RTC
& A School
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For anyone
aspiring to join the Naval Special Warfare community, RTC (Recruit
Training Command, or bootcamp) and A school should not be a major concern.
However, they are necessary steps that must be completed, that is if you
are enlisting into active duty and not the reserves or commissioning as an
officer.
Recruit Training Command This is where your career in the Navy begins. Although it is not a major challenge, you should try to make it as challenging as possible. This will help the days and weeks pass and make your time there more rewarding. What you put into this program, is what you will get back. Be a leader and the best teammate you can. While this may not seem an overwhelming task to you, remember that it is probably the greatest challenge most everyone else in your division has faced. Take it upon yourself to lift them up and see that your entire division performs well. By the end of RTC, measure your performance by the success of your division. In that way, RTC can become a challenge and a worthwhile experience. If you enter RTC in top physical fitness, and you should, it will be difficult to maintain that level. The fitness program is designed to make the weak stronger, not the strong stronger. PT every chance you can, but realize this will probably be a taper period for you prior to A school. Near the end of the first official training week, or the beginning of week two, you will go to the pool for swim quals. Here you should also receive a briefing for the Special Programs offered. I have heard some recruits say they did not get this briefing, so be just be aware of this event. After the basic swim qual, you will be given the opportunity to take an initial screening test for SEAL, SWCC, EOD and Diver. Here they are testing for your ability to "pay attention to detail" and base level fitness. Soon thereafter will be the first opportunity to take the official screening test. During the first 5 training weeks (meaning after P-days is complete) there will be 2 to 3 "Mandatory Dive Motivator Sessions" per week. They will be conducted from roughly 0615 to 0830. Be sure you attend the first possible session and PASS THE TEST. From here on you will be able to attend the PT sessions with the Dive Motivators in the morning, pending your division's training schedule. Beyond week 5, there are no more mandatory sessions and you must request permission from your RDCs for continued participation. You will not get many opportunities to run while you're at RTC. The longest scheduled run is 2 miles, 3 if you're lucky. However, there is a great way to increase your weekly mileage and gain experience in a leadership position. Try to get one of the three Yeoman slots your division will have open early in training: Divisional Yeoman, Medical Yeoman and Dental Yeoman. Any of these positions will place you in a leadership role capable of making a significant impact on your division; the Divisional Yeoman more than any other. In addition to that, the Yeomans have access to the division's daily schedule and are given additional freedom and privileges to conduct business away from the division. These errands will offer the opportunities to run a few extra miles from place to place on base. If you eat well and get in with the DMs as soon as possible, you should be able to exit RTC in relatively the same shape as when you entered. A School There are approximately 21 SEAL source rates to choose from. While at MEPS and working with the detailer to obtain your SEAL Challenge Contract, there are only so many of these rates available AND combined with the SEAL Challenge program at any given time. Be prepared by knowing your top two or three choices in case some are not available. The following factors should be considered when making your selections for A School:
The first reason is important simply because you are more likely to perform well at A school if you are interested in what you're doing. Your objective at A school is to graduate at the top of your class and this will help. The location and length of your school is important for training purposes; to regain your fitness level prior to reporting to BUD/S. It will likely take one month to regain the conditioning levels you had achieved prior to RTC. An A School lasting two to four months should be sufficient to make your final preparations for BUD/S. Regarding location, the only school I can provide specific information on is the Defense Information School in Fort Meade, MD. This is where the rate Photographer's Mate (PH) is obtained. This is an ideal location for BUD/S candidates. In fact, it is an excellent overall choice for an A School:
If you remain in Great Lakes for A School, you will be able to continue a PT program with the Dive Motivators. If you select an A School where there is no DM presence, like an Army or Air Force base, try to obtain a "Self PT Chit" so that you may coordinate your own training program. Otherwise, the standard detachment PT programs may not be sufficient. Above all, the most important piece of knowledge to have going into A School is that your career is in your hands and no one else is monitoring it for you. It is your responsibility to make things happen. Be proactive on all matters regarding your record, pay and orders. Do not assume anything will happen automatically for you or because your recruiter or someone at RTC told you that it would. Your objective at RTC and A School is to graduate at the top of your class. Make it a challenge and use this as an opportunity to develop your teamwork and leadership skills, as well as hone your fitness levels. **For more specific questions regarding PH school, e-mail me directly: barry@ptforlife.com To see some of the work done at PH School, click here
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