Orientation 2009

(SAN DIEGO, California) – On August 21, 2009, nearly 60 new students mustered in front of Sacred Heart Hall at the University of San Diego for the Naval Reserves Officers Training Corps (NROTC) Freshmen Orientation.  NROTC San Diego consists of students from the University of California San Diego, University of San Diego, Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego State University and California State University San Marcos. They were sworn in by Captain Mark Woolley, Commanding Officer of NROTC San Diego, as 4th Class (4/C) midshipmen.  Upon being sworn in, the new midshipmen took their first step in their pursuit of a commission as a Navy or Marine Corps officer. “This is one of largest group of incoming Midshipmen in NROTC San Diego history and it is essential that we make orientation an experience that the Midshipmen can use to build a foundation for their future as Naval and Marine Corps Officers,” said Woolley.

Shortly after being sworn in, the 4th Class midshipmen were issued gear and transported to Naval Amphibious Base Coronado for orientation training.  For most of the midshipmen, it provided their first taste of military life. The goal of freshmen orientation is to provide freshmen midshipmen with the requisite knowledge and discipline to operate within the NROTC student battalion, and enhance their motivation to succeed. During orientation week, the 4th Class midshipmen were divided into three platoons commanded by senior midshipmen.  While in these platoons, the new students were challenged and developed both physically and mentally. Throughout the orientation, they were given classes ranging from personal conduct, proper uniform wear, and Navy – Marine Core values to sailing and weapons demonstrations. The new students were also introduced to military drill by Marine Corps drill instructors participating in NROTC through the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program (MECEP).  The instruction provided by SSGT Joshua Mondloch, SSGT Herman Haynes and SSGT Timothy Jelinek insured that the new midshipmen became proficient at military drill.

Navy option midshipmen had the chance to visit Naval Base on 32nd Street where they got a glimpse of their future. In addition to ship tours, the Navy midshipmen learned the basics of sailing and achieved their first basic sailing qualifications. “I really enjoyed sailing. It allowed us to understand the basic principles and maritime skills needed to be a sailor” said Midshipman 4th Class Tyler Klock, a freshman at University of California, San Diego.

While the Navy midshipmen learned how to sail, the Marine Option midshipmen were given a glimpse of their future as they were put through the Leadership Reaction Course (LRC).  The LRC is a simulation of possible scenarios that a Marine may encounter in the field.  The LRC allows all who go through it the opportunity to improve their leadership and communication skills, as well as build camaraderie among the participants. “The LRC helped strengthen camaraderie and emphasized teamwork which allowed us overcome challenges which many of us have never experienced before” said Midshipman 4th Class Patrick Lauer, a freshman at University of San Diego.  From hitting the deck, to hitting the books, the newly-enrolled midshipmen are now ready for college and life as NROTC midshipmen. 

- Midshipman Second Class Michael Lacaman