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 exhibits 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 Unit with any questions or concerns that may come up as you review/complete the forms.

Since UI and WSU are beginning the Fall term at different times, we have built an Orientation Week to facilitate the staggered school starts and a program that will provide you a solid foundation in the basics of military customs, courtesies, traditions, and how to succeed academically at the college-level.  These couple days are not a “boot camp” and will not resemble any of Hollywood’s nightmare portrayals of joining the military.  Our objective is to welcome you aboard, get you oriented to the Program and campuses, and start your transformation from high school student to military officer – you have four years to get there!  Historically, one of the most demanding parts of the week’s activities for our new personnel is the physical training.  I cannot stress enough for you to start your preparation now!  Information is provided in the enclosed materials to help you improve your fitness and get ready over the summer.

We are once again receiving great support from the Dean of Student’s Office and have arranged with both Dean’s offices (UI and WSU) to support a Parent’s Orientation briefing for NROTC Freshmen that will occur on the first day of Orientation.  Your parents are invited and encouraged to attend the ‘Welcome Aboard’ series of briefings.  The briefings 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 Dean of Students Office will provide a Parent’s Welcome that will be tailored to your University.  While you are in-processing, these activities will fill a fair portion of the day for your parents, and I want to encourage you to share this information with them if they are interested in learning more about the Program or your university.

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.  You are joining an outstanding group of young leaders – 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 Schemel or Midshipman 1/C Harder 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 jschemel@uidaho.edu or hard5402@vandals.uidaho.edu respectively.  Our staff is ready to assist you – Welcome Aboard!

 

Sincerely,

 

G. T. EATON

Captain, U.S. Navy