SR Williams, Jeremiah E 5

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1 day ago
4 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

GREAT LAKES

DIV 240

MARKSMANSHIP & DISCIPLINE

“HALFWAY TO BECOMING A SAILOR”

Week five marks the halfway point of your recruit’s Navy boot camp journey. By now, the routines of training are becoming familiar, and the transformation into a disciplined Sailor is beginning to show.

This week introduces recruits to one of the Navy’s most serious responsibilities: safe and effective weapons handling.

Through classroom instruction, simulation training, and live-fire exercises, recruits learn the fundamentals of marksmanship and the strict safety standards required when handling firearms.

The training is designed not only to build confidence but to reinforce accountability, discipline, and responsibility qualities essential for every Sailor entrusted with protecting their shipmates and defending the nation.

Sharpening Sailor Skills

During week five, recruits begin formal weapons-familiarization training, learning to safely handle and operate standard Navy small arms.

Classroom instruction covers key fundamentals such as:

Proper stance and grip
Sight alignment and trigger control
Weapons safety procedures
Clearing barrel procedures
Characteristics of the Navy service pistol

Recruits also gain familiarity with commonly used Navy firearms, including the M-9 pistol, M-4 rifle, and the 12-gauge shotgun, learning how each weapon functions and when it is used in operational environments.

Before stepping onto the range, recruits train on the Small Arms Marksmanship Trainer (SAMT)—a simulated firing environment that allows them to practice their shooting fundamentals and build confidence before conducting live fire.

These simulated scenarios help recruits refine their skills and prepare for the next step in training.

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Live Fire Training

One of the most exciting moments of week five is live-fire training on the range.

Here, recruits apply everything they have learned as they fire the Navy service pistol under the supervision of trained instructors. This hands-on training reinforces safety, discipline, and precision.

At the completion of the course, recruits may earn one of three marksmanship qualifications:

Marksman
Sharpshooter
Expert

For many recruits, this is a proud milestone and one of the first moments where they see their training translate into measurable achievement.

The Making Of Your Sailor

Weapons training is only one part of week five. Recruits continue participating in Warrior Toughness training, where they focus on mental resilience, leadership development, and long-term career opportunities within the Navy.

They also continue practicing military drill, refining their movements as a division. Drill teaches discipline, communication, and teamwork as recruits learn to move and operate as a unified formation.

These movements are practiced repeatedly until every recruit can respond instantly to commands, an essential skill for any Sailor operating in high-tempo environments.

Throughout the week, recruits may also undergo formal drill inspections, evaluating their ability to perform movements with precision and discipline.

Week five marks the halfway point of boot camp, and the changes in your recruit are becoming more noticeable.

They stand a little taller.

They move with more confidence.

They begin to think and act like team members.

The habits of discipline, accountability, and pride in the uniform are taking root. Each challenge they overcome brings them one step closer to earning the title of United States Sailor.

Stay tuned for next week’s update as your recruit continues building the strength, confidence, and teamwork required to serve in the United States Navy.

I’m SgtMaj Paul Davis (USMC Ret), and I look forward to sharing more of this incredible journey with you.

Hooyah!