PROCESSING DAYS “P-DAYS” And Week 1
Welcome to the start of military life as your Future Sailor begins their journey to proudly serve in the Navy. This week marks an important test of their strength and resilience, setting the foundation for the challenging training that lies ahead.
My name is Sergeant Major Paul Davis (Ret), and I spent 27 years in the Marine Corps, including 8+ years in recruit training. I’m here to guide you through the exciting journey your recruit is about to embark on at Navy Boot Camp over the next 9 weeks. Follow me as we start with the arrival at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes.
The Transformation Begins
This initial phase is where recruits are introduced to the military lifestyle in the most direct way possible. From the moment they arrive late at night, they’re swept into a whirlwind of activities — starting with in-processing, then moving on to haircuts, uniform and gear issue, and medical evaluations. They also face an initial strength test to gauge their readiness for the challenges ahead. This week culminates with recruits meeting the Recruit Division Commanders (RDC), who will guide, mentor, and push them to their limits throughout their training journey.
Why is this a critical time for your letters of encouragement? In this week of firsts and fast-paced changes, your words can serve as a crucial anchor, offering reassurance in a sea of uncertainty. A letter from home is a powerful reminder of the support and love waiting for them beyond the rigorous training environment. It’s your way of saying, “I believe in you,” providing a much-needed morale boost as they start this transformative phase of their lives.
Before diving into the specifics, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with some important resources, starting with the RTC Commanding Officer’s Letter and Graduation Information page. Have you visited it yet? After reading this week’s update, we highly recommend checking it out as it provides essential details about graduation dates, the Graduation Access Form, and links to RTC’s website that will address all your inquiries. Additionally, you’ll discover a link to the Navy’s Great Lakes area Morale Welfare & Recreation (MWR) page, which offers resources for visiting families.
P-DAYS
Week One, known as P-Days, marks the true beginning. Recruits are assigned to their division and meet their RDCs. These RDCs transcend mere trainers; they serve as mentors, disciplinarians, and role models, fundamentally shaping the trajectory of every budding Sailor. Addressing them as “Chief” or “Petty Officer” establishes respect and discipline.
Recruits transition from civilian life by swapping their everyday clothes for Navy uniforms and receiving a fresh haircut. A brief phone call home allows them to connect with loved ones before fully immersing themselves in their new environment. They then delve into the fundamentals of Navy life, including grooming standards, uniform regulations, and proper military bearing. They also learn about maintaining a well-ordered living space in the barracks.
Medical and dental assessments ensure trainees are physically fit for the rigorous training ahead. A crucial milestone is the initial physical fitness assessment, the P.A.C.E.R. Successful completion of this test allows trainees to proceed with the standard training schedule. However, those who don’t meet the standards will undergo additional physical conditioning and re-test later on during training.
Building Endurance Beyond Limits
The first weeks at Great Lakes Naval Station constitute far more than a test of physical endurance; it’s a rigorous mental and emotional trial. Recruits are challenged to cultivate self-discipline, maintaining unwavering resolve and resilience amidst the strains of stress and fatigue. This phase aims to instill a mental fortitude that parallels their physical prowess. It delves deeply into the essence of composure and determination, preparing them to excel under the arduous conditions they’ll encounter throughout their naval careers.
Recruits dive into their military pay paperwork, transition to their designated training ship (barracks), and partake in a divisional commissioning ceremony, marking the official start of boot camp.
Honor, Courage, and Commitment
Following P-Days, the rigorous training regimen unfolds, blending physical training, military drills, practical lessons, and classroom instruction. Recruits dive into Navy life, learning rank & recognition, insignia identification, naval terminology, shipboard navigation, and the core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment.
A crucial phase involves the initial swimming qualification, ensuring every Sailor possesses the essential skill to survive in open waters—a vital requirement for all naval personnel. Throughout the ten-week boot camp, recruits undergo a comprehensive series of lessons and tests to shape skilled and mentally tough Sailors, emphasizing seamanship, watchstanding, weapons proficiency, firefighting, damage control, and physical fitness.
United in Challenge
The voyage through Navy boot camp underscores from the start that success is based on teamwork. Recruits swiftly grasp the significance of solidarity and teamwork. They’re instilled with the understanding that the group’s collective strength far surpasses individual capabilities alone. This period lays the foundation for enduring camaraderie and fosters unwavering trust among Shipmates. Prioritizing teamwork not only equips them for the rigors of training but also ingrains a core tenet for their forthcoming Navy role, where seamless collaboration often proves pivotal to mission accomplishment.
Bridging the Distance with Letters
Letters from home are a powerful source of encouragement for recruits facing the challenges of training at Great Lakes. These messages offer a crucial morale boost and a reminder of the unwavering support waiting for them back home. In the face of demanding training, these letters become a beacon of hope, reminding them of the “why” behind their perseverance. They are more than just words on paper; they are a source of strength and encouragement during a challenging but transformative journey.
You’re on this journey WITH your recruit, and the best way to stay connected is sending mail. Sandboxx Letters arrive on base the next day with return stationery, a pre-addressed envelope, the return postage paid, photos, and the option to add a gift card. If you’re unsure what to write, start with simple questions about their daily experiences or opt for the Daily Drive letter add-on for consistent support.
Over the next 9 weeks, I’ll share weekly updates about what your recruit is experiencing during their transformation into a Sailor. This path is tough and demanding, but at the end, your recruit will have EARNED the title U.S. Navy Sailor.
Stay tuned for more insights and stories from this foundational phase of your recruit’s journey.
I’m SgtMaj Paul Davis (USMC Ret), and I can’t wait to share more with you about this incredible journey.
Hooyah