DesertCaliMom
5-Year Member
- Joined
- Feb 6, 2017
- Messages
- 584
For the first time since the early '90s, Norwich Recognized its recruits before the winter break. After a year analyzing the rookdom training plan with his staff, COL Titus authorized "early" promotion, 6 weeks trimmed from the training.
Of course the controversy has arisen that it's "too soon," but the commandant's staff made excellent points on why the one semester training and one semester mentorship plan will benefit the corps. Many of the "ff" games were removed, while others were combined to create the emotional tornado used to rebuild the rooks. After two severe incidents of hazing and the removal and criminal indictment of "Old Guard" holdouts, a Master Chief explained to DS's platoon that he used the SEAL training measuring rod to rookdom. If he wouldn't do it during BUDS and the activity only existed for tradition's sake, it would change. There's also the boost in morale. Returning as a Rook for more of the dark days after a month off meant losing more students than the school wanted. This is a hopeful retention measure. Morale today was high going into Reading Day and finals. DS' nicotine level from a Xuban churchill was high, too [emoji23]
With the creation of rook training companies there's a greater need for leadership training from the new privates which can now begin almost two months earlier. Many positions go unfilled in the corps or poorly/last-minute staffed and jobs fall through the cracks creating strain on the upper class.
The class of 2022 started with approximately 500 Rooks and 67 ROTC contracts. 42 did not finish. About 20 will not be returning, another 20 are switching lifestyles.
Granted, President Schneider is leaving soon, and this rebooted recognition may change again - but it doesn't change the dedication and desire to serve these young people have.
Of course the controversy has arisen that it's "too soon," but the commandant's staff made excellent points on why the one semester training and one semester mentorship plan will benefit the corps. Many of the "ff" games were removed, while others were combined to create the emotional tornado used to rebuild the rooks. After two severe incidents of hazing and the removal and criminal indictment of "Old Guard" holdouts, a Master Chief explained to DS's platoon that he used the SEAL training measuring rod to rookdom. If he wouldn't do it during BUDS and the activity only existed for tradition's sake, it would change. There's also the boost in morale. Returning as a Rook for more of the dark days after a month off meant losing more students than the school wanted. This is a hopeful retention measure. Morale today was high going into Reading Day and finals. DS' nicotine level from a Xuban churchill was high, too [emoji23]
With the creation of rook training companies there's a greater need for leadership training from the new privates which can now begin almost two months earlier. Many positions go unfilled in the corps or poorly/last-minute staffed and jobs fall through the cracks creating strain on the upper class.
The class of 2022 started with approximately 500 Rooks and 67 ROTC contracts. 42 did not finish. About 20 will not be returning, another 20 are switching lifestyles.
Granted, President Schneider is leaving soon, and this rebooted recognition may change again - but it doesn't change the dedication and desire to serve these young people have.
