Before your formal training can begin at Recruit Training Command, you will undergo further medical, dental and administrative screenings. You will also receive a thorough round of inoculations and an initial issue of uniforms.

All Recruits will be given a thorough drug screening urinalysis by a Navy Drug Lab upon arrival. The Navy has a Zero Tolerance policy regarding drug use, including any prescription drugs for which a Recruit does not have a valid prescription. There are no exceptions to this rule, so be sure that even before you arrive onboard, you are adhering to the Navy's Code of Conduct regarding drug use.

Your first week of training consists of processing days (P-Days). This period lasts for approximately five days, but can run a little longer depending on weekends, holidays and the schedule of arriving Recruits.

During P-days, you will be taught the basics of watch standing, given information to memorize, and will learn to organize your gear and life. P-Days conclude with a commissioning ceremony in which your division receives its guidon (divisional flag displaying division number). This ceremony marks the official start of your training. Hold on! Things will move very quickly from this point on.