Recruit Training Command (RTC) hosted a pinning ceremony for new chief petty officers Friday, Sept. 14 at 1 p.m. in Midway Ceremonial Drill Hall at Naval Station Great Lakes.
    With the 62 new selectees pinned, the chiefs’ mess at RTC, considered to be one of the largest in the Navy, grew to 262 personnel.
    In the last selection cycle, 40 percent of all eligible first class petty officers made chief. Fleet-wide, the percentage was closer to 26. Many see a direct connection between selection and a tour at RTC.
    “I have learned more about how to be an effective leader in three years as an RDC than I have in my 10 years in the fleet,” said GSMC Timothy Newell. “This is the definition of full circle and I am glad that I made it here. I started my Navy career right here in Great Lakes and now receiving my anchors in the same place is an amazing accomplishment.”
    For those hoping to make chief, a tour at RTC can be seen as a “check in the box.” Those stationed here, however, would caution those seeking to come to boot camp for advancement alone.
    “Here, the mission is training recruits,” said STCS(SW) Jason Forward. “Don’t just come here for advancement. If you’re here for advancement, you’re here for the wrong reason. Training, molding, and making the future of the Navy- that’s the ultimate goal. It comes at a huge cost, with the hours required, but there is also a huge reward.”