Jacksonville University NROTC Unit

Welcome to Midshipman Monday!

MIDN 1/C Maximus Vogt is majoring in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Math and Naval Science. He’s originally from St. Louis, Missouri, and decided to come to JU for its expanding NROTC program and its more personalized learning experience due to the small student-to-professor ratio. His hobbies include endurance sports like triathlons and marathons, as well as weightlifting, reading, and cooking! MIDN Vogt aspires to select into the Submarine community this spring semester.

When asked what he enjoys most about the unit, he said, “The JU NROTC program cultivates a strong sense of community among like-minded individuals who continuously support and uplift one another. It’s an environment where we are encouraged to help each other grow physically, mentally, and morally as a team. Whether it’s calculus homework or standing watch, I always know there’s a reliable community ready to help solve any problem.”

A Day of Remembrance

Tackling today’s stair workout with unwavering grit, our Midshipmen and active duty staff demonstrated true resilience and unity in honor of September 11, 2001. Beyond just physical endurance, this workout became a moment of reflection and remembrance, celebrating both the strength of the day and the spirit of those we lost. The JU NROTC unit challenges you to take on this symbolic workout and pay tribute to the enduring spirit of 9/11. It’s more than just a stair workout; it’s a testament to our collective strength and unity.

Friday Drill Day!

Today, our dedicated AMOI led a session on close order drill to inform the new 4/C and 5/C Midshipmen and serve as a refresher for the rest of the Battalion. His expertise ensured that the fundamentals of precision and discipline were perfectly demonstrated.
Following the drill, our Battalion staff introduced themselves and outlined their goals for the semester, setting a clear vision for leadership and development. Our Battalion CO, MIDN 1/C Hodgson, delivered an outstanding speech, setting high standards and motivating the Battalion.
Our CO also took the time to recognize and award a well-deserved Bravo Zulu to Midshipmen who recently earned scholarships and our OCS graduates, celebrating the hard work and dedication of the entire Battalion.

Here’s to a productive and successful semester ahead! ⚓

This morning, our Battalion had the privilege of hosting Dr. Jeffrey Wight, an expert in running biomechanics and the Interim Department Chair of Exercise Science at Jacksonville University. He guided our Midshipmen through a comprehensive running clinic, focusing on optimal running technique and injury prevention. Thanks to his expertise, our Midshipmen are now equipped with valuable insights for enhanced performance and long-term fitness.
We appreciate Dr. Wight’s dedication and support for our battalion!

Over 100 motivated midshipmen volunteered at the Annual Mayport Mud Run this morning. They were assigned stations to supervise and cheer on participants as they passed through the obstacles throughout the course. Afterwards, they were given the opportunity to run the course themselves!

Events like these are one of the great ways that JUNROTC integrates with the installations located in this fleet concentration area.

This morning, our battalion came together for a special drill period filled with music, breakfast, and camaraderie. The unit provided a delicious breakfast and a great setting for everyone to talk with each other, enjoy the food, and play games! We also celebrated the swearing-in of Midshipmen who received scholarships, marking an exciting milestone for our unit!

For nursing option Midshipmen, the 1/C and 3/C cruise is essential for gaining hands-on clinical experience and connecting academic knowledge with practice. During the cruise, they shadowed nurses and corpsmen, administered medications, observed surgeries, and worked in various hospital departments including Medical-surgical, OR, Labor and Delivery, ICU, and the Emergency Department.

“I spent my 1/C Nurse summer cruise at NMRTC Rota. I gained valuable experience in Navy nursing, explored Spain, and feel better prepared to commission in Spring.” - MIDN 1/C Samantha Drake

This summer, rising 2/C Marine option Midshipmen participated in Fleet Marine Force (FMF) training at Camp Pendleton and Camp Lejeune. This immersive experience equips them with vital skills in tactics, leadership, and operational planning while exposing them to various Marine Corps warfare communities. This comprehensive training is essential for preparing the Midshipman for Officer Candidate School in the near future!

Over the summer, our rising 3/C and some rising 2/C Midshipmen embarked on an enriching CORTRAMID journey. Some explored the vibrant West Coast in San Diego, while others ventured to the East Coast, including Norfolk and Kings Bay. Over four weeks, they immersed themselves into the worlds of Aviation, Submarine, and Surface Warfare, and wrapped up with a week in the Marine Air-Ground Task Force at Camp Pendleton or Camp Lejeune. This training was a deep dive into the diverse roles within the Navy and Marine Corps, shaping their future with hands-on experiences.

Training Day 3:

Kicking off the final day of training with inspiring words from our active duty and battalion staff, who set high expectations for the journey ahead in the NROTC program.

Midshipmen had the option to tackle the obstacle course on campus, named in honor of Major Moises “Mo” Navas. This course is a vital part of our training, designed to challenge strength, endurance, and resilience while building confidence to face adversity. Looking forward to another year of pushing limits and growing stronger!
Congratulations to the class of 2028!

Training Day 2:

This morning, our Marine and Navy Option Midshipmen showcased their strength, core stability, and endurance during their initial Physical Fitness Test/Assessment. The motivation was high after these challenges! Following the tests, Midshipmen received more General Military briefs and had the opportunity to connect with Jacksonville University staff, including our units CO, XO, and the Deans of various campus colleges.
After a final exam on basic military and JU knowledge and a Q&A session with upperclassmen, parents and staff celebrated as the Midshipmen were officially sworn into the JU NROTC program. PHINS UP!

Training Day 1:

Midshipman rose before the sun this morning after an early reveille. After a quick MRE breakfast and unit check-in, they participated in General Military Training briefs led by Midshipman Instructors. Throughout the day, Midshipmen Candidates participated in Dolphin Dive events and the Matriculation Ceremony at Jacksonville University. In the afternoon, they had the opportunity to reconnect with our Assistant Marine Officer Instructor, MSgt. Dean Williams, who provided further instruction on close order drill and military customs and courtesies.

Training Day 0:

Welcome to the JU NROTC class of 2024! Our CO, CAPT J. R. Hill, kicked off NSO by outlining the path toward commissioning and introducing our program requirements. The new Midshipman met our dedicated active duty staff, including our AMOI, MSgt Williams, who gave them a taste of his former drill instructor side. Under the guidance of their Midshipman Instructors, the journey into the JU NROTC Battalion has begun. We’re excited for the days of training ahead!

Congratulations to our newest Marine Corps OCS graduates: MIDN 1/C Lindgren, Gribble, Green, Cahill, DeFazio, Hernandez, and Strang!

Officer Candidate School is a rigorous training program designed to evaluate and prepare individuals for leadership roles as Marine Corps officers. Through intense physical and mental challenges, these outstanding individuals have proven their dedication, resilience, and leadership qualities.

Earning the title of a United States Marine is not just an achievement; it is a testament to their unwavering commitment, honor, encourage. It signifies joining the ranks of the few and the proud who serve our nation with distinction. Semper Fi!

Spring 2024 Commissioning Ceremony

Join us in celebrating our exceptional 2024 graduates as they embarked on their journey into the United States Navy and Marine Corps this weekend.

This past Saturday, JU NROTC, along with Rear Admiral Czerewko, Commander, Naval Education and Training Command proudly commissioned 21 Ensigns and 13 Second Lieutenants into the Navy and Marines.

Congratulations to our newest officers in our Naval forces. Fair winds and following seas.

⭐️Senior Spotlight⭐️

MIDN 1/C Noah Midthun will be graduating with a B.S. in Mathematics and a minor in Naval Science. He will be commissioning as a Student Naval Aviator.

His current billet is the Battalion Commanding Officer. He has previously been a Fireteam Leader, the Battalion Academic Officer, and the Battalion Administration Officer.

For summer cruises, MIDN Midthun went to CORTRAMID East, one SWO Cruises in Norfolk, VA on CVN 78, USS General R Ford and an Aviation Cruise in Naval Air Station Jacksonville with VP-8, “The Fighting Tigers”.

His hobbies include learning about math, his extracurricular activities, Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, Student Government Association, and Math Society.
What he will miss the most about JU NROTC is the people. He says, “I’ve met some of my best friends and my fiancée through JU NROTC.”

“In five years, I hope to be a Navy pilot, continuing to serve my country in whatever it needs me for.”

Congratulations to our Human Resources Assistant, Ms. Melba Wagstaff, on being named the April 2024 Jacksonville University Employee of the Month! Ms. Wagstaff does so much for the midshipmen and ensures the unit operates with administrative excellence. Thank you for everything you do, Ms. Wagstaff!

Mess Night

The JU NROTC Battalion held its annual Mess Night, a cherished military tradition also known as dining-in. The JU NROTC Battalion gathered for a formal dinner where members of the mess must comply to the rules of the mess, which incorporate basic standards of etiquette, customs, and courtesies. Any breaches of the rules resulted in light-hearted fines, with offenders either performing amusing acts or partaking in a sip from the grog.

To conclude the evening, toasts were offered in reverence to Marines, Sailors, and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. This ceremonial tradition allows members to reflect on shared experiences, both victorious and challenging.

Recognizing a Semester of Hard Work and Accomplishments

On Friday, the JU NROTC Battalion conducted its biannual Awards Ceremony and Change of Command Ceremony. JU NROTC would like to thank all the wonderful veteran organizations that continue to support and celebrate the success of the students through out the semester.

BZ to the Battalion Triad for their hard work this semester.

CPL Dunham Challenge

On Friday, April 12, JU NROTC Midshipmen competed in the Cpl Jason Dunham Challenge at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay in Georgia, which is conducted annually to honor the memory and sacrifice of Medal of Honor recipient Corporal Jason Dunham. The challenge consisted of pistol and rifle proficiency, a litter carry, a canoe event, an obstacle course, a HMMW push, 150 pull-ups, Fight Gone Bad, tire flips, and a 100 yard swim.

BZ to the JU NROTC Midshipmen who participated and ranked 7th out of 22 teams.