Students from the Lassiter–Pope–Kell Naval Junior ROTC made a visit to Parris Island, S.C., to the U.S. Marine Corps training center during a busy winter break period that included other activities.
According to Liam Carrilho, the organization’s public affairs officer, the LPK cadets “were taught how to make their racks (beds) in a proper military manner, how to request permission to use the head (bathroom), how to secure their bags and the proper procedure for firewatch.”
And that’s just for starters; here’s more from his dispatch provided to East Cobb News, which has been edited for style and clarity:
“Cadets performed Firewatch each night, where two cadets would take two-hour long shifts and patrol the barracks with a flashlight, keeping on the alert for fire. When their shift was done cadets would go wake someone else up to take their shift. In the morning cadets woke up to a session of physical training being instructed by the Drill instructor in a variety of exercises.
“The day went on with cadets eating chow, making sure to eat silent and at attention. Cadets went to where Marine recruits are first dropped off at Parris Island; they stepped on the same yellow footprints and heard the same speech that recruits do. Cadets trained on one of the obstacle courses, specifically ones that emphasized teamwork between them to succeed, they even went inside the gas chamber, while the cadets were not tear-gassed like a recruit would be. The remaining particles were still in the chamber which did cause mild discomfort.
“Cadets also visited a virtual gun range where they got to shoot gas operated training pistols in a simulated gun range. Cadets also met with former LPK NJROTC cadet Sgt. McLaughlin, a former commanding officer of the unit who had become an air mechanic in the Marine Corps and Staff Sgt. Murphy, who had become a drill instructor, martial arts instructor and swim instructor. They talked about what they did in the Marines and JROTC.
“During the stay at Parris Island, several cadets also received Special First sergeant coins from the naval science instructor of the LPK NJROTC, First Sgt. Lorenzo Cox USMC (Ret.). Cadets Meranda, Belawske, Scott and Rorberg all received coins for outstanding performance and leadership during the basic leadership training.
“I was very appreciative to be recognized for my many efforts within just one year of JROTC,” said Cadet Rorberg. Their next stop was Tybee Island, Ga., and to a light station museum where Cadets received a tour of the lighthouse facilities. Following this cadets visited a 19th century fort known as Fort Screven, where they also visited the museum within it. Cadets also took part in a beach clean up on Tybee Island, and they visited the national museum of the 8th U.S. Air Force.
“The cadets received a tour of the museum and even got a demonstration of how to pack a parachute. After that the cadets made their way home on Friday the 20th. Overall the cadets enjoyed the trip very much.
“It was all very fun and if possible I would go again” said Cadet Chandrasekar.
“Leadership Academy Training began on Feb. 25, with a select group of cadets from Lassiter, Pope and Kell who are handpicked for their prowess and leadership potential. The training is designed to prepare the cadets for Leadership Academy over the summer, a week-long program where select cadets who graduate LAT are sent, and experience an environment with military discipline where cadets take classes, drill, PT and practice the skills necessary to become leaders in JROTC.
“On top of that, cadets also physically train to build their endurance and prepare them for the physical fitness test they will have to take at leadership academy itself.
“It isn’t all lessons and grinding though, we still have a lot of fun” said Cadet Sofia Jones, the head Cadre at LAT. “Every lesson is taught with humor by our amazing instructor.
“It’s nice to be apart of something bigger than yourself,” said Cadet Seguin ,a cadet at LAT. “I would like to add as a cadre myself I am very pleased with the cadets this year they have shown amazing prowess and potential and I cannot wait to see where they go from here.”
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