One month as a real RDC.
I’ve gotten rid of 11 so far, will probably lose more due to swim and fitness test before it’s over.

They’re coming around after 4 weeks. They’ve earned both flags they’ve tried for so far, but one was so close we haven’t let them fly it yet.

I beat em everyday. Usually more than once.

Egos are disappearing, maturity is rising, laziness is waning. Still a handful of shitheads but that will always be the case.

Seeing them grow in such a short time is awesome. I’ve had to tell myself multiple times that their failures aren’t mine. All I can do is teach em. They will either fail or rise to the occasion.

Initially they disappointed me routinely but I’m seeing a lot more effort out of em recently. Wish I could post more details because there are cool stories to tell but I won’t get too into it.

We graduate on February 19th. Looking forward to a week off afterward.

Week 1 as a real RDC
Picked up 101 recruits on Friday the 19th. They are is processing until the 30th or possible the 2nd, don’t quite know yet with the new holidays. We’re waiting on scheduling to see when we actually start day 1-1 of training.

It’s completely different feeling with them being MY recruits. When I was in training they weren’t mine. I have way more invested now. It’s not as though they are my kids, but they are my kids.

I’m paired with a chief and second class, meaning I am 2nd RDC as a first class. I’ve been running the show. Chief is laid back, but we all are until we get it a point we can “motivate” them through directed exercises and other forms of correction.

I’ve gotten their attention already. They know I’m gonna teach them, they know I’m here to help them, they just don’t know how to listen yet. It’s understandable, we’re speaking a foreign language. We’re speaking Navy and they’re all civilians still. But it’s COOL to see them connect with me. Couple came up crying to me.

RDCs are either strict or “huggers”. I’m anything but a hugger, I runs tight ass ship where respect and integrity are the lost important concepts. Yet they still come to me before the other RDCs.

I am learning a lot too about the procedures and instructions. More so than I ever did as a student watching. Being thrown right into it is quite effective.

Bottom line, I’m enjoying the fuck out of this. All 15 hours a day of it.


We graduated today!

Finished today. I meet my lead for our push tomorrow. Pick-up brief on Monday and pick up my first division on the 19th.



WK 11 Update

Valpo,

I hadn’t heard about RDCs going to drill at local high schools yet. If I catch wind of it or get involved I’ll let you know.

SpinZone,

We dropped them off Thanksgiving morning and they got split up amongst different organizations. Some went to the chapel, some went off post apparently. I didn’t ask too about it. They behaved themselves it seems.

All,

As SpinZone mentioned, my last real obstacle is complete. We had to Rev a division (wake them up), and execute their MTS (Master Training Schedule) for a day. I had two partners, one of which didn’t show up to prep and we basically hid her in the compartment. Had her walking house and checking racks while me and the other made sure paperwork was good and we had no safety incidents, which would have been an automatic failure.

My only test going forward is our official PFA. I got an outstanding-high on my mid-cycle PFA so I’m gonna continue to nurse my strained calf and run this one about 10 seconds faster than my minimum score. Nothing more matters, my mid-cycle counted for this years official Navy PRT. This one is just my C-school official one. They know I can do it, it’s just a check box at this point.

We had 3 training groups pick up with 4 RDCs per division. We’re back to 3-per for this next training group. The Command is extremely Chief heavy, I think it was 550+ last I heard, so they wanted to get some of these Chiefs employed with a division. I guess they accomplished that.

My instructor asked if I was interested in coming to his ship and pushing with him. He’s top notch, I took it as a compliment for sure. I’ll likely pick up in February. If everything works out well we could do 5 pushes together. Having 5 pushes with my instructor would set me up WELL.

And now for something I don’t agree with.

We have one all female division in the training group. Today was DC Olympics, which used to be called Captains Cup. When I came through there was one flag, usually won by the 800 Division (Spec Ops Division). Apparently there are two flags now, one for all male competitions divisions, and one for integrated male/female divisions. Okay, I can accept that to an extent. But today there were three flags, one for all male winner, one for male/female winner, and one for all female. The only problem, there’s only one all female division. Felt a lot like a participation trophy.

On a side note, my AROC won the planks today. She held one for 27 minutes!

I also did a little work with a mostly SO division. They were easier to control, had to put some of them in place because they thought they were already Seals. Overall they were way slower than a normal division. Something in the genes I suppose. I’ll see if I get a larger sample size later.

WK 10 Update

I got moved to another division. Same training group so they are at the same point in training. I like this group of RDCs I’m working with more. The recruits are more squared away but also not as good at marching. So it’s a give and take.

I came at an opportune time, they were starting to get a little too comfortable. So after I witnessed a couple females dancing and one screaming in the chow line I was able to be a newcomer who brought them back to earth. A couple don’t like me for it because they don’t get away with everything anymore. But the majority like what I’ve brought, a sense balance some call it.

This new division has a 40 something year old homicide detective from Louisiana that is here for the reserves. He says it means he can retire in 10 years with his police career. He obviously has a different experience than most recruits. I talk to him different and he treats us with respect. Both parties know the situation. I’m eager for him to graduate. He says he has a lot of good stories to share with us. He said he’s an LT. not sure where that ranks in the police world.

I’ve got 2 more weeks of push and one week of INDOC 2 and preparing for graduation. We are not the senior class in school so things are going fast, going well, and I’m ready to push boots as a red rope.


WK 8/9 Update

The recruits have figured out me and Chief (a fellow blue rope) are in training.

They ask the dumbest questions.

They are really coming around but also piss me off thinking they know anything yet. Little fuckers know nothing of the Navy. And worse, I got to the A-school side and see them all acting a fool. It makes me hope their first Chief or LPO really sets em straight.

Me and Chief are looking forward to getting a division of our own. We graduate in a little over a month. We’ve asked to pick up recruits right away but never know with Xmas and the holidays.

I got the recruit crud and filled 7 prescriptions yesterday. I have my OPFA (official physical fitness assessment) in 2 weeks so I’m nursing my pulled calf and sickness for that day alone.

Spinzone,

Triships are great, all 900 division are there since they have tighter schedules. Haircuts, bag meals, firefighting and line handling reps and sets rooms are there. You have to MAKE yourself go marching. If you’re not careful they can also make you lazy.

Looked at the pick up list this week and it’s confirmed, next training group is 4 RDCs per push. dwell times listed are 30-55 days in most cases. Product of the push to up manning and the season I suppose. I don’t know how to feel about it, too many hands in the pot but also a few more hours off a week. 2 RDCs on deck at all times is the rule though.

WK 6/7 Update

Lost 4 more recruits since last time. And for those of you that think, these kids are soft, yes, they are, but not everyone is meant for the military.

About 10% attrition is expected at boot camp and it’s a good thing. Get rid of the fluff as they say.

I’m learning so much, I forget more than I learn but it’s building at this point. Nobody here works within their rate so what I’ve learned in 7 weeks is pretty crazy when I think about it.

I’m gonna start some practical exercises for school soon. Taking the division out on my own for PT and other things. Getting my quals done as part of this.

I’ve learned that it’s good to know people here. Keeps you from getting as many hits from FQA (Fleet Quality Assurance).

I also clocked my fastest 1.5 mile run today at 11:24. I’m in the outstanding-medium score for my age. A far cry from the 9:00 1.5 mile or 18:00 minute 3 mile I used to do, but still good for a 42 year old. And it keeps getting better.

Recruits are coming around as far as what we expect. Hygiene used to take 45 min+. Now they are done in 30 and cleaning. Lots of push ups and other exercises helped expedite that change lol. They are a long way off, especially on drill (marching), but I can see a small change already. This is essentially the start of their 4th week of boot camp. So this is when they tend to start acting more like Sailors and less like civilians. I also get a couple extra hours a week off since we aren’t babysitting quite so much. Only working 75-80 hours a week now.

WK 4/5 Update

I’ve worked 12 straight 16 hour days. I get extremely excited when I get to sleep in until 0400.

Some of these recruits piss me off. Some simply irritate me. Some surprise me, both good and bad. And some have already made me extremely proud. I’m training flags this time and seeing them pick it up and be proud of their work is rewarding. My guidon could be my daughter, seeing her cry was tough but I know she’s gonna make it and do well.

While I’m moving and teaching, and chewing ass, I’m not tired. Even on the couple 17+ hour days I’ve worked on 3-4 hours of sleep. But as soon as I sit down for something I have to do, like my own training, it’s a fight to stay awake. I ate an entire bag of snacks during CPR training just to keep from crashing.

I was afraid after hearing how soft boot camp was that I wouldn’t enjoy it. It ain’t soft. Certain aspects are but RDCs still have a lot of tools at their disposal. And while I can’t do it myself. I enjoy when a problem recruit gets beat. They all fold so fast. They ain’t tough after 30 8 counts.

For spinzone:
I’m not sure how it was when you were here but I’ve heard the Triad speak multiple times already. They swear their number one concern is red ropes and staff because of the hours and stress of the job. But it’s so tone deaf because I haven’t seen anything to say they are making it easier on RDCs. Seems red ropes are always the last consideration. From instruction to the facilities. Not much is done to make any process easier for red ropes. Not the best first impression of the Command itself to be honest.

P-days was fast. I hated the Pearl, its run down and filthy. No idea why the first step of boot camp isn’t like a flagship. It should be perfect. It’s hard to instill checkpoints and pride in their compartment when the ship itself sucks.

Once we got to our ship (we’re in the new tri-ships) they have quickly started learning the checkpoints and taking some pride in “clean and orderly”. They are getting it. It’s fun to watch. Also irritating to see the lazy fucks still being lazy.

My SCSI was the LCPO of Midway so he loves drill. Instead of divisional ITE after swim quals he had em perfecting “mass right” for 4 hours on the grinder outside the Pearl. With some motivation mixed in. I think they would have preferred ITE.

I’m enjoying a day off. Finally. But im looking forward to getting back tomorrow.

WK3 Update

It’s not really MY division as I’m still in a student status. But it’s almost 100% hands on. I’m done with curriculum. I attend a pick up brief Monday, pick up recruits Tuesday. P-days (processing days) are long. I’ll be there 15 hours a day everyday until that portion is done.

My normal week is Mon-Sat with 3 Sundays a month off. The 6-day weeks are 81 hours minimum. I’ll likely have to work most Sundays off to get every signature I need on my qualifications.

I’ve been fighting tendinitis in my left Achilles the past week. But I’m icing it every day and it’s been holding up for my PT.

I’m excited as hell for Monday. I’m just a student, not an instructor on this first push but it’s a start.

WK2 Update:

Everything was going well, finished my uniform inspection on Thursday, then we performed a full 45 minute ITE (red card exercises you can make recruits do for “motivation”) session. It’s part of the curriculum, they want you to understand the red card is enough and we all agreed. No one was staying off the deck towards the end.

Then on Friday morning, we got another. Because not enough senior class participants volunteered to lead PT. So we did another full session, followed by a two mile run. I’m definitely getting back into shape.

No hits on my DMI inspection on Friday. Which is what we teach the recruits for folding clothes and making their bunks.

The weeks are long, but after this week I’ll be on a push as a blue rope and learning a lot OTJ. I’ve got a metric shit ton of signatures to get from observing so it’ll be a lot of rev-tap days.

Good thing is we’re learning a lot about each other as a class. Where to help, where to push. We range from E-5 to E-9 so lots of different experiences within 30 students.

WK1 Update:
For those interested I figure I’d update this weekly or so.

Week 1 was rather mundane. PRT, got my blue rope, lots of curriculum. The rope, and of course more so the subsequent red one, brings me more pride than any other Navy accomplishment. Couple observations:

1. Things change daily, not by the decade or year, but daily.
2. There are a million things to remember to CYA when dealing with recruits.
3. Parents are mostly great and this week’s graduation certainly put a smile on my face, but some are exceedingly annoying.
4. PT in school is no joke. The video posted a while back with overweight instructors is not the norm. That’s MAYBE 5% of students right now. Most are beasts or close to it for their age.
5. I’m never gonna be a 5 minute mile guy again, but I have lots of room for improvement.
6. I’m even more excited after week one. Next week we get out of the classroom for drill practice/instruction and some witnessing of different evolutions.

OP:
Waited until I got home today to post this. Finished up Leadership school today and checked into RTC.

Driving onto RTC and being there for the first time in 11 years gave me goose bumps.

All the recruits carrying their sea bags on their back. Walking in formation. Crazy what 11 years experience does to perception of the place.

My PT heavy school starts Monday and I couldn’t be more excited. I’ve never been at a Navy Command operationally. I’ve always been attached administratively but worked for the NSA the past 9 years (school was almost 2).

I’ll update this thread for those interested in how it’s changed. I can only offer first hand perspective since 2014 but I’m sure even since then it’s different.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: OttoSig,

Been 42 years…Company 915-Triple Threat; drummer.

quote:

Originally posted by bcereuss:
Been 42 years…Company 915-Triple Threat; drummer.

Company = Army?

I ask because they are called divisions in the Navy. But also 900 divisions are the musicians and other special programs so it tracks.

Well, as I recall we were called “Company 915.”

And-NAVY!

Please keep us posted.

Any deer hunting this year?

quote:

Originally posted by OttoSig:

quote:

Originally posted by bcereuss:
Been 42 years…Company 915-Triple Threat; drummer.

Company = Army?

I ask because they are called divisions in the Navy. But also 900 divisions are the musicians and other special programs so it tracks.

Company = boot camp
At least when I was in, once you're out of boot you're assigned to a division. And yes, I was Company 928 at RTC San Diego, which was a drill company. Basically the band for the boot camp graduation.

quote:

Originally posted by SW_Sig:
Please keep us posted.

Any deer hunting this year?

Unfortunately I’m reveille to taps through hunting season while training. 6 days a week anyway.

And WI season is only 9 days I believe. I just don’t have the network up here. No leased land or anything.

My cousin has about 250 acres down in Florida leased so one year soon I think me, him, and my brother will do a hunt. I’d love to take a big Wisconsin deer but it certainly is not in the cards this year. If I can network, maybe next year.

quote:

Originally posted by stoic-one:

quote:

Originally posted by OttoSig:

quote:

Originally posted by bcereuss:
Been 42 years…Company 915-Triple Threat; drummer.

Company = Army?

I ask because they are called divisions in the Navy. But also 900 divisions are the musicians and other special programs so it tracks.

Company = boot camp
At least when I was in, once you're out of boot you're assigned to a division. And yes, I was Company 928 at RTC San Diego, which was a drill company. Basically the band for the boot camp graduation.

Nice to know the history. They are “divisions” now, and when I was here in 2014. Shits always changing

quote:

Shits always changing

AKA, the only constant...

quote:

Originally posted by stoic-one:

quote:

Shits always changing

AKA, the only constant...

Yes, Sir!

Companies in 1969 (56 years ago! )

I was the Education Petty Officer for Company 141. Tutoring the...uh..."less gifted" recruits in the academic areas.

I've seen videos of boot camps; what I saw was different than when I was in.

Maybe it changed with the new administration.

quote:

Originally posted by Rey HRH:
I've seen videos of boot camps; what I saw was different than when I was in.

Maybe it changed with the new administration.

It’s constant Rey. Just in the short decade I’ve been in it’s had multiple uniform changes. They put iPads in place instead of blue jackets manuals. They took the iPads away. Less likely from abuse, as that’s easily remedied with accesses and tracking. But more likely from hardware and software not working.

Now they have their phones but apparently, and I will learn this process, they can’t and don’t access them except when allowed to call home per the norms. Maybe they are all locked with the RDCs? I don’t know at this point.

I’m anxious to see the smaller changes. And ignore a lot of them

quote:

Originally posted by OttoSig:

Company = Army?

I ask because they are called divisions in the Navy.

When I was in Navy boot camp, Bainbridge Md, 1956, it was called a "company" (maybe 60 or 80 recruits, I don't recall the exact number). The guy in charge, usually E6 or E7, was the "company commander."

quote:

Originally posted by PHPaul:

I was the Education Petty Officer

Hah! Me too, but 13 years before you.

Now we are called, RDC, or Recruit Division Commanders.

This lesson in history is really cool to me. I honestly had no idea.

Back in RTC Orlando, '77...we were in Training Units.

Divisions are/were shipboard unit organizations; company is for some shore units. I guess that's why they are divisions now. But, yes, change is the only constant.

quote:

Originally posted by bcereuss:
Well, as I recall we were called “Company 915.”

And-NAVY!

So I thought it was called too

Yup, Great Lakes in 1983.

Company 182. Divisions were made up of 2-6 companies.

There were 6 Companies per building, two on each floor, three floors. But not all building were filled out.

quote:

Originally posted by Patriot:
Yup, Great Lakes in 1983.

Company 182. Divisions were made up of 2-6 companies.

There were 6 Companies per building, two on each floor, three floors. But not all building were filled out.

So to provide some context. The buildings now are called ships. I went to boot camp in the Hopper. Named after Grace Hopper. Admin and indoc is in the Iowa.

There are others of course. So now it plays into Navy shipboard order with divisions I suppose.