Attending a US Navy Recruit Training Command (RTC) graduation ceremony is a momentous occasion for families and friends. It marks the culmination of weeks of rigorous training and the beginning of a Sailor’s naval career. To ensure a smooth and memorable experience, it’s crucial to understand the steps involved in accessing Naval Station Great Lakes and attending the ceremony. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough for families and guests planning to celebrate their recruit’s achievement.
Step 1: Secure Your Base Access – The Security Access Form
Gaining access to Naval Station Great Lakes for the graduation ceremony requires completing a security access form well in advance. This process is essential for security and ensuring only authorized individuals attend the event. There are three convenient methods to submit this form:
A) Utilizing the QR Code:
For quick access to the online form, scan the QR code provided by your recruit. This method is efficient and user-friendly, allowing for immediate submission.
B) Online Submission via Web Link:
Alternatively, you can access the security access form directly through the provided web link. This is another straightforward online method for submitting your information.
Upon online submission, expect to receive three automated email confirmations. The first confirms receipt of your submission. The second email arrives after your recruit selects their graduation attendees, typically between weeks 3 and 7 of training. The final email is sent after all selections and final approvals are completed, usually around week 8.
C) Mail-in Form Submission:
If you prefer a traditional approach, you can download and mail in the security access form. Ensure you select the correct form based on the number of guests attending:
3 GUESTS – 4 GUESTS
It’s vital to provide accurate division numbers on the form, regardless of submission method, as inaccuracies can lead to processing delays or rejection. Remember, only your recruit can modify the graduation ceremony access list. Communicate any necessary changes, such as name corrections or guest swaps, to your recruit via mail well in advance of graduation week. RTC staff cannot make changes to the access list directly.
Step 2: Plan Your Travel and Accommodation
While the US Navy does not officially endorse specific travel or accommodation providers, resources are available to assist with your planning. Naval Station Great Lakes Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Department collaborates with the local community to offer helpful resources for graduation attendees.
Visit https://www.navylifegl.com/rtc or www.NavyLifeGL.com or call 847-688-2020 for information on hotel accommodations, transportation options, local attractions, restaurants, and even care packages. Planning your travel itinerary in advance will ensure a stress-free experience as you prepare to celebrate your Sailor’s graduation.
Step 3: Ticket Collection at the Recruit Family Welcome Center (Off-Base)
Tickets are mandatory for all graduation ceremony attendees and must be collected in person at the Recruit Family Welcome Center during graduation week. This center is located off-base at the Navy Exchange (NEX) Burkey Mall, 2650 Green Bay Road, North Chicago, IL 60088. Using GPS, it’s recommended to input the full address for accurate navigation, avoiding generic terms like “NEX” or “Naval Station Great Lakes.”
Recruit Family Welcome Center Hours:
- Day before Graduation: 10:00 AM to 7:30 PM
- Day of Graduation: 5:30 AM to 8:30 AM
Ensure each guest planning to attend collects their ticket during these hours. Valid photo identification is required for ticket collection. Acceptable forms of ID include driver’s licenses, state IDs, military IDs, and passports. Minors can use student IDs, driver’s permits, SSN cards, or birth certificates.
Tickets are free, non-transferable, and essential for base access. Lost tickets cannot be replaced. Only guests confirmed by the graduating recruit on the security form will be issued tickets. It’s crucial that the individuals collecting tickets match those listed on the security access form. Do not proceed directly to the base without collecting your tickets first!
Step 4: Attending the Graduation Ceremony – On-Base Procedures
On graduation day, allow ample time for security clearance upon arrival at Naval Station Great Lakes. The RTC gate opens to the public at 6:00 am, and the ceremonial drill hall doors open at 6:30 am. All guests must be seated by 9:00 am, after which the doors close, and no further entry is permitted. The Pass-In-Review ceremony commences promptly at 9:00 am, with divisions arriving at 9:20 am and the ceremony concluding around 10:30 am. Aim to arrive at least 1.5 hours before the ceremony begins to accommodate security procedures and seating.
Base Access and Transportation:
Pedestrians can enter via Gate 8, adjacent to the METRA train station. Shuttle services, taxis, and ride-shares will drop off passengers near this gate. From Gate 8, it’s approximately a quarter-mile walk to the RTC Visitor Center (USS YORKTOWN).
For those driving onto the base, have your driver’s license, vehicle registration, proof of insurance (or rental agreement), and graduation tickets readily available for security personnel at all access points. Upon entry, you will be directed to the parking structure near the RTC Visitor Center (USS YORKTOWN).
Important Driving Regulations on Base:
- Cell phone use is prohibited while driving on base.
- Seat belts are mandatory for all occupants at all times.
- Motorcycle riders must wear protective gear, including helmets, long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and over-the-ankle hard-soled boots.
- New graduates are prohibited from operating or riding motorcycles on base.
Security Screening and Permitted/Prohibited Items:
All attendees must enter through the RTC Visitor Center for security screening before accessing the ceremony. Be aware that all persons, bags, and vehicles are subject to search. Metal detectors and other security devices are in use.
Permitted Items: Small personal bags (purses, satchels), small diaper bags, small camera bags, and mobility aids like wheelchairs and walkers are allowed. Strollers and car seats are discouraged due to space constraints but can be left in your vehicle.
Prohibited Items: Large bags, backpacks, luggage, posters, signs/banners, large tripods, gift bags, and flowers are not permitted. Alcohol, illegal drugs, knives, and weapons are strictly prohibited and will be confiscated. Possession of weapons on federal installations is heavily regulated and can lead to arrest and prosecution.
Uniforms at Graduation:
For military personnel attending the graduation, including active duty, retirees, and graduating Sailors, the Us Navy Formal Uniform, specifically the service dress uniform or service equivalent with ribbons and cover, is the prescribed attire. This demonstrates the importance of naval tradition and discipline even at celebratory events like graduation. All military personnel remain covered (hats on) while inside the ceremonial drill hall.
Liberty Following Graduation:
Graduating Sailors may be granted liberty (time off-base) with family after the ceremony. Liberty duration depends on their follow-on training location. Consult with your Sailor for their specific liberty details. The Navy arranges transportation for Sailors to their next command, and they are not permitted to travel in private vehicles or with personally purchased tickets.
During liberty, RTC Sailors must adhere to strict rules: no alcohol (regardless of age), tobacco or drug use, visits to tattoo or piercing parlors, hitchhiking, or driving motor vehicles. They must remain in the uniform of the day at all times and return to their division compartment by 9:00 PM. The day after graduation, liberty is typically from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Upon returning from liberty, all bags are subject to inspection for contraband.
You may meet your Sailor at the airport on their departure day for follow-on training. Small items like laptops or a few pieces of civilian clothing can be given to them at this time, keeping in mind they are already carrying seabags and backpacks.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience celebrating your loved one’s graduation from US Navy Recruit Training Command. This momentous occasion marks a significant achievement and the start of their journey as a United States Sailor.
