You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
Freshman year
- Thread starter Chief2002
- Start date
Normally, you would attend NSI where you have a "knowledge" book that you are responsible for memorizing. This includes everything from Chain of Command, to ranks and fleet structure. Seeing as NSI has been canceled due to the ongoing Covid-19 epidemic, you will only attend an orientation at your unit which varies entirely depending on what unit you are at.
Freshman year (or 4/C year) itself is very dependent on what unit you're going to be at, as each unit functions differently. That being said, there are a few constants. The first NROTC class you will take will be "Introduction to Naval Science" which is a standardized curriculum across all NROTC units, and it is built around learning rates, creed, and other basic functions of the Navy/USMC. In the spring semester, you will take "Sea Power in History" which varies more from unit to unit, however, it's essentially an American history class from the naval perspective.
Leadership positions for freshmen vary widely between units as well. At some of the larger units, you may not have an opportunity for any leadership positions (or "billets") until you're a 3/C or 2/C. At some of the smaller ones, you may have the opportunity for jobs such as PAO (social media/photos) or ACAD (tutoring/academics), or even platoon commander.
Overall, 4/C year is a great time to learn the ropes/transition into college life. Although NROTC should be a focus and is certainly important, don't forget that there are also plenty of opportunities outside NROTC, leadership, or otherwise.
Freshman year (or 4/C year) itself is very dependent on what unit you're going to be at, as each unit functions differently. That being said, there are a few constants. The first NROTC class you will take will be "Introduction to Naval Science" which is a standardized curriculum across all NROTC units, and it is built around learning rates, creed, and other basic functions of the Navy/USMC. In the spring semester, you will take "Sea Power in History" which varies more from unit to unit, however, it's essentially an American history class from the naval perspective.
Leadership positions for freshmen vary widely between units as well. At some of the larger units, you may not have an opportunity for any leadership positions (or "billets") until you're a 3/C or 2/C. At some of the smaller ones, you may have the opportunity for jobs such as PAO (social media/photos) or ACAD (tutoring/academics), or even platoon commander.
Overall, 4/C year is a great time to learn the ropes/transition into college life. Although NROTC should be a focus and is certainly important, don't forget that there are also plenty of opportunities outside NROTC, leadership, or otherwise.
Rising 3/C here,
4/C year in my unit is known to be the most stressful year because you are new to the military lifestyle and etiquette, but it isn't the hardest year.The commenter above me summarized the constants very well between universities, but Ill share my experience as a 4/C mid.
I'm not going to speak about NSI since it won't happen until next summer, and I feel like talking about it degrades the integrity of the training you receive there.
4/C year for me was pretty chaotic since I was adjusting to college and ROTC, but overall it wasn't anything anyone couldn't handle. My incoming freshman 4/c class was between 10-20 mids and two dropped before the end of the first semester. Primarily, 4/cs are expected to know where to be at the right time, show up in the right uniform, and keep your PT and Academics maintained. That's it. That's not to say that that's overly easy, because at times it isn't, but you aren't holding any real leadership billets yet and your involvement in ROTC is relatively simple.
The biggest thing my 4/c class struggled with was managing time. I had very little free time during the week and I usually had only time to eat and PT outside of academics and ROTC. However, I made sure my homework was done on time and I usually had the weekends for myself.
4/C year in my unit is known to be the most stressful year because you are new to the military lifestyle and etiquette, but it isn't the hardest year.The commenter above me summarized the constants very well between universities, but Ill share my experience as a 4/C mid.
I'm not going to speak about NSI since it won't happen until next summer, and I feel like talking about it degrades the integrity of the training you receive there.
4/C year for me was pretty chaotic since I was adjusting to college and ROTC, but overall it wasn't anything anyone couldn't handle. My incoming freshman 4/c class was between 10-20 mids and two dropped before the end of the first semester. Primarily, 4/cs are expected to know where to be at the right time, show up in the right uniform, and keep your PT and Academics maintained. That's it. That's not to say that that's overly easy, because at times it isn't, but you aren't holding any real leadership billets yet and your involvement in ROTC is relatively simple.
The biggest thing my 4/c class struggled with was managing time. I had very little free time during the week and I usually had only time to eat and PT outside of academics and ROTC. However, I made sure my homework was done on time and I usually had the weekends for myself.