Vanderbilt University Naval ROTC - Galleon Yearbook (Nashville, TN)

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CHANGE of O The Navy and Marine Corps have many traditions. When the commanding officer is relieved and a new commanding officer takes his place at the helm, it is customary to have a change of command ceremony. Vanderbilt University NROTC unit is no exception to this custom. On 30 September 1982 Captain Sidney M. Banks, U.S.N. was relieved of his command by Colonel Robert A. Phillips, Jr., U.S.M.C. The entire battalion was assembled for the ceremony. The uniform was Service Dress Blues. The midshipmen were put through the manual of arms, then Captain Banks addressed his command one last time. He commended the unit on the progress made during his tour of duty and urged-all of the midshipmen to maintain those high standards. During Captain Banks' emotional address,he read the order relieving him. Then Colonel Phillips read his orders and expressed his hope for a successful future for the battalion. After the ceremony was concluded, a reception was held in Alumni Hall. Refreshments were served by the Blue Angels,and everyone enjoyed themselves. Brian Dessart ill 1 I l

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FRESH INDOCTRINATIO This year's freshmen were very eager to get to Vanderbilt and begin life as college students. ln partic- ular, they were eager to begin life as NROTC midship- men. This new experience began with freshmen indoc- trination one August morning about 9:00 AM. Not knowing what lay ahead for the next four days, the freshmen fell under the leadership of the battalion officers. Many believed the four days would pass quickly and easilyg others later changed their minds. Many things had to be done during indoctrination: thus the days were extremely long and tiring. The average day began between 4:30 and 5:00 AM. The freshmen woke up to such various forms ofexercises as calesthenics one day, a simulated PFT another, a circuit course yet on a third day, and a tearing down of bunks on the final day. One midshipman especially found that tearing down the racks was definitely an exercise. ln addition hair had to be cut, forms to get filled out, Vanderbilt and NROTC pictures to be taken, uniforms to be distributed, and lectures to be given, along with many other items of interest. X., N .... ' vy . 'Z v-mg Bl The indoctrination, however, was not all work, work, work. The four squads found a change running an orienteering race, the purpose of which was to become familiar with the campus. The freshmen perhaps saw light at the end of the tunnel on Friday. Friday was the day of the field meet. the skits and the picnic. From there on out, the freshmen knew that they had been accepted into the unit, and that they had earned that right. The indoctrination can be summed up easily. The time allotted was very short compared to what needed to be done, but this was done for a purpose: to help the freshmen learn how to utilize time well. Although the freshmen went through a rough time, they now see that the NROTC unit is quite a good program and that the real life at Vanderbilt is quite different from lndoctrin- ation. Ken Allen if

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PFT I would probably miss Captain Banks a lot less if he took the Bear with him. That must be what a lot of midshipmen are thinking when they get out twice a year for the Physical Fitness Test tPFTl- The infamous PFT consists of three events: pullups for pushupsl, situps, and a three mile run. The pullups and situps are done at the unit and the run in Centennial park. lt tends to catch a lot of people out of shape, especially in the spring. But the threat of Remedial PT at 0600 is a prime motivator for many, driving them to do their best. Perhaps there is nobody at the unit who really likes the PFT, but everyone acknowledges the fact that it is the best way of making sure each midshipmen keeps in good physical condition. -rg mf i gk - s s +-CK' .W r . 7 f' Egan? ' N ii' 'gy rf + H , , rg:-::.... nvfff