Tuesday, August 30th, 2022

As dawn breaks on the final onshore day of Orientation the youngies are wide awake, with excitement coursing through them. Today marks the Canal Run and the morning wake-up was filled with energy and joy. Seeing the light at the end of the tunnel and the infectious energy of their squad leaders these CCs lined Academy Drive with animation. Cheering, singing, and chanting filled the once-quiet morning air and even seemed to warm the canal breeze that used to chill all who stood waiting. On the mark of the Regimental Commander and the Commandant, the run began and each company surged forward with relentless energy, singing cadences filled with emotion.

After running to the sagamore bridge and back the CCs take a well-deserved shower and breakfast. The unique pace of the day transitions into Morning Formation on the Football Feild, where a dry run of Orientation graduation follows as well.

After formations and practices, the youngies had a midday presentation followed by the annual class photo taken on the bleachers. Subsequently, the youngies then partook in the Marching Competition on the turf. With an array of high-profile judges and spectators, the pressure was on for each company to perform at its best. The results are yet to be revealed and will be announced at Orientation Graduation. May the best marching company win!

The marching competition was followed by intramurals between all the companies, and the final patio of Orientation. Next came the evening meal and directly afterward the command was handed off from the Regimental Commander 1/C Abigail Pope to the Regimental Training Ship Commander 1/C Robert Sirois.

Once the command was given to the RTSC the youngies began to file onboard the T.S Kennedy and unpack onboard. Once everyone was onboard multiple drills were performed in order to ensure general safety in the event that an emergency should occur onboard. Shortly after these drills, everyone went to bed excited for the adventure that awaits them tomorrow with the launching of the ship and the prospect of being underway out of Buzzards Bay. As graduation draws ever closer, and the next few days of work and adventure draw shorter the CCs have started to understand a critical lesson that has been slowly taught to them over the past 10 days of Orientation. Nothing good ever comes easy. Stay the Course, and Weather the Storm. By embracing the difficulty and hardships in their past week and lives these candidates can and will become the leaders of tomorrow. Their work ethics, discipline, and attitudes toward everyday tasks and long-term goals have been redefined. They know that in order to become better versions of themselves they must become comfortable being uncomfortable, embracing everything that comes their way, the good and the bad. This is one of the most valuable lessons taught to the CCs during Orientation. And as they look toward their futures here at the academy and after it, they will carry these hard-earned lessons with them forever.

Unfortunately, I will not be able to update the blog while onboard documenting the mini-cruise. Updates will be posted shortly after graduation! Thank you all for sticking with us on this incredible journey!

Monday, August 29, 2022

This morning Cadet Candidates are mirroring what they did on their first day of PT by completing the PT test. In doing so they are being encouraged to push themselves beyond the limits that they have set for themselves and always strive for personal improvement, no matter the size. They committed themselves to this task with faith and motivation. Their dedication showed their commitment and trust in their cadre and the process that they are undergoing. They are beginning to trust that the program they are taking part in, can, and will morph them into the best versions of themselves that they can be.

Following an inspiring PT test, the CCc showered and ate, then moved into their final day of the normal Orientation curriculum. With the final two companies making it to pond and pool day, this means that today is the candidate’s final day of practicing drill, preparing rooms for inspections, and mastering the required shipboard knowledge in order for them to embark on the Orientation Mini-Cruise in a safe and efficient manner.

Companies spent a lot of time preparing their youngies for the upcoming marching competition and ensuring that their skills and knowledge are up to par in order to win the inter-company awards at the end of Orientation. Awards include the Marching Competition award, Commander’s Award, Trustee’s Award, and the Admiral’s Cup. These awards entice the Candidates and Leadership alike all to push to be the best versions of themselves they can be. Just as all things are in this program, the Compay awards at the end of Orientation serve a crucial role in the entire Orientation Process. A process that thousands have come to trust and love over the academy’s history.

Following a long day, the CCs are put to the test on their regimental skills during their first regimental inspections. Inspections stand as a method of ensuring that the youngies attention to detail, discipline, and cleanliness is up to standard maintaining a clean, healthy, and professional living environment.

While strict, these inspections were highly informative and ensured that these youngies understood what and how to maintain the standards set forth by the regiment and its staff. Following inspections the youngies found their way back to their racks for their last night on land as tomorrow they would be moving onto the ship in preparation for the Orientation Mini Cruise.

Sunday, August 28, 2022

As Sunday finnaly came for the youngies, for the first time the youngies didn’t begin their day with PT. This morning the CCs began their day with a reflection on their past week. They used this time to look inwards at what they have accomplished, learned, and what they could do better in the latter half of Orientation.

Following the unorthodox start to their day, the youngies and cadre ate their breakfast and returned to their usual business. They went to their respective activities including water survival training, drill, and pond day. Throughout this process, many of the candidates have been standouts among their peers on each day. These standouts have been chosen each day to be the Cadet Candidate Platoon Leaders and are held to a higher standard and expected to take the lead on certain things on that given day. CCPLs are a prime example of the leadership process being crafted here during the orientation process. First, you start in the followership phase, then you move towards leadership after mastering followership. Those who mastered small parts of followership are chosen for small parts of leadership through the CCPL program.

Guide ons are another example of youngies who are presented with an opportunity to take the lead. Chosen for their discipline, motivation, and more, the chosen CCs stuck out to their leadership and have been appointed to represent their respective platoon of freshmen for that company.

Companies continued their daily practice of friendly intramural games between companies and continued to have their knowledge tested by the Regimental Staff on Patio.

After the evening meal, and more meetings, the tired candidates finally hit their racks for the night and prepared themselves for the PT test the following morning. With another full day of training and learning under their belts, the candidates are one day closer to mini-cruise, and graduation.

Saturday, August 27, 2022

Another beautiful morning rises over the canal and as per usual, the day has already begun for Cadre and CC alike. Beginning the day with a motivating PT Session, these CCs are starting to understand the grit and determination required to be a disciplined and engaged cadet in the regiment.

By now, the youngies have learned and are starting to practice the actions that allow them to rise above the chaos and approach many different stressful situations in a calm and collected manner. By improving their management skills, they are building even more foundations for their bright future as tomorrow’s leaders. They have been endlessly studying, learning, and drilling all the knowledge and skill required of them during Orientation.

They have continued to navigate the jam-packed schedule while maintaining high standards of bearing, and professionalism throughout the day. Their ever-present, and perfectionist Squad Leaders and Senior Staff constantly push the candidates to be better versions of themselves and to be better teammates. They’re standards have only risen over their time here, making this incoming class strive for perfection.

Following evening Patio and meal, the youngies sit through their nightly classes and head back to the dorms for some much-needed sleep.

Friday, August 26, 2022

The morning spreads over buzzards bay illuminating the already awake regiment actively working out under the lights of the football stadium, or running down academy drive. Following the usual schedule, the CCs showered, ate, and moved to their respective activities for the day.

As companies moved through different things they continued to study all their required knowledge and hone their military drill skills. Marching from place to place around campus they have come a long way from day one, increasing their skill set and knowledge.

Later in the day 7th. Company did special presentations on the different components within their company. The Band, Drill Team, and Honor Guard all presented their respective activities for the 7th. Company youngies.

Other companies continued to exercise and have fun with intramurals.

Following all the day’s activities, the CCs continued to be tested on their knowledge on patio. After dinner, they sat through another succession of meetings and lectures in Admirals hall. Completing yet another day, these Candidates are beginning to understand and master the groove of things here during orientation. By repeatedly striving for excellence during this process, without realizing it, the youngies are making excellence a habit. Aristotle once said: “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” Here at Mass Maritime, we exemplify this work ethic in every part of our days here with the Cadet Candidates. through thick and thin these youngies have continuously and actively sought out perfection and excellence. This is yet another reason we produce such great leaders, and why we are the Commonwealths Leadership Academy. Today’s Cadet Candidates, tomorrow’s Cadets, and the future’s leaders.

Check back soon for more updates! Click here to read comments from Regimental Commander Ms. Pope on the upcoming Orientation Graduation!

Wednesday, August 24, 2022

Wednesday began with the now familiar high-paced wake-up all around campus. From silence to bustling, the campus begins to glow with the sunrise, and the songs of cadence runs. The CCs begin their morning with PT and today they attacked every exercise with rigor and motivation.

Following a workout and breakfast, the youngies settled back into their daily routine. Moving between classes and activities all over campus, ranging from many different curriculums. The CCs have begun to learn that bearing and fortitude are valuable traits to develop in order to excel at what they do here at the Academy.

The CCs also engaged in daily intramurals and had a blast building stronger team bonds within their companies. The results of the company intramural games count towards the Admiral’s Cup which is given to the best company at the end of Orientation based on their marching, motivation, intramural scoring, and more.

Following Intramurals the CCs ate dinner and sat through more meetings and informative lectures in Admiral’s Hall then went to bed, ready for whatever comes tomorrow.