One thing you won’t get is lots of fresh air! Yes, that’s right; most of the Navy basic training takes place indoors. There are indoor marching drills, indoor shooting, indoor confidence courses, and more. This may seem a bit unusual, but actually makes a great deal of sense for the Navy. When you are in the Navy, most of the activities take place inside the ship or submarine, and this is the reasoning behind the high rate of indoor training programs.Somewhat surprising is that unlike other branches of the military, the Navy only has one training location in the country. It is on the western shores of Lake Michigan, at the Great Lakes Naval Training Centre, which is half way between Chicago and Milwaukee. You can learn more about the center and what takes place there by reading the free Military Pre-Enlistment Guide.

Shape Up
There is plenty you can do in advance of Boot Camp to get yourself in shape physically and mentally before your formal training begins. There is a lot of information available on the internet and the website previously mentioned, such as what the physical standards are and how the drill ceremonies work. One thing that will save you time is simply to memorize the rank structure before you get there.

If you still find you have time on your hands in advance of Boot Camp, then learn the core values of the Navy too. The course is very classroom intensive so you’ll have to get used to using your brain if it has been ‘resting’ for a while.

Follow the rules
Before you get to Boot Camp you will receive a list of things that you should bring and things you should not – this is military service they are talking about, so they don’t usually put things on lists if they are irrelevant. Follow the list. If there is an item that they say do not bring, then do not take it as the likelihood is that it will be taken away from you when you get there.

Surviving Boot Camp is all about doing as you are told, working hard, and keeping a low profile, so anything you can do to stay below the instructor’s radar is a good thing. Taking clothes, kits, and equipment that are not allowed will only draw negative attention to you before you begin the real training.

Swimming
As you would hope, being able to swim in the Navy is a good thing. If it all goes wrong, you will be surrounded by water! So if you are a weak swimmer, then try to get some practice before Boot Camp as you will be assessed when you arrive. If you are put in the ‘Kiddy Pool’ it is not great, but there are worse punishments in the world.

Remember, the organization is designed to train people to join the Navy, not to intimidate and fail them – it is all about developing people and helping them to learn and acquire the skills they will need to function successfully in the Navy. Whether indoors or not, Navy basic training will be hard work; but the rewards of successfully completing the program are undeniable.

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