US Navy Recruit Training Command
Great Lakes IL
Realizing the inherent difficulty the average person experiences in the transition from civilian
to military life, and particularly in adjusting to life aboard a warship, the Navy sends every man through recruit training.
The vital mission of the Recruit Training Command is to effect a smooth transition of civilians into navy men, mentally and
physically ready for service afloat and ashore. The importance of this responsibility is apparent when realized that the recruits
of today must become the petty officers and an important segment of the commissioned officers of the Navy of tomorrow. In
effecting this transition, the new recruit is indoctrinated in naval customs and traditions and taught the basic skills which
will fit him for such varied assignments as duty aboard ship, duty ashore, or specialized study in a service school. In addition,
the mental, moral, spiritual and social aspects of the recruit's future are considered. He is exposed to instructions designed
to instill in him a sense of individual and collective responsibility, a desire of self-improvement, a desire to advance in
rate a feeling of belonging, and an appreciation of his status in the country, as well as the Navy. These are the principles
forming the basic precept upon which the entire Recruit Training Command is founded.
The Beginning
Another strange looking
bunch of civilians |
T he Recruiter said they will have a nice meal
waiting for us when we arrive
(Didn't Happen) |
|
First Haircut
"Just a little off the
sides please"
|
Going to get some new shoes
|
New clothing that fits just right
and a hat we never wore |
|
Our new home for the next nine weeks
|
Move it, on the double
|
We meet our new Company Commander
He
looks and acts perfect in every way |
|
They also gave us guns to march with
|
|
|
|
All our ditti bags were hung on our bunks with
care
|
Spit shine competition
|
I don't know how to swim
"Too
Late" |
|
More shots
Will it hurt?
|
"Ouch"
|
Navy ratings familiarization class
|
Semiphore excercises
"Very confusing" |
Service Week
Chow time
The
clean up part wasn't fun
|
What a big pot to clean
|
|
Tear Gas Chamber
An experience we'll never
forget
|
Sound Powered Phones
No batteries required
|
Artillery Classes
|
|
Fire Fighting
A fun day with hot dogs
and beans for dinner
|
Compartment entry excercises
|
Drills, Drills, and more Drills |
|
Locker Inspections
|
Morning Colors
|
Finally we're marching in step
|
Liberty Call
Northshore line to Chicago or Milwaukee |
Company Photo
|
|
Honor Guard
Outside Graduation |
Outside
Graduation Ceremony
Ross Field |
Recruit Training Command Graduation
The Graduation Review represents the
climax of the story of training at the Recruit Training Command. This performance is put on for relatives and friends so they
can witness the results of training. The Review is held on Ross Field during the summer and in one of the large drill halls
during the winter. The recruits are not aided by the company commanders or officers who have worked with them during the past
weeks. This is their chance to display newly learned abilities in military drill, military bearing, and to perform in the
Navy's traditional pomp and ceremony. The march on the colors, the national anthem, the presentation of the honor man awards,
and final pass in review form a vivid and exciting picture that will last in the mind of the recruit for the rest of their
life.
