P-Days

Before your formal training can begin at Recruit Training Command, you will be screened medically, dentally, and administratively. You will receive a thorough round of innoculations and an initial issue of uniforms.

Your first week of training consists of processing days (or P-Days). This period lasts for approximately 5 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, you will be given paragraphs of information to memorize, and you will start to learn to organize your gear and your 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.