NS GREAT LAKES
NAVY
North Chicago, IL
United States
NS GREAT LAKES
NAVY
North Chicago, IL
United States
NS Great Lakes
Base Essentials
Naval Station Great Lakes is located on the shore of Lake Michigan in northeastern Illinois. It’s the home of the Navy boot camp, so if you’ve just joined up, this is where you’ll be starting out. It’s a massive installation, stretching out over 1,600 acres of land and hosting over 20,000 sailors and other military and civilian personnel. They live and work in one of the base’s 1,153 buildings, 39 buildings of which are registered on the National Register of Historic Places. Theodore Roosevelt signed off on Naval Station Great Lakes and construction began in 1904. Legendary composer John Phill...
Base Details
Type
Naval Station
Branch
NAVY
Command
CNIC
Status
Active
Est.
1911
Acres
1,600
Active Duty
8,000
Civilian
4,000
Population
9,500,000
Economic Impact
$1.5 billion
NS Great Lakes History
Naval Station Great Lakes in North Chicago, Illinois, was established in 1911 and is the Navy's only boot camp — every enlisted sailor begins their career there. The station processes approximately 40,000 recruits per year through basic training. It also hosts numerous "A" schools for initial technical training in various ratings. Great Lakes has shaped generations of sailors and remains the gateway to naval service for all enlisted personnel.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
Recruit Training Command (Navy Boot Camp)
—
—
Naval Service Training Command
—
—
Historic Timeline
1911
Naval Training Station Great Lakes Established
1942
Largest Naval Training Center in the World
1944
Freshwater Carrier Pilot Training on Lake Michigan
1994
Navy's Sole Enlisted Recruit Training Command
—
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(4)
1911
Naval Training Station Great Lakes Established
The Naval Training Station Great Lakes was established on the western shore of Lake Michigan north of Chicago in 1911, providing the Navy with its first dedicated boot camp facility. Congress selected the Midwest location to make naval service accessible to Americans far from the coasts.
1942
Largest Naval Training Center in the World
During World War II, Naval Training Station Great Lakes grew into the largest naval training center in the world, training an estimated one million sailors — approximately one-third of all Navy enlisted personnel who served in the war. The wartime campus covered over 1,600 acres with hundreds of barracks buildings.
1944
Freshwater Carrier Pilot Training on Lake Michigan
USS Wolverine (IX-64) and USS Sable (IX-81) — converted side-wheel paddle steamers — operated on Lake Michigan, providing carrier landing qualification training for thousands of naval aviators safely in freshwater, far from German U-boat threats menacing the Atlantic Ocean.
1994
Navy's Sole Enlisted Recruit Training Command
Naval Training Center Great Lakes was designated the Navy's sole enlisted Recruit Training Command, consolidating boot camp training that had been conducted at multiple facilities across the country. All Navy enlisted recruits now receive their initial military training at Great Lakes.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for NS Great Lakes.
NS Great Lakes Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for NS Great Lakes.
Gate hours can change suddenly during special exercises, holidays, and operational periods. We always recommend confirming details before you travel.
Latest News
Recent articles and updates from NS Great Lakes.
Information
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Naval Station Great Lakes: In-Depth Welcome Center
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17 of the Best Things To Do Near Naval Station Great Lakes
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PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to NS Great Lakes.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC)
Phone
(847) 688-3603Hours
Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
In-Processing
During duty hours (Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM), new arrivals report to the Administrative Department CPPA in Building 1, Quarterdeck, to get their orders endorsed. After receiving a check-in sheet, service members proceed to the Bachelor Enlisted Quarters (Building 380) for room assignment if applicable. For after-hours arrivals, the Command Duty Office can be reached at (847) 340-0495 or the Assistant Command Duty Officer at (847) 505-8760. Hand-carry copies of your orders, leave forms, travel receipts, military ID, driver's license, and auto insurance information. Families with children should also bring birth certificates, immunization records, and Social Security cards.
Most new arrivals complete in-processing within two to three business days. Key stops include Personnel Support Detachment (PSD) for pay and personnel record updates, Finance, Housing (Hunt Military Communities for on-base or FFSC for off-base referrals), and Medical/Dental screening. Service members must also update their Page 2 in NSIPS via CPPA and enroll in DEERS at the RAPIDS ID Office in Building 6130 ((847) 688-3928). Commands with specific check-in requirements include Surface Combat Systems Training Command (SCSTC) in Building 621 at (847) 688-2069.
The FFSC in Building 26 maintains relocation resource centers at three locations across the installation (Building 26, Building 236, and Building 621), each equipped with computers and staff to assist with Defense Personal Property System (DPS) registration, housing and school searches, PCS budgeting, and welcome packet printing. The FFSC offers one-on-one relocation counseling, military lease clause reviews, tenant rights education, and spouse employment assistance. Spouse Orientation is offered on a one-on-one basis through the FFSC. Contact (847) 688-3603 or toll-free (888) 231-0714 for appointments.
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Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
Trusted Base Intel. Since 1966.
Join 200,000+ personnel for base news, PCS tips, exclusive discounts, and critical benefits info.
Always free. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Housing & BAH
On-post housing, cost of living, and BAH info for NS Great Lakes.
On-post housing at Naval Station Great Lakes is managed by Balfour Beatty Communities, which operates family neighborhoods on the installation along the western shore of Lake Michigan in North Chicago, Illinois, with 2- to 4-bedroom homes and access to community centers, playgrounds, and the scenic lakefront. Balfour Beatty provides 24/7 maintenance services and an…
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Cost of Living Around NS Great Lakes
105
5% Above National Average
Housing
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near NS Great Lakes.
School Liaison Officer
School Liaison Office
1
Elementary Schools
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2
Middle Schools
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2
High Schools
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4
Colleges & Universities
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Education Resources
Notes, tuition & more
Education Benefits
Check Your GI Bill Eligibility
Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and more.
Where To Live
Gurnee
Suburban
Gurnee is the most popular community for NS Great Lakes families who want good schools and a genuine suburban quality of life. It sits in Lake County just north of the base with excellent commercial infrastructure, top-rated schools, and access to the Six Flags Great America theme park. It's more expensive than communities closer to the base, but BAH in the Chicago metro is substantial and makes it achievable.
Commute: 15–20 min
Gate: Main Gate (Sheridan Road)
Schools: Warren Township High School District / Woodland CCSD
Families with kids
Dual military
Retirees
Gurnee Mills outlet mall is one of the largest in the Midwest. Six Flags Great America is right in town. Lake County forest preserves offer excellent outdoor recreation. Chicago is 45 min south for world-class urban amenities.
Libertyville
Suburban
Libertyville is an upscale Lake County suburb about 20 minutes west of NS Great Lakes with one of the most attractive small-city downtown areas in suburban Chicago. It has outstanding schools, a vibrant town center with boutiques and restaurants, and some of the best quality-of-life metrics in Illinois. Popular with O-5+ and senior enlisted families who want a premium posting experience.
Commute: 20–30 min
Gate: Main Gate (Sheridan Road)
Schools: Libertyville School District 70 / LTHS 128
Families with kids
Retirees
Dual military
Libertyville's downtown is consistently cited as one of the best in Chicago's suburbs. Des Plaines River Trail for cycling, running, and nature. Ravinia Festival is nearby for summer music. Lake County has exceptional park and recreation infrastructure.
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at NS Great Lakes.
State Income Tax
Has state income tax
Military Pay
Fully exempt
Retirement Pay
Fully exempt
Vehicle Tax Exempt
No
Military Pay Details
Illinois has a flat 4.95% individual income tax rate. All active duty military pay is fully exempt from Illinois income…
Spouse Income Tax
Nonresident military spouses accompanying a service member stationed in Illinois may elect the same domicile as the serv…
Vehicle Registration
Illinois military members on active duty outside Illinois may drive with expired licenses for up to 120 days after retur…
Property Tax
Returning veterans receive a one-year $5,000 reduction in assessed value on their primary residence. Disabled veteran ho…
Pet Policies at NS Great Lakes
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at NS Great Lakes.
Emergency Vet
Coming soon
On-Base Vet Clinic
Great Lakes Veterinary Treatment Facility
Phone
(224) 610-8552Hours
Mon–Fri (check Facebook @greatlakesvtf for current hours)
Restricted Breeds
7
Prohibited Animals
11
Dog Parks
—
Boarding & Kennels
—
Pet Guidance
2
Max Pets
Leash Laws
Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at NS Great Lakes.
Commissary
1
NS Great Lakes Commissary
Click2Go Available
Exchange
NEX
Medical
1
Naval Health Clinic Great Lakes — Clinic
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
MWR & Recreation
2
Fitness Center
Outdoor Rec
Employment & Education
3
Education Center
Spouse Employment
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about NS Great Lakes.
01
What are the visitor gate hours?
Gate 1 (Main Gate) is the main visitor access gate and is open 24 hours a day. Other gates are restricted to military and DoD ID holders — see the Gates section for full schedules.
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02
Is there a commissary on base?
Yes, NS Great Lakes Commissary is on-base and open to all authorized DoD ID card holders. Call (847) 688-2644 for current hours.
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03
Is there a NEX on base?
Yes, NS Great Lakes has a NEX (Navy Exchange) offering tax-free shopping for authorized ID card holders.
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04
What is the base hospital or clinic?
Naval Health Clinic Great Lakes is the primary military treatment clinic serving NS Great Lakes. Call (847) 688-4560 for appointments or the nurse advice line.
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05
Is there a childcare center on base?
Yes, NS Great Lakes has a Child Development Center (CDC) offering full-day and part-day programs. Waitlists fill quickly — register at MilitaryChildCare.com as soon as orders are received.
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06
Is there temporary lodging on base?
Yes, NS Great Lakes has on-post temporary lodging available for incoming PCS personnel and TDY visitors. Reserve early — spaces fill fast during peak PCS season (May through August).
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07
What school district serves the base?
North Chicago Community Unit School District 187 (rated C-) serves most military families at NS Great Lakes. Visit https://www.ncusd187.org for enrollment info and the school finder tool.
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08
Are there pet breed restrictions on base?
Yes, on-base housing at NS Great Lakes restricts certain breeds including Pit Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, Chow Chow, Doberman Pinscher, and others. Contact the housing office or review your lease addendum for the full restricted breeds list.
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09
Is there a gym on base?
Yes, NS Great Lakes has a fitness center available free of charge to active-duty, Reserve, and retired members and their eligible family members. Contact MWR for current hours and locations.
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10
How is military pay taxed in Illinois?
Fully exempt. See the Finance section of this page for a full breakdown of Illinois's tax rules for military members.
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11
How do visitor passes work?
Visitors must be sponsored by someone with base access and should contact the installation's Visitor Control Center in advance with their government-issued ID and vehicle info. Day passes are issued at the gate; extended access may require additional coordination.
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12
What is BAH and how is it calculated?
BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) is a monthly stipend based on your pay grade, dependency status, and the duty station ZIP code — it is not counted as taxable income. Rates are updated each January; use the BAH Calculator in the Finance section to see current figures for NS Great Lakes.
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13
What should I do first after receiving PCS orders?
Contact the gaining installation's housing office and military transportation office (TMO/PPSO) immediately after orders are issued. Apply for on-base housing right away — waitlists at many installations run 6–18 months.
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14
Does TRICARE cover local providers?
TRICARE covers both the on-base military treatment facility and authorized civilian providers in the surrounding community. Use the provider finder at tricare.mil to confirm in-network options near NS Great Lakes.
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Data & Methodology
How we source this −
Information is compiled from DoD publications, official installation websites, and reviewed by military personnel. Independent publication — not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Defense.