Re: uniforms
Last year DS received one uniform at Indoc, his sea bag, and some workout clothes. You will be given a precise list of items to bring. Once in his NROTC unit other uniform items have been issued throughout the year to meet seasonal or activity needs. MIDs are instructed how to care, whether to tailor, etc., at the time of issue. But you can get a jump start by learning how to polish shoes and iron.
Study the document(s) sent to you in advance. Yes, you will be tested!
Last year was a trial program, and DS heard lots of talk about 3-weeks for the future. DS’s unit still had time for their own unit’s orientation before school started. DS needed to move in to his dorm early for this: unit and college had communicated, but DS also checked/confirmed. He missed his dorm’s 1st year student welcome program: no biggie, and his House Advisor helped him catch up.
Last year DS did not receive notification of the Indoc program until after mid-May, but he also received the NROTC scholarship in late April. Since there’s a May 1st college acceptance deadline involved, and plenty of unit switcheroos going on for 4th class MID candidates... I wouldn’t suggest expecting info this early as to what dates you’ll get. If you do... Lucky You!
Last year the 7 trial units were split into two groups (unaligned with their actual units). DS did not meet all his fellow unit members. Upperclass MIDs from their units (again mixed up, not by unit) were their detailers. Gunneys were also in charge of their training. It was a combo plebe summer & basic training program smooshed into two weeks.
Be prepared physically. DS says everyone ‘broke’ at some point. It wasn’t a “meet & greet”. It was tough, exciting, demanding and super interesting.... he loved it. Parents will love the letter that comes home.
If we’d asked DS at the end whether he’d rather be a Gunney when he “grew up” he might’ve said Yes. We didn’t ask. Gunneys make the Navy awesome.
DS also said Admirals set a very fast pace on runs... try to keep up, they’ve got 30 or more years on you and they’re speedy!
Watch (or tell your MID candidate to watch) youtube basic training vids as well as the above vid to know what to expect. DS’ unit retained all MIDs who went thru Indoc and they glided easily into NROTC. VERY valuable program, brilliant idea... exactly what was needed to kickstart DS’ Naval education and training. DS feels super lucky he got to do this.
I emphasize “last year” because the program is evolving and it’s reasonable to expect changes.