Overview

Naval Station Great Lakes is the U.S. Navy’s only boot camp and the largest training installation in the Navy.

• Branch: U.S. Navy
• Location: Great Lakes, Illinois (near North Chicago)
• Established: 1911
• Primary Mission: Recruit training and Navy technical training

The installation serves as the entry point for all enlisted sailors, transforming civilians into trained Navy personnel ready to serve across the fleet.

Base History

Naval Station Great Lakes was established in 1911 and quickly became a critical training center for the Navy.

During World War I, the base expanded rapidly, training tens of thousands of sailors to support wartime operations. It continued to grow during World War II, becoming one of the Navy’s most important training hubs.

Throughout the Cold War and into modern conflicts, Great Lakes remained central to Navy readiness by continuously training new sailors and supporting technical education.

Over time, it evolved into the Navy’s primary recruit training command, consolidating boot camp operations at a single location.

Current Mission

Naval Station Great Lakes serves as the central training hub for enlisted sailors entering the U.S. Navy.

The installation supports:

• Recruit Training Command (RTC) — Navy boot camp
• Technical “A” Schools — Job-specific training for enlisted ratings
• Leadership development and follow-on training

Every enlisted sailor in the Navy begins their career at Great Lakes, making it one of the most important installations for building the Navy’s force.

Major Units and Commands

Several major commands operate at Naval Station Great Lakes.

• Recruit Training Command (RTC) — The Navy’s only boot camp, responsible for transforming civilians into sailors.

• Naval Service Training Command (NSTC) — Oversees initial officer and enlisted training programs across the Navy.

• Center for Surface Combat Systems (CSCS) — Provides advanced technical training for surface warfare systems and operations.

• Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) (components) — Supports training development and execution across Navy schools located on the installation.

Impact on the Local Community

Naval Station Great Lakes plays a major role in the economy and identity of the surrounding region.

The installation supports:

• Thousands of active-duty personnel and recruits
• Civilian employees and contractors
• A steady flow of visiting families attending recruit graduations

Communities such as North Chicago, Waukegan, and Libertyville are closely tied to the base, with local businesses benefiting from the constant influx of recruits and their families.

Base Support and Resources

Naval Station Great Lakes provides extensive support services for sailors and their families.

Key resources include:

• Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC)
• Transition Assistance Program (TAP)
• Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) programs
• Education and career counseling services

Nearby VA support includes:

• Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center — A joint VA and Department of Defense facility serving veterans and active-duty personnel.

Visiting or Public Information

Official installation information can be found at:

Official Website
https://www.cnic.navy.mil/GreatLakes/

Recruit Graduation Information
https://www.bootcamp.navy.mil

Public Affairs Office
Provides media and community information.

Visitors should review current graduation access procedures and base entry requirements, as policies may change.

Legacy and Significance

Naval Station Great Lakes holds a unique place in U.S. military history as the only Navy boot camp.

For generations, it has served as the starting point for millions of sailors entering naval service. Its role in shaping the Navy’s enlisted force makes it one of the most significant training installations in the U.S. military.

Veterans Intel Report Community Question

Did you go through boot camp at Great Lakes?

Share your division, year, or a memory from your time there in the comments on the Veterans Intel Report Facebook page.

Your experiences help preserve the history and legacy of America’s military installations.

Veterans Intel Report Community Question

Did you go through boot camp at Great Lakes?

Share your division, year, or a memory from your time there in the comments on the Veterans Intel Report Facebook page.

Your experiences help preserve the history and legacy of America’s military installations.