New Student Indoctrination (Summer 2019)

Update for my case on NSI. I was attending cycle 1 of NSI. Long story short: a few hours after being at NSI i had a freak medical emergency and was rushed to the hospital. I was there for 3 days before being medically disqualified at NSI and dropped. They sent me and 3 other people (all medically discharged as well) home. My scholarship was rescinded due to being medically disqualified (not everyone else’s scholarships were rescinded just because they were medically dq’d- it depends on the case).

My take away on the little bit of NSI I experienced: very confusing and unorganized. I completely understand this though due to this being a new program. Many, if not all, of the staff midshipman were sleep deprived and/or food deprived due to being understaffed and stretched thin. Also, on the night where uniforms were distributed- a company of males was in uniform pick up ALL night and did not sleep at all (this was day 2). Several other kinks that were really weird and definitely out of wack. But then again- this is a new thing so it is understandable to not have everything perfect.

NSI is definitely a stressful environment and is not a joke. A big help would be knowing your rank structures and general orders before you go.

If you don't mind me asking - what was the disqualifying medical condition. Just curious what would come up in this setting?
 
May I ask if you or anyone on the board has the knowledge book, or could share a copy? I'm doing some internet searches - found the plebe knowledge book for the academy - but haven't yet found it for NSI - can anyone please share it? Thanks!

[QUOTE="SWB1972, Do you know what the knowledge book is? Find out. Learn it cover to cover.....Memorize it. Allll of it.

Let me go have a looksy .....

Ok ..... got it.
It’s called the NROTC New Student Indoctrination Gouge Book

It’s 71 pages with some additional sheets for notes in the back.

Attached is a picture of the table of contents to help identify info to grab out there if the book isn’t online. It’s spiral bound so it may not be on the street. I think the table of contents should help in information gathering. Memorize. Memorize.

In some of the pictures posted by NROTC you will see candidates with book in hand. They study every chance they get but had not yet had designated time to study. They are being called up and quizzed constantly without notice. If you don’t know it you get “shiz”.

Funny story - “Candidate requests knowledge” may be asked at any time. Sooo one clever stud did so with a simple question regarding clear info in the knowledge book. The midshipman did not have the answer and said, “I don’t know. I will research and get back to you.” (Like a robot). Here was the question. “What is the capital of Iran?” Ummm mid did not know. That is odd out of the gate based on the world today and current military missions but .... it is also IN the “knowledge book” the same mid kept razzing candidates on. The same candidate did that repeatedly. His point was cleverly made to his company. While they are not allowed to talk, that is a cool bit of communication. Eh. He deserves a medal. All kidding aside. That’s pretty cool.
 

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Where can we obtain this knowledge book?
Thank you.

I actually don’t know. My daughter brought hers home and is still beast mode studying it. I just posted a picture of the table of contents in my last post on this thread to help guide on the content captured.
 
I have no horse in the race but from where I sit, candidates need to focus on fitness and forget about knowledge.

If the book isn’t issued ahead of time, you are not expected to know it.

If you show up knowing some of it I guarantee the leaders will drill down until they find an area you don’t. The point is to make you fail and feel duress.

Focus on your fitness instead. Being in shape makes all things better.
 
I have no horse in the race but from where I sit, candidates need to focus on fitness and forget about knowledge.

If the book isn’t issued ahead of time, you are not expected to know it.

If you show up knowing some of it I guarantee the leaders will drill down until they find an area you don’t. The point is to make you fail and feel duress.

Focus on your fitness instead. Being in shape makes all things better.

Correct. Fitness is VERY important. Not to be secondary. They had not done any PT or their PFT in the 1st 4 days. BUT .... they were physically exhausted. Everything is effort in. Even when standing in place you are working in this space.
 
As USMCGrunt point out, part of the training is not knowing and dealing with the angst as well as learning new material on the fly and under pressure, just like on the battlefield. They WILL find stuff you don't know and always make you pay a price for not knowing it. I'm always disappointed when parents pass along info like this. They, in part, defeat the purpose. My son would be up in arms!!!
 
As USMCGrunt point out, part of the training is not knowing and dealing with the angst as well as learning new material on the fly and under pressure, just like on the battlefield. They WILL find stuff you don't know and always make you pay a price for not knowing it. I'm always disappointed when parents pass along info like this. They, in part, defeat the purpose. My son would be up in arms!!!


Why up at arms? It’s not a secret. This is information that can help kids succeed and excel as they walk into a space to learn and grow to be future great leaders of our country. They are our future.

They were given no information whatsoever and, in many cases, have no military experience or history as a baseline. There was no preparation offered. None. They were given no guidance as to what they were landing in. There was no precedent. The promo video is just that. It is not reflective of the meat and potatoes. There was no previous class that could mentor and lead this class. These kids have not walked a day yet in NROTC yet they are at bootcamp which was never depicted to be the landing point. I don’t think any past or present NROTC midshipmen would say their NSO was anything close to a 3 week legitimate bootcamp. The current and past midshipmen did not experience this program. NSO is not even close to touching NSI. It is like applesauce to steak comparatively. We can not wax profound on what we do not know out here in Internet forums. It was my understanding this was a platform to share, support, grow and give back. Even Plebes go in knowing what’s coming. They have been educated and counseled about the process and had Blue & Gold officers to guide and mentor and they get ready. Bootcamp recruits have opportunities to learn and educate themselves on exactly what they are signing up for prior to their commitment to enlist with recruitment officers. Nobody sends their soldiers to battle unprepared if they are strong leaders. When midshipmen go to OCS after their junior year of college they have been prepared for that great journey for 3 years with information, guidance and mentorship to help them succeed and excel while there.

I come from an extensive very highly decorated famiky of service (all officers) and also have a strong understanding.

I sincerely believe that NSI could be a terrific tool. That said, we owe it to these amazing young men and women who have given so selflessly to rise up and offer to lead by their choice information to prepare.
 
They were given no information whatsoever and, in many cases, have no military experience or history as a baseline. There was no preparation offered. None. They were given no guidance as to what they were landing in. There was no precedent. The promo video is just that. It is not reflective of the meat and potatoes. There was no previous class that could mentor and lead this class. These kids have not walked a day yet in NROTC yet they are at bootcamp which was never depicted to be the landing point. I don’t think any past or present NROTC midshipmen would say their NSO was anything close to a 3 week legitimate bootcamp. The current and past midshipmen did not experience this program.
Right... not 3 weeks but the same thing for a week, only because 3 weeks is beyond the resources of the individual units. They got the guidance they needed to get there so they got what was required. Nothing additional was offered because nothing additional was needed. These kids get to stand up on their own right now. While everyone will be supportive no one is going to hold little Johnnies hand through this. You'll be amazed at the changes and growth you see at the other end because of the way this process is handled. They've been doing it for a hundred years now and know what works.

BTW, it will get better. It will not be this way all the time during orientation and definitely not when college classes start.
 
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They were given no information whatsoever and, in many cases, have no military experience or history as a baseline. There was no preparation offered. None. They were given no guidance as to what they were landing in. There was no precedent. The promo video is just that. It is not reflective of the meat and potatoes. There was no previous class that could mentor and lead this class. These kids have not walked a day yet in NROTC yet they are at bootcamp which was never depicted to be the landing point. I don’t think any past or present NROTC midshipmen would say their NSO was anything close to a 3 week legitimate bootcamp. The current and past midshipmen did not experience this program.
Right... not 3 weeks but the same thing for a week, only because 3 weeks is beyond the resources of the individual units. They got the guidance they needed to get there so they got what was required. Nothing additional was offered because nothing additional was needed. These kids get to stand up on their own right now. While everyone will be supportive no one is going to hold little Johnnies hand through this. You'll be amazed at the changes and growth you see at the other end because of the way this process is handled. They've been doing it for a hundred years now and know what works.

BTW, it will get better. It will not be this way all the time during orientation and definitely not when college classes start.

I do not disagree. I am well aware on each point. Candidate preparation is my key point on this one. It was missing.

NROTC has been delivering prepared incredible successful officers for decades. We are sure proud of those in our families .... past and present. I know you are of your son as well.

We are so grateful to all who actually stand up and say “I will” to service to our country. There isn’t a day I don’t look at our flag and feel that something special.
 
I don't see any harm in getting some more knowledge before you go. I mean what about the NJROTC kids they already know a lot of the basic chain of command and general knowledge? I'm sure no matter how much they study they will find something to stump them on, lol.
 
Keep in mind, there are hundreds of cadets participating, who will return home detailing a positive experience and strong sense of accomplishment. While I don't doubt some of the issues mentioned above, it comes from the perspective of students who spent a fraction of the overall time required at NSI. Newly expanded program will carry a few glitches. That said, these are future leaders. Ability to adapt and overcome is part of the territory, isn't it? Not all about someone showing up and handing you a check at Awards Night. These kids are supposed to be the best of the best. I'd suggest making them experience a few weeks outside of their comfort zone is just fine. DS is attending Cycle 1. Marine Corps is making an investment in him. We expect he lives up to his end of the deal. Very proud and looking forward to speaking to him on 7/22/19.
 
I don't see any harm in getting some more knowledge before you go. I mean what about the NJROTC kids they already know a lot of the basic chain of command and general knowledge? I'm sure no matter how much they study they will find something to stump them on, lol.

Agree - many of the national scholarship winners have extensive NJROTC experience this year - if you look at the new FB group for NROTC Parents or read prior posts on this awesome forum, you'll see many of the families posted a pic of their young adult in highly decorated (years of experience) NJROTC uniforms - they had prior experience with learning the chain of command, ranks, rules of order, marching, saluting, how to address people, perhaps may even know the navy and marine corps hymns, etc. So pursuing information at this point is only leveling the playing field for those taking the initiative. Not all candidates share the prior training background either by choice or because they didn't have the opportunity. Regardless, IMO it's really not about the 3 weeks, it's about the next 24+ years of training and service, and getting ready for their future. It's also about learning to get prepared and off to a good start - skills each young person starting their college first semesters and career journeys will benefit from.
 
Keep in mind, there are hundreds of cadets participating, who will return home detailing a positive experience and strong sense of accomplishment. While I don't doubt some of the issues mentioned above, it comes from the perspective of students who spent a fraction of the overall time required at NSI. Newly expanded program will carry a few glitches. That said, these are future leaders. Ability to adapt and overcome is part of the territory, isn't it? Not all about someone showing up and handing you a check at Awards Night. These kids are supposed to be the best of the best. I'd suggest making them experience a few weeks outside of their comfort zone is just fine. DS is attending Cycle 1. Marine Corps is making an investment in him. We expect he lives up to his end of the deal. Very proud and looking forward to speaking to him on 7/22/19.
Concur and congratulations. DS attending Cycle 1 as well. Adapt and overcome is the name of the game, in all things I've been harping on that since he's been two. I assume he was listening.
 
Thank you everyone for your kind words, they truly mean a lot.

To agree with a previous comment here, learn the knowledge before arrival! It is not some big secret, you can find this knowledge anywhere and will definitely have learned it in your NROTC units coming up. By knowledge, the main ones being Navy and Marine Corps enlisted and officer rank structures and all 11 general orders. Let me tell you from experience- trying to learn the information at NSI and under pressure is not a good time. It is much harder to retain information while you’re being yelled at and stuck staring at the book for hours upon hours due to waiting for processing of 500+ other candidates.

For the physical aspect- definitely be in good shape. Although you don’t start any physical activity until pick up day on day 5, you will be mentally and physically exhausted before then.

If anyone has anymore questions, do not hesitate to ask me! I will do my best to answer
 
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