Is NSI really that bad??

[usncorpsmanwife]

That was done to get your attention - any feedback on NSI is appreciated.. like "top tips" . I had a great one PM'd to be about maxing out the PFT before getting there (DD is Navy option).

Also how long after your NSI packet AND medical is complete on the selectee's end to you usually find out what NSI iteration your assigned to?

thanks in advance for your reply!

 

[Herman_Snerd]

That was done to get your attention - any feedback on NSI is appreciated.. like "top tips" . I had a great one PM'd to be about maxing out the PFT before getting there (DD is Navy option).

Also how long after your NSI packet AND medical is complete on the selectee's end to you usually find out what NSI iteration your assigned to?

thanks in advance for your reply!

Feel encouraged to search the board for prior posts on this topic with some great details.
Yes, your DD and all trainees should arrive in the best physical and mental shape you can and that includes a plan for running, nutrition, sleep, and stretching - chin splints seems to get people each year. Be resolved that you're going to get through each day, no matter what challenge, no matter how exhausted you are. no matter how many hours you've been at it in a row, no matter how many times you have to do a task in a row. Seek to not stand out except for letting exceptional performance and teamwork speak for themselves. It is designed to take you beyond what most have been through previously from being structured, and needing to react over and over for prolonged periods of time. Don't assume your NJROTC experience for those that have that, or CAP experience/ Eagle scout training has prepared you to dominate in this activity - 3 hours in a weeknight and a "whole weekend" is way different in intensity than say just 96 hours at NSI back to back. Yackity yack (don't talk back). Search youtube and NTSC site for videos. Decide that "you've got this" and do so - be aware some of your colleagues to your left and right will either drop from NROTC or medical DQ before the end of this program- be resolved you won't be one of them if at all humanly possible *but seek medical help as soon as it's needed so a campfire doesn't become a forest fire. Remember thousands have passed this program in the last 4 years - it may feel "Beyond" when you thought you were at your exhaustion point six hours ago and it's relentlessly going to continue for a few hours more - but you can do it. Good luck - they've got this. Please share this guidance with your DD and if you're willing update the board when she returns on whether it helped or what would have.

 

[Ihavenoidea]

It is 80% mental and 20% physical. Prepare physically so you are ready, but the actual PT and IT is probably the easy part really. The candidates are drinking from a fire hose of knowledge, discipline, and new structure. Good teamwork and being the"grey man" will serve you well during NSI.

 

[ProudDad17]

My DS went through NROTC before NSI was around, so he did not get that experience. That said, my advice would be to show up physically ready to perform and mentally prepared to learn and to to have failures. No one will be expected to know every bit of knowledge and skills when they get there, otherwise, why would they need to be there. Sometimes the best learning come through initial failure. Also, try not to research what to expect too much. You will never find out everything to expect to experience at NSI. Part of the experience is embracing the unknown and learning to be adaptable. One last thing, keep in mind the NSI staff will largely be composed of midshipmen only a year or two older than your DD. Understand that they may make mistakes. This will be training and a learning experience for them as well. NSI is still a fairly new program. And its development has been drastically affected by COVID the past couple years.

 

[anom]

It is 80% mental and 20% physical. Prepare physically so you are ready, but the actual PT and IT is probably the easy part really. The candidates are drinking from a fire hose of knowledge, discipline, and new structure. Good teamwork and being the"grey man" will serve you well during NSI.

You thought the IT was easy??? I max out push-ups and plank and I got slaughtered. Then again, I did end up on a "kill list." The PT may have been the easiest thing I have done in my life though. No need to have a perfect run time though, mostly just running from point A to B. Maxing will help with class rankings when you report to your school.

 

[JohnMcLane]

I recommend you reach out to your school and ask to be put in contact with a current freshman or sophomore in your branch to be an informal sponsor and get fresh info on NSI etc. My DS did that and it was very helpful figuring out not only some NROTC things but also what dorm to live in and help with selecting a meal plan.