STEP 1: Fill Out the Security Access Form Online
Click here
Note: When submitting online, you will receive three automated emails.
The first email will confirm that your submission has been received and is pending your recruit's selection to attend their graduation.
The second email will be when your recruit makes their selection on who they wish to attend their graduation. Typically, weeks 3 through 7 of their training.
The third email will be when all selections for the graduation are made, and final approvals occur. Typically, week 8 of their training.
**ENSURE ACCURATE DIVISION NUMBERS OR REQUEST WILL NOT BE PROCESSED**
GUEST SECURITY ACCESS FORM: If you are going to be attending the graduation ceremony, please fill out the security access form (maximum four guests per form; use the three-guest maximum form when there are 11 or more divisions graduating) according to the instructions on the form and return to your recruit by mail. A link to download the form is located at the bottom of this page. Children 2 years of age or younger do not count toward the maximum number of guests and do not need to be listed. All guests 3 years of age and older must be listed on the access list, including military guests (active duty, reserve, retired, or veteran).
ONLY YOUR RECRUIT CAN CHANGE THE GRADUATION CEREMONY ACCESS LIST: Your recruit will be able to make changes to the access list. The last opportunity to make changes will be the week before graduation. If there is a change to be made to the access list (such as a name spelled incorrectly, name-swap, etc.) please communicate any changes to your recruit by mail well in advance. RTC staff cannot change these names or release the names of those on the list. Please do not call to verify receipt of security forms— only your recruit can verify that.
STEP 2: Plan Your Travel Itinerary
HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS & TRANSPORTATION: The U.S. Navy does not provide or endorse any provider of accommodations, air or vehicle transportation, or shuttle services. There is no “official” accommodation or transportation service. However, the Naval Station Great Lakes Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Department has teamed up with the local community to assist those attending graduation ceremonies with helpful resources when making travel arrangements. Please refer to the following website https://www.navylifegl.com/rtc for assistance with hotel accommodations, transportation services, area attractions/restaurants, care packages and much more. You may also visit www.NavyLifeGL.com or call 847-688-2020 for further details
STEP 3: Pick Up Your Tickets for the Graduation Ceremony
(This is Off-Base)
TICKETING: Everyone who is planning on attending a graduation ceremony must personally obtain a ticket, which will be distributed at the Recruit Family Welcome Center the week of your recruit's graduation. Tickets are free of charge, but you must have valid photo ID to obtain your ticket (driver's license, state ID, military ID, passport; for minors, a student ID, driver's permit, SSN card, birth certificate). Once you receive your ticket do not lose it, as this will be the only ticket you will receive. These tickets are not transferable and are the only means to access the base for attendees.
WELCOME CENTER ADDRESS/GPS - THIS IS AN OFF-BASE LOCATION: Navy Exchange (NEX) Burkey Mall, 2650 Green Bay Road, North Chicago, IL 60088 (Do not use generic terms such as NEX, Recruit Training Command 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
Plan accordingly so each person can check-in to receive a ticket for the graduation ceremony. If you don't have a ticket, you will not be allowed entry to the base. Tickets will only be issued to guests who the graduating recruit has verified will be attending. Please ensure those who check-in to receive their graduation tickets are the same as those who were listed on security form.
DO NOT GO DIRECTLY TO THE BASE WITHOUT FIRST PICKING UP YOUR TICKET!
STEP 4: Attending the Graduation Ceremony
ARRIVING: Once the gates open to the public, it will take some time to clear security at the gate, so please plan accordingly. Visitors 18+ will be required to present valid photo ID (driver's license, state ID card, passport, military ID card). Minors who can't produce one of the forms of ID listed above must present either a school ID, driver's permit, copy of birth certificate, or Social Security card.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
6:00 am: RTC gate opens to guests.
6:30 am: Ceremonial drill hall doors open to guests.
9:00 am: All guests must be seated. Ceremonial drill hall doors close, no further entry for guests.
9:00 am: Pass-In-Review commences.
9:20 am: Divisions arrive.
10:30 am: Pass-In-Review concludes.
Please plan on arriving at least 1.5 hours before the ceremony, which begins promptly at 0900.
WALKING ON BASE: Pedestrians may walk onto the base using the gate adjacent to the METRA train station (Gate 8). Shuttles, taxis, and shared rides from hotels will drop you off in the parking lot adjacent to Gate 8. Once on base, approximately a quarter mile from the gate to the entrance of RTC's Visitor Center (USS YORKTOWN).
DRIVING ON BASE: A driver's license, vehicle registration, proof of insurance (or rental car agreement), and graduation ticket must be ready to present to security at all access points. Once on base, attendees will be directed to park in the parking structure adjacent to RTC's Visitor Center (USS YORKTOWN).
Please obey the following while driving on base:
1. No cell phone usage while driving on base.
2. Seat belts are required for all drivers/passengers at all times.
3. Motorcycle drivers/riders must have proper protective clothing/equipment such helmet, long pants, long-sleeved shirt, and over the ankle hard-soled boots.
4. Recent graduates are prohibited from operating motor vehicles, including motorcycles, and are not allowed to be a passenger on a motorcycle.
MULTIPLE SEARCHES POSSIBLE: All graduation attendees are required to enter through RTC's Visitor Center, for security screening, prior to entering the ceremony itself. Every person, bag, and vehicle on the base is subject to search. Metal detectors and other security devices are in use onboard RTC.
The uniform for graduation for both active duty, retirees and graduating Sailors is service dress uniform or service equivalent with ribbons and cover as all military personnel remain covered while in our ceremonial drill hall.
ITEMS PERMITTED INTO GRADUATION CEREMONY: Small bag/personal item (purse, satchel, etc.), small diaper bag, small camera bag, and personal wheelchair or walker. Strollers and car seats are allowed but discouraged due to space limitations (you may leave them in your car).
ITEMS NOT PERMITTED INTO GRADUATION CEREMONY: Large bags, backpacks, luggage, posters, signs/banners, large tripods, gift bags of any size, and flowers. Alcohol, illegal drugs, knives, and all other weapons will be confiscated by security. Any person found with these items will not be permitted to enter the ceremony.
NO WEAPONS: Weapons possession on federal installations is highly regulated and those in violation are subject to arrest and prosecution.
LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS SAFETY ACT: If you are law enforcement and are required to carry a weapon at all times as a condition of your service: please contact Great Lakes Police Department, Deputy Chief Knapp at james.b.knapp@navy.mil or (847) 688-5555 well in advance of your visit to meet requirements for doing so on a military installation.
Map to Graduation Ceremony
Downloadable version of Map to Graduation Ceremony
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