Basic Navy Training

Like other branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, the U.S. Navy has a program which all prospective recruits must undergo before entering active service. Known simply as U.S. Navy Recruit Training, the sole facility for "Basic Navy Training" is located on the Great Lakes, north of Chicago.

Duration

Navy Recruit Training usually lasts for eight weeks, but can sometimes last for nine due to differences in starting processing procedure because of holiday interruptions.

Processing Week

Recruits are given their medical and administrative screening, and then introduced to their Recruit Division Instructor, the Navy's standards of grooming and behavior, and the Uniform Code of Military Justice (i.e. military law).

Weeks 1 and 2

These weeks consist of intense physical training (PT), familiarization with ranks and the chain of command, learning Navy customs and standards of conduct and the basics of standing watch.

Weeks 3 and 4

Recruits now learn how to use the M9 pistol and Mossberg 500 pump-action shotgun, basic seamanship, how to identify U.S. Navy vessels and aircraft, the basics of shipboard communications, and the basics of being a purser. They will also receive their first PT test.

Weeks 5 and 6

Week 7

This is a week consisting of review, the difficult 12-hour accumulative exercise an exam called "Battle Stations, another PT test and preparation for graduation.

PT Standards

The minimum standards for the Navy PT test uses a system of taking the average for individual scores in doing sit-ups, push-ups, running, and swimming. Ergo, the minimum standards have some flexibility, because a great performance in one area can make up for a merely average performance elsewhere.

Resources

• USN: Recruit Training Command