Naval Station Great Lakes is home to the Navy's only Recruit Training Command (RTC). New recruits are automatically enrolled in SGLI at the maximum $500,000. The first 90 days of training are when most insurance decisions are made - and often neglected. Don't wait.
Naval Station Great Lakes
Illinois
Tort (fault-based)
New recruits (E1-E3)
SGLI for New Navy Recruits
Every recruit entering the Navy is automatically enrolled in SGLI at the maximum $500,000 unless they opt for less during processing. Key actions within the first 30 days:
- Verify SGLI enrollment amount in the SGLI Online Enrollment System (SOES)
- Designate a beneficiary - this is often left blank and defaults to parents or estate
- If you have a spouse or dependents, enroll them in FSGLI immediately
- Your $31/month SGLI premium is deducted from your base pay automatically
TRICARE for Recruits
All recruits are enrolled in TRICARE Prime starting day one at RTC. Medical care at Great Lakes is provided at Naval Health Clinic Great Lakes. After graduation and transfer to A-school, TRICARE follows you to your new installation.
Illinois Auto Insurance Requirements
Most recruits at Great Lakes don't have cars during training, but after graduation many bring vehicles:
- Illinois minimums: $25,000/$50,000/$20,000 (BI/BI/PD)
- Uninsured motorist: Required in Illinois
- Illinois is a tort (fault-based) state
- If PCSing away from Great Lakes, update your insurance address immediately
BAH Rates for Naval Station Great Lakes (2025)
| Rank | Without Dependents | With Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E-4 | $1,398 | $1,689 |
| E-5 | $1,515 | $1,821 |
| E-7 | $1,764 | $2,043 |
| O-3 | $2,088 | $2,430 |
BAH is typically not received during basic training (recruits receive BAS and other allowances instead). BAH begins at your first permanent duty station post-A-school.
First-Timer Insurance Guide
If this is your first time in the military, here's the priority order for insurance decisions:
SGLI Beneficiary
Designate who receives your $500k payout. Don't leave it blank.
FSGLI (if married)
Enroll your spouse for up to $100,000 coverage at $5-$15/month.
TRICARE Confirmation
Verify enrollment is active for yourself and any dependents.
Auto Insurance
Get military auto insurance before driving on base or off.