University of Rochester NROTC Trains Local NJROTC Cadets

ROCHESTER, N. Y. -- (NNS) -- Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) midshipmen from University of Rochester hosted local western New York area Naval Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) units for a Leadership Reaction Course (LRC) on the Rochester campus, March 20.

The cadets from the Western New York Maritime Charter School in Buffalo, N. Y., and students from the local Rochester School No. 8, toured the University of Rochester and had the opportunity to interact with NROTC Rochester's battalion of midshipmen.

Capt. Jeff Bartkoski, commanding officer of NROTC Rochester, spoke briefly about the NROTC program and then the visitors worked with the midshipmen to complete a Leadership Reaction Course, or LRC. The visiting cadets and students also had the chance to ask questions and see what opportunities the NROTC program provides.

"It is just as good for the NROTC unit as it is the NJROTC Cadets to come together," said Bartkoski. "It gives the midshipmen opportunities to interact, learn, and practice leadership with folks they are not with on an everyday basis."

Bartkoski said interacting with students and cadets in the nearby community provides leadership experiences for the Rochester battalion while helping to develop students as future leaders in their communities.

During the LRC the objective for the midshipmen, cadets and students was to construct a device capable of preventing an egg from cracking after a fall of 15 feet. Teams were only allowed to use plastic drinking straws, tape, and scissors, all of which were provided.

The battalion, along with their visitors, was split into four teams. Within each team, members were further split into groups; blue, yellow, and green. Green members were not allowed to talk or touch materials, but could operate the scissors. Yellow members were allowed to talk, but could not move or in any way assist in the building. Blue members could use the materials and build the project, but were forced to do so wearing a blindfold.

This was a difficult exercise in both team work and communication. In the end, two of the four teams were able to build a device that kept their egg safe and un-cracked after it fell to the ground.

"The LRC was definitely a challenge," said Cadet Lt. Olivia Mann of the Western New York Maritime Charter School NJROTC unit. "I'm an outgoing person and for me not to be able to talk and have to communicate in other ways (such as hand signals) was a personal challenge. I liked that everyone came together and worked as a team."

Cadet Petty Officer 3rd Class Sharif Woods, from the unit, said the training was great.

"I had a really good time visiting the university and the midshipmen," said Woods. "The training provided by the midshipmen really showed how important teamwork is and I look forward to applying that training in the work we do here at Maritime."

Bartkoski added that the visit and LRC were learning experiences for both the midshipmen and the visiting cadets and one students would not likely forget. He also intends to continue the relationship that has been established with both schools.

The NROTC program, overseen by Naval Service Training Command (NSTC) headquartered on Naval Station Great Lakes, Ill., was established to develop midshipmen mentally, morally and physically and to imbue them with the highest ideals of duty, and loyalty, and with the core values of honor, courage and commitment in order to commission college graduates as Naval officers who possess a basic professional background, are motivated toward careers in the Naval service, and have a potential for future development in mind and character so as to assume the highest responsibilities of command, citizenship and government.

NJROTC is a citizenship program that instills service to the United States, personal responsibility and a sense of accomplishment in students in United States secondary educational institutions. The NJROTC program teaches cadets self-discipline, self-confidence and leadership skills to help meet life's challenges, and helps prepare them for life after high school, regardless of what career path they decide to take. NSTC oversees more than 580 NJROTC units worldwide.

For more news from Naval Service Training Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/greatlakes/.