New Student Indoctrination
Upon accepting scholarship or becoming a college programmer, midshipmen candidates will travel to Naval Station Great Lakes for three weeks during the summer to participate in New Student Indoctrination (NSI).
These three weeks will put all candidates to the test as they learn the basics of becoming a part of the Navy, from something as simple as making your bed, to fighting fires. Candidates will be instructed and controlled by upper class Midshipmen Instructors on their day to day activities, and spend time each day learning from Chief Petty Officers and Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeants about the values of the Navy and what is expected of future officers.
Once candidates make it through their three weeks of training, they officially become Fourth Class Midshipmen and are ready to become part of their respective units. The purpose of NSI is to create a generalized training of all incoming midshipmen in order to better integrate them into their respective units at their schools.
CORTRAMID
During the summer between their freshman and sophomore year, scholarship midshipmen participate in a month-long active-duty program called CORTRAMID. The program is designed to give midshipmen exposure to all the major warfare communities of the Naval Services; it gives midshipmen an understanding of how the various parts interact and cooperate to form the total force structure of the United States Navy and Marine Corps.
The first week consists of orientation within the aviation community, where midshipmen are assigned to active-duty squadrons and complete basic training for backseat qualification in various naval aircraft. Many midshipmen are given an opportunity to spend time in various simulators. Qualified midshipmen are often given flights in naval aircraft and even get some stick time.
The second week consists of training and orientation related to the submarine community, where midshipmen gain experience in submarine operations. These include on-shore simulators, as well as an overnight stay aboard an active-duty nuclear submarine. Midshipmen are also introduced to submarine casualty simulators and torpedo attack simulators. Some midshipmen get to spend time with the Navy’s only submarine rescue unit.
The third week provides insight into the surface community. Midshipmen are given training in ship handling, navigation, and surface ship operation. This week also includes underway time on active-duty surface ships. Between underways, midshipmen are sent to trainers, where you fight a simulated flooding casualties with the same tools sailors do.
These three weeks provide a great opportunity to familiarize yourself with the Navy’s current- and next-generation training and equipment to fight on the high seas.
The final week is Marine Week, a physically and mentally challenging week where midshipmen learn and carry out the primary function of the Marine Corps, projection of power ashore. After being issued and held accountable for an M-16 rifle, you will see and participate in exhibitions of firepower throughout the week; moreover, you will perform activities such as storming a beach, attacking a city, and going on patrol through the woods.
This experience should give midshipmen an idea of the type of warfare community they would like enter.
Navy Option Cruises
Sea Trials
Sea Trials is designed to build MIDN proficiency in critical warfighting skills and evaluate the effectiveness of their training. Throughout the 10 day training period, midshipmen will be trained in firefighting, damage control, watchstanding, seamanship, navigation, force protection, and swimming along with physical fitness and military inspection by NROTC staff. At the culmination of Sea Trials, midshipmen must pass a final exam to demonstrate their proficiency to advance in training and readiness to serve in the Fleet.
First Class Cruise - Officer Cruise
During the summer between junior and senior year, scholarship and advanced standing Navy midshipmen are assigned to active-duty Navy units. Assignments vary widely and include: surface ships, submarines, shore-based and aircraft carrier-embarked air squadrons, special warfare officer evaluations, as well as vessels of foreign allied navies (offered on a competitive basis). Midshipmen serve in the capacity of a junior officer in their unit, with all of the rights and responsibilities thereof. They interact closely and live with officers of their unit. This includes training, watch-standing, ship-handling, flight planning, operations (for aviation cruises), and many other learning opportunities. Many midshipmen use this cruise to make their final decision about service selection.
Marine Option Cruises
Marine Corps Second Class Cruise
Marine Option midshipmen will attend a summer training event at various locations throughout the US. Opportunities include embarkation with Marine Expeditionary Units aboard Amphibious platforms, field training, etc.
First Class Cruise - Officer Candidate School
All Marine Option midshipmen will attend the 6-week-long "Bulldog" course at Officer Candidate School in Quantico, VA. Everything these midshipmen have prepared for will be put to the test during this grueling six-week screening course. A future Marine officer MUST pass OCS or they will not commission as a Marine Corps Officer. It is of the utmost importance for Marine Option midshipmen to spend time preparing for this course.