Check your My Page.
Sep 15, 2014
lemonelephant
Ohiomom, wait on the form letter before sending letters.
Sep 19, 2014
LMALANDRUCCOLO@HOTMAIL.COM
Got an awesome phone call yesterday Ship 13, Div 352. Spoke for 20 minutes. He sounds so much better than the last phone call. I am finally feeling better that he is better and less homesick!!
Sep 29, 2014
lemonelephant
That is great news! Check your My Page.
Sep 30, 2014
MommaBB
Oct 1, 2014
lemonelephant
MommaBB, Yes, you usually need your Sailor with you to go to the NEX on the main base. If you have your own military ID, then you can go on your own. If you stop by the Visitors Center and get a pass, you will be able to go to the NEX on your own. I think those staying at the Navy Gateway Inn and Suites and possibly the Navy Lodge can also get a pass to allow them to go to the NEX. No, the Division T-Shirts are not for sale at any NEX. Some are available on the day of PIR while you wait if you look around and you can stop by building 1326 after PIR and get them.
Oct 1, 2014
MommaBB
Thanks lemonelephant.
Ok so next question. On another page someone mentioned our SR needing a deviation chit to b able to visit us at the navy lodge. Don't remember hearing about that before. Is that true? And how does he get one now? Only week to go and last letter goes out tomorrow.
Oct 2, 2014
MommaBB
Never mind. I think I just found the answer in the saving money at PIR pages. Don't need a chit if not staying in GL for A school. But sailors do need to be with guests when they r in halls etc. Sound about right? I'm obsessing over nothing. Ugh. Just wanna see my boy!
Oct 2, 2014
deidre86
updated
I want to say Happy 20th Birthday to my SR son SHIP 13 DIV 022.. First birthday we are not together. Guess I will have a slice of red velvet cake for him..
Oct 9, 2014
hishippygirl
Oct 14, 2014
dabrat70
When is PIR for my recruit? He arrive at RTC on October 14th
Oct 16, 2014
EmiRoseS
Nov 13, 2014
Navymom904
emirosebuds44
Below is a link where you can watch last weeks 11/07 PIR
http://navylive.dodlive.mil/2014/11/07/navy-recruit-graduation-nov-...
Hope this helps! :o)
Nov 13, 2014
EmiRoseS
BlessedNavyMom, thank you very much! If they do archive them then, I can just watch him perform after classes :)
Nov 13, 2014
Kaila's mom
My daughter left Nov. 5th and I heard her PIR is on Dec 31st., that's a federal holiday. Does anyone have any information about this. Thanks
Nov 14, 2014
Sara J
My daughter and I both thought we say something going on at the RTC Thursday, Dec 4, but now we cannot find anything. Could someone enlighten us if we should be there Thursday? We both are taking off work to come up and an 8 hour drive is a lot if nothing is going on. THANKS.
Nov 29, 2014
lemonelephant
The info concerning the address and date of PIR as well as other important information will be in The Form Letter. The first time you will see your new Sailor is in the Drill Hall on the day of PIR. There are 3 Meet and Greets the night before PIR (click on the Events tab above and move the calendar to the day before PIR), but those are for family and friends and the new Sailors are not present. See PIR Day and Liberty During PIR Weekend.
You need to arrive at the RTC around 6:30 am on the day of PIR--there will probably already be traffic. Go up on Thursday so you will be rested and will not be late for PIR. If you arrive early enough on Thursday, do go to at least one of the three Meet and Greets. Sarge's gets really good ratings.
Nov 29, 2014
Sara J
Thanks.
Nov 30, 2014
RefuseToSink
Found this blog site and thought it was cool...regarding what to bring to PIR...
http://domesticgeekgirl.com/events/things-to-bring-to-navy-graduati...
Mar 19, 2015
RefuseToSink
and on the same blog, cool info on centerpieces for Sarge's Meet n Greet...
http://domesticgeekgirl.com/crafts-diy/centerpieces-and-place-cards...
Mar 20, 2015
lemonelephant
Everyone, take time to read http://navylive.dodlive.mil/2015/03/23/4-things-to-know-about-opsec.... You may have some changes to make to your N4M profile, so also read OPSEC and PERSEC (Making Changes to Your Profile).
Mar 25, 2015
Huntersmom
Looking for suggestions for places to stay for my sons PIR. Thanks in advance⚓
May 12, 2015
lemonelephant
The RTC's Family Guide at http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/pdfs/FamilyGuide_v18Jun2013.pdf still indicates that outside photography is prohibited.
May 21, 2015
luckymom
Does anyone have recommendations for a place to purchase a door banner for PIR?
May 22, 2015
lemonelephant
luckymom, there are several places on the web, but you can make one for as much or less.
May 23, 2015
bertosky
Having a really bad day. It's hard to see that some moms were so blessed to hear from their recruits. Just the need to know that they are okay is driving this mother slowly insane...
Jun 1, 2015
lemonelephant
bertosky, your recruit is fine. If there was a problem you would have heard and that is not a call you want to receive. Arrival and What Happens at the RTC will tell you what is happening and what to expect.
Jun 2, 2015
ProudNavyMom
Jun 16, 2015
IslandGal
Jul 10, 2015
Mom of NavyBaby
Please any help would be appreciated.
Jul 25, 2015
lemonelephant
Mom of NavyBaby, She hasn't submitted the names yet--that is 3 to 10 days before PIR. Write her ASAP and give her the names of up to four people who will be attending. When she next calls, even if it is the "I'm a Sailor!" call, double check that she got the names. She can make changes to the names on the Access List up to 24 hours before PIR.
Jul 25, 2015
lemonelephant
MamBear, that info is in Division T-Shirts, Graduation Photos, The Keel, and DVD of PIR.
Aug 2, 2015
lemonelephant
MamBear, you are very welcome.
Aug 3, 2015
Amy L.
Hello Mamrodgers! my son just graduated this past Friday!!! It was absolutely FANTASTIC!!! Navy Lodge is the place to be, it is only about 5 minutes (if that, maybe more like 3) from the PIR entrance and Sarge runs a shuttle! I recommend as soon as you know the PIR date you call them, they book up very quickly! Also the Meet & Greet that sarge does the Thursday before PIR I highly recommend, he gives you all the information you will need. I didn't get signed up on his shuttle, but he told me to be in the lobby at 6:20 (when he was pulling out to leave) and I could follow him!! Well, there was a car line already, a long one, he passed the car line went up the hill, turned around, rolled his window down and told me to still follow him closely that he was making a left turn into the base. I did and we bypassed all that line, went right in, and we were seated at 7am!!! The drill hall starts to fill up very quickly and if you want to sit in front of your SR's division you will need to get there at least before 7:30am! Hope this helps and good luck to you and your SR!!!!
Aug 17, 2015
mickey1928
Questions about naval lodge. Does each room have a fridge and microwave? Also what does they have breakfast Togo mean? Thanks.
Aug 31, 2015
lemonelephant
mickey1928, yes, All rooms include direct TV and DVD, a refrigerator, a microwave, and free Wifi. "Breakfast to go" is just that. It is breakfast in a sack that you take with you. See the info on the Navy Lodge in Saving Money PIR Weekend.
Aug 31, 2015
lemonelephant
Recruit Training Command/Naval Station Great Lakes will shift to winter uniforms — Dress Blues — as of Monday, Oct. 5. This means the Oct. 9 Pass-In-Review will be the first group to graduate in their dress blues.
Sep 3, 2015
Classycalicat
I received my sons form letter with his graduation date. He listed his Grandfather as a guest, however due to health issues he is not able to make it. Can my son change his guest list?
Thank you!
Sep 26, 2015
lemonelephant
Classycalico, your recruit has not submitted the names for the Access List yet. The names on the form letter are for you. Write him now and explain and let him know the names of up to four people that he should list when the time comes to submit the names 3 to 10 days before PIR.
Oct 1, 2015
lemonelephant
Recruits (actually Sailors at that point) are able to change the names on the Access List up to 24 hours before PIR.
Oct 1, 2015
Suzie1507
I'm sorry if this already listed somewhere - I haven't seen it. Is there a place to drop off a handicapped person that is close to the "overflow" viewing area? Grandma would like to attend, but walking long distances affects her breathing. Just curious. If everything is a lot of walking, she may view online. Thanks for any insight!
Oct 12, 2015
lemonelephant
Suzie1507, no, there is no place to drop off someone closer to the chapel since anyone who is to go to the Chapel must start at the Visitors Center and be escorted with the group to and from the Chapel. If this person is able to stay at the hotel and watch the Livestream there, that would be better, especially since the Chapel is not always available to everyone who seeks to use it. See the info in PIR Day and Liberty During PIR Weekend.
Oct 15, 2015
amanda
Oct 22, 2015
lemonelephant
amanda, yes, you can if they have enough rooms left when you call.
Oct 22, 2015
amanda
Oct 23, 2015