Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Recruit Training Command Great Lakes |
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Seal of Recruit Training Command
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| Founded | 1 July 1911 |
| Country |  United States |
| Branch |  United States Navy |
| Role | Recruit training |
| Part of | Naval Service Training Command |
| Garrison/HQ | Naval Station Great Lakes North Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Motto(s) | "The Quarterdeck of the Navy" |
| Commanders | |
| Commanding officer | CAPT Kenneth Froberg, USN |
| Executive officer | CDR Richard A. Jarchow, USN |
| Command master chief | CMDCM Van-Troi A. Sibiliamartinez, USN |
The Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes (RTC Great Lakes) is where new recruits join the United States Navy. It's often called "boot camp." This is where all future sailors get their first training.
RTC Great Lakes is located at Naval Station Great Lakes in North Chicago, Illinois. It has been the Navy's only basic training center for enlisted sailors since 1994. Before that, there were other training centers in Florida and California.
All new Navy recruits start their service here. They go through at least ten weeks of training. After boot camp, sailors go to other schools to learn their specific jobs. Some sailors might join the fleet with a general job title like airman or seaman.
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An inspection during World War I
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"The Golden Thirteen"
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U.S. Navy sailors sleeping in hammocks
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U.S. Navy sailors man the rails of the training simulator, USS Trayer (BST-21), which was completed in June 2007
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After the Spanish–American War, the Navy looked for a new training center. They needed a place in the Midwest because many recruits came from that area.
A politician named George Edmund Foss helped choose the North Chicago location. He is known as the "Father of Great Lakes." A club in Chicago also helped by donating money to buy the land.
Rear Admiral Albert A. Ross was the first leader of the station. The base opened on October 28, 1911. The first trainee, Joseph W. Gregg, joined that same year.
Great Lakes was important for bringing different groups of people into the Navy. In 1942, African-Americans were allowed to join for general service. Before this, they had limited roles. The Navy's first African-American officers, known as the "Golden Thirteen," trained here in 1944. A building at Great Lakes is named in their honor.
In the mid-1990s, the Navy decided to have only one recruit training center. So, the centers in Orlando and San Diego closed. All basic training moved to Great Lakes.
After this, Great Lakes got a big upgrade. New barracks, which are like dorms, were built. These barracks are called "ships" by the recruits. Each "ship" is named after a famous Navy ship, like USS John F. Kennedy. Each "ship" can hold up to 1,300 recruits.
A special training ship called USS Trayer (BST-21) was also built. It's a simulator that looks like a real Navy destroyer. This helps recruits learn about life on a ship.
What Facilities are at RTC Great Lakes?
RTC Great Lakes has many modern buildings for training. These include barracks, classrooms, and training areas.
USS Enterprise (BLDG 7115)
The USS Enterprise Recruit Barracks is one of many new buildings. It was built as part of a large upgrade program.
This building is named after the eight USS Enterprises in Navy history. This includes two famous aircraft carriers. One was a decorated ship from World War II. The other was the world's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.
The USS Enterprise building is very large. It has space for 16 groups of recruits. It includes sleeping areas, classrooms, and a dining hall, all in one building. Each "ship" has its own officers and leaders.
USS Triton Recruit Barracks (Ship 12)
The USS Triton Recruit Barracks was opened in 2004. It honors two submarines named Triton. The building has items from these ships.
Triton Hall is a large building with plenty of space. It can house over 1,000 recruits. It has sleeping areas, classrooms, and a dining hall. In 2012, a special bell from one of the Triton submarines was added to the building.
Navy basic training is about 10 weeks long. Recruits learn many skills and rules during this time.
Processing Week
New recruits arrive at the Golden Thirteen building. They usually arrive at night. First, they get medical and dental checks. They also get their first Navy haircut and uniforms.
This first week is called P-days. It lasts about five days. Recruits learn basic rules and how to organize their gear. They also take a physical fitness test. If they don't pass, they might get more chances or leave the Navy. P-days end with a ceremony that officially starts their training.
Week One
This week is very tough physically. Recruits take a swim test. They also learn military drills and the Navy's core values.
Week Two
In Week Two, recruits learn about the Navy's leadership structure. They also learn about customs and courtesies.
Week Three
Week Three involves hands-on training. Recruits learn about the laws of war and managing their money. They also learn basic sailing skills and how to identify Navy ships and aircraft. Recruits take their first physical test, which includes push-ups, planks, and a 1.5-mile run. They also get their first paycheck.
Week Four
Week Four focuses on weapons training. Recruits learn about the M18 pistol. They get lessons on gun safety and how to use the M18. They also practice shooting the M18.
In the past, recruits trained with other types of rifles and shotguns. Now, all training with those weapons happens at different locations.
Week Five
Week Five is about learning more drill instructions. This week is also called "Service Week." It's a time for many inspections and tests.
Week Six
During Week Six, recruits learn how to control damage on a ship and fight fires. They practice escaping smoky rooms and using fire hoses. They also go through the "Confidence Chamber," which uses tear gas.
Week Seven
Week Seven is the final week of basic training. This week includes a big 12-hour test called "Battle Stations." It tests everything recruits have learned. Recruits must pass "Battle Stations" to become sailors.
After passing, recruits become official sailors. They get their Navy utility cover. Then, they have a graduation ceremony called "Pass In Review" (PIR). This ceremony marks their entry into the United States Navy.
