Seaman Recruit Rebecca Sefcovic, Division 111, graduated as the top Sailor from Recruit Training Command (RTC) earning the Military Excellence Award, April 7.

Sefcovic, a reservist from Grand Rapids, Michigan, joined the Navy for self-fulfillment in service to her country and to expand career opportunities with the government and intelligence community. With these career objectives, she selected the rate of intelligence specialist because it will expand her abilities and opportunities in foreign policy and public speaking.

Prior to enlisting, Sefcovic worked full-time as an assistant veteran's coordinator and school certifying official in the University of Nebraska at Omaha's Office of Military and Veteran Services. After her military training, she plans to return to work as an assistant veteran's coordinator and hopes to select orders as a full-time support reservist.

The Navy Club of the United States Military Excellence Award (MEA) is the top award presented to the "number one 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 her at the pinnacle of today's newest Sailors. Sefcovic was awarded a flag letter of commendation.

"I was honestly surprised when I was told that I was selected for the award," said Sefcovic. "I want to especially thank my husband and family for their continued dedication in support of my decision to join the Navy, and my fellow recruits for motivating me to persevere through the demands of this journey called boot camp."

After graduation, Sefcovic will head to Dam Neck, Virginia to attend Intelligence Specialist Class "A" School which is 13 weeks in duration. After successful completion of "A" School, she will attend a specialized "C" School that will last five to 13 weeks. Both schools involve learning collection, processing, analysis and dissemination of classified information in support of warfare and intelligence briefings.

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, core values, teamwork and discipline. Approximately 30,000 to 40,000 recruits graduate annually from RTC and begin their Navy careers.

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