The TSC schools give boot-camp graduates the classroom and practical training they need before serving in the Navy's fleet. The Naval Special Warfare Preparatory School trains sailors who hope to qualify for SEAL school, sending only 46 percent on for further training. The Center for Explosive Ordinance Disposal and Diving offers classroom and diving instruction for students who will go on for more dive training. The schools provide introductory and other school training for various ratings. In all schools, students continue their military training, study Naval history, stand watches and join team-building activities.
In addition to training junior sailors, TSC schools offer training at higher levels. The Center for Personal and Professional Development teaches those returning from fleet service as well as new sailors about available resources and offers instructor certification. The Center for Surface Combat Systems Unit provides training for electricians alongside its Surface Common Core training and technical training in subjects including fire control and communication. The Center for Naval Engineering also provides advanced engineering training.
In addition to the five learning sites of the TSC, Naval Station Great Lakes is also the home of the Naval Hospital Corps School, which is the Navy's only site for training hospital corpsmen.