USAREC Chicago Battalion is headquartered in Great Lakes, Illinois which is considered part of “Chicagoland” or the greater Chicago area. The Chicago Battalion is the recruiting headquarters for this region and falls under the 3d Recruiting Brigade located at Fort Knox, Kentucky. This Army operation covers a recruiting area that stretches all the way to Indiana.
Find information about USAREC Chicago Battalion, Illinois including the main commercial and DSN numbers for the base, information on basic services, base transportation, lodging for TDY and PCSing personnel, and inprocessing.
USAREC Chicago Battalion Mission And Units
The USAREC Chicago Battalion has, since 1966, recruited both officers and enlisted members for Active Duty, Guard, and the Army Reserve. Those who work for the Battalion may be assigned to physically serve far away from the main HQ–many decisions and options open to you during your tour of duty here will depend on the place where you report for duty.
Units and duty locations include:
- Homewood Company
- Chicago Company
- Glenview Company
- Libertyville Company
- South Bend Company
- Downers Grove Company
USAREC Chicago Battalion Contacts
Main Address
3202 Mississippi St #3215,
North Chicago, IL 60088
1-800-790-0963
Important Contact Phone Numbers
- Homewood Company 708-748-5315
- Chicago Company 773-267-6081
- Glenview Company 847-298-5359
- Libertyville Company 847-680-3605
- South Bend Company 574-232-6250
- Downers Grove Company 630-852-0981
Surrounding Area
Great Lakes is roughly an hour from Chicago and an hour away from Milwaukee. Chicago features many major league sports teams: the Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox, the Chicago Bears. Further away, but still worth the trip–the Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks and Milwaukee Admirals.
Attractions including the Chicago House Of Blues, the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry, and the Chicago Art Institute. The Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower) is the 12th largest building in the world and fans of theater, dance, and the arts will want to take in the Chicago Art Institute, the Lyric Opera, and the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Chicago is also famous for live music venues such as the Metro and free concerts each summer downtown. There’s a thriving urban barbecue scene. A big draw each year is the Taste of Chicago outdoor festival held each year. The downtown Chicago area has been the location for many famous film productions–Transformers, Batman, and television productions like Chicago Fire all have been shot on location there.
Check-In And Inprocessing
All inbound troops headed to the Battalion are directed to check with their sponsor for the current check-in and inprocessing requirements. You should hand-carry the following documents to your check-in/inprocessing unless otherwise directed:
- PCS orders and any amendments to these orders
- Original DA 31 (leave form)
- PCS Award
- Most Current NCOER
- Marriage License / Divorce Decree
- Birth Certificate (Spouse and Children)
- Hotel Receipts
- MOS Orders (awarded upon completion of ARC)
- Recruiter Badge Orders
- Last Good Conduct Medal Orders
- PT Card (most current)
- Weapons Qualification Card
- Promotion Board Proceedings (E-5(P) only)
- FLPB Order
- DA330 (if applicable)
Child Care
Inbound troops PCSing to the Chicago Battalion are directed to visit MilitaryChildCare.com for information on obtaining childcare in the Great Lakes area. Your options will depend greatly on where you are assigned within the state.
Household Goods
Inbound soldiers PCSing to the Battalion are directed to use the Defense Personal Property System at Move.mil to manage household goods shipments.
Medical Care
If you are PCSing to the Chicago Battalion, contact your TRICARE rep as soon as possible to discuss coverage options, and all inbound soldiers are also directed to contact Soldier & Family Assistance Program Manager 224-538-3513 for further assistance if needed.
Military bases in the area may provide some out-patient options depending on where you are assigned, but expect to use TRICARE, especially for those physically serving in areas farther away from the headquarters in Great Lakes.
ID Card Replacement, Renewal For Retirees, Dependents
If you need ID card services after arriving at Great Lakes and inprocessing through the Chicago Battalion, use the RAPIDS Appointment Scheduler official site to find the nearest facility depending on where in the recruiting region you are assigned. Not all inbound troops headed to the area will be assigned at the headquarters so you’ll need to learn your duty location in order to make an appointment at the nearest facility.
Schools
Your school choices will depend greatly on where you will live and work within the recruiting region. Children of permanent party military members serving near Naval Station Great Lakes will send their children to a local school district there based on address.
North Chicago Community Unit School District 187 offers pre-kindergarten through high school classes. Keep in mind that you may be assigned to any one of the following recruiting zones;
- Homewood
- Glenview
- Libertyville
- South Bend
- Downers Grove
Housing
All housing issues will depend on where you physically perform duty (see above) and while the Chicago Battalion does not have a housing office, you may be able to get assistance from the Great Lakes Navy Housing Referral Office. Call them at 847-887-9675 as soon as you know you have permanent change of station orders.
PCS and TDY Lodging
There are no temporary lodging facilities at USAREC Chicago Battalion, but nearby Naval Station Great Lakes may be able to accommodate those traveling on orders. Check the availability of on-base temporary lodging facilities there by calling 425-304-4860 or DSN 312-727-4860. Pets are not allowed.
Vehicle Registration Requirements
When entering any military installation in the Chicago area including Great Lakes and the grounds of the Chicago Battalion, a valid driver’s license is required to operate a privately owned vehicle, plus current insurance (see below), valid military ID. If the vehicle is registered to someone else, the driver must carry a letter of permission is required to show the military member is authorized to operate that vehicle.