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 |
Airman Jerry Williams, a native of Syracuse, New York, recently graduated from RTC, and will be learning the necessary skills needed to be an effective sailor in the fleet.
As an airman, Williams is responsible for professional ground and flight deck duties in the take off and landing of aircraft.
Williams, a 2008 Henninger High School graduate, joined the Navy less than a year ago.
“I joined the Navy to give my kids, my wife and myself educational opportunities,” said Williams. “It’s given me a better understanding of my grandfather, and how hard he worked and what it took for him to get there.”
According to Williams, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Syracuse.
“My hometown taught me to always work hard, know your value and always empower others,” said Williams. “Don't look at life as problems, but solutions. Just love, laugh and see the beauty in everything and you'll be alright.”
After “boot camp,” students attend advanced technical schools where they are taught the basic technical knowledge and skills required to be successful in their new careers.
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.
Boot camp is approximately eight weeks and all enlistees into the U.S. Navy begin their careers at the command. Their basic training curriculum is comprised 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.
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 Williams 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 protects everything that we hold true and dear to us,” said Williams. “It’s about protecting our traditions, values and our way of life.”
As Williams and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy means that I have equal opportunity to show and improve myself to be great,” added Williams. “It’s about having a connection with people from other walks of life.”