MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) — Navy officials encourage top-performing Sailors to volunteer for Recruit Division Commander (RDC) duty, in a Naval message released April 2.
According to NAVADMIN 085/13, the motivation and professional development of recruits is a vital Navy mission that requires outstanding role models.
RDC assignment is challenging, but rewarding. It offers a number of professional development, leadership and career advancement opportunities. The tasks required are mentally, physically and emotionally demanding, and require proven self-discipline and imaginative problem-solving skills. Sailors assigned as RDCs must continually demonstrate superior leadership and motivational skills in demanding and often unique situations.
RDCs are eligible for the following benefits:
* Special Duty Assignment Pay of $450 per month.
* Additional annual clothing allowance of $220.
* Free dry cleaning services while actively training a recruit division.
* Opportunity to earn a Master Training Specialist qualification.
* Guaranteed choice of coast assignment (upon completion of tour).
* Award of Recruit Training Service Ribbon.
* Participation in the RTC Command Meritorious Advancement Program for petty officers second class.
Per MILPERSMAN 1306-954, E-5 Sailors must have a minimum of six years active service with two years time-in-rate upon application to serve as an RDC. E-6s must have a minimum of six years active service upon applying. There are no minimum years of service or time in rate requirements for chiefs and above. Applicants must be warfare-qualified, however, waivers may be granted on case-by-case basis. Sailors must have scored “good low” or higher in each category on the most recent Physical Fitness Assessment. The RDC candidate must be able to perform and pass the run portion of the Physical Readiness Test (PRT) before the screening is submitted to NPC. Waiver of the run portion of the PRT is not allowed.
A complete listing of eligibility requirements and application procedures can be found in MILPERSMAN 1306-954. Sailors who meet the requirements and would like to apply for the RDC program should submit a 1306/7 (enlisted personnel action request) to their rating detailer.
According to the message, there are approximately 200 openings for new RDCs each year.
Upon acceptance to the RDC program, Sailors will attend three weeks of instructor school to obtain the 9502 Navy Enlisted Classification and a 13-week RDC School.
RDC “C” school is a physically challenging, intensive, hands-on training course that provides prospective RDCs with the skills, perspective, and physical readiness to succeed as an RDC.
Commands must ensure prospective RDC candidates are properly screened to help reduce attrition from RDC “C” school.
Tour lengths are a minimum of 36 months after graduation from RDC School.
More information read NAVADMIN 085/13 and visit the RDC Web Page on the Navy Personnel Command (NPC) website at http://www.npc.navy.mil/enlisted/detailing/shorespecialprograms/pages/rdc.aspx.>