RTC XO Defines Role for Command

GREAT LAKES (NNS) -- After his first 90 days on the job, Cmdr. Kertreck V. Brooks, executive officer at Recruit Training Command (RTC), has learned much about his role in the mission of the Navy's only boot camp.

His two main areas of focus: to assist Capt. John Dye, commanding officer at RTC, and take an active role in the wardroom.

"In the executive officer's position I have the ability to help move along the goals of Captain Dye," said Brooks. "One of those goals is to reduce attrition from recruits and Sailors in Recruit Division Commander (RDC) C School. We have made some progress, but we still have work to do."

Another directive from Dye is to be more visible within the command to answer questions, solve issues and explain procedure. Both Brooks and Command Master Chief Christopher Angstead play a major part in that role.

"I have been very impressed with the group of high speed, motivated Sailors that work at RTC," said Brooks. "They are all here trying to do the right thing and excel in the Navy. It is our job to allow them to have a voice, to listen to their issues, make their job easier, and to thank them for what they do."

One of Brooks' favorite functions is to leave his office to travel around RTC, thanking the staff for their dedication. This, he says, is one of the reasons he has become more involved in the wardroom.

"I'm not going to know everything that happens within the command," said Brooks. "I depend on staff to let me know where I need to be to let Sailors know they are doing a great Job. I depend on the fellow officers to assist me with this."

Brooks is very impressed with the science and technology now available to assist in training recruits, such as Battle Stations 21, a 12-hour overnight event where recruits complete 17 different shipboard scenarios. However, the state-of-the-art training does not replace the work and dedication of RDCs and instructors.

"I tell the recruits during my briefs on Tuesdays that after they graduate from boot camp, they need to thank their RDCs and instructors for what they did," said Brooks. "Throughout training, RDCs and Instructors have sacrificed a lot to be with the recruits, from early morning to late at night, assisting them through the process in making them Sailors."

During his time as executive officer at RTC, Brooks pledges to do his job to the best of his abilities.
"Being part of the leadership, it is my duty to give my all," said Brooks. "For all we ask of our Sailors, it would be hypocritical for me not to do the job to the best of my ability."

Recruit Training Command, located in Great Lakes, Ill., trains over 37,000 volunteer civilian recruits annually, transforming them into basically trained Sailors. Learn more at http://bootcamp.navy.mil of find us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/NavyRecruitTrainingCommand/ .