2nd Company | Massachusetts Maritime Academy Orientation

2nd Company Commander: 1/C Nick Paolini

I’m Nick Paolini, and I’m from Plymouth, Massachusetts. I’m an Emergency Management major with a strong interest in the search and rescue field, and I’m looking to continue my education in the medical field after graduation.

Alongside my time at the Academy, I’m an enlisted member of the Massachusetts Air National Guard’s 102nd Security Forces Squadron out of Otis Air National Guard Base. Balancing drill weekends and Guard responsibilities with the cadet lifestyle has taught me a lot about time management and discipline, and it’s given me a real-world perspective on leadership and service that I try to bring back to the Regiment.

This year, I’m excited to serve as 2nd Company Commander and help develop our cadet candidates into motivated 4/C cadets with a hunger to learn. I’m looking forward to orientation and to building a company that takes pride in its work ethic. Pressure is a Privilege

Orientation Day 1

Today, 83 cadet candidates officially joined Second Company at Massachusetts Maritime Academy. After saying goodbye to family and friends on the football field, they marched down Academy Drive and began their first day as members of the regiment.

Following lunch, the candidates formed up in the gym, where Squad Leaders taught them basic facing movements and introduced them to the expectations they will follow during orientation. Some candidates also received haircuts and completed drug testing as part of the in-processing schedule.

Later in the day, every candidate received a seabag with uniforms and gear. They also started learning the knowledge they will need as youngies, including the Academy Staff structure, the chain of command, and how Second Company operates. This was only the beginning, but it gave them a better understanding of the standards and responsibilities ahead.

The company ate dinner together before ending the evening with a medical briefing and a firefighting lecture. These classes gave the candidates an introduction to the safety knowledge and preparation that will be important throughout their time at the Academy.

The days ahead will be tough, but these 83 candidates will keep their heads high and continue pushing forward. “Pressure is a privilege,” and Second Company is ready to take on what comes next together.

Orientation Day 2

Today was the first full day of orientation for Second Company’s cadet candidates. The morning started with “Meet the Cadre,” giving candidates the chance to meet their squad leaders and senior staff.

After breakfast, candidates tried on their uniforms and took their Massachusetts Maritime student ID photos. Getting fitted for uniforms was an important first step in preparing for the standards and responsibilities that come with being part of the Regiment of Cadets.

Later, Second Company held its first patio. Candidates marched in front of the regimental staff and were quizzed on the knowledge they are expected to learn during orientation. It was a chance to see what the standard looks like and begin building confidence in drill, bearing, and regimental knowledge.

The energy stayed high during kickball as Second Company earned a 2–1 win over Seventh Company. Everyone was loud, involved, and excited to support each other from the sidelines. It was a close game, but Second Company found a way to come out on top.

The day was a strong start for the company and gave candidates a better idea of what is expected of them moving forward.

“If something is strong enough to get you out of character, your character was never strong enough in the first place.”

Orientation Day 3

Cadet Candidates started Orientation Day 3 strong with their physical fitness test. The morning tested their maximum push-ups, maximum sit-ups, and one-mile run, giving everyone an opportunity to set the standard and push themselves from the start.

Following PT, Second Company focused on ensuring every Cadet Candidate’s uniforms fit properly and were ready for the remainder of orientation. Cadet Candidates then spent the day on the drill field learning and practicing marching movements, including column left and column right.

Second Company also earned a great win in intramural ultimate frisbee, adding to the energy and morale throughout the company. The night concluded with dinner and time spent preparing rooms for the end-of-orientation inspection.

“Be the change you want to see in the world“

Orientation Day 4

Second Company began the day with Pond Day. Cadets learned the basics of sailing and rowing while working with their classmates on the water. It was a great break from the normal orientation schedule and gave everyone a chance to build stronger relationships within the company.

Throughout the day, cadets also had more personal time with senior staff. This allowed them to ask questions, get advice, and become more comfortable with the leadership supporting them during orientation.

Second Company had a stellar performance on the patio. Cadets also spent a significant amount of time drilling, with the company beginning to cadence for the first time while marching. This helped the company move with more confidence and develop a stronger sense of unity during drill.

At night, squad leaders worked with cadets in their rooms to make sure everything was set up properly and met room inspection standards. They reviewed how rooms should be arranged, maintained, and kept clean throughout orientation.

“If your going through hell, keep going” – Winston Churchill

Orientation Day 5

Second Company started the day with a series of PT stations, pushing themselves physically and building camaraderie throughout the morning. Following PT, C/Cs transitioned to the pool for Water Survival Day, where they developed confidence in the water and worked through a variety of survival-focused activities.

The afternoon continued with an exciting water polo match. Second Company came away with a decisive win, bringing even more energy and momentum to the company. The day concluded with a great dinner and an opportunity for C/Cs to recover after a demanding day of training and competition.

Looking ahead, Second Company will face 4th Company tomorrow in the intramural kickball championship. With morale at an all-time high, the company is ready to carry today’s momentum into the championship game.

“Am I satisfied with what I gave today?” — DJ Shipley

Orientation Day 6

Second Company began the day at 0530 with a mile-long cadence run, earning the sunrise through discipline and teamwork. The morning continued with productive drill practice and classroom instruction, giving Cadet Candidates time to improve both their military bearing and their understanding of academy expectations.

Following lunch, Second Company competed in a hard-fought intramural kickball championship against Fourth Company. Although 2nd Company fell just short in a close 4–3 game, the company rallied afterward with an outstanding patio performance sounding off in unison and demonstrating sharp, coordinated marching.

Senior staff members also accompanied Second Company aboard the Patriot State for tours in lieu of the mini cruise, while Cadet Candidates prepared to set sail for their upcoming three day voyage. The experience offered an important introduction to the vessel and the maritime training ahead.