Wondering what your Sailor — and everyone else at Pass-in-Review — will be wearing? Here's what to expect, straight from RTC's own graduation guidance.
What Recruits Wear at Graduation
Graduating recruits wear their Service Dress uniform for Pass-in-Review — the same formal uniform they'll wear as they leave base for the first time as Sailors. The Navy's dress uniform season generally runs Service Dress Blue in the cooler months and Service Dress White in warmer months fleet-wide, though the exact seasonal switch date can shift year to year, so don't assume based on last year's photos alone.
Earlier in training, recruits are also photographed in their Dress Blue uniform for graduation portraits (around week 4/day 4) and again for the division photo the following week — those are the photos that end up in the graduation photo packages and The Keel yearbook.
What Military Guests Should Wear
Per official RTC guidance, active duty and retired military guests attending graduation are expected to wear service dress uniform or service equivalent, with ribbons and cover, since all military personnel remain covered inside the ceremonial drill hall.
What Civilian Family Should Wear
There's no official dress code for civilian guests, but Pass-in-Review is a formal military ceremony, and most families dress accordingly — think "nice enough for a graduation or a church service." Comfortable dress shoes matter more than people expect: you'll be walking through security, standing in line, and sitting for over an hour in a drill hall that can run warm with a full crowd.
A Few Practical Notes
- Layer if you're unsure of the season — Illinois weather during graduation week can swing widely, and the drill hall itself can feel warm regardless of the weather outside.
- Skip anything you wouldn't want to carry through security screening; large bags, and anything metal-heavy, will slow you down at the gate.
- Comfortable, sturdy shoes over heels — you'll be on your feet more than you'd expect for what's technically a seated ceremony.
Related Guides
What to Expect on Graduation Day
The full walkthrough of PIR morning, minute by minute.
Packing List
What to bring, and why Illinois weather can surprise you.
Base Access & Tickets
What you'll need at security before you're seated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What uniform do Sailors wear at Navy boot camp graduation?
Graduating recruits wear their Service Dress uniform at Pass-in-Review — Service Dress Blue in cooler months or Service Dress White in warmer months, per the Navy's general seasonal uniform policy.
What should military guests wear to Navy graduation?
Active duty and retired military attendees are expected to wear service dress uniform or service equivalent, with ribbons and cover, per official RTC guidance.
What should civilian family wear to Navy boot camp graduation?
There's no official dress code, but most families dress in smart, formal-casual attire similar to a graduation or church service, with comfortable shoes for standing, walking, and security lines.
Do recruits wear dress blues for their graduation photos?
Yes — individual graduation portraits are typically taken in the Dress Blue uniform around week 4 of training, with the division photo taken the following week.