Thinking about joining the Navy is a huge step. You probably have many questions running through your mind. One of the biggest questions people ask is, how long is Navy boot camp?

You’ve likely heard different answers from different people, which can be confusing. Getting a clear picture of the military training timeline is important for preparation. So, let’s look at exactly how long is Navy boot camp is today.

The time you spend at Recruit Training Command (RTC) in Great Lakes, Illinois, will change you. It’s built to take you from a civilian to a trained Sailor. Knowing the timeline helps you prepare mentally and physically for the journey ahead.

How Long is Navy Bootcamp? Essential Duration Guide Table of Contents:

• What is the Official Length of Navy Bootcamp?
• A Week-by-Week Guide to Navy Basic Training
  • Processing Days (P-Days)
  • Week 1: Getting into the Routine
  • Week 2: Learning the Ropes
  • Week 3: Weapons and Water Survival
  • Week 4: Facing Your First Challenges
  • Week 5: Firefighting Training
  • Week 6: Teamwork and Trust
  • Week 7: Anti-Terrorism and Force Protection
  • Week 8: Getting Ready for the Fleet
  • Week 9: Battle Stations 21
  • Week 10: Graduation
• What About After Bootcamp?
• Why the Change to 10 Weeks?
  • Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion

What is the Official Length of Navy Bootcamp?

As of right now, Navy boot camp is 10 weeks long. The U.S. Navy officially extended its basic military training from eight to 10 weeks in 2022. This change was made to add more hands-on training and focus on mentorship and professional development.

The goal is to build tougher, more resilient Sailors right from the start of their career. This 10-week period does not include the first few days you spend on base. These initial days are called Processing Days, or P-Days, and they are your introduction to military life.

Think of P-Days as an orientation period before the real recruit training kicks off. During this time, you will get your haircut, receive your initial gear, and go through medical and dental screenings. Once P-Days are over, your 10 weeks of training begin, with each week having specific goals.

A Week-by-Week Guide to Navy Basic Training

The 10-week schedule at the training facility is packed. You’ll be busy from the moment you wake up until your head hits the pillow. Here’s a general idea of what you can expect during each training phase of your time at the Recruit Training Command.

Processing Days (P-Days)

Before week one even begins, you’ll go through P-Days, which can last about five to eight days. This is your first real taste of military discipline at RTC Great Lakes. You will be placed into your assigned division, which will become your family for the duration of the training program.

You will get your uniforms, complete a lot of paperwork, and get your initial medical exams. You will also make a brief, scripted phone call home to let your family know you have arrived safely. You will meet your Recruit Division Commanders (RDCs), the Petty Officers who will guide your transformation.

Week 1: Getting into the Routine

The first official week is about adjustment. You’ll learn how to march, how to fold your clothes to Navy standards, and how to keep your living space perfectly clean. It’s all about attention to detail and discipline, core tenets of Navy life.

Physical training starts right away, and you will do your initial physical readiness test (PRT) to establish a baseline. This initial assessment shows your RDCs where you stand physically. This week lays the foundation for all the hard work that follows.

Week 2: Learning the Ropes

This week focuses heavily on classroom instruction. You’ll learn about Navy customs, courtesies, and the rank structure from Seaman Recruit to Chief Petty Officer. You must know the chain of command and how to properly address all naval personnel.

You will also begin your studies in basic seamanship. This includes learning essential knots, naval terminology, and the parts of Navy ships. You will also learn about the Navy’s core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment, which underpin everything you do.

Your RDCs will also introduce you to the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). Understanding these rules is critical for a successful career. This week is your first step toward thinking and acting like a real Sailor.

Week 3: Weapons and Water Survival

Things get more hands-on in week three. You will go through basic small arms training, learning to safely handle and fire the M9 service pistol. You’ll also spend time in a simulator to practice marksmanship before live-fire exercises.

This is also the week for the critical water survival portion of your military training program. You will take the third-class swim test to show you can handle yourself in the water. This includes a 50-yard swim, a five-minute prone float, and a jump from a platform into the pool.

These are vital skills for anyone serving in the world’s greatest Navy. Passing the swim test is a non-negotiable part of recruit training. The training is intense but necessary for your safety at sea.

Week 4: Facing Your First Challenges

By week four, you’ll face your first major academic tests. You must pass these written exams to move forward in the training time. All the information from your classroom instruction will be put to the test.

Physical training also gets more intense. Your RDCs expect you to show improvement in your run times, push-ups, and planks. This week is a checkpoint to make sure you are on track to meet the physical requirements for graduation.

Week 5: Firefighting Training

Every Sailor is a firefighter, and this week, you will learn why. You will learn essential firefighting skills that could save your ship and shipmates. This training is some of the most memorable of the entire boot camp experience.

You’ll use live-fire training facilities to practice what you learn, wearing full firefighting gear and working as a team. You will also train on damage control aboard the USS Marlinespike, a mock-up of a ship. This is where you learn to patch holes and stop flooding, which are essential skills.

Week 6: Teamwork and Trust

This week often includes the confidence course. It’s an obstacle course made to test your physical strength, your nerve, and your ability to work together. It builds trust between you and the other recruits in your division.

You will also have more practical drills and tests as you continue your basic military training. The focus is on applying all the skills you’ve learned so far. Your recruit division will start to feel less like a group of individuals and more like a cohesive unit.

Week 7: Anti-Terrorism and Force Protection

This week covers anti-terrorism techniques and force protection measures. You will learn how to stand a proper watch and defend against potential threats to naval personnel and assets. This training prepares you for real-world scenarios you may face in the fleet.

You will also likely visit the gas chamber. You’ll experience the effects of CS gas and learn how to properly don and clear your gas mask. While unpleasant, this training builds confidence in your equipment and your ability to operate in a chemical environment.

Week 8: Getting Ready for the Fleet

As you get closer to the end, training focuses on practical fleet-readiness. This can involve more advanced simulations and skills training. It’s about getting you ready for your first command after you graduate from boot camp.

Your final physical readiness test happens around this time. You must meet the Navy standards in the run, push-ups, and plank to graduate. It is the result of all the physical training you have done over the past two months.

Week 9: Battle Stations 21

This is the final test and the most talked-about part of Navy boot camp. Battle Stations 21 is a 12-hour, overnight event that tests everything you have learned. It is the culmination of your entire recruit training experience.

You and your division will board the USS Trayer, a highly realistic ship simulator. You will respond to multiple scenarios, including fires, flooding, and simulated enemy attacks from a hostile strike group. You can get more information on Battle Stations from the U.S. Navy.

When you complete Battle Stations, you trade your “RECRUIT” ball cap for a “NAVY” one. This simple act signifies your transition from recruit to Sailor. It is a moment of immense pride and accomplishment.

Week 10: Graduation

The final week is all about preparing for the Pass-In-Review ceremony. This is the official graduation event where you showcase your discipline and precision drill. You will practice for the ceremony and have your final uniform inspections.

After the ceremony, you are officially a United States Navy Sailor. You will get your orders for additional training at your “A” School, which is the next step in your career. Your family and friends can attend the Pass-In-Review ceremony to celebrate your achievement.

What About After Bootcamp?

Graduating from Navy boot camp is a huge accomplishment, but your training is far from over. Immediately after graduation, you’ll head to “A” School. This is where you learn the specific skills for your Navy job, or rating.

The length of “A” School varies greatly. It can be as short as a few weeks for some ratings or last for more than a year for highly technical fields like nuclear operations or cryptography. This skills training is where you become an expert in your chosen field.

After “A” School, some Sailors may go to “C” School for even more specialized instruction. Your Navy career will involve continuous learning and professional development. Your time at the Navy Recruiting Command Career Center was just the first step.

Why the Change to 10 Weeks?

The Navy added two weeks to its basic military training to better prepare Sailors for the challenges of fleet life. The extra time allows for more training in critical areas. These areas include mentorship, character development, and hands-on application of essential skills.

This change recognizes that modern naval operations are very demanding. The Navy wants to ensure its newest Sailors have a stronger foundation before they ever step onto a ship. The focus is on creating more capable and confident team members from day one who embody the Navy’s core values.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the Navy’s basic military training program.

What are the physical requirements for Navy boot camp?

Recruits must pass a baseline physical fitness assessment upon arrival and then pass the official physical readiness test (PRT) to graduate. The PRT includes push-ups, a forearm plank, and a 1.5-mile run. The standards vary by age and gender, but you should aim to exceed the minimums.

Can I communicate with my family during recruit training?

Communication is limited. You will not have access to your personal phone or social media. You are allowed to write letters, and receiving mail is a huge morale booster. Your family can follow your division’s progress through the official RTC Great Lakes social media pages, which respect the privacy policy for naval personnel.

What happens if you fail a test at Navy boot camp?

The training command is there to help you succeed. If you fail an academic, physical, or practical test, you will typically be given a chance to remediate and retest. However, repeated failures can result in being held back or separated from the Navy.

What is “A” School?

“A” School is the next training phase after you graduate from boot camp. It’s where you learn the specific technical skills required for your Navy rating (job). The location and length of this skills training depend entirely on your chosen career path.

Conclusion

So, how long is Navy boot camp? The answer is 10 weeks of intense, structured training at RTC Great Lakes, preceded by several days of processing. This time is designed to push your limits, instill discipline, and forge you into a skilled U.S. Navy Sailor.

The journey is filled with hard work and challenges. Every part of the recruit training program, from basic seamanship to Battle Stations, is meant to prepare you for life in the fleet. Graduating is an accomplishment that will stay with you for the rest of your life.

It is the first major step in an honorable and exciting career serving your country. Completing the training at this distinguished training command marks the beginning of your new identity as a member of the United States Navy.