What is the equivalent of swab summer, beast, etc. at the SMC's?

They dont... which somewhat dissappoints me.

VMI and El Cid matriculate around the 15th of august. They both have STP(VMI) and CSI(Citadel) where there is PT but it isnt run in a military fashion and there isnt any reaming until matriculation. You take a college class and get to know your classmates. However, the roommates you have during the summer thing wont be your roommates during the Ac year.
 
They dont... which somewhat dissappoints me.

VMI and El Cid matriculate around the 15th of august. They both have STP(VMI) and CSI(Citadel) where there is PT but it isnt run in a military fashion and there isnt any reaming until matriculation. You take a college class and get to know your classmates. However, the roommates you have during the summer thing wont be your roommates during the Ac year.

True- VMI and the Citadel don't spend all summer on indoctrination- but once you matriculate you will have more than enough to challenge you and you won't be looking for any additional opportunities to sweat. Rat matriculation is about 9 days before the old corps returns- which is very heavy on Physical training, basic manual of arms, military ranks and courtesies etc culminating in the Rat crucible. As the fall continues you will continue with things like Leadership reaction courses, obstacle courses, Road Marches, Pugil sticks, basic fieldcraft etc.. all part of Rat Training.
Unlike beast barracks- the physical and mental stress associated with your Rat experience- will not materially let up when academics starts - you can expect square corners, square meals, and sweat parties until February when you finally breakout. So it is different from USMA/USNA, but I am pretty certain that you will not be feeling shorted.
 
What is the equivalent of swab summer, beast, etc. at the SMC's? Reply to Thread

mwbluebeard,

Our state maritime academy runs a two week Orientation for our new cadets. Very fast paced, very challenging - packed with a lot of training needed for the professional credentials our cadets earn.

Each day of our Orientation is blogged on this website;

http://www.maritime.edu/l2.cfm?page=139

and hundreds of pictures of Orientation can be seen on this website;

http://www.indianajames.smugmug.com/Orientation-Class-of-2013

I am a true believer that pictures tell a thousand words - enjoy the pictures!

Fuji

Roy "Fuji" Fulgueras
Director of Admissions
Massachusetts Maritime Academy
Fuji@maritime.edu
1-800-544-3411
FAX 508-830-5077
http://www.maritime.edu
http://twitter.com/MMAAdmissions
 
While I can't speak for other SMCs, VMI and The Citadel accomplish an incredible amount in only nine days, especially considering the fact that it's cadets training cadets and not military professionals. After witnessing it several times at VMI, it's truly impressive, actually. After so many years of doing it this way, VMI has gotten it down to a true art form. Training time is more than maximized... as a rat, it feels like the all-powerful Cadre has somehow managed to add several hours to the length of a day.

Then Cadre Training continues throughout the entire Ratline (and I assume until Recognition for knobs) as you learn more advanced drill, learn how to wear different uniforms, etc. for the next six months or so, all while memorizing pages of required knowledge, and keeping your room ready for inspection at all times, and maintaining a pristine uniform, on top of academics, when you're already physically and mentally exhausted all the time from the rigors of the lifestyle.

It's incredibly intense. I highly doubt you would be disappointed, and you certainly wouldn't be bored.
 
mwbluebeard,

Our state maritime academy runs a two week Orientation for our new cadets. Very fast paced, very challenging - packed with a lot of training needed for the professional credentials our cadets earn.

Each day of our Orientation is blogged on this website;

http://www.maritime.edu/l2.cfm?page=139

and hundreds of pictures of Orientation can be seen on this website;

http://www.indianajames.smugmug.com/Orientation-Class-of-2013

I am a true believer that pictures tell a thousand words - enjoy the pictures!

Fuji

Roy "Fuji" Fulgueras
Director of Admissions
Massachusetts Maritime Academy
Fuji@maritime.edu
1-800-544-3411
FAX 508-830-5077
http://www.maritime.edu
http://twitter.com/MMAAdmissions

fuji- the pictures are worth a thousand words- but Mass Maritime thoughtfully also posts the orientation training calendar as well as the company blogs. Overall it's a very interesting site and very informative for a potential future Cadet at MMA- I highly recommend checking it out. I hope that the "about to become" class of 2013 is doing well:thumb:
 
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For those interested- the link below is to a short 3 minute vieo that VMI just posted on their web site showing a couple of minutes of matriculation day- Starts off with the Supe (Gen Peay), then the 1st Captain and I believe the head of the RDC ("Rat Disciplinary Committee") speaking to the new Rat mass and then moves on. No actual Rats were harmed in the making of this movie (shaven and sweaty but no damage inflicted that I could see).

http://www.vmi.edu/photojournals/0910/0910gallery.html
 
I watched this. What happened to the Cadre running at you from the middle of the courtyard after the Reg. XO's little "Meet your Cadre" speech? They just walked over to them...lame. Back in the Old Corps.....yada yada yada :shake:

Seriously, the new courtyard looks nice too..what is that, tile? No more seafoam green rubber.
 
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