RTC

• RTC Definition: RTC commonly stands for Recruit Training Command, the primary training center for new enlistees in the United States Navy. It's often referred to as Navy Boot Camp. • Historic Roots: The Navy's first formal recruit training began in 1911 at Naval Station Great Lakes, Illinois, which remains the home of RTC today. • Nickname "The Quarterdeck of the Navy": RTC Great Lakes has earned the nickname "The Quarterdeck of the Navy" because nearly all U.S. Navy enlisted personnel begin their careers there. • World War II Surge: During World War II, over a million recruits passed through RTC Great Lakes, making it the largest training facility in the Navy's history. • Desegregation Milestone: In 1942, RTC Great Lakes became the first Navy training station to accept African American recruits, marking a significant milestone in military integration. • Women in RTC: In 1948, the first female recruits, known as WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service), began training at RTC, paving the way for women in the Navy. • Training Evolution: RTC's curriculum has evolved from basic seamanship and physical fitness to include advanced classroom instruction, firefighting, damage control, and cyber warfare basics. • Battle Stations 21: The final test for recruits is "Battle Stations 21," a 12-hour overnight exercise simulating real-world shipboard emergencies. • Historic Landmarks: The RTC campus houses several historic buildings, including the original Drill Hall (Building 3), which dates back to World War I. • Graduation Ceremony: RTC's weekly graduation, known as "Pass-in-Review," is a proud tradition attended by families and dignitaries, celebrating new Sailors as they join the Fleet.