All enlistees into the U.S. Navy begin their service at RTC Great Lakes with at least ten weeks of training, and more if they do not pass certain tests.

Those who have not yet received a specific rating enter the fleet with a general designation of airman, fireman, construction man or seaman.

[4] The main proponent of the North Chicago location was Illinois Congressional Representative and chairman of the Committee on Naval Affairs (1900–1911) George Edmund Foss, later called "The Father of Great Lakes".

African-Americans were permitted to enlist for general service in the middle of 1942 receiving training at Great Lakes as well as Hampton, Virginia.

[6] The Navy commissioned its first African-American officers, later known as the "Golden Thirteen", at Great Lakes in February 1944.

The Base Realignment and Closure Commission of 1993 resulted in the consolidation of recruit training to Great Lakes.

Following the consolidation, the Navy undertook a massive recapitalization (recap) program to upgrade the Great Lakes Recruit Training facility.

A 210-foot (64 m) Arleigh Burke-class destroyer simulator called USS Trayer (BST-21)[9] was also constructed as part of the recap program also known as Battle Stations 21 (BST 21).

[10] The USS Enterprise Recruit Barracks Building is the eighth of fourteen built as part of a $763 million recapitalization program.

This facility integrates berthing, classrooms, learning resource centers, a galley, and a quarterdeck, all under one roof.

USS Triton Recruit Barracks (Ship 12) was dedicated in ceremonies held on 25 June 2004.

The facility is designed to accommodate 1056 recruits, and it includes berthing, classrooms, learning resource centers, a galley, a quarterdeck, and a modern HVAC system.

During P-days, recruits are taught the basics of watch standing, are given information to memorize, and begin learning to organize their equipment.

Recruits take their initial swim qualification test and learn military drill, the details of rank and rating, and the Navy core values.

During Week Two, recruits learn the Navy chain of command, custom and courtesies, and basic watchstanding.

Recruits learn laws of armed conflict, personal finance, basic seamanship, shipboard communication, and Navy ship and aircraft identification.

Some time during the week, recruits receive a classroom lecture on firearms safety and operation of the M18.

Week seven includes a comprehensive test of the material covered by Navy Basic Training in a 12-hour exercise called "Battle Stations".