Pass-in-Review — PIR — is the moment you've been counting down to: the ceremony where your recruit officially becomes a United States Sailor. It's the first time you'll see them since they shipped. This is your complete guide to graduation day: what PIR is, how it flows, and what to expect.
What Is Pass-in-Review?
Pass-in-Review is the U.S. Navy's boot camp graduation ceremony, a tradition that dates back generations. The graduating divisions march into the Midway Ceremonial Drill Hall at Naval Station Great Lakes, present the colors, and are formally recognized as Sailors in front of family and friends. It's short, formal, and emotional — bring tissues.
The Day Before: What to Know
Depending on the week, your Sailor may have limited contact or a brief window before graduation, but recruits generally remain with their division until PIR. Use the day before to get the lay of the land: drive your route to the base, make sure everyone in your group has already picked up their graduation ticket and confirmed base access, and get a good night's sleep before an early start.
Graduation Morning
Arrive early. Between base security, parking, and getting seated inside the drill hall, the morning moves fast — and doors close before the ceremony begins. Every guest 18 and older needs a government photo ID, and everyone attending must have picked up their physical ticket in advance — see base access & the guest ticket process. Once inside, you'll watch the divisions march on for Pass-in-Review.
Meeting Your Sailor
After PIR concludes, Sailors are released to their families. This is the reunion — hugs, photos, and hearing about the last several weeks. What happens next depends on the liberty your Sailor's group is granted; see liberty after graduation for details on going off base and curfews.
Plan the Rest of Your Trip
PIR Schedule & Times
Ceremony timing and how to confirm your date.
Base Access & Guest List
The Guest Ticketing App, ticket pickup, and ID rules.
Liberty After Graduation
Going off base with your Sailor, and curfews.
What to Bring
ID, weather, and comfort items for the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Pass-in-Review mean?
Pass-in-Review (PIR) is the Navy's boot camp graduation ceremony. The graduating divisions march in, present the colors, and are formally recognized as Sailors in front of family and friends at RTC Great Lakes.
What happens on Navy graduation day?
You arrive early, clear base access and security, and are seated inside the drill hall for the Pass-in-Review ceremony. Afterward, Sailors are released to their families for photos and, depending on the group, liberty time together.
Can I see my Sailor before Pass-in-Review?
Generally recruits stay with their division until PIR, though some weeks include limited contact beforehand. Confirm with your Sailor. The main reunion happens right after the ceremony.
Do I need tickets for Navy graduation?
Yes. Your Sailor selects your name in RTC's Guest Ticketing App, then every guest must personally pick up a free physical ticket at the off-base Recruit Family Welcome Center during graduation week. See our base access guide for the full process.