VCNO Explores Great Lakes with an Eye on Shaping Tomorrow’s Warfighters

Recruit Training Command (RTC) stands as the U.S. Navy’s sole enlisted training location, transforming civilians into Sailors through rigorous 10-week sessions emphasizing Navy culture, tradition, and heritage. Recently, the Vice Chief of Naval Operations (VCNO) toured the facility, inspecting both the fitness and academic Future Sailor Preparatory (FSP) Courses that are integral to this transformation.

The Future Sailor Preparatory Courses are essential for equipping new recruits with the necessary fitness and academic skills. These preparatory programs ensure that civilians meet Navy standards as they transition into military life. In 2024, nearly 400 individuals participated in the Fitness Skills Development, all successfully advancing to basic training. Simultaneously, over 4,500 recruits attended the academic track, with 2,700 proceeding to bootcamp.

Vice Adm. William Kilby underscored the voluntary nature of enlistment, noting, “We’re an all-volunteer force and we have young people out there who have a sincere desire to serve their country. The Future Sailor Prep Course is one of those avenues to help remove barriers and give those who strive to serve a better chance of joining the world’s greatest Navy without lowering standards.”

During his visit, Kilby also engaged with the Commander of Naval Service Training Command, Rear Admiral Craig Mattingly. NSTC manages 66 subordinate commands, dedicated to transforming volunteers into Naval Service Professionals across various programs including RTC, Officer Training Command, and Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps.

Rear Adm. Mattingly remarked on the significance of the VCNO’s visit, stating, “Adm. Kilby’s visit to NSTC and RTC highlights our Navy leadership’s unwavering commitment to supporting readiness and capability. His engagement reinforces the importance of programs like the Future Sailor Prep Course, which ensures every recruit is fully prepared to succeed in training and contribute to America’s Warfighting Navy, securing our operational edge in an increasingly challenging environment.”