It is extremely important for everyone serving in America’s Navy to be at the top of their game in everything they do. With that being said of course the training is in-depth, hands-on, and very challenging.
Boot Camp
The Navy Boot Camp is located at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center north of Chicago, Illinois, near the western shore of Lake Michigan. Boot Camp lasts 7-9 weeks and it involves the following:
– Swimming
– Conditioning
– Drilling
– Marching
– Weaponry
– Attending Navy classes
“A School”
After completion of Boot Camp, depending on the career you have chosen, most Enlisted Sailors will need advanced training. This advanced training is known as “A School”. In “A School” you will learn specialized skills that will give you everything you need to perform at the highest level in your career.
Depending on your career, prospective Officers will attend either Officer Candidate School (OCS) or Officer Development School (ODS).
Officer Candidate School
Officer Candidate School (OCS) is located at Naval Station Newport in Rhode Island and it is a 12-week program. During the 12-week period, you are instructed on leadership, physical and military training, and academics related to the command of ships and submarines. The purpose of OCS is to to train and prepare college graduates to become Navy Line Officers.
Officer Development School
Officer Development School (ODS) is located at Naval Station Newport in Rhode Island and it is a 5-week program. This school is for already commissioned Officers who are pursuing a career in a specific field of study such as oceanography, medicine, or nuclear engineering to name a few.