How to Train for Navy Boot Camp
Navy boot camp, held at the Great Lakes naval facility, involves eight weeks of intense mental and physical training. Deemed one of the more "classroom oriented" boot camps of the armed forces, Navy boot camp still has two physical-fitness exams that must be passed in order for the recruit to graduate as a sailor. The test consists of curl ups, sit-reaches, push-ups, and a 1.5 mile run. A recruit must meet certain thresholds in order to advance to the next stage of training. Academic demands include tests and drills that tax the recruit's mind and mental stamina. The tests and drills focus on knowledge that all sailors will be expected to know, such as emergency evacuation procedures from ships, knot-tying and general sea navigation. Preparation is helpful for both the physical and mental challenges you are about to face.
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Instructions
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Download the Navy Personal Training handbook. Read this book thoroughly and make sure you understand the principles it discusses before moving into your training.
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Include cardio, stretching and a bit of weightlifting to keep your fitness program well-rounded. A typical schedule would be running three to five miles on Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays, while lifting weights and performing stretching exercises on Tuesdays and Thursdays. A weightlifting routine including crunches, squats, bicep curls, pull-ups and bench presses will prepare you for the physical demands of Navy boot camp.
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Train your mind in addition to training your body each day. Visit the Drill and Ceremony website for instructions on performing certain drills such as marching, standing at attention and All Hands. Read up on the Navy ranking and ratings in regards to how it affects recruits as well (see Resources).
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Read "The BlueJacket's Manual" cover to cover to gain as much knowledge as possible about seamanship, damage control and first aid aboard Naval ships.
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Learn the Navy Core Values and the 11 General Orders for a sentry. Take an hour or two each day and run through all of this information so that come Day 1 of basic training, you will be prepared and ready to meet the challenge of Navy boot camp.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not skimp on the physical training. The physical aspect of boot camp may not be as grueling as other programs, but it still can cause you problems if you do not normally work out.
Resources
- Photo Credit http://usmilitary.about.com/library/weekly/images/cgbootcamp.jpg
