How to Make It Through Navy Boot Camp
Navy boot camp is a gateway for the challenging transition from civilian to military life. Take advantage of your military recruiter's knowledge of the process and ask him any questions you might have. Prepare yourself for the intense physical training by working out regularly before and during your enlistment process. At the U.S. Navy's boot camp, you are expected to learn the chain of command and other military customs quickly. To graduate boot camp, you must demonstrate that you can work well as part of a team and pass physical and academic assessments.
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Instructions
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Prepare for the intense physical training at Navy boot camp well before you ship out. Arriving physically fit will help ease your transition into military life. Begin running daily; aim for a 14-minute two-mile run. Start swimming regularly and perform pushups, pullups and situps daily. Try the pyramid workout for these calisthenics; perform one pullup for one set, two pullups for the second set, and so on, until you reach the point of exhaustion.
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Undergo processing during your first week at Navy boot camp. Swap your civilian clothes for your military uniform. The Navy will ship your civilian clothes home, but you will pay the shipping cost. Expect dental and medical screenings during your first week.
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Learn the chain of command and how to obey orders. Memorize how to acknowledge different ranks and begin standing on security watches. During security watches, you must issue challenges to all people who approach your post.
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Listen closely to your recruit division commander (RDC) as he explains how to fold your uniform and stow your gear. Your RDC will inspect your bunk and berthing compartment, or sleeping quarters, for cleanliness and order. Expect him to issue orders. He will likely instruct you to march with your fellow recruits in the berthing compartment.
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Excel at physical training to successfully complete Navy boot camp. Expect 1-hour workouts six days per week. When you reach your sixth week of training, you must run 1.5 miles in less than 12 minutes and 15 seconds if you are male, or under 14 minutes and 45 seconds if you are female. Your physical assessment also includes pushups and curlups.
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Pay strict attention in all of your classes so you can pass the three academic tests administered during Navy boot camp. Your academic work consists of instructor-led classes and self-paced computer training. Expect instruction in basic first aid, military customs, awareness of sexual assault issues and introductions to weapons.
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Tips & Warnings
Before leaving for Navy boot camp, take care of any responsibilities you have, including paying bills.
Follow the Navy's guidelines for approved and disapproved items when packing for boot camp. There is also a list of items that the Navy requires you to bring. These lists are available on the Recruit Training Command's website (see Resources), or ask your recruiter for help.
References
Resources
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