One hundred twenty NROTC midshipmen gained firsthand experience in security force training during a visit with the Center for Security Forces Detachment San Diego training staff, May 22.

"It was truly our pleasure to host these young midshipmen," said Cmdr. Rommel Salgado, CSF Det. San Diego's officer in charge. "As a former midshipman, we had opportunities to fire weapons on gun ranges. However, adding tactical training with small arms is definitely progress I would like to continue for our future junior officers. We look forward to seeing more midshipmen for their summer programs."

During the summer months, between academic years, midshipmen venture out into the fleet, where they gain hands-on experience into the aspects of Navy life in various warfare communities. For many of the midshipmen completing their freshman year, this was their first exposure to small arms and crew served weapons, as well as combat tactics.

"This was an invaluable investment of time and effort for us to ensure these bright students get the right kind of exposure so early in their professional development," said George Argerake, assistant officer in charge at CSF Det. San Diego.

The midshipmen, as well as the instructor staff, were enthusiastic about the training, which included small arms marksmanship, firing a machine gun in the weapons simulator, tactical team movements and much more.

"The training was very good," said Midshipman Jacob Hagen. "You could tell that the instructors are very passionate and knowledgeable about what they are teaching."

The midshipmen were taught basic weapons safety and coached on weapon manipulation techniques. They also participated in a series of advancing transition drills, which required them to shoot with their primary weapon, then transition to their secondary weapon.

"The training was very smooth and it was really cool getting to shoot on the move," said Midshipman Lora Paloma.

Broken into teams, the midshipmen ran through scenarios involving executing secure room entries. The exercise was designed to reinforce the importance of teamwork and having concise communication methods when engaged in a tactical situation.

"It was a great experience and I'm glad we were given the chance to do this training and get more familiar with the weapons and tactics," said Midshipman Andrew Hayne.

The midshipmen will spend the next several weeks visiting ships, submarines, aviation squadrons and Marine Corps units to learn and gain insights about the warfare capability and versatility of the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps.

The Center for Security Forces provides specialized training to more than 28,000 students each year. It has 14 training locations across the United States and around the world where training breeds confidence.

For more information about the Center for Security Forces, visit us at www.navy.mil/local/csf.

For more news from the Center for Security Forces, visit us at www.navy.mil.

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