Seaman Recruit Bransen Reynolds, Division 006, graduated as the top Sailor from Recruit Training Command, earning the Military Excellence Award on November 9.

Reynolds, from Bend, Oregon, said he joined the Navy in pursuit of a new career path.

“I joined the Navy in pursuit of a steady career along with the personal growth, such as attention to detail, discipline and self-confidence, that I would receive by pushing myself in a career field that not many pursue,” Reynolds said.

Reynolds is assigned the rate of Mineman.

Reynolds, 21, is a 2016 graduate of Summit High School in Bend, Oregon. He was employed in his family’s construction business in Bend, Oregon.

The Navy Club of the United States Military Excellence Award is the top award presented to the No. 1 recruit of their graduating training group. The MEA is awarded to the recruit that best exemplifies the qualities of enthusiasm, devotion to duty, military bearing and teamwork. The award placed him at the pinnacle of today’s newest Sailors. Reynolds is awarded a flag letter of commendation.

Reynolds said winning the MEA was both humbling and surprising.

“It’s an honor to receive the MEA and to be recognized for my accomplishments at RTC,” he said. “I’m shocked, because my division is full of incredible Sailors, all of whom deserve recognition.”

As the top graduate in his training group. Reynolds believes his consistency helped set him apart.

“I tried to always follow instruction as precise as possible,” he said.

Reynolds credited his Recruit Division Commanders, Chief Fire Controlman Benjamin Thiesse, Machinist’s Mate 1st Class Allison Ragin, and Interior Communications Electrician 1st Class Jason Willink for their leadership and guidance.

Reynolds said his motivation came from following the example set by a lifelong friend.

“The person who motivated me the most was my lifelong friend and brother, Josh Wittwer,” Reynolds said. “He always pushed me while growing up to be the best I could be and to outwork everyone else. I wouldn’t be half the man I am today if it weren’t for him.”

The toughest part of Reynolds’ boot camp experience was making the initial commitment.

“The biggest challenge of boot camp, for me, was making the decision to join and to swear an oath to protect and defend the constitution,” Reynolds said.

After graduation, Reynolds will attend Mineman “A” School in Point Loma, California. Minemen perform their duties at sea aboard minesweepers assisting in the detection and neutralization of underwater mines. Ashore, minemen are technicians who test, assemble and maintain underwater explosive devices (mines). They test various electronic components to ensure proper repair and make sure that the mine works properly. They are also responsible for safe storage, handling and loading of mines for transporting.

Boot camp is approximately eight weeks and all enlistees into the U.S. Navy begin their careers at the command. Training includes physical fitness, seamanship, firearms, firefighting and shipboard damage control along with lessons in Navy heritage and core values, teamwork and discipline. More than 30,0000 recruits graduate annually from RTC and begin their Navy careers.

For more news from Recruit Training Command, visit www.navy.mil/.

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For more news from Recruit Training Command, visit www.navy.mil/.