The wait is finally over! Massachusetts Maritime’s newest class of cadet candidates arrived and checked in this morning at 0900 while their Cadre went for a morning run. Nerves were showing in some C/Cs, but it seemed that the excitement overtook all of those nerves when the youngies changed into their PT gear.

Looking like a uniform team, the youngies sat patiently awaiting their Cadre to march onto the athletics field and take their oath. After remarks from the Commandant, the cadet candidates said their goodbyes and proceeded down Academy Drive in platoon formations. They have stepped into a new direction, and this first step will be the most difficult. Orientation is by no means easy. It is mentally and physically challenging, pushing the limits of young men and women who will soon find comfort in the uncomfortable and learn to lead from the front.

The cadet candidates were quizzed before lunch by the Cadre on their “youngie knowledge” which will be an integral factor in their success as a cadet candidate in Orientation. Youngie knowledge includes the names of the Senior Staff as well as parts of a lifeboat, fire and emergency signals, and the steam cycle. The C/Cs will be tested many more times throughout these two weeks, but for a first time, they did very well.

After lunch, the C/Cs headed to the gym where their seabags and uniforms awaited them. A long line of over 500 youngies filed through, collecting each item. This week, their Squad Leaders will ensure that their uniforms fit properly and that each cadet candidate has what they need.

Some final activities today included more testing of youngie knowledge and drill. Squad Leaders carefully instructed the correct ways to perform facing movements today. After dinner, the C/Cs were brought to Admiral’s Hall and the Maritime Conference Center for important meetings about fire and medical safety. The cadet candidates will be sent to bed tonight with some snacks and they will be awoken tomorrow morning by their Squad Leaders. Today, although it was not a full day for the C/Cs, was a long day of adjustment and learning. Tomorrow will be different, but the mission has begun and the Cadre are focused on one common goal. They will do whatever it takes to help each cadet candidate become a 4/C Massachusetts Maritime cadet.