May 15, 2025
Lake County Journal
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Lake County Journal

RDC welcomes former recruit to the RDC ranks

By Brian Walsh

ATCS Terry Brisco pins a Recruit Division Commander’s (RDC) badge on his former recruit, EN2 Phillip Armstead during an RDC School graduation ceremony at Recruit Training Command (RTC). Armstead’s wife, Misty-Rae, assisted at the ceremony. (Photo by)

Six years after graduating from Recruit Training Command (RTC), a second class petty officer celebrated with a familiar boot camp face as he earned the right to be called a Recruit Division Commander (RDC) at a ceremony held in the Recruit Memorial Chapel June 6.
    Among 19 other graduating RDCs, ATCS Terry Brisco presented his former recruit, now EN2 Phillip Armstead, with his RDC badge signifying the EN2 is qualified to train Navy recruits.
    "During my first tour at RTC he was a recruit section leader for the division," said Brisco. "Looking back, I don't recall thinking that he would become an RDC, but I did know that he would be successful in the fleet because of his drive."
    In Division 410, going through boot camp from September to November 2006, Armstead said everyone knew when Brisco entered the room.
    "He had this great presence that everyone took notice of," he said. "Senior Chief Brisco was one of the reasons I wanted to be a RDC. Besides being stern and expecting the best from all of us, he was intelligent and inspiring."
    Brisco had wondered prior to coming back to RTC if any of his former recruits became RDCs. For Armstead, he knew he wanted to become a RDC while going through boot camp.
    "When I came up for orders at my last command I told my detailer that RTC was the only place I wanted to go," he said. "Before I arrived, I thought I was pretty squared away. Although I loved RDC School, surprisingly I found it difficult and challenging."
    High hopes and high expectations are what Brisco felt as he pinned on Armstead's badge at the graduation.
    "I am stoked to have a former recruit pushing beside me and training the Navy's future and I hope that he feels the same," said Brisco. "I look forward to maybe getting to push a division with him, or at least be in the same training group."