4th Company Commander: 1/C Jack Mulligan
Read below for an update from the Company Commander daily and scroll down for photos.
Day One –
Good Afternoon, I would like to introduce myself to all of the parents, family members, and friends who will be following this blog to track the progress of their Cadet Candidates through Orientation. My name is Jack Mulligan, and I am the 4th Company Commander. I am entering my senior year here at Massachusetts Maritime Academy studying Emergency Management. Together with my fantastic Senior Staff and group of 8 Junior Squad Leaders, we will work tirelessly to develop the Cadet Candidates into self-disciplined, responsible, and professional leaders.
Today began with “Meet the Cadre”, where myself and my staff introduced ourselves to the Cadet Candidates. Cadet Candidates also experienced their first Morning Formation today, a daily routine for all Cadets at the Academy. The staff took the Cadet Candidates through drill practice, where they began to learn the basic functions of marching here at the Academy. Furthermore, Cadet candidates studied their Youngie Knowledge extensively, working to acquire the knowledge of Academy customs, traditions, and staff.
Before the day ends, the Cadet Candidates will go through their required STCW Fire Fighting meeting to learn the basics of fire safety and prevention before they put those skills to use later on during Orientation. Our staff has been impressed with the Cadet Candidates motivation and desire to learn the skills being taught to them. They are all performing well, and we look forward to seeing their continued growth over the coming days.
Very Respectfully,
1/C Jack Mulligan
4th Company Commander
Day Two –
Hello all,
Today was another great day for 4th Company, as the Cadet Candidates spent a majority of the day at the pool conducting water survival exercises. Here, they learned basic swimming and treading water techniques, water survival skills, and teamwork in the pool.
The Cadet Candidates also conducted the Physical Fitness Assessment this morning. The test consisted of a 1 mile run around campus, and 2 minutes of both pushups and sit ups. All Cadet Candidates pushed themselves physically and mentally, all while comin g together and supporting one another as a Company.
4th Company also participated in intramural ultimate frisbee today. After water survival and drill practice, this time allowed the Cadet Candidates to compete with another Company, and while 4th Company did not come away with the win today, the Cadet Candidates enjoyed the competition and are eager to get back on the field tomorrow.
We continue to be impressed daily by the Cadet Candidates, and how much they are coming together as a Company already.
Very Respectfully,
1/C Jack Mulligan
4th Company Commander
Day Three –
The third full day of Orientation was a busy one for 4th Company, and the Cadet Candidates were moving through campus all day conducting activities. The day began with their first day of morning PT, led by the Regimental Staff. The Cadet Candidates were able to complete their PT alongside Rear Admiral MacDonald, who was very excited to see the energy and enthusiasm throughout the company.
The Cadet Candidates underwent another Morning Formation led by the Regimental and Battalion staffs, which was then followed by drill practice with their Squad Leaders. They began to learn more advanced marching techniques and continued to refine their previous learned knowledge.
After that, 4th Company participated in “Sea Lab”, which is a basic course on rowing techniques and practices, as well as small boat safety training. While unable to get in water, the Cadet candidates were able to build teamwork in practicing rowing cadences among small teams.
4th Company also picked up it’s first victory in intramurals, defeating 1st Company in dodgeball!!
The teamwork and comradery is growing in 4th Company, and the Cadet Candidates are coming together as one team, 4th Company, and working together to accomplish their daily tasks to the highest level possible.
Very Respectfully,
1/C Jack Mulligan
4th Company Commander
Day Four –
The Cadet Candidates began the day with PT once again, with today being focused on endurance training. The Squad Leaders led 4th Company on a run around the MMA campus, as the Cadet Candidates recited cadences. From there, the Cadet Candidates had Morning Formation followed by MMA ID pictures in their “At Sea” uniforms. Cadet Candidates also began learning from their Squad Leaders about the proper ways to keep their uniforms and their rooms, how to iron, and other basic tasks required of every Cadet at MMA.
After lunch, the Cadet Candidates were introduced to 4th Company Officer LT. Jordan, who had many words of encouragement and motivation for them. Lt. Jordan has a long and storied history at MMA, and has led 3 different companies over his time at the Academy.
The Cadet Candidates had Academic Planning as well, where they worked with Academy staff to begin constructing their schedule for the Fall Semester and planning out their courses for their time at MMA. From there, 4th Company picked up another dodgeball win, this time defeating 3rd Company.
Very Respectfully,
1/C Jack Mulligan
4th Company Commander
Day Five –
Friday was an exciting day for 4th Company, as the Cadet Candidates spent the majority of the day at the Firefighting Academy in Bridgewater being taught basic firefighting skills with fire extinguishers, hoses, and firefighting equipment. This was a great opportunity for the Cadet Candidates to get off campus, get to know their fellow shipmates better, and start building their teamwork as they work towards Admirals Cup together.
Once returned from firefighting, the Cadet candidates went straight into intramurals. While the contest was unable to be finished due to rain, 4th Company was able to compete for awhile before heading back inside. Inside, Cadet Candidates learned about proper room set-ups and uniform standards, helping to prepare them for Regimental Inspections throughout the academic year.
My staff and I are pleased to see the 4th Company Cadet Candidates continue to grow and come together as a team.
Very Respectfully,
1/C Jack Mulligan
4th Company Commander
Day Six –
Today was a day spent predominantly on learning for the Cadet Candidates, as time throughout the day was spent on drill practice, knowledge learning, further room and uniform standards, and academic major breakout groups. All of this knowledge is essential to a Cadets success and growth at Massachusetts Maritime Academy, and the Cadet Candidates are constantly striving to improve in all categories.
The academic breakout rooms was a new experience for the Cadet Candidates, and they were all afforded the opportunity to meet with Operations Officers and Training Rates for their chosen majors, and learn more about the material they will be learning throughout their 4 years at the Academy. This was a great opportunity for them to ask questions and begin to dive deeper into their future careers and professions.
To finish off the day, Cadet Candidates attended the football scrimmage against Dean College. This once again proved a great opportunity for further bonding between them and gave them an opportunity to showcase their school pride.
With only a few days remaining in Orientation, 4th Company is in a great position. We are pleased with everything the Cadet Candidates have accomplished so far, and can’t wait to see their continued growth throughout te remaining days.
Very Respectfully,
1/C Jack Mulligan
4th Company Commander
Day Seven –
With Orientation over halfway through, 4th Company Cadet Candidates continue to make great progress and have shown strong improvement overall. Today was spent mostly on drill and Youngie Knowledge studying. Both of these activities help acclimate the Cadet candidates to daily life and customs at Massachusetts maritime Academy. Additionally, both of these functions play a large part in the Competition for The Admirals Cup, which is an award given to the best overall Company during Orientation.
The marching that the Cadet Candidates are performing during drill will be showcased during the Marching Competition, which takes place the morning of Orientation graduation. The Youngie Knowledge that the Cadet candidates are learning will be tested on the same day, and provides Cadet Candidates the needed knowledge of Academy and Regimental Staff, MMA history and customs, and other important information such as ship safety signals and fire safety information.
4th Company once again was victorious in intramurals today, securing a win in Ultimate Frisbee against 2nd Company. In the evening after intramurals and evening meal, Cadet Candidates attended lectures on the MMA Conduct system, the Regimental Manual, and the Academy’s community service programs. This information will all be extremely useful to the Cadet Candidates as they begin classes in a little over a week. With Orientation winding down, we will continue to push the Cadet Candidates in their pursuit of growth and excellence over the coming days.
Very Respectfully,
1/C Jack Mulligan
4th Company Commander