Navy recruit graduation is held weekly at Great Lakes, IL. If your travel plans include attending a graduation follow these helpful tips.
There is a navy recruit graduation every Friday at Great Lakes, IL of anywhere from 500 to 1700 Navy recruits. Based upon how many navy recruits are in the graduation class the rules for family members wishing to enter the base for graduation will vary somewhat.
The first package sent home by navy recruits to their families contains all personal items, such as clothing and shoes, which was in their possession when arriving at Great Lakes. The second package, which will arrive shortly thereafter, will be instructions for graduation. Great Lakes is an efficient operation - as the navy recruits are preparing to settle in for their 8 weeks at boot camp they are also getting ready to ship out.
When the graduation package is received take special note of the green paper car pass. This pass will allow one vehicle on the Great Lakes Navy base for the graduation ceremony. At this time the navy recruits are also asked to select four family or friend graduation attendees.
Does this mean that only one car and four persons are able to enter Great Lakes for graduation? Maybe and maybe not. Depending on the number of recruits in the graduating class, there is some wiggle room. Recruits will know fairly soon in the boot camp process approximately how many recruits will be in their graduation class. The fewer recruits in the graduating class, the more likely it is that additional family members will be allowed on base for graduation.
Should a son or daughter be graduating from Great Lakes, follow these helpful tips to augment the information given in the official graduation package.
Directions to Great Lakes Naval Service Training Command from O’Hare International Airport:
Run a map for exact directions. Some helpful pointers - The first direction will be to get on I-190E. Reaching this exit is normally a left hand turn out of most rental car stations at O’Hare with the exit to I-190E accessible from the right hand traffic lane. Verify the left hand turn information at the rental car desk when picking up the car.
The merge onto I-294 can be easy to miss as this section of I-190 is under construction. Keep in the right hand lane of I-190 and alert so as to not miss the exit. I-294 becomes I-94W. The important thing to remember about I-94 that west and north are the same as are east and south.
Have one dollar ready for the toll. The tollbooth to Great Lakes is attended. The tollbooth for the return trip to the airport is not, so have coinage ready. The return toll is 85 cents.
Identification to Enter Great Lakes Naval Service Training Command:
In addition to the parking pass, everyone entering Great Lakes needs ID. Children not old enough to have a driver’s license or have not acquired a passport can use a birth certificate.
Parking at Great Lakes Naval Service Training Command:
Family and friends will be directed to general parking at the Chapel lot, which is about 3 city blocks from the site of the graduation. Another parking lot, about 1 city block away is available for those with handicap stickers or hangers.
Shuttles to Great Lakes Naval Service Training Command:
Most hotels in the area also have shuttle service to the graduation. The shuttle terminates at the visitor center located at the front gate. It is approximately a ½ mile walk to the site of the graduation from the visitor’s center.
Amenities at Great Lakes Naval Service Training Command:
Seating in the graduation hall is bleacher style. Arrive early to secure one of the coveting spots at the top of the bleacher that is backed by a wall to sit against. The bleachers are not so high that family members will not have a clear view of their graduating recruit.
There is a designated seating area for those in wheelchairs. Bathroom facilities are plentiful and clean.
Finale:
The graduation ceremony lasts about 1-½ hours after which recruits are able to visit with their family in the graduation hall for about 30 minutes. Depending on the recruit, liberty is then called and many recruits have liberty until 9:45pm the following Sunday evening. This does vary based upon each recruit’s chosen area of training.
References:
US Naval Command Graduation Instruction Package
Marriott Resident's Inn, Gurnee, IL rack card
Interviews with members of the 2008 graduating class
State of Illinois Tollway Authority
Mapquest.com
The copyright of the article US Navy Recruit Graduation Plans in Family Travel is owned by Maire Loughran. Permission to republish US Navy Recruit Graduation Plans in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
did you visit during boot or just a school?and what time of day is grad ?
Sep 27, 2008 1:53 PM
Guest :
Thank you VERY much for your helpful insight.
Sep 29, 2008 1:51 PM
Guest :
how do I find the web site for the graduation on oct, 10, 2008 to see if my
son is graduating
Oct 6, 2008 9:59 AM
Guest :
is a school ID okay?
Oct 16, 2008 1:21 PM
Guest :
If basic training falls over the holidays thanksgiving, xmas etc... Do the
recruits train straight through the holidays?
Oct 19, 2008 3:51 PM
Guest :
My sister is graduating on Nov 21 2008....is there any hotels on the base?
My husband is in the Air Force and I want to book a room on base for the
family.
Oct 23, 2008 9:17 AM
Guest :
My husband should graduate Dec 5th. This is helpful so me and mis mom and
dad can plan out a trip to go see him graduate
Oct 28, 2008 10:11 AM
Guest :
Thanks for all the useful info. There is a website that lists upcoming
graduations by division.
http://www1.netc.navy.mil/nstc/rtcgl/family/upcominggrad.html Individual graduates aren't listed, but if you know the division, you can
be pretty sure of the date.
Nov 20, 2008 5:45 PM
Guest :
I WENT TO GO SEE MY HUSBAND GRADUATE ON OCT 24 AT 9 AM. THEY GAVE HIM
LIBERTY AROUND 11 AM AFTER THE CEROMONY. HE HAD LIBERTY TILL ABOUT 8 PM..SO
WE RENTED A HOTEL WHICH IS RIGHT UP THE STREET FROM THE BASE WITH AN INDOOR
SWIMMING POOL SO THE KIDS COULD SWIM TOO. HONESTLY AFTER THE GRADUATION MY
HUSBAND WAS SOOO TIRED HE WANTED TO TAKE A NAP SO ITS BETTER TO LET THEM
REST UP ON FRIDAY AND MAYBE GO SIGHT SEEING SATURDAY AND SUNDAY. BUT
EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT. I LOVE CHICAGO AND THE CITY OF GREAT LAKE WAS PRETTY
NICE TO . THE INSTRUCTIONS TO GO FROM OHAIRE AIRPORT ARE PRETTY EASY
TOO....MY HUSBAND IS NOW IN WICHITA FALLS TEXAS GOING TO SCHOOL THERE. PROUD US NAVY WIFE!
Nov 25, 2008 5:42 PM
Guest :
when will they be able to come back home and visit?
Jan 16, 2009 10:16 PM
Guest :
This will be my first trip to great lakes and I'm a proud mother of a
recruit there.My Son.I am looking forward to been there soon and enjoy
every moment that I am there.
Jan 16, 2009 10:38 PM
Guest :
Hi I sit and I read all the comments by love ones that has or will be
attending a graduation and I will like to add that I have a son that will
be graduation in march by the grace of God.And I'm so happy about the
graduation and just knowing that my son will be apart of this great event.I
go to the internet looking at the differ kind of actives that is there and
I really this to be one of the best time of my life.My son has made me a
very proud mother and I know that he will be the best that he can be at
what never his become in this life time.Go
Navy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jan 21, 2009 6:00 AM
Guest :
There is a website that gives many details about boot camp and graduation
as well. The previous guest provided that info. I have a daughter that is
graduating on January 23, 2009. The graduation ceremony is absolutely
spectacular and something you would never want to miss. There are also
several short videos on YouTube that various people have placed there that
depict various aspects of the ceremony. I can't wait to attend my daughters
graduation; she was first made a section leader then promoted to AROC. I
couldn't be prouder.
Jan 21, 2009 12:16 PM
Guest :
What is the average liberty time a recruit has for the entire graduation
weekend? I know that it depends on the recruit and their plans to leave for
A school, but what is the norm or typical length? Do they generally give
you the entire weekend if you dont have to leave? I know we get to spend
Friday with my brother(hopefully), but I would really like to spend the
entire weekend with him.
I am so excited for my little brother
to graduate bootcamp. This is his entrance into man-hood and I cant wait to
see how much of a different person he will be! :)
Jan 26, 2009 1:51 PM
Guest :
My Fiance will be graduation boot camp on March 13. I was wondering what
the weather is usually like during that month? So i know what to pack and
wear to graduation.
Jan 27, 2009 7:25 AM
Guest :
I have a stepson graduating in March from Great Lakes. My son is a Marine
currently home on convalescent leave due to being injured in Afghanistan
Nov 2nd. We are coming to graduation in March and were wondering if
taking the shuttle over to the base would be better than driving our own
vehicle in? We have heard that the traffic is terrible day of
graduation.
Feb 1, 2009 5:14 PM
Guest :
Hi! Very nice info. I understand that my son graduated on 1/15/2009 at
9:00 am. However, his father did not e-mail information about his
graduation (as he had promised). Do you know if will be possible to get a
few pictures of his graduation? Who can I contact? What information do I
need to locate some pictures? Thank you so much for your help.
Feb 24, 2009 5:14 PM
Guest :
thank you for the information! coming as far as we are to see my boyfriend
graduate, there was a lot of unanswered questions. this answered many of
them. Thank you :)
Feb 24, 2009 8:51 PM
Guest :
Can you walk onto the base? I'm not driving, and am taking the Metra.
Also does the graduation usually start at 9:00? I don't have any info
because my idiotic husband decided to send the graduation info to his
parents, who will not call me back after I have tried to call them for
info.
Mar 15, 2009 11:38 AM
Guest :
My husband is graduating in April and I wanted to know if anybody knew any
good hotels close to the base that has a shuttle that will take you on
base? If so how early? Do they have public transportation that will take me
from O'Hare airport to my hotel? How much? Who can I call for more info?
Thank you, A Navy Wife!!
Mar 19, 2009 9:27 AM
Guest :
This is a very helpful website! Thanks for all the information
Apr 14, 2009 12:10 PM
Guest :
be careful at gurnee mills mall...the locals donot like sailors nor their
families and have been know to "prey" on them...my family was
wearing navy shirts after seeing our sailor graduate...and we were
pickpocketed...we were told by the police because of the navy shirts we
were targets...since we were tourists with money and on cloud nine because
of our sailor...BE CAREFUL please...it almost ruined our trip...but nothing
could
Apr 14, 2009 12:37 PM
Maire Loughran :
Sorry to hear that. I spent countless hours at Gurnee Mills Mall with my
son with no problem but he was always in street clothes.
Apr 15, 2009 9:22 AM
Guest :
Is there a dress code for attending the graduation?
Apr 16, 2009 11:50 PM
Guest :
wow, thank you, this is alot more informative than my recruiter
Apr 21, 2009 2:04 PM
Guest :
I plan on going to see my boyfriend graduate May 1, 2009. Does anyone know
if its cheaper to drive from alabama to great lakes or pay for a plane
ticket then pay for a taxi everywhere i go?
Apr 21, 2009 10:15 PM
Guest :
My brother enlisted in the Navy and will begin basic training on May 27th.
Should I count 9 weeks from that date to expect his graduation date?
morocx@gmail.com
Apr 22, 2009 8:55 AM
Guest :
Hi there, very good info. I'm a recruit myself and will be in bootcamp on
May 18th, I heard from my recruiter and other petty officers that your
family or friends that plan to attend the graduation will receive a
discount on hotels and flying tickets. How true is this? Thank you much!
Apr 24, 2009 12:00 PM
Guest :
Do you know if there is a dress code for the graduation watchers?
Apr 29, 2009 6:29 AM
Guest :
VERY informative thank you! My boyfriend just went into Basic Training and
should be graduating sometime in June. A girl I knew informed me that when
HER husband graduated in October they had told her and his family a week
prior to his gradution that due to safety precautions they called off his
family in coming to see him graduate. I'm HOPING this will not happen to
us, because I'm looking forward to it. Just curious to know if this is
common???
Apr 29, 2009 5:59 PM
Guest :
Can they change the list of the people they want to attend the graduation
later on? And with the car pass his parents will be attending and so will I
but we do not get along would I be able to get in if I do not ride with
them since they have the car pass
May 1, 2009 4:56 PM
Guest :
I few things about this site... #1 there is a dress code for
PIR...Active MIlitary must were seasonal Dress Uniform Civialians may wear
appropriate casual clothing. #2 there is a website for Great Lakes
with PIR dates based on Divisions...if a recruit will not graduate, they
change divisions... the web site is
http://www1.netc.navy.mil/nstc/rtcgl/index.asp #3 only one car pass
is given to each recruit for PIR #4 If someone is not listed on the
Grad Packet, they will not be permitted on the base for graduation unless
they are with someone who is listed on the grad packet
You
should make sure that all of your informaiton is correct before posting it.
May 1, 2009 9:06 PM
Guest :
Are stroller's allowed at graduation? My husband just left for bootcamp in
Great Lakes on April 28, 2009. I have a 2 yr old and a 1 yr old. Also i've
been reading online and they say bootcamp is actually 10 weeks is that
true. If anyone can answer these questions for me I would really appreciate
it!
May 26, 2009 11:09 AM
Guest :
thanks for the information. Our son is scheduled to graduate June 26th and
we're very proud too!
Jun 4, 2009 7:42 PM
Guest :
my boyfriend is in A school at Great Lakes, and I was wondering if I am
allowed onto the base to visit him. If so, how do I get there? Can I drive
my car onto the base, or do I need to take a taxi? Do I go to the visitors
center? Any info on visiting during Phase 1 liberty would be greatly
appreciated! Thanks!
Jun 5, 2009 7:20 AM
Guest :
thanks! im going to call the visitors center today and make sure...im
driving 16 hrs so i dont want to make a mistake and not be able to see him!
lol! :)
Jul 18, 2009 7:37 PM
Guest :
does anyone know the EXACT directions from O'Hare airport to RTC??because I
have no idea..ive never driven outside of florida..HELP!!! MRAANBERLIG@AOL.COM
Jul 27, 2009 6:43 PM
Guest :
whats the best ideal outfit to wear ...dressy?
Jul 28, 2009 4:54 PM
Guest :
What time does the graduation start ? My vehicle pass says "Visitors
are admitter to reception center beginning at 6:30am., on the day of
graduation." What does that mean ?
Aug 2, 2009 8:37 PM
Guest :
Hello, thank you for all the great information. My Boyfriend had just left
for boot camp on July 29th, and I know i should recieve his address soon,
but I was wondering, do you think it would be wise to ask him about me
attending his graduation, when I am able to write him, I know that it says
you can have 4 family members or friends attend, and I know that I myself
would love to see him before he goes to A school, I just dont want to make
him feel as though he has to say yes either. I can deal with him being
gone, as long as I get that periodic phone call but at the same time it
would be great to see him. anyone want to help out a very confused
Girlfriend??
Sep 1, 2009 8:40 AM
Guest :
I just got a letter stating my sons Boot Graduation on October 16th 2009.
Anyone else have a family member in Ship 13 Division 363? I am so excited
to read all of the comments here
angie97128@aol.com
Sep 1, 2009 1:05 PM
Guest :
I just a packet stating my daughters graduation is Oct. 16 2009. Ship 13
DIV. 365 Is it true that they are only allowed to have leave during the day
after graduation and return to base at night.
Sep 10, 2009 2:41 PM
Guest :
My fiance just left for boot camp. He called yesterday.. his one call to
say he got there safely.. Does anyone know when the next time he will be
allowed to call is? Also his parents and I are for sure going to his
graduation.. do you have to have a extra ticket for a newborn? Our child is
due to be born shortly before his graduation. I was jsut wondering what I
should do about getting him into the graduation.. this will be the first
time he meets his daddy :)
Sep 12, 2009 2:02 PM
Guest :
MY DAUGHTER IS GRAD HOPEFULLY 10-16TH 2009 + WHERE DO I GO TO DOWNLOAD
PASSES...I'AM SO NERVOUS...SLOW COMPUTER..DON'T KNOW WHERE TO
GO>>>>?? PLEASE HELP! TY!
Sep 12, 2009 2:16 PM
Guest :
WE ARE DIVORCED..DO WE HAVE TO SIT BY EACH OTHER?? WOULDN'T BE GOOD!LOL OR
IS IT 1ST COME 1ST SERVED??? I KNOW U CAN'T SEE REAL GOOD FOR MY BROTHER
WAS IN NAVY 30 YRS AGO..HOW DO U FIND UR NAVY GIRL/BOY AFTER????
Sep 13, 2009 12:48 PM
Guest :
my fiance graduates on NOV 6th.. he arrived on the 9th of this month
Sep 13, 2009 3:35 PM
Guest :
thanks for that info!!! the 6th is alot sooner then the 13th to my heart
lol my fiancee arrived on the 9th too!!!
Sep 14, 2009 2:20 PM
Guest :
yay! :) I'm so happy.. didn't he get to call on sunday?? My fiancee called
me sunday night.. thats how i know.. if you want to talk email me..
laura.troutman@hotmail.com *my post is the above about graduation on the
6th of nov.. my fiance arrived on the 9th!!!
Sep 16, 2009 7:26 PM
Guest :
I am a proud mom anxious to see my son graduate. I am so proud of him! I
would like to express my appreciation to all who serve in the military!!!
They are all brave and courageous, thank you for all you do. My husband
served in the Navy on the Nimitz and he enjoyed it very much. GO
NAVY!!!!
Sep 17, 2009 7:17 PM
mbville :
My daughter graduates 10/16/09. I will be flying in from NC and am excited
to make flight and hotel arrangements. Cannot seem to get the website for
passes/tickets to open. Does anyone have the correct web address? I've
also signed up at navyformoms.com but am awaiting a confirmation email to
get in...
Sep 18, 2009 1:18 PM
Guest :
My son is also graduating on October 16th. his Ship is 13 but Div. 356. I
read on a web sight to dress for the weather and where confortable shoes
because it is a long walk
Sep 19, 2009 2:15 PM
Guest :
my advise to all mothers jion navy for moms you can learn alot and also
talk to family members of other recruits in the same division
Sep 30, 2009 10:59 AM
Guest :
My daughter left for bootcamp on the 9th. She is schedueled to graduate on
the Nov.6th She is on Ship 12. And I pray she is doing well. Is there
anyone here that has family on ship 12?
Oct 4, 2009 6:30 PM
Guest :
Hello all. Im so excited about these comments. My boyfriend in bootcamp and
graduates OCT 16 2009. Im so excited. SHIP 13 DIV 363. I will def b in
attendance.
Oct 4, 2009 7:37 PM
Guest :
hi my boyfriend is in the navy an left on August 20th when should his
graduation be? on a saturday or on a Friday?
thanks
Oct 5, 2009 8:27 AM
Guest :
My son is in ship 13 division 363 set to graduate 10/16 I will be flying in
from Oregon. I am staying at the Marriot in Deerfield is anyone else
staying in that area or know their way around? How far will I be from the
RTC? Jesse Castaneda is my boy I can't wait to see him :) angie97128@aol.com
Oct 5, 2009 10:11 PM
Guest :
My boyfriend is also ship 13 division 363. Im really excited to see him. I
dont get the next letters till Wednesday and I know most of the details
about graduation. I was wondering if they get to leave all weekend during
the day. I know they get Friday.
Oct 13, 2009 10:40 AM
Guest :
Hi my son grads. on Nov.6th he is in ship 12 div.377 has anyone heard from
their son or daughter from this div.? I only spoke to him 1 time so far. I
am eagerly awaiting to see him soon.
Oct 13, 2009 11:47 AM
Guest :
I was wondering if there is things that are not permitted on base? I am a
smoker and dont want to bring cigarettes on base if its not allowed.
Oct 16, 2009 5:04 PM
Guest :
daughter is doing her basic training at great lake illinos. I am so proud
of her.
Feb 24, 2008
