RTIL2018 GRADUATION INFORMATION & LOGISTICS
NOTE: THIS INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE, BE FLEXIBLE TEAM FAMILY!!
I realize this is a long list of rules but it is extremely important to read and follow directions to prevent issues.
**The word of the day is PATIENCE. Lines will be very long.
** Graduation will be held at the USS Midway Ceremonial Drill Hall Sunday, 01JUL18, at 1000 (Address for GPS purposes is 3550 Illinois St., Great Lakes – this is not the exact address). DO NOT ARRIVE AT THE GATE BEFORE 0800. I can’t say this enough. This will just make security very angry and they will not invite us back next year. If you are early, go and park yourself at a nearby location (go to the bathroom, grab a couple of bottles of water).
** As you approach the base, stay in the RIGHT LANE. DO NOT block the left lane. It must remain open for regular traffic. If you see vehicles “cutting the line”, please give people the benefit of the doubt. This is an active base and personnel need to get to work.
** When you arrive at the gate for Recruit Training Command, make sure you have your ID’s ready. ID’s are required for all age 16 and up. (Driver’s License, School ID, State ID) Do not bring birth certificates or social security cards for anyone, leave them at home.
** RTC is a Federal property. Possession of weapons is prohibited under Federal Law. Violators will be apprehended and weapons will be confiscated. If you bring weapons aboard, you will not only face federal charges you will ensure that the Sea Cadets will never be allowed on the base again.
** All vehicles entering the base are subject to inspection by Naval Security Force Personnel and/or Military Working Dogs.
** After you have been cleared to proceed, you will be directed to the parking area. Wheelchairs are provided for those guests requiring assistance to and from the parking lot and the ceremony. Large RV’s are not permitted to park on the base. Handicapped parking is also available.
** ITEMS PERMITTED INTO GRADUATION CEREMONY: Small bag/personal item (purse, small diaper bag, small camera bag).
** ITEMS NOT PERMIITED INTO GRADUATION CEREMONY: Large bags, backpacks, luggage, coolers, signs/banners/posters, gift bags.
** DO NOT TAKE PICTURES WHILE YOU ARE OUTSIDE ON THE BASE! Pictures and video will only be allowed inside the drill hall.
** Before you enter the drill hall, you will be asked to sign for your cadet as well as any others you are taking off the base with you. Graduation can’t start until all cadets are signed for, so do not forget this important task.
** Dress in layers, even if it will be 90 degrees outside. It can be extremely chilly in the drill hall! Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
** This is a covered ceremony. Guests in uniform will remain covered the entire time you are inside the drill hall.
** Limited handicapped seating is available. ONE caregiver may sit with their loved one in the handicapped section.
** After the graduation ceremony, you must find your cadet and leave the drill hall immediately. As we say every year, “We don’t care you go, but you can’t stay here.”
** We don’t care what your cadet says, you CANNOT go any further onto base than beyond the drill hall, no matter who you are.
