by Rick
Burke, Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs
(GREAT LAKES) - Seaman Recruit Joshua Boles, a McCalla,
Alabama native and graduate of Recruit Training Command, Division 204, earned
the Military Excellence Award as top Sailor on June 30.
The Navy Club of the United States
Military Excellence Award is the top award presented to the No. 1 recruit of
their graduating training group. The MEA is awarded to the recruit that best
exemplifies the qualities of enthusiasm, devotion to duty, military bearing and
teamwork. The award placed him at the pinnacle of today’s newest Sailors; he
was awarded a flag letter of commendation for his achievements.
“I just wanted to be part of the
best division in the training group and I worked my hardest for my shipmates
and Recruit Division Commanders,” said Boles. “I was stunned when I was told
that I was the top recruit of the graduating class. Without the help and
instruction of my RDCs and fellow recruits, I would not be able to represent my
division as the top recruit.”
Boles joined the Navy to challenge himself and give back to the country that
gave him the opportunity to protect and serve his fellow Americans. He became
interested in the Submarine Electronics Computer Field (SECF), after researching the Navy
website, and wants to be a part of a close-knit group of sailors and earn his
submarine warfare qualification, known as “dolphins.”
Boot camp is approximately eight
weeks and all enlistees into the U.S. Navy begin their careers at the command.
Training includes physical fitness, seamanship, firearms, firefighting and
shipboard damage control along with lessons in Navy heritage and core values,
teamwork and discipline. About 30,000 to 40,000 recruits graduate annually from
RTC and begin their Navy careers.
After graduation, Boles will
attend Naval Submarine School in Groton, Connecticut. The Navy's SECF offers extensive training in
the operation and maintenance of today's high technology advanced electronics
equipment, digital systems and computers used in submarine combat control,
sonar, navigation and communications systems. After completion of SECF
schooling, he will then go to Submarine “C” School for communications to get training
that is more precise for his rate. Boles
desire to be assigned to his first submarine in San Diego, California.
- - Chief Gas Turbine Electrical Technician Seth
Schaeffer, RTC Public Affairs