RDC: Typical Day

Expect long work hours the first week with your division with reveille as early as 0400. This week of Processing Days (P-Days) absorbs much of your time as recruits visit Medical, Dental, and perform many administrative tasks. Reveille then varies from 0500 - 0600 after the first week, as dictated by the Master Training Schedule (MTS).

At reveille, the RDC turns on the compartment lights to begin the day for the recruits. Divisions of up to 88 recruits jump out of their racks and fall in line awaiting further instructions. Morning routine commences with basic hygiene, compartment clean up and bunk make-up.

Once the morning routine is finished, the RDC’s prepare their division for breakfast. “Get in a height line!” shouts the RDC.

All recruits rush to form a height line and quietly march out the door towards their Ship’s galley. RDC’s coach their recruits to develop the Navy’s teamwork concept. If a recruit is struggling with certain aspects of training, a fellow shipmate with more proficiency is assigned as a mentor and will help him/her overcome his/her deficiencies.

The rest of the morning may consist of RDC time, PT, training lectures, etc. During RDC time, the recruits learn how to fold and stow their uniforms, perform certain divisional duties, learn basic drill formations and maneuvers. RDC’s utilize this time to work on administrative paperwork, perform counseling, oversee the recruit’s progress and prepare for the rest of the day.

For this afternoon’s classroom studies, the RDC’s take the division to financial lectures. The recruits learn about the direct deposit system, banking hours and other monetary matters are discussed.

n the evening, the RDC’s make sure the recruits study, maintain the barracks and work on team skills. The recruits are encouraged to maintain a set of goals to achieve during their training.

At 2155, the intercom system inside the ship sounds “Tattoo, tattoo lights out in five minutes.” The recruits get ready for bed while RDC’s prepare plans for the next day’s events. Precisely at 2200, lights go out. The RDC’s, file any necessary paperwork with the Ship’s Officer of the Deck, and retire for the night. One day down, 55 to go.