On March 10, 2003 I reported to NAVY Basic training. The training is held in Great Lakes, Illinois. I remember being nervous, and a little frightened. There was a lot of yelling going on. I had to call my family to notify them that I had made it to Recruit Training Command (RTC). I remember being selected for my division- 164! I tried to be one of those who sneak through Basic Training- quiet as a mouse. Yet, I ended up sticking out like a sore thumb. My RDCs noticed me right away. It was a harrowing experience.
I remember standing in one spot, for a long time. Then, we had to do the NAVY drug test. Then, we had to select our jackets. After a while of filling out some paperwork, we were allowed to sleep. We had not yet made it to our ship though, and we were in what is called “P-Days”, which are days before training begins. But some elements of training did begin in those early days. I just remember missing my family, then. It was all snowy out the next day.
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