Hollywood loves boot camp. There are countless movies about the making of United States soldiers, sailors, and marines—and there’s a good reason. The United States military takes young people from across the country—just your average Joe —and turns them into the nation’s elite. That transformation takes commitment, time, and energy. It also takes dedicated men and women to train these recruits: in the Navy, that’s the Recruit Division Commander’s job.

Being A Recruit Division Commander

Recruit Division Commanders start just like any other sailor, however, they set themselves apart as leaders and are interested in making a difference in the future of the Navy. To become a Recruit Division Commander, you must first achieve the rank of Petty Officer Second Class (E-5) or above. You must also meet height and weight standards and have strong PFT (Physical Fitness Test) scores. You’ll need an Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) GT score of 100 or better and have four years of continuous service. If you meet these minimum standards, you can apply for the United States Navy’s Recruit Division Commander School.

Recruit Division Commander School is one of the most elite schools that a sailor can attend. Here, you’ll learn all of the necessary skills and techniques to build the Navy of tomorrow, one recruit at a time. Because there are so many sailors serving abroad, the demand for Recruit Division Commanders is higher than ever.

Remembering Boot Camp

When you attend Recruit Division Commander School, you’ll get back to the basics you learned as a recruit in Boot Camp. Expect strenuous physical and rigorous mental training, because this time, it isn’t just for you—it’s for the recruits who will fall under your command. You’ll review your skills as a marksman and your hand-to-hand combat skills as well as all of the ceremony and protocol that comes with being a United States sailor. When you complete your school, you’ll be prepared to shape the recruits of today into the sailors of tomorrow. Besides all of the obvious skills you’ll need, the Navy will also provide you with training in stress management and interpersonal counseling to help you be the best instructor and mentor you can be.

Your Future With The Navy

Your position as a Recruit Division Commander will earn you the respect of the recruits who serve under you as well as the people who witness what you’re doing as you create the Navy of tomorrow. As a sailor, you will of course, also have all of the benefits of serving in the United States military.

While many people are facing layoffs and cutbacks, you’ll have job security in the Navy and a guaranteed paycheck twice a month. The Navy will provide you with healthcare and housing not only for you, but also for your whole family. You’ll have access to recreation and shopping opportunities as well as travel. If you make the Navy a career, after 20 years, you’ll leave with a retirement package that few civilian companies can match. However, if you decide to leave the Navy sooner, you’ll take with you the priceless training and experience that comes with serving in the United States military. For a Recruit Division Commander, this could translate into a teaching or management positions… although your options are broad.

When you join the United States Navy, you know that you’re part of a bigger picture and that you’re making a difference in the world. When you serve as a Recruit Division Commander, not only will you realize that dream, you’ll help others to fulfill it, too. If you’d like to find out more about a career in the Navy, please click HERE.

Photo courtesy of Army.mil