Physical Fitness and Dress Uniforms
During week 4, the SR will note that they are not being yelled at quite so much. It seems that either the RDCs are slacking off, or the SR and their shipmates are starting to get their act together. Depending upon what kind of shape the SR were in to start with, they may also note that their muscles don't hurt as much when they wake up each morning. This is a good thing, as week four will be their initial Physical Training Test.
Top Image: Chief Navy Career Counselor Vladimir Ariasmartinez motivates recruits as they perform the 1.5-mile run portion of their final physical fitness assessment inside Freedom Hall at Recruit Training Command. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Spencer Fling)
The Navy PT Test consists of sit-reach, curl-ups, push-ups, and running/or swimming. The Navy is the only military service which tests for flexibility. They do this by means of a sit-reach test. In order to graduate from Navy basic training, you must score at least a "Good (Low)" score on the normal Navy Physical Readiness Test (PRT).
All recruits arriving at the Navy's boot-camp will complete an initial 1.5 mile run. If a recruit fails the first attempt, then they must retest within 48 hours. The SR is required to pass a 3rd Class Navy swim test.
If the SR doesn't do well on this test, they will find themselves in line for some "individual training." IT will help by offering extra time to gain physical the strength and fortitude to pass their fitness test.
(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Spencer Fling)
The physical training will be both rigorous and challenging and includes one-hour daily workouts, six days a week. Training alternates between strength and conditioning exercises that focus on building your body’s major muscle groups and cardiovascular endurance. B.A.S.E.S (or Balance Agility Strength Explosion and Stamina) is a weekly exercise routine which incorporates shipboard required skills with aerobic and strength training.
In order to graduate from RTC, the SR must pass a Navy Physical Fitness Assessment. The minimum requirements are in the table below. The SR also must be within approved body composition measurements for your height and weight.
|
Age Group |
Gender |
Pushups (2 minutes) |
Curl-ups (2 minutes) |
1.5 Mile run |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
17 - 19 |
Male |
46 |
54 |
12:15 |
|
20 - 24 |
Male |
42 |
50 |
13:15 |
During the fourth week, the SR will pick up their dress uniforms and get graduation pictures taken. They will also have the option of ordering photo packages for themselves and their family. Family members can also order photos once their recruit has graduated. However, check with your SR before ordering them yourself. (order form)
Recruits receive an initial uniform allowance of $157.21 for men and $371.69 for women. The sailor never sees the money, and it goes directly to pay for the uniforms and recorded as credit and debt on the payroll record.
The uniform allowance pays for the "sailor's seabag" consists of four sets of Navy Working Uniforms (aka "digis"), two Navy coveralls, one pair of boots, one set of PT gear (sweats and shorts/t-shirt), two sets of tan and black Navy Service Uniforms (aka "peanut butters"), two sets of dress white uniforms (polyester), one dress blue uniform (wool), one pair of dress shoes, a pea coat, a raincoat with liner, an NSU parka with liner, and a seabag. Women also receive skirts for each service and dress uniform, a "combination cover" (dress hat), and a set of uniform dress pumps (for wear with skirts), which is why they get a higher allowance.
Recruits will earn The National Defense Service Medal during recruit training. Often abbreviated NDSM, the National Defense Service Medal is awarded to those who have served an honorable service during dates of conflicts.
The National Defense Service Medal is jokingly referred to as a participation medal because it is awarded for honorable active duty service. The National Defense Service Medal is an important medal awarded to the U.S. Armed Forces members.