RTC Welcomes Former Recruit to RDC Ranks

GREAT LAKES, Ill. (NNS) -- Recruit Training Command (RTC), the U.S. Navy's only enlisted basic training center, welcomed a new Recruit Division Commander (RDC) who had graduated from RTC only six years ago at the Recruit Memorial Chapel here, June 6.

Among 19 other graduating RDCs, Senior Chief Aviation Electronics Technician Terry Brisco presented his former recruit, Engineman 2nd Class Phillip Armstead, with his RDC badge signifying that he is qualified to train Navy recruits.

"During my first tour at RTC, he was a recruit section leader for the division," said Brisco. "Looking back, I don't recall thinking that he would become an RDC, but I did know that he would be successful in the fleet because of his drive."

When Armstead was going through basic training in division 410 from Sept. to Nov. 2006, everyone knew when Brisco entered the room.

"He had this great presence that everyone took notice of," Armstead said of Brisco. "Senior Chief Brisco was one of the reasons I wanted to be a RDC. Besides being stern and expecting the best from all of us, he was intelligent and inspiring."

Brisco wondered if any of his former recruits became RDCs. Armstead knew he wanted to become one while going through basic training.

"When I came up for orders at my last command I told my detailer that RTC was the only place I wanted to go," said Armstead. "Before I arrived, I thought I was pretty squared away. Although I loved RDC School, surprisingly I found it difficult and challenging."

When Brisco pinned on Armstead's badge at the graduation, he had high hopes and high expectations of his former recruit.

"I am stoked to have a former recruit pushing beside me and training the Navy's future, and I hope that he feels the same," said Brisco. "I look forward to maybe getting to push a division with him or at least be in the same training group."

RDC School is a 13-week long, physically challenging, intensive hands-on training course that prepares prospective RDCs (Blue Ropes) with the skills, perspective and physical readiness to be a Recruit Division Commander.

RDC School students are assigned a qualified RDC mentor and split into RDC School classes of 15-50 students. RDC students undergo the same instruction and training recruits are given. This includes classroom lessons, drills, personnel inspections, physical fitness and compartment readiness. Toward the end of the 13-weeks, RDC students shadow qualified RDCs (Red Ropes) and assist in the training of a recruit division.

Recruit Training Command trains more than 35,000 volunteers annually transforming civilians into basically trained Sailors.

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