Welcome to the United States Navy!

The staff of Recruit Training Command is committed to providing the United States Navy with basically trained, physically fit, and smartly disciplined sailors, which you have taken the first step to achieving! Our graduates successfully completed 10 rigorous weeks of demanding Recruit training and earned the right to wear the uniform recognized around the world as a symbol of freedom, just like you will. We are committed to setting the conditions for every Recruit’s success, but it is on you to take those steps.

Navy boot camp is very demanding. Most find the first few weeks challenging as they adjust to the military environment, in many cases, it is their first time away from home. We emphasize Recruits remember their “why” for joining and draw on the very personal motivation to keep moving forward, never quitting, never surrendering. The schedule of instruction, military drill, hands-on learning, and physical fitness regime allots little free time, while this can make for very busy training time, it does make the weeks go quickly. It is important for Recruits to learn how to transition from their traditional digital support ecosystems and learn to rely on Warrior Toughness principles when they find themselves at sea or in austere mission locations. So the opportunity for phone calls may be limited, but the opportunity for old fashioned letters is always encouraged – please write! A well-timed letter can mean all the difference in one’s day – Recruit or family!




To learn more about the week-to-week training during Navy boot camp, check out our Basic Military Training (BMT) syllabus, where you can see the topics to be learned, and watch first person testimonials from actual Recruits who have succeeded. Everything you need to know about Navy boot camp can be found from our Official Website: U.S. Navy Recruit Training Command/Recruits

If you are trying to learn more about our Future Sailor Preparatory Course, the program is normally three weeks long offered in physical or academic strands – check out the Recruit section of our Website for everything you need to know! This program is completed before the normal 10-week BMT syllabus and generally receives very favorable reviews for helping Recruits develop a stronger sense of purpose and motivation to succeed at Recruit Training Command.

Phone calls are generally scheduled every couple of weeks. The first call is on Night of Arrival (once safely at RTC), this is when Recruits will be given an opportunity to share this letter with family and friends. The next connection opportunity will be a few days later when Recruits will be assigned to their Division, this is when Recruits will be given an opportunity to send Division Assignment and initial Graduation information to their family and friends via text or email. The next call will be in about 2.5 weeks, generally Week-2 Saturday, Week-4 Saturday, then after passing the Official Physical Fitness Assessment (Week-7), and then after passing Battle Stations (Week-8).

Finally, when Graduation arrives, you will see a transformation from civilian to Sailor. This is a tremendously powerful experience that family are absolutely invited to attend. We have in-depth information on our Command Website for planning, requesting tickets, and navigating the North Chicago area - check the latest info at U.S. Navy Recruit Training Command/Graduation. You can also find out Naval Station Great Lakes area information from our Morale Welfare & Recreation (MWR) partner at Naval Station Great Lakes MWR.

If family and friends are not able to attend Graduation, we livestream the event on our always free YouTube channel and Facebook. Checkout the social media icons in the upper left corner of our Command Website (see below) for our official social media sites –follow us, because RTC will never ask for payment to view our feed, nor will we require guests to sign up – accept no substitutes!

One final note, life is what happens while we’re making other plans. In the event of an emergency need to communicate with Recruits we have two options. Routine issues can be addressed via email to our Recruit Customer Service Team at RTCRecruitCustomerService@us.navy.mil. You can also utilize the Worldwide American Red Cross messaging service. Checkout our Command Website Frequently Asked Questions for more information U.S. Navy Recruit Training Command/FAQ.
In closing, we are excited to be a part of your Navy journey. We are committed to providing our Recruits and families with the finest quality of service, while also acknowledging the rigor required to successfully navigate Boot camp. We are absolutely committed to setting the conditions for every Recruit’s success, it will take honor, courage, and commitment to achieve the noblest goal of all, serving in the American Navy as a symbol of freedom around the world. That journey starts here in Great Lakes – good luck!
 
With the Greatest Admiration,
 

K. J. FROBERG	C. R. MCHENRY	V. A. SIBILIAMARTINEZ
Captain, U. S. Navy	Commander, U. S. Navy	CMDCM, U. S. NAVY
Commanding Officer	Executive Officer	Command Master Chief
Recruit Training Command	Recruit Training Command	Recruit Training Command