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P-Days is the initial week Recruits are at boot camp. This is the introduction to the Navy. Events Recruits will go through in this phase are:

Phone Call (Arrival)- Each recruit will make one brief phone call home, letting their loved ones know they arrived at boot camp. Any recruit not able to contact and speak to a person (not to include an answering machine) will be documented daily until someone is reached.
Initial Uniform Issue- Recruits will get initial clothing issued, such as a sweat suit, tennis shoes, and physical training uniform.
Phase 1 is comprised of weeks 1 and 2.
 
WEEK 1:
3rd Class Swim Qualification- During the water survival course, recruits learn the basic survival-at-sea techniques, including lifeboat organization, survival kit contents, an abandon ship scenario, and the third-class swim qualification. The training ensures they can stay afloat and alive without using a personal floatation device in open water. This includes swimming 50 yards, a 5-minute prone float, and clothing inflation. The water survival instructors are certified experts in swim instruction, in-water rescue, lifeguarding, and CPR. Every Sailor graduating RTC must be a qualified swimmer. Click here to check out our Recruit Takeover video on our YouTube channel. 
WEEK 2:
Warrior Toughness- During Warrior Toughness (WT), recruits gain the skills needed to perform in potentially life-threatening situations from combat or casualty. It is a mindful exercise that enhances the toughness of our Sailors so they can accomplish the mission in both immediate danger and long-term stress.
First Aid Training- In week two, recruits will learn the general rules of first aid, basic shipboard medical emergency response terms, how to identify and treat heat/chill condition injuries, and more.
Dress Uniform Issue- This is where recruits will receive their first issue of dress uniforms and have them measured and sized. Click here to check out our Recruit Takeover video on our YouTube channel.
Phase 2 is comprised of week 3, 4 and 5.
 
WEEK 3: 
Basic Seamanship & Marlinspike Line handling- Every Navy Sailor learns basic seamanship skills, such as line handling, sea and anchor detail, and shipboard watch standing. Recruits also learn these skills and conduct timed drills on a simulated naval warship, the USS Marlinespike.

WEEK 4:
Introduction to Damage Control- Every Navy sailor must learn how to operate damage control equipment and systems necessary for damage control, ship stability, preservation of watertight integrity, firefighting, and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Explosive (CBRNE) defense.

In the fourth week, recruits are familiarized with the damage control and firefighting curriculum. They learn the chemistry and classes of fires, how to don breathing devices, and how to complete the confidence chamber lab. 
RDC Assessment- During the RDC Assessment, each recruit conducts timed planks, pushups, and a 1.5 mile run. This gives the recruit and their RDC a snapshot of their physical performance and where they can improve. For more information on the Navy’s Physical Readiness Test, read the Navy’s Physical Readiness Program Guide at: https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Support/Culture%20Resilience/Physical/Guide%205%20-%20Physical%20Readiness%20Test.pdf?ver=r7tYovCO8ZkmoWt6nBIYzg%3D%3D

WEEK 5:

Weapons Handling/Watch Standing/ Force Protection- Weapons training consists of marksmanship fundamentals, service pistol characteristics, clearing barrel procedures, and weapons safety practices for successful completion of the Navy Handgun Qualification Course. In addition, recruits will receive basic Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection training.


 
Phase 3 is comprised of week 6 and 7.
 
WEEK 6:
Damage Control- Each Sailor must protect the ship and their shipmates against the hazards of fire, smoke, and chemical weapon attacks. This phase of damage control will consist of hands-on fire team training. Now, they will man a hose as a team and give orders at the scene to put out the fire rapidly and safely. Click here to check out our Recruit Takeover video on our YouTube channel.  

WEEK 7:
Official Physical Fitness Assessment- Physical and mental preparation is crucial in developing resilience and strength to overcome fleet challenges. Training will be rigorous and challenging. It includes one-hour daily workouts six days a week. Training alternates between strength and conditioning exercises focusing on building your body's major muscle groups and cardiovascular endurance. Recruits must pass a Navy Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) and be within approved body composition measurements for height and weight.
Phase 4 is comprised of week 8 and 9.

Week 8:
Battle Stations- Recruits are tested at the Battle Stations 21 training simulator aboard the USS Trayer. This 12-hour event culminates the past eight weeks of training in a comprehensive test. Each scenario begins with a short brief, in which recruits are given objectives and will provide details and answers to help them achieve those objectives if they're paying enough attention.

Week 9:
Pass-in-Review- The Pass-In-Review ceremony, also known as the recruit graduation ceremony, is a formal military event that acknowledges new recruits' hard work and dedication. It is a special occasion that brings together the future of the Navy with our long-held Naval traditions and customs. Sailors wear their dress uniforms and leave the base for the first time as a reminder of their commitment to serve the country. They are Naval ambassadors to local civilians and everyone who sees them in their uniform.

What does it mean to be a Sailor? We go to sea to defend America. We abide by strict self-discipline and live by Core Values of Honor, Courage and Commitment. A Sailor is all these things and more.  At Recruit Training Command we will train, mentor and anchor your life in the war-fighting culture of being a Sailor. This process is called Sailorization.

Sailorization is designed to integrate new recruits into the Navy way of life, shape their expectations for future duty assignments, and give them the tools needed for career and personal success. Those in the Sailorization process include recruiters, Recruit Division Commanders (RDCs), instructors and officers. The leadership and staff at RTC work to provide the fleet with world-class Sailors who possess the basic skills necessary for Naval service.

FAQ

Commonly asked questions

Naturalization

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and Region Legal Service Office (RLSO) Midwest work with RTC to expedite citizenship for Recruits who are qualified under the Immigration & Nationality Act Section 329

Reporting

Before you arrive to basic training, it's good to keep a few things in mind that will make your arrival easier.

Veterans Orientation

Veterans Orientation (NAVET/OSVET) personnel should be aware of the following information prior-to transit from the MEPS station to RTC Great Lakes.

What to Expect

A step-by-step walk through of the U.S. Navy's only Boot Camp