Welcome Aboard

Welcome to the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) Unit at the University of Idaho and Washington State University. We are extremely pleased you are joining us this Fall to begin your journey towards becoming a Navy or Marine Corps Officer. As an NROTC student, you are entering one of the most challenging and rewarding collegiate programs available. Your participation in the program demonstrates your motivation, initiative, and patriotism – thank you in advance for your desire to serve our great nation.

This package contains a tremendous amount of information, review it thoroughly and ensure you get the necessary forms and information returned to my Staff as indicated. Completion and return of the enclosed materials will significantly ease the in-processing that occurs during Orientation Week, as well as aiding my Staff to ensure we have the right items on hand to bring you aboard smoothly. Do not hesitate to contact my Staff here at the University of Idaho with any questions or concerns that may come up as you review/complete the forms.

We are building an Orientation Week program that will provide you a solid foundation in the basics of military customs, courtesies, traditions, and education. the most demanding part of the week's activities will be the physical training, and while this will not resemble "boot camp", your physical endurance will be tested. I cannot stress enough, start your preparation now! Information is provided in the enclosed materials to help you get ready over the summer. Believe me, the more prepared you are, the more you will get out of the week.

We are working with the university of Idaho's Dean of Students Office to continue what we began last year - a university Parent's Orientation briefing that will occur on the first day immediately following your Oath of Office ceremony. Your parents are invited and encouraged to attend the "Welcome Aboard" series of briefings. the briefing will cover an overview of our Program and provide answers to any questions your parents may have regarding the Unit or our Program. Following this, the University of Idaho and Washington State University Dean of Students Offices will provide a Parent's Welcome that will be tailored to each University. These activities will fill a fair portion of the morning on Monday, August 13th, and I want to encourage you to share this information with your parents if they are interested in learning more about the program or the school you will be attending.

if you visit the campus this summer please stop by the unit and say "Hello". the Unit is located on the second deck of Hays Hall, near the intersection of Nez Perce Drive and Blake Avenue. We are also welcoming aboard a number of new instructors this summer who bring Fleet experience and a lot of energy and motivation to the Program. You are joining an outstanding group of young men and women - scholars, athletes, and most importantly, your future shipmates! We look forward to meeting you and welcoming you aboard.

If you have any questions, please call LT Smith or OC Gonzalez at (208) 885-6333 or toll free at 1-888-8UIDAHO and ask for extension 6333. They may also be reached via e-mail at smitha@uidaho.edu or alejandro.g.gonzalez@email.wsu.edu respectively. Our staff is ready to assist you - Welcome Aboard!

Sincerely,

G. T. EATON
Captain, U.S. Navy