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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.

  • Prepare Yourself
    Transforming a civilian into a Sailor involves a change in the life, discipline, responsibility and physical makeup of the individual. There will be a very limited opportunity to address things such as making sure your bills are paid, childcare is stable, and banking issues are handled during your training. Taking the opportunity before arriving at Recruit Training Command to get yourself ready emotionally and financially is equally as important as being ready physically.

    NOTE: The 11 General Orders of a Sentry can be found under the "11 General Orders of a Sentry" Tab.

    Before you arrive to basic training, it's good to keep a few things in mind that will make your arrival easier. Try and have a good mailing address memorized, or a small address book with contact information, since personal items will be boxed up and sent home. Ensure nails are clean and without polish, no gel or acrylic nails are authorized. Have a clean-shaven face, and remove fake eyelashes if you have them. Ensure hair styles are within Navy grooming standards (ask your recruiter) and hair is a natural color. Wear weather-appropriate attire. Pants/shorts and a t-shirt are encouraged. Wear close-toed shoes and socks. NO flip flops or sandals.

    Required Items

    All Recruits Must Have

    • Social Security card
    • Immunization records
    • Covid-19 Vaccination Record Card (if vaccinated)

    Two Forms of Valid Identification

    One form of identification MUST have a photo. The name on ALL identification MUST match. If not, provide legal name change documentation.

    Acceptable forms of ID include:

    • U.S. Passport
    • Foreign passport
    • Driver's license
    • U.S. Military dependant's ID card
    • Personal Identity Verification Card
    • Voter's registration card
    • Certificate of U.S. Citizenship
    • Certificate of Naturalization

    As Applicable

    • Marriage Certificate
    • Divorce Decree
    • Copies of Dependent Birth Certificate
    • DDS Form
    • Permanent resident card (for non-citizens)
    What You Can Bring
    • Wrist watch
    • Wedding Ring
    • Religious medallion (No larger than approximately 2"x1")
    • Writing Material
    • Pocket-sized religious text
    • Small address book
    • Plastic hairbrush, pick, or comb
    • Pre-paid phone cards
    • One pair of prescription glasses or reading glasses
    • A small amount of cash (i.e. less than $10)
    • Prescription medications

    • *Female Recruits may retain the following personal items:
      • Feminine sanitary items
      • Conservative cosmetics
      • One of each:
        • Face powder, Blush, Lipstick, Eye shadow, Mascara
      • Barrettes (must match hair color)
    What Not To Bring
    • Shaving cream
    • All aerosol container
    • After-shave/cologne
    • Lighter fluid
    • Disposable Lighters (the fluid cartridge of a "Zippo" lighter will be confiscated)
    • Playing cards, dice, gambling paraphernalia
    • Metal hairbrush, pick, or comb
    • Anything in glass containers including mirrors
    • Razors of any type, including blades, and knives
    • Cigarettes, cigars, pipes, vapes, tobacco, and chewing tobacco
    • Alcohol-based health & comfort items
    • Additional civilian clothing
    • Portable video game players, MP3 players
    • Cameras
    • Electric razors
    • Hair dryers
    • Curling irons
    • Food items (gums, candy, chips, etc.)
    • All non-prescription drugs and medications
    • Firearms, weapons, or explosives of any kind
    • Narcotics/illegal drugs or any paraphernalia