HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Hey hey, what a day--the last day of class before the break!  Not that much work was done:

Two Whos

First Period, Naval Science IV, plus one 

GET READY

Here's a short list of what will hit us soon after the winter break:

1. The Martin Luther King Drill Meet, 17 January
2. Senior leadership papers, 21 January
3. The end of the second marking period, 28 January
4. Our annual Area Manager's Inspection, 9 February

Are you ready?  There's a pile of other stuff just after all of this--the Military Ball, more drill meets, the orientation trip (if there is one), to name a few.  The rest of the year will pass fast than you can imagine.  For you seniors, get ready to graduate.  For you juniors, get ready to be seniors, apply for college or make other plans for life after high school.  For sophomores and freshmen, get ready to move up and all that moving up implies.  What this means, distilled into the plainest language, is that if you want to be treated as an adult, you must start to act like one.  Good luck with that!

THE WHOS VISIT MHS

You just can't make this stuff up!  (This short video clip might not load...good luck with it.)

...and to all a good night!  See you in 2011.

NEW WEEKLY CHALLENGE

This weekly challenge shall extend through the holiday break.  To claim your prize (2 bonus points!), be prepared to demonstrate your skill upon return to class in January. 

For Seniors:  Tie FOUR knots, bends, or hitches, including either the carrick bend or the blood knot.  [Cadet Trevor Coleman is ineligible for this challenge.]  Congratulations to Cadet Justin "Lunch Bucket" Lucchese who successfully tied BOTH the blood knot and the carrick bend, as well as a square knot and an overhand knot.  When he tied the carrick bend, he looked like a little kitten playing with a ball of yarn--which is why I have a dog.

For Juniors:  Tie THREE knots, bends, or hitches, including the triple overhand knot, and either the clove hitch or the bowline.

For Sophomores:  Tie any THREE knots, bends, or splices recognized in a published reference.

For Freshmen:  Tie both a square knot and a fisherman's knot. 

Incidentally, the WOD for 20 and 21 December is esoteric.  Esoteric is an adjective meaning hard to understand; known only to the chosen few.  Example:  The New Yorker short stories often include esoteric allusions to obscure people and events.  For today only, the first cadet of whatever class to find me and tell me the WOD will receive a prize of one bottle of water. 

TO OUR OVERSEAS READERS

As I edit this blog, I note with pleasure and some considerable surprise that we have attracted a small but noticeable number of overseas readers.  Welcome aboard and please keep in touch!

WORD OF THE DAY: "SATISFICE"

Listen up you lazy cadets:  The word of the day for 17 through 20 December is satisfice.  Satisfice is not a standard SAT vocabulary word, rather it is a personal selection on my part based on an increasing concern about the general state of cadet motivation in our unit.  Satisfice is a verb meaning to decide on and to pursue a course of action satisfying only the minimum requirements to achieve a goal rather than trying to excel.  To satisfice is to take the easiest way or to pick the easiest solution, regardless what's best.  A manager will choose to saticfice when the goal is not considered worth the effort of trying harder.  When high school students attempt to satisfice they do the bare minimum to get by; for example, they might just through a few words together to answer a homework question.  Their answer, while not reflecting any real work, would count as a check in the block and keep them out of trouble.  When you merely satisfice, it is very obvious and you lose respect.  If you want to do well in ROTC, you must do more than merely satisfice.

VPI CADET VISITS MHS NJROTC

On Thursday, 16 December Cadet Femi Ibitoye of Virginia Tech's Corps of Cadets visited the cadets of Middletown High School.  Cadet Ibitoye, an architecture major, who as a member of Virgina Tech's leadership program , will also receive a minor in leadership, spent the entire day with us and, for each class, discussed college choices, the application process, life as a college student, various aspects of Virginia Tech's unique leadership program, and, based on his experience as a relative newcomer from Nigeria, life in America as it compares to other parts of the world.  What were the big lessons?  First, preparation counts--even as early as 9th grade.  Second, success requires discipline ["Success isn't luck, it is a well organized plan."].  Third, leadership is a skill, really a set of skills, that can be developed through a formal process such as ROTC.  And finally, skill as a leader, especially when combined with experience, is a valuable commodity, one that employers will seek out and pay for--which explains why someone would choose to take a minor in leadership and why a world-renowned college would offer such an option. 

WHOEVER THOUGHT HE WAS SERIOUS?

For the last few days you may have heard me rumbling about gear adrift/A.K.A. trash/A.K.A. your stuff collecting in the back of the classroom in a big nasty pile.  With a pair of rubber gloves and malice in my heart I have placed it in the gear adrift box.  On Friday--this Friday--the gear adrift box will be emptied.

Here's the gouge ("gouge" means reliable information):  The classroom is not your locker, your bedroom, or closet.  I found several pairs of shoes, one pair of black socks, two bags full of gym gear (dirty gym gear), not to mention a garrison cover (I won't mention whose!), and not one but two $80 short-waist jackets.  Also found was a world history textbook that has been here and unopened since at least October--tough to pass (at least it ought to be) if you don't read the book.  I do not want to live in other people's trash.  You may leave your gear here during the day if you are neat and discreet, but the ROTC classroom is not your auxiliary locker.

Also, at least three cadets have been charged $$$ so far this year for loosing covers.  They run about $10 a piece.  Be careful with your uniform gear--it really isn't yours.  The Navy supplies it for your use.  You get one set, which you must return when you leave the program.  If the items is no longer serviceable due to normal wear and tear, we will replace it at no cost to you, just bring in the old item for an exchange.  If you loose it, or damage it through negligence, you will have to complete a form, have it signed by your parent or guardian, and bring in a check in the required amount made payable to the United States Treasury.  I can't wait until someone has to bring in a check for $80 because they can't find their short-waist jacket!

Cadets:  Square-away now!  You can do better.

WORD OF THE DAY AND CADET CHALLENGE

The WOD for 16 and 17 December is condone.  Condone is a verb meaning to overlook; to forgive; to give tacit approval; or to excuse. Example:  Unlike others who condoned Fedorka's inappropriate behavior, the NJROTC instructors were constantly correcting him. 

Here's a one-size-fits-all challenge:  Who was the only officer to hold five-star rank in both the Army and Air Force?  (Hint:  It wasn't General MacArthur!)  The winner of this challenge will receive 2 cadet bonus points.  Congratulations to Cadet Daniel Levien who answered correctly that General of Army (and later General of the Air Force) was the only officer to hold that rank in both services.

On behalf of the Middletown High School NJROTC in Middletown, NY, welcome to our friends in the Netherlands, Slovenia, Croatia, and everywhere else around the world!

NAVAL SCIENCE 3 CADETS STUDY NAVIGATION

As part of the Naval Science 3 curriculum, cadets are introduced to basic marine navigation.  They learn basic definitions, the primary concerns of the navigator, and the four main types of navigation.  Since navigation is both and art and a science, cadets actually put the theories they have learned into practice through a series practical exercises including plotting, piloting, and celestial observations.   The answers are nothing short of amazing!

Practical navigation work

FORMER MHS NJROTC CADETS VISIT

Former Cadets Desiree Ortega (class of '09) and Ricky Maldonado (class of '08) recently returned to visit.  Desiree--you can call her Midshipman Ortega--is now a freshman at Norfolk State University majoring in Political Science.  Ricky is a corporal in the United States Marine Corps stationed in Iwakuni, Japan were he is an aviation supply specialist.  MIDN Ortega was our Battalion Commander and CPL Maldonado commanded "A" Company.  It's always nice to see old friends!

Corporal Ricky Maldonado (left) holding the old "A" Company guidon and
MIDN Desiree Ortega holding our unit guidon.

JOSEPH E. GILLIAM AWARD TOPIC ANNOUNCED

The Commander of the Naval Service Training Command has announced the essay topic for the annual Joseph C. Gilliam Academic Award sponsored by the Admiral Senn Foundation.  The award is presented in honor of Captain Joseph C. Gilliam, an early supporter of the Navy's JROTC program.  This year's topic is "The Navy JROTC has helped me develop a clear understanding of the necessity of good citizenship."  Submissions should provide personal examples of growth through the experiences provided by participation in  the NJROTC program.  Essays must be 500 to 750 words, typed, grammatically correct, and free of format errors. 

The award is open to seniors in good standing with overall grade point averages equivalent  to 3.5 or better.  Note that while there is an essay requirement, the award itself is based on overall academic standing and is strongly dependent on the SNSI's recommendation. One winner will be selected from amongst all the entries received at Area Four and a prize of $1,000.00 (before taxes--welcome to the real world!) will be awarded. 

Essays should be submitted to the SNSI for consideration not later than Friday, 21 January 2011.  Early  inputs are encouraged. 

NAUGATUCK DRILL MEET

On Saturday, 11 December, the Middletown NJROTC Mid-City Maybes (our motto:  "We Might"!) travelled to Naugatuck High School to participate in the Naugatuck AFJROTC Invitational Drill Meet.  The team participated in Armed Platoon, Un-armed Platoon, Personnel Inspection, New Cadet Basic, an academic challenge, and Individual Knockout.  Congratulations to the stalwarts of the freshman drill team who took 3rd place against a field of tweleve other schools.  Bravo Zulu and keep charging!

Cadet/LTJG presents the armed platoon team.

The armed platoon team.

Cadet/LCDR Justin Lucchese in formation with the armed platoon team.

C/SN Jonathan Gomez [note correction--my apologies] and the New Cadet team.

Personnel Inspection

Un-armed Team

Cadet/LCDR Justin Lucchese and the MHS Color Guard
standing for the closing ceremony

Individual Knock-out

CHALLENGE

Here's the weekly challenge for the week of 13 December:

For seniors:  Name the first of three colonels we have discussed in class.  What type of motivational technique did he employ?

For Juniors:  Who won the famous Longitude Prize?  How did he do it?  (Note that by using the pronoun "he," I have simplified your problem by removing roughly half of the possible answer--could I make it any easier?)

For FROSH:  How far can you walk into a forest?

This challenge will expire at 0730 17 December.  The winner for each class will receive a handsome, suitable for framing, certificate.  Good luck.

AHRC BLANKET DRIVE

Just a reminder:  we are collecting warming blankets for the AHRC.  The drive will close out on 14 December.  To date, we have just two blankets donated--that's a pretty poor showing.  Come on, get 'em in!

The WOD for 10/11/12/13/14 December is concise.  Concise is an adjective meaning brief and compact.  Example:  Short and directly on point, Fedorka's answer was admirably concise

SOUTHWINDS RETIREMENT HOME VISIT

A large group of MHS Cadets visited Middletown's Southwinds Retirement Home after school on Wednesday, 8 December.  The cadets spent a couple of hours playing games, trading stories,and just visiting with the residents.  BZ to all who took time to bring a little pleasure into the lives of others!

Incidentally, the WOD for 9 and 10 December is disparity.  Disparity is a noun meaning a difference or a condition of inequality.  Example: Their disparity in rank meant no difference at all to the prince and Cinderella. 

UPCOMING EVENTS

We're getting to crunch time--there's will be a lot going on over the next few months and, with that in mind, let's take a moment to review the most important items:

1. Naugatuck Drill meet, 11 December.  Will we stay on track to meet our unit goals?
2. Continuing NJROTC Fitness Challenge.  We'll fit in another run when we can and will continue with the events we can easily conduct inside.  Remember, doing well on the fitness challenge benefits you (you get a medal) and the unit (it's a goal).  Plus, you stay healthy.
3. Continuing National Push-up Challenge.  We're behind, but we're catching up.  Do 10 or 20 push-ups a day and make sure I get them recorded.
4. College and scholarship applications.  Seniors should be finishing their applications.  Juniors should be well into the process of deciding where they might want to go and what they might want to study--and studying for the SATs!
5. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Drill Meet, 17 January 2011.  This is the big one for us.  Will we do well?
6. Second marking period ends, 28 January.  Be sure to have your work in.  Freshmen, you are now 1/8 of the way through high school.  You are no longer brand new 9th graders--by now you should have a clue.  On a unit level, the big question is will we make our goal of having 25% of the unit on the Honor Roll?
7. Area Manager's Inspection (AMI), 9 February.  This is the BIG HAIRY EVENT.  The AMI is MANDATORY for ALL CADETS.  There will be a formal personnel inspection and a ceremonial pass-in-review.  Family and friends are invited.
8. Other important stuff:
• Bowl-a-thon (February)
• Tricky Tray Auction (Spring)
• Military Ball (9 March)
• Orientation Trip (April)
• Independent studies:  Get-r-Done!
• Weekly uniform inspections and general knowlege.  Learn it, love it, live it.
• "Ranking up."  Want to be a cadet seaman?  Come in for the test.  No give-aways, though.
• Billet selection process. 

CONGRATULATIONS C/CPO ROBERT FERGUSON

Cadet Ferguson correctly answered three of the five questions asked below.  The correct answers are provided in red. 

1.  You are the navigator on the USS Neversail. Why would you send one of your quartermasters to get a can of relative bearing grease? ("RBG")  Relative bearing grease, like HT punches, boxes of grid squares, and mail buoys do not exisit.  Hence, you might send a new sailor to find a can of RBG as a gentle joke on the new guy.

2.  Is there such a thing as left-handed monkey wrench?  Yes there is, Richard Mckenna made one--see his short story the "Left Handed Monkey Wrench."

3.  I ask "How long have you been a Cadet"? What do you answer?


All me bloomin' life, sir! Me mother was a mermaid, me father was King Neptune. I was born on the crest of a wave and rocked in the cradle of the deep. Seaweed and barnacles are me clothes. Every tooth in me head is a marlinspike; the hair on me head is hemp. Every bone in me body is a spar, and when I spits, I spits tar! I'se hard, I is, I am, I are.  [The correct answer may be found in the Rocks and Shoals page of our unit website.]



4.  Why are there no crow's feet on ships? (At least in theory--in practice, of course, there are often many.)

A crow's foot is a device used to turn a sticking or tight valve hand wheel.  Theya re illegal because they could damage the valve. [This was a gimme.]

5.  What would you find in the ship's manger?  Anchor chain.  [This was a hard one.]

Good luck!

PEARL HARBOR REMEMBERED

In remembrance of the Japanese attack on the United States Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941, Mr. Paul Freely, a history teacher here at Middletown High School, presented the cadets of the NJROTC a detailed 1/350 scale model of the USS Arizona as she appeared in December 1941.  The Arizona was one of the battleships that was sunk on that "Day that will live in Infamy."  Over 1,000 crew members remain entombed therein.  The ship is now a national monument and remains where she was moored on that fateful day and, although no longer still in commission, is still very much an honored part of the United States Navy.  Over the last year Mr. Freely has very kindly donated a number of hand-built models of famous Navy ships, including the U.S.S. Hornet which launched Lt. Col. (later Major General) James Dolittle's famous raid on Japan, President Kennedy's PT-109, and a number of modern ships.  Thank you, Mr. Freely, for helping us remember.  The models can be seen in the NJROTC classroom. 

Mr. Freely present the model of the U.S.S. Arizona to Cadets Parker Robertson, and Noriega.

The U.S.S. Arizona Memorial. 
The white structure is perpendicular to the ship, which you can see settled into the mud of Pearl Harbor. 

TIFFANY'S FOLLY

After two and a half years as a cadet, after rising to the rank of Cadet Lieutenant Junior Grade and serving as Company Operations Officer, after three months of Naval Science III, this represents the sum of Tiffany Parker's acquired knowledge:



The U.S.S. Banana, an amphibious ship envisioned by C/LTJG Tiffany Parker
(Note the very handy wheels!)



WORD OF THE DAY

The WOD for 7 and 8 December is disparage.  Disparage is a verb meaning to belittle.  Example:  The Senior Naval Science Instructor was more likely to disparage Feck's ridiculous attempts than to praise them. 

REMEMBER PEARL HARBOR!

Word of the Day, 6 and 7 December

The WOD for 6 and 7 December is eclectic.  Eclectic is an adjective meaning composed of elements drawn from disparate sources.  Example:  The reviewers praised the restaurant's eclectic selection of dishes, which ranged from Asian stir fries to French ragouts and stew. 

AN OPEN CHALLENGE

Here is a challenge open to all.  The challenge is open-ended, there is no time limit--at least none imposed now.  I can afford to be generous, because none of you will be able to claim the prize!  Before I present the challenge itself, here are the rules:
- The challenge is, as mentioned, open to all, but only a MHS NJROTC cadet may actually receive the prize.  An outside winner will simply receive a public acknowledgement.  There is but one prize.
- The challenge will run until I grow weary of your feeble attempts to win.
- There are five questions.  The first person to correctly answer any three wins.
- Scoundrels who attempt to guess will be disqualified.

Here are the challenges:

1. You are the navigator on the USS Neversail.  Why would you send one of your quartermasters to get a can of relative bearing grease?  ("RBG")
2. Is there such a thing as left-handed monkey wrench?
3. I ask "How long have you been a Cadet"?  What do you answer?
4. Why are there no crow's feet on ships? (At least in theory--in practice, of course, there are often many.)
5. What would you find in the ship's manger?

Good luck!

CONGRATULATIONS MHS NJROTC COLOR GUARD

At the regular December 2nd meeting of the Middletown Board of Education at Middletown High School, the following cadets were honored for their service as members of the cadet color guard that presented the colors during the NYSPHAA's New York State Boys' Soccer Championship Games:

• C/LTJG Trevor Coleman
• C/LCDR Justin Lucchese
• C/LTJG Tiffany Parker
• C/MCPO Jessica Glickman
• C/CPO Robert Ferguson
• C/LT Adam Ballard

Congratulations to all--great job!

MHS NJCIS TEAM MOBILIZED TO FIND THE MIDDIE BEAR

As you may know, the Middie Bear, beloved mascot of Middletown High School, has been bear-napped.  Middie Bear's current status and whereabouts are unknown and, at the request of the senior administration, the Middletown NJCIS has been directed to find the bear and return it to safety.  Cadet Lieutenant Commander Justin "Lunch Bucket" Lucchese has been appointed Special Agent-in-Charge of the Bear Recovery Team (BRT).  Any cadet with knowledge of the bear's whereabouts or any other useful information should contact Lunch Bucket immediately.  Do not attempt to arrest the perpetrator yourself.  Be careful out there.  Stay tuned for news as it develops.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR FIRST CADET SEAMAN!

Congratulations to newly promoted Cadet Seaman L. Rutland--the first freshman to be promoted to that rank this year.  We'll probably have a couple of other new cadet seamen later today, but there's only room  for one number one!  BZ!

The Word of the Day for 2 and 3 December is duplicity.  Duplicity is a noun meaning double dealing or hypocrisy.  Example:  When the Cadet-in-Charge learned that Fedorka was really not attending detention and therefore should have been at drill, he was furious at his duplicity.

DAILY CHALLENGE

Here's a question for any cadet--a "video daily double"--what's wrong with the following picture:

For Sheme!

By the way, the WOD for 1 and 2 December is dogmatic.  Dogmatic is an adjective meaning opinionated, arbitrary, or doctrinal.  Example:  We tried to discourage Scroggins from being so dogmatic, but could never convince him that his opinions might be wrong. 

PRESIDENT'S FITNESS CHALLENGE

We are starting our annual President's Fitness Challenge this week.  Cadets who complete all 5 events with better than average scores when compared against their competitive group will be qualified to wear the NJROTC PT ribbbon.  Those with higher scores will qualify to wear distinctive devices--bronze for those who do better than 60 % of their competitive group, silver for those who do better than 70 % of their competitive group, and gold for those who do better than 85 % of their competitive group.  What's a competitive group?  Basically, boys compete against boys their age, girls compete against girls their age.  So, to qualify, a 16 year old male cadet would have to complete all five events with scores better than 50 % of the 16 year old males across the country.  This will be an ongoing event; in other words, if you don't quite qualify because of your score on the run, you may take the run again and try to better your score.  Good deal!

NEFE PROGRAM FOR NS 4'S

As mentioned in class today, Naval Science 4 cadets will complete the High School Financial Planning Program sponsored by the National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE).  The program will be conducted along with our regular classwork over the next several weeks.  Each student received a student guide which will serve as a workbook and which will be turned in for grade.  The first unit, which we will cover this week, focuses on the benefits of sound financial planning.  The exercises in the first unit--really easy--should be completed by Monday, 6 December.

Thought:  The quote "Compound interest is the powerful force in the universe" is often incorrectly attributed to Albert Einstein.  Whether he really said it or not, it is an interesting quote.  What is compound interest?  It could make you a millionaire by the time you are ready for an early retirement!  This, of course, begs the question of what is compound interest.  You tell me. 

WOD FOR 29 AND 30 NOVEMBER

Welcome back from Thanksgiving break.  The WOD for the 29th and 30th is enigma, a noun meaning a puzzle or mystery.  Example:  Cadet Fedorka's erratic behavior was an enigma to her teachers. 

Here's a quiz open to anyone:  What is going on in the Yellow Sea right now?   Congratulations (again) to Cadet CPO Robert Ferguson who seems to be the only cadet with any initiative at all. 

WORDS OF THE DAY

For 24 November: Ambiguous, an adjective meaning unclear or doubtful in meaning.  Fedorka's ambiguous instructions misled the cadets; they did not know what to do.

For 29 November:  Emulate, a verb meaning to imitate; to rival.  In a brief essay, Fedorka described Schmuckatelli as person whose virtues he would like to emulate.

Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.  And don't worry, school will still be here next week!

WEEKLY CHALLENGE FOR THANKSGIVING WEEK

Here's this week's challenge.  Because this is a short week, the challenge will expire at 0730 Monday, 29 November.  There will be a suitable prize.

For seniors:  Does North Korea have a right to develop nuclear weapons?  If you believe that they do not, why not?  If you believe that they do, do we have a right to stop them?  Be prepared to defend your answer.

For juniors:  You are OOD on a FFG on a course of 000 degrees.  At 0809 you spot a buoy 6 degrees off your starboard bow.  You check the radar and determine that the buoy is 1,000 yards or 1/2 NM ahead.  Assuming that you are making 10 knots good through the water and there is no set and drift, how far will the buoy be off your side when it passes abeam and when will that occur?  (Caution: We haven't discussed this in class, but you can apply what we have discussed in class and a bit of elemental geometry and come up with an easy solution.  Good luck.)

For FROSH:  Who is the highest ranking female in the United States Navy and what rank is she?  Describe the rank insignia she wears.  Congratulations (again) to C/CPO Robert Ferguson who correctly identified VADM Ann Rondeau as the senior female officer on active duty in the United States Navy as well as correctly describing her rank insignia.  Admiral Rondeau is the President of the National Defense University in Washington, D.C.

FIRST PLACE IN ORIENTEERING!

On Saturday, 20 November, twenty seven Middletown High School NJROTC cadets braved the 50 degree weather and clear skies to participate in the Hudson Valley JROTC Orienteering Championship sponsored by the Hudson Valley Orienteering Club.  Congratulations to all the cadets who participated and who didn't get lost in the woods or eaten by a bear and especially to Cadets Michael Robertson and David Geer who, as a team, came in first place in the yellow course competition, the more difficult of the two courses. We also placed third in the white course (congrats to Cadets R. Crossland and T. Hudson) and second overall.  All participants completed training and a test and are now entitled to wear the NJROTC orienteering ribbon.  If you are interested, orienteering is a sport in which the competitors either hike or run using a detailed map and compass to find checkpoints placed in the woods.  Extremely competitive courses are often miles long and sometimes last overnight and take place in winter weather to add extra stress to the competition.  The course in which we participated was 2.3 kilometers in length through the very hilly ground of the Pelton Pond area of New York's Clarence Fahnestock State Park.   The WOD for 22 and 23 November is altruistic.  Altruistic is an adjective meaning unselfishly generous; concerned for others.  Example:  Giving to charity is an altruistic act.  Just in--ORIENTEERING PHOTOS:

First Place Winners, Yellow Course:  Cadets Michael Robertson and David Geer (Any resemblence to Jim Carey and Jeff Daniels, stars of "Dumb and Dumber" is purely coincidental!)

The whole ugly bunch

Pelton Pond

A stream feeding Pelton Pond, typical of the terrain we encountered.

Clueless and Clueless-er

UNIFORM AND INSIGNIA ISSUE PROCESS

Now that we have most people outfitted with uniforms, we can start getting ready for our annual inspection. 

When you need a uniform item, fill out a form available from the rack in the back  of the classroom.  There is a form for insignia and ribbons, a form for uniform items such as shoes, covers, and shirts, and a separate form to report the loss of an item.  Uniform items, including ribbons, will no longer be issued on a "walk-in anytime" basis.  We will issue items during office hours on Tuesdays from 2:30 until 3:15 PM.  During this time, you may present a form and get "while-u-wait" service.  At any other time, simply properly fill out the form and your request will be processed with 24 to 48 hours unless tailoring is required.  If tailoring is required you obviously must be present for a fitting.  This process will minimize confusion, so think ahead and be a part of the solution.  If you need something for Thursday's weekly uniform inspection, you need to be thinking about it the week before, or Tuesday the week of at the latest.

A big word of caution:  You are responsible for the uniform items we issued to you.  While we will replace lost, stolen, or damaged items, you will pay the posted replacement cost, as some cadets already know.  We will, of course, replace items that you have outgrown or which have become unserviceable through normal wear and tear at no cost to you.  The bottom line:  BE CAREFUL WITH YOUR UNIFORM.

UNIFORM INSPECTION

Here are a couple of quick comments on today's weekly uniform inspection:

1. Military bearing is important.  You will be at the position of "at ease" until the inspector approaches.  You should then go to "attention."  Answer questions with "Sir" or "Ma-am."  Don't roll your eyes or move.  If a discrepancies is pointed out, don't break your bearing to look. 
2. Too many cadets need hair cuts.  Some girls need to pay a bit more attention to arranging their hair for the inspection.
3. Shoes need attention.
4. Some males are putting their belts on backwards.
5. Rig you uniform the night before--do it at home in good lighting and get it right.  Check the placement of your J-bar, ribbons, and name tag.
6. Read the guidance on exactly how to rig your uniform--it's in you Cadet Reference Manual.  You can also find all the info you need on our unit website.
7. Learn your general knowledge.
8. Listen to the word that is put out.
9. The WOD for 18/19 November is alleviate, a verb meaning to relieve.  This should alleviate the problem; if it does not, we will try something else.

WORD OF THE DAY FOR 18 NOVEMBER

The WOD for 18 November is apathy (n.), meaning a lack of caring; indifference.  Example:  A particularly squared-away individual, Fedorka could not believe the apathy of piggy cadets who never bothered to shine their nasty shoes.

ROBERT FERGUSON MEMORIAL WEEKLY CHALLENGE

Congratulations to C/CPO Robert Ferguson who correctly identified the Jack o' the Dust as the petty officer in charge of breaking food out of the ship's reefer (deep freeze). 

Here's this week's weekly "one size fits all" challenge:  Describe the duties of the Jack o' the Dust.  This challenge expires at 0730 Friday, 19 November.  There will be a prize.  First come, first served.

Don't forget the Name the Ugly Baby Contest.

HOW TO GET PROMOTED

So you want to “rank up”?  Do you know how cadets are selected for promotion and assignment to positions of higher rank, or do you just assume that it happens automatically?  Here’s a quick overview of how we actually choose cadets for promotion and what you can do to get rank...
(Go to the full article on our unit website at https://sites.google.com/site/middletownnynjrotc/unit-military-matters.  Look for the attached document.)

WEEKLY UINIFORM INSPECTIONS, SECOND MARKING PERIOD

We're in the second marking period now and the weekly uniform inspections are starting again this week.  Every cadet--especially those taking independent studies--MUST be present at each inspection unless excused, whether in uniform or not.  If you miss a uniform day, you should make it up.  Wearing you uniform and ensuring your grade is recorded is your responsibility.  If you come in late, remember to see an instructor with a pass.  Each student will be allowed to make one uniform day this marking period.  Here's a summary of how you will be graded:

• 0 for a no-show with no acceptable excuse.
• 5 if you show up at the weekly inspection not in uniform.  Can be converted to a 7 later if you make it up the same week.
• 6 for being in uniform with significant problems (hair, shave, shoes, etc.).  Note that a grade of 5 or less may be assigned for gross uniform violations.
• 7 for appearing in an average looking uniform.
• 8 for an above average (everything looks good, you know your required general knowledge, and you have good bearing)
• 9 for an exceptional showing.
• 10 for an exceptional showing validated by an instructor.

There will be 10 grades available, 9 mandatory and one make-up or extra-credit.  Inspections will be on the following dates:

• 18 NOV (Thu.)
• 23 NOV (Tues., the last full day before Thanksgiving break.) 
• 2 DEC (Thu.)
• 9 DEC (Thu.  Drill team members going to the Naugatuck Drill Meet will be in school attire so as to prepare an inspection ready uniform.) 
• 16 DEC (Thu.)
• 22 Dec (Tues., the full day before winter break.)
• 6 Jan (Thu. Drill team members going to the MLK Drill Meet will be in school attire so as to prepare an inspection ready uniform.)
• 13 Jan (Thu.)
• A make-up/extra credit day to be arranged individually with you instructor.

WASHINGTONVILLE DRILL MEET

On Saturday, 13 November our drill team competed against cadets from 13 other schools at the annual invitational drill meet hosted by Washingtonville High School.  Stop the press:  The WOD for 16 November is anarchist (n.):  a person who seeks to overturn the established government; advocate of abolishining authority.  Example:  Denying he was an ararchist, Feck maintained he only wanted to make the government better, not destroy it.  Back to our story:  Events at the drill meet included armed and unarmed squad, personnel inspection, and color guard.  The official results will be posted on the unit web site as son as we get them, but it is fair to say we would have done better if unit leaders had memorized the drill cards.  Here are some photos:



Getting off the bus.






Room 225--our home base for the meet.

Discussing the schedule of events.

Preparations

Armed squad

"Game Face"

VETERANS' DAY TRIP TO NEW YORK CITY

Over 75 Middletown Cadets [this would be where our unit name would go if we had one!] were on the road to New York City for the 91st annual Veteran's Parade, traditionally the largest in the country.  As a unit, we looked particularly good--our cadets were well-turned out in the correct uniform and stood by in good order awaiting the ceremony and start of the parade itself.  The event was attended by Governor Patterson, Representative Rangel, Mayor Bloomberg, and a host of other dignitaries.  It was the best Veterans' Day weather-wise in recent years by far; the weather was clear and the temps were in the 50s.  Before the ceremony the cadets had the opportunity to explore the area Madison Square Park in small groups.  There were participants from all over, including a large contingent of Korean veterans from both the Republic of Korea Navy and Army.  We were honored to be asked to carry a garrison flag--a very large flag (20 feet by 38 feet) that would normally be flown on the tallest flag pole of an army fort--in the lead division of the parade.  The flag weighed over 100 pounds and it took nearly all of our cadets to control it when the breeze caught it.  On the way back we stopped at Palisades Mall for an early dinner where prodigious quantities of sugar and other health foods were consumed by our hungry cadets.  A vote was taken and, Commander Wall casting 51% of the votes, the radio was not played on the bus on the way back.  The following pictures were taken by Cadet Evan Camacho:

Governor Patterson

Not Governor Patterson

Either an American Bald Eagle or a really "cut" parakeet

The Empire State Building.  If you look closely you will note that King Kong was not in residence.

Not King Kong

The famous Flat Iron Building.



The garrison flag




Another view of the garrison flag



MHS NJROTC banner and color guard



MHS Cadet Color Guard





The Evil Doer



WORD OF THE DAY FOR MONDAY, 15 NOVEMBER

The WOD for 15 November is:  Ambivalence (n.): the state of having contradictory or conflicting emotional attitude.  Example:  Torn between the desire to stay up all night playing video games and the need to study for quarterly exams, Fedorka was confused by the ambivalence of his feelings.

WORD OF THE DAY FOR 10 NOVEMBER

To find today's WOD go to the Unit Military Matters section of our unit website.

AND THE MAGIC WORD IS...

Every day I will place a Word of the Day ("WOD") somewhere either in plain sight here in the blog or in our unit website.  If I place it in the unit website, I will provide a cue so you can find it.  The first person to report the WOD to me gets a prize (a small prize), but everyone else must also know it.  Why am I doing this?  First, the words I select are often found in the SAT exam, if you want to go to college you should know them.  Second, I want you all to get in the habit of checking the blog and website for the most recent news and this is my way of capturing your attention.  Today's WOD is hypocritical, an adjective meaning pretending to be virtuous; deceiving.  Example:  Believing Fedorka to interested only in his own advancement, Scroggins resented his hypocritical posing as a friend. 

NAME THE UGLY BABY CONTEST

Let's have a contest!  The NJROTC unit at dear old Middletown High School needs a name and motto.  Here are the rules:

1. Any cadet may submit an entry.  Multiple entries WILL be accepted.  The name of the submitting cadet must be included on each entry.
2. Each entry must be submitted on a separate sheet of paper and must be legible and grammatically correct.
3. The name (or nickname) should be short--one or two words--something we could put on a flag, banner, and letterhead.
4. The motto may be longer, but should not be more than 10 words.  Latin is acceptable.
5. A contestant need not, but may, submit both a nickname and motto.
6. A board consisting of the company commander and at least two other cadets will select three nicknames and mottoes.  This board, together with the SNSI and NSI shall make the final choice.
7. All entries must be received by 19 November.  A decision will be made by 19 November.  All decision will be final.
8. There will be a prize.  You will like it.

Now "turn to."

NEW WEEKLY CHALLENGE, WEEK OF 8 NOVEMBER

Here's the challenge for the week of 8 November: This challenge is now closed.

Seniors:  Who is likely to become the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives?  Congratulations to C/CPO D. Levien who correctly identified the presumptive Speaker as Rep. John Boehner.  

Juniors:  Name the ship on which the closest thing to a mutiny in the U.S. Navy actually occurred.  No, it was not the Amistad!  The correct answer:  The Brig of War, USS Somers, 1842, en route to the United States from a Mediterranean deployment. 

Sophomores:  This is more of a contest--Come up with the most interesting quotation you can find.  From the quotations submitted, I will select the one that I consider most interesting.  Congratulations to Cadet Robert Ferguson who submitted a number of interesting entries.  One of my favorites:  "A ship without Marines is like a garment without buttons." - Admiral David Porter, USN  (It is a documented fact that the United States government, sometime after Admiral Porter's remarks, commissioned the development of Velcro specifically to avoid the need for buttons on garments.  Thin about it.)

Freshmen:  Who is third in the line of succession to the presidency of the United States?  (Second if you don't include the president.)  Congratulations to C/SA Jorge Esquivel who correctly identified the Speaker of the House as being third in line. 

This challenge will close out at 0730 on Friday 12 November.  Remember, there is no school on Friday. 

AIR RIFLE

The sporter air rifle  marksmansmanship team sponsored by Middletown American Legion Post 151 will start its annual season on Monday, 15 November.  Meet in the upper room of the American Legion promptly at 6 PM, bring paperwork and money.

COMPANY DINING-IN, MONDAY, 1 NOVEMBER 2010

This past Monday we conducted our 3rd annual dining-in at Post 151 of the American Legion.  The event was the official welcome of our new cadets into the unit.  Over 80 cadets attended, our largest turn-out, a remarkable fact considering only 54 signed up (if you didn't catch it there's a message hidden here!).  We almost ran out food--never a good thing--and, pressed by the need to get out of the Legion Hall early to allow time to set up for Tuesday's polling station to be set up, we compressed our usually sedate schedule of events and, unfortunately, missed the platoon skits.  Nevertheless, the food was good, and our new mess mates learned a couple of the finer points of military tradition and service etiquette.  We also recognized the cadets of the month for October (Tiffany Parker, Samantha Migliori, and Jonathan Gomez) and promoted 18 cadets into positions of greater leadership including new platoon chief petty officers R. Ferguson, D. Levien, and T. Rousey; platoon guides D. Geer, E. Mann, and F. Rodriguez; as well as nine new squad leaders and three assistant squad leaders.  Beyond the sing-along conducted by Cadet Evan Camacho, it would be hard to pick out the highlight of the evening, but here are a few of the many images:

Cadet Adam Ballar, "Mr. Vice," seated with all his friends.

Commander Wall does one more push than the company CO.

Sometimes you catch two deer in the headlights!

Master Sergeant charges cadets to learn "Anchors Aweigh" by the Military Ball.

Upperclass recognition and promotions.

A platoon table.  (Sugar Smacks?  Wipers? Vanilla Wafers?)

Who knows?