By Danielle DeSimone
It’s 1 a.m. at the Chicago O’Hare International Airport. Hundreds of service members are crowded around their departure gates, waiting to board the planes that will take them to their first-ever duty station with the U.S. Navy.
These newly graduated sailors have been through several long, hard weeks of training, far from friends and family. Now – in these minutes before boarding – they are looking for a place to share their final moments with their loved ones who have traveled here to see them off.
For many, that place is the USO.
Heading to your first duty station after several weeks at bootcamp can be an emotional experience for some service members, which is why the USO is there to offer them just a moment of respite – a place to sit, to say goodbye to their family and friends, or even just to grab a snack on the way out the gate.
This might seem simple at first glance – but for the hundreds of thousands of sailors that make their way through Chicago O’Hare International Airport at Recruit Training Command (RTC), Great Lakes, Illinois, seeing that familiar red, white and blue USO sign that they came to know before bootcamp means they’ve found their home away from home, just as they’re starting out on their military journey.
How the USO Supports Navy Recruits at Chicago O’Hare
Before they were newly graduated sailors saying their goodbyes inside the USO, all of these young service members were new Navy recruits on their way to bootcamp.
A majority of recruits arrive for Navy bootcamp via the Chicago O’Hare International Airport and when they do, many of them are welcomed by staff and volunteers at the USO centers on-site. The USO pledges to be there every step of the way through service members’ military journey, and that begins when they first enter service.
“We’re the first thing that they see,” said USO Illinois Center Operations and Programs Manager Chris Miller.
Photo credit USO Illinois
USO Illinois supports all service members of all branches who travel through the USO O’Hare and USO Midway airport centers, as seen here with National Guard members returning home from a deployment.
USO airport centers offer weary military travelers a lounge all to themselves, where they can relax between flights with comfy chairs, television, free Wi-Fi and more. These airport lounges – found at airports across the country and the world – are exclusively for active-duty military, military spouses and their families.
Because many new recruits travel from all over the country at odd hours to get to bootcamp, one of the two USO O’Hare centers is open 24 hours a day. This ensures that new Navy recruits have a place to relax, connect with loved ones and learn about the USO support they can receive during their military service. For many, this visit to a USO O’Hare center is that last touch of home they’ll get before boarding the bus to start several challenging and life-changing weeks at Navy bootcamp.
Life at Navy Bootcamp and USO Support of RTC Great Lakes
Recruit Training Command (RTC), Great Lakes, Illinois, is the U.S. Navy’s only enlisted bootcamp, where more than 40,000 recruits train each year. Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, RTC has been preparing recruits for life in the Navy since 1911.
Photo credit U.S. Navy
Recruit Training Command (RTC), Great Lakes, Illinois, is the U.S. Navy’s only enlisted bootcamp, where more than 40,000 recruits train each year.
Here, they go through a seven to nine-week training program, learning everything from firearms and physical fitness to shipboard emergency and firefighting training. Each barracks is designated as a “ship,” where recruits must man watch stations, protect their ship 24 hours-a-day and perform duties as assigned on the “quarterdeck.” Once passing their final tests, these freshly minted sailors graduate and then either remain on base to continue their education at “A schools” (that is, specialization training schools), or proceed onto their first duty station in the Navy.
Photo credit U.S. Navy/Scott A. Thornbloom
Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) midshipman candidates fight a fire in a simulated shipboard compartment in the USS Chief Recruit Fire Fighter Trainer at Recruit Training Command (RTC).
Bootcamp at RTC is a rigorous training program, re-designed in recent years to outfit recruits with wartime capabilities and resiliency. RTC is also home to the many instructors and experienced sailors who both run operations on base and prepare the next generation of sailors for their service.
As such, RTC is a crucial outpost for the Navy and, in turn, for the USO.
The USO RTC Great Lakes centers support the cadre at the RTC on base; that is, the instructors at the bootcamp. As tenured members of the United States Navy, these instructors train thousands of recruits and guide them through their first steps in the military. Occasionally, these instructors also need some downtime and space of their own to regroup, and they can always turn to the USO.
Photo credit U.S. Navy/Spc. 1st Class Spencer Fling
Chief Interior Communications Electrician Joseph Christensen instructs recruits as they arrive at Recruit Training Command (RTC) following a 14-day restriction of movement (ROM) quarantine at an off-site facility in May 2020.
At one of three of these unique USO locations at Recruit Training Command – which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year – these hardworking instructors can enjoy a relaxing space and classic USO amenities, like free Wi-Fi, snacks and beverages, comfy chairs, big screen TVs, video games and more. The USO also hosts occasional events for RTC service members at this location, including its popular “No-Dough Dinner” events, in which RTC military members can enjoy a night off from cooking and eat a tasty and nutritious homecooked meal, all for free.
Supporting the Military Community at USO Great Lakes
While supporting the instructor team at RTC is a key part of the USO’s mission at Naval Station Great Lakes, on the other side of the base, the USO also supports thousands of active-duty sailors and military family members living in the area via the USO Great Lakes center.
“For more than two decades, USO Great Lakes has proudly offered the young men and women who have just completed Navy Basic Training at Recruit Training Command with a home away from home,” said USO Illinois Executive Director Christopher Schmidt.
“It is truly our privilege to offer these sailors their first USO experience and to build that relationship that will last throughout their service to our nation and beyond.”
This 15,000 square-foot location recently underwent a massive renovation in 2021 with support from the local community and features all the classic USO comforts, including free Wi-Fi, snacks and entertainment options. The refurbished center also provides state-of-the-art video gaming technology and several rooms outfitted with comfortable furniture to create a home-like setting for service members participating in USO programs. There is also a music room featuring guitars, drums and a mixing board.
“When reimagining the USO Great Lakes center, we listened, sought inspiration and guidance and ultimately brought the shared aspirations of sailors, Navy families and Navy leadership to fruition, creating a truly inspired space for decades to come,” Schmidt said.
Many sailors living at Naval Station Great Lakes are attending “A schools” and were recently bootcamp recruits themselves. Some visit USO Great Lakes as single service members, while others have young families in tow. No matter where they are in their military journey, all active-duty service members and their families are welcomed at the USO. With USO No Dough Dinners and weekly programs specifically to junior enlisted sailors and military families, USO Great Lakes provides both active-duty service members and their families with activities that make them feel supported while fostering a sense of community on base.
Photo credit DVIDS/Petty Officer 2nd Class Brigitte Johnston
USO Illinois quickly pivoted in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic to continue offering support to the military community through socially distanced and virtual programs. Here, a USO volunteer directs a car forward during a drive-thru No Dough Dinner for service members and military families.
“The USO understands that when a service member raises their right hand and commits to serving our country, their families are also joining them in service,” said USO Illinois Senior Programs Manager Carrie Norwood.
“Our centers provide an interactive space with unique and exciting free programming that gives military, spouses and kids the opportunity to spend quality time as a family unit and connect with other families who ‘get’ the military life. I’ve heard it time and time again that service members and spouses have met their closest friends at a USO event, and that makes me so happy.”
Sending Newly Graduated Sailors Off with USO Support
Support for our nation’s Armed Forces is crucial at every stage of the military journey.
Because the duties and responsibilities of service members are often so great, it can sometimes be easy to forget that many of them – especially the newly graduated sailors – are young and in need of that support just as they are starting their military careers.
For decades, USO Illinois has ensured they have just that.
After several weeks of training comes the moment that every recruit has been waiting (and training) for: graduation. Approximately 800-1,000 recruits graduate from RTC Great Lakes each week, and while many continue their training at A schools on the other side of Naval Station Great Lakes, many more will proceed to the airport after graduation. There, they’ll board a plane to their first duty station with the Navy.
Photo credit U.S. Navy/Spc. 1st Class Spencer Fling
Graduating recruits stand in formation inside Midway Ceremonial Drill Hall during a pass in review graduation ceremony at Recruit Training Command in 2019.
Recruits always graduate on a Friday, but there is little time for celebration. At 1 a.m. the next day, those headed to their first duty station are shuffled onto buses and brought to the airport for their flights, where loved ones and USO volunteers are waiting for them.
Parents of recruits are especially excited to see their children again. No matter what time of night it is, these family members eagerly meet with their service members at the airport one last time before they board their planes. Knowing how precious these last moments can be, the USO collaborates with airport security to obtain gate passes for military parents so that they can spend as much time as possible with their service member before departure. Some choose to spend time together at the airport USO.
It’s tough work, with so many new sailors heading through the gates, but the USO is always ready, and volunteers will work several hours through the night to ensure these service members and their families are supported.
Miller estimates that, between the USO airport lounges and the USO Great Lakes center on base, approximately 150,000-160,000 service members pass through the USO’s doors each year. Whether they are arriving to test their mettle at bootcamp or heading out the gate to their first-ever duty station, these new sailors can take comfort in the fact that the USO is always by their side.
“They know that wherever they’re going to go, they’re going to be taken care of,” Miller said. “They just have to find a USO and we’ll be there to take care of them.”
FAQs
What is the hardest week of Navy boot camp? ›
During training after you have gone through the initial Navy processing days (p days), each week focuses on a different aspect of what it takes to become a Navy sailor. The first week is the most intensive for physical conditioning.
What are Navy recruits called after boot camp? ›After recruits have completed eight weeks of Navy boot camp successfully, they will graduate as sailors and join the world's finest Navy.
When can Navy recruits call home? ›Recruits will do their final phone calls home upon completion of their final test, the 12-hour, overnight Battle Stations-21 (BST-21). This test can take place anywhere from eight to two days prior to graduation, depending on the number of divisions in a training group.
What time do you wake up in Navy boot camp? ›In military basic training, there's no such thing as sleeping in. You'll get up at 5 a.m. every single day. Waking up in the morning is an adjustment process that's the same for every single basic training class.
What is the hardest job to get in the Navy? ›Navy Special Warfare
Pre-screening, selection and then training to become a Navy SEAL are among the most comprehensive and difficult in the military. The washout rate at the Navy's Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training course is also high.
You will run at least 4 miles on most days, and you may run as many as 10 miles during some runs. This training is designed to prepare you for the first physical screening test, which requires you to run 4 miles in 31 minutes or less.
How many tickets do you get for Navy boot camp graduation? ›GRADUATION CEREMONY SPACE LIMITATIONS: Recruit Training Command will issue FOUR tickets for the graduation ceremony, per recruit.
What rank do you come out of boot camp? ›Private 2nd Class (E-2) Private 2nd class (PV2) is the first promotion most enlisted soldiers can earn after completing BCT. The private's job is to apply the new skills and knowledge learned during basic training and to continue to learn how to follow orders given by higher-ranked supervisors.
Does Navy shoot at bootcamp? ›You will learn each weapon inside and out before you head to the range. You will only have to qualify with the M-16 rifle, but you will shoot a shotgun and pistol as well. Also, focusing on the future, you will begin to learn about and plan your career in the Navy.
Do you get to go home for Christmas during basic training? ›The Army Holiday Block Leave is 10 days
The 10-day break generally starts a week before Christmas and lasts until a week after Christmas. This allows drill sergeants and basic training staff members to spend the holidays with their families.
How many phone calls do you get in Navy bootcamp? ›
This call is typically to their next of kin, so if you are dating they may call their parents. Service members who went through Basic Training said the Navy allowed 1-2 phone calls per month.
How often do you get your phone in boot camp? ›Trainees are authorized access to their personal cell phones during the fourth week and at the end of the seventh week of training to firm up travel arrangements with family and guests.
How much sleep do you get in Navy Basic? ›Sleep During Training
U.S. Military Academy cadets sleep fewer than five hours during the week and are woken up several times during the night for training. Even on the weekends, when they're encouraged to sleep more, they still get fewer than seven hours. Those in Ranger School only get around three hours per night.
Sleeping arrangements during Basic Training may differ depending on where you're at. Generally, you'll either bunk in a bay containing about 40 people or in a small room with three to six others. You can expect to get between seven and eight hours of sleep.
How many hours of sleep do you get in the Navy? ›“Sailors must be given the opportunity to obtain a minimum of 7.5 hours of sleep per 24-hour day,” with an uninterrupted 7.5-hours or an uninterrupted 6-hour sleep period and uninterrupted 1.5-hour restorative nap, states the instruction, COMNAVSURFPACINST/COMNAVSURFLANTINST 3120.2A.
What is the coolest job in the Navy? ›...
Navy area of specialties include:
- Humanitarian Aid.
- Engineering.
- Law & Management.
- Logistics.
- Ministry.
- Repair & Maintenance.
- Special Warfare.
- Weapons & Electronics.
Boatswain's mate
Boatswain's mates perform much of their work outside and most of it is physical in nature. As a boatswain's mate, you can expect to spend more than half of your career on sea duty assignments.
However, some noncombat jobs occur on bases near war zones like those involved with equipment repairs or medical care. Noncombat military jobs that don't see combat typically include those in the information technology, health care, engineering, education, human resources or finance fields.
How many pushups for Navy bootcamp? ›Push-ups: You must complete at least 42 push-ups in two minutes. Sit-ups: You must complete at least 52 sit-ups in two minutes. Pull-ups: You must complete at least eight pull-ups without touching the ground or letting go of the bar. 1.5-mile run: The maximum time allowed is 11 minutes, 30 seconds.
How many miles do you have to swim in the Navy? ›Navy Second-Class Swim Qualification
The second-class swimmer qualification is used as an entry-level requirement for small boat operators, naval aircrew and rescue swimmers. 100-yard swim (using free, side, breast and backstroke): You must demonstrate proficiency by swimming 25 yards for each of the four strokes.
What happens in week 1 of Navy boot camp? ›
Week 1: In-Processing
You'll receive complete dental and medical exams, and if you need a haircut, you'll get one. The first week also will be filled with conditioning, swimming, marching, drilling and, most importantly, attending Navy classes.
Navy boot camp graduation, also known as Pass-in-Review, is a memorable time for friends, families, and new Sailors.
Is there a dress code for Navy boot camp graduation? ›There is not a dress code for graduation and anything from casual to your Sunday best is what we recommend packing. Keep in mind seating for graduation will be on bleachers, so make sure to pack a pair of shoes that are appropriate and safe for getting up the bleacher stairs.
Is Navy boot camp 7 or 8 weeks? ›Recruit Training or “boot camp” is approximately eight weeks long. The goal is to transform a civilian into a sailor with all of the skills necessary to perform in the fleet.
Who has the hardest boot camp? ›U.S. Marines
Of course, when you reach the top, you can find them becoming SEALs or a part of the Marine Raider Regiment (MRR), but the training of any Marine is some of the hardest military training in the world. Even outside of Special Forces, Marines have to be ready for both land and sea combat.
Yes, it is possible to fail basic training. You could go through the trouble of leaving your home, job, family and friends and come back a failure. In fact, this happens to about 15% of recruits who join the military every year. Too many recruits I speak to think that it is impossible to fail basic training.
Do they beat you in boot camp? ›They don't hit or physically assault recruits, ever. They come close, but they never physically hurt or even touch recruits. Another thing that is important is that everything they do is for a purpose, a rehearsed, manufactured, and engineered purpose.
Does the Navy get their phones in bootcamp? ›Q. How can I communicate with my recruit while in bootcamp? A. After recruits arrive, all cell phones are boxed up with their personal belongings and stored locally, to be returned to the recruit the day before graduation.
Do people in Navy bootcamp ever get calls? ›Navy Boot Camp First Phone Call
Recruits that still have a cell phone make the call from their personal phone; others use telephones provided by the Navy. The conversation will go something like this: “Hi. I'm here. Bye.” At this point, communication virtually stops for several weeks.
Normally ships will go to sea for 10 days to 2 weeks each month for training operations in preparation for deployment. Extended operations away from home port can last up to 6 to 9 months, and ships typically deploy once every 18-24 months.
Can you see family during basic training? ›
WHEN WILL I SEE MY RECRUIT AGAIN? Families can see your recruit at Marine recruit training during liberty on Family Day, the day before Graduation. You may not visit your recruit until Family Day, the day before Graduation.
Do they take your stuff at basic training? ›You'll need to take only a few basic things when you head off to basic training — everything else will be provided for you. Your recruiter will give you a list of what you must take and what you definitely shouldn't pack.
What is not allowed at basic training? ›Nonprescription Drugs
Medications not prescribed to you by the military, including items such as foot powders, antihistamines, sleep aides, acne medication, etc., are not allowed while in basic training.
WEEK ONE TERMINOLOGY
Religious Services: Recruits are given time on Sundays to practice their religion. This gives them a chance to catch their breath and take a break from Drill Instructors. Academics Practical App: Recruits put to practice what they learn in the classroom.
The red and white phases last about three weeks, while the blue phase lasts for four weeks. If you enroll in boot camp, expect to be on duty seven days a week, though you might get several hours of personal time on Sunday since it's a day with lighter responsibilities.
Do they read your letters in basic training? ›Drill Instructors DO Read the Message Boards
These letters are intended for you and you alone. Please respect your recruit's privacy and refrain from sharing information from his/her letters on ANY public message boards.
Drill sergeants still monitor all phone use and often restrict photography, texting, and social media usage. If the recruits can send texts or check Facebook, it is entirely because the drill sergeant saw fit to reward them with such privilege.
How early do you wake up in boot camp? ›Early to Rise
If you practice waking up around 4:30 a.m. before you leave for boot camp, that will give you a head start. If you get stuck with early-morning guard duty, you may find yourself getting up at 2:30 a.m. for your shift, and you don't get to go to bed early to compensate.
Do Soldiers come home after basic training? Soldiers are not often given time to go home after basic training. Check-in for AIT School is most often the day after graduation, if not the same day.
What are the military rules for sleeping? ›Relax your face completely – Close your eyes and breathe slowly while relaxing your facial muscles. It's good to start with your forehead and work downwards. Drop your shoulder tension and relax your hands – Once your face is relaxed, work your way down with your neck, and shoulders, and go down one arm at a time.
How can I fall asleep fast in the Navy? ›
- Relax your entire face. Close your eyes. ...
- Drop your shoulders and hands. Let go of any tension. ...
- Exhale and relax your chest. With your shoulders and arms relaxed.
- Relax your legs. ...
- Now clear your mind. ...
- Try repeating the words "Don't think" for 10 seconds.
The total running time of this kind of shower can last less than two minutes – using an initial thirty seconds or so to get wet, followed by shutting off the water, using soap and shampoo and lathering, then rinsing for a minute or less.
What kind of food is at basic training? ›Most military chow halls today include an extensive salad bar, a station for full meals such as fried chicken, seafood, Mexican food and pastas, along with a snack line that includes hamburgers, hot dogs, chili, fries and other junk-food items. Plus, you're allowed to consume sodas and dessert!
Can you go to the bathroom at night in boot camp? ›The military is smart enough to know that human beings have the need to use the toilet throughout the day, not just at predetermined times. So they make bathrooms available for recruits at all times, day or night. If you've got to go, just ask and you'll be allowed to go.
What time is bedtime in Navy boot camp? ›In all the branches' basic training programs, bedtime is usually 2100, or 9 p.m., except during times of special events, such as night exercises. In basic training, lights out means go to sleep.
How do you fall asleep in 2 minutes according to the US Navy? ›...
Here's how:
- Relax your entire face. ...
- Drop your shoulders and hands. ...
- Exhale and relax your chest. ...
- Relax your legs. ...
- Now clear your mind.
After that first day, normal days will run from 0600 (6 a.m.), with a loud whistle to awaken all recruits until lights out at 2200 (10 p.m.). Precisely at 10 p.m., lights go out. Even though uniform items at boot camp are issued (free), many items are not.
What happens in week 4 of Navy boot camp? ›Week four consists of “hands-on” and classroom training. Recruits learn laws of armed conflict, money management, basic seamanship, shipboard communication, naval policies, and Navy ship and aircraft identification. Recruits begin to learn what is expected as a member of the armed services.
What happens in week 3 of Navy boot camp? ›Week 3: Hands-On
You'll learn everything from ship nomenclature (names) to first-aid techniques to semaphore (signaling with flags). Classroom studies will focus on customs and courtesies, laws of armed conflict, money management, shipboard communication, Navy ship and aircraft identification, and basic seamanship.
There's a good chance that your most stressful week of Basic Training is Processing Week. Paperwork is completed, bank accounts are opened (if necessary), prescription glasses are provided, sleeping quarters are assigned, physical and dental exams are given, instructors are introduced, and clothing is issued.
How hard is it to fail Navy boot camp? ›
Yes, it is possible to fail basic training. You could go through the trouble of leaving your home, job, family and friends and come back a failure. In fact, this happens to about 15% of recruits who join the military every year. Too many recruits I speak to think that it is impossible to fail basic training.
How long do you sleep in Navy boot camp? ›Sleep During Training
Typically, that five hours is split up into multiple episodes of sleep, usually lasting less than two hours each. U.S. Military Academy cadets sleep fewer than five hours during the week and are woken up several times during the night for training.
Military Vaccine List: 19 Shots You Get In Basic Training / Military. When joining the military you can expect many things to change in your life, and your health, to change rapidly. One of the first things they will do is administer a round of vaccines to all recruits.
How long are you awake in Navy boot camp? ›This is the day a recruit is first allowed to don coveralls. Females are given permission to wear “battle braids” (cornrows or dreadlocks). The RDCs (Recruit Division Commander) tell recruits that they won't be sleeping that night. Prepare now to stay awake a full 24-36 hours.
How much money will I have after boot camp Navy? ›U.S. Navy Salary by Rank
Recruits receive pay while training at the grade of E-1 and the rank of seaman recruit. As of 2021, this rank earns $1,785 per month, as shown on the Navy pay calculator. Pay incrementally increases with promotion and years of service.
While most new sailors leave the recruit training command and go straight to A school, some have additional training before A school. Your MOS, or Military Occupational Specialty, determines which school you attend. At the beginning of your A school, you will not be able to leave the base.
Can you use your phone in Navy boot camp? ›During the 7.5 weeks while your loved one is at BMT, he/she will be authorized to use his/her cell phone or pay phones to make outgoing calls to family members. Trainees are encouraged to maintain their cell phone service while at BMT and to bring a calling card.
How often do you get paid in Navy boot camp? ›However, don't expect anyone to hand you any money yet. In order to get paid, the military has to establish your military pay records, and that won't happen until you in-process during the first few days of basic training. Military members are paid twice each month -- on the 1st and 15th of each month.
What is the hardest basic training? ›U.S. Marines
Of course, when you reach the top, you can find them becoming SEALs or a part of the Marine Raider Regiment (MRR), but the training of any Marine is some of the hardest military training in the world. Even outside of Special Forces, Marines have to be ready for both land and sea combat.
The Navy, Army, and Marines have recruits drop out at roughly the same rate as each other, between 11 and 14 percent annually.
How many miles do you run in the Navy? ›
The Navy standard for a cardio event is a 1.5-mile run/walk. It must be performed on a flat, solid surface such as a track. The recruit or sailor runs or walks—or performs a combination of running and walking—in order to complete the 1.5-mile distance as quickly as possible.