Has anyone been to basic training for the Navy?What can I expect?Any tips?

Answer 1

I went through Boot Camp in '84. They will teach you everything there you need to know while you're there. Can't swim? They'll teach you. Don't know how to put out a fire? They'll teach you. Don't know Navy lingo? They'll teach you. What ever you need to know for a successful naval career, you will probably learn it in Boot Camp.

Some tips to ease your mind about it and make it easier:

- Don't let the CC learn your name. They eventually will, but don't do anything that they will learn it quickly.

- Just take it one day at a time. It may seem like you are there forever, but once it's over, you'll look back and think that the time just flew by.

- It's all a game. They will not force you to do anything you can't physically do. You may think you can't, but you really can.

- You're not the only one going through it. There have been lots of people before, there will be lots of people after, and there are quite a few going through at the same time you are.

- And last: If it moves, salute it. If not, paint it haze gray.

Answer 2

I went to navy boot camp in 1969, so I expect things have changed.

If I remember correctly, we seemed to spend about 1/2 our time marching. While it helps you work as a team, I think it was to show off at the graduation ceremony.

You will learn ranks of the various armed forces and a few of some foreign armed forces.

You will learn firefighting. If a fire starts on a ship, you have to handle it because there is no place to run.

You will probably learn to shoot a handgun and a rifle.

You will be exposed to tear gas to show you the proper use of a gas mask.

You will learn various navel terms so you know what people are referring to when they say port or starboard, etc.

You will take tests to see if you have any special aptitude that wasn't known when you signed up.

You will learn the military code of justice.

You should expect to do be assigned to the kitchen or some other duty for a week.

As far as tips go, I would recommend just do what you are told and not try to get away with anything. It will seem like a long time while you are in there, but it really isn't that long.

Good luck and let the adventure begin.

Answer 3

There are several things you should do in advance to prepare yourself for Navy Boot Camp. First and foremost is to get into some semblance of physical shape. I recommend you read and follow the U.S. Navy Personal Training Plan Booklet several weeks before you depart. You should also practice the rudiments of drill and ceremony, as well as memorize Navy rank and ratings.

Additionally, your recruiter should have told you to memorize the 11 General Orders for a Sentry, and the Navy Chain of Command, as it relates to a Naval Recruit.

As if that's not enough to study in advance, you should also learn the Navy Core Values. Navy Boot Camp is probably one of the most "classroom-intensive" of the four primary military services (including written tests!), so the more you can get out of the way in advance, the less you will be struggling with when the stress really hits the fan.

Learn how to make a rack (bed) with 45 degree corners.
Practice ironing military creases in a long sleeve, button down, collared shirt (which would be similar to the Utility shirts issued in Boot Camp)
I strongly suggest reading the Bluejacket's Manual. Pay particular attention to Damage Control, Seamanship, First Aid, Uniforms and Grooming, and History.
Memorize the phonetic alphabet.
Attend all DEP meetings!
Stay fit (or get fit). Jog, do push-ups, sit-ups, etc., The PT is not hard, but if you're in shape, it can be fun.
At least advance to E-2 by completing your DEP PQS. You may not care now, but I'll tell you, it sure is nice to graduate with a couple of stripes on your sleeve, instead of nothing. And, of course, it will help you out down the road!

Answer 4

I was in the Navy back in the 90's. I was going to give a detailed answer but instead I will just endorse Tai D's answer above. He hit all the correct talking points.

1. Get yourself in reasonable shape. Navy is the LEAST physically demanding service but if you are out of shape you will have trouble.

2. Navy is nearly all technical. no ground soldering needed at all. Most of your Bootcamp will consists of classroom study.

3. Memorize your General Orders of the Sentry, Your Phonetic Alphabet, and Chain of Command.

4. Get yourself a copy of the Bluejackets Manual and study it.

5. Practice making your bed and ironing military creases. Polishing boots too.

http://www.nstc.navy.mil/rtcgl/index2.htm

This is the official navy webpage for Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes.

Pay attention to the Prepare yourself and What to expect portions.

Answer 5

I did Basic back in the 80s. As a "rick" (recruit) you'll be doing a lot of marching, learning to eat quickly, survive on 7 hours of sleep a night after an event-filled day, and how to salute properly.

You can expect to lose weight if you are out of shape. I dropped twelve pounds, and I was in pretty good shape. Expect a lot of instruction. Inspect a lot of exercise. One thing that basic training does is teach you to work as a group, not as an individual.

For example, you see a company commander (the petty officer in charge of your company) walk into your compartment (the room where you are all racked (bunked)) and you don't yell, "Attention on deck" and snap to attention, expect for your whole company to be doing a few sets of pushups.

You'll be going to an area north of Chicago, near the Wisconsin border, and RTC Great Lakes is close to the water. It will be windy and cold during the winter. Expect snow and very cold temperatures until sometime in March.

Check out this web site:

http://usmilitary.about.com/od/navyjoin/l/aanavybasic1.htm

Get a copy of the BJM (Bluejackets Manual).

I hope that helps.

Answer 6

There is only one real thing to know, in my opinion. Keep one thing in mind... Don't take it personal! Your CC's have about 80 people with different ways of walking, talking, drinking, eating, standing, making a bed... etc and have to make them into one cohesive unit! They yell at everyone, even guys doing it right. Listen and listen carefully and do everything exactly as they tell you... and don't get upset when ya get yelled at, lol. It's a breeze and is a lot of fun after service week!

Answer 7

It all depends on your RDCs some are nice and let you read email and listen to music. Others will be harder on you and it also depend on you group and how well you perform as a group.

Answer 8

The secret is your attitude. Remember if all those others could hack it, so can you!

Answer 9

best tip - don't drop the soap!!