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A required minimum score of a 31 QT on the ASVAB. GED holders must score a 50 AFQT.

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1. Information Systems Technician

2. Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician

3. Aviation

4. Construction

5. Religious Services

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is to protect America at sea.

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Enlisted positions typically require an initial service commitment of four years, but positions involving longer-term training may involve five- or six-year obligations.

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Great Lakes Naval Training Center in Illinois.

The training center is the Navy's only enlisted training facility. The training is a 10 - week program.

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1. Education Benefits and College Credit

2. Future Employment Opportunities

3. Home Loans

4. Retirement and Insurance Benefits

5. Travel

6. Monetary Benefits

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"The Army represents the land, while the Navy and Coast Guard attend to the water. The Marines act as a bridge, protecting U.S. interests on land and water interchangeably. The Air Force and new Space Force consider America's needs and vulnerabilities from the air."

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On deck with the U.S. Navy in the Red Sea

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United States Navy Recruiting | Navy.com

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Are you considering the U.S. Navy as enlisted or as an officer? Learn about the American Navy and your career opportunities within the U.S. Armed Forces.

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The Navy doesn't have an official motto or slogan. However, there are many believed to be the motto like “Semper Fortis” – Latin for “Always Courageous” and more.

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Thinking about going into the Navy? You better do your research, first! The Navy is no joke, but with the right preparation, we know you've got what it takes. Before you officially become a sailor, you'll need to get through Navy basic training. It's not easy, but you know that by now. Let's see what Navy basic training is all about. And for the families of someone going into the Navy soon, we've got a few resources for you at the bottom, too. Fall in line, future sailors!

Navy Basic Training Requirements

Basics

If you want to be a part of the Navy, you must meet the following basic requirements.

Be between ages 17 and 39 to enlist

Be between ages 19 and 42 to become an officer

Have a high school diploma or GED

Pass the academic and physical requirements (outlined below)

Pass an in-depth medical exam

Meet the mental and moral standards of the Navy

Be a U.S. citizen or legalized permanent resident

Note
: Those who are 17 years of age will need parental consent to enlist. You can contact a recruiter if you want to join or learn more about the basic requirements.

Physical Fitness

Navy basic training requires you to pass a baseline physical fitness test, as outlined on the Navy's boot camp website. There are three core steps to the Navy's physical readiness assessment: 2-minute push-ups, planks, and a 1.5-mile run. Depending on your age group and gender, the standards are slightly different.
Push-Ups (in 2 minutes)

Men (ages 17-19): 46

Women (ages 17-19): 20

Men (ages 20-24): 42

Women (ages 20-24): 17

Planks

Men (ages 17-19): 2 planks for 30 seconds each

Women (ages 17-19): 2 planks for 30 seconds each

Men (ages 20-24): 2 planks for 30 seconds each

Women (ages 20-24): 2 planks for 30 seconds each

1.5-Mile Run

Men (ages 17-19): 16:10

Women (ages 17-19): 18:37

Men (ages 20-24): 16:10

Women (ages 20-24): 18:37

Other physical tests are also conducted but without precise standards to reach. Applicants will need to do as many push-ups and curl-ups as possible in two minutes. If you are a recruit who is unable to meet these standards, you may still be able to pass. However, your training will be significantly delayed. If you fail multiple times, you will not be able to continue.
Swim Test

This is the Navy! You can't get away from an intensive swim test here. During training, you'll be categorized as either a 2nd or 3rd class swimmer. 2nd class swimmers "can stay afloat and survive without the use of a PFD indefinitely under optimum conditions." 3rd class swimmers "can stay afloat and survive without the use of a Personal Floatation Device (PFD) in open water under optimum conditions long enough to be rescued in a man-over-board situation." The tests for each class have slightly different criteria, but the following elements will all be tested. The exception is a 100-yard swim test, which is only administered to 2nd class swimmers.

Deepwater jump

Breaststroke

Sidestroke

Elementary backstroke

Crawl stroke

Prone float

Shirt and trouser inflation

To find out more about how each test is measured and administered, check out the Navy's swim guidelines here.
Academics

There are several tests you must pass during Navy basic training. The first one is the Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). Another test you'll have to take is the Aviation Standard Test Battery, or ASTB-E (for enlistees), or just the OAR for officer specialties. It consists of math, reading, and mechanical comprehension tests for officers, and for non-officers, it includes aviation, nautical, and performance-based measures.

Medical Exam

You must be deemed physically fit in order to join the Navy. You will have to pass the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) to be considered. Don't worry; this isn't another academic test. Think of this more like an in-depth wellness visit with your doctor. Navy physicians will test your physical wellness to make sure you're ship-shape for service. That consists of the following:

Height and weight

Hearing and vision test

Urine and blood tests

Drug tests

Alcohol tests

Joint and muscle group testing

Full physical exam

Interview (for mental preparedness)

Any specialized tests required

How Long Is Navy Basic Training?

In total, Navy basic training lasts for eight weeks. The first week is mainly processing, so it's nothing too physically intense. There is also one extra week at the end in which you'll mainly be preparing for graduation.

Where Is Navy Basic Training?

The only Navy basic training center is located in Illinois at Naval Station Great Lakes.

Do You Get Paid for Basic Training?

This is the number one question that gets asked about all military basic training: Do you get paid for basic training? The answer is a yes! As soon as you have boots on the ground on day 1 of Navy basic training, you will be getting paid. Recruits generally start off at a pay level of E-1, which gets them a base-level entry pay of $1,795.00.

What To Bring to Basic Training Navy?

You won't be able to keep most personal items once you get to boot camp, so packing is the easy part, as you only have to worry about essentials. Things you
HAVE
to bring:

Your social security card

Your vaccination records

Two valid forms of ID

Marriage or divorce certificate (if applicable)

Direct deposit form

Permanent resident card (if applicable)

Here are the items that you ARE
allowed to bring to basic training:

A comb or hairbrush

A small (ideally pocket-sized) religious book

Pen and paper or other writing material (no bottled ink, though)

Wristwatches

Wedding rings

A prepaid phone card

A single pair of prescription or reading glasses

Cash amounting to less than $10

One small religious item, like a medallion, as long as it is less than 2"x1"

Prescription medication (with correct, identifying labels)

Additional items are allowed for females
:

Conservative cosmetic limited to one of each of the following: face powder, blush, lipstick, eye shadow, mascara

Hair ties that match your hair color

Sanitary products (pads, tampons, menstrual cups, etc.)

Birth control medication

Things you will NOT
be allowed to bring:

Any aerosol can

Playing cards

Cameras

OTC drugs

Extra clothing

Tobacco products

Metal hair accessories

Anything with alcohol in it, like mouthwash

Anything made with glass, such as mirrors

Lighters

Cologne/perfume

Shaving cream

Navy Basic Training Phases

So you may be doing research and asking, "What is basic training like?" It can be difficult if you don't go into it with the right mindset, resolve, and dedication. Your physical abilities will be tested, as will your mental capacity. You'll have to make split-second decisions in emergency simulations and learn how to really work with your fellow recruits as a team. Navy basic training consists of physical conditioning, physical testing, academic testing, and a healthy dose of in-classroom learning.

Week 1: Processing

Week 1 is technically the easiest, as it's when you're being processed and setting up everything you need for your next two months of training. However, many sailors report week 1 as being their most stressful since it's filled with paperwork, finances, exams, and just a whole host of new things that you've never had to deal with before. This is when you'll get your Navy clothing issued to you, be introduced to your instructors, receive your sleeping quarters assignment, and the like.

Week 2: Academic Testing & Teamwork

During week 2, you'll have to take your first academic test. This part is pretty easy according to past sailors who went through Navy basic training already. You'll also embark upon a confidence and team-building exercise in an emergency shipboarding simulation. Here, you'll practice using fire fighting equipment, get used to wearing your full gear, and practice using life-saving equipment in the water.

Week 3: First Aid & Physical Training

Week 3 is full of knot-tying, first aid training, and even more physical conditioning.

Week 4: Physical Exam Prep, Firearms, and Academic Testing

In week 4, you'll be busy doing tons of exercises designed to prepare you for your physical readiness test. You'll be measuring things like sit-ups, push-ups, and running speed. Swimming will also be tested and conditioned this week. Finally, you'll be introduced to firearm training and take your second academic test this week.

Week 5: Damage Control

Week 5 can be intensive, as it involves antiterrorism training, firefighting instructions, and even a bit of computer training. You'll usually also take yearbook photos during this week. The end is near!

Week 6: More Training

Week 6 is more of the same. You'll participate in even more physical training, firefighting drills, and conditioning exercises.

Week 7: Classroom & Battle Stations

Week 7 is rigorous. It's full of academics. During this week, you'll be sharpening your mind in the classroom and learning more skills. This all leads up to the big event of basic training. It's called Basic Training: Battle Stations. It is a culmination of everything you will have learned up to this time. Battle Stations is an intensive 12-hour simulation that makes you rely on your swimming, survival instincts, teamwork skills, damage control, rescue abilities, and more. The simulation will have you in a replica of a guided missile destroyer responding to an attack at sea with your fellow recruits. This event is not to be taken lightly.

Week 8: Graduation

Considering you passed Battle Stations, you're now on your way to graduation. During the week leading up to graduation, you'll attend a few more classroom sessions and a bit more physical training. You'll also get the scoop on Navy career advancement.

Navy Basic Training Graduation

At the end of week 8 of Navy basic training, you'll attend Pass-in-Review, which is your official graduation ceremony where you can finally call yourself a sailor. HOOYAH! Recruits' families can attend the Navy basic training graduation ceremony, provided they fill out the guest security access form and pick up their tickets at the welcome center during the week leading up to graduation. Each recruit is only allowed to invite two guests to the Navy basic training graduation ceremony.
The Welcome Center is located at the following address:
The Recruit Family Welcome Center Navy Exchange (NEX) Burkey Mall 2650 Green Bay Road North Chicago, IL 60088 Generally, the graduation ceremony will be scheduled as follows:

6:30 a.m.: The gate opens to guests.

7:00 a.m.: The ceremonial drill hall doors open to all guests.

8:45 a.m.: Guests should be seated at this time. Doors close, and no one else will be allowed to enter.

9:00 a.m.: The graduation ceremony begins.

9:20 a.m.: Divisions arrive.

10:30 a.m.: The graduation ceremony ends.

Family Resources

How To Contact Someone During Basic Training

When a recruit arrives on day one, personal items, such as cell phones, are taken away and stored locally. That means you will not be able to contact your recruit via their mobile device. You can, however, send your recruit a letter to the address that corresponds to the correct ship, which can be found here. The mailing address should look like this: SR LAST NAME, FIRST NAME, MI SHIP XXX DIV XXX RECRUIT TRAINING COMMAND XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX GREAT LAKES IL 60088-XXXX
If there is an emergency
and you must contact your recruit immediately, there are avenues for you to do so. You will have to get in touch with the American Red Cross, as they can quickly send communication of emergency events to anywhere in the world, including ships. To make sure your message is sent promptly and correctly, you'll need to provide the following information about the recruit when you call the Red Cross:

Their full name

Their rank

Their branch

Their social security number

The correct military address (as outlined above)

If you need to contact the Red Cross to transmit an urgent message, you can find your local chapter here.
What Can I Send Someone During Basic Training?

You are only allowed to send recruits small photos and letters during basic training. This is due to limited space in the barracks. You WILL NOT be allowed to send the following items: clothing, toiletries, food, medicine, anything else taken orally. If your recruit has a prescription, make sure they bring enough for the full 8 weeks of training. If you send a letter or photograph to your recruit, it will generally take 5-10 days to arrive.

What To Wear to Basic Training Graduation?

You can wear just about whatever you want to basic training graduation. Wear something nice enough so as to not embarrass your recruit, but there are no policies enforcing strict dress codes for suits, dresses, or anything else. Business casual is always a pretty safe bet if you're unsure!
Remember
: It's cold pretty much year-round up there in the Great Lakes, so regardless of your attire, you may want to pack an extra jacket or sweater!

Conclusion

Are you ready to become a sailor? Get in contact with your local recruiter and get to the seas faster. Good luck in Navy basic training! Looking for more basic training guides? We have them!

The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.

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My Base Guide - Navy Basic Training: Everything You Need to Know

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Discover the latest insights on MyBaseGuide.com with the article 'Navy Basic Training: Everything You Need to Know', focusing on U.S military bases and related topics. Read now to learn more and discover related articles and resources!

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Though there are tales as old as time, being in the military is one of those "you have to see to believe" life experiences. It's impossible to realistically imagine life in the Navy unless you've lived it yourself. The Navy is a family. Sailors are brothers and sisters. They have each others' backs. There are many things to consider when deciding whether to join the Navy so learn about what it's like to be a sailor. It's probably not at all what you think it is.

Life in the Navy is not like a TV show.

The biggest misconceptions about life in the Navy come from TV shows and movies. You might think that real life is like NCIS, with a Petty Officer going missing or being murdered at every turn, but that's just television drama. The best military movies of all time typically show off the more glamorous side of Navy life, focusing on commissioned officers as if they're the only people with knowledge and power in the Navy. That couldn't be further from the truth-but let's give that point a more in-depth look a little later. Suffice it to say that Navy life isn't about musicals staged on the flight deck or POs getting screamed at by abusive, overbearing COs.

You're not always away from home.

Media portrayals point to a life spent at sea-all the time. That's far from the truth. Deployment is a significant part of the job, but it's never forever. Moreover, the higher up you move in the ranks, the more control you have over the job that you do. It's possible to land a position-pun not intended-that allows you to spend the majority of your time in one place. Being away from your family, friends, and other loved ones is difficult, no question, but sailors learn to cope. Every job has its downside; every job comes with tasks that you don't enjoy doing. The Navy is no different.

Your schedule can be normal.

As mentioned, however, being in the Navy can ultimately be the same as any other working environment-because it is a working environment. Even when longer deployments remain a factor, you still spend substantial time in your home port. You may not always work a standard workday, but working from 0400-0800 and again from 1600-2000 allows you time to pick up the kids, have dinner with your spouse, or see a movie with your friends. It's not uncommon to net a traditional 9-5 job, either-or perhaps that should be 0900-1700.

The dress-code is strict, but not unreasonable.

You hear numerous misconceptions and stereotypes about how strict life in the Navy is, and to some extent, that's true. However, the restrictions and guidelines aren't unreasonable. For example, brightly colored fantasy hair isn't allowed, and both men and women have to keep their hair and their persons professional and tidy. Tattoos and piercings aren't entirely verboten, though, especially if they aren't extreme. It's true that Navy personnel must dress neatly and with class even when they're off-duty. That's because you're representing the United States Navy regardless of your clothing.

It takes work to become a cadet.

Applying to become a cadet means that you're on an officer track. That's an intense employment path. It's worth all the effort, but your training essentially begins from the moment you enlist. Officers have to know the ship inside and out, which means that cadets do, too. It's wise to learn about every aspect and area on-board.

That's not all, however. Cadets also have to undergo training and take a battery of tests to eventually captain a ship. Executive officers must be a specific age, they require certain certificates, and their fitness assessments must be top-notch. You're training for a specialty position, in essence.

The quarters aren't too close.

On the base, you can choose to live at the barracks, in an apartment, or in a house. These options come with full amenities, such as kitchens, laundry, and access to gyms and recreation. Onboard, however, Navy life is a bit different. Stereotypes suggest that you barely have room to turn around on the ship, but that's not the case. At sea or in a submarine, you get a berth that provides storage along with your sleeping rack. You can head to the mess deck to eat, hang out, and play games, while crew lounges have TV sets and other entertainment options. Some aircraft carriers even have ATMs and WiFi, as well as postal services.

The physical tests are intense.

Life in the Navy demands peak physical fitness, and they're happy to test your endurance and strength at every level. The training doesn't begin and end with boot camp. From the Navy Physical Fitness Assessment and the Body Composition Assessment to the Physical Readiness Test and the Physical Screening Test, recruits, cadets, and officers are constantly pushing themselves. Fortunately, you generally have access to gym facilities and nutritional information that allows you to perform at your best at all times. The Navy takes health care seriously and looks beyond merely providing health insurance.

Commissioned Officers aren't always in charge.

As briefly mentioned earlier, movies and television shows have a terrible habit of highlighting commissioned officers as if they're doing all the grunt work and making things run smoothly. The sailors themselves are primarily responsible for the day-to-day business of keeping the ship afloat, however. Everyone reports directly to someone, but the team on the ship works together like a well-oiled machine to keep the trains running on time-so to speak.

Work/Life balance isn't impossible.

Navy life isn't all bad, not by any means. Work/life balance is possible, and you find a way to make it work. The Navy takes pride in making sure every member, from recruits to officers, can spend time with their families. Enlisting requires sacrifice, sure, but you don't have to give up everything.

Deployment is always hard.

One true aspect of life in the Navy is that people often join up because they want to travel and they love exploring new places. Sailors certainly do get to satisfy their wanderlust. No matter how much you enjoy traveling or how many times you've deployed, however, it's always hard. Leaving behind friends and family is bad enough. There's something to be said about losing touch, however briefly, with familiar places, as well. Not to mention the strain it puts on new military wives and couples.

All service members make personal sacrifices to serve and protect their country. The Navy is no different. Sailors keep our shores and waters secure.

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Things People Don't Tell You About Life in the Navy

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You might think you understand what life in the Navy is like, but you don't truly know until you've lived it.