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PIR - Tips, Hints, and Helps

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PIR - Tips, Hints, and Helps

There have been so many questions and answers about PIR that we need one place to be a clearinghouse to help experience a PIR.

Members: 308
Latest Activity: 10 hours ago

Helpful Links

 

NavyDads PIR Sponsor Banner

 

 

Current Condtions

 


PIR Security- Security reminder for Pass In Review ( graduation )

PIR dress code- What to wear at graduation

Helpful Info From a Dad That Was Just There- posted by Mark

Order A DVD Of Your Sailor's PIR

Some information for taking the train to and from RTC

Click here for a form to order division T-Shirts

After PIR comes "A" School. Click here for some general information.



Various Posts from RTC to their Facebook page

 

Extra Guests for PIR: 

The recruits have until about a week prior to graduation to make any changes to the access list. If it's too late to make any changes, then the additional guest(s) wait inside the visitors center until after the guests on the access list have been seated. If additional seating is available, then the additional guests will be allowed into the drill hall on a first-come, first-served basis as space permits.

Military Guests/Veterans:

This is to clarify that active duty & retirees with proper military ID do not count against the 4-guest maximum on the guest list. Veterans must be on the access list as we cannot accept paperwork as identification.

Grad and Go:

FYI: The term "Grad & Go" only refers to those recruits who graduate and depart RTC on the SAME day. They grad, and they go. The only recruits who depart RTC on the same day as graduation are those who will stay in Great Lakes for A School and check into their school across the street on the main base. Recruits that are departing on Saturday are just referred to as Saturday departures. 
Recruits who stay in Great Lakes for A School check in right after graduation while all other recruits going out of state fly out the day after graduation. If there's an issue with their orders or ticket availability, their departure will be delayed. Otherwise, they all ship out the day following graduation.

Contact Lenses, glasses, and makeup for PIR:

Your recruits can wear their own glasses or contacts for graduation. You can mail those items to them so they will have them in time for the ceremony. For contacts, only one week's worth of solution is allowed. If you recruit has requested contacts or makeup for graduation, it's okay to send those items.

Gate Access:

Please note that PIR guests are not allowed onto the base before 6:30 a.m. the day of graduation. Guests cannot get onto the base the day before & will be instructed by security to turn their vehicles around at the gate to exit. On graduation morning, again, you cannot access the base prior to 6:30 a.m.

PIR Schedule:

 

Please be aware that it can take 30+ minutes to park, get through base security, and walk to the drill hall by 8:45 a.m.

6:30 a.m.
RTC Gates open to visitors.
Security screening begins.

7 a.m.
Visitors begin walking to drill hall.

8:45 a.m.
Guests should be in seats.

9 a.m.
Recruit graduation commences.

9:20 a.m.
Divisions arrive at drill hall.

9:45 a.m.
Arrival honors.

10:30 a.m.
Ceremony concludes.

10:35 a.m.
Liberty Call. Recruits meet with guests at drill hall. Recruits and guests transit back to parking area.

8-9 p.m.
Liberty expires for recruits.

 

Weekend Liberty:

 

We have seen a number of questions about sailors staying at Great Lakes for A-school and weekend liberty...in the past sailors would get overnight liberty...that is a thing of the past...this was the response to a recent question about weekend/overnight liberty.

Yes, while they most likely receive weekend liberty, they do not receive overnight liberty. He will find out his exact hours when he checks into his school.

 

 


PIR IMAGE



PIR - 10 Feb 2012

 

 

Family members of the military that will be coming to the airport to pick up or drop off their service members can go the the ticket counter of the carrier that the member is flying on and receive a pass to go directly to the gate to pickup or drop off the service member.

  • Midway International Airport USO:   773-582-5852 (may not be current) or 773-838-0600
  • http://www.chicago-mdw.com
    Located in concourse C. To the right after going through metal detectors. Hours: Mon - Sun: 9am - 9pm.
  • The USO Midway does remain open 24 hours during inclement weather and if any military personnel are stranded in the airport overnight.

 




O'Hare International Airport USO:   773-686-7396

  • http://www.ohare.com
    Located in Terminal 2 above the Delta ticket counter on the mezzanine level, near the chapel. Take elevator up and follow the signs.

    Hours:
    The USO O'Hare does remain open 24 hours


Sarge's Meet and Greet Info (PDF)

 

Click to Enlarge:

Discussion Forum

Debbie (Sarah's mom)

PIR 3-2-2012 SHIP 07 DIV 077

Started by Debbie (Sarah's mom). Last reply by Rick Sandoval 12 hours ago. 1 Reply

NavyDads Admin (Paul)

Great Lakes Lodging Guide

Started by NavyDads Admin (Paul). Last reply by E.A.P. III Jan 25. 36 Replies

NavyDads Group Admin, Gary

Great Lakes Airfares...

Started by NavyDads Group Admin, Gary. Last reply by Vincent C Newman Jan 16. 15 Replies

Craig McWho

Disabled Parking

Started by Craig McWho. Last reply by NavyDads Group Admin, Gary Dec 7, 2011. 1 Reply

Mark Davis

A couple of helpful hints for PIR

Started by Mark Davis. Last reply by Brad Nov 17, 2011. 2 Replies

James Tanner

PIR 10/21 Graduation Video Highlights

Started by James Tanner. Last reply by NavyDads Group Admin, Gary Oct 23, 2011. 2 Replies

Glenn

Thoughts on the 10/14 PIR

Started by Glenn. Last reply by Warren Swanson Oct 20, 2011. 7 Replies

Mark Davis

Anyone know anything about Sleep Inn

Started by Mark Davis. Last reply by Mark Davis Oct 8, 2011. 2 Replies

Bryan K Stewart

Great Lakes A school

Started by Bryan K Stewart. Last reply by Robert Quartararo Oct 3, 2011. 10 Replies

HUGH H. KIRKPATRICK

Restrooms at PIR auditorium

Started by HUGH H. KIRKPATRICK. Last reply by John Fahy Sep 19, 2011. 1 Reply

Comment Wall

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NavyDads Co-Admin, Jim 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.

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

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

Scout1910 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.  

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

Thank you Bob for answering this question.

Robert Hartman 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.

Paul Westlake 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?

NavyDads Co-Admin, Jim 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.

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

do they usually fly out of O'Hare ?

NavyDads Admin (Paul) 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!!

Phillip Mitchell 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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