Welcome Aboard from Chief Shipp...


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 Welcome Aboard the NRAC crew at NRC Louisville!

 A message from the NRAC Chief

Congratulations on your decision to join the US Navy Reserves! You are about to embark on an adventure of dedicated service to your country. For the next several months you will be drilling with the NRAC unit. This unit is made up of shipmates just like you who have had no prior military service or training. The unit is a diverse group: some of the members have been in the class for many months, others like yourself are new. Take the time to learn from your fellow shipmates. They can provide a wealth of information to you…

The purpose of the NRAC unit is to prepare you for service with an active unit supporting your Nation’s defense missions. A significant amount of time will be spent instructing you about the Navy, its history and customs, requirements and procedures. This will be accomplished through efforts in the classroom, in formation, on the field, grinder, range, gym, the pool and completing off duty study. It is important that you make your best effort to be squared away, as this will contribute to your success in the NRAC class and ultimately the NAVY.

 I am very proud to be a part of your Naval career and look forward to your training. I know you will look back at NRAC and Boot Camp as a challenging and rewarding experience. It is tough training and you will accomplish feats you never imagined and gain greater confidence as you acquire valuable skills.

Best of Luck and Welcome Aboard!!! 

Chief Shipp   

NRAC  Course of  Instructions Overview

 

NRAC training is divided into 4 Phases. You will complete Phase I on your first drill weekend. This phase is processing with Medical, Dental, Admin, Pay, Training, PRT, Supply, ID issue. You will start classroom training, memorization requirements, close order drill and physical readiness training.  You will have a qualification card to track your progress. Wear comfortable shoes as you may join the Phase II crew for close order drill. Bring PT gear as needed for the weather as we PT every drill day regardless of the weather. You will be introduced to Web Based training and assigned an email address if you need one.  

Phase II  is the longest part of your recruit training. You will continue with classroom instructions, stand inspections, be able to recite all memory items flawlessly,  show improvement in PT requirements, participate in team activities, learn survival-swimming techniques, and participate in pistol qualifications and other activities if time allows. You must complete Phase II requirement and the Basic Military Requirements (BMR) course prior to attending Boot Camp. You must meet all medical and dental requirements. You may be asked to assist in training Phase I students, serve as sponsors or conduct training as needed. You may be assigned leadership positions in the Phase II unit. 

Phase III is Boot Camp in Great Lakes, IL. You should be at the top of your physical readiness. It is an intense 17 days. You will achieve feats and accomplish tasks that will make you a valuable asset to the Navy.  You will participate in more classroom work and improve your close order drill skills. You will participate in Damage Control training and learn to put out fires aboard ship. You will pass 3rd Class swimming, Chemical, Biological and Radiological Defense confidence chamber courses.  You may invite friends and family to your graduation ceremony at Great Lakes. Phase III must be completed within one year of enlistment.  

Phase IV  starts when you return from Boot Camp. You will report to your unit for duty. During this phase you will learn your job for your unit and study for advancement in your chosen career field. Phase IV training is advanced Navy studies.  You must complete all training within 36 months of enlistment.   Phase IV classes will be announced.  

 

NRAC DRILL WEEKEND OVERVIEW

 

During your drill weekend at NRC Louisville your time will be spent in various activities:

·        Practicing Facing commands

·        Practicing Close Order Drill

·        Learning proper military bearing

·        Being tested on your memorization items

·        Reviewing the Basic Military Requirements manual and other assignments

·        Receiving classroom instructions

·        Listening to guest speakers

·        Learning water survival skills

·        Passing pistol qualifications

·        Performing physical training, such as distance running and physical fitness

·        Performing various team activities

 

In order to be well prepared, you must make the effort to be squared away.

 

·        ALWAYS be on time; Tardiness is not acceptable. This applies to muster and when returning from breaks and other evolutions. 

·        Bring your BMR, NRAC Welcome Aboard package, note pad and pen

·        Bring a set of PT clothes for the weather. We exercise year round.

·        Always be prepared for changes in the schedule. Be flexible.

·        Remember, this is your career and you are in charge of your attitude 

 

NRAC LEARNING SCHEDULE

You will be expected to know ALL of the topics below. Memorizing this information may seem challenging at first, but don’t worry. We will practice this together as a team and you will do just fine.  Many shipmates before you have accomplished this task. You will need to know this information perfectly, as you will be required to recite this under pressure in boot camp. You will be quizzed every drill weekend on the memory items. It is crucial to your success, as well as the success of your division in boot camp that you can recite these items under pressure. Constant practice is essential, even after you think you know them. You must be ready to recite these in random order. While the reason for some of these requirements and the training you will receive may not be apparent at first, they have been proven by generations of Sailors by the only thing that really matters, and that is success and survival in battle. You have joined a long line of Heroes and Patriots.

 

THE SAILOR’S CREED

I  AM A UNITED STATES SAILOR.   I WILL SUPPORT AND DEFEND THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND I WILL OBEY THE ORDERS OF THOSE APPOINTED OVER ME.

I REPRESENT THE FIGHTING SPIRIT OF THE NAVY AND THOSE WHO HAVE GONE BEFORE ME TO DEFEND FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY AROUND THE WORLD.

I PROUDLY SERVE MY COUNTRY’S NAVY COMBAT TEAM WITH HONOR, COURAGE, AND COMMITMENT.

I AM COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE AND THE FAIR TREATMENT OF ALL. 

 

ELEVEN GENERAL ORDERS OF A SENTRY

1.      TO TAKE CHARGE OF THIS POST AND ALL GOVERNMENT PROPERTY IN VIEW.

2.      TO WALK MY POST IN A MILITARY MANNER, KEEPING ALWAYS ON THE ALERT, AND OBSERVING EVERYTHING THAT TAKES PLACE WITHIN SIGHT OR HEARING.

3.      TO REPORT ALL VIOLATIONS OF ORDERS I AM INSTRUCTED TO ENFORCE.

4.      TO REPEAT ALL CALLS FROM POSTS MORE DISTANT FROM THE GUARDHOUSE THAN MY OWN.

5.      TO QUIT MY POST ONLY WHEN PROPERLY RELIEVED.

6.      TO RECEIVE, OBEY AND PASS ON TO THE SENTRY WHO RELIEVES ME, ALL ORDERS FROM THE COMMANDING OFFICER, COMMAND DUTY OFFICER, OFFICER OF THE DECK, AND OFFICERS AND PETTY OFFICERS OF THE WATCH.

7.      TO TALK TO NO ONE EXCEPT IN THE LINE OF DUTY.

8.      TO GIVE THE ALARM IN CASE OF FIRE OR DISORDER.

9.      TO CALL THE OFFICER OF THE DECK IN ANY CASE NOT COVERED BY INSTRUCTIONS

10.  TO SALUTE ALL OFFICERS AND ALL COLORS AND STANDARDS NOT CASED.

11.  TO BE ESPECIALLY WATCHFUL AT NIGHT, AND DURING THE TIMES FOR CHALLENGING, TO CHALLENGE ALL PERSONS ON OR NEAR MY POST AND TO ALLOW NO ONE TO PASS WITHOUT PROPER AUTHORITY.

 

ANCHORS AWEIGH

STAND NAVY, OUT TO SEA, FIGHT OUR BATTLE CRY;

WE’LL NEVER CHANGE OUR COURSE, SO VICIOUS FOES STEER SHY-YI-YI-YI.

ROLL OUT THE  TNT,  ANCHORS AWEIGH. SAIL ON TO VICTORY

AND SINK THEIR BONES TO DAVY JONES, HOORAY!
 

ANCHORS AWEIGH, MY BOYS, ANCHORS AWEIGH.

FAREWELL TO FOREIGN SHORES, WE SAIL AT BREAK OF DAY-AY-AY-AY.

THROUGH OUR LAST NIGHT ASHORE, DRINK TO THE FOAM.

UNTIL WE MEET ONCE MORE, HERE’S WISHING YOU A HAPPY VOYAGE HOME.

 

RTC MAXIM

I WILL NOT LIE, CHEAT OR STEAL, NOR TOLERATE THOSE AMONG US WHO DO.

 

NAVY CORE VALUES

HONOR, COURAGE, COMMITMENT. 

 

RECRUIT TRAINING COMMAND CHAIN OF COMMAND 

For the current chain of command, click here

 

                                                          

THE PHONETIC ALPHABET 
A    ALFA B   BRAVO C   CHARLIE D   DELTA E   ECHO
F    FOXTROT G   GOLF H   HOTEL  I   INDIA J   JULIET
K   KILO L   LIMA M   MIKE N   NOVEMBER O  OSCAR
P   PAPA  Q   QUEBEC R   ROMEO S    SIERRA T   TANGO
U  UNIFORM V   VICTOR W   WHISKEY X   X-RAY Y   YANKEE
Z   ZULU        

 

NAVY KEY LANGUAGE AND TERMS                                                                                                                         

MILITARY TIME

Time is spoken in hundreds, based on a 24-hour clock. From midnight to noon the time is said much like civilian time, but we always proceed the time with a ZER0. For example, 6:30 AM is spoken and written 0630. We never say AM or PM. From noon to midnight, you simply add 12 to the time, therefore, 6:30 PM is 1830. If you travel through Europe you will find that trains, planes and buses use the 24-hour clock. In no time you will be speaking time like an old salt. To further define time, the globe has been divided into 24 time zones. Each time zone is designated with a letter. The most important to the military is the “PRIME MERIDIAN.” This line goes through Greenwich, England and is designated  Z or Zulu. Since the military could be executing world wide events there must be a way to ensure that all commands carry out their orders at exactly the same time. An order to commence or cease firing at 0600 would be worthless unless everyone was in the same time zone. Therefore, messages referring to time must have a base indicated. We use Zulu for this. You will see the time written as 0830Z or 2130Z. You must then know your local correction to arrive at local time. For example, if you are to the east of Greenwich, you would subtract 1 hour for each zone to get Zulu time. Italy is in time zone Bravo. At 0600 local time it would be 0400 in England. In Louisville,  which is west of  England, we add 5 or 6 hours to local time to get Zulu. (Depending on day light savings time status.) 

 

PHYSICAL TRAINING (PT) 

The Navy takes its physical training very seriously. Because this is a serious part of the Navy you will be tested every 6 months. While in NRAC we will PT at the last part of every drill day except for unforeseen reasons. Make sure you bring the proper clothing for the weather. We are not a fair weather Navy and the enemies of our nation may choose unpleasant times for an attack..   Many of the tasks aboard ship require much more stamina than the same chores ashore. The constant movement of a ship, sometimes violently, demands agility, flexibility and endurance. Our Navy Physical Fitness program is designed to measure your basic ability. You will have to show minimum levels of aerobic (1.5 mile run or 500 meter swim), strength (push-ups), flexibility (sit-reach) and endurance (sit-ups) skills.  The levels you must obtain are not hard to reach, but for some it is a challenge. It is recommended that you learn from the PT we do and incorporate a regular schedule of physical activity in your life. A couple of hours of PT a month may fall short of preparing you for your tests. Our effort in NRAC is geared to allow you to perform better at boot camp. You MUST pass the Navy standard for your age to receive a graduation certificate from boot camp. We will track your effort every month with the goal to see improvement in your overall PT before you leave for boot camp. We do both group activities and enjoy good competition. Your main competitor will be yourself. 

The requirements are based on age. They were designed after lengthy studies determined that measuring these skills would indicated a minimum over all fitness level necessary to accomplish our Navy’s goals.  I   f you are not satisfied with your current PT level you should begin training immediately. Develop and maintain a frequent and disciplined physical conditioning routine. We have qualified people who can help in this effort.

In addition to the PT test, the Navy has Height/Weight requirements. These measurements are used to determine body fat composition. If you exceed the table, you will be measured to determine your percentage. If you are over percentage your boot camp date will be delayed until you reach goal. Deferring boot camp past 12 months is NOT an option. We will track your body composition each month and assist in obtaining the desired results. If you would like more guidance or information you may visit www.haprims.persnet.navy.mil/  - then select OPNAVINST 6110.1F.

 

OFF DUTY STUDY

When you enlisted, the recruiters negotiated a date for boot camp that fit your schedule and that of the Navy. While 5 or 6 months may seem like a long time away, in reality it arrives before you know it. Six months of drills is only 12 days.  Navy correspondence courses are to be completed off duty. There are a wide variety of topics available to you. You are limited only by security clearances in your choices. Since your enlistment contract requires you complete the Basic Military Requirements (BMR) course prior to boot camp you should work on that first. If you are like most of us, you will need to schedule time in your schedule to finish your courses. Some recruits get up a little early, some prefer the evening. A few lucky people can complete them at their jobs. The career field and rate you enlisted for will determine which additional courses you must complete. You must complete all courses before 36 month. In addition, some of those courses may be required prior to taking the advancement test. It is to your best interest to finish and have the results recorded as fast as possible.  While it generally takes a couple of weeks after your first drill to access the web site, you will go to www.courses.cnet.navy.mil to order your courses.  You may also call toll free at 1 800-xxx-xxxx to enroll by phone. Once you get in the system you will enter your personal information, set up a password and you are ready to go. You may have out up to 4 courses at a time. When you complete one you will get a passing notice. You must print this certificate and turn it in to the Center Librarian for posting to your service record. If you can’t print the certificate, you will get a letter from the Training Center in a couple of weeks.
 

CLOSE ORDER DRILL 

You will participate in Close Order Drill every month. We try to schedule one hour per day. Your skill at close order drill will show when you get to boot camp. This is an important part of your training. You should consult

your BMR starting on page 10-32. There are several pages explaining some of the facing movements. Practice them! As these skills are best learned by practicing we will spend a significant amount of time on these moves.

For most new recruits the pride of coming together as a unit is very inspiring.  We will show off your skills annually at Family Day in front of your family and fellow sailors.
 

MILITARY BEARING 

Military Bearing is the art of being at full attention and not moving in any way (i.e. talking, shifting weight, making ANY facial expressions, etc). One of the most difficult things for most new recruit is keeping one’s eyes focused on a distant point with a “glazed look” that can’t be broken. When an inspector stands inches from your face, it’s difficult to refrain from looking him or her in the eye. But you MUST NOT make eye contact.

When answering a question while at attention, you must acknowledge with rank of the person asking the question, before AND after you answer. 

e.g.: Petty Officer Smith is inspecting the NRAC group while at attention. He asks Seaman Jones a question. This is how it should sound:

Petty Officer Smith:   “What is the seventh general order of a sentry?” 

SN Jones:                  “Petty Officer, my seventh general order is to talk to no one except in the line of duty, Petty Officer.” 

For officers you should use their rank. If, however the rank is not visible you may respond with Sir or Ma’am in lieu of their rank.  In the unlikely event you don’t know an answer, never break military bearing. You should use the same format to answer and give the best answer with courage and conviction.
 

Addressing Navy personnel 

We always use military titles or ranks when addressing military personnel. While this is confusing at first, you will soon learn the ins and outs of military protocol. For normal daily usage, a simple reference to the rate or rank of the individual is all that is needed. In most working situations, it is common to address Non-petty Officers and Petty Officers by their last name, or even by first name during informal occasions. We never address Chief Petty Officers or Officers by their first name or by last name only.

Overall, in the Navy we have 4 distinct structures. Non-Petty Officer (Seaman, Airman, Construction-man, Fireman), Petty Officer, Chief Petty Officer, and Officers.  You will learn how to recognize the rates and ranks in later classroom activities. 

For all the Non-Petty Officers, (E1 – E3) you address them by their career path indicator, for example SN Halsey, FN Rickover, AN Gridley.  Note that we use the E-3 title for general conversation. If you were introducing a person to someone you would initially uses the correct rate, for example, “Petty Officer Farragut, may I introduce Seaman Apprentice Byrd to you? 

For Petty Officers, (E4 – E6) you address them as Petty Officer Nimitz. We use their correct rank during introductions. For example, We would say, “Sn Byrd, this is Petty Officer Second Class Farragut.”   

For Chief Petty Officers, (E7 – E9) we use their rate for daily usage such as Senior Chief Spruance, Chief Brashear, Master Chief Borda. During introductions, just like the previous, we would use the full title, such as Senior Chief Petty Officer Jones.

For officers, you should use their rank then name, such as Lt. Dewey.  When addressing a Lieutenant Commander we drop the Lt. part and for Lieutenant (junior grade) we drop the JG part. For introductions, of course you would use the full title. You should learn all Navy ranks as soon as possible. The United States Coast Guard uses the same ranks and rates as the US Navy. The only visible difference is the Coast Guard emblem replaces the Eagle and Shield on an officer’s cap, and they have a shield on the sleeve of their dress jacket in place of our star or staff designators.  The names of the ranks of Marine Corps, Air Force and Army officers are all similar. Therefore, when you learn the ranks of those service, you will know them all.

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

You likely have many questions. One of the purposes of the NRAC class is to gain confidence and knowledge before joining a unit of “Old Salts.” In addition to the questions below you are encourage to ask as many questions as you can think of. In this unit you can be assured that your questions are welcomed. There is a good chance that other people have the same question. 

Question:  How much do I get paid?
Answer:    You get paid 1 day’s pay for each 4-hour drill. We do 4 drills per drill weekend, therefore, you get 4 days pay at your rank each month. While on Active Duty you get full pay and allowances, which is higher. You may access http://www.dfas.mil/money/milpay/pay/2003paytable.pdf to check out the latest pay scale.  You will be paid by electronic fund transfer. You should bring in a deposit slip or your institution’s routing and account numbers on your first drill.  


Question:  May I miss an upcoming drill?
Answer:    It is possible, however, you should only miss a drill if absolutely necessary. Your Commanding Officer has the option to grant Authorized Absences (AA’s) or to refuse the request and issue Unauthorized Absences (UA). It is also at the CO’s discretion to allow you to make up a missed drill. While in NRAC the ability to get meaningful training is severely limited during a make up. 
 

Question:  What do I do if I have to miss an upcoming drill?
Answer:     Contact your chain of command to request an  Authorized Absence (AA). While in NRAC you may e-mail Chief Shipp at chiefshipp@chiefshipp.com.  You may also call the Reserve Center at 502.375.3329 or toll free at 1.866-586.3457. If a make up drill is authorized you will have to make it up on a date convenient to the Staff at the Reserve Center. Since NRC Louisville rarely drills multiple weekends the make up dates are usually during normal working days.  When you graduate from NRAC ensure you learn your new chain of command contact information.
 

Question:  How will I know when I am to drill?
 Answer:    The drill schedule is promulgated for the entire fiscal year. The Navy Fiscal year runs from 1 October to 30 September. You will be given a schedule for the entire year. While the dates are subject to change, they rarely are. Usually in the winter months contingencies are made to allow for bad weather. NRAC drills on the “Blue Weekend.” This is usually the first full weekend of a month, but can vary. When you go to your unit they will advise you on your schedule. You should make every effort to attend every drill.
 

Question:   What if I am injured or sick and can’t participate in PT?
 Answer:      Get an official note from your doctor explaining the injury or illness and what actions your are not allowed to perform. Fax or give the original to the Medical Department representative. You will to be excused from the PT and other related items that could interfere with your condition. You may be required to be seen by a military medical representative.  Remember, also, that you should always be physically ready to perform any required tasks and the length or severity of the condition could effect your ability to perform drills. If you are place in Temporary Not Physically Qualified (TNPQ) status your orders to boot camp will be cancelled or deferred.
 

Question:   Do I have to know how to swim?
 Answer:     Yes. Although you don’t need to be a great swimmer, you must have some basic skills. You must pass 3rd Class swim qualifications within one year. You will do this in boot camp prior to receiving a graduation certificate. You will jump from a 10-foot platform, swim 50 yards, float prone for 5 minutes and learn to use your clothing for flotation devices. We usually practice these skills during NRAC Phase II. Some units require a higher level of achievement.
 

Question:   Should I salute officers?  How do I salute?
 Answer:     First, you only salute officers when you are in Navy uniform and wearing your cover, so by the time you get uniforms you will know the correct protocol. You will receive training in saluting and other Navy customs. If you want to learn more you may refer to Chapters 9 and 10 in the  Basic Military Requirements (BMR).
 

Question:   Can I shop at military exchanges?
 Answer:     Yes you can. You are able to use most base facilities, including the Exchange, gym, and other facilities. You will need your military ID. Your spouse and older dependent children also have some privileges.  Commissary use is also available on a limited basis. You get 24 visits a year after a certain number of drills. You or your spouse may also use the commissary while you are on active duty. Other benefits, such as reduced rates on hotel, travel, military lodging and other activities exist. Ask for more details if interested. If you travel, you may use military facilities across the country.
 

Question:   Does my spouse/children need an ID Card?
 Answer:     Yes. Your spouse and children over 10 will receive an ID card. You should call the Admin Department at 375-3329 to schedule a convenient time to have one made.
 

Question:    May my family or friends attend my boot camp graduation?
 Answer:     Yes, it is an impressive ceremony. If interested, refer to your Welcome Aboard Package from the Recruit Training Command (RTC).
 

Question:    When will I join my ultimate unit?
 Answer:  Upon completion of boot camp. Unless your unit drills on a different weekend or at a different location, you will muster with NRAC and present a de-brief to the crew. You will then be introduced to your new chain of command.
 

Question:   Am I subject to activation?
 Answer:     Yes, although you are limited in your assignment areas until you complete 84 days of active duty. You may not be activated prior to Boot Camp.

 

USEFUL WEB SITES

 

NRAC site -  http://www.nsgreatlakes.navy.mil/NRAC/    

NRC Louisville - http://www.nrclouisville.com  (will redirect)

Navy Courses – https://courses.cnet.navy.mil

Bureau of Naval Personnel – http://www.bupers.navy.mil

Defense Finance – http://www.dfas.mil/

Defense Link – http://www.defenselink.mil/

Navy History – www.history.navy.mil

Employer Support of Guard & Reserves – www.esgr.org

Index of Navy web sites – www.chinfo.navy.mil/navpalib

Bases and Air Station – www.chinfo.navy.mil/navpalib/bases/navbases.html

Enlisted Reserve Association – www.nera.org

Naval Reserve Associations – www.navy-reserve.org

Reserve Personnel Center – www.nrpcweb.nola.navy.mil

Advancement Center – www.advancement.cnet.navy.mil

Core Values – www.chinfo.navy.mil/navpalib/traditions/html/corvalu.html

Navy Education – www.cnet.navy.mil

Navy Exchange System – www.navy-nex.com

Navy Memorial – www.lonesailor.org

Navy Ranks – www.history.navy.mil/trivia/trivia04.html

 

 

 

Unofficial NRAC Chat – www.http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NRAC

Unofficial Navy info – www.goatlocker.com