"Grad n Go" ~ What does it mean?

[Craig]

From U.S. Navy Recruit Training Command:
We are no longer using the term "Grad & Go" because it no longers means anything. Yes, the initial form letter home still contains the term but that's only because those letters were pre-printed and we're using them up before... the new letters omitting the term are used.

Years ago, Grad & Go referred to those recruits flying on the same day as graduation. Now it referred only to the recruits checking into their A School here in Great Lakes the same day as graduation. All other recruits either departed on Saturday or later in the week.

Today, all recruits depart either Friday (if staying in Great Lakes) or on Saturday (if going out of state for A School).

We are instructing the RDCs to stop using the obsolete term because, again, it doesn't mean anything.

The term has been removed from our website and we do not even use it on Facebook

I hope that helps.

[LT Guppy]

Interesting. Thanks for the update.

[ctraggie]

So this means that after we graduate RTC we wait around at Great Lakes before we go to "A" School if we're out of state? I heard that we only got to spend about half an hour with our family before we go, does this mean we get to spend more time with them?

[Craig]

So this means that after we graduate RTC we wait around at Great Lakes before we go to "A" School if we're out of state? I heard that we only got to spend about half an hour with our family before we go, does this mean we get to spend more time with them?

ctr - The Navy changes stuff all the time (I think they do it just to piss me off ~ha), however, today's rules are:

From the Family Guide by RTC:
http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/pdfs/FamilyGuide_v27JAN12.pdf

DEPARTING RECRUIT TRAINING COMMAND AFTER PASS-IN-REVIEW
Sailors transferring to Great Lakes “A” School:
If your new Sailor is attending “A” school in Great Lakes please note they will need to check into their new command before they can go on liberty. The Great Lakes “A” schools are not located onboard Recruit Training Command. The check-in process may take up to 5 hours. Please ensure your Sailor has your phone number so they can contact you once they have completed the check-in process.

Sailors transferring to “A” School Outside of Great Lakes:
If your new Sailor is attending “A” School outside of Great Lakes, generally they will depart RTC the day after graduation. Travel arrangements are made by RTC; therefore, Sailors are required to travel on their government orders. If your Sailor is flying out of state they must travel to the airport using government transportation, you may not escort them to the airport; however, you may meet them at the airport.
Your Sailor will receive guidance from their Recruit Division Commander regarding their liberty period on the day of graduation. Your Sailor may be required to check out with their RDC prior to commencing liberty. Please ensure you return to RTC with adequate time for your Sailor to reach his barracks prior to expiration of liberty.

RTC does not have your Recruits liberty or travel schedule, so you will need to stay in contact with them. Only your Recruit and their supervisor know their specific liberty schedule.

[sweetmtn]

So this means that after we graduate RTC we wait around at Great Lakes before we go to "A" School if we're out of state? I heard that we only got to spend about half an hour with our family before we go, does this mean we get to spend more time with them?

What they mean is, once the PIR is over, you get the rest of that day to spend with your family. Then you have to be back on base unusually by 8 or 9 o'clock that evening. Then you get the next day and again Sunday with them, mostly for the whole day with the same return times. You may loose some time with them if you have watch duty...yes they can make you stand watch even then. Now if your school is across the street for A school, it just depends on when you are to go across the street what time you get with your family. Some sailors will be flown to their A schools on Saturday, some on Sunday or even later in the week....can you imagine if the navy sent 500+ sailors to the airport all at once...cant be done realistically, so they are spread out. You will know what you will be doing about half way through boot in time to let your family know.
Of course, if you or your division get in trouble, you can loose all the time or some of the time with your family!

[enigma92]

When will the recuit know how much time they have off? need an answer ASAP please

[sweetmtn]

When will the recuit know how much time they have off? need an answer ASAP please

Some know about half way through boot, but they should know in time to make flight and hotel reservations.

[enigma92]

ok cuz my recuit hasnt said anything about and iv asked so i hav less thn a month to plan this no stress

[sweetmtn]

ok cuz my recuit hasnt said anything about and iv asked so i hav less thn a month to plan this no stress

You can find some nice inexpensive places to stay while there as well, try the Navy Lodge, as they will even have a shuttle to the graduation so you dont need to drive.
https://www.navy-lodge.com/lodge_page.html?p_lodge_number=5

[vabchsue]

But without a car you're going to have to use cabs to get around and doesn't that get $$ (especially if you want to go to Chicago? I know there's train service to the city but....

[jhampton002]

I live only about 2 and a half hours away from boot camp. Lucky me :P