NSI Graduation Questions

S

shellkoz

Member
Joined
Mar 21, 2024
Messages
12
My son will attend NSI cycle 1 from 5-23 June. I would love if anyone could give any pointers on how to navigate getting to the base for graduation, etc.
 
Driving is really the only option. I believe there might be some bus/train option, but it is not easy. Make sure your DS has the document with him to NSI that provides the names and information the base security will need to complete the security checks of the guests going to graduation.

The day before or early morning day of graduation you can go by the NEX outside the base to get your tickets, driving info, and parking info for the graduation. Its just a few miles away. We got the info the afternoon before (also good chance to buy some Navy swag).

The Navy handles graduation for NSI and enlisted personnel several times a year. It is a pretty easy and simple process.
 
Early is not a bad idea. Helps to get a good seat too. When you get tickets, they will tell you what company your DS is in, and where the company will be standing in the building will be on the parade floor.

Now finding the soon to be Mid in a sea of identical soon to be Mid's is the trick.
 
Ihavenoidea said:
Driving is really the only option. I believe there might be some bus/train option, but it is not easy. Make sure your DS has the document with him to NSI that provides the names and information the base security will need to complete the security checks of the guests going to graduation.

The day before or early morning day of graduation you can go by the NEX outside the base to get your tickets, driving info, and parking info for the graduation. Its just a few miles away. We got the info the afternoon before (also good chance to buy some Navy swag).

The Navy handles graduation for NSI and enlisted personnel several times a year. It is a pretty easy and simple process.
Click to expand...
thank you! Will the NEX be open on Sunday? His graduation is Monday 23 June
 
Ihavenoidea said:
Early is not a bad idea. Helps to get a good seat too. When you get tickets, they will tell you what company your DS is in, and where the company will be standing in the building will be on the parade floor.

Now finding the soon to be Mid in a sea of identical soon to be Mid's is the trick.
Click to expand...
I knew this forum would have the best insight! :)
 
shellkoz said:
thank you! Will the NEX be open on Sunday? His graduation is Monday 23 June
Click to expand...
Yes. It is certain hours in the afternoon I believe. They have MI's (Midshipman Instructors) that are handing out the tickets. Check out this website under graduation, and I think they provide more info closer to NSI. Just make sure DS fills out the guest form and has it when he shows up for NSI.

 
shellkoz said:
My son will attend NSI cycle 1 from 5-23 June. I would love if anyone could give any pointers on how to navigate getting to the base for graduation, etc.
Click to expand...
DS is also headed to NSI 1! DH and I will be there for graduation so that'll be neat to be there with other SAF members! We are feeling all the emotions in this house because the dates are are not that far off right now.
 
FutureNavyNurseMom said:
My DD got her phone back the morning of graduation and was able to tell me exactly where to find her. Hopefully your kiddos can do the same!
Click to expand...
I am jealous. My DS told us.....not so correct information. We ended up trying to find our Mid in the wrong company. Even thought we "found" him half way through the ceremony in the wrong company. Afterwards, walking on the floor to find him we could not to save our lives. Its literally like Where's Waldo but everyone is dressed like Waldo. He finally found us after 5-10 minutes. It felt like 30 minutes though because you know the time is limited to talk with him. All part of the fun.
 
Blueskies29 said:
We are feeling all the emotions in this house because the dates are are not that far off right now.
Click to expand...
It is a interesting time. NSI trains parents as much as it trains the Mid Candidates. The build up to NSI is alittle stressful, but 0 contact with the 1st born for over 2 weeks for the first time was alittle harder than I expected. You know where they are and that they are OK, but not being able to even send a quick text takes some getting use to. You can check out DVIDS online to get photographs as soon as they are available to search for your candidate.

NSI actually helps both your Mid and you deal with going to college next fall. After the blackout communication and distance of NSI, college drop off and 1st semester was a breeze. You also get use to your Mid being gone for summer cruise later, so it does get easier as time goes by.
 
My son will be in NSI Session 1.
Any recommendations where to stay near location. Where is the location??
How many young adults graduate at this event?
All other insight also appreciated.
THANK YOU!:)
 
GoNavy29 said:
My son will be in NSI Session 1.
Any recommendations where to stay near location. Where is the location??
Click to expand...
Naval Station Great Lakes. Specifically Midway Ceremonial Drill Hall. Museum and parking right next to it.

GoNavy29 said:
How many young adults graduate at this event?
Click to expand...
Not sure of the exact number. My guess would be 300ish.
GoNavy29 said:
All other insight also appreciated.
THANK YOU!:)
Click to expand...
Bring some cash when you go. They sell a NSI challenge coin for about $20 that is nice (atleast it is if your Mid and future JO cares about them later in his career). They also offer a video of the event for sale that they mail to you. Since it is on YouTube, I don't see much use for that, but too each their own.
 
We stayed at a Marriott nearby who was used to housing parents for graduation. Not talking to my DD for 3 weeks killed me! I was a balling mess of emotions at graduation. I will say it made it easier to drop her off at college the next week because I thought at least I could FaceTime her!
 
We stayed at a Hampton Inn in Gurnee. Only about a 15 min drive to graduation. It had a resturant, pub, ice cream shop, and pizza place all within walking distance.
 
GoNavy29 said:
My son will be in NSI Session 1.
Any recommendations where to stay near location. Where is the location??
How many young adults graduate at this event?
All other insight also appreciated.
THANK YOU!:)
Click to expand...
Hilton Garden Inn in Lake Forest! Close to the base and added bonus of driving around Lake Forest gawking at the mansions is top rate!! My DD will be an instructor at Session 1!
 
MMM3 said:
Hilton Garden Inn in Lake Forest! Close to the base and added bonus of driving around Lake Forest gawking at the mansions is top rate!! My DD will be an instructor at Session 1!
Click to expand...

Thank you for that information!
So your DD completed NSI and is now Navy or Marines?
What is your DD’s name? Can I have my boy say “ALOHA” or is that not proper?
 
I think the number is around 500 (1500 for all three cycles).
GoNavy29 said:
Thank you for that information!
So your DD completed NSI and is now Navy or Marines?
What is your DD’s name? Can I have my boy say “ALOHA” or is that not proper?
Click to expand...
The cadre are pretty mission focused. If there is a personal connection (like attending the same school), the cadre may initiate some small talk towards the end of the cycle.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top