Families anticipate the proud moment of attending or viewing their recruit’s Navy boot camp graduation ceremony marking the completion of training and entry into the fleet.
Graduations are held weekly on Thursdays at 9:00 AM CST at Recruit Training Command RTC Great Lakes Illinois in the Pass-In-Review format.
The ceremony features division marches reviewing officer remarks and official recognition as recruits become Sailors after eight weeks of rigorous preparation.
Family Day usually takes place the day before with limited liberty time for recruits to connect with guests before returning to barracks overnight.
In-person attendance requires tickets security screening and guest limits typically four per recruit age three and over though it varies by division count.
All ceremonies livestream on the official RTC Facebook and YouTube channels starting around 9:00 AM CST for remote family viewing.
Dates divisions and guest policies update in real time on bootcamp.navy.mil with schedules released progressively throughout the year.
This guide shares the current 2026 schedule attendance essentials and planning advice to celebrate this milestone.
Navy Boot Camp Graduation Dates 2026
The ceremonies where the Navy boot camp graduation takes place are at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes in Illinois.
The dates of graduation that have been currently released for Recruit Training Command Great Lakes include:
| Graduation Date | Training Group | Division |
|---|---|---|
| 5-Feb-26 | TG-9 | 072, 073, 074, 075, 076, 077, 078, 079, 080, 081, 082, 909 |
| 12-Feb-26 | TG-10 | 083, 084, 085, 086, 087, 088, 089, 910, 911 |
| 19-Feb-26 | TG-11 | 090, 091, 092, 093, 094, 095, 096, 097, 098, 099, 912, 913 |
| 12-Mar-26 | TG-14 | 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 914 |
| 19-Mar-26 | TG-15 | 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 915 |
| 26-Mar-26 | TG-16 | 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 916 |
| 2-Apr-26 | TG-17 | 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 917 |
| 9-Apr-26 | TG-18 | 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 918 |
| 16-Apr-26 | TG-19 | 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 919 |
What People Get Wrong About Navy Boot Camp Graduation Dates
Many expect graduation to occur on set monthly dates rather than weekly Thursday ceremonies aligned with training group completion cycles.
In reality ceremonies are scheduled almost every Thursday at 9:00 AM CST with official dates divisions and guest numbers posted on bootcamp.navy.mil as they become available.
People often assume open public access without limits overlooking current restrictions of three or four guests age three and over per recruit depending on the number of graduating divisions.
Another misconception is that Family Day permits full overnight liberty when it generally offers only a few hours of restricted time with family.
Families sometimes anticipate extended multi-day celebrations not realizing the standard ceremony lasts about two hours focused on marching and recognition.
Others think livestreams may be unreliable or unavailable ignoring consistent high-quality streams on RTC’s official Facebook and YouTube every Thursday.
Some rely on unofficial sources for schedules not knowing bootcamp.navy.mil provides the authoritative real-time information on dates divisions and policies.
People frequently believe recruits remain at RTC longer after graduation when most depart immediately or the next day for A-school based on their next assignment.
Another common error is assuming past policies still apply overlooking updates such as REAL ID requirements for base entry stricter screening and occasional holiday adjustments.
Clearing these points allows families to plan effectively secure access attend in person or via livestream and fully support their new Sailor during this important transition in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Now that we know when your sailor is graduating, there are many more questions that you likely need answered.
We have found and answered the most frequently asked questions so you know what to expect from your sailor’s graduation day.
Where is Navy Boot Camp Graduation?
The graduation ceremony for Navy boot camp is at Great Lakes Navy Recruit Training Command. This base is located in Illinois and is about 45 minutes outside of Chicago.
Families planning to attend graduation ceremonies will need to fill out the security access form provided by their recruit. Note that only three or four guests age 3 and over may attend. Your recruit will tell you how many invitations they have to offer.
Families and friends have the option to fly into O’Hare International Airport, where they will be around 30 minutes from the base.
No matter how you plan on getting to the base, you will want to account for the heavy traffic of Chicago as well as the heavier-than-normal traffic that will come from the graduation day.
Related Article – Navy Sailors Creed
How do I get onto the base at Great Lakes?
The address for the graduation ceremony is as follows:
11025 W Downey Rd, North Chicago, IL 60064
Make sure you fill out the Security Access form and return it to your recruit. They will provide this information so you can pick up tickets for the ceremony.
Before the ceremony, you’ll need to pick up your tickets off base. Make sure you have a valid photo ID. Minors and non-drivers will also need identification. Minors can use a Studen ID, driver’s permit, SSN card, or birth certificate.
You’ll pick up your tickets at the Navy Exchange (NEX) Burkey Mall, 2650 Green Bay Road, North Chicago, IL 60088.
You will need to enter through the RTC Visitor Center and go through a security screening to attend graduation. You can enter with a small bag (purse, camera bag, or diaper bag). However, do not bring large bags or backpacks. You also shouldn’t bring any posters or signs, and those carrying weapons and drugs are subject to arrest.
It is a good idea to make sure you plan your trip ahead of time so you know where you need to go and how to get there.
It is more than likely that there will be heavier traffic due to the large number of family members also trying to get to the base.
Give yourself ample time to get there as traffic conditions may change and the ceremonies begin promptly on time.
Navy Boot Camp Graduation Dress Code?
There is no strict dress code in place for graduation ceremonies at the Navy base.
Despite this, your sailor will be wearing their dress uniform as that is the standard attire for events such as graduation.
It is nice to wear something that shows respect for the hard work and dedication that your sailor put into completing their rigorous training.
Many friends and families have a tradition of getting custom shirts with the name of their sailor on them.
How many can attend Navy boot camp graduation?
The number depends on how many divisions are graduating on that day. If the number is under 11 graduation divisions, your recruit can invite 4 guests age 3 and over. When 11 or more divisions are graduation, there is only room for 3 guests.
Where can I watch a live stream of the graduation?
Depending on your region, you should be able to access the live stream of your sailor’s graduation with a link that is provided by the base.
Check in with your sailor before the graduation date to see what options will be in place for live-streaming the event from home. Current options are on Facebook or YouTube.
Related Article – Marine Boot Camp Graduation Info
Conclusion
The graduation ceremony for a new Navy recruit is going to be one of the most exciting times for the whole family throughout their service.
The accomplishment is something that will be cherished for years.
Make sure you are taking the time to enjoy your sailor’s achievements and wish them the best going forward.
References
https://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/
https://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/what_to_expect.html
Jacqueline served 5 years as a hospital corpsman in the US Navy, with tours in San Diego, California and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. She currently resides in Syracuse, NY, and is studying to become a physicians assistant.
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The dates posted are for 2021.
Sorry about that, Susan. Just updated the tables, thanks for the heads up.
Rob V.
OMK Founder