Naval leadership of the future was on full display as Regent University hosted the Hampton Roads Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Spring 2015 pass-in-review and spring awards ceremony April 11.
The ceremony recognized the extraordinary academic achievements of the Hampton Roads NROTC midshipmen.
"I just want to give a round of applause to these midshipmen, Marines and officer candidates on a job well done," said Capt. Daniel S. Cave, Hampton Roads NROTC Unit commanding officer. "These guys have put in a lot of hard work. There were a lot of early mornings and a lot of time spent on the drill field and I just want to thank them for their efforts and let them know I couldn't be more proud."
Pass in Review is an age-old tradition. Present day parades in the Naval service have their basis in both history and tradition. The massed formation of troops on one long line at close interval made the massing of firepower from muzzle-loaded muskets possible.
The NROTC Program was established to develop midshipmen mentally, morally and physically and to instill them with the highest ideals of duty and loyalty. In addition to a normal academic workload leading to a baccalaureate degree, NROTC students attend classes in Naval Science, participate in the NROTC unit for drill, marching movements, physical training and other activities, which cumulatively combine to their understanding of the leadership principles of a military officer.
The Hampton Roads NROTC is one of the largest officer training battalions in the nation, consisting of more than 250 Sailors, Marines, and midshipmen. It is comprised of a consortium of institutions that include Old Dominion University, Hampton University, Norfolk State University, Regent University and Tidewater Community College.
This is an excerpt from an article originally appearing here.