Boot Camp: Behind The Scenes at Recruit Training Command (Full documentary, 2019)

It’s been called one of the most demanding assignments in the Navy - but also one of the most rewarding. Follow along as we take you behind the scenes and show you what life is like for the men and women who train the next generation of Sailors at Navy Boot Camp.

[@MrTesscott13]

boot camp was the funniest place i wasn't allowed to laugh

[@eternitysnead]

Scott Hall right 😂

[@evanwerner5811]

This comment is very true

[@issstari954]

@Mark Valentino 🤣 You must be a total masochist to get turned on by a drill sergeant yelling at you

[@filledutreshaut9547]

Scott Hall 😂😂

[@peterorthmann5612]

55 years ago, we washed our clothes in buckets and hung them out on a clothesline using "clothes stops." They were like short shoelaces with metal ends. I had a rusty spot on the hip of one pair of skivvies. The sister company commander tried to come across like a Marine DI. He was doing a locker inspection and noticed the spot of rust. With that,he yells. "What's this? Did you shit your pants boy?" I broke up. Laughing so hard I could hardly stand. So with that he yells "Oh, you think it is funny?" "Sir, yes sir." "Open your mouth boy" and with that, e stuffs all the skivvies into my mouth. I laughed so hard I thought I would pass out. About an hour later I am told to report to his office. There, he says, "Don't you ever laugh at me again. You can't imagine how hard it is to do this shit with a straight face."LOL

[@joshuaschofield9178]

Disclaimer: none of them are this nice when on the job

[@bluedude2246]

Joshua Schofield I mean, I’ve never been in the military but the people that have been who I know have told me towards the end of boot camp the RDCs relax on the yelling

[@youraveragejoe2]

@@bluedude2246 that's all the branches. Around the last few weeks the drills chill and laugh with the platoon. I'm going Air Force though.

[@Rosco2842]

Looks very comfy compared to coast guard boot camp

[@shadowwolf7622]

@@bluedude2246 I did my Army boot camp.and AIT in 1982 at Ft Sill,OK. It is true. Our Sgts eased up a lot on us toward the end of training. They brought us a keg of beer in for our graduation from basic. They told us whiskey wasn't allowed, only beer. Than they sat a few bottles of whiskey buy the keg and said "Have a good time. You earned it." and walked out. Leaving us to party with no supervision for awhile.

[@Rosco2842]

Kevinw17 kid navy is a joke. There’s literally a job that all you do is wash clothes.

[@ARMYEXERCISE]

Great advices: 1.) avoid creating unwanted attention. 2.) observe everything around. 3.) be a team player. 4.) Don't quit / Never give up.

[@east1149]

I will never forget my RDC's yelling "STARBOARD WATCH!!" and then seeing him come bolting across the compartment.

[@LJA1019]

“Starboard!!!!!! Do u see the mistake on the deck log? U have 10 fucking seconds to find it before I IT the full division!!”

[@tylerbyrd6011]

I remembered my starboard watch by just starboard watch rather then his name. Was awkward seeing him again in A school and calling him starboard

[@mwillblade]

I went to boot camp in '88, what is an RDC?

[@tylerbyrd6011]

@@mwillblade I had 4 in total throughout bootcamp but the ones I remember were Glowdowski, Franscona, and Shirley. Can't remember the last one but he was an AE1

[@tylerbyrd6011]

@@mwillblade oh wait I read your question wrong. Recruit training commander. I think

[@bboat42069]

So no ones talking about how my mans is drinking straight from the blender

[@taylormetzger6137]

You feel like a real champ but your family just thinks youre a meathead. It be like that though

[@chadthundercock7897]

must be a nuke

[@dirtworship6391]

For real man

[@annapaula3352]

@@braedenpatterson3228 What does it mean?

[@notsoshyanna]

savage

[@kyvo3755]

Bootcamp honestly was bittersweet, I kinda miss my division but I also remember being really pissed off at everyone.

[@maxsjoberg788]

Ky Vo why were you pissed off?

[@raysmith121]

They were the dumbest group of people i swear 😂😂

[@Thighloverforever]

Me basically

[@boosie4l133]

Max Sjöberg I think it’s because he’s in a stupid div. When someone fucks up on idiotic shit like talking during training folding their stuff wrong or just saying plain dumb things the rdc will make the entire div pay

[@saraspara9365]

I feel this comment. Especially in p days... When you had to label all of your items and people couldn't follow simple instructions 😑

[@CP-kq4eh]

I went to boot and failed the run. I talked to a female recruit who said she wanted to quit. I gave her motivation and she passed when I failed again. Best feeling of my live. I was happy for her. Then I passed after her. I told myself if she can do it so can you!

[@brucebarkerkodiak]

GG

[@bandeano3870]

Oke dan bilzerian

[@davidcardenas3315]

I thought you weren’t allowed to socialize with the opposite sex? Shipping out May 5th as a YN, any tips bro? Lol I’m 27 too.

[@CP-kq4eh]

@@davidcardenas3315 your not. But I did it anyway because I'm handsome and the girls there didn't care.

[@CP-kq4eh]

@@davidcardenas3315 just think about graduating when you question yourself. Dont call the chiefs petty chief they hate that. Only officers are called sir or mam. Get used to popping with a 5 minute time limit. There is something called battlestations they keep it a secret but you can look it up on KZbin so its weird af why would they keep it a secret. You will get hardly any sleep. I fell asleep standing and marching. Maybe if your handwriting is bad enough they'll ban you from writing notes when standing watch lol they did that to me. Your rtcs actually care at the end of they day they just have to act like a dick because its their job.

[@andrewvankuren9339]

I just graduated on Sept. 10. Bootcamp for me wasn’t hard, it was just annoying mostly. But like everyone else says: just keep your head low and know your general orders, chain of command, and ranks and recognition, because they will ask you questions on it. Also to not fight with other recruits, do what the instructors say no matter how ridiculous it sounds, and try to have fun too but at the right times. I had a good time in boot camp and I made some memories that will last a lifetime. Good luck future sailors.

[@expert_bean2949]

Lol i was just getting out of Rom to enter Pdays around then September. Graduated around the 26th of October by then. Im in my C School right now almost about to head out to my squadron but i thought i was crazy for thinking bootcamp got good at the end. Definitely some memories to be had at RTC, HOOYEAH!

[@andrewvankuren9339]

@@expert_bean2949 Oh yeah for sure. What’s your rate? I’m an A-pact. Striking AO

[@expert_bean2949]

@@andrewvankuren9339 I'm am AME, aviation structural mechanic safety equipment.

[@andrewvankuren9339]

@@expert_bean2949 Not a bad rate! That’ll help you in the civilian world afterwards

[@zman42]

Thank you :D

[@mightymurph3949]

If you’re afraid to do something, that’s a good indicator that you should probably do it.

[@kroneyt1493]

Nah, I'm afraid of being locked in an oven. I don't know why, but I'm pretty fucking sure I shouldn't do that.

[@iracingrookie3301]

i took your advice and tried to climb a mountain and broke both my legs.. Thanks

[@thelegendarypp2222]

If it involves captains mast I'm not doing it

[@christate7081]

On the verge of leaving the house right now to go to a marine recruiter. I know I’ll regret it if I don’t ever enlist later on, but I am scared of the huge commitment it will take. But, I have no doubt through all the struggles I would not allow myself to quit and give up.

[@marksark1119]

Worked for me. Graduated from RTC Great Lakes '76.

[@pineapplebanana2786]

I miss my RDC’s. They were sarcastic funny but firm. They would always have our division crack a laugh. Then tell us “We don’t laugh in Boot Camp”

[@KMcNally117]

I got a bunch of RDC's to laugh once. We were lined up to enter the confidence chamber, the tear gas room. The instructor: Alright I wanna hear why you joined the Navy. No bullshit answers, I want to hear a real reason! I raised my hand, Permission to speak freely Petty Officer. "Just fucking say it!" Petty Officer, I joined to have sex with women around the world! I got a few recruits to snicker, a bunch of female RDC's to give me the stink eye, and my own RDC's to go Goddamn!

[@TopLobster9975]

We had a chief that would mind-fuck us so hard. His psychological warfare was worse than any beating we ever received. Toward the end, even our BM1 and UT2 were like "We can't help you, guys. he's a chief. Deal with it."

[@k9blazesensation]

K2 Mally how’d they not ream you? It wasn’t even funny

[@huntersalyer2852]

Same 😂😂😂

[@harrywells9329]

I had petty officer Bridges and he made us call the office or fish bowl shark tank. When he called a recruit to the shark tank we had to go SHARK TANK OOHO HA

[@theseageek]

Having just graduated from the Navy bootcamp, I respect my RDCs a lot. I mean they did yell at us a lot and were very strict but they were also very supportive and would motivate us as long as we show commitment to do better.

[@theseageek]

@Blake T Thank you, Chief!!

[@yulfine1688]

I ship November 10th. Things have long since changed for the navy and mostly in a good way. If you check how the UK trains its own recruits you'll notice its similar to the way the navy trains theirs here. They don't beat you to the ground they build you instead. Far more effective training for standard recruits than to just beat someone. Nor are you providing a citizen back to its own country. People bitch that the military is weak since they removed being able to beat you to a pulp. Easily the most useless thing you can ever do to train anyone. I can understand special forces taking some hits but even they're heavily restricted as having someone die is basically a lawsuit from the family waiting to happen. Treat you soldiers well and they will preform well. But there's nothing wrong with some tough love and yelling at your recruits when especially when they fuck up for the same damn thing 4 or 5 times.

[@yulfine1688]

@Tay things have long changed mate. It's not the same as it was even 4-6 years ago and hell even 2 years ago things changed.

[@SuicideRedemption]

Im going to talk to a recruiter in a month. Any tips/advice?

[@theseageek]

@@SuicideRedemption My advices for you would be to do all the research you could about the rates available in the Navy to see what interests you the most. For the RTC training, make sure you start exercising and running around 2 miles once per two days. Believe me, when you start a vigorous exercise routine a month or more before the basic training, you’ll go through it a lot more easily, especially the PFA. Make sure to maintain a healthy diet so you’ll perform better at bootcamp. No matter how hard the training is, remember not to give up because your RDCs would help you through it as long as you show them that you won’t give up.

[@marcogiovanni8962]

I’m a Royal Marines Commando and worked with the US forces on many occasions and I’ve gotta say, they are some of the finest people I’ve had the honour of working with.

[@teleman07]

Why you sleep naked with the other guys? Is this somehow related to navy guys being gay stereotype?

[@emilyeckert2707]

I recently met some sailors from the Royal Navy, and you guys are the nicest and most respectable people I have met, I was born and raised in New york... which says a lot about why I think you're so nice... but I will always have the utmost respect and love for the Royal Navy. Thank you for your service as well and for what you guys have done not just for your country but for ours too.

[@emilyeckert2707]

I meant the royal military in general. Not just the navy.

[@mairiconnell6282]

I bet it wasn't the rank and file ordinary Navy but perhaps Seal Units. I served as admin backup with 3 Cdo Brig, Plymouth, a long time ago and before that with 2 and 3 Para Aldershot.

[@chrissheppard5068]

Nah not buying your mouthwash ex RM PW1 24 years.@@mairiconnell6282

[@christopherjohnlane]

"ya'll are doing push-ups until recruit Kim gets tire." That dude never got tired of doing push-ups.

[@someone-gd9bu]

Sorry im asian forgive my Grammar I hope US will upgrade the training lf their NAVY. Here in the Philippines even the navy are so damn hard training like it's fucking 6months rigid training swear down. Even the navy here has a LAND NAVIGATION or training about field. We have two instructors one is NAVY and the other one is MARINES. and also our strict in excercises like JOGGING push ups and sit ups are not basic counts, If u're in our bootcamp training. The minimum of of JOGGING is about 25km and also we have hellmartch which is from 5am to 6pm walking without stopping take note you are carrying a 25klg sand bag ;) that is one of the phase of training here in Philippines Navy.

[@navychop6667]

@@someone-gd9bu I had a SEAL go through OCS with us and he could do push up all day long. The Gunny's tried to find reasons so cycle him.

[@nickasf]

“Youre gonna hold it till this fucker catches up”

[@jhonbaguette1723]

@@someone-gd9bu said that he was not gonna sleep with him and

[@uuu12343]

Yo, real talk man that swimming instructor was AMAZING, that motivational talk

[@Nsmnsd197]

📠

[@allyquake3255]

I got called out for being a competitive swimmer during this and was allowed to race one of the divers. Destroyed him, got out of being beat the rest of the day.

[@gamingnoob4417]

Ally Quake I’ve always wondered how competitive sprinters would do in this situation.

[@xBoli]

I was in his lessons a few weeks ago and he always have us speeches

[@chief7174]

I went to boot camp back in 92 and retired in 2015. We called them Company Commanders not RDC's. Name doesn't matter. What matters is I still know their names and can still hear their voices giving the "motivation". CC's / RDC's absolutely make the difference. They see what is inside the recruit and bring it out. Most of the time, for the better.

[@joepacheco4038]

Still have keel book from 1962

[@z06king]

Paying attention to detail is taught throughout the navy. Missing One little detail can cause havoc. Sink a ship, cause an explosion on deck or below decks. And we resented them pounding that into us as boots. Well done , company commanders!

[@howellwong11]

Sometimes things that happen at boot camp do not make sense, but there is always a logical reason for it. You only know the logic behind the boot training when you out there on a ship, at least for the smart ones.

[@sobersith1849]

He isn't lying about the weather. One minute its snowing 45 minutes later its sunny

[@gwhitty12]

Better than going to the now closed Orlando during late Jun-Aug god that place was a dump, literally. If it rained you where not allowed to walk anywhere on the RTC ground because it use to be a scrap metal dump and lighting strikes where not uncommon at all. Then on days that it only did the 3PM 3 min downpour ever day it was 100+ and on grinder you would get blisters cause asphalt was almost liquid tar.

[@RickBizzy]

That wind in Great Lakes was crazy but bootcamp was fun

[@ukhillboy365]

I was there from Dec-Feb...never been that cold in my life...lol.

[@redneckillinois2030]

Heh yep lol

[@julianiglesias5257]

You can see the nervousness in the RDCs eyes. They are holding back alot.

[@aceveteranrangergaming2776]

They can’t say a lot to them for fear of getting reported

[@streetrider1001]

Lol funny how people could get offended by what they say, I remember my RDC called me ray charles since when I first got to boot camp I was wearing my glasses with transition lenses lol

[@yulfine1688]

they cant do much of anything besdies yell at you and swear. They cannot touch you in the slightest and outside of certain things. Theyre very restrictive and people bitch and complain that beating people was the only way to make good soldiers. HAH the UKs own standard for how they train recurits is no where near as horrible as ours and they on average provide far better soldiers than we do in america. That tells you something about the system we use.

[@shadowwolf7237]

@@yulfine1688 is that last part of your statement true??

[@BuckFutterd]

Of course they where holding back, they truly feared that if they say or do something it will be on camera and someone much much much hire up won't like it and knock him down in his career if not rank. Remember just because they are able to do whatever, being seen by millions of people doing it and people questioning it later is another.

[@4th_and_Goal-CWALT]

My time at bootcamp in 2007 was amazing. So many memories. I often wish I could go back through it again!

[@bigcase4449]

Whether recruit or chief, thank all of you for your service. The land of the free because of the brave.

[@nickizcool20]

You guys remember the tunnel? It was cool marching through the tunnel. Nice echo when we sing anchors aweigh.

[@nickizcool20]

Hell yeah bro!

[@alejandroalameda5459]

Yooooooo that was coooooooool

[@codyjordan6761]

div 246 AT THE END

[@icenote1591]

thousands of sailors have passed that sacred tunnel...

[@krims0n70]

ANCHORS AWEIGH MY BOYS. Yeah, i remember it lol. Granted it's been 8 years now. But good times I had at RTC especially going from the Pearl to my Ship (The Trident, i think it was ship 12?) It's been so long, but yeah good times lol.

[@joseperez4857]

I remember when I first got to RTC two guys about to graduate came in to talk to us and give us tips. They told us that the RDC’s threatened to give them GOT spoilers if they messed up.

[@xxXer0xxxOWNED]

Jose Perez yep and endgame

[@Datareel]

They do that for everyone

[@darkmatter32x]

LOL. A sailor of mine told me, when he was going through boot camp, their RDC would bring the book and read who would die next everytime we f*cked up. Safe to say they were the best division ever.

[@mariobenitez7615]

😂😂😂

[@myleg7223]

Jose Perez sounds like the navy

[@nathancasstevens8586]

One of the best Navy Documentaries this person has ever seen so far.

[@CodenameDuchess21]

I was closer to quitting during the 10 weeks of boot camp than I was at any point during buds. Everyday was so monotonous. I gained almost 15 pounds because my activity level dropped so drastically. Greatest decade of my life in the Navy. Loved every minute post bootcamp. This doc is so damn funny to watch now.

[@jonathanramos3787]

I straight up half assed this whole experience, and guess what, I made it. Moral of the story, don’t let your dreams be memes. I ended up serving 10 years.

[@kodisantiago1899]

I salute you 😂

[@shadowwolf7622]

@Andy w Great advice. The last week of basic my drill Sgt walked up to me and said he had never noticed me. That is what you want.

[@MexicanPride226]

Shadow Wolf why is that a good thing

[@shadowwolf7622]

@@MexicanPride226 If the Sgts don't notice you, they will be getting on to other people, not you. They normally notice the worst people, and give them a hard time.

[@02stampede]

@@shadowwolf7622 Yep, Marine Corps boot camp was basically the same. Put out and the DI's focus more on the ones that aren't. Made life fairly easy for me.

[@miggyyy999]

still get the sweats just from hearing "hydrate!" haha

[@richardschroeder5616]

was there in november to jan.. never been so cold in life

[@ownSystem]

Always ready. When it's raining and your thirty. RDC says it's raining. Lol.

[@tryxjay8289]

These masks really saved us from getting beats 10x as worst because people would smile under these masks during PI or when getting yelled at

[@nickasf]

i just graduated yesterday and i cannot stress that enough

[@tryxjay8289]

@@nickasf lol nice, good luck in A school man

[@christophershanklin112]

🤣🤣🤣

[@Jijku]

that was my biggest worry , Bless the mask. I seem to always smile or almost laugh when in serious situations.

[@retiredalt]

JESUS

[@Wakanda_king407]

I’m literally getting ready for bootcamp and I just love the comments I can’t wait to see what this life style has to offer me 🙏🏾💙❤️

[@supreme2005]

Am I the only one whose heart sank for the dude in the parking lot who got busted by FQA? We all know what happened to him lol

[@hughjass1980]

He was never heard from again.

[@Soundwave2423]

He got that WORK

[@sterlingarcher7101]

FQA screwed over so many people in my division. Our YN got beat so much lol.

[@freddymarcel-marcum6831]

@@S2C8509 I understand your pain son

[@series25a]

I remember that FQA.. She was a blue rope while i was in back a few years ago shadowing our other division group.

[@jacobsalmi5582]

Who else is coming to this video for the nostalgia?

[@TopLobster9975]

Jacob Salmi same. The combat pool was my worst enemy. I didn’t see the SWC retirees and those miserable looking instructors. There was this one sea cow lookin broad there, just looked like a miserable person. Probably because of guys like me that couldn’t pass the dead man’s float 🤣

[@michaelb.8953]

I am as July 24, 1989 is a date I will never forget. It appears that they redid the whole base from top to bottom as all those buildings look updated and new. After boot camp I had an "A" school on the other side of the base. In total I was in Great Lakes for 11 months. The summers there were hotter than balls then the winters at times hit -50 with wind chill from winds blowing off Lake Michigan. Then from there I went off to the San Francisco, CA Bay area to connect with my ship. I met some great people during my time in the Navy that I will never forget. It was a great experience and now my twins are getting ready to head off except they are headed for the Air Force. My Navy ties goes back many generations from my grandfather of whom fought in WWII of which he passed away while I was in the Navy down to my Dad down to my Uncle all Navy. My kids are breaking tradition, but that's okay.

[@bellasimpson78]

Me-

[@tytolley2645]

I only graduated a few weeks ago and already it feels bittersweet to me. Came to see if anyone felt the same.

[@jacobsalmi5582]

@@tytolley2645 oh it was a great time. Sucked profusely. That's the thing it leaves a very sweet aftertaste.

[@joeblack333]

I was Air Force in 98. Went straight from basic training to Eglin AFB in FL. Navy school, Air Force base. Almost every instructor I had was Navy, and those guys were as professional & squared away as you'd expect off a recruiting poster. And MN1 Neidrauer was one of the funniest men I ever met in my life. Good times. I salute you sailors.

[@dalton6439]

A lot of me wanted to enlist out of high school but chose to be an electrician for 13 years. After a career change I now hold a prominent role in Test and Development in electric motors for the Navy. I think of these guys every day. The feeling of serving your country in one way or another is amazing. But the ones in service are the heroes. Except Blumenthal.

[@rockymypug]

Boot camp was extremely simple. My attitude was shaped for me by my family before I ever went to the Navy. In boot camp my attitude was I'm getting paid to make my bed, fold my clothes and do what I'm told to do. It was just like at home, except I was getting paid. My mom's cleaning inspection was far more intense. My high school wrestling practices were far more demanding physically. The only adjustment that was challenging was having to take a crap in front of everybody. 22 year veteran.

[@barrybuchert1345]

My mom's cleaning inspection was far more intense. Were you ever on a ship when the inspectors came in from Washington to give an white glove inspection. I bet your mom inspection wasn't that intense?

[@jackrose5077]

That was my attitude as well.

[@zman42]

This is giving me so much motivation!!!!

[@rockymypug]

@@barrybuchert1345 Ahh Barry. I bet you were one of those guys that cried at night during boot camp.

[@andrealmoseley6575]

I love your mom

[@walterbeitusch9490]

The 34 dislikes are the ones who say they would punch a drill instructor in the face if they yelled at them, otherwise they would've joined.

[@KoreyHitEmUp]

RTHA300 whooped*

[@JuicedUpLemon]

@@KoreyHitEmUp "Ass Whipped" sounds funnier. Like beating ass cheeks into cream.🤯

[@jacobpartin6278]

They dont even yell if you wanna hear a yell go to parris island

[@LilPickles]

Walter Beitusch so true I’ve never been I’m nog in the navy but I have some family members that told me a story of someone telling there staff Sargent that he could beat him up and he got beat up to a point where he had to go home and do a later boot camp division!

[@LilPickles]

jacob partin those people go too San Diego the Hollywood marine core

[@72floyd]

Graduated boot camp in March 1982. Thank you Petty officers Williamson and Shiver. Go Navy. fly Navy. Haze gray and under way. Keep up the good work red ropers!

[@andrealmoseley6575]

Thank you for making this, training our troops, being real

[@zachpalmer2802]

I remember arriving at RTC and I was scared shitless but slowly and I mean very slowly I learned that everything they do even the IT was to help us become sailors and I am so thankful for that.

[@KMcNally117]

Play the game and it's over before you know it.

[@zachpalmer2802]

@@KMcNally117 Yeah it really was quick when I look back on it the individual days were slow but overall the weeks went by so fast

[@scallen3841]

Turn on the robot switch and it's done

[@walterquick8649]

@@zachpalmer2802 Yep lol

[@amandadaniels444]

Boot camp was a breeze, stay low, and do as your told

[@MrHuetown]

i didn't volunteer for anything. They didn't even know who I was til about half way through. lol

[@christopherkimp7470]

amanda daniels I was aroc in my division and I got beat damn near everyday

[@Ticonderoga12]

i agree cuz thats wat i did, lol

[@steve43t]

Went up to shake the hand of one of my RDCs when I graduated boot camp. Their response? "Didn't we ASMO you a couple of weeks ago?" I faded into the background so well, they didn't recognize me.

[@realkevin6242]

amanda daniels wouldn’t you want to stand out tho? Jw because I ship out in august

[@21April853BC]

I wish I had the motivation to stay in the military, but I lost it long ago during some personal issues. but I did retire at 20 years. I have nothing but respect for these Navy leaders. It takes a lot of mental mind power to stay in the military.

[@cameronaikenchannel]

Damnnnnnn I went almost a year ago, shit is cake, My chief tried not to cry our graduation day. He a senior chief now, lowkey miss him, had a great experience.

[@xxXer0xxxOWNED]

I’m in this video and now I’m going to japan in March, navy works wonders

[@USN7119]

How was it i ship December

[@erinulshafer2572]

Congratulations Sailors!!! Thank you for your service!!! God bless!! 🇺🇸⚓💙

[@darkmatter32x]

Where exactly in Japan? Okinawa sailor here.

[@Mgg77777]

James.... explore. Don’t live your life in the Honch.

[@evanwerner5811]

Yo I go to Japan in March too lmao

[@andrewgdonski1882]

It’s interesting that I found this today. Fifty years ago today 10/1/1969 I was honorably discharged from the Navy. Viewing this film brought back vivid memories of my boot camp at RTC/NTC San Diego back in January 1966, Company 037. Times surely have changed!

[@ChaseFawcett]

Hey if you don't mind im curious about what ta went through

[@Shanghaimagic]

Thank you for your service. I served too. But I didn't and don't like women serving on ships side by side to men but treated differently. I served on the first ship to ever have women aboard (USS Puget Sound AD38) and it was a nightmare.

[@jerryg1692]

ShangMag When did you serve? And what was it like

[@Shanghaimagic]

@@jerryg1692 I served from 78-86 in the Navy and from 78-81 on the Sound. It was my first ship. I was sad to see it scrapped by the Navy. Women on board was a nightmare. No longer could we walk around in skivvies, have pics of racy women on our racks or in our offices. The few women on board seemed as though they had to prove something so they gave the sailors hell for no reason at all. Seems like minor things but not when every little thing that keeps you sane is destroyed.The first women onboard were officers but two of them were basically kicked off for playing around with other officers and/or enlisted men. It changed the entire mood of the ship. I'm not saying I don't appreciate women in the military. They serve and deserve to be respected but weeks and months at sea is a whole different ballgame.

[@crackpipejoe3508]

Definite change for sure. Did you know a Gene Wardrobe???

[@doughall4609]

Petty Officer Douglas is a decent stand-up guy. His demeanor was outstanding in communicating with the recruits. The recruits have already been stressed out, this is one place they do NOT need to be stressed.....good job Petty Officer Douglas. DH, US Navy

[@NavyVet00]

Best thing I've ever done. Serving in the navy is amazing

[@SuicideRedemption]

Any tips/advice?

[@NavyVet00]

Stand tall, walk proud. Follow your orders. It's simple. Sing it loud n sing it proud.

[@emoreland]

When I was contemplating joining the military, I looked at the Army, Air Force and Navy. Navy was always at the top of my list as my dad was in the Navy. I was attracted to the coastal duty stations, the traveling opportunities, I thought they had the best uniforms. I thought the ships were cool. The navy seemed more "strategic" than the other services. I thought it was cool that they landed planes on ships. And I thought they were the most athletic because you also had to have swimming skills. I wanted to be a part of that and take advantage of all opportunities that the Navy had. The only thing was, I couldn't swim. In fact, I feared the water. I like the comment that was made about how you do in the swim test has a lot to do with the geographic location that they came from. That is so true. I grew up in a small country town in Ohio. We had lakes and creeks, but not a lot of swimming opportunities. Anyway, one year before joining the navy, I took adult swim classes and I was at the gym every day. I would spend one day on cardio and weights and the other day swimming. I had no problem passing the swim test the first time. Joining the Navy was the best thing I ever did. I served 20 years and now I am retired. I have traveled the world and have seen things and been places that others only dream of. I've experienced things that words cannot even express what I've experienced and have a language that only others who had the same experience can understand. I met my soul mate in the Navy.

[@user-ht7mn2sy8e]

That’s a great story Eva, any entry level rates you recommend ? I’m a 20 year old guy looking to enlist but not sure what job path to take

[@emoreland]

@@user-ht7mn2sy8e I was a nurse in the navy, so I'm biased to the medical field so you could go the Corpsman route. I believe you have to score pretty high on the ASVAB. They get to go off and do some pretty cool stuff. I also think working with intelligence as a cryptologist would be pretty cool. You need to score high on the ASVAB for this one too. You'll get a high security clearance and they will send you to language school to learn a specific language.

[@user-ht7mn2sy8e]

@@emoreland thank you for the info and your time! I’ll look into those rates, currently I’m leaning towards maybe going master at arms but I’m sure I could find a more fulfilling route. Have a nice day ma’am

[@walterquick8649]

@@user-ht7mn2sy8e Better do Your homework!! Got the wrong deal from Navy 4 years is longtime!! Not short time. Talk to more VETS and find a skill you might like to try!! Son just went Army after others BULLSHITTED him and me

[@12loaded]

@@Halewillly hoo-yah shipmate I’m at a school right now just got classed up for firefighting Monday any advice your got for the fleet?

[@creedbratton606]

I remember when I was getting smoked for something I did and after I answered their questions and maintained bearing I’ll never forget that random drill instructor asking how I was today. Blew my mind how normal they can be out of nowhere

[@drum2little]

Great documentary! I went to Navy SAR Swimmer school I think 1986. It put boot camp to shame but we knew what we were in for and we all loved it. We'd laugh when getting punished and the instructors knew we laughed and gave us more PT but we still laughed and then they laughed with us. Guys were crying and we'd laugh. Those were the days

[@crappiehookking387]

I wouldn't say boot camp was easy, but it's definitely something you only want to go through once lol. I Loved the Navy I still do I'm glad I got to be part of something that has a rich history and traditions. Served 2009-2013. I did my four years served with the Atlantic Fleet Norfolk VA, was my duty station. Did two deployments to the Middle East. I'm a shellback and have Navy tattoos. It's definitely my glory years.

[@Killstrike6660]

16 years and 2 days ago I was in Great Lakes. Best decision I ever made. Good luck too all are who are going. Let this video be a motivator and not a deal breaker.

[@rezzworks6529]

I wish I would've joined.

[@dafordkidfilms2264]

Just graduated navy boot camp today. Best day of my life. Overcame a hard but great obstacle that would take me far

[@rustyjames761]

Huge Congratulations to you. A matter of interest how old was the oldest recruit. Cos I am older and looking to join.

[@warrocketajax373]

I graduated boot camp 15 years ago.

[@twotonenavy]

Oof... just graduated Boot and watching a video about Boot... they got you good. I hope the fleet is treating you well. MM1

[@Serratosteven]

Im joining the navy soon any advice I'm going to Chicago on April?

[@ANTIMAGA431]

Graduated RTC in late summer during the peak of COVID. Was a PUSH division wish I had more time to train like them. But does brings back memories especially the early morning PFA. Much love to my RDCs. Hooyah 298! They believed in me when I didn’t even believe I can💙⚓️

[@alejandromata6498]

Boot camp was fun, honestly I have so much respect for my rdc’s they really cared about us. They really cared about the navy and I’m glad to be part of the navy!

[@DDog52]

My biggest take-away from watching this is that some of these guys wake up around the same time I am going to sleep.

[@1337penguinman]

RDCs that enlisted 5 years after I got out is really starting to make me feel old.

[@youraveragejoe2]

*dies of heart attack*

[@9HighFlyer9]

Wait until the new recruits were being born the year you got out.

[@libfab1]

@@9HighFlyer9 There's newly minted Chiefs that weren't born yet when I got out... 87-91

[@clobbermiron7337]

It’s super weird watching this after having gone through it myself. You can identify all the buildings you see in the film. Covid has so much stuff jacked up right now too. Pacific fleet is a quarantine facility now, with cubicles and racks. It’s crazy.

[@captainmikehagen459]

Watching some of this just takes over my senses, takes me back

[@Railgun_Punk]

Right Place, Right Time, Right Uniform, Right Attitude. You'll be golden.

[@jasmina2972]

I remember those rdcs specially the African american one. They were in the ship I got asmoed into, he is a cool person and he cares about his recuits. Even tho his eyes opening like that is funny lmao

[@erinulshafer2572]

He was my son's RDC

[@mikemassino]

I didn't see hard asses like these red ropes in SD bootcamp in 71. Yelling and screaming and torturing recruits is counterproductive. We didn't get that and we went on to be good sailors.

[@donniemontoya9300]

He was my old RDC. Petty Officer Bartee was a great man and he really did care about his recruits. I think this documentary does him justice. He was fun when he was just bullshiting with recruits in the compartment.

[@jasmina2972]

He spoke to us on multiple occasions and brought the best out of us. My Old rdcs were awsome, my new ones weren't. The division was their first integrated division and they liked all male divisions. He treated us more decently than the rdcs in charge.

[@highlandninja9522]

Mike Massino yes it seems to be a WWE spectacle with these drill instructors in the us marines and army and it doesn't make better fighting men in the British army you would have to do something extremely dangerous and stupid to get a beasting but to shout and scream at someone just for the sake of it is very counterproductive as you say sir

[@RickBizzy]

Bootcamp was a great experience, I was very immature at 18 & bootcamp made me grow up quick but I truly needed it & my bootcamp instructors were awesome

[@emirkhosrow5191]

My RDC was from East Africa and his name was SC Ndiaye with an accent that made every command sound entertaining haha, so we were all happy to listen. I also did a great impression of him at the end, he just smiled and said "good one".

[@MrDaddyv123]

First week sucked, especially if you had never been away from home. After battle stations, I remember the smiles on the instructors faces. They were proud of the sailors they molded.

[@Mike-eo1bw]

"Come be an RDC!" Lol the Nuke field won't let me leave, but mad props to y'all!

[@isaiah1931]

Mike is being a nuke worth it?

[@Mike-eo1bw]

@@isaiah1931 I can't necessarily say yet cuz I'm still in school lol. But a Master Chief said there's almost no chance of being a Nuke RDC.

[@lesslethalmusic]

@@isaiah1931 hey, I'm on my boat, and I wanted to say that overall I think it was worth it. School, fucking, sucked. It was ass. Worst time of my life. But I made it, and I'm more proud of that than anything

[@BoFSolidTitan]

Mike yoooo, im in a school Right now

[@evanwerner5811]

Smart boi right here

[@MSCeleb]

The tunnel after Battle station when you get your Navy hat. Still gives me chills.

[@jessikat6692]

Ahh memories....US Navy Retired 1985-2005. Went to San Diego for Bootcamp, Company 233. I still have my "Anchor" Yearbook from then. Best decision I ever made.

[@MattMensing]

I went June 2016. This brought back so many memories... :)

[@ericalardizabal3862]

I graduated April 12th, 2019. Looking back at this now, I give more respect to my RDC’s for shaping me and my division to be out in the fleet as sailors. Hooyah 173!

[@Giriko3490]

I know what you mean, I'm gonna miss those guys. Esp my 2nd RDC he was hilarious. Hooyah 265!

[@Dmanthelucky]

174 👌

[@KINGMAT692]

Lord Kaze Hoo yah

[@johnparkhurst6641]

Been a while since I went through, but it is worth the effort. I liked this as it was from the RDC’s perspective. To all service members, look out for each other and stay safe out there!

[@MotoCurvesCurls]

My RDCs were great. By no means they were easy on us. And first few weeks were brutal. Over time as we grew we gained that respect. I remember one of my RDCs gave me a hug after graduation and said do big things. I still hear her voice till this day and I retired 2022.

[@HCSRBLX]

This video makes me respect the RDC's and instructors even more, I didn't really know a lot of about the Navy before doing research and now I'm considering enlisting into it rather then the Army.

[@HCSRBLX]

Edit: I just graduated Navy boot camp and did everything in this video, they show a lot lol.

[@Prominent372]

How was it bro? Truly I'm considering it and yeh of course it's a bit nerve-wracking and all that but I'd feel like it would put me on a path

[@HCSRBLX]

@@Prominent372 it’s super easy just really time consuming, you work every single day and get a 8h break on sundays. As long as you can put up with everything you gotta do and what they put you through you’ll be ok.

[@SampsonWrestling]

@@HCSRBLX how's things in the navy going for you?

[@editingreality4779]

I still remember my commanders, petty officer Bishop and Petty Officer Bell. They really changed my life. Still have the confidence and humility. In order to grow in life you always should be in a state of humbleness. God bless Tiffany

[@SoapinTrucker]

WOW! First off, i went to boot in summer of 81 in San Diego CA. The base was MUCH different looking, and feeling, than what I've seen in this video! RTC San Diego was "old school" boot camp, and honestly, I'm glad i went there, and then, call me old fashioned! Next, I'm blown away at just how tough it was/is, for the staff! I had no idea they work those hours! i guess as a recruit, you you just assume the staff are super heroes, and you suck, end of story. you don't get to see or know, the hell they go through too! Much respect to RTC staff, GREAT job, and thank you! 👍

[@ericvaughn7628]

Wow...so chill. What a difference 11 years makes. Go Navy.

[@victoriakuhn6447]

Bartee was my first bro divs RDC. Taught us the deck log so well

[@johnzudans7724]

This brings me fond memories of Glakes 1970. Still remember PO Swaine that trained 1/2 college grads and 1/2 high schoolers. Most of us chose the Navy over the Army during the final years of the Vietnam War. I as a college grad received discipline I thought I had prior to getting there. I was wrong, it was good for me and many others. Followed this with OCS and spent 26 years as a reservist. For me a great career!

[@TheDwarfmaiden]

I am very impressed of how they train the recruits to be their best. Much respect to you all :)

[@noot6230]

I leave for great lakes in February. I’m so excited

[@kevinmacdonald8667]

I have one at RTC now. Were so excited for him.

[@andrewescomiendo648]

I served with Chief Dovala when she was BM2(SW) Dovala on the William P. Lawrence when I was a Deck Seaman she is a great mentor to have and very knowledgable as well -GM2

[@BadglassCreations]

I had Petty Officer Dyer as an RDC and she was one hell of a teacher. Learned so much from her and all the other RDC's. The amount of work they put into bootcamp is insane, it was nice to be able to shake her hand after graduation.

[@bobkin611]

"Don't mess this up or ill give you spoilers" hahahaha That's motivation

[@marcorenfroe5685]

I entered Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes Chicago Illinois, July 24,1995, After graduating high school June 7,1995. Damn sounded like I was giving my introduction to some kind of pageant, lmao. I instantly clicked when I saw this. I am so happy these new recruits beds are the way they are. In 1995, we had prison bunk beds. But, they were made up to perfection, lmao. I'm a veteran and I'm totally proud to be one. U.S.A U.S.A U.S.A

[@DKanon]

I remember reporting to boot camp at The Great Lakes Training Center and stepping off the bus at midnight into a blinding snow storm 54 years ago. I am completely blown away at the changes reflected in the video...I hardly recognize the experience. I will say that I credit my 5 yrs. in the Navy as having the greatest influence on setting me on a life of achievement and reward. My teammates, to a man, concur. It was truly life altering. Good luck and thanks to the men and women making the commitment. And thanks to the men and women that are developing our sailors.

[@PrYankBabe2016]

My boyfriend has been at boot camp for four weeks and before he left I refused to know what he was going to be embarking into for fear of him and our relationship, this just gave me a whole new perspective of what he’s doing and I now understand everything he’s written to me since he left.

[@kbarrett63]

Born and raised in Chicago area >> LOVED RTC ORLANDO !!

[@oldmike7239]

Great video. Navy boot camp has really, really change dramatically since I went through back in ‘58; except for the yelling and screaming. That hasn’t changed. We were in a company and we had just one company commander, (RDC) and he was a chief signalman. We spent a lot of time on the grinder pushing a piece in the middle of August. We marched everywhere carrying a Springfield 1903 rifle. We also had to wash all our clothes by hand and hang them on a clothesline using small pieces of rope called clothes stops to hang them. The clotheslines were inspected daily and if a knot wasn’t right, the whole line came down and got stomped on. Not mentioned in the video was “service week” where we spent the week mess cooking. Part of our training. Today’s boot camp is so much more professional than back then. It’s obvious that the RDCs in the video are dedicated to their task and to their recruits. Good video.

[@howellwong11]

My time was just before yours in 1956. Galley Week was the worst time of my life and I hated washing my clothes. I graduated top of my class and had orders to go to OCS. While waiting for my class to start, the Navy assigned me as Assistant Company Commander. One recruit didn't pass inspection and I laid his clothes on the ground and let the company march over them. By nature, I am a gentle person and till this day I don't know what came over me.

[@policev840]

Excellent video. Love the behind the scenes experience!

[@cuznvinnie818]

Things have changed a lot since I went through boot camp! RDCs were called Company Commanders or CCs, divisions were called companies and ships were called divisions. For the record I was in Company 215, Division 6 and my CC was SM1 (SW) Clarence Cooper, June-August 1994. Division 232 the USS Reuben James FFG- 57 was the name of the ship I served on!

[@orangemouser3890]

I went through U.S. Navy boot camp at Great Lakes in the summer of 1981. I soon figured out that it was designed to be as stressful as possible to separate out those that crack under pressure, so that they do not make it to the fleet when and if war occurs. Once I figure that out, U.S. Navy boot camp became easier -- still stressful and trying at times though, of course. It was a good experience, over all.

[@homiehome780]

i was in the hopper (ship 03) right across from B-1 (A-1), 441, i love these videos lmao.

[@Atombender]

16:02 I like that he didn't even use a glass

[@jeffmiller408]

Proud to have spent some time at RTC Great Lakes . August 25, 1981 was 1 one day ahhh the memories. Served 8 1/2 years in the NAVY

[@johnbarrios1598]

I'm former Navy. Does bring back some memories. But I definitely believe in what these RCP are doing.. To be out in the fleet is no joke. Attention to detail is Important.. I've also noticed change in uniforms.. Go Navy

[@derkaiser420]

I remember my Chief was so harsh on us that we started out with 106 and ended with 42. We had by far the smallest Division during graduation. He was a CB, the hardest bastard I ever met, and we all ended up loving him by the end of it all. We were also Div. 069 which he thought was hilarious.

[@caliado]

I had no idea, we always see army and marines basic but never navy Thank you for this

[@pitsnipe5559]

Man, the Navy sure has changed. In my day boot camp was 13 weeks. We carried an 03 Springfield everywhere except chow. Organized as naval infantry; battalions, companies, platoons, squads. No camouflaged fatigues, dungarees. Would never call any petty officer, or chief by that title. They were all sir.

[@DisEthan]

bootcamp was easy as hell.. made great friends along the way. don’t stress about this summer camp please

[@jacobmcdowell2389]

Love how the chief in the beginning was outside without a cover on

[@tiarradenmark4345]

Jacob McDowell He deserves to be IT’d.

[@carna-9501]

Honestly when you're not on base or around the base, no one cares

[@jacobmcdowell2389]

I mean, yeah I get that. I was a veteran and she's an RDC. They're supposed to set the example.

[@sergiuvolda1155]

@@carna-9501 so we just let regulations go by the wayside when we're on base? Because "nobody cares?"

[@carna-9501]

@@sergiuvolda1155 when your not on base, you aren't at work, and when you aren't at work, no one cares what you do, as long as you're fixed and ready when you get to the gate

[@andresa1963]

I am a US Navy vet... and I am so proud to have been part of the best institution in the world. I feel so proud of all my instructors at boot camp at which their only job was to make a better sailor and better person..... THANK YOU TO ALL OF THEM FOR THEIR SACRIFICE AND SERVICE.

[@AbcdeDelizo]

Chief Dovala was really inspiring I will always remember her ✊🏽

[@Mark-OutWest]

FQA is what became of the MEDs from way back in the mid 80s? MEDs wore a red and white aiguillette and if you saw them coming you crossed the street to avoid getting your chit stroked. Very slick production on this video guys! I was in from '84 to '95 and was a JO (now called MC) where I learned to shoot and edit video at Navy Broadcasting Service.

[@moneycat878d5]

315 had the best RDC'S. I actually miss em, they were really chill and funny. Of course they had to yell, beat us, and all that but they were the best at teaching. Passed a ton of knowledge onto our division from their time.