Navy Boot Camp Overview

This video was put together to inform friends and family members of the RTC recruit experience from the moment a recruit arrives until they become a Sailor. More than 40,000 recruits train annually at the Navy's only boot camp.

(U.S. Navy video by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Spencer Fling)

[RangerRay]

I was the 2nd graduating class to go through the 10 week basic training course at RTC. I can assure that everyone has the ability to pass with flying colors. As long as you have the drive and motivation, you have nothing to worry about. Don’t let feelings and emotions cloud your judgement. Basic training is all about mental toughness, how u can perform under pressure. You’re gonna take hits no matter what, it’s up to you whether or not you choose to stand back up. You are a team, when one person fails you all fail. Learn to communicate with others! what u learn in basic training will mold u into the sailor u will be in the fleet, so don’t get into bad habits. Good luck future sailors!

[mcqueeninvestments]

I always wondered what my baby sister was going through when she went to the Navy 3 years ago. She's been to Japan, Italy and Lord knows where else. Really proud of her.

[stephanievalladares]

If you go semi fit and knowing your 11 general orders, creed and chain of command, you will survive easily.

[emmasfarmstoreranchhomestead]

My son is there now!!!! NAVY STRONG SON 2024!!!! KEEP HIM IN PRAYER ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[wut]

To anyone one waiting to ship out:
You’re gonna be okay, it’ll be a little scary at first, but you got this. Pay extra close attention to what is said to you, don’t get involved with petty drama in your division, sometimes it’s best to be invisible, learn your chain of command and 11 general orders, learn to slow your breathing, don’t be a “lone wolf” it’ll get you nowhere, and finally it’s okay if you go home. The military isn’t for everyone, don’t beat yourself up. If you feel like it was a mistake and you wanna go home for whatever reason, it’s okay, they won’t hold you for 2-4 months. Most will be 4 weeks in seps. Remember, you are NOT a failure nor are you weak. Take it as a learning experience and grow from it, you did great now continue to live your life. I’m proud of how far you came.
-From a former 711

[karenkurosaki]

I was one of the first in the 10 week divisions. I was super unfit, eating a dozen donuts a day (I worked at Krispy Kreme lol). I genuinely didn’t even think I’d pass meps and be sent to RTC. I did get Asmod but I only got asmod for Covid. Whatever PT and everything they do, it works. Just trust the system, do what you’re suppose to do and you’ll be fine. Literally at my baseline I barely passed. I could only do 10 push ups and a minute 1:00 planks. I barely passed my run. I took my run time from 18:40 to 15:00 in 4 weeks (because I was sick for the first 4 weeks of boot camp). I hit 35 push ups and 2:45 planks for the PFA. I lost 20 lbs and 9 inches off my waist. Even if you don’t believe in yourself like I did, it is so hard to fail if you just try. Trust me it’s probably one of the best decisions I ever made. If I didn’t join the navy, I would be a housewife right now and not here in A school. It’s still a dream for me right now. Bootcamp was the best experience I never want to repeat.

[oldcop]

I went through Navy boot camp in 1965 when it resembled the movie Full Metal Jacket. That said many of the lessons learned there have stayed with me throughout my entire life. I did a LOT of growing up in those short eight weeks & don’t regret one minute of that experience.

[larrycriqui]

I went to Great Lakes Recruit Training in 1981 Company 104 and watching today's training videos WOW it has changed immensely. " Go Navy "

[haleyboyer]

my twin sister just arrived tonight for navy bootcamp. i’m so proud of her and i can’t wait to celebrate her graduation

[niconiiudead]

I leave on june 21st for basic training. Just heard that the 8 weeks got changed to 10 weeks! Wish us all luck ✊

[LilBoPeep]

My son is at Great Lakes. Today is day 12 since he arrived there and we last spoke. It’s hard not seeing him, not texting or calling. I’ve wrote him a couple letters that included family pictures. Other family members and friends have written him. I believe that he will do well . also I trust that they are molding him into the responsible respectable person he wants to be.

[agentmaine]

Been in for just over a year already, and got some great memories from rtc. Greatest decision I’ve ever made.

[nameiscamm]

I’m leaving to bootcamp on March 2nd, been watching videos, studying, and working out. The hardest part for me is gonna be leaving home and I know once I leave my life is gonna change completely. Cant wait to become a Sailor, HOOYAH!

[davidowens]

Wow boot camp changed a lot (grad 93). We hear about how soft and unfit these young men and women are in the media and it just isn't true. Thank you for the video and blessings to all of the Sailors out there. You're making our country strong, safe, and proud.

[cainprice]

I went through basic January of 2021. The hard part for me personally was being separated from family without any mail, call, or text for the first two weeks of quarantine at Fort McCoy.
After that, it was smooth sailing. A lot of people have different opinions on “the hard part” of their training, but that was truly the hardest part. The PT is easy if you’re already getting your exercise in regularly and my division was particularly smooth.
Good luck to anyone watching this in preparation for joining, trust me when I say basic training isn’t really the hard part.

[nancysmith]

I am so proud of my son who completed that training.

[evrydayamerican]

If I could only go back to being 19 again. This is awesome. I'm so greatful to all who have served and are currently serving in our Great Milatary. Please don't let us fall to all this chaos going on. Our government isn't telling us everything we need to know about Russia and China. They are being really tough on America and the next few months could determine our next 20 yrs.

[bryant]

I literally just graduated and my best advice is don’t get hurt listen to your RDC and you will survived easily you maybe even pick up a leadership position. I got hurt five days before grad and got send back in training but at that point it was a cake walk because I know exactly what my new RDC wanted me to do

[larryd]

I went through this at RTC San Diego, and my son just went through it in Great Lakes.

[simply-living]

Just said goodbye to my little brother today as he goes off to Navy boot camp. Good luck to him and all others who will be attending 🇺🇸