NROTC Marine Option TBS Dates

Thanks for the additional info folks... already sent it off to the kid. I know DS is already looking into the starter loan to cover uniforms.
 
Great advice from NavyHoops and USMCDad. My experience is so dated that I offer it only for comparison...

I was Echo 5-81. Started in late May (as I remember it). I was commissioned and graduated in mid-May and stopped at home to drop stuff and went straight to Quantico. Don't think we had any USNA grads in our class - I think they followed us in July or August. I always assumed that they finished later or took leave after graduation.

Speaking of uniforms, we graduated in whites which are no longer used. In those days we had to buy whites, summer +winter weight alphas, dress blues and all the assorted gear. I think today's Marines have one single weight alpha uniform. We must have reported in in suits - don't remember. But we were prohibited from buying uniforms until we had the necessary instructions and classes. Like you guys noted, there were LOTS of uniform inspections by the end of TBS to make sure you had the whole seabag and that it fit properly. I want to say the entire uniform and complementary parts were $4-5,000 at the time (including the sword). Don't remember loans being available except via the Marine Shop or MCX directly. I know USAA offers a kind of starter loan to midshipmen and 2LT's today.

Our Birthday ball was definitely on base in Quantico. I believe we had a TBS only ball but foggy on that.

Agree with NavyHoops on buying field gear. No need to get too much until you get in the real world and learn what you need. In those days, you didn't want to be the guy with all the extracurricular "special" stuff. It set the wrong image and tone.

Thanks for sharing your experiences - they bring back great memories and provide a distraction from a long afternoon in the office!
 
"... during swim quals that we did in Oct in an outside pool. The entire class was getting hypothermia. They finally brought a doc from the hospital to figure out what was going on."

And that's why we keep the Navy around...Drive the boats and do all the deep thinkin'

This would be 'Exhibit A' to prove that 'Marine' is actually an acronym for Muscles Are Required, Intelligence Not Esssential.... :)
 
Congratulations...one simple bit of advice that I may offer from my experience as a Marine Corps Sergeant...forgo the jobs unless absolutely needed and concentrate on PT...immerse yourself into the history of Corps both good and bad and think about how DS will lead Marines...Marines only respect strong character, unwavering leadership, physical courage and mental toughness...God and the Corps will entrust your DS with America's most precious asset their young men and woman...When my son told me he wanted to join the Marine Corps and be an officer I reminded him that when all the intellectual dancing ends... that he is joining us we (the Corps) are not joining him...Good Luck to your DS and Godspeed.
 
Thank you USMC Grunt for your service...I never thought when I was a young LCPL that I would become one of those "old guys" but well the machine never stops..I am just amazed and humbled that among all the problems in our society and lack of political leadership that young men and women are still answering the call to duty.. The love for our Constitution and its tenets is the rally point for young men and women of a new generation...Still today iIget a lump in my throat when hear someone take the oath...My God Bless you and our Corps! Semper Fi!
 
While I'm on this thread Bull I thought I'd let you know important details abut my son's visit home this past weekend. He brought back a six pack of his first attempt at a home brew. An American Pale Ale that he added additional dry hops to about a week before bottling. Best damned beer I ever drank. A little citrus scent to it. He told me to leave the rest in the pantry for a week and then chill it to achieve peak flavor. Wishing you good brews and good food!

I'm jealous! I'm getting ready to explore the food and brew world of Lawton, OK, so hopefully there's something good.
 
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