PIR - Tips, Hints, and Helps

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Comment by NavyDads Co-Admin, Jim yesterday

Attention all hands: NOW HEAR THIS, NOW HEAR THIS:

There will be 14 divisions graduating March 16, 2012. For those who will be attending that day, there are a few things you should note:

 

1) Additional Guests.  There will be 14 divisions graduating, thus, we want to be clear that entry for additional guests will be limited. Those guests who are on the access list, as well as active/retired military with proper ID, who arrive early will be allowed entry. When the drill hall capacity has been reached, access to the drill hall will cease and no more guests will be allowed entry. Those guests who arrive after 8:30 a.m., whether on the list or not, will be compromising their admission into the drill  hall if we reach capacity before then. Please note that at a 14-division ceremony last year, approximately 100+ people were unable to be accommodated. Be sure to communicate with your recruit to confirm the four names he/she will submit to the guest access list.

 

2) Gate access: The line of cars accessing the base is going to be long. The gates open at 6:30 a.m. and cars to begin lining up as early as 5 a.m. Do not wait until the last minute to get to the base. All guests should be in their seats by 8:45 so the determination can be made as to how many additional guests will be allowed. If you take a hotel shuttle or taxi, you will be dropped off at the gate and will either walk to the visitors center which is about 100 yards. With smaller graduations, walk-ins can usually check in directly at the drill hall, however, with the amount of expected guests, you will most likely will be directed to the visitors center.

 

3) Great Lakes A School: If you recruit will be staying at Great Lakes for A School, that process is going to take about four to five hours. Your recruits will be able to give you a call when they are ready to be picked up at the visitors center on the main base. Do not stay at RTC and wait for them. Directions to the main base visitors center will be available at the Public Affairs desk located in the lobby.

We will continually add updates to this note as we think of more information to share with you.

Comment by Paul Westlake on January 31, 2012 at 7:31pm

Thanks for the followup. on the handicapped parking and wheelchair use.

Comment by Scout1910 on January 31, 2012 at 5:20pm

Here is a tip for parents of SR's who are in the recruit band: If you want to have the best view of the band when they are performing' sit on the right side of the VIP (Center) viewing stand. That is your right when looking at the floor from the stands. The band marches in from the right and stops before getting to the center to perform. This was the way it was on 1-27-2010 PIR. I wish someone had told me this, I sat where the 910 sign was and could not see the performance.  

Comment by NavyDads Co-Admin, Jim on January 30, 2012 at 7:57pm

Thank you Bob for answering this question.

Comment by Robert Hartman on January 30, 2012 at 6:54pm

http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/faq_family.asp

Q.

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

Q.

Are wheelchairs available for use and is there designated handicapped seating available?

A.

+/-

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.

Comment by Paul Westlake on January 30, 2012 at 6:34pm

We are anxiously awaiting March 2nd to attend our son's PIR. My wife is very sick and needs a wheelchair. We'll be driving and have a handicap parking pass and we'll bring our own wheelchair.

1. Will we be able to park close to the parade hall?

2. Is there a place for wheelchairs inside or do I need to get her to the bleachers and then take the chair back to the car?

3. I read (somewhere) to try and sit across from where our new sailor will be so we can see him better. If there is wheelchair seating, is this possible?

4. Does anyone have any suggestions that will help us get the most out of watching this incredible time?

Comment by NavyDads Co-Admin, Jim on January 29, 2012 at 6:46am

Phil, generally speaking yes, O'Hare is where most departures take place. But it really depends where your sailor is going. Some times it's Midway if going to a smaller city. You really won't know till PIR day.

Comment by Phillip Mitchell on January 28, 2012 at 11:58pm

do they usually fly out of O'Hare ?

Comment by NavyDads Admin (Paul) on January 28, 2012 at 2:05pm

orders, I believe if my memory is correct, come down about 2 weeks before PIR.....I guessing he'll fly out Saturday, but be prepared as he might have to fly out this day as orders change.....follow the old adage, expect the best but prepare for the worst.......and be flexible!!

Comment by Phillip Mitchell on January 28, 2012 at 1:36pm

OK, well you know I'm a bone head....grad and go was wrong, he said no leave.  He is designated a nuke so I figure he will fly out to Charleston....He will be following my old foot steps.  Spent 3 years in Charleston on my old tin can.

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