All training at Information Warfare Training Command (IWTC) Corry Station begins and ends with Navy Military Training (NMT).

NMT is a program conducted at Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) "A" and follow-on "C" schools designed to continue the professional and personal development of junior enlisted Sailors during their initial phase of naval service. This performance-based training process, provided by military instructors, enables a smooth transition from a highly structured recruit training environment experienced at boot camp to one of personal accountability and responsibility.

"We are like the bun of a cheeseburger. We are the first and last faces these Sailors interact with at Corry Station," said Fire Controlman 1st Class Joel Abbott. "With this much visibility lies a large amount of responsibility in shaping these Sailors' lives in a positive way, and the NMT program at Corry Station has and continues to exceed expectations."

The core of the NMT program lies at the source, the instructors. From the moment they arrive, Sailors are looking for an appropriate role model to emulate and will follow leaders who gain their confidence and respect. IWTC Corry Station's newest Sailors have volunteered to serve their country and are influenced by the actions of their leadership. Before any instructor can have the opportunity directly impact a Sailors life they must first be prepared to lead.

Navy Military Training Instructors (NMTI) are first selected from a pool of candidates and then screened for suitability. Those selected then complete the Navy Instructor Training Course prior to reporting to their ultimate duty station. Prospective NMTIs are assigned a mentor to guide them through the certification process unique to each command. In order to stay sharp and maintain staff proficiency and focus, commands conduct periodic military in-service training in support of NMT at least annually or as needed.

NMTIs are expected to provide balanced and reflective descriptions of the fleet environment in order to help build confidence and understanding of the challenges to come. They teach new Sailors an appreciation of the Navy's unique role in forward operations and pass on their own enthusiasm and personal pride for their chosen profession.

"A large part of what we try to develop in these Sailors is resiliency," said Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Omri Dixon. "Not only do we want to tell them of the deep satisfaction of rigorous challenges, personal sacrifice and successful missions of shipmates served with and deployments made, but we also want to teach them that it is ok to fail and you can and will bounce back from it much stronger."

IWTC Corry Station's NMT is intended to maintain a military environment that promotes and reinforces pride and professionalism, culture of fitness and academic excellence.

Prior to any training, students receive a "Welcome Onboard" indoctrination led by the command's NMTIs for the purpose of providing immediate orientation for the Sailors in their new environment. This includes items such as medical, dental, barracks, Fleet and Family Support Centers, Morale Welfare and Recreation and Personnel Support Detachment check-in.

Indoctrination is immediately followed by the Life Skills Course, formerly known as Core. Life Skills topics are designed to reinforce and continue the Sailorization process undertaken at Recruit Training Command.

"Unlike at Recruit Training Command, however, we are here to build them back up," said Abbot. "We are not drill instructors but we continue to ensure they are maintaining good order and discipline. As good as the schoolhouse instructors are, they are not building on and reinforcing the knowledge and lessons learned in boot camp. That is our job."

As they approach graduation, the focus of mentoring shifts toward an effective and successful transition, concentrating on the Sailor's future needs for success in the fleet. This is facilitated by giving them opportunities and tasks they would experience in the fleet such as watch standing, field day, and student mentors. They are also given leadership positions to help build confidence and knowledge before entering the fleet so that they can effectively work with and lead others.

When the Sailor is finally ready to transfer to their permanent duty station, the responsibility again falls in the hands of the NMTIs.

"Most all of these Sailors are entering an environment that could at first be quite intimidating," said Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class Veronica Finch. "We want to create a seamless transition so that each Sailor is prepared for their transfer, their first day aboard and meeting their immediate goals." Sailors must be ready to set sail at any time. They should be ready to serve unencumbered by medical, dental, psychological, physical, personal, spiritual, or financial hindrances and it is up to the NMTI to make this happen."

Information Warfare Training Command Corry Station, as part of the Center for Information Warfare Training, provides a continuum of training to Navy and joint service personnel that prepares them to conduct information warfare across the full spectrum of military operations.

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