Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, Illinois | US Navy Boot Camp

Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois, is the U.S. Navy's premier boot camp, where recruits transform from civilians into sailors through a structured, multi-phase training regimen. The process begins with the "Indoctrination Phase," where recruits are introduced to Navy customs, uniforms, and basic military discipline. This is followed by the "Basic Training Phase," which focuses on physical fitness, seamanship, and fundamental naval skills. In the "Advanced Training Phase," recruits delve deeper into specific Navy tasks and prepare for their roles in various fleets and missions. The final "Assessment and Graduation Phase" involves evaluations of recruits' progress and readiness, culminating in a ceremony that marks their transition into full-fledged sailors. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Recruit Training Command ensures that every recruit is thoroughly prepared for the challenges and responsibilities of naval service.

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[leodanao]

shipping 3 days from now. nervous and excited

[souler]

Not me watching this as I'm about to head there today

[crabbingclammingboatcampin]

I went thru Great Lakes boot camp in October 1968. The Northern Lights, up there, were spectacular, back then. Then it was off to the West Pacific {WestPac), I served in the 7th Fleet, on the USS AD29 Isle Royal, Destroyer Tender, USS Braine DD630 Destroyer and the USS Walace Linde, DD 703, Destroyer. 74 years old, now. How time flies.

[frankie-b-gud]

I went thru Boot Camp at San Diego the summer of ‘79. I turned 18 while I was there. Went on to do twenty great years globe trottingas a CTR. I “retired” at the ripe old age of 37, and was recruited into Federal service, from which I retired about three months ago. And now every day is Saturday. SO, all of you who are about to start this journey need to have faith in your shipmates, and especially have faith in yourselves. About three days in you’ll ask yourself “what have I done..”. Hang in there, keep your ears and eyes open, pay attention to detail. Before you know it you’ll be walking tall at graduation and heading off to A/C School. I envy you!
P.S. Practice your handwriting! You’ll be issued stationary (look it up) to snail-mail out letters. So you may want to get a little address book, too.

[sgtspooktaylor]

I just graduated yesterday. Trust me when i say its easy. The toughest part is honestly the mental aspects. Missing home. Missing things you used to do like listening to music or playing video games. They'll yell at you and curse you out. You go down to the OOD (officer of the deck) to report when you're the roving security watch of your compartment. You get nervous and dont say the proper words. They look at you and call you curse words and that you're stupid. Dont let it get to you. At RTC they dont actually hate you. You didn't cause the world to end because you called a chief a petty officer. They know youre learning and dont understand everything. Just let them chew you out. Try again. if you get it right cool. If not they'll curse you out again. Just say no (rank) or yes (rank) or aye aye (rank). If i can do it. Trust me you can do it.

[oliver_night]

Graduated on June 20, y'all future ones got this. It's really easy after the first 2 weeks.

[itsbigjx]

I graduated boot camp not too long ago and honestly it was pretty fun and really easy. My favorite part was the confidence chamber and graduation.

[carlosreynaga]

Graduated boot camp nearly 5 years ago and I remember myself in their shoes every step of the way 🤣 was the funniest place we couldn’t laugh 😭

[prod.domino]

Im leaving in 3 days!! I wish I pushed myself to work out more than i did but cant turn back, from now on im giving it 1000%!!!

[tyresestewartforeverabsolu]

2 more weeks after this one baby!!! September 16th ship out

[RebeccaClay-ll]

My daughter is there and she graduates this coming Thursday.

[Bulldog]

Damn it's changed a lot since I was in. I reported to RTC Great Lakes 21 March 1994. It used to be you marched to a different building for chow, same with classes.

[RS-ncqx]

They say navy food sucks. These dudes were eating better than me.

[Sub-kmnk]

As a submariner, it’s worth every moment

[davidkelly]

When to boot camp in 1988. Spent 20 years in. CTTC(SW) Kelly.

[doggo]

Just graduated a month ago. This shit brings back memories.

[OscarA.BenitesNavarro]

I have to wait my process until January 2025, or any day that i can get advised to travel. Because first i am supposed to get a permanent resident card. Then i can legally travel from Honduras where i stay at Tambla Lempira to the United States, its just me but i do will need a hint.

[Tiffany-crjw]

December 2nd i will be there & i cant wait! 🥳🥳🥳

[mkl]

Company 141, 11th Division, CC's EMC Aguado, EM1 Frilles. Entered April 25, 1986. Graduated June 20, 1986. Left for Meridian, MS June 27, 1986.

[jamesschloobohm]

went thur sand diego in 77 we had to say general order before we could get out