Our sailor went through basic training in July/Aug/Sept of 2012. He said it wasnt as hard as he had expected which was good to hear. He had just turned 18 AND graduated high school the month prior and had never been away from home before and he is now thriving.
I have this page put together for any Navy Moms that were like me - at a loss as to what goes on at basic training. I've tried to condense as much information as I can about basic training for you. There is alot of information out there but it is scattered. If you have any other questions please feel free to email me akeewee@yahoo.com
What can you take to basic training?
The following is a list of authorized personal items that you may want to bring to training, but are not required. Any unauthorized or unnecessary items (including your civilian clothes) will be boxed up and shipped home at your sailors expense.
OK to bring:
- Wrist watch, wedding ring
- Religious medallion (No larger than the size of a dog tag, my son was surprisingly allowed to keep a special jade carved necklace we gave him for his 18th birthday. I expected it in "the box"...but it wasnt there)
- Writing material
- Pocket dictionary (who the heck would bring this?)
- Pocket bible
- Small address book
- Hairbrush and comb
- Pre-paid phone cards (up to $20 credit)
- One pair of prescription glasses, reading glasses or contacts (with one week of cleaning solution)
- A small amount of cash (less than $50)
Female recruits may retain the following personal items:
- Feminine sanitary items
- Conservative cosmetics. Female/one of each: face powder, blush, lipstick, eye shadow and mascara (non-aerosol or glass). Make-up will be authorized for division photos and graduation weekend only
- Barrettes (Female/must match hair color).
- Birth control medications
Note: Female recruits are not authorized to bring a swimsuit, underwear or bras. All will be issued upon arrival
Prior to leaving
Everyone I spoke to said that there are three main things that are tough in basic - Physical Fitness, Mental and Emotional Fitness.
The mental and emotional fitness will all come with time but one thing you can definatly prepare for ahead of time is physical fitness. Every sailor I spoke to has said that if you physically fit BEFORE your ship date the mental and emotional will be easier.
The requirements physical fitness requirements for basic are:
- Timed 1.5-mile run or 500-yard swim
- 2 minutes of curl-ups
- 2 minutes of push-ups
- Sit-and-reach flexibility test
This guide is the official training guide http://usmilitary.about.com/library/pdf/navyfitness.pdf and starting your training based on this is recommended as soon as you can.
Where is basic training?
the Navy only has one location for boot camp: The Great Lakes Naval Training Center, which is located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, halfway between Chicago and Milwaulkee in Waukegan, IL. The weather there can be pretty extreme in both temperature and humidity so you will be pleased to hear that most of the training is conducted indoors - indoor marching and drill, the confidence course is indoors, and even weapons (Shotgun and pistol) are fired indoors.
About care packages & contact through basic
http://www.navyformoms.com/forum/topics/1971797:Topic:146
No care packages allowed at all but you can send letters, every day if you want (thats what I did). It really helps the sailors have letters - about anything and everything.
About care packages & contact through basic
http://www.navyformoms.com/forum/topics/1971797:Topic:146
No care packages allowed at all but you can send letters, every day if you want (thats what I did). It really helps the sailors have letters - about anything and everything.
What happens at basic training?
This is really an awesome link to get an understanding of whats going on at Great Lakes within the first 60 days (literally, on a day to day basis. This is one of the most helpful sites I have found so far) : http://www.navydep.com/forums/showthread.php?t=433
Basic Training Graduation Information
Theres some good information on this website
PIR (Pass in review, or graduation from RTC)
The schedule for the day will be:
6:30 a.m. - RTC Gates open to visitors. Security screening begins. It is recommended that you arrive at this time because of parking and security time. Remember, your sailor isnt the only one graduating :-)
7 a.m. - Visitors begin walking to drill hall.
8:45 a.m. - Guests should be in seats. You'll already know your sailors ship number and division and these will be marked clearly - its recommended to sit in these sections so your sailor will easily see you after the ceremony.
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.
Please drop your recruit at the base early enough for them to walk back to their ship.
Some divisions may depart Recruit Training Command a few hours after graduation (Grad and Go). Some divisions may depart RTC the day after graduation. Please discuss liberty with your recruit during their phone calls home. Be sure to ask when they are departing boot camp for their next school. Continue to write your recruit and stay informed. Recruit Training Command Public Affairs does not have your Recruit’s schedule. Only your Recruit and his/her supervisor know the specific liberty schedule that they have.
LIBERTY INFORMATION
Recruits may not smoke, drive, or consume alcoholic beverages while on liberty.
Recruits must stay within a 50-mile radius of RTC.
Recruits must remain in their complete uniform while on liberty. If they are engaging in physical activity or swimming, they must be in authorized gym clothes.
Recruits receive an in-depth liberty briefing prior to their graduation day.
TRIP PLANNING
There is no guest housing or prearranged transportation provided by Recruit Training Command. RTC highly encourages you to purchase REFUNDABLE tickets in case your recruit does not graduate on time. Lodging is available in the surrounding community. Cities within ten miles of RTC include North Chicago, Waukegan, Lake Bluff, Lake Forest, Libertyville, and Gurnee. If you fly into Chicago O’Hare, Chicago Midway or Milwaukee airports you must arrange your own transportation from the airport to Great Lakes. Use the services of bootcampgraduations.com to book your hotel room if you arent comfortable booking yourself.
SPECIAL ACCOMODATIONS
Wheelchairs and handicapped seating are provided at the Visitor Center for anyone requiring them.
If you require a sign language interpreter, or if you use a seeing eye dog, please contact the Public Affairs Office as soon as possible.
RECRUIT TRAINING COMMAND BASE ACCESS
Pets are not permitted on RTC. Working animals are permitted, but please call the Public Affairs Office in advance.
Identification
All visitors must have valid photo identification.
This requirement includes children (School ID, Social Security card, or copy of birth certificate suffices).
Bring the letter you first received with your SR recruit address.
Search
All persons, articles and vehicles are subject to and may be searched. Metal detectors and other security devices are in use onboard Recruit Training Command. Expect a delay at the security checkpoints due to this added security requirement.
Permitted Carry-Ins
Some divisions may depart Recruit Training Command a few hours after graduation (Grad and Go). Some divisions may depart RTC the day after graduation. Please discuss liberty with your recruit during their phone calls home. Be sure to ask when they are departing boot camp for their next school. Continue to write your recruit and stay informed. Recruit Training Command Public Affairs does not have your Recruit’s schedule. Only your Recruit and his/her supervisor know the specific liberty schedule that they have.
LIBERTY INFORMATION
Recruits may not smoke, drive, or consume alcoholic beverages while on liberty.
Recruits must stay within a 50-mile radius of RTC.
Recruits must remain in their complete uniform while on liberty. If they are engaging in physical activity or swimming, they must be in authorized gym clothes.
Recruits receive an in-depth liberty briefing prior to their graduation day.
TRIP PLANNING
There is no guest housing or prearranged transportation provided by Recruit Training Command. RTC highly encourages you to purchase REFUNDABLE tickets in case your recruit does not graduate on time. Lodging is available in the surrounding community. Cities within ten miles of RTC include North Chicago, Waukegan, Lake Bluff, Lake Forest, Libertyville, and Gurnee. If you fly into Chicago O’Hare, Chicago Midway or Milwaukee airports you must arrange your own transportation from the airport to Great Lakes. Use the services of bootcampgraduations.com to book your hotel room if you arent comfortable booking yourself.
SPECIAL ACCOMODATIONS
Wheelchairs and handicapped seating are provided at the Visitor Center for anyone requiring them.
If you require a sign language interpreter, or if you use a seeing eye dog, please contact the Public Affairs Office as soon as possible.
RECRUIT TRAINING COMMAND BASE ACCESS
Pets are not permitted on RTC. Working animals are permitted, but please call the Public Affairs Office in advance.
Identification
All visitors must have valid photo identification.
This requirement includes children (School ID, Social Security card, or copy of birth certificate suffices).
Bring the letter you first received with your SR recruit address.
Search
All persons, articles and vehicles are subject to and may be searched. Metal detectors and other security devices are in use onboard Recruit Training Command. Expect a delay at the security checkpoints due to this added security requirement.
Permitted Carry-Ins
- Small purse
- Small diaper bag
- Camera/video recorder
- Camera bag
If you need information concerning your visit, please feel free to ask for assistance from any of our staff members. If they cannot help you, they will find someone who can.
While on liberty, recruits are not authorized to drive or consume alcohol.
What to wear etc
Be there as early as you can-before 7:30 am. Wear dressy casual, nice jeans are fine. If your PIR (Pass in review) is in the winter months , you may want to wear flannel underwear. Wear comfortable shoes-you have to climb bleachers and will be doing a lot of walking. Remember layers are the way to go. Gloves, hat, scarf. (For winter PIR) One thing I did was a few weeks before PIR, start a “PIR bag”, not necessarily one you’ll carry but just something to throw things into you don’t use daily or routinely that you might forget. Binoculars, camera, a baggie full of tissues, hand santitizer. Bring: photo ID, camera, binoculars, tissues.
Watch your make-up when you hug him/her--he/she has to be very careful with their uniform , a checkbook-for the photo packages (minimum pkg is ~ 140.00) and anything else you want to buy at PIR.
REMEMBER: In public sailors must remain in military issue clothes...even to swim or workout. I've read to take a shuttle if possible (even if you rented a car)-it'll bypass the long line of cars at the gate and drop you off at Gate 8 on Ohio…you’ll still have a good 15-20 minute walk but it is flat and you’ll see new recruits marching with their division flags. I don’t think my feet touched the ground during the entire time. Sit at the top of the bleachers so you'll have something to lean against (besides some one’s knees). Sit across from where your sailor is and to the right that way you can see him/her better. There will be signs indicating where your Sailor’s division will be.
Be careful about too much kissing and hugging (in public) is what they say....but after all that time away you wont be able to stop yourself. I also heard that they need to leave their right arm free while on liberty in case they have to salute to an officer. No hand holding is allowed. They have to behave very differently from a civilian.
Bring their laptop and phone to hotel so they can catch up with their family and friends at home. If you rent a car (and I suggest that you do) Google addresses: RTC, the airport, hotel, Navy Pier, Gurnee Mall, restaurants. Etc. & write down the address. If you have a GPS, take it with you, if not rent one with the car. Take plenty of change for the tolls or rent this with the car - its about $6 per day but really convienient.
Liberty is ‘time off’ from the daily routine. Graduating Sailors will be granted liberty to go off-base during the day with their families.
1. Graduating Sailors may not smoke, drive, or consume alcoholic beverages while on liberty.
2. Graduating Sailors must stay within a 50-mile radius of RTC.
3. Graduating Sailors must remain in their complete uniform while on liberty. If they are engaging in physical activity or swimming, they must be in authorized Navy issued workout gear.
4. Liberty expires at 8 p.m. No overnight liberty is authorized. Due to security checks and transit time, please allow ample time for graduating Sailors to walk back to their assigned ship prior to the end of liberty. On time…is late.
5. Families may not enter the base after graduation and will need to meet graduating Sailors for liberty at the main RTC gate.
6. Graduating Sailors departing RTC for follow-up training the same day as graduation or in a duty status will be granted limited on-base liberty.
7. Graduating Sailors receive an in-depth liberty briefing prior to their graduation day. While you wait for your Sailor following graduation, MCPON Hall and eateries at RTC are available, or you may use your graduation parking pass to visit the USO, building 27 onboard Naval Station Great Lakes (Mainside). Parking is available outside Gate 1 adjacent to Mainside’s Visitors Center located on Sheridan Road. Walk through Gate 1 and proceed to the USO located on the corner of Farragut Avenue and Rodgers Street; escorts will assist. Snacks and drinks will be available on the second floor of the USO Ladies...the question of when they switch from white to blue dress uniforms and vice versa was brought up in another PIR group. I asked Hoppi (aka Angie) and she said: Great Lakes switches in April and Oct. BTW...She also said: Hawaii never switches to Blue and Iceland never switches to White. The music at PIR is VERY loud, drums, trumpets, etc. I would bring ear plugs for your little ones, it could hurt your baby (or worse, wake her up!). Bring quiet, soft toys for them to play with. They can run around until about 8:45, then they will need to stay put, but you can walk around still or stand near entrance to bathrooms. There are two very large motion picture screens so you'll still be able to see the graduation. (the hall is huge!). Oh..... and bring $5 bucks to buy you 4 yr old a dixie cup (Sailors hat, cover, or Lid as the sailors call it). They are NOT ever allowed to try on or wear any part of a military uniform, so they sell these hats to help prevent that and kids love it (it's their size too). They sell them near the coffee stand inside the hall, but they go quickly, so find your seat, then go get a hat before they are gone!
Taken from the Naval Training Center website. PLEASE NOTE THE WALKING DISTANCES AND BE SURE TO DRESS WARM AND WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES!!!!
PARKING - Family and friends will be directed to general parking in the Parking Garage that is adjacent to the Visitors Center. It has two levels and elevators. There is handicapped parking.
SHUTTLES - Most hotels in the area also have shuttle service to the graduation. Shuttles will drop off guests either at the gate or just inside the gate and then guests will walk about 100 yards to the visitors center.
PIR Reference Group links
Here is a link to the PIR info group:
http://www.navyformoms.com/group/pirreferenceinformation
Here is one to the PIR forum:
http://www.navyformoms.com/forum/categories/pirpass-in-review/listF...
GPS for RTC
RTC GPS address:
3355 Illinois Street
Great Lakes, IL 60088
Gate 8 at Ohio & Buckley is where you enter to go to PIR
While on liberty, recruits are not authorized to drive or consume alcohol.
What to wear etc
Be there as early as you can-before 7:30 am. Wear dressy casual, nice jeans are fine. If your PIR (Pass in review) is in the winter months , you may want to wear flannel underwear. Wear comfortable shoes-you have to climb bleachers and will be doing a lot of walking. Remember layers are the way to go. Gloves, hat, scarf. (For winter PIR) One thing I did was a few weeks before PIR, start a “PIR bag”, not necessarily one you’ll carry but just something to throw things into you don’t use daily or routinely that you might forget. Binoculars, camera, a baggie full of tissues, hand santitizer. Bring: photo ID, camera, binoculars, tissues.
Watch your make-up when you hug him/her--he/she has to be very careful with their uniform , a checkbook-for the photo packages (minimum pkg is ~ 140.00) and anything else you want to buy at PIR.
REMEMBER: In public sailors must remain in military issue clothes...even to swim or workout. I've read to take a shuttle if possible (even if you rented a car)-it'll bypass the long line of cars at the gate and drop you off at Gate 8 on Ohio…you’ll still have a good 15-20 minute walk but it is flat and you’ll see new recruits marching with their division flags. I don’t think my feet touched the ground during the entire time. Sit at the top of the bleachers so you'll have something to lean against (besides some one’s knees). Sit across from where your sailor is and to the right that way you can see him/her better. There will be signs indicating where your Sailor’s division will be.
Be careful about too much kissing and hugging (in public) is what they say....but after all that time away you wont be able to stop yourself. I also heard that they need to leave their right arm free while on liberty in case they have to salute to an officer. No hand holding is allowed. They have to behave very differently from a civilian.
Bring their laptop and phone to hotel so they can catch up with their family and friends at home. If you rent a car (and I suggest that you do) Google addresses: RTC, the airport, hotel, Navy Pier, Gurnee Mall, restaurants. Etc. & write down the address. If you have a GPS, take it with you, if not rent one with the car. Take plenty of change for the tolls or rent this with the car - its about $6 per day but really convienient.
Liberty is ‘time off’ from the daily routine. Graduating Sailors will be granted liberty to go off-base during the day with their families.
1. Graduating Sailors may not smoke, drive, or consume alcoholic beverages while on liberty.
2. Graduating Sailors must stay within a 50-mile radius of RTC.
3. Graduating Sailors must remain in their complete uniform while on liberty. If they are engaging in physical activity or swimming, they must be in authorized Navy issued workout gear.
4. Liberty expires at 8 p.m. No overnight liberty is authorized. Due to security checks and transit time, please allow ample time for graduating Sailors to walk back to their assigned ship prior to the end of liberty. On time…is late.
5. Families may not enter the base after graduation and will need to meet graduating Sailors for liberty at the main RTC gate.
6. Graduating Sailors departing RTC for follow-up training the same day as graduation or in a duty status will be granted limited on-base liberty.
7. Graduating Sailors receive an in-depth liberty briefing prior to their graduation day. While you wait for your Sailor following graduation, MCPON Hall and eateries at RTC are available, or you may use your graduation parking pass to visit the USO, building 27 onboard Naval Station Great Lakes (Mainside). Parking is available outside Gate 1 adjacent to Mainside’s Visitors Center located on Sheridan Road. Walk through Gate 1 and proceed to the USO located on the corner of Farragut Avenue and Rodgers Street; escorts will assist. Snacks and drinks will be available on the second floor of the USO Ladies...the question of when they switch from white to blue dress uniforms and vice versa was brought up in another PIR group. I asked Hoppi (aka Angie) and she said: Great Lakes switches in April and Oct. BTW...She also said: Hawaii never switches to Blue and Iceland never switches to White. The music at PIR is VERY loud, drums, trumpets, etc. I would bring ear plugs for your little ones, it could hurt your baby (or worse, wake her up!). Bring quiet, soft toys for them to play with. They can run around until about 8:45, then they will need to stay put, but you can walk around still or stand near entrance to bathrooms. There are two very large motion picture screens so you'll still be able to see the graduation. (the hall is huge!). Oh..... and bring $5 bucks to buy you 4 yr old a dixie cup (Sailors hat, cover, or Lid as the sailors call it). They are NOT ever allowed to try on or wear any part of a military uniform, so they sell these hats to help prevent that and kids love it (it's their size too). They sell them near the coffee stand inside the hall, but they go quickly, so find your seat, then go get a hat before they are gone!
Taken from the Naval Training Center website. PLEASE NOTE THE WALKING DISTANCES AND BE SURE TO DRESS WARM AND WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES!!!!
PARKING - Family and friends will be directed to general parking in the Parking Garage that is adjacent to the Visitors Center. It has two levels and elevators. There is handicapped parking.
SHUTTLES - Most hotels in the area also have shuttle service to the graduation. Shuttles will drop off guests either at the gate or just inside the gate and then guests will walk about 100 yards to the visitors center.
PIR Reference Group links
Here is a link to the PIR info group:
http://www.navyformoms.com/group/pirreferenceinformation
Here is one to the PIR forum:
http://www.navyformoms.com/forum/categories/pirpass-in-review/listF...
GPS for RTC
RTC GPS address:
3355 Illinois Street
Great Lakes, IL 60088
Gate 8 at Ohio & Buckley is where you enter to go to PIR
The official USN site
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