The Ultimate Guide to Navy Boot Camp: What to Expect

Ted Kingston•February 23, 2025

Navy boot camp—officially called Recruit Training Command (RTC)—is the intense, high-stakes gateway to becoming a U.S. Navy Sailor.

Located in Naval Station Great Lakes, RTC is the Navy’s only enlisted training facility under the Naval Service Training Command.

Recruits arrive as civilians. After weeks of training, they emerge as trained, disciplined Sailors ready to serve.

But what actually happens in those weeks of training? Let’s break it down.

Prepare for Navy Boot Camp

Turning a civilian into a Sailor isn’t just about wearing a uniform. It’s a complete shift—discipline, responsibility, physical endurance.

Once training starts, there’s almost no time for personal errands. Bills, childcare, banking—handle all of it before you arrive.

Being mentally and financially prepared matters just as much as being in shape.

Navy START Guide for Future Sailors

First, download the Navy START (Standards, Transitions, Acknowledgement, Requirements, Training) guide for future Sailors below. No email opt-in needed.

Download the Navy START Guide

It contains information you will need to know before Boot Camp, such as:

Navy Rank Structure
Chain of Command
Sailor’s Creed
11 General Orders of a Sentry
And much more

Once you have that, here are some things to keep in mind before reporting to Navy Boot Camp.

Before You Arrive

Memorize a mailing address or bring a small address book (your personal items will be locked up and shipped home).
Keep nails clean and natural—no polish, gel, or acrylics.
Shave your face.
Remove fake eyelashes.
Ensure hair meets Navy grooming standards (natural color, within regulations—ask your recruiter if unsure).
Dress appropriately for the weather:
- Wear pants or shorts with a T-shirt.
- Closed-toe shoes with socks are required.
- No flip-flops or sandals.

Required Items

Bring these. No exceptions.

All Recruits Must Have:

Social Security card
Immunization records
COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card (if vaccinated)
Two forms of valid ID (one must have a photo, and names must match exactly)

Acceptable IDs:

U.S. Passport / Foreign Passport
Driver’s License
U.S. Military Dependent’s ID
Personal Identity Verification Card
Voter’s Registration Card
Certificate of U.S. Citizenship or Naturalization

If Applicable:

Marriage Certificate
Divorce Decree
Dependent Birth Certificates
DDS Form
Permanent Resident Card (for non-citizens)

What You Can Bring

Wristwatch
Wedding ring
Religious medallion (max size: 2″x1″)
Writing material
Pocket-sized religious text
Small address book
Plastic hairbrush, pick, or comb
Prepaid phone cards
One pair of prescription glasses/reading glasses
Less than $10 in cash
Prescription medications

Female Recruits May Also Bring:

Feminine hygiene products
Conservative cosmetics (one of each: face powder, blush, lipstick, eyeshadow, mascara)
Barrettes (must match hair color)

What NOT to Bring

Leave these at home. They’ll be confiscated.

Shaving cream, aftershave, cologne
Aerosol containers of any kind
Lighters, lighter fluid, tobacco, vapes
Gambling items (cards, dice, etc.)
Metal hairbrushes, picks, or combs
Glass containers, mirrors
Razors, knives, or any blades
Non-prescription drugs/medications
Alcohol-based health items
Extra civilian clothing
Electronic devices (video games, MP3 players, cameras, etc.)
Hair dryers, curling irons
Food (gum, candy, chips, etc.)
Firearms, weapons, explosives
Narcotics or related paraphernalia

Get everything in order before stepping onto base. Once you’re there, it’s all about the mission.

When You Get There

Arrival & Processing: Your First Taste of Military Life

Stepping off the bus at RTC Great Lakes, recruits are immediately sorted into Recruit Divisions and assigned Recruit Division Commanders (RDCs)—their trainers and leaders throughout boot camp recruit training. From that moment, the transformation from civilian to Sailor begins.

During Processing Days, recruits go through:

Medical and dental screenings (including proof of immunization and COVID-19 vaccination record card, if applicable)
Haircuts & uniform issue (division apparel and division compartment assignments)
Physical fitness assessments
Admin tasks (proof of vaccination, birth certificates, and secure website registration)
Tobacco products and illegal drugs screening
Mask requirement review (based on capacity limitations and masking mandates)
Phone call home (but don’t get too comfortable; cell phones are confiscated after this)

Navy Boot Camp Schedule

Week 1: The Shock Factor

The first official TRAINING WEEK is a mix of physical training, classroom instruction, and swim qualifications. Every recruit must complete a 3rd Class Swim Qualification, which includes:

A 50-yard swim
A 5-minute prone float
Clothing inflation techniques

Not a strong swimmer? Don’t worry—Water Survival Instructors will train you. But you have to pass this test to move forward.

PACER

Also Read: Navy Boot Camp PACER Test: Complete Guide

Weeks 2-3: Getting Into the Rhythm

Recruits begin adapting to the Basic Training lifestyle, with training becoming more structured and physically demanding. These weeks focus on:

Naval history & customs
U.S. Navy ships, aircraft, and operational structure
The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ)
Basic seamanship, including line handling on the USS Marlinespike simulator
First aid & damage control fundamentals
Sexual Assault Prevention & Response (SAPR) training

This is also when man-overboard drills take place. Recruits will also observe the Pass-in-Review ceremony of a graduating division, giving them a glimpse of what’s ahead.

Initial Swim Qualification

First Uniform Issue

MARLINESPIKE

Sustained Run

Weeks 4-6: Hands-On Combat & Damage Control Training

Recruits now focus on comprehensive training that simulates real-world scenarios. Firefighting assessment and damage control become major priorities. Every Sailor must be able to protect the ship in an emergency. Training includes:

Firefighting techniques & competencies of firefighting
Damage control equipment usage
Breathing device training
Confidence Chamber (gas chamber simulation)
Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Explosive (CBRNE) defense
Weapons training: Marksmanship, pistol qualification, and clearing barrel procedures

Physical fitness tests intensify. Recruits undergo their second academic test, their RDC Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA), and additional training in drill instructions and a culture of fitness.

Confidence Chamber

Drill Inspection

Firefighting

Weeks 7-8: The Final Challenges

Everything builds up to these last two weeks of training. Recruits will be pushed to their limits with:

Final personnel inspections
Fleet & Family Support & Warrior Toughness training
Physical Readiness Test (PRT) (Push-ups, planks, and a 1.5-mile run)
Final seamanship & damage control evaluations
Capstone events, including the 12-hour event: Battle Stations

And then comes Battle Stations 21, the ultimate test. This grueling 12-hour simulation aboard USS Trayer puts recruits through high-stress, real-world naval scenarios. Success means they’ve earned the right to be called Sailors.

Warrior Toughness

Official Physical Fitness Assessment (OPFA)

Battle Stations (Part 1)

Battle Stations (Part 2)

Week 9: Graduation – Pass-In-Review

It all leads to this moment. The Pass-In-Review Ceremony is a formal military event where recruits don their dress uniforms, march in formation, and officially become United States Navy Sailors. Families are invited to witness this incredible achievement.

After graduation day, new Sailors move on to their next step: A School, where they receive advanced training for their specific Navy career. Additional weapons training may also be required for certain roles.

The Journey to Graduation

Inside Your Boot Camp Division

The Chain of Command Runs the Show

Your recruit chain of command starts with the RPOC, the Recruit Chief Petty Officer. The direct link between the division and the RDCs. He takes heat from both sides.

The AROC, Assistant RPOC, backs him/her up. Keeps the division moving. Calls cadence during marches. A weak AROC slows everyone down.

The Master-at-Arms enforces order in the compartment. Section leaders below him ensure recruits meet standards for folding, stowing, and cleaning.

Guard Duty Never Stops

At some point, you will stand watch.

Petty Officer of the Deck (POOD) stands at the entrance. Salutes RDCs. Logs every event.

Roving Watch patrols the compartment. Checks for mistakes before FQA finds them. Fixes issues before they turn into problems.

Everything is a Test

Classes cover Navy basics. The Education Petty Officer (EPO) runs study sessions. Pass your tests or the division suffers.

PT led by the Athletic PO. Keeps recruits in shape. Picks teams for “Captain’s Cup” competitions. Performance counts.

Cleaning Crew Holds the Line

Head PO runs the restroom cleaning crew. Wakes up early. Scrubs everything spotless.

Laundry PO washes, dries, and distributes uniforms.

Forward Hold PO manages cleaning supplies. If something is missing, expect trouble.

Iron PO makes sure uniforms stay sharp. Keeps ironing stations in order.

Mail and Morale Keep You Going

Mail PO delivers letters. The only lifeline to the outside world.

Religion PO leads evening prayer. A quiet moment in the chaos.

One Crew, One Fight

Every job matters. Every recruit plays a role. Those without titles still have a responsibility—stay sharp, stay disciplined, and stay reliable.

Perception is reality. Look squared away, act squared away, and the division will function like a well-oiled machine.

Information for Your Friends and Family

Communicating with Your Recruit

Once recruits arrive, their cell phones are stored until the day before graduation. After that, all communication happens through mail.

The command doesn’t recommend any specific delivery service, but regular USPS mail is the standard option.

Mailing Address

Use this format for sending letters:

SR LAST NAME, FIRST NAME, MI
SHIP XXX DIV XXX
RECRUIT TRAINING COMMAND
Great Lakes, IL 60088-XXXX

Each ship has a specific address. Here are a few examples:

Ship 2 & 3 – 3600 Ohio Street, Great Lakes, IL 60088-3156
Ship 5 – 3610 Illinois Street, Great Lakes, IL 60088-3118
Ship 17 (Separation Unit) – 2705 Kansas Street, Great Lakes, IL 60088-3140

Mail Delivery Time

Standard USPS mail can take 5–10 business days to reach recruits. Add an extra day for internal processing. Timing depends on the postal service, weather, and how mail is sorted at the training command.

What You Can Send

Recruits can receive letters and small photographs only—no packages, clothing, toiletries, food, or medicine. Even items like cough drops and water flavor packets are not allowed.

Emergencies & Contacting Your Recruit

For family emergencies, contact the American Red Cross. They notify service members about serious family matters (illness, death, childbirth, etc.). You’ll need:

Recruit’s full name, rank, and military address
Social Security number
Deployment/home base unit (if applicable)

Find your local Red Cross office at redcross.org.

Mail Issues

If your recruit says they haven’t received mail, don’t panic. Letters often cross in transit, and winter weather can cause delays. If a recruit is moved to a new division, mail gets rerouted, which may take time.

Training Delays

RCU (Recruit Convalescent Unit) or Fitness Hold
No visits are allowed. Recruits can only call when their status changes (like passing requirements to graduate).

Physical Fitness Test Failures
Recruits who fail the PFA won’t graduate on time. They will either:

Retest within a few days and continue training
Move to a special fitness unit and be delayed 3–4 weeks

Swim Qualification Failure
If a recruit fails their swim test and their division graduates before they pass, they’ll skip the graduation ceremony and go directly to “A” School.

Battle Stations 21 (Final Exam)
This overnight event happens in the final week of training. Some divisions test as late as Wednesday before graduation. If they fail, they’ll be held back. Buy refundable travel tickets in case plans change.

Graduation Information

Recruits will call if their graduation is delayed. Otherwise, no news is good news—graduation will proceed as scheduled.

Guests

Each recruit can invite four guests (three if 11+ divisions are graduating). Every guest must be on the access list.

Schedule

6:30 AM – RTC gates open
7:00 AM – Doors open
8:45 AM – All guests seated (doors close)
9:00 AM – Ceremony starts
10:30 AM – Ceremony ends

Tickets are free and picked up at the Recruit Family Welcome Center the week of graduation.

Accessibility

Wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Handicapped parking is available with a valid permit.

Liberty After Graduation

Staying in Great Lakes for “A” School? They check in right after graduation (can take 5+ hours).
Going to “A” School out of state? They fly out the next day. Flight details are private.

No Phones Allowed

Recruits cannot have their cell phones, even after graduation.

Separation & Holding Unit

If a recruit is being separated, they will move to Ship 17. This process takes 10–20 days but varies by case. Reasons for separation include:

Medical or psychological conditions
Failing physical fitness/swim requirements
Legal or administrative issues

Ship 17 Conditions

Recruits have individual beds, storage, daily hygiene time, and clean laundry weekly. Entertainment includes TV, books, and board games.

Contacting a Recruit in Separation

Recruits get one short call upon transfer. After their legal briefing, they get a 20-minute call. Further calls depend on their status.

Travel Arrangements

The Navy provides transportation back to the recruit’s home of record (typically by bus or train). If the recruit wants to upgrade to a flight, they must pay out-of-pocket.

Pay & Benefits

Once separation is approved, all pay stops. Final pay is direct deposited within 1–2 business days. No uniform reimbursements. Most recruits separated from boot camp do not qualify for military benefits.

General Information

Closest airport:
- O’Hare International – 30 miles
- Midway – 46 miles
- Milwaukee’s General Mitchell – 49 miles
Hotel Info: navylifegl.com/rtc
Graduation DVD: Contact Navy Exchange Photographic Services at (847) 578-6205

No Tours Available

RTC does not offer personal tours due to high operational demands.

Privacy Restrictions

Medical, training, and separation details cannot be shared without the recruit’s written consent.

Ready to Take on Navy Boot Camp?

Navy boot camp isn’t just about physical endurance—it’s about mental resilience, teamwork, and discipline. If you’re ready to take on the challenge, start preparing now.

Memorize the Navy Core Values
Study the Navy rank structure
Get in shape (push-ups, planks, running, swimming)
Read the Bluejacket’s Manual
Understand the requirements for recruits, including personal items and alcohol-based health products

Once you step off that bus, the journey begins. Are you ready?