Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

I have added new terms to What does ??? mean? (A Guide to Navy Abbreviations and Terminology) and have revised Battle Stations-21 (BST). I have added two new Pages, Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) and Fitness Improvement Training ... and Recruit Convalescent Unit (RCU). You may want to check out these Pages along with the other Pages. Pages are located to the right under the pictures of the Members and you will need to click "View All" to see all of the Pages.

***  ATTENTION FEBRUARY 9TH GRADUATION ATTENDEES  ***

Friends and family of Recruit Training Command, please be advised the graduation ceremony on February 9th will be a THREE guest event due to the size of the graduating divisions. Also, for this graduation only, we will be adjusting our Recruit Family Welcome Center hours of operation to include Wednesday [1:00 PM to 6:00 PM]. Our hours will remain the same for Thursday [10:00 AM to 7:30 PM] and Friday [5:30 AM to 8:30 AM]. Please make note. Thank you

Hi! I'm looking for clarification on the process of meeting my SR at O'Hare. I understand he travels on a bus with his shipmates to the Terminal and I understand that I have to meet him there with his electronics, etc.. 

My questions are:

• What Terminal should I go to? Is this Terminal 2?
• Do I go to the specific Airline's ticket counter and my SR will meet me there for the security pass or will the pass already be there waiting for me? 
• Or, do I plan to meet him at the exact time he is checking in? 

Paul gate opens at 630 I assume the doors did too. We walked in the hall at 645 and some sections were full. 

sambam32 - First of all, be sure to get the flight information from your sailor, only he can give you that information. Some recommend having your sailor fill out a notecard and bring it to PIR, that wasn't practical for my son and he didn't even have his complete orders, so my husband took a picture with his phone before we left RTC with him on Friday when he received his orders.

Once you know the flight and which airport - it may not be O'Hare - you can look up and figure out which terminal they are in. If you go very early when your sailor is to be at the airport, they will most likely be meeting near the USO, or in a large gathering area. (Our experience was at O'Hare).

If in doubt - check at the USO. We had a large gathering of sailors and the USO volunteer gave us all instructions, of what to do, when to meet, and then when it was time he led all of us to the ticketing area. My son had a 6:30 AM flight and we headed to the ticketing area at 3 AM. The sailors stood in line to get their boarding passes, and check their bags, the parents went to the other ticket counters that the airlines opened and issued all of us guest boarding passes. We had to show our ID, even young ones just as if we were flying. Then we gathered back with the sailors, and each sailor and his family went through security together, and then proceeded to the gate.

If you are not there when your sailor gets his baggage checked and boarding pass then you are going to need to meet him somewhere. That can be a lot harder to do, especially at O'Hare, because he will have to go to a ticket counter for his airline and show his ID in order for the airlines to issue you a guest pass.

Depending on where your sailor is flying to, there may be a group of 1 - 2 or 20 that are flying, and they will have another sailor who is in charge of making sure they are all together and getting to the gate and then boarding the plane.

If you delay getting to the airport so that your sailor is waiting on you to go through security, it puts more pressure on them to make sure they get through security and the sailor who is responsible for seeing that all get to their destination.

At 3 AM the sailors were the only ones they were taking care of, but there were probably 50 - 75 who were getting checked in where we were at, there were others checking in at a different terminal and then there was the bus dropping off more sailors at the same time, who were going on later flights.

The airlines offer the guest passes as a courtesy to the families. The USO volunteer reminded us, that they can deny anyone access. And the TSA were very helpful and understanding, but at 3 AM their day has just started and they did not have a long line of people.

If you have other questions feel free to email me.

Oh, and currently with the gov't situation, everything is on hold as far as flights out. If your sailor goes THU, I think they are allowed to have their phones at GL, if they are not staying on RTC proper for sleeping.

Paul/ Everyone BE EARLY process is slow due to having to check everyone. There were several families that missed the graduation due to how long it took and not being in hall. They closed the doors at 845 and no was allowed to enter. Traffic is horrible trying to get in, take Sarge’s short cut, then there was a wreck on top of all the traffic. 

They did have stands set up, prior to graduation starting,on both ends of hall to get snacks and drinks. 

The whole experience was amazing!!! Just plan 

Paul hopefully you see ssmyheart's response under my comment. She said, the gates open at 0630. Our PIR was before the tickets, but cars would line up early and then go through the gate security, we parked in the garage without any problem, but then you lined up and waited in line outside the Great Hall, where we went through another bag security check and had to show our ID (pre-ticket PIR) for them to check against their access list. Before entering the actual hall.

So, yes, you could feasibly have certain lower sections fill up in 15 minutes, just depending. My motto was be there early, get parking and our seat, then do the shopping inside. 

Don't know if this is a dumb question.... But where exactly is PIR located. Do we drive into the base? I'm new to this. I would hate to miss anything.

PIR is held on base. You can drive, or a lot of nearby hotels provide shuttles.

@MoMom Thank you.

Guess we are typing at the same time!  

ssmyheart - thanks for sharing!!! The more recently you have been to PIR the more current the information and experience. The larger TG's also cause a lot more traffic.

Re: shuttles - we were signed up to take a shuttle from our hotel and somehow our name was not there. Thankfully we had the option of taking our personal vehicle instead of waiting for the last shuttle - which the motel claimed would get us there in plenty of time but there aren't any guarantees. We took Sarge's short cut and had no issues but that was about 6:15 AM with one of the smallest TG's of the year, I think.

Also, if your sailor has to be returned to RTC, plan for an early return around 7:30 pm. I was so thankful that we had listened to our sailor and returned him when he felt he needed to be back (they have about a 20 min. walk back to their ships, and they are not allowed to run in dress uniform!). Nor are the sailors allowed to be dropped off outside of the gate to walk in to RTC. (those staying in GL may have a different situation.) -

Buses to the airport leave very early in the morning, and being late back from liberty to their ships to check in is a huge repercussion for them. Stay flexible parents and remember as much as you want time with your sailors, they are responsible to their job and if that means they are to report back an hour before you think they have to be back, then listen to them.

Oh and unless they have changed things, once we got to RTC we were allowed to park in the lot by the chapel, and go into the NEX, so we could still be with our son for a short while before he had to start walking back to his ship. And we avoided the long lines waiting at the gates to return him.

It is my understanding that all persons must have their tickets with them, any time they are going on to RTC!

You're welcome. There are pros and cons to both options. The shuttle will take you right to the gate. It's nice to not have to worry about driving on to base and parking. It's a little bit of a walk, though, to get to the hall. Probably not a big deal to most people. We took the shuttle, and, aside from our hotel having the wrong times on their brochure and having to leave later than we intended, I'm glad we made that choice. But... I'm also glad that my son's father drove and we were able to leave as soon as my sailor was ready.

Here is the website for RTC - Recruit Training Command - it was my go to for all information regarding boot camp and graduation. - I didn't know about this site, until I was trying to find out more info on PIR.

www.bootcamp.navy.mil/

They also have the links to the graduation ceremonies. I highly recommend watching one of the videos of a PIR a week or two prior to yours. You can FF through the video and get a feel for what the Great Hall looks like and how the ceremony will proceed. If you are a "planner" I found it helpful.

You're welcome. There are pros and cons to both options. The shuttle will take you right to the gate. It's nice to not have to worry about driving on to base and parking. It's a little bit of a walk, though, to get to the hall. Probably not a big deal to most people. We took the shuttle, and, aside from our hotel having the wrong times on their brochure and having to leave later than we intended, I'm glad we made that choice. But... I'm also glad that my son's father drove and we were able to leave as soon as my sailor was ready.

Thanks much appreciated.

Good Morning Ladies and Gents hope all is well.

Well I see a lot of post and some really great info so [please take note.

Gates to PIR open very early.

Graduation Day Schedule

6:30 am: RTC gate opens to guests.
7:00 am: Ceremonial drill hall doors open to guests.
8:45 am: All guests must be seated. Ceremonial drill hall doors close, no further entry for guests.
9:00 am: Pass-In-Review commences.
9:20 am: Divisions arrive.
10:30 am: Pass-In-Review concludes.
*Please plan on arriving at least 1.5 hours before the ceremony, which begins promptly at 9:00 a.m

NOTE: There will be times when the number is reduced to three due to the number of recruits graduating.

Hotels (most of them) offer shuttle to PIR. when checking in I would let them know you are there for PIR and ask about there shuttle. You can sign up as early at 6am for the shuttle and it is 3 dollars a person up to 6 people fit in there vans. they will drop you right at the gate, now there may be a line or one starting so the early the better. it is about 100 yards from the hall not to far to walk, if you need a wheelchair Wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis when guests check in at the Visitor Center. There is limited handicapped-designated seating on the drill deck. One family member may accompany a handicapped family member in this area.

Driving onto base I would get in line early as you see gates open at 6:30 some people start getting in line by 5:30am your choice. parking is near the hall, so not very far to walk.

Is handicapped parking available?
A. Yes. As you enter the base, please show your handicapped parking placard and let security know you require handicapped parking. You will be directed to a parking lot located adjacent to the drill hall. There also are wheelchairs available in this area for those guests who require them.

Graduation Streaming Live

Watch our recruits graduate live Friday at 0845 Central Standard Time.
Follow the link and join our chat: http://navylive.dodlive.mil/  ( The video will display under Live Events during broadcast.

for those who may need to stay at hotel and watch from there.

Also ask the Hotel if they will be broadcasting the graduation, some hotels will have a buffet in there conference room as you watch the Graduation.

here is the info for March 16th Graduation, I do not believe it is up and running, but once it is you may join.

 PIR: January 26, 2018 TG 12 - 12 Divisions (071-080, 806 and 912) 4 guests 

      PIR: February 02, 2018 TG 13  - 15 Divisions (081-094 and 913) 4 guests

      PIR: February 09, 2018 TG 14 - 16 Divisions (094-106, 807 & 808, 914 & 915) 3 guests       

No PIR on February 16th and February 23rd

PIR: March 02, 2018 TG 17 - 10 Divisions (107-114, 916, and 917) 4 Guests

PIR: March 09, 2018 TG 18  - 9 Divisions (115-122 and 918) 4 Guests

Good Morning to all the New Comers to the site, Glad to have you along. You will find much needed information here and Great people to help along the way. As you get started taking this Journey with your Son/Daughter it may become overwhelming but take a deep breathe all will fall into place. any Questions/Concerns about anything please post and someone or everyone may give you advice on how/when/where so please do not hesitate.

In my book there is never a Dumb/silly question all questions/concerns come from within so please do ask. there is always an answer.

Have a Great Day!

Thank you ladies so much for all this information.  Do you know how much of this information will be change for those of us who are military members AND staying on base in Navy lodging? How far is lodging from the PIR location and what time is recommended to get in line for PIR?  I would assume it would save some time, but not sure how much. We have not gotten our form letter yet, but we are assuming March 16th will be our date and we have already made lodging reservations in the event our assumption is correct. 

Missomd - Hang in there. Each week gets a little easier. Keep sending letters and keep your phone nearby. It depends but you might get a call this weekend or the next. As much as we miss our kids they are the ones that are going through culture shock for some of them, lack of sleep, and a whole new way of dealing with things for some.

shoppinmomma - It is my understanding that regardless of whether or not you have military ID you still have to go through the same procedures as everyone else to get tickets and stand in line for getting into PIR. I also don't believe the Navy Lodge is on site at RTC where the Great Hall and PIR take place. Others who have stayed at Navy Lodge can assist with that.

We stayed at Red Carpet Inn which was one of the closest motels and we still took the short cut route that Sarge shared at Meet n Greet.  We left the hotel about 6:15 am since our shuttle was overbooked. It was summer and we had a smaller TG but still had to wait.

Be sure to have your registration and proof of insurance or car rental agreement available when entering at the gate. Be sure that everyone in the vehicle has current ID; it is possible that a person with an expired ID would be refused admittance. Some vehicles will be pulled aside randomly for additional screening.

Navy Lodge is just offbase, in the housing area.  It is about two miles from the gate, so you have to get in line just the same.  You still need tickets, so having an ID card makes little difference.  

Oh yes, we were definitely planning on having to go through the same procedures.  We just weren't sure how much time we were saving by not having to wait in line to get on base. According to the lodging receptionist who took our reservation, we will be on the same side of base as RTC PIR as there are 2 lodging facilities (one each side), so wasn't sure how close we actually were.

Walking onto the RTC

If you take a taxi or shuttle or otherwise walk in, it is about 100 yards to the Visitors Center from the gate and then about the same to the USS Midway Ceremonial Drill Hall. (That distance increases to nearly triple that once the lines are set up that weave back and forth.) The Parking Garage is adjacent to the Visitors Center. Dress warmly in winter and wear comfortable shoes all year round. You will need current ID to enter the RTC; it is possible that a person with an expired ID would be refused admittance. The Drill Hall opens at 7:00, so if you plan to walk onto the RTC arrive around that time or after. If you arrive earlier, you will be standing outside, which can get cold in the winter. 

If you plan to take a shuttle to the RTC, then be sure to sign up at your hotel when you arrive in order to have the time you want. The longer you wait to sign up, the later your arrival will be at the RTC. You can also sign up at Sarge's Meet and Greet if you plan to use his services.

Look for the sign for your Sailor's division and sit in that area or at a slight angle (in the section just to the left or right) of the sign to give you the best view.

The Navy Gateway Inns & Suites is located on the main part of the base, about 1.5 miles from the RTC. This option is now available only for those with a military or dependent ID. Go to http://ngis.dodlodging.net/propertys/Great-Lakes-NS---IL or call 877-NavyBed (877-628-9233). You will need to give your recruit's name and division number when making the reservation and/or when checking in. They will begin taking reservations by phone 30 days before PIR or you can make reservations online about 6 weeks before PIR

Perfect!  That is EXACTLY what I needed to know!  Thank you!

The Navy Lodge is located 1.9 miles off base from the RTC in the Forestal Village Housing area and guests of graduation are allowed to stay there since your recruit/Sailor will be your sponsor. You will need to give your recruit's name, rate (E-1, E-2, or E-3), and division number when making the reservation and/or when checking in. Go to https://www.navy-lodge.com/lodge_page.html?p_lodge_number=05 or call (847)689-1485. All rooms are non-smoking. They also have some family suites that include a kitchen as well as some rooms with kitchenettes. You can also book adjoining rooms if needed. All of the rooms, with the exception of some of the ADA rooms, have two queen beds. All rooms include direct TV and DVD, a refrigerator, a microwave, and free Wifi. They offer cribs and roll-away beds if needed at no additional charge. They have a breakfast to go that you can take with you to PIR and a free continental breakfast. There is a picnic area available if guests choose to have a cookout.

Here are the links to the current PIR groups. Please click on the link for your recruits graduation date and join the group with those who have recruits in the same division and TG as your own.

 PIR: January 26, 2018 TG 12 - 12 Divisions (071-080, 806 and 912) 4 guests 

      PIR: February 02, 2018 TG 13  - 15 Divisions (081-094 and 913) 4 guests

      PIR: February 09, 2018 TG 14 - 16 Divisions (094-106, 807 & 808, 914 & 915) 3 guests       

No PIR on February 16th and February 23rd

PIR: March 02, 2018 TG 17 - 10 Divisions (107-114, 916, and 917) 4 Guests

PIR: March 09, 2018 TG 18  - 9 Divisions (115-122 and 918) 4 Guests

here is the info for March 16th Graduation, I do not believe it is up and running, but once it is you may join.

All guests 18 years and older, must present valid government issued photo identification: driver's license, state ID card, passport, military ID card, etc….Guests 17 years or younger who do not possess one the items listed above must present one of the following: school ID, driver's permit, copy of their birth certificate, or social security card. On the security form you received from your recruit, the state ID number may be substituted with the social security number.  

Good Morning ladies,

just wondering if anyone has a child that arrived at BC yesterday?  I received my call last night about midnight that he had arrived and it was just as i had been told "mom I made it here and i am ok.  Be on the look out for a letter and a box in a few weeks". Feeling a little sad rightnow

Good Morning Anne, Can relate to that scripted 2 second call. You will be fine, you may start getting a little overwhelmed but that is normal. if you would like to know what happens when they arrive here are some site to read on. any questions or concerns please post and you will find that others are feeling the same. welcome to the site and just know we are right here for you.

• Arrival and What Happens at the RTC
• Ship/Division--How it Works
• 800 and 900 Divisions
• Phone Cards and Phone Calls

Graduation Day Schedule

6:30 am: RTC gate opens to guests.
7:00 am: Ceremonial drill hall doors open to guests.
8:45 am: All guests must be seated. Ceremonial drill hall doors close, no further entry for guests.
9:00 am: Pass-In-Review commences.
9:20 am: Divisions arrive.
10:30 am: Pass-In-Review concludes.
*Please plan on arriving at least 1.5 hours before the ceremony, which begins promptly at 9:00 a.m

NOTE: There will be times when the number is reduced to three due to the number of recruits graduating.

LemonElephant posted this a few hours ago and I would like to repost because this is really good information for those who are coming into BC.

I have added new terms to What does ??? mean? (A Guide to Navy Abbreviations and Terminology) and have revised Battle Stations-21 (BST). I have added two new Pages, Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) and Fitness Improvement Training ... and Recruit Convalescent Unit (RCU). You may want to check out these Pages along with the other Pages. Pages are located to the right under the pictures of the Members and you will need to click "View All" to see all of the Pages.

Anne - my son got to RTC last night, too.  I was expecting that call to be short, but it was still hard, wasn't it?!?  Hope you're doing ok today.

Thank You thankfulnavymama for sharing just know your son will be in good hands, he will be working hard. if you would like to follow his days you also can read the sites I left for her, it will give you the run down of their days and processing. Welcome to the site and best wishes.

Hang in there, mamas (and dad’s). It gets easier, especially when you get to talk to them and hear that they’re okay. Keep your phone with you, with the volume turned up, all the time. I missed the 3 week phone call from my son when I forgot to turn it back up after church. It was devastating for me. Not nearly so much for him!

 I wanted to mention ID’s from non-compliant states. I don’t know if it would be an issue getting on base. My husband and I took our passports to be sure. Does anyone know if it would be a problem?

I don't believe so, there is an extension for the real ID'S at one point or another we will have to get the new ID for travel and to get on bases.

I have found this in an article thank You Momom

As of January 22, 2018, the REAL ID Act will go into place, meaning your state-issued ID must be compliant with the REAL ID Act rules. In other words, if you’re a resident of Kentucky, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina or Washington, your ID will no longer be enough to get through airport security if your state doesn’t comply with the security measures outlined in the REAL ID Act. As of that date, only residents of states that are compliant with the REAL ID Act or that are noncompliant with an extension will be able to get through security with their state-issued ID.

Adult passengers 18 and over must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel.

• Driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
• U.S. passport
• U.S. passport card
• DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
• U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
• Permanent resident card
• Border crossing card
• DHS-designated enhanced driver's license
• Federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID
• HSPD-12 PIV card
• Foreign government-issued passport
• Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
• Transportation worker identification credential
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
• U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential

For information on REAL ID, please visit DHS frequently asked questions.