Boot Camp: Behind The Scenes at Recruit Training Command (Full documentary, 2019) 

boot camp was the funniest place i wasn't allowed to laugh

Disclaimer: none of them are this nice when on the job

Great advices: 1.) avoid creating unwanted attention. 2.) observe everything around. 3.) be a team player. 4.) Don't quit / Never give up.

I will never forget my RDC's yelling "STARBOARD WATCH!!" and then seeing him come bolting across the compartment.

Bootcamp honestly was bittersweet, I kinda miss my division but I also remember being really pissed off at everyone.

If you’re afraid to do something, that’s a good indicator that you should probably do it.

I went to boot and failed the run. I talked to a female recruit who said she wanted to quit. I gave her motivation and she passed when I failed again. Best feeling of my live. I was happy for her. Then I passed after her. I told myself if she can do it so can you!

I just graduated on Sept. 10. Bootcamp for me wasn’t hard, it was just annoying mostly. But like everyone else says: just keep your head low and know your general orders, chain of command, and ranks and recognition, because they will ask you questions on it. Also to not fight with other recruits, do what the instructors say no matter how ridiculous it sounds, and try to have fun too but at the right times. I had a good time in boot camp and I made some memories that will last a lifetime. Good luck future sailors.

So no ones talking about how my mans is drinking straight from the blender

I miss my RDC’s. They were sarcastic funny but firm. They would always have our division crack a laugh. Then tell us “We don’t laugh in Boot Camp”

Having just graduated from the Navy bootcamp, I respect my RDCs a lot. I mean they did yell at us a lot and were very strict but they were also very supportive and would motivate us as long as we show commitment to do better.

I’m a Royal Marines Commando and worked with the US forces on many occasions and I’ve gotta say, they are some of the finest people I’ve had the honour of working with.

You guys remember the tunnel? It was cool marching through the tunnel. Nice echo when we sing anchors aweigh.

I remember when I first got to RTC two guys about to graduate came in to talk to us and give us tips. They told us that the RDC’s threatened to give them GOT spoilers if they messed up.

Paying attention to detail is taught throughout the navy. Missing One little detail can cause havoc. Sink a ship, cause an explosion on deck or below decks. And we resented them pounding that into us as boots. Well done , company commanders!

I went to boot camp back in 92 and retired in 2015. We called them Company Commanders not RDC's. Name doesn't matter. What matters is I still know their names and can still hear their voices giving the "motivation". CC's / RDC's absolutely make the difference. They see what is inside the recruit and bring it out. Most of the time, for the better.

He isn't lying about the weather. One minute its snowing 45 minutes later its sunny

"ya'll are doing push-ups until recruit Kim gets tire." That dude never got tired of doing push-ups.

These masks really saved us from getting beats 10x as worst because people would smile under these masks during PI or when getting yelled at

Damnnnnnn I went almost a year ago, shit is cake, My chief tried not to cry our graduation day. He a senior chief now, lowkey miss him, had a great experience.

You can see the nervousness in the RDCs eyes. They are holding back alot.

Yo, real talk man that swimming instructor was AMAZING, that motivational talk

Best thing I've ever done. Serving in the navy is amazing

I was closer to quitting during the 10 weeks of boot camp than I was at any point during buds. Everyday was so monotonous. I gained almost 15 pounds because my activity level dropped so drastically. Greatest decade of my life in the Navy. Loved every minute post bootcamp. This doc is so damn funny to watch now.

I straight up half assed this whole experience, and guess what, I made it. Moral of the story, don’t let your dreams be memes. I ended up serving 10 years.

Boot camp was extremely simple. My attitude was shaped for me by my family before I ever went to the Navy. In boot camp my attitude was I'm getting paid to make my bed, fold my clothes and do what I'm told to do. It was just like at home, except I was getting paid. My mom's cleaning inspection was far more intense. My high school wrestling practices were far more demanding physically. The only adjustment that was challenging was having to take a crap in front of everybody. 22 year veteran.

I went through U.S. Navy boot camp at Great Lakes in the summer of 1981. I soon figured out that it was designed to be as stressful as possible to separate out those that crack under pressure, so that they do not make it to the fleet when and if war occurs. Once I figure that out, U.S. Navy boot camp became easier -- still stressful and trying at times though, of course. It was a good experience, over all.

It’s super weird watching this after having gone through it myself. You can identify all the buildings you see in the film. Covid has so much stuff jacked up right now too. Pacific fleet is a quarantine facility now, with cubicles and racks. It’s crazy.

When I was contemplating joining the military, I looked at the Army, Air Force and Navy. Navy was always at the top of my list as my dad was in the Navy. I was attracted to the coastal duty stations, the traveling opportunities, I thought they had the best uniforms. I thought the ships were cool. The navy seemed more "strategic" than the other services. I thought it was cool that they landed planes on ships. And I thought they were the most athletic because you also had to have swimming skills. I wanted to be a part of that and take advantage of all opportunities that the Navy had. The only thing was, I couldn't swim. In fact, I feared the water. I like the comment that was made about how you do in the swim test has a lot to do with the geographic location that they came from. That is so true. I grew up in a small country town in Ohio. We had lakes and creeks, but not a lot of swimming opportunities. Anyway, one year before joining the navy, I took adult swim classes and I was at the gym every day. I would spend one day on cardio and weights and the other day swimming. I had no problem passing the swim test the first time. Joining the Navy was the best thing I ever did. I served 20 years and now I am retired. I have traveled the world and have seen things and been places that others only dream of. I've experienced things that words cannot even express what I've experienced and have a language that only others who had the same experience can understand. I met my soul mate in the Navy.

still get the sweats just from hearing "hydrate!" haha

I wouldn't say boot camp was easy, but it's definitely something you only want to go through once lol. I Loved the Navy I still do I'm glad I got to be part of something that has a rich history and traditions. Served 2009-2013. I did my four years served with the Atlantic Fleet Norfolk VA, was my duty station. Did two deployments to the Middle East. I'm a shellback and have Navy tattoos. It's definitely my glory years.

"Don't mess this up or ill give you spoilers" hahahaha That's motivation

I remember arriving at RTC and I was scared shitless but slowly and I mean very slowly I learned that everything they do even the IT was to help us become sailors and I am so thankful for that.

Am I the only one whose heart sank for the dude in the parking lot who got busted by FQA? We all know what happened to him lol

I was Air Force in 98. Went straight from basic training to Eglin AFB in FL. Navy school, Air Force base. Almost every instructor I had was Navy, and those guys were as professional & squared away as you'd expect off a recruiting poster. And MN1 Neidrauer was one of the funniest men I ever met in my life. Good times. I salute you sailors.

Whether recruit or chief, thank all of you for your service. The land of the free because of the brave.

The 34 dislikes are the ones who say they would punch a drill instructor in the face if they yelled at them, otherwise they would've joined.

Who else is coming to this video for the nostalgia?

I wish I had the motivation to stay in the military, but I lost it long ago during some personal issues. but I did retire at 20 years. I have nothing but respect for these Navy leaders. It takes a lot of mental mind power to stay in the military.

My Boot camp was fun. Never laughed so hard in my life. My Company Commander, a Filipino CHIEF and The only thing I could understand him saying was him screaming at the top of his lungs, push-up position mutter puckers. I cried I laughed so hard, I couldn’t keep a straight face to save my soul. Good thing I could push-up all day long. Best wishes and regards ENC DAVID.😊

It’s interesting that I found this today. Fifty years ago today 10/1/1969 I was honorably discharged from the Navy. Viewing this film brought back vivid memories of my boot camp at RTC/NTC San Diego back in January 1966, Company 037. Times surely have changed!

I remember when I was getting smoked for something I did and after I answered their questions and maintained bearing I’ll never forget that random drill instructor asking how I was today. Blew my mind how normal they can be out of nowhere

A lot of me wanted to enlist out of high school but chose to be an electrician for 13 years. After a career change I now hold a prominent role in Test and Development in electric motors for the Navy. I think of these guys every day. The feeling of serving your country in one way or another is amazing. But the ones in service are the heroes. Except Blumenthal.

I remember the first night I was there. we had five minutes to shave and I couldnt get a spot in the front of a mirror so I just started shaving away lol. came back to the toe line with my face all bleeding and cut up. AM2 said, "man, you managed to cut everything but your jugular." lmao.

Boot camp was a breeze, stay low, and do as your told

16 years and 2 days ago I was in Great Lakes. Best decision I ever made. Good luck too all are who are going. Let this video be a motivator and not a deal breaker.

I entered Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes Chicago Illinois, July 24,1995, After graduating high school June 7,1995. Damn sounded like I was giving my introduction to some kind of pageant, lmao. I instantly clicked when I saw this. I am so happy these new recruits beds are the way they are. In 1995, we had prison bunk beds. But, they were made up to perfection, lmao. I'm a veteran and I'm totally proud to be one. U.S.A U.S.A U.S.A

You’d be surprised how many people that join the navy can’t swim ....

I’m in this video and now I’m going to japan in March, navy works wonders

My biggest take-away from watching this is that some of these guys wake up around the same time I am going to sleep.

My time at bootcamp in 2007 was amazing. So many memories. I often wish I could go back through it again!

Petty Officer Douglas is a decent stand-up guy. His demeanor was outstanding in communicating with the recruits. The recruits have already been stressed out, this is one place they do NOT need to be stressed.....good job Petty Officer Douglas. DH, US Navy

Just graduated navy boot camp today. Best day of my life. Overcame a hard but great obstacle that would take me far

Bootcamp was a great experience, I was very immature at 18 & bootcamp made me grow up quick but I truly needed it & my bootcamp instructors were awesome

PT was my kryptonite. My 1.5 mile went from 17:30 in DEP to 11:00 flat. I’m an Alpha male since i’m 19 and it was the hardest challenge for me but it was still possible. Someone who went from 260 to 195 lbs. I’m telling you right now you need to push as hard as you can and keep going. The pain is short and the benefits are long. I also maxed the plank at 3:40 and all I did was recite the general orders and sailors creed very slow. Do anything in your power and use your mind. it’s a very powerful tool.

I remember my Chief was so harsh on us that we started out with 106 and ended with 42. We had by far the smallest Division during graduation. He was a CB, the hardest bastard I ever met, and we all ended up loving him by the end of it all. We were also Div. 069 which he thought was hilarious.

RDCs that enlisted 5 years after I got out is really starting to make me feel old.

My boyfriend has been at boot camp for four weeks and before he left I refused to know what he was going to be embarking into for fear of him and our relationship, this just gave me a whole new perspective of what he’s doing and I now understand everything he’s written to me since he left.

One of the best Navy Documentaries this person has ever seen so far.

Right Place, Right Time, Right Uniform, Right Attitude. You'll be golden.

I remember those rdcs specially the African american one. They were in the ship I got asmoed into, he is a cool person and he cares about his recuits. Even tho his eyes opening like that is funny lmao

"Come be an RDC!" Lol the Nuke field won't let me leave, but mad props to y'all!

The music on this video really steals away from the silence of Great Lakes.

This video makes me respect the RDC's and instructors even more, I didn't really know a lot of about the Navy before doing research and now I'm considering enlisting into it rather then the Army.

Man, the Navy sure has changed. In my day boot camp was 13 weeks. We carried an 03 Springfield everywhere except chow. Organized as naval infantry; battalions, companies, platoons, squads. No camouflaged fatigues, dungarees. Would never call any petty officer, or chief by that title. They were all sir.

I graduated April 12th, 2019. Looking back at this now, I give more respect to my RDC’s for shaping me and my division to be out in the fleet as sailors. Hooyah 173!

What's crazy is that I was the previous division before these guys (Division 933). I actually know quite a bit of these guys in Division 936.

Im shipping off in about three days. Im so not nervous that im nervous, idk how to describe it

I served with Chief Dovala when she was BM2(SW) Dovala on the William P. Lawrence when I was a Deck Seaman she is a great mentor to have and very knowledgable as well -GM2

I had Petty Officer Dyer as an RDC and she was one hell of a teacher. Learned so much from her and all the other RDC's. The amount of work they put into bootcamp is insane, it was nice to be able to shake her hand after graduation.

Graduated boot camp in March 1982. Thank you Petty officers Williamson and Shiver. Go Navy. fly Navy. Haze gray and under way. Keep up the good work red ropers!

My RDC's were the best people in my life. They helped me see who I truly am and what I'm capable. I was homeless and going through a rough divorce. They pushed me and at the time I though they was singling me out for harsher ITE sessions. When I got to the end where we were waiting in our compartments to be shipped to a school, I had a nice long conversation with my 2nd RDC. He told me he saw in my eyes back in P days that I had something to prove. He said to me that he knew I was overweight and out of shape, but knew I had to drive to not give up. In my mind going through it I kept telling myself "Living life in boot is a simpler life than living in the streets. Here I don't have to think about when my next meal was. Here... I feel respected like a normal human being."

I am a US Navy vet... and I am so proud to have been part of the best institution in the world. I feel so proud of all my instructors at boot camp at which their only job was to make a better sailor and better person..... THANK YOU TO ALL OF THEM FOR THEIR SACRIFICE AND SERVICE.

16:02 I like that he didn't even use a glass

Great documentary! I went to Navy SAR Swimmer school I think 1986. It put boot camp to shame but we knew what we were in for and we all loved it. We'd laugh when getting punished and the instructors knew we laughed and gave us more PT but we still laughed and then they laughed with us. Guys were crying and we'd laugh. Those were the days

I’m literally getting ready for bootcamp and I just love the comments I can’t wait to see what this life style has to offer me 🙏🏾💙❤️

The tunnel after Battle station when you get your Navy hat. Still gives me chills.

ugh i can smell that gym through the video

Thank you for making this, training our troops, being real

My RDC was from East Africa and his name was SC Ndiaye with an accent that made every command sound entertaining haha, so we were all happy to listen. I also did a great impression of him at the end, he just smiled and said "good one".

Navy boot camp at Great Lakes in '94 was like football 2-a-days but you can't go home to your momma or your hina at night. If you ever played football or wrestled, you don't have anything to worry about.

I still remember my commanders, petty officer Bishop and Petty Officer Bell. They really changed my life. Still have the confidence and humility. In order to grow in life you always should be in a state of humbleness. God bless Tiffany

Ahh memories....US Navy Retired 1985-2005. Went to San Diego for Bootcamp, Company 233. I still have my "Anchor" Yearbook from then. Best decision I ever made.

Graduated RTC in late summer during the peak of COVID. Was a PUSH division wish I had more time to train like them. But does brings back memories especially the early morning PFA. Much love to my RDCs. Hooyah 298! They believed in me when I didn’t even believe I can💙⚓️

Seeing this literatlly brought chills to me, i enlisted in 2017 right before highschool let out and 2 1/2 weeks in i got seperated for anxiety, couldnt sleep, couldnt hold an appetite, and if an rdc got in my face with a question id tense up and just freeze. It makes me sad that im missing out but im glad i got this expirience. Division 340, under the command of petty officer parmarlee, petty officer freeling, and another petty officer i dont remember, but we had cheif righter aswell

I remember reporting to boot camp at The Great Lakes Training Center and stepping off the bus at midnight into a blinding snow storm 54 years ago. I am completely blown away at the changes reflected in the video...I hardly recognize the experience. I will say that I credit my 5 yrs. in the Navy as having the greatest influence on setting me on a life of achievement and reward. My teammates, to a man, concur. It was truly life altering. Good luck and thanks to the men and women making the commitment. And thanks to the men and women that are developing our sailors.

If you go in with the mindset that the yelling and the long days are going to be tough then you'll get through boot camp easily. I went through boot camp in 89 in San Diego and remember our Chief hit a recruit so hard his dog bowl took flight. There were a couple of recruits that suffered beach blanket parties but its frowned on now. The crying these recruits would go through at night was sad but sometimes necessary.

My RDCs were great. By no means they were easy on us. And first few weeks were brutal. Over time as we grew we gained that respect. I remember one of my RDCs gave me a hug after graduation and said do big things. I still hear her voice till this day and I retired 2022.

I had no idea, we always see army and marines basic but never navy Thank you for this

cant believe how state of the art everything is! my time there in bootcamp didnt look like that! lol

I have PTSD just from watching this shit. I had massive respect for my RTC’s they left when we hit the rack they were there next morning waking our ass up. Good ole days certainly don’t miss it. USS constellation ship 5 weird I still remember it like it was after 15 years ago.

My company commander was a BMC. We were his last company before he retired so he left us alone. No crazy yelling or PT. He talked to us like a father talked to his children. He was the senior CC so when other CC's tried to mess with us, he would chase them off. BMC Suma. He was a very nice man. I hope he had a nice retirement and is still alive and kicking. Side note - a good leader will do the exercises with the recruits.

"these recruits become family to you" Ay must be nice being treated like a human. We didn't have that in the Army

The only real stress and terror I ever felt aboard a ship is when my fellow shipmates dropped pallets of bombs from 4 feet in the air off a fork truck onto the deck. Off the coast of Vietnam passing Ammo to the Enterprise and other various ships at Sea. Don’t worry so much about what the enemy can do to you, worry more about your own mistakes. Plank owner, USS Shasta AE-33, GMG3, 71-75. Oh, and don’t covet rank and medals, complete the mission and win the damn war. I know what it feels like to lose one with 58,000 dead, and it isn’t good. I was lucky to have a GMCS as a boss and a Mustang, LT. as a 1st. LT. Department Officer., and a Full Bird Captain as the Commander. I’m sure we all lived because of their experience, of which I got to live a long life........lol

My nephew graduated June 2022 17yrs old he left for the NAVY 8/16/2022 we all cried it was sad but so proud of him, watching this makes me cry again Lol

Great Lakes was so easy I thought it was gonna be hard the running sucked but I passed it as a 5 year smoker back in 2013

34:21 CHIEF TOVAR. My 1st RDC, much respect for this man

Where on a ship would a sailor need camouflage? They should bring back dungarees and pea coats.

Boot camp was fun, honestly I have so much respect for my rdc’s they really cared about us. They really cared about the navy and I’m glad to be part of the navy!

Born and raised in Chicago area >> LOVED RTC ORLANDO !!