is navy bootcamp hard???

Question

what is it like

Answer 1

Navy boot camp is only as hard as YOU make it.

As soon as you set foot off the bus, your boot camp experience begins. I remember it vividly. We were immediately instructed to carry our bags with our left hands (you'll learn that it is to leave your right hand free to salute when you're in uniform). I was instructed to hold the door open for other recruits.

As soon as we entered the building, there were three RDC's (Recuit Division Commanders) waiting for us, yelling at us, trying to phase us out. We lined up in two ranks. They'll have you immediately performing as a group rather than an individual. For us, they told us to drop our bags in unison. It took five tries before we got it right. They'll get in your face, find a reason to make fun of you even, but it won't last long.

Oh, and when you get there, don't call an RDC "Sir" or "Ma'am." Those titles are reserved for Officers. You will refer to RDC's as "Petty Officer" or "Chief" most of the time. You may have a Senior Chief RDC. At this point, you'll hear a lot of: "Don't 'sir' me! I work for a living!"

After this quick slap in the face, you'll be allowed to make a brief (very brief) phone call home. When I say brief, I mean this: "Hi, it's me. I made it. I'm okay. Talk to you in a few weeks." *click*

The first week is referred to as P-Days (Processing Days). This is all indoctrination. It's reminicent of being processed in a jail. Once paperwork is completed, you'll enter a large room with rows of what resemble long work tables. There, you will dump out the contents of the bag you brought with you, and RDC's will go through your things -- indicating what you can keep, and what will be sent home. The items to send home will be boxed up along with the clothes you will be wearing at the time. You will write a mailing address on the box, and they will ship it for you. I remember my mom telling me, "We got the box, and I thought, 'This is all that's left of him!'"

You will then be issued Navy sweat suits (or "Smurfs"), shower and hygene products, etc. Hopefully you'll have to use the restroom, because the mandatory urinalysis comes shortly after.

After P-Days, your real training begins. The RDC's will be tougher on you. The week after P-Days is the most stressful week -- a whirlwind of activity. You'll find that no one can do anything right, you're constantly being yelled at, and you'll begin talking with your fellow recruits and forming bonds. During this week, you'll be required to take the swim qualification. If you're not a good swimmer, or you're apprehensive about it, practice before you go. You'll be required to qualify as a 3rd class swimmer, or else your status will be NQS (Non-Qualified Swimmer), and you'll have to take classes. Classroom work will begin this week as well (rank/rate recognition, rape & sexual harassment awareness, etc.), and your RDC's will introduce the complexities of marching and drills to you.

During week 2, you'll receive more uniforms, take more classes (along with a written test over the material you will have learned thus far). Physical training, drills, marching, etc. will continue.

Everything slowly gets easier, and the routine follows much as I've outlined already, but with changes you don't need to be aware of right now. Week 4 is when your RDC's will probably lighten up a bit on you. It's either that they're slacking off, or you and your division are getting their act together.

Overall, you'll be taking PT tests, written tests, undergoing inspections, etc.

Learn your General Orders of a Sentry! I cannot stress this enough. Also, know your ranks before you leave -- this can easily be accomplished while in DEP (Delayed Entry Program).

If you smoke or chew, give it up -- now. You will not be allowed to use tobacco products while at RTC. No patches, either. Give it up well before you go, and get in shape.

Is Navy boot camp hard? For some it is. These are the folks who absolutely cannot shut down the "thinking" part of them and simply move and do their jobs and what they're told. Don't think. Just move. Boot camp is not that long.

Don't give excuses to your RDC's. Don't allow personal problems with your shipmates interfere. Be civil to everyone -- you're all int he same boat: You're homesick, tired, wondering why the hell you joined the Navy, frustrated, and everything else that comes with a high-pressure environment.

You CAN do it. The moment you begin to second guess yourself in boot camp is the moment you've set yourself up to fail. Remember -- do what you're told, do it well, and don't think. Just do what you're there to do. It'll go by that much faster.

Attitude and self-confidence is everything. Don't count the days or wait for it to be over. Let it become your life. You'll have some tough days, for sure. But always remember that everyone there is sharing your experience. Keep your chin up, walk proudly, and don't ever think that you can't do something.

Boot camp is one of the most memorable and enjoyable experiences of my life. I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Answer 2

I don't know how it is for women but it's not in the least. In fact, of the Armed Forces, we have perhaps the easiest, alternating between the Air Force. It depends on your will and conditioning. I aggressively wanted more because I could see the physical change, which changed me mentally. Ones self confidence it at it's highest when they're in the best health/shape. It's a rush like no other. Hell week isn't that hellish considering the over-all experience. I can honestly say you'll leave a new person, for better or worse

Answer 3

Navy boot camp is 8 weeks long, not including processing week. I am considering joining the navy myself. From what I have been told it's not as easy as Air Force, but is easier than the marines, army, or coast guard boot camp. Only a person who has been through all of them could know, and as far as I know there isn't anybody. The navy's boot camp will definitely not be the easiest thing you will go through. Your RDC (Recruit Division Commander) will not be easy on you. Anything worth something requires effort, the navy gets all the effort they can from you. The navy is known for having a boot camp that is more classroom-based than they are on focusing on PT. They will be more classroom intensive than the other branches. Don't be mistaken, there is PT, everyday from what my friend in the navy told me. And make sure that you know how to swim before you go to boot camp, it will make things a lot easier for you. Also anything your recruiter tells you to learn and memorize, do so. As I said before, navy is classroom intensive, a lot of learning, so the more you know beforehand, the easier it will be for you and your instuctors. If you decide to enlist, go in with the mindset that YOU WILL make it. You will. The people who fail bootcamp are the ones who give up or simply did not want to. You are better than that. They want to see that you are giving all of your effort. Good luck in whatever you decide!

Answer 4

Is Navy Boot Camp Hard

Answer 5

Yes it's hard and you will find out everything you need to know when you get there. You won't be better off or more prepared by knowing everything that will happen to you while you are there ahead of time. Just go. Keep your mouth shut and your ears open. Don't quit anything ever. You will learn exactly how strong of a human being you're when you graduate. It is a big mental game, just stay focused on one day at a time and you will do great.

Answer 6

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RE:
is navy bootcamp hard???

Answer 7

It's kick butt! I recomend you just make sure you "hold your own." Don't be to friendly, Don't be a kiss up to any superior officers and be prepared for physical and mental stress galore. :-)

Answer 8

My son goes to Great Lakes Sept 18, 2014. I am very proud of him and all that serve the USA.

Answer 9

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Answer 10

Yeah, just like Nancy Pelosi is a Patriot

Answer 11

Many times, it's as hard or easy as you make it.

Ears open, mouth shut, do your best, it''s a cakewalk.