Day 2 - Monday, August 17th 2009: Pictures

After waking up earlier than most of the Midshipmen Candidates ever had, the day began. 5:30 AM was a rough beginning. The new students ran an impressive Physical Fitness Test, higher scores than in previous years. Tired and sweaty, they took a quick shower and got ready to get their uniforms tailored. While awaiting their turn at getting their trousers hemmed, they also began learning the basics of Close Order Drill. Drill is a very useful tool in the military, instilling the necessary discipline needed to excel in stressful situations. It is also useful to aid in movement from one place to another, a useful teamwork tool, as well as building confidince in oneself along with confidence in their leaders. The new students then learned about uniforms, both care of them and the proper way to wear them. The afternoon commenced with an off-site activity called Venture Out. Led by a civilian instructor, team building activities were used to help bring the Midshipmen Candidates closer together. More classes ensued afterwards, including duties that they will need to fulfill as the Midshipman Officer of the Day, information on Drugs and Alcohol (Zero Tolerance in the Navy and Marine Corps), and finally the Core Values; Honor, Courage, and Commitment. The day concluded with more instruction on Close Order Drill. The day as a whole was great to observe. I saw the new students come together and start working as a team. They seemed like the feeling of being overwhelmed that they experienced yesterday had begun to lift and they were beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Much improvment was displayed by both individuals and the team as a whole.

-Midshipman Meier, USMCR

-2009 NSO Midshipman Officer in Charge

Day 3 - Tuesday, August 18th 2009: Pictures

The Midshipman Candidates showed up today a little later than yesterday morning, 6:30 AM. They recieved some instruction on basics for Physical Training regulations. While the mood was a little more intense than yesterday, they seemed to be able to handle it with much more confidence. After filling out some paperwork relating to swim qualifications in the Navy and Marine Corps, The new students headed to the pool. The tone was eased up a bit as to ensure proper safety in the pool and to make sure that everyone remained calm in a water environment. Different drills were conducted including Abandon Ship!, a prone float (dead man's float), treading water, basic competence in survival swimming, and inflation of trousers. The new students seemed thrilled to learn that a basic pair of pants can be used as an emergency flotation device. Every single Midshipman Candidate who participated passed the swim qualification, the first time every witnessed by any of the current MIZZOU NROTC staff. After a well deserved meal, the Navy Day Staff kicked off their portion of the training cycle. Training evolutions were conducted in different areas of United States Naval Operations including shipboard security drills, safe weapons handling, an overview of United States Navy history, and a war game.The training provided by the Officer Candidates and Ensigns was outstanding. After Navy Day activities were completed, the Midshipman Candidates recieved more instruction on drill and observed evening colors. The students were released early today in order to begin preparing for the strenuous schedule of Marine Day tomorrow. They again displayed a lot of improvement from the previous two days and continued to show more and more teamwork. Both the students and staff are excited for Marine Day tomorrow which should be very motivating for all.

-Midshipman Meier, USMCR

-2009 NSO Midshipman Officer in Charge

Day 4 - Wednesday, August 19th 2009: Pictures

Marine Day kicked off with a bang. Midshipmen were issued M16A2 service rifles (imitation rubber rifles, no worries...). Staff Sergeant Thomas, a highly motivated martial arts instructor, led physical training. Arms were sore after many sets of push-ups, shoulder raises, and squats. After a quick shower, the new students were introduced to the famed MRE, or Meals Ready to Eat. MRE's are field rations that are filled with nutrients and energy. Everyone moved out to Finger Lakes State Park following morning chow and Marine Day officially began. There were three main sessions, which included pistol marksmanship, rifle squad tactics, and martial arts. Again, safety was the most important focus of the day. The staff of Marines, Sailors, and Midshipman remained very professional and strove to motivate the new students. Finally, a squad competition was conducted which tested leadership of the Midshipmen Candidates. After the Marine Day activities secured, the new students were allowed to ask questions of the Marines. A lot of interesting information was presented to them, which they enjoyed thoroughly. During this portion, the intensity level was relaxed. After moving back to Crowder Hall, the winning squad of Marine Day was presented. After re-issuing khaki trousers for tomorrrow's inspection, the Midshipmen Candidates were released early, 6:00 PM. This was to allow them to prepare for the rigorous inspection tomorrow. A lot of motivation was seen today, and some Navy Option students had sparked interest in switching over to be Marine Options. All in all the students received a great introduction into what the Marine Corps is all about..

-Midshipman Meier, USMCR

-2009 NSO Midshipman Officer in Charge

Day 5 - Thursday, August 20th 2009:

Today our new students were introduced to the hills of South campus. We ran a small course near the stadiums led by our Commanding Officer. The motivation and effort from our new Midshipmen was outstanding. Upon return from the run the Midshipmen were briefed on expectations for their practice inspection and released to prepare their khaki uniforms, which they did well. I was impressed with the way they presented themselves, it was the best a new class has looked since I have been instructing here. In this short time your students have come a long way towards becoming a team and making their first steps to receiving their commissions as Navy and Marine Corps Officers.

-Lieutenant Anderson, USN

-2009 NSO Officer in Charge, Freshman Class Advisor

Day 6 - Friday, August 21st 2009: Pictures

Today was a culminating event for our new students, the last day of their orientation. They have grown from a group of individuals to a team in these short 6 days and have made us proud as we hope they make you proud. The Commanding Officer inspected them and was quite pleased with the pride and confidence that they now carry themselves with. After the inspection the students were given some tools for academic success; our Executive Officer briefed them on the advantages of good time management and they were given tours of the library and student success center. The final events of the day were a debriefing of their performance by the NSO staff and a afternoon pizza party at the sand volleyball courts with upperclass members of the Midshipmen Battallion. Next week classes will start and your students will be full members of the Naval Reserve Officer Training Unit at the University of Missouri.

-Lieutenant Anderson

-2009 NSO Officer in Charge, Freshman Advisor