2Fast / 2Fast

What happens after boot camp?
In this episode, we dive deep into what happens after a non-nuclear submarine sailor graduates from boot camp and begins their journey in submarine service. From initial training at Basic Enlisted Submarine School (BESS) to the specialized technical courses and the first days on board a submarine, this video gives you a comprehensive look at the steps involved in becoming a non-nuclear submariner.
🎓 Key Highlights:
Basic Enlisted Submarine School (BESS): What is BESS, and why is it critical to a sailor's career? We walk you through the 8-week program, including the basic skills learned, the different submarine systems, and the emergency training (firefighting, escape, and flooding drills) that prepare sailors for high-stakes situations on board.
Submarine Systems & Rates: Learn about the various submarine systems sailors are trained on, from hydraulics to sonar. We also explore the different rates (jobs) available to submariners, such as sonar techs, fire control technicians, and electronics technicians.
High-Risk Training: The final two weeks of BESS feature intense, hands-on training with real-world scenarios, including fire, escape, and flooding simulations. Hear about the life-saving skills sailors are taught in these high-pressure environments.
Living at Sub School: What’s daily life like for sailors during BESS? From barracks life to the liberty system (White Card, Yellow Card, and Blue Card), this section gives a glimpse into the day-to-day experience of sailors going through training.
Post-BESS Training: After BESS, sailors move on to additional specialized schools, such as ATT (Apprentice Technical Training), Techno (Network Operations), or their rate-specific A-schools. Learn how the journey doesn’t stop after BESS, and why technical skills and troubleshooting are critical for a successful career.
Tips for Success: Advice from those who’ve been there — we share essential tips for succeeding in submarine school, including the importance of time management, following instructions, and being punctual.
Nuke vs Non-Nuke: In the next episode, we’ll break down the different training pipelines for nuclear-trained sailors vs non-nuclear sailors, and how the training paths differ despite similar foundations.

Join us in this episode as we dive into the raw and real experience of arriving at boot camp for the very first time. Our guest shares their vivid memories of a stressful and chaotic first night, navigating the confusion of O'Hare Airport while clutching their all-important paperwork.
From the adrenaline rush of getting off the bus to the overwhelming screaming of recruit division commanders (drill instructors), this episode paints a picture of the initiation into military life. Experience the humor and intensity as we recount the arrival of some intimidating RDCs, including a giant who could barely put on his uniform and an unexpectedly quiet but fierce female chief who brought chaos into the room.
Discover the infamous “peanut butter shot” during medical processing and the peculiar rituals of stamping your name on every issued item. Learn about the milestones of boot camp, from Processing Days to firefighting training, and the camaraderie formed amidst the stress and chaos.
Highlights:
    Arriving at boot camp: A firsthand account of the first night    The unforgettable introduction to RDCs and the unexpected challenges they present    Insights on bonding with fellow recruits through shared struggles and down time    Tips for surviving boot camp’s challenges
Whether you're considering joining the military or just curious about the experience, this episode is packed with insights, laughter, and the harsh realities of boot camp. Tune in to hear about the camaraderie formed in those intense early days and what it really means to perform under pressure.
Don’t forget to subscribe for more stories and experiences from those who’ve walked the path!

In this episode, we dive deep into the journey through Navy recruitment, featuring candid insights from former Navy sailors. Our guest shares their personal experiences navigating the Delayed Entry Program (DEP), the long wait before boot camp, and the complex relationship with recruiters. They explore the misconceptions surrounding military recruiters, shedding light on why many young recruits feel misled.
We discuss the vital questions recruits should ask—like job advancement opportunities, duty stations, and training specifics—to avoid surprises later. Our hosts emphasize that despite feeling pressured, recruits hold the power in the recruitment process. With a mix of humor and honesty, this episode is a must-listen for anyone considering a career in the military or seeking to understand the recruiting experience better.
Tune in for valuable advice, relatable anecdotes, and a refreshing perspective on what it truly means to join the Navy. Whether you’re a prospective recruit or just curious about military life, this conversation is packed with insights that could change your approach to recruiting.

Follow us to the depths of dark humor and camaraderie as we share some of our wildest and funniest "HYPOTHETICAL" sea stories from life aboard the submarine. We explore a mysterious leak that causes an engine room shower, a radioactive spill, and hilariously inept leadership that leaves a shipmate in an unexpectedly compromising situation. This is followed by the fallout from miraculously galled bolts. Finally, an Engineering Officer of the Watch who can neither speak nor read in times of moderate stress.

In this episode, the hosts explore the Navy's recent venture into e-sports, discussing its potential for recruitment and outreach among younger audiences. They critique the execution of the initiative, considering whether it's an effective strategy or merely a failed PR stunt, while also reflecting on the broader implications of merging military service with gaming culture. Along the way, we reflect on the historical ties between military, sports, and recruitment, and why it might be time to revive some traditions.

In this episode, we dive deep into the complex intersections of military service and political awareness. Our hosts share personal anecdotes about how their time in the military shaped their understanding of domestic and foreign policies, emphasizing an increased empathy for diverse perspectives. They discuss the nuances of military life, include the often-overlooked realities of health care, pay, veterans benefits, and more.
A significant portion of the episode focuses on Project 2025, a 900-page document outlining a conservative agenda for the next presidential term. The hosts critically and thoroughly examine proposed reforms to military healthcare, BAH, the VA, military exchanges, military dependent schooling, the Naval fleet, and the GI Bill.
Some of the policy proposed in Project 2025 would have dramatic consequences that may or may not be intentional.
Through candid dialogue, the episode underscores the vital need for informed discussion around military and veteran policies and their real-world implications, blending personal stories with broader societal critiques.

In this fun episode, we explore the stereotypes surrounding A-Gangers (Auxiliary Mechanics) and Nukes in the submarine community. Join us and our "Coner of the Month", Josias, as we candidly discuss the quirks, challenges, and humorous realities of life below the surface.
In this episode, we uncover:
Nuclear Prototype Training: Does prototype adequately prepare nuclear-trained sailors for sea duty or would it be better if was modified or removed?
The Submariner Experience: How dramatically are personalities changed and shaped from serving on board a submarine? Does this unique culture result from being exposed to low oxygen and potentially toxic chemicals?
Anecdotes and Humor: From mishaps with hazardous materials to the infamous "t-shirt incident", listen to hilarious and relatable stories that highlight the camaraderie and resilience of submariners.
Playing Games: Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes - submarine veteran edition.
Whether you're a current or former or future submariner, military enthusiast, or simply curious about life under the sea, this episode offers an authentic glimpse into a world few experience and the civil war that can sometimes happen within it. Tune in for a mix of humor, insight, and heartfelt stories that challenge some stereotypes and confirm others.

In this candid discussion, Hospital Corpsman First Class Patrick sheds light on military medical services, revealing the complexities and shortcomings of healthcare for those serving. Systemic flaws, conflicting priorities, and lack of specialized training are just a few of the glaring issues within the socialized style of healthcare the military offers.
Military medicine tends to take a "one-size-fits-all" approach to care of service members and staffing and training of medical personnel. Commanders of these units and their advisers can become completely un-invested in their jobs, and tend to have a "no news is good news" mentality - leading to potentially disastrous consequences.
Whether you are a service member, military spouse, veteran, or simply interested in military healthcare, this video can offer valuable insight into the sometimes ugly underbelly of military healthcare.

In this episode, we dive into the United States Navy's Warrior Toughness program, exploring its origins, implementation at boot camp, and its effectiveness in preparing sailors for the challenges they face at home and abroad.
We discuss personal experiences and insights from sailors who encountered Warrior Toughness during their training. We analyze whether the program truly instills the toughness it aims for, especially in high-pressure situations, or if it's simply a well-intentioned initiative that may not fully address the needs of all sailors.
Is Warrior Toughness the answer to improving resilience among sailors, or are there gaps in its approach? Maybe the problem is actually deeper than a mindfulness program can address. Tune in to hear our thoughts and contribute to the conversation!

This is the trailer for the 2Fast / 2Fast Podcast.Submarines once,Submarines twice!