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Boot Camp Terminology

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The following is some Navy terminology used mostly in boot camp; however, some of the terminology is also used aboard ships and at shore commands. Other Navy terminology found in Navy Tutor may also be used during boot camp.

The only remaining Navy boot camp is at the Recruit Training Command (RTC), Great Lakes, Illinois. RTC is beside Lake Michigan so it gets very cold there in the winter.

  • A-ROC. The Assignment Recruit Petty Officer who is the second in command (after the R-CPO) when the RDC is not present.
  • ASMO. An assignment memorandum used to set a recruit back in training.
  • BS. This stands for battle stations, which is the final test of endurance, strength, and teamwork on the way to becoming becoming a "United States Sailor." Recruits endure 24 consecutive hours of obstacles that may face them once at sea. The test takes place aboard the Recruit Training Command’s USS Trayer, a shipboard simulator.
  • BCG. These are boot camp glasses issued to recruits who need glasses. They are also known as Birth Control Glasses since they are unattractive, large, black plastic, rimmed glasses with small lenses that make you look like a dork.
  • BZ. Stands for “Bravo Zulu,” which means, "Well Done"
  • Captain's Cup. A field day or sporting events, during which the divisions compete against each other for bragging rights.
  • Chit. A special request form used to request permission to do something, such as a request for liberty; it is used throughout the Navy.
  • CO. The Commanding Officer of RTC.
  • Company. A group of recruits that will train together. It has been replaced by the term division.
  • Division. A group of recruits that will train together. It replaced the term company.
  • Divo. Division Officer.
  • DMI: A Departmental Material Inspection, which is an inspection of bed making, folding, and stowing of gear.
  • Field Day. Cleaning the barracks.
  • Great Mistakes. A slang term for Great Lakes Recruit Training Command.
  • Head:. a Navy bathroom.
  • IT. Intensive Training is a disciplinary action for all sorts of infractions.
  • LLD. Light Limited Duty is awarded to recruits who are not able to perform physical tasks due to illness, injury or dental work.
  • MAA. The Master-At-Arms is the Recruit responsible for maintaining good order and discipline in the division.
  • Marlinspike. A life-size model ship where Recruits practice mooring, line handling, and basic seamanship. It is also a metal cone shaped tool for working with wire rope.
  • Muster. It means to gather for roll call, as in “We must muster for class at 1300.” It is also the results of the roll call, as in “I must turn in the class muster.”
  • Navy. Never Again Volunteer Yourself.
  • NEX. The Navy Exchange, a base department store for Navy personnel and their families.
  • P-Days. Processing Days, also known as P-Week, occurs when recruits first arrive at boot camp. During P-Days, Recruits are issued initial equipment, uniforms, and supplies, undergo medical and psychological tests, get interviewed, and are ultimately assigned to a division. When P-Week ends, boot vamp officially begins.
  • Peanut Butter Shot. A very painful shot given in the buttocks or thigh.
  • PFA. Physical Fitness Assessment
  • PI. Personal Inspection of a recruit’s personal appearance and uniform.
  • PIR. Pass In Review, a march by in front of the dignitaries and guests during goot camp graduation ceremony.
  • PO. Petty Officer
  • PT. Physical Training
  • Rack. Bed
  • Rate. Pay grade of enlisted personnel; ranges from E1 to E9.
  • Rating: Job specialty of enlisted personnel.
  • Rank. Pay grade officer personnel; ranges from W1 to W9 for warrant officers and O1-O10 for commissioned officers.
  • RDC. Recruit Division Commander
  • R-CPO. Recruit Chief Petty Officer, the recruit in charge of the division when the RDC’s are not present.
  • SEPS. The barracks for those who are awaiting separation from the Navy.
  • Ship. Barracks
  • SIQ. Sick In Quarters
  • Smurfs:. Recruits are issued Navy blue sweat suits when they arrive that they will wear until their first uniform issue after a few days of screening. No use in issuing a uniform to a person who may be rejected and sent back home.
  • SR. Seaman Recruit, E1. The rate of all recuits.
  • THU. Temporary Holding Unit, the barracks for those who are finished with boot camp are waiting to be transferred to school or duty station.
  • Watch. A guard position at the ship (barracks).
  • Yeoman. Clerk or secretary