This site is for mothers of kids in the U.S. Navy and for Moms who have questions about Navy life for their kids.
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Link to Navy Speak - Navy Terms & Acronyms: Navy Speak
All Hands Magazine's full length documentary "Making a Sailor": This video follows four recruits through Boot Camp in the spring of 2018 who were assigned to DIV 229, an integrated division, which had PIR on 05/25/2018.
Boot Camp: Making a Sailor (Full Length Documentary - 2018)
Boot Camp: Behind the Scenes at RTC
...and visit Navy.com - America's Navy and Navy.mil also Navy Live - The Official Blog of the Navy to learn more.
OPSEC - Navy Operations Security
Always keep Navy Operations Security in mind. In the Navy, it's essential to remember that "loose lips sink ships." OPSEC is everyone's responsibility.
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DO be smart, use your head, always think OPSEC when using texts, email, phone, and social media, and watch this video: "Importance of Navy OPSEC."
Follow this link for OPSEC Guidelines:
Events
**UPDATE as of 11/10/2022 PIR vaccination is no longer required.
FOLLOW THIS LINK FOR UP TO DATE INFO:
RESUMING LIVE PIR - 8/13/2021
Please note! Changes to this guide happened in October 2017. Tickets are now issued for all guests, and all guests must have a ticket to enter base. A separate parking pass is no longer needed to drive on to base for parking.
Please see changes to attending PIR in the PAGES column. The PAGES are located under the member icons on the right side.
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PIR for sailors staying in Great Lakes
Just came back from an unbelievable weekend with my son following PIR and wanted to share a few tips. Because he didn't have to travel to A school we were able to spend the weekend with him. Thanks to a tip I read here weeks ago, I booked a room at the Navy Gateway Lodge which is right on base. It was actually only a parking lot between his ship and our lodge. A short walk to pick him up. He could go between us and his new ship to unpack as he wanted. No driving and waiting at gate. A nice restaurant right next door. We were able to move around the base and become a little familiar with his new surroundings (like the Navy exchange where we bought all the things he now needed) We booked a suite with kitchenette for 55.00 a night. Very clean and comfortable. Also, if you are staying for the weekend and want to leave base but not hit up the concrete jungle of a shopping plaza, check out Libertyville, quick ten minute ride. Nice downtown for window shopping with some really nice eateries! My son is there through February and I am hoping to do the trip one more time. You will need to fill out a form via email to pass security clearance to stay on base. Very worth it if you are there for the weekend. Enjoy your visit.
Views: 4943
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by shipsahoy on
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hi, thanks for the info-is it better or more convienant to stay at the navy lodge off base or the gateway on ? we have military id so just want to know as far as getting to pir, shuttles or driving, and doing things during their liberty time?? thank you
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Permalink Reply by lemonelephant on
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Check the info on the two in Saving Money PIR Weekend to help you decide.
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Permalink Reply by Shawna_g5 (SR ship 13 DIV 412) on
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Is ht e Navy Gateway Lodge the same thing as The Nave Lodge?
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No
The Navy Gateway Inns & Suites is located on the main part of the base, about 1.5 miles from RTC. Go to http://ngis.dodlodging.net/propertys/Great-Lakes or call 877-NavyBed (877-628-9233). Your recruit/Sailor can be your sponsor if you do not have a military or dependent ID, but everyone 18 years old and over must have a background check, so be sure to make your reservations about 4 weeks before PIR to give time for the background check. They will begin taking reservations by phone 30 days before PIR or you can make reservations online about 6 weeks before PIR. There are restrictions on where you can go on base without your Sailor being with you. Taxis and shuttles pick up and drop off at the gate, so it is better if you have a vehicle if staying at the Gateway Inn and Suites. It is also important to note that Standard and Suite rooms are located 1/4 mile from check in desk. If your Sailor will be staying at GL for "A" School or training, s/he may have to get a deviation chit in order to visit you there. (Some have indicated that their Sailors did not have to have the deviation chit to visit during PIR weekend, but that they would need one at other times, so the TSC may have changed the policy on this. It is better for your Sailor to know of the possibility than to not have one and need it.) There are standard rooms, rooms with a kitchen, and suites. All rooms include a refrigerator, microwave, and free Wifi. A continental breakfast is available.
The Navy Lodge is located 1.9 miles off base from RTC in the Forestal Village Housing area and guests of graduation are allowed to stay there since your recruit/Sailor will be your sponsor. 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 rollaway beds if needed at no additional charge. They have a breakfast to go that you can take with you to PIR and will soon be offering a continental breakfast. There is a picnic area available if guests choose to have a cookout. The Navy Lodge permits pets. Taxis can drive to the Navy Lodge if you don't have your own transportation.
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Permalink Reply by CFNavymom Ship 14 Div 425 on
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Ok, I'm really confused now. I have a reservation at the Navy Lodge for our PIR weekend. But my son is staying at GL for A school so is it better to stay at the Navy Gateway Inn and Suites. We will have a car and want whatever will be the best place to stay. Is it better to stay on the base? Is a hotel nearby better? You must be exhausted from all the typing!
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Either one will be fine. Enjoy your time with your Sailor.
(That was a copy and paste from Saving Money PIR Weekend. I've learned a few things over all my years on here.)
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Permalink Reply by Missemily on
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How many days did you get with your sailor? Did he have a certain curfew every night?
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Permalink Reply by BAMA NAVY MOM on
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It always depends on where they are going for A school...if they are staying there and do not have watch you will have the weekend........if they are flying out they will hve to be in by 7 after PIR and then likely get swept away after midnight to the airport.........flights leave usually between 5ish and lunch or after. They should get their info on flights right before graduation. Send them a small card asking that info so they can hand to you at graduation so you will know what plans to make. airport, flight, times etc
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What is your SR's rating (job/specialty) going to be?
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Join Machinest Mates and check out Engineers, Snipe Moms, and Snipe Moms(enginers). You will also want to join Great Lakes A School Q&A and GL A-school moms. You can also check out the Training Support Center (TSC) Great Lakes Facebook Page. The Rating Information Card for MM can be found at https://www.cool.navy.mil/enlisted/rating_info_cards/mm.pdf. You will be able to enjoy extra time with your Sailor following PIR. (See PIR Day and Liberty During PIR Weekend.)
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Permalink Reply by Susan06239 on
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We were with him Friday through Sunday. He had a curfew of 10pm every night and could be signed out at around 9am in the morning. Can't believe it was so long ago.
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