Graduation day isn't the finish line — it's a hand-off. What happens immediately after Pass-in-Review depends almost entirely on where your Sailor is headed next. Here's what to actually expect once the ceremony ends.
Right After the Ceremony
Once Pass-in-Review concludes, Sailors are released to their families for the reunion — photos, hugs, and finally hearing about the last nine weeks in person. During Week 9 they'll also have picked up their official orders and graduation ticket/photo packages, so by the time you see them, they already know where they're headed next.
Liberty: Time Off Base With Family
Most graduating Sailors get liberty — time off base with family — the day after graduation, typically from 0800 to 2100. Rules apply: no alcohol regardless of age, no tobacco or drugs, no tattoo or piercing parlors, and Sailors must stay in the uniform of the day. See our full liberty after graduation guide for the details.
Where They Go Next: "A" School
Nearly every Sailor heads to "A" School next — the Navy's job-specific technical training for their chosen rating (job). Some "A" Schools are right there at Great Lakes, in which case your Sailor may transfer almost immediately after graduation. Most "A" Schools are elsewhere in the country, in which case your Sailor typically departs the day after graduation, flying out to their next base.
Important: the Navy transports Sailors to their next command — they cannot travel there in your vehicle, and they can't use travel tickets you purchase for them. You can usually see them off at the airport the morning they depart, but the actual travel is handled by the Navy.
What You Can (and Can't) Give Them
At the airport send-off, you can hand your Sailor small items for "A" School — a laptop, a few civilian clothing items, that kind of thing. Keep in mind they're already carrying a seabag, garment bag, and backpack, so don't overload them.
If There's No Immediate "A" School Slot
Occasionally a Sailor's "A" School class doesn't start right away, in which case they may remain at Great Lakes or another location temporarily. This is unpredictable and depends entirely on their rating and class scheduling — ask your Sailor directly rather than assuming a standard timeline.
Staying in Touch After Boot Camp
Once your Sailor reaches "A" School, communication opens up considerably compared to boot camp — phone and personal device access is generally allowed, though it varies by school and command. This is usually a welcome change after nine weeks of scheduled phone calls only.
Related Guides
Liberty After Graduation
Curfews, rules, and what's allowed off base.
What to Expect on Graduation Day
The full walkthrough of PIR morning.
Gifts for Your Sailor
What's actually useful heading into A-school.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens right after Navy boot camp graduation?
Sailors are released to their families for the reunion after Pass-in-Review. They've already picked up their orders and photo packages during graduation week, so they typically know their next assignment by the time you see them.
Do Sailors get time off after boot camp graduation?
Most get liberty (time off base with family) the day after graduation, usually 0800 to 2100, with rules like no alcohol and no tobacco. See our liberty after graduation guide for the full policy.
Where do Sailors go after Navy boot camp?
Almost all graduates head to "A" School, the Navy's job-specific technical training. Some A-Schools are at Great Lakes; most require travel to another base, which the Navy arranges and transports them to directly.
Can I drive my Sailor to their next duty station?
No. The Navy is required to transport Sailors to their next command — they cannot travel there in a family vehicle or on tickets purchased by family. You may be able to see them off at the airport on departure day.