Recruit Training Command

My son just graduated from boot camp on August 8. I was so impressed when our family came to the RTC for the ceremony, not only for the beauty and coordination of the ceremony, but for the way we were greeted and appreciated for coming by the Navy staff and troops.
We found that staying close by in the Sleep Inn was perfect with a shuttle that not only took us to the ceremony, but also Juan provided us with orientation that the recruits cannot provide (even though the FAQ page for RTC is very thorough we got additional info about how to handle the 4 – 5 hours liberty the recruit gets on graduation day and I recommended Sleep Inn’s handling of the new Navy families under a separate review for Sleep Inn)
The facility is gorgeous to begin with. All those who helped funnel the thousands of attendees into the auditorium were extremely welcoming.
The way they presented all the divisions and the entry into the deck with the backlit marching sailors took our breath away.
I sent in a guy who did not have a really clear focus in his degree work thus far who mumbled and was less than confident, though a great guy.
The person who graduated on Friday is now a uniformed, confident, cheerful, and happy person. He has expressed on several occasions that he well appreciates the sacrifices of the instructors and staff, who on occasion have to leave their families to be on duty for 18 of the 36 hours the recruits are kept awake and alert. He said his treatment here was firm and fair. When I see this young man hold doors for people, stow his sailor cap under his arm and stride strongly with our family, it is so wonderful.

I spent the best 6 months of my teenage life here from July 21,1987-December 25,1987. And that was the best move I ever made to do with my life right out of high school. And up until this very day I don’t regret ever going into the US Navy. I ended up leaving Great Lakes after getting my orders to naval station 32^nd street in San Diego.

The Navy/​Goodwill volunteers from the galley were awesome. The RDC’s were professional and beat us well for a good 2 months or so. Learned discipline, improved our physical ability, and strengthened our minds through the process. The peanut butter shots sucked though. Also don’t smile too much or you’ll be asked if you have tourettes by your RDC like I did!

After two months of sleepless nights worrying, my son finally completed and passed basic training with flying colors. He went in as a teenager and came out as a man with a mission in life. We had the great honor and opportunity to attend his graduation ceremony. It was definitely one of the most memorable and proudest moments of my life!
RTC is the only boot camp training facility in the country for the United States Navy. Folks from all over venture out here to attend the graduation of their loved ones. Every week, recruits are born into sailors here. They constantly train hard and study as they make the transformation from civilian to military life. My son told me it’s definitely a life changing experience to say the least.
The Recruit Division Commanders here are world-​class along with the rest of the RTC team.
I want to thank all those who have served and those who are currently serving our country, most especially during this time of war.
TG 01 — DIV 002 HooYah…