What is Navy boot camp like, and how do you prepare?
TL;DR — Quick Answer
Navy boot camp (Recruit Training Command) is 10 weeks at RTC Great Lakes in Illinois. You'll learn basic seamanship, military customs, firefighting, damage control, and weapons qualification. It's physically and mentally demanding, but the attrition rate is low if you come prepared.
The 10-week breakdown
Boot camp is divided into training weeks with progressive difficulty. The first few weeks focus on administrative processing, uniform issue, and basic military bearing. Mid-weeks introduce physical training benchmarks, classroom instruction, and hands-on seamanship. The final weeks include Battle Stations (a capstone event), graduation prep, and receiving your first orders.
Physical readiness test (PRT) standards
You must pass the Navy PRT before graduating. For males age 17–19, the minimum is approximately 62 curl-ups, 51 push-ups, and a 12:15 1.5-mile run. Females have different standards. These are minimums — aim higher. Failing the PRT can lead to extra training time (FIT division) and delayed graduation.
How to prepare
Start running 3–4 times per week, working up to 1.5 miles at a good pace. Practice push-ups and planks daily. Study the START Guide your recruiter gives you — it contains everything you'll be tested on. Memorize your general orders, rank structure, and the Sailor's Creed. The more you prepare, the less stressful boot camp will be.
What happens after boot camp?
A-school is next. See how long each rate's training pipeline takes.
Useful Tools & Pages
Related Questions
What is the Navy DEP, and what should you expect?
The Delayed Entry Program (DEP) is the waiting period between signing your contract at MEPS and shipping to boot camp. It typically lasts 1–12 months. During DEP you stay at home, attend recruiter meetings, and prepare physically and mentally for boot camp.
Read answer →What is Navy A-School, how long is it, and what should you expect?
A-School is the Navy's rating-specific technical training pipeline that follows recruit training. Length varies from as short as 6 weeks (some Seaman ratings) to over 12 months (Nuclear Field), and schools are spread across bases in Virginia, Florida, California, South Carolina, and elsewhere. Successfully completing A-School earns you your rating designation and prepares you for your first fleet assignment.
Read answer →What is the difference between Navy rate and Navy rank?
In the Navy, "rank" is an informal term for your paygrade (E-1 through E-9 for enlisted sailors), while "rate" combines your paygrade with your rating — your occupational specialty. Saying "I'm an IT2" communicates both your job (Information Systems Technician) and your standing (Second Class Petty Officer) in a single term. Officers use rank (Ensign, Lieutenant, etc.) without a rating equivalent.
Read answer →Ready to find your rate?
Take the quiz or browse all 89 Navy ratings with full data.