An introduction to Navy life

New recruits may have passed the aptitude tests and have the right qualifications, but after walking into Devonport Naval Base and ‘signing on the line’, the Navy needs to confirm that our recruits are suitable for a career in the military. They need to be sure about the choice they’re making as well.

Basic or recruit training is designed to take a person from civilian to a competent and self-disciplined sailor, while confirming that person’s suitability for life in the Navy. For sailors, this starts with Basic Common Training (BCT), a 15-week course involving around 100 recruits twice a year. Recruits are divided into classes or mess decks of around 15 to 18 persons. Junior Officer Common Training (JOCT) is also two intakes a year, involving around 30 recruits at a time. There is no upper age limit to joining the Navy.

In a controlled environment, recruits learn to develop teamwork and support each other while under stress. They become accustomed to following orders, military discipline, moving with urgency, and they learn self-discipline – including learning how to care for and clean their uniforms. Physically, recruits become fitter and stronger and learn to bond through shared hard work.

As recruits progress through basic training or officer training, they receive more academic tuition and institutional knowledge about the Navy. The recruits develop confidence, self-esteem and self-respect. Drill and parade ground training becomes an important part of military life, because it teaches our people to think and work as a team and complete instructions quickly and correctly. In an emergency, this ‘muscle memory’ and ability to react quickly and without hesitation will come in handy when our people need to respond quickly to superior’s command. It may save their life or the life of a comrade.

A Navy recruit’s core military skills will include weapons training, first aid, navigation, seamanship, and lessons on military law. Recruits are welcomed onto the Navy marae, as part of their journey into their service and being part of a wider Navy whānau.

Both BCT and JOCT training concludes with a formal combined graduation ceremony in front of family and friends.