The U.S. Navy's Recruit Training Command (RTC) in Great Lakes, Illinois, known as “The Quarterdeck of the Navy,” is where every future Sailor begins their journey. This is a transformation from civilian to a disciplined, mission-ready service member.
RTC is a 10-week process (including initial processing) focused on establishing fundamental naval discipline, teamwork, and water survival skills.
Quick Overview of the 10-Week Journey
| Phase | Weeks | Focus & Key Events |
| Arrival & Indoctrination (P-Days) | 1 | Processing, haircuts, uniform issue, medical screenings. Sleep deprivation and establishing immediate discipline. |
| Foundational Skills | 2–4 | Seamanship, Navy knowledge, core values, basic drill, hands-on firefighting, and the first Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA). |
| Advanced Training | 5–7 | Weapons training, advanced damage control, intensive academic courses, and the Third-Class Swim Qualification. |
| Capstone & Graduation | 8–10 | Battle Stations 21 (the 12-hour final test), final PFA, and graduation preparations. Recruits earn the title "Sailor." |
Detailed Guide to Navy Recruit Training Command (RTC)
Core Training Focus
The 10-week crucible ensures every Sailor is proficient in life-saving and operational skills:
-
Discipline & Customs: Rank structure, chain of command, military courtesies, and unwavering attention to detail.
-
Physical Fitness: Meeting or exceeding the Navy's Physical Readiness Test (PFA) standards.
-
Water Survival: The mandatory Third-Class Swim Qualification.
-
Shipboard Safety: Firefighting with full gear and damage control procedures (patching leaks, controlling floods).
-
Naval Knowledge: Seamanship, navigation, watchstanding duties, and core Navy history.
-
Weapons Proficiency: Small arms familiarization and qualification with the service pistol.
Graduation Requirement: Navy Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA)
All recruits must meet the minimum PFA standards to graduate, which are adjusted by age and gender. Achieving competitive scores is highly recommended. The PFA consists of the 1.5-Mile Run, Push-Ups, and the Plank (Sit-Ups are no longer used).
| Event | Minimum Male Standard (17–24) | Minimum Female Standard (17–24) | Competitive Goal (Both) |
| 1.5-Mile Run | 12:15 or less | 14:45 or less | Sub-11:00 |
| Push-Ups (2 min) | 46 reps or more | 20 reps or more | 60+ |
| Plank Hold | 1:30 or longer | 1:30 or longer | 2:30+ |
| Swim Qual | Pass/Fail (Third-Class Qualification) | Pass/Fail (Third-Class Qualification) | Under 9:00 |
Graduation Requirement: Third-Class Swim Qualification
Every Sailor must pass a water survival assessment without any aids:
-
Deep Water Jump: Jumping off a 10-foot tower.
-
50-Yard Swim: Using any stroke.
-
5-Minute Prone Float: Floating with minimal effort.
-
Clothing Inflation: Treading water while correctly inflating trousers or a shirt for buoyancy.
Preparation for the Standard Recruit (Non-Special Warfare)
Focus: Discipline, cardio endurance, and water confidence (no fins required).
| Prep Area | Goal Before Shipping Out | Avoid/Ignore |
| Physical Prep | Comfortably run 2 miles, be able to perform 60+ push-ups, and hold a plank for 2:30. | Do NOT worry about ruck marches or long-distance fin swimming. Focus on bodyweight PT. |
| Water Prep | Be able to swim 100 yards continuously and float for 10 minutes without panic. | Do NOT buy or use fins; they are not used in basic training and can cause injury if used improperly. |
| Mental Prep | Arrive having memorized the 11 General Orders, the Navy core values, and the enlisted/officer rank structure. | Do NOT buy unnecessary gear. You will be issued everything required. |
8-Week Pre-Boot Camp Conditioning Plan
This plan is for standard recruits.
| Day | Focus | Example |
| Mon | Run + Calisthenics | 3–4 mi easy, plus 5 sets of (20 push-ups + 30 crunches) |
| Tue | Swim Training | 10 x 50m sprints + 10 min tread water |
| Wed | Strength + Core | Squats, step-ups, lunges, planks (3 sets of 1:30) |
| Thu | Long Distance Run | 4–6 miles at a comfortable, consistent pace |
| Fri | Swim Technique | 500–1000m total distance using various strokes |
| Sat | Mobility + Hike | Light hike, ankle & hip mobility drills |
| Sun | Rest | Full rest, hydrate, prep meals |
Differentiating Special Warfare Preparation
Preparation for Naval Special Warfare (NSW)—SEAL, SWCC, EOD, or Diver—is fundamentally different and far more intense than preparation for boot camp.
| Event | Standard Recruit Prep (RTC) | NSW Candidate Prep (Post-RTC) |
| Boot Camp Role | The final PFA is the minimum requirement to graduate. | Boot camp is the minimum hurdle; the focus is on mastering the PST for pipeline entry. |
| Ruck Marches | NOT REQUIRED (Only a single "sea bag drag" is done). | REQUIRED. Candidates must train with 35+ lb packs for long distances. |
| Swim | 50-yard qualification, no aids. | 500-yard Combat Side Stroke (CSS) timed swim without fins (PST). Long-distance swims with fins are required for pipeline success. |
| Training Gear | Standard running shoes and gym clothes. | Specialized gear (e.g., proper dive fins, mask, snorkel, and heavy packs) is necessary to train for selection schools. |
Mindset & Mental Prep
-
Discipline over emotion: Every reaction is being evaluated. Stay composed under stress.
-
Attention to detail: Small mistakes (unshined boots, uneven folds) are major lessons.
-
Team mindset: Division success matters more than personal achievement.
-
Adaptability: Weather, schedules, and commands change daily; flexibility equals success.
Navy Boot Camp is where discipline and composure become your best weapons. It’s not about brute strength, it’s about learning to stay calm, efficient, and squared away when everything feels overwhelming.
If you arrive trained, hydrated, and familiar with your own limits, you’ll adapt faster, avoid injuries, and set the foundation for a strong Navy career or Special Warfare pipeline.
Train before you ship. Respect the process. Earn your place.
