WELCOME ABOARD PACKAGE fall13 (updated 09AUG13)

Table of ContentsINTRODUCTION...4 HISTORY OF NROTC...4 MISSION...4 OBJECTIVE...4 THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY...4 THE NROTC UNIT...5 FRESHMAN ORIENTATION PROGRAM...5 BACKGROUND...5 GENERAL

WELCOME ABOARD

NAVAL RESERVE OFFICER TRAINING CORPS

THE OHIO STATE UNIVERISTY

Congratulations and Welcome Aboard!

As Commanding Officer of the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps at The Ohio State University, I would like to thank you for choosing The Ohio State University My staff and I would like to extend a warm “welcome aboard” to the new officer candidates, MECEP, scholarship, and college program midshipmen and welcome you to one of the finest NROTC units in the country Each of you should feel a strong sense of personal pride and satisfaction for the many achievements that have led to your acceptance into the NROTC program Your efforts have earned you an opportunity of a lifetime which will challenge you while providing immeasurable rewards Your future success now depends on how well you handle the significant challenges facing you in the new environment you are entering

I know you will have many questions about the University and the NROTC program This package is designed to answer some of the most commonly asked questions If there is something you are still unsure of, my staff and I will be pleased to provide the information you require.

We look forward to working with you and assisting you in any way we can Again, congratulations and welcome aboard!!

Donald R Cuddington Captain, U S Navy Commanding Officer

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION 4

HISTORY OF NROTC 4

MISSION 4

OBJECTIVE 4

THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY 4

THE NROTC UNIT 5

FRESHMAN ORIENTATION PROGRAM 5

BACKGROUND 5

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS 6

PARENTS 6

HOUSING FOR ORIENTATION 6

PHYSICAL FITNESS 6

WHAT TO BRING FOR ORIENTATION 7

PAPERWORK CHECKLIST 8

GROOMING REGULATIONS 9

DRIVING DIRECTIONS TO CONVERSE HALL 13

FRESHMAN ORIENTATION SCHEDULE OF KEY EVENTS 14

EDUCATION AND TRAINING 15

BACKGROUND 15

DEFINITION OF TERMS 15

SERVICE OBLIGATION 15

ACADEMIC MAJORS 15

ACADEMICS 17

PERFORMANCE REVIEW BOARDS 18

PHYSICAL FITNESS STANDARDS 20

SUMMER TRAINING EXPERIENCE 21

NROTC ACTIVITIES 22

ACADEMIC SURVIVAL 25

INTRODUCTION HISTORY OF NROTC

The Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps

was first established in 1926 to offer certain

college students the necessary Naval

Science courses required to earn

commissions in the Naval Reserve As a

result of this plan, NROTC units are now

established at many colleges and universities

across the country Graduates of these units

are expected to be of a caliber comparable to

those of the U.S Naval Academy

MISSION

“The mission of the Naval ROTC Unit at

The Ohio State University is to develop

midshipmen mentally, and physically and to

imbue them with the highest ideals of duty,

honor, and loyalty.” Ohio State graduates

commissioned in the Navy and Marine

Corps possess basic professional knowledge

and are motivated toward careers in the sea

services They are expected to develop in

mind and body to attain the highest levels of

citizenship, patriotism, and leadership

4 An understanding of the fundamentalconcepts and principles of naval science

5 A basic understanding of associated professional knowledge

6 An appreciation of national security, national strategy and maritime strategy

7 A lifestyle which promotes high standards of personal excellence in health, nutrition, physical fitness andperformance

THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY

The Ohio State University is acomprehensive land-grant universityoffering a balanced program ofundergraduate and graduate instruction inthe arts and sciences Its exceptional faculty,innovative programs, and support services,together with its extremely competitive

tuition costs, make Ohio State one of the

best buys in higher education today

THE NROTC UNIT

The Ohio State NROTC Unit has a long

history of developing highly successful

commissioned officers for the naval services

in all warfare specialties Our program

stresses leadership, which is the "constant

factor in a changing world" and is the

essence of being an officer in the sea

services The NROTC unit is composed of

active duty Navy and Marine Corps officers

and enlisted personnel It is commanded by

a Navy Captain who also serves the

University as the Professor of Naval

Science Naval Science courses are taught

by the staff officers who also serve as class

advisors

CONCLUSION

First, the NROTC Unit is designed to teach

and qualify you for a commission It will

require your scholarship, dedication,

courage, and tenacity Secondly, the staff is

here to help you become as successful as

possible Their doors are always open to

discuss academic, career, or personal

concerns An appointment is not required,

but it does require your initiative to let us

know how we can help Finally, read this

book carefully This book is intended to

provide some information to assist in your

transition from civilian life to the naval

service There is a great deal for you tolearn, both academically and professionally

“The mission to develop midshipmen morally, mentally, and physically and to imbue them with the highest ideals of duty, honor, and loyalty.”

FRESHMAN ORIENTATION

PROGRAM BACKGROUND

The Freshman Orientation program isprovided for all incoming freshman NROTCstudents, including all 3 and 4 yearscholarship and College Program students.The purpose of the Freshman OrientationProgram is to provide students theopportunity to quickly assimilate theprerequisite knowledge required to function

in the Battalion The following objectiveswill be accomplished:

 Introduction to and overview of the NROTC program at Ohio State

 Basic indoctrination in customs, courtesies, traditions, and organization; including unit regulations and chain of command

 Basic competency in military drill and ceremony

 Physical fitness training

 Team building with your newclassmates (friendships developedwill last long beyond your universityexperiences)

 Introduction of new members of the

naval services to a military

environment

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

The Orientation Program begins on Monday

the week before classes officially start at

OSU and runs through the following Friday

It is held at Converse Hall, 2121 Tuttle Park

on the campus of The Ohio State University

If you get lost or have any problems while

traveling call (614) 292-6015 You should

arrive in appropriate civilian clothing; a

collared shirt and tie and a pair of

trousers/slacks for men and a blouse and

trousers/slacks for women Attendance at

Freshman Orientation is mandatory for all

incoming freshmen and mid-year enrollees

to the battalion Mid-year enrollees will

attend the first available Freshman

Orientation Exceptions will be considered

on a case-by-case basis MECEP and

Officer Candidates do not attend Freshman

Orientation

Freshman orientation is challenging, but is

not the equivalent of boot camp It is not

graded and you cannot fail It will give you

a “jump start” and the opportunity to meet

the staff and your midshipman peers, many

of whom you will work with throughout

your Navy or Marine Corps career

PARENTS

Many students have their parents drive them

to Freshman Orientation We encourage

your parents to attend the opening

presentation During the presentation we

will have the Swearing-in Ceremony for

scholarship students The staff will also be

available to answer any questions your

parents may have after the opening

presentation Lunch will also be provided

for you and your parents by the NROTCUnit

HOUSING FOR ORIENTATION

Your residence hall will usually be available

for early check-in on the same day

Freshman Orientation begins, between 9:00a.m and 11:00 am The cost of early check

in will be covered by the NROTC Unitprovided you complete FreshmanOrientation The NROTC Unit will onlycover your early check in for the times youare at Freshman Orientation If you choose

to move in before Freshman Orientation,you will be responsible for paying for thosedays Early check-in is a nice benefit as itlets you avoid the “rush” that occurs whenthe remaining students arrive You shouldreceive a letter from the university statingyour eligibility for early check-in and theprocedures for payment of this additionalfee The early check-in fee does not includemeals Most meals during this period will

be provided, at no cost, by the NROTC Unit

in conjunction with orientation training

PHYSICAL FITNESS

One of the objectives of orientation is toexpose you to the Navy’s Physical FitnessAssessment (PFA) The PFA consists of fiveparts: a body fat measurement, a toetouching flexibility test, the maximumnumber of sit-ups you can do in 2 minutes,the maximum number of pushups you can

do in 2 minutes and a timed 1.5 mile run.The purpose of the test during orientation is

not to evaluate you for fitness in the

program—it is designed to show you how to

run the test prior to running it with the other

students in the unit later in the Fall Our

program is physically demanding so you

should prepare yourself by running up to 1.5

miles daily and drinking plenty of fluids

Note: You need to be physically

qualified by a recent physician’s

certification in order to participate

in the physical portion of the

NROTC Freshman Orientation

Program.

MEDICAL INSURANCE

Every precaution is taken by the staff to

ensure that all NROTC activities are

conducted with a “safety first” motto In

case of injury or sickness, a medical clinic is

available at The Ohio State University

Normally, most students are afforded

medical insurance under their parents’

coverage vice subscribing to the

University’s Insurance Plan However, if

this does not apply, the NROTC Unit

strongly recommends that you enroll in the

OSU student medical insurance plan It

should be noted that health insurance is

mandatory for students, whether it is

through the University’s health plan or

otherwise

WHAT TO BRING FOR

ORIENTATION

1 One set of civilian attire in addition

to the set in which you arrive (shirt,trousers, tie, blouse, slacks);

2 8 white crew neck T-Shirts (required

to be worn underneath uniform)

3 5 pairs of white athletic socks

4 A conservative, one-piece swim suit

10 Old pair of blue jeans

11 Old sweatshirt and old T-shirt

12 Pens, pencil, paper, notebook

13 Toiletries

14 Shower shoes

15 Appropriate undergarments

16 Padlock

17 Black shoe polish

18 Incidental expense money ($30.00 recommended)

19 HAIRCUT conforming to Naval

regulations (see attached)

RECOMMENDED ITEMS

1 Swim goggles

2 Iron/Ironing board (for dorm room)

3 One can of spray starch

4 Black shoe edge dressing

UNIFORM ITEMS TO BE ISSUED DURING ORIENTATION

1 Khaki pants

2 Khaki shirt

3 2 pairs of black socks

4 Black leather shoes

5 Garrison cover

6 NROTC PT shirtOfficer Candidates should note that clothingallowances will be discontinued whileenrolled in the NROTC program

OC AND MECEP SPONSORS

Officer candidates and MECEP participants

will be assigned a sponsor from the NROTC

battalion Contact the office at (614)

292-6015 for further information

PAPERWORK CHECKLIST

Turn in the following documents to the

NROTC Unit as soon as possible:

1.Copy of Birth Certificate

2.Copy of High School Transcript

3.I.D Card Application

4.Emergency Data Form

5.College Program Application (for those

who are not scholarship)

6.High School Data Form

7.Medical Examination/Sports Physical

Deliver or send to:

Commanding Officer

NROTC Unit

The Ohio State University

2121 Tuttle Park Place (Converse Hall)

Columbus, Ohio 43210

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS

If you have any questions regarding theNROTC Program or the Orientation atConverse Hall, please feel free to contact us

by letter, phone, or visit the office Ourphone number is (614) 292-6015 We lookforward to meeting you

GROOMING REGULATIONS

a GENERAL The primary consideration is to have a neatly groomed appearance while wearing naval uniforms Grooming standards are based on several elements including neatness, cleanliness, safety, military image and appearance The standards established here are not

intended to be overly restrictive nor are they designed to isolate Navy or Marine Corps personnelfrom society The limits set forth are reasonable, enforceable, and insure that personal

appearance contributes to a favorable military image The difference between men's and women'sgrooming policies recognizes the difference between the sexes; sideburns for men, different hairstyles and cosmetics for women Establishing identical grooming and personal appearance standards for men and women would not be in the Navy's best interest and is not a factor in the assurance of equal opportunity

b PERSONAL APPEARANCE Because it is impossible to provide examples of every appropriate or unacceptable hairstyle of "conservative" or "eccentric" grooming, the good

judgment of leaders at all levels is key to enforcement of Navy grooming policy Therefore, hair/grooming standards while in uniform shall present a neat, professional appearance

(1) HAIR

(a) Men Keep hair neat, clean and well groomed Hair above the ears and around theneck shall be tapered from the lower natural hairline upwards at least 3/4 inch and outward not greater than 3/4 inch to blend with hair- style Hair on the back of the neck must not touch the collar Hair shall be no longer than four inches and may not touch the ears, collar, extend below eyebrows when headgear is removed, show under front edge of headgear, or interfere with properly wearing military headgear The bulk of the hair shall not exceed approximately two inches Bulk is defined as the distance that the mass of hair protrudes from the scalp Hair coloring must look natural and complement the individual Faddish styles and outrageous multicolored hair are not authorized The unique quality and texture of curled, kinked, waved, and straight hair are recognized, and in some cases the 3/4 inch taper at the back of the neck may

be difficult to attain In those cases hair must present a graduated appearance and may combine the taper with a line at the back of the neck One (cut, clipped or shaved) natural, narrow, fore and aft part is authorized Varying hairstyles, including afro, are permitted if these styles meet the criteria of maximum length and bulk, tapered neck and sides, and do not interfere with properly wearing military headgear Plaited or braided hair shall not be worn while in uniform or

in a duty status Keep sideburns neatly trimmed and tailored in the same manner as the haircut Sideburns shall not extend below a point level with the middle of the ear, shall be of even width (not flared) and shall end with a clean shaven horizontal line "Muttonchops", "ship's captain",

or similar grooming modes are not authorized

The figure above is a visual reference for the Navy grooming standards for men ( - indicates

the scalp line) Sideburns shall not extend below a point level with the middle of the ear, as

indicated by line "A" When a mustache is worn it shall not: Go below a horizontal line extending across the corner of the mouth as indicated by line "B" Extend more than 1/4 inch beyond a vertical line drawn upward from the corners of the mouth as indicated by line "C" Protrude below the lip line of the upper lip as indicated by line "D" Hairstyle properly groomed shall not be greater than approximately 2 inches in bulk Bulk is the distance that the mass of hair protrudes from the scalp No individual hair will measure more than 4 inches in length

(b) Women Hairstyles shall not be outrageously multicolored or faddish, to include shaved portions of the scalp (other than the neckline), or have designs cut or braided into the hair Haircuts and styles shall present a balanced appearance Lopsided and extremely

asymmetrical styles are not authorized Ponytails, pigtails, widely spaced individual hanging locks, and braids which protrude from the head are not authorized Multiple braids are

authorized Braided hairstyles shall be conservative and conform to the guidelines listed herein When a hairstyle of multiple braids is worn, braids shall be of uniform dimension, small in diameter (approx 1/4 inch), and tightly interwoven to present a neat, professional, well groomed appearance Foreign material (i.e., beads, decorative items) shall not be braided into the hair Short hair may be braided in symmetrical fore and aft rows (corn rowing) which minimize scalp exposure Corn row ends shall not protrude from the head, and shall be secured only with

inconspicuous rubber bands that match the color of the hair Appropriateness of a hairstyle shall also be judged by its appearance when headgear is worn All headgear shall fit snugly and comfortably around the largest part of the head without distortion or excessive gaps Hair shall not show from under the front of the brim of the combination hat, garrison, or command ball caps Hairstyles which do not allow headgear to be worn in this manner, or which interfere with the proper wear of protective masks or equipment are prohibited When in uniform, the hair may touch, but not fall below a horizontal line level with the lower edge of the back of the collar With jumper uniforms, hair may extend a maximum of 1-1/2 inches below the top of the jumper collar Long hair, including braids, which fall below the lower edge of the collar shall be neatly and inconspicuously fastened, pinned, or secured to the head No portion of the bulk of the hair

as measured from the scalp will exceed approximately 2 inches Figure 2-2-2 refers A maximum

of two small barrettes/combs/ clips, similar to hair color, may be used in the hair Additional bobby pins or rubber bands matching hair color may be used to hold hair in place, if necessary

Fabric elastics and colored rubber bands/pins are not authorized Hair ornaments shall not

present a safety or FOD (Foreign Object Damage) hazard Hair nets shall not be worn unless authorized for a specific type of duty

The figure above is a visual reference for the Navy grooming standards for women Haircuts andstyles shall present a balanced appearance Lopsided and extremely asymmetrical styles are not authorized Ponytails, pigtails, widely spaced individual hanging locks, and braids which

protrude from the head are not authorized Multiple braids are authorized No portion of the bulk

of the hair as measured from the scalp shall exceed approximately 2 inches Hair shall not fall below a horizontal line level with the lower edge of the back of the collar as indicated by line A

(2) SHAVING AND MUSTACHES (Men) The face shall be clean shaven unless a shaving waiver is authorized by the Commanding Officer per BUPERSINST 1000.22

Mustaches are authorized but shall be kept neatly and closely trimmed No portion of the

mustache shall extend below the lip line of the upper lip It shall not go beyond a horizontal line extending across the corners of the mouth and no more than 1/4 inch beyond a vertical line drawn from the corner of the mouth The length of an individual mustache hair fully extended shall not exceed approximately 1/2 inch

(3) HAIRPIECES Wigs or hairpieces shall be of good quality and fit, present a natural appearance and conform to the grooming standards set forth in these regulations They shall not interfere with the proper performance of duty nor present a safety or FOD (Foreign Object Damage) hazard

(a) Men Wigs or hairpieces may be worn by active duty personnel while in uniform

or duty status only for cosmetic reasons to cover natural baldness or physical disfigurement

(b) Women Wigs or hairpieces meeting women's grooming standards are authorized for wear by personnel while in uniform or duty status

(4) COSMETICS (Women) Cosmetics may be applied in good taste so that colors blendwith natural skin tone and enhance natural features Exaggerated or faddish cosmetic styles are not authorized with the uniform and shall not be worn Care should be taken to avoid an artificialappearance Lipstick colors shall be conservative and complement the individual Long false eyelashes shall not be worn when in uniform

(5) FINGERNAILS.

(a) Men Fingernails shall not extend past fingertips They shall be kept clean

(b) Women Fingernails shall not exceed 1/4 inch measured from the fingertip They shall be kept clean Nail polish may be worn, but colors shall be conservative and complement the skin tone

(6) JEWELRY Conservative jewelry is authorized for all personnel and shall be in goodtaste while in uniform Eccentricities or faddishness are not permitted Jewelry shall not present asafety or FOD (Foreign Object Damage) hazard Jewelry shall be worn within the following guidelines:

(a) Rings While in uniform, only one ring per hand is authorized, plus a

wedding/engagement ring set

(b) Earrings

1 Men Not authorized while in uniform Additionally, earrings are not authorized in civilian attire when in a duty status or while in/aboard any ship, craft, aircraft, or inany military vehicle or within any base or other place under military jurisdiction, or while

participating in any organized military recreational activities

2 Women One earring per ear (centered on earlobe) may be worn while in uniform Earrings shall be 6mm ball (approximately 1/4 inch), plain with brushed matte finish, screw-on or with posts Gold for officers/CPOs, and silver for enlisted personnel Small single pearl earrings are authorized for wear with Dinner and Formal Dress uniforms

(c) Body Piercing Not authorized while in uniform No articles, other than earrings for women specified above, shall be attached to or through the ear, nose, or any other body part Additionally, body piercing is not authorized in civilian attire when in a duty status or while in/aboard any ship, craft, aircraft, or in any military vehicle or within any base or other place under military jurisdiction, or while participating in any organized military recreational activities

(d) Necklaces/Choker While in uniform, only one necklace may be worn and it shallnot be visible

(e) Wristwatch/Bracelets While in uniform, only one of each may be worn Ankle bracelets are not authorized while in uniform

DRIVING DIRECTIONS TO CONVERSE HALL

FROM THE NORTH - Take I-71 South to I-270 West Follow I-270 West to S.R 315 South Exit at Lane Avenue Turn left onto Lane Avenue Converse Hall is at the corner of Lane

Avenue and Tuttle Park Place on the right hand side of Lane

FROM THE SOUTH - Take I-71 North to S.R 315 North Exit at Lane Avenue Turn right ontoLane Avenue Converse Hall is at the corner of Lane Avenue and Tuttle Park Place on the right hand side of Lane

FROM THE EAST - Take I-70 West to S.R 315 North Exit at Lane Avenue Turn right onto Lane Avenue Converse Hall is at the corner of Lane Avenue and Tuttle Park Place on the right hand side of Lane

FROM THE WEST – Take I-70 East to 670 East Follow I-670 East to S.R 315 North Exit at Lane Avenue Turn right onto Lane Avenue Converse Hall is at the corner of Lane Avenue and Tuttle Park Place on the right hand side of Lane

FROM THE NORTH CAMPUS RESIDENCE HALLS – Follow Curl Drive (One Way) to Neil Avenue Turn left on Neil Avenue until it dead ends at Tuttle Park Place Converse Hall is at the intersection of Curl Drive and Tuttle Park Place

FROM THE SOUTH CAMPUS RESIDENCE HALLS – Go North on College Avenue to

Woodruff Turn left onto Woodruff Follow Woodruff to Tuttle Park Place Turn right on Tuttle Park Place Converse Hall will be immediately on your left

FROM THE WEST CAMPUS RESIDENCE HALLS (Lincoln and Morrill Towers) - Go North

on Cannon Drive (towards the stadium) Cannon Drive will dead end near St John’s Arena at Woody Hayes Drive Take a right onto Woody Hayes The next light will be Tuttle Park Place Turn left onto Tuttle Park Place and Converse Hall will be immediately on your left

To avoid receiving a parking citation, youmust obtain a daily parking pass or alreadyhave a designated space parking pass

FRESHMAN ORIENTATION SCHEDULE OF KEY EVENTS

(Parents able to see the students only before or after the Schedule of events for the entire day)

Monday - August 12th 0900-1100 Freshmen Check in Dorms

1100-1200 Lunch (Parents)

1200-1230

Oath Sea Power video Motivational Video Introduce Staff

Wednesday - August 14th

0545-1930

Physical Training Close Order Drill NROTC Clubs Campus Safety

Thursday - August 15th

0530-1830

Swimming Close Order Drill Professional Speaking Stadium Clean Ups Functional Fitness

Friday - August 16th

0530-1515

Company Run Drill Practice Inspection Unit Field Day

EDUCATION AND TRAINING