GREAT LAKES, Ill. - Sailors are some of the most highly-trained people on the planet, according to Navy officials, and at Recruit Training Command (RTC), otherwise known as “boot camp,” these skills are taught by hard-charging, Navy professionals who transforms civilians into disciplined, qualified U.S Navy sailors.
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| Photo by Lt. Cmdr. Jacob Joy, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Seaman Trinity Stevenson, a native of Monroe, Louisiana, plays an important role at RTC, supporting these sailors as a yeoman.
As a yeoman, Stevenson is responsible for various administrative and clerical duties on Navy vessels and land-based commands. Yeomen type, file and distribute important records and reports, along with other documents that meet the Navy's missions: maintaining freedom of the sea.
Stevenson, a 2021 Wossman High School graduate, joined the Navy one year ago.
“I joined the Navy to further self-discipline, to enhance my life skills as a young adult and to serve a purpose bigger than myself,” said Stevenson.
According to Stevenson, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Monroe.
“One lesson that I've learned from my hometown is hospitality,” said Stevenson. “No matter the age difference, race or gender, helping someone out with a hand or smile goes a long way. More importantly, I've learned to be humble in every aspect of life because it could vanish in an instant.”
In 1994, RTC Great Lakes became the Navy's only recruit training facility. The mission of RTC is to transform civilians into smartly disciplined, physically fit, basically trained Sailors who are ready for follow-on training and service to the fleet while instilling in them the highest standards of Honor, Courage, and Commitment.
Recruit training involves a change in the mental and physical capacity of the new recruit, according Navy officials. From the first day at RTC through graduation day when new sailors board the bus to depart, recruits find themselves in a whirl of activity. Every recruit entering the Navy today will remember RTC as their introduction to Navy life.
Bootcamp is approximately eight weeks and all enlistees into the U.S. Navy begin their careers at the command. Their basic training curriculum consists of five core competencies: firefighting & damage control, seamanship, watch standing, and physical fitness. Through a hands-on learning approach, recruits ‘train how they fight’ and receive critical warfighting skills during the sailor development process. The command consists of more than 1,100 staff members, with an average of 6,000 recruits in training at any time.
Jobs are highly varied at RTC, both sailors and civilians work together to keep the command running smoothly – this includes coordinating public affairs events, religious ministries and providing administrative and logistic support.
With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.
According to Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday, four priorities will focus efforts on sailors, readiness, capabilities, and capacity.
“For 245 years, in both calm and rough waters, our Navy has stood the watch to protect the homeland, preserve freedom of the seas, and defend our way of life,” said Gilday. “The decisions and investments we make this decade will set the maritime balance of power for the rest of this century. We can accept nothing less than success.”
Serving in the Navy means Stevenson is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy is important to national defense because it serves as a beacon of strength and unity that protects the nation from foreign affairs at sea,” said Stevenson.
Stevenson and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“Even though the year of 2022 marks the beginning of my Navy experience, my proudest accomplishment was obtaining the Accelerated Advancement Program (AAP) during my time as a student at Yeoman 'A' school,” said Stevenson. “I was able to push past my fear of failure and ultimately exceed my limits of determination and perseverance. Now, I'm looking forward to holding the title of petty officer third class as a result of these traits.”
As Stevenson and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“The Navy is a very diverse and honorable organization,” said Stevenson. “Serving means opening up different opportunities, perspectives and experiences for not only myself, but for individuals of unique backgrounds. The Navy changes lives, and that's a cause I'm willing to serve for.”