The Misconception: Marines Training with Navy Recruits?
I’ve seen the photos and heard the scuttlebutt (rumors) circulating online: “Are Marines now training with Navy recruits at RTC Great Lakes?” It’s an easy assumption to make when you see Marine drill instructors barking orders at a group of young people in Navy uniforms. But I can tell you from my time in the service—and from conversations with NROTC friends—that’s not what’s happening. What you’re actually seeing is nrotc at rtc, which stands for Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps midshipmen training at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes.
The Reality: NROTC Midshipmen at RTC Great Lakes
The individuals you see are not Marine recruits enlisting in the Corps. They are NROTC midshipmen—college students training to become Navy or Marine Corps officers. They attend a mandatory summer program called New Student Indoctrination (NSI) at RTC Great Lakes. This program is a quasi-boot camp that introduces them to military life, drill, and discipline. And yes, Marine drill instructors are heavily involved because Marine option midshipmen also go through this training.
What is New Student Indoctrination (NSI)?
NSI is a 3-week program designed to transition college students from civilian to military mindset. It’s run by the Naval Service Training Command (NSTC) and takes place at RTC Great Lakes, but it’s entirely separate from enlisted boot camp. Here are some key points:
- Who attends: All incoming NROTC midshipmen—both Navy and Marine option—must complete NSI before their first academic year. It’s also required for some other commissioning programs.
- Drill instructors: Both Navy and Marine Corps drill instructors lead the training. Marine DIs are assigned specifically for the Marine option midshipmen, but they often train all midshipmen in drill and ceremonies.
- Curriculum: Includes military drill, physical fitness, basic seamanship, and Navy/Marine Corps history. It’s intense but shorter and less grueling than enlisted boot camp.
- Uniform: Midshipmen wear Navy uniforms with NROTC insignia, not recruit uniforms, which can cause confusion from a distance.
Why Are Marine Drill Instructors Involved?
I remember when I was stationed in Newport, Rhode Island, for Navy OCS, I’d occasionally see Marine officers and DIs working with NROTC units. The Marine Corps has a long tradition of forging officer candidates through rigorous training, and Marine option midshipmen need that same foundation. So Marine DIs are assigned to NSI to train both Navy and Marine options in drill, discipline, and military bearing. As one Marine DI told me, “We train them all—it’s about making them better officers, regardless of service.”
NSI vs. Enlisted Boot Camp: Two Different Paths
It’s important to understand that NSI and enlisted boot camp are completely different programs. They happen on the same base—RTC Great Lakes—but they’re run by different commands, have different curricula, and last different lengths. Enlisted boot camp is 8-10 weeks and trains future sailors and Marines for the enlisted ranks. NSI is 3 weeks and is only for future officers in the NROTC pipeline. The facilities may overlap, but the training is distinct.
Summer Training for NROTC Midshipmen
NSI is just one part of a NROTC midshipman’s summer training. Over their four years, they’ll also attend events like CORTRAMID (Career Orientation and Training for Midshipmen), ship cruises, and other professional training. As they progress, they may return to RTC for advanced training, but the initial boot-camp-like experience is NSI. So if you see a group of young people in Navy uniforms with Marine DIs at Great Lakes, know that you’re witnessing the start of an officer’s journey—not a merger of enlisted training.
For more on the officer path, check out our Navy OCS Journey page.
I hope this clears up the confusion. The Navy and Marine Corps are separate services with their own training pipelines. What you see at Great Lakes is simply nrotc at rtc—a vital part of developing the next generation of naval officers. Semper Fortis.
