Meet Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class (BM1) Esteban Reyes-Feliz, a Recruit Division Commander (RDC) at Recruit Training Command (RTC) Great Lakes, the Navy’s only boot camp.

Originally from Lincoln Park, Michigan, Feliz’s journey in the Navy began eight years ago with the desire to grow personally and professionally.

“When I decided to join the Navy, I was at a point in my life where I was tired of the monotony,” Feliz says. “I was working in a factory in Detroit while attending school, and I felt stuck in a routine. I also wasn’t really sure of my future. As I learned more out about the Navy, I saw an opportunity to escape. I realized that enlisting would provide me with a greater sense of purpose and a chance to contribute to something larger than myself.”

Prior to arriving at RTC, Feliz was stationed at Navy Cargo Handling Battalion One (NCHB-ONE) and was deployed on Operation Deep Freeze (Antarctica), Native Fury (Middle East), and Commander, Task Force 75 (CTF-75) Guam.

Feliz’s primary duties as an RDC include transforming young men and women into smartly disciplined, physically fit, and basically trained Sailors. Aside from leading divisions, Feliz is an RDC “C” school instructor and is responsible for teaching fleet Sailors the fundamental principles required of an RDC and reintroducing them to the basic concepts of militarization needed to train RTC recruits.

Recently, Feliz was awarded the RDC of the Year Award for his outstanding leadership qualities, ability to motivate recruits, maintain discipline, and ensure development of his divisions throughout boot camp. Receiving this award signifies exceptional performance and dedication to his role at RTC.

He attributes much of his success here at RTC, and in the Navy, to his upbringing.

“Being kind to others, working hard for what you want in life, and understanding that nothing is given for free are all values that I was raised with,” he says. “As a first-generation immigrant from the Dominican Republic, having a strong work ethic is something my family instilled in me at a young age. I watched their sacrifices and what they were able to accomplish, and it makes me want to continue carrying on those same traits and strive for more. I’m also thankful for some of the mentors I had early on in the Navy that showed me the importance of having an open mind and avoiding complacency.”

Though Feliz has accomplished many of his goals while at RTC, his duties aren’t without challenges.

“As an instructor, it can be difficult to change people’s mindset once they’re set in their ways,” Feliz says. “The reality is that the fleet is not the same as boot camp, and the standards that we have here are emphasized. With that said, I also find it extremely satisfying to get to work with other Sailors and play a part in their individual growth. Whether that’s teaching recruits or helping fleet Sailors become RDCs, I like to think that my work here plays a vital role in what the Navy will become.”

Much of Feliz’s drive to shape the future of the Navy can be attributed to his desire to give back.

“I have a great sense of pride being able to serve in the Navy,” he says. “It provides me with a way to give back to this nation that has afforded my family the opportunity to succeed and live a better life. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve made and is something that I’m grateful for.”

Looking ahead, Feliz has set ambitious goals for the rest of his naval career.

“One big goal I have is to finish my bachelor’s degree this year. I’m also eligible for promotion to chief, so I’m putting a lot of my effort into that, as it would be a big accomplishment for me. In the next five years, if everything works out, I also plan to commission as a naval officer.”

Feliz continues to contribute to the Navy’s mission, upholding the values of service and dedication to inspire future Sailors as they join the fleet.

Boot camp is approximately 10 weeks and all enlistees in the U.S. Navy begin their careers at the command. Training includes five warfighting competencies of firefighting, damage control, seamanship, watch standing, and small arms handling and marksmanship along with physical fitness and lessons in Navy heritage and core values, Warrior Toughness, Life Skills, teamwork, and discipline. More than 40,000 recruits train annually at the Navy’s only boot camp.

For more news from Recruit Training Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/rtc.