To add to the above: Our DS didn’t mention anything about disorganization, but he gleaned that the Midshipman Instructors (upperclassmen from NROTC units) were also learning their roles, adjusting their styles etc. along the way. Meals were only with the right hand, causing creativity challenges, and awkwardness for the lefthanded.
Units were split up between the platoons, so it is not a competition between units. Get ready to move around within the Navy...
Some logistics for families: DS received an email a few weeks in advance with flight reservation info, all he needed to check in and where to meet up for his next stage of travel. O’Hare has two USOs, one within the terminals, the other outside security: he checked the secure one first and was directed to the other. DS had brought the few items on the packing list in a small to mid-sized gym type duffle so he wouldn’t have to check his bag. This was great in the end because he was issued a Sea bag and the duffle fit inside it along with all the other uniform gear he was issued. So on the return trip he checked the Sea bag.
DS also wrote the letter home, a true gift! He called the Thursday before departure bc of others’ flight rearranging (i guess, his didn’t change), and lastly called once the program ended and he was waiting or en route. Hearing his voice was super, even on the voicemail bc we missed his first call. Next year it could be different of course.
DS also came away with a huge appreciation for non-comms (& envy of enlisted who could use both hands to eat). Given the training location, not surprising! But also super good for correct attitude. There’s no room for arrogance in a strong commander. And since the gunnies et al. often have masters degrees... DS quickly got the message he was out-educated and would be out-experienced when he first hits the fleet. Knowing something and some personnel in the “real” Navy was another terrific opportunity built into this program.
IMO...Some great training stories came home, and this is truly a great opportunity for the NROTC participants. Yes, they all came home with the Great Lakes version of plebe hack, but also a leg up on being ready to handle the transitions in freshman year and NROTC. The training was tough, but they covered a lot of ground and had opportunities to challenge themselves and succeed. RA Bernacchi and the others are definitely bettering the NROTC program with this indoc training. And... the candidates intuitively get why you don’t outpace the RA on the invitational run... even if they could’ve! (DS says Bernacchi sets a fast pace... is there another thread on the paces set by senior leadership i should cross-reference here?)
