Some thoughts on my PIR experience

[MorningGlory]

Just got back from my daughter's PIR 8/16 (YAY!) and thought I'd share some insights I have. We left on Wednesday 8/14 and I didn't get my I'm a Sailor call until Wednesday afternoon around 3:30. She had gone through BST late due to her PFA (run), and did BST with another division Monday night but was unable to call. But there was no way I wasn't going to go through with my travel plans! We stayed over in St Louis because my oldest daughter lives there, and left the following day. We didn't properly anticipate the traffic/construction delays, and by the time we got to GL, we would have had to rush to make the meet and greet, and we were exhausted on top of that so sadly we missed it.

PIR insight. I'm guessing that because my daughter was late completing her PFA and went through BS with another division, this caused her to not be on the list the Sailors had at the gate when we came in, but I don't know that for sure. what I do know is that my anxiety level rose exponentially when we got to the first group checking names and she wasn't on there, then to the second group inside and she wasn't on their lists either! We were directed to the PAO desk, where they checked and she was on their list! I was on the verge of tears by that time but fortunately all was well.

The MWR has stations set up on both sides of the hall and sell water, snacks and souvenirs such as caps, bags (small nylon backpacks), t-shirts and other items.

We sat up in the balcony at the very top and a little to the left of my Sailor's division. Even though we got there a little after 7, there was a lot of people already there in the lower bleachers but still plenty of seats; we chose to sit in the balcony to get a better view. We sat on the top row a little to the left of her division. I had binoculars, but it was impossible for me to see her when they marched in. In retrospect I would have just enjoyed watching them come in instead do trying to find her with the binoculars. After they were in place, we were easily able to find her with the binoculars; I don't think we would have been able to find her had we been on the lower level. She wasn't able to tell us exactly where she would line up, but gave us some possibilities; she's tall so she thought she would be about 7 deep, and in fact she was! I told her what we would be wearing, and from that she was able to find us soon after the ceremony started. Once liberty was called, she ran upstairs and was with us before we had hardly left our seats! Advice: enjoy the PIR and try not to video it all and take a lot of pictures; you can buy a DVD of the whole thing and it is very professionally done for you! Take lots of pictures afterwards though! The PIR can be very emotional; even my husband teared up when the divisions started marching in!

We stayed at the Holiday Inn in Libertyville which was a straight shot from RTC and very close. Overall the stay wasn't bad, and they provided a free shuttle to PIR. In fact, I noticed it seems many of the hotels provide shuttle service to PIR. Please tip the drivers, though; it is much appreciated! Also, confirm everyone has their ID; my 15 year old had left hers in her room had to run upstairs to get it! I would have had my husband take the shuttle back to the hotel afterward and get our vehicle, because right after the ceremony there is pandemonium at RTC! We had less than an hour before the shuttle picked up and had to rush to get anything from the gift shop and for my daughter to pick up here pictures. I would have preferred to be able to get more pictures with my daughter and allow her to share more info about RTC while we were still there.

There's a big mall in Gurnee that has a wide variety of stores; it is a Simon mall and is described as an outlet/value mall. The website is http://www.simon.com/mall/gurnee-mills. It also has a movie theater, ice rink and laser tag. My daughter wanted to pick up some things for A school, and there's a Target across the street which is ironically how we found the mall. She also wanted to go to a movie with her sisters so they did that while my husband and I did a little shopping.

On Saturday, she had to be at the Chicago O'Hare airport at 5am, and we met her there. At that time, we were able to give her the stuff she had bought as well as her computer and under garments (yes, it was VERY important to her for us to bring her bras and panties from home! LOL!) She was able to check her backpack as well as her sea bag and took her small duffle bag from home on board with her which gave her extra space. She flew United and we got our gate passes with no problems at all. One thing I wished I had known is since her flight was so late in the day, she didn't absolutely have to check in as soon as we got to the airport. Many of the Sailors left their bags outside the USO office and checked in later. If you can't get to the airport so early, this is good to know.

Everyone at the airport was very friendly and helpful. We couldn't hang out at the USO due to the high volume of Sailors. Her flight didn't leave until 5pm, but she had orders to report back at 3:30pm. We went through security immediately, and they let us go with our Sailor through the line set up just for the military. We hung around the terminal for a while, but she told me she was allowed to leave the airport, so we took the train into downtown Chicago and ate lunch there. They allowed all 4 of us to ride free with her going to downtown, but we paid coming back (Sailors were free both ways). Some advice: if you don't already know, find out right when you get to the airport when their flight leaves and if they can leave the airport. Don't waste the time to go through security if you think you'll leave the airport. We would have had much more time in Chicago if we'd done this. As it was, we spent too much time in the airport. Also, pick up a tourist magazine somewhere or get a detailed map of downtown before you go. We thought we could rely on the GPS on our phones to get us around, but when you're walking and don't have a clue where you are, this can get very confusing! It took about 45 mins to get back to the airport, so please allow enough time to get your Sailor back before check in. When we got back, we decided to hang out at the Starbucks down by the baggage claim and not go through security again. She only had about an hour or so before boarding, and this gave her some time to herself to prepare for the flight.

For all you new navy moms with an SR in bc, what these veteran moms are telling you is invaluable! I learned so much and they care about your SR and what you are going through. I had no idea what to expect but they do and are so willing to help. I will be always so grateful and hope I can in turn help someone else.

I am amazed by what a difference 9 weeks can make! My Sailor is much more poised and confident. She was very aware of her person and keeping her uniform clean. She very calmly walked with us everywhere, and although she has always been polite and respectful to others, that level of respect has been magnified. She even bought us lunch!

We, too, experienced several people, in the airport and downtown, come up to her and thank her for her service. She was very gracious and appreciative of this!

I laughed when she wrote asking me to bring her laptop and phone to the airport so she could take them to A school, and she referred to them as "communication devices"! I also learned things like, it's not a hat, it's a cover and is NOT to be worn indoors!

Now she is at A school in San Antonio on her way to becoming a Corpsman! She likes her roommate (did not meet her in bc) and they bought matching comforters and sheets for their beds. And so another segment of her journey to adulthood begins.

Another thing that would have really helped me; ask your SR to date their letters. I would get several at a time and it was hard to figure out the order she had written them. Sometimes I could tell by the content, but a date would've been so much easier.
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[lemonelephant]

I added a little to PIR Day and Liberty During PIR Weekend based on your comments. Thanks.

[Sandy (SHIP 13 DIV 373)]

Thank you so much for the insight!  My sons PIR is Oct 4th and he is going to San Antonio also to be a Corpsman.

I will make sure he orders pictures and the DVD as soon as he can. They say to pre order is the best way.

[lemonelephant]

There is more on photos and the DVD in Division T-Shirts, Graduation Photos, The Keel, and DVD of PIR within Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones). I invite you to join Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones) while you are there and to check out the other Pages (fund under the pictures of the Members) as well.

I see you have joined HM (Hospital Corpsman) A School in San Antonio; check out Basic Medical Technician Corpsman Program Facebook Page. The Rating Information Card for HM can be found at https://www.cool.navy.mil/enlisted/rating_info_cards/hm.pdf; it indicates 19 weeks, but "A" School is 14 weeks after classing up. Your Sailor will most likely fly out to "A" School the day after PIR. See PIR Day and Liberty During PIR Weekend to help you know how to plan your weekend.

[mromher]

This is great information!! I always try to find out what I have to do before I get where I'm going.  My son's PIR is this Friday and I am so proud of him unfortunately I will be the only one attending but that is OK.  He too asked for his own underwear from home, I got a kick out of that.  I am looking forward to the meet and greet hopefully I make it in time. 

I want to thank you for the insight!!

[lemonelephant]

Join the group, PIR 09/06/2013 TG 43 - 11 Divisions (331-340 and 943), to connect with others with
loved ones training with your SR. ; I also invite you to join Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones) and to check out the Pages (found under the pictures of the Members) there. PIR Day and Liberty During PIR Weekend will help you to plan your weekend. What is your SR's rating (job/specialty) going to be? There are groups for most ratings and/or "A" Schools and knowing that will help you to better plan for PIR weekend.

The RTC will stream PIR live at http://www.livestream.com/usnavyrtc and http://navylive.dodlive.mil/ beginning at 8:45 am CST on the day of PIR for those who are unable to attend in person.

[sockmonkey]

Thank you for all of the great information.  My son should PIR around November 8-11th? He will also be attending A school in San Antonio to become a Corpsman.  The information about the airport is great!  I am also glad I will be able to give him his phone and other civilian items before he leaves on his flight.  Sounds like things went well for you - I just can't wait until my son is out of boot camp.

[lemonelephant]

He may have PIR on the 8th, but he could also have PIR the week before depending on when his division filled. You will just have to wait on the form letter to know for sure.

[MorningGlory]

You're so welcome! Best of luck to your son and hang in there! Being part of these groups really helped me with information and especially support. I didn't expect my daughter going to bc would be so full of emotion and anxiety because my oldest daughter went out of state for college, but as you may have already read here, there really is a big difference!
My daughter says class is very challenging; they really fast track the learning because they have so much to learn in a relatively short period of time. Fortunately for her, she took Anatomy/Physiology her sr. year of HS and she says this has really helped. She is either studying or working out/running during most of her free time,

[Ship13Div412]

Great information, thanks!  My son will PIR on November 1st (fingers crossed) and I didn't know where to begin with the travel arrangements.  Unfortunately, I will arrive in O'Hare at 4:45 a.m. the day of PIR and leave at 9 p.m. the same day...I do know he is going to San Antonio for A-School and read that if they are going to A-School outside of Great Lakes, they depart the day after PIR...I have twins daughters at home that I have to rush home to so unfortunatley I can't stay the weekend but his fater will be there all weekend in the event he gets more liberty time.