DCC Cody Osgood came by to discuss the life of a Recruit Division Commander (RDC) at Naval Station Great Lakes. He went from an E5 to an E6 while stationed in Great Lakes. Cody begins by discussing why he joined the Navy. Damo goes left and gets on his soapbox very early in this episode. Cody returns to his story, detailing how he initially felt about being an RDC. Is RDC “C” School as difficult as people claim it is? Does RDC School fault a person for not being “hard” enough? What are some of the common misconceptions of being an RDC? What happens when a Recruit tries to fight an RDC? Do Drill Instructors pick the roles they want to play before they get a “Push”? Are RDCs to blame for newly reported Sailors who don’t seem to understand basic military customs and courtesies? What does it mean to make a Sailor live out of their seabag? Cody talks about making a decision that he now regrets to turn a recruit in the right direction. Cody responds to a question from a listener regarding the ASVAB. Damo asks Cody to “fact-check” some of the reported incentives for an RDC. Cody discusses the challenges of his integrated push. How was the experience of “pushing boots” during Covid? What changed after Covid? What is financial literacy training for a Sailor in Boot Camp? Has Cody ever had personal feelings regarding a Recruit, whether good or bad? What’s a normal day for a division of recruits? What’s the purpose of the 12-minute meal time for a recruit division? How are RDCs evaluated? Cody details the craziest Great Lakes story that he remembers. What is I.T.E? Is Great Lakes getting soft? How do RDCs choose the RPOC?  Cody speaks on whether he would do another tour as an RDC. Navy Boot Camp is now 10 weeks long, but why? How is Warrior Toughness being inculcated into recruits? What’s the real deal with recruits being able to use their cell phones?  Cody gives a “Do Better.” How easy is it to quit Navy Boot Camp? Cody details his favorite thing about being an RDC. Damo asks the pod what are things they wish they would’ve known before they went to Boot Camp. Why do people seem to get so upset about changes when it comes to boot camp? Why do Sailors have to shave on leave? How real does it get at the Navy Ball? Do we always have to speak to the people that didn’t make it when we congratulate the people that did? Remember to follow the ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ podcast on TikTok, Facebook, Discord, Instagram, and Twitter, and subscribe on YouTube. To have your “Do Better” reviewed on a future episode please contact us at ptsfpodcast@gmail.com.

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PTSF “Theme Music” - Produced by Lim0