Any advice about navy basic training for me from people who have completed it?

Answer 1

The first answerer is very right. Your RDC's are not the enemy. Their job is to make you into a sailor and that basically means someone who can take orders and not freeze up when the ship is on fire (literally).

Don't stop moving during your runs. I was a terrible runner and even injured my ankle during basic training but my RDCs never demoted me because I never stopped trying (even a fast walk is more acceptable than sownright quitting/stopping which is a no-no unless you're dying.


Try to practice running a 12-minute mile before you leave. That's not a problem for most people but like I said, I'm a terrible runner.

Also, many recruits don't know this but if you try to get into one of the 900 divisions, you won't have to deal with galley week which I've been told is one of the most horrible parts of basic training. While other recruits were busy sweating in the galley with little to no sleep, us 900's were busy rehearsing songs and drills for our graduation performance ; )

You get into a 900 division (especially triple threat) by either being good with drills (twirling a baton (fake rifle), playing a band instrument or being able to carry a tune (the birthday song, Star Spangled Banner, etc) or if you've had an especially high ASVAB score.

That's how it was up until I got out of the Navy in '04. I don't think things have changed that much since then.

Practice treading deep water too and remember that it could always be worse: you could be in Marine bootcamp instead.

: D

EDIT: If you're not from a cold-weather state, try your hardest not to go to bootcamp during the winter time. Great Lakes gets some brutal snow and it sucks to have to shovel that stuff off the grinder much less march through the cold (the walkways are usually shoveled clean too though there may be ice sometimes forms on them).

Answer 2

Too bad it isn't in San Diego anymore. That's where I went. The hardest part for me was staying awake. Having a company commander that sounded like Elmer Fudd didn't help. You'll make it. Get on the drill team if you can. I did and I had more freedom because I was with the team getting ready for graduation. In other words, AWAY from the red ropers (company commanders). If you mess up you get sent to a special physical training that is run by SEAL's and lasts forever. SEAL's have no pity for you either. I went once and learned! Just keep your mouth shut, your ears open and you will be fine. Good luck!!

Answer 3

From what I hear it has changed quite a bit since I was there in '94- '95. Expect early mornings, lots of class instruction, and lots of drills. Pay attention in class and whatever you do, DON'T FALL ASLEEP. Study study study, that is the only way you will pass your tests, unless you want to be sent back two-weeks every time you fail the retake. Last and certainly the most important, leave the females alone! The best way to find yourself in a heap of trouble is to get caught fraternizing with the opposite sex outside of professional means. Learn your ranks and your 11 general orders of a sentry before you get to Great Lakes, it will help you out alot more if you know them by heart. Also, don't fight taking your mask off when you go to the gas chamber, best to just do it and get it over with than to have the RDC's make you do it again. Good luck to you and enjoy your time in the Navy.

Regards,
Former Aviation Boatswains Mate (Equipment) Third Class

Answer 4

A mistake many make is trying to argue or reason with an RDC. Don't do it. If they tell you the sky is pink and butthole is square, just say "yes petty officer." If you smoke, some recommend quitting before you go, I say let the navy do it for you. You'll be too(literally)sick, busy and disoriented to think about smoking so it's not really that bad.

Answer 5

In case on one else said it. Thank you for doing your part. And what you feel is the only thing that matters. They will see how far they can push you. it's OK every one has done it. Remember when you did some thing wrong and how scared you were of what he/she was going to do to you and they did. About 1/2 of that. Keep you person father, mother, brother etc. in your mind. they will guide you in spirit. But you will become your own person very soon. And above all Be honest with your self. You will do things you have read about.

Answer 6

keep your ears open, the 1 thing stressed the most is ATTENTION TO DETAIL. remember that some things you think are dumb or make no sense at all. attention to detail is what they are instilling in you. the next thing is STAY AWAKE once you fall asleep you have just insulted your instructor every minute (other than 2200-0600) is for traing. if u fall asleep ur telling them you dont want to learn.

Answer 7

Don't quit. They are not trying to whip you in shape and break you. They are trying to see if you can follow orders under duress and act efficiently. It is a mind game more than anything. Do the physical activities and try. As long as they see you are pushing yourself, they won't have to push you.