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Permalink Reply by KAM Mom on April 24, 2015 at 9:46am

I think the Captains Cup is winning the fun competitions they have....like volley ball, tug of war and other such games.   I thought however that those events were held during the last week.  So, we need to have more input on this in order to have the whole picture.  Moms, we need you to step up and clean up this information.  :)

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Permalink Reply by CryptoDad on April 24, 2015 at 11:58am

Here's more:  http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=77466

Recruit Training Command Holds Captain's Cup

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Story Number: NNS131128-09Release Date: 11/28/2013 6:57:00 PM

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By Lt. j.g. Adam Demeter, RTC Public Affairs Officer

GREAT LAKES, Ill. (NNS) -- GREAT LAKES, Ill. (NNS) - Eleven recruit divisions at Recruit Training Command (RTC) participated in Captain's Cup on the second deck of Freedom Hall in Great Lakes Ill., Nov. 2.

These recruits, who are nearly completed with their basic training, put their skills to the test for the opportunity to win the Captain's Cup trophy and the chance to display the Captain's Cup flag during their pass-in-review.

"Captain's Cup is the culmination of the recruit training at boot camp," said Capt. John Dye, commanding officer of Recruit Training Command. "It allows the recruits an opportunity to come together and demonstrate the teamwork and cooperation that we've instilled in them throughout their training."

The morning begins with each division performing a prepared one-minute long divisional chant. Each chant is graded on the amount of Navy pride, creativity and originality that each division puts forth. The chants are graded by Sailors going through Recruit Division Commander (RDC) "C" School and the winning division earns a trophy at the conclusion of Captain's Cup.

The recruits then participate against the other divisions in their training group in ten different events. The events include push-ups, pull-ups, curl-ups, seabag relay, basketball, softball throw, volleyball, firefighting equipment relay, rescue carry and the 1.5 mile relay run. If a tie occurs between two divisions, a tug-of-war is used to determine the winner.

Although the recruits are playing games against one another, this is the first time in their training where they are putting their team building and motivational skills to the test. These are skills that will set them up for success in the fleet.

"This is the time when we get to see what the recruits have learned as far as working together to accomplish one goal," said Fire Controlman 2nd Class Kathryn Leiphart, a student at RDC "C" school. "In this case, it's to win a flag, but it shows them that working together as a team is more important than working as individuals."

For the RDCs who have spent the previous seven weeks working to turn their division from civilians to basically trained Sailors, this is an opportunity to take a step back and witness their recruits work together for the first time by themselves. It gives them a sense of pride to see their hard work and dedication come to a crescendo.

"The team dynamic they demonstrate during Captain's Cup is one of the biggest things they'll use when they get out to the fleet," said Logistics Specialist 1st Class Andrew Purchase, recruit division commander for division 427. "They want to win, not just for themselves, but for the team as a whole; for the entire division. Seeing this lets me know that I've done my job as an RDC."

The recruits who are not actively participating in an activity can be found on the sidelines cheering their future shipmates to victory. The high amount of energy in the room comes from these recruits and the positive enforcement they show towards one another.

"Captain's Cup gives us the opportunity to motivate each other so we can do better than everybody else because we're like a family now," said Seaman Recruit Erick Dejesus, from division 424. "Throughout our training, it was always our recruit division commanders who corrected us. Now, we get to cheer and help each other up if we fail."

Both a non-integrated (all male) and integrated (male and female) division are awarded a Captain's Cup trophy and Captain's Cup flag. The winning divisions get a chance to display their pride by taking a victory a lap around the hall with their prizes.

"You can't begin to describe the emotion and pure joy and pride that these Sailors demonstrate here," said Dye. "They're really excited and they're ready to get out to the fleet. There is no other place where that is demonstrated more than here.

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Permalink Reply by Michelle0206 on April 25, 2015 at 12:04am

Corryn, it is funny, my son's letters, (2 so far) leave me scratching my head too. More questions all the time. it seems like the Navy likes to build their recruits up by giving little awards, percs, responsibilities. it works! Glad your daughter is doing so well. When is your daughter's PIR?

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Permalink Reply by Corryn on April 27, 2015 at 5:41pm

May 22 or 23? That Friday morning! I'm pretty excited! She has been wanting to join the Navy for about two years and she kept getting put off. She is so happy and I'm just so happy for her :)

When is your son's, Michelle?

Thanks for the info!!! It sounds fun :)

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Permalink Reply by Michelle0206 on April 29, 2015 at 11:57pm

Corryn, same day! I can't wait! Thankfully time is going by quickly. Our son was in the delayed entry program since June...he was well prepared, far more than this mamma! I would watch some of his FB comments and it just about ripped my heart out, but I am prayed up, and so is he, and it is better now. Just so excited for him.
I can't see or remember what else I have communicated with you...he is in div 928, ship 2. We are going to the Meet and Greet on Thursday. G'night!

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