George Washington University NROTC

BEARINGS
SPRING, 2012

Letter From the Commanding Officer

Greetings All,
As this semester comes to an end, I am pleased to see all of the progress that our Unit has made in academics, physical fitness, and leadership skills. I always enjoy seeing the midshipmen take the lessons we teach to heart, and using them to grow into the future of the Navy and Marine Corps. In the past months, we have welcomed multiple speakers to our Unit, including LT Maura Betts, RDML Sinclair Harris, LCDR Michael Tsonis, LTJG Paul Denaro, Col Thomas Greenwood (Ret.), and RADM Coane (Ret.). Additionally, we had the honor of Lieutenant General Mills, who is currently Deputy Commandant for Combat Development and Integration, joining us during Dining In, an event that was a huge success, full of camaraderie and entertainment. Lieutenant General Mills addressed a captivated batallion, depicting the situations of those who have dedicated their life to their country. Run towards chaos, he said. And this is, in fact what the midshipmen in our unit have decided to do, run towards the chaos. At the close of this semester, we will be commissioning 27 Midshipmen into the US Naval Services. Some have chosen to become Marine Officers, others have decided to pursue a career as an Aviator, and still others have decided to take to the seas as Submariners and Surface Warfare Officers. But each and every one of them,

no matter the path they have decided to take, have been through four years of training and are well prepared to face these challenges. I know these midshipmen will take what they have learned not only to become strong officers, but also to become strong, confident leaders.

You, the midshipmen of the GWU NROTC Unit, have faced difficulties and obstacles in attaining this point in your careers, and will continue to face difficulties and obstacles in the future. But these will pale in comparison, not because they are any less significant, but because you have the training and knowledge to overcome any situation stopping you from moving forward.
I wish the best of luck to those commissioning, and a safe and happy summer to the families and friends of those in the Unit. We thank you for your support of the George Washington Naval ROTC unit, our Navy and our country.

Warm regards, CAPT Sterling Gilliam GWU Commanding Officer

George Washington University NROTC

SPRING 2012

Message from the BCO

IN THIS NEWSLETTER
2 3 4 5 Message from the BCO By: MIDN 2/C Aguiar 1/c Ship Selection By: MIDN 1/C Wygant Back to the Fleet By: LT Nelis IDF Officer Panel By: MIDN 4/C LaMar IDF: Behind the Scenes By: MIDN 4/C Frost CSIS/US Army War College By: MIDN 4/C Kurowski and MIDN 4/C Anderson Army/Navy Nurse Club Meeting By: MIDN 4/C Gracia Dining In 2012 By: MIDN 4/C Dash

By: MIDN 2/C Aguiar

GWU NROTC Battalion Members and Families, Being a Fourth-Class Midshipman in an NROTC Battalion is very much comparable to being a freshman on a varsity sports team or being the newest employee in the office. You must start at the bottom of the hierarchy and in order to obtain the more desirable positions within the organization or team, you must put in your time and work your way up. As you progress within the NROTC Battalion, you will work and interact with at least six other classes of Midshipman, Officer Candidates, and Marines. You will be led by at least two different Commanding Officers and four different Midshipman Commanding Officers and staff. What does this mean? As future officers, this means we have had three years and encountered countless examples of leadership styles, across the spectrum. This semester, we have stressed excellence and constant improvement in each individual and the Battalion as a whole. Each semester, Midshipmen and the Unit Staff work tirelessly to provide appropriate training and professional development to build Battalion members mentally, morally, and physically in preparation for their commissioning as Navy and Marine Corps Officers. Due to our location, The GWU NROTC Unit is able to offer more prestigious and monumental training opportunities than the majority of NROTC units across the Nation. With all of this training, however, Battalion members and officers past and present have been the most influential to my development and have left a lasting impression on me as an individual.

In my three years as a Marine Option Midshipman, I have learned and experienced more than I had ever imagined I would, especially during my tenure as Battalion Commanding Officer. Nothing has been more rewarding than working with my fellow Midshipmen, Marines, and Officer Candidates. Ive learned that there is something about being able to depend on each other, and knowing that they depend on you for the success of the Unit, that keeps you motivated towards excellence. As I have progressed through the Battalion and transitioned into more mentoring and impressionable positions, it has become unmistakably clear that I am not here for myself but for my fellow Midshipmen and for my future Marines. Contributing to the development of the underclassmen and witnessing them grow from Midshipmen Candidates to thriving Midshipmen is something that will remain with me as I continue to work towards a commission.

This semester would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of the Midshipman Headquarters Staff: MIDN Soboti, MIDN Bauer, SSgt Peters, MIDN Stavridis, MIDN Iiams, MIDN Orlandi, MIDN Amidon, and MIDN Anderson. While every Battalion member greatly contributes to the overall success of the Battalion, these Battalion members have taken on the challenge of balancing top leadership positions within the Battalion, in addition to their academics and extracurricular activities. The Battalion members have set an example for the rest of the Battalion to look up to and to strive for, just as the Battalion staff members that have come before us have done.
I look forward to witnessing the continued growth and success of this Battalion and its members, and I eagerly anticipate being able to watch the younger Battalion members influencing future generations of Midshipmen. The passing of knowledge and lasting impressions is what keeps this Battalion operational and successful in developing Midshipmen into successful Navy and Marine Corps officers. MIDN Tiffany P. Aguiar Battalion Commanding Officer

George Washington University NROTC

SPRING 2012

1/C Ship Selection

By: MIDN 1/C Charlotte Wygant
I have been to the Pentagon twice since coming to DC. The first time was freshman year for our Intro to Naval Science tour. The second time was last month, when all the SWO-selected 1/C were given the opportunity to see ship schedules to help us decide, out of the hundreds of ships in active duty, which ship would be perfect for us. With the help of some of the officers from N86, we spent hours trying to decipher deployment schedules. We each left with a list of ships, knowing that one of them would be where we will be spending the next phase of our lives. On February 15, the Wardroom was packed with all of the anxious and excited SWOselects. Many other 1/C spent the day there as well to share in the excitement of choosing our first assignment. With pizza provided by N86 and the selection board displayed on the Wardroom TV, it felt more like an NFL Draft than a ship selection. MIDN Hogarth, ranked 26th in the nation, was first from our Unit to choose her ship. After a stressful minute of wondering whether the call was actually going to come through, MIDN Hogarth selected her first choice! This process continued throughout the day and into the next, each of us in turn feeling our heartbeat speed up, and trying our best to keep a calm voice when we spoke with the officer on the phone. We were all ranked very highly across the nation, and were able to select either our first or second choice.

Congratulations to the following ship-selected 1/C!

MIDN Dan Fallon USS Gonzalez (DDG 66) Norfolk, VA

MIDN Mary Guiffre USS Barry (DDG 52) Norfolk, VA

MIDN Lauren Hedish USS Laboon (DDG 58) Norfolk, VA

MIDN Alex Washofsky USS Mahan (DDG 72) Norfolk, VA

MIDN Allison Hogarth USS Higgins (DDG 76) San Diego, CA

MIDN JoAnna Kyle USS McCambell (DDG 85) Yokosuka, Japan

MIDN Charlotte Wygant USS Stockdale (DDG 106) San Diego, CA 3

George Washington University NROTC

SPRING 2012

Back to the Fleet

LT Nelis
As LT Nelis heads to Japan with his family and back into the fleet, he tells us about his journey in the Navy, and what he expects of the future.
When I first decided to come to the GWU NROTC and live in DC, it was not immediately clear to me that I had made the right decision. The move from Jacksonville to DC would leave my new (at the time) fianc in a bind. She made me further question the decision when she talked about her current 'dream job' in Jacksonville. Now she would have to search for a new job in DC while the country was in the midst of a recession. I could only think, "What have I done?" Upon arriving in DC we did not know where we were going to live, primarily because we wanted to live fairly close to my fiancs unknown job location. Fortunately, we had friends in the area that could take us in. It was around this time that I was denied acceptance to a Master's program at GWU, leaving me to think, What does a Naval Aviator have to do to gain acceptance to a GWU graduate program?" I incorrectly thought that I was a sure thing.
Things, of course, came together. I became comfortable as the freshmen advisor and started to develop great friendships among the unit staff. Additionally, my fianc found a job, the Steelers won a Super Bowl, and I finally earned acceptance to a GWU grad program.

After three years at the GWU NROTC unit, it has come time for me to return to the fleet. My next set of orders will take my family and me to Yokosuka, Japan, where I will be serving in the Operations and Planning department of Destroyer Squadron Fifteen (DESRON 15). DESRON 15 is the only permanent forward deployed Destroyer Squadron and is responsible for the readiness, tactical and administrative responsibilities, for seven Arleigh Burke Class Destroyers. Most of my time underway will be served onboard USS George Washington (CVN 73). I am excited and anxious to start this new adventure. As I reflect back on the past three years, I am very satisfied with my decision to come to the GWU NROTC. When one first becomes a Naval Aviator, no one will tell you that their goal is to be a NROTC instructor during their first shore tour. It's not that being an NROTC instructor is a bad job, it's just that there are a host of other jobs that will keep a Naval Aviator flying and, subsequently, make you more competitive for future command.

My projected rotation date from GWU NROTC was DEC 2011 so I started to negotiate for orders about 9 months prior. I was initially thinking that I would get a ship out of Norfolk or San Diego. When things were not coming together as I had planned, CDR Arleth recommended that I seek an overseas tour, which would enable me to bring my family. With his advice and a timely phone call made by the XO to my detailer, I was soon slated with orders to DESRON 15. Prior to heading to Japan, I will be attending the Joint Maritime Tactics Course in San Diego as well as enjoying some leave in Pittsburgh.
The bottom line is, I could not have asked for anything more out of a shore tour and I will look back on this time with very fond memories. I advised more than 85 students and witnessed more than 75 officers earn their commission. I have received many well wishes and thanks from members of the Battalion and these are all greatly appreciated. I wish all of you the best as you continue your pursuit towards a commission and a degree. A Naval Officer career will certainly present many twists and turns. Enjoying the ride is the best part. See you in the Fleet!

George Washington University NROTC

SPRING 2012

IDF Officer Panel

By: MIDN 4/C LaMar
On Saturday March 3, members of our own GWUNROTC Unit had the unique opportunity to meet and learn from the experience of a panel of former Israeli National Defense Force officers. The panel consisted of one former naval officer, a former Israeli Security Agency Department Colonel and a former liaison officer to the Prime Minister of Israel who served in the intelligence department. Together, they were able to utilize their varied experiences and perspectives to provide the midshipmen who were in attendance with several interesting insights into the challenges they may face as future officers in the United States Marine Corps and Navy. Of the issues they brought up, the topic that generated the most interesting discussion was the issue of defining objectives and acceptable costs for achieving those objectives. The officers presented the challenges of achieving success in an urban conflict as being two-fold: 1) Defining the objective and the definition of victory; and 2) Defining what is an acceptable cost for achieving the objective. As the officers pointed out, when facing an enemy that is integrated into the general population and utilizes unconventional tactics, conventional conceptions of achieving victory no longer apply. Not only is there an issue of identifying and engaging with the enemy in a manner that allows one to utilize ones conventional superiority to the utmost advantage, there is also an issue of knowing when that particular enemy is in fact defeated. In addition, due to the fact that the enemy is integrated into the civilian population, there is a high risk of collateral damage. Thus, restraint must be utilized, but the cost to restraint is that it puts the lives of an officers men at risk. The question becomes how does one balance the risk of collateral damage with the risk of sustaining preventable casualties? Another factor, which they said should be taken into consideration as a potential cost, is the power of the media and the effects of negative portrayals of the military. Therefore, officers need to consider the importance of public relations; on top of balancing the value of obtaining objectives versus the costs in achieving them; while simultaneously working to define the objectives and understanding how to achieve them. Such caliber of discussion was consistent throughout the entire meeting and reflected favorably upon the professionalism and competency of the IDF and its personnel. I believe I can speak for all in attendance when I say that the panels collective experience and perspective were invaluable to our development as future officers in the United States Marine Corps and Navy.

IDF Officer Panel: Behind the Scenes

By: MIDN 4/C Frost
As SWO Club President, it may come to some as a surprise that my most memorable event was not exactly Surface Warfare related. I was contacted in April by the Training Officer who asked me to assist a fellow MIDN in the organization of an event. Through this MIDN, I was informed that four Israeli Defense Force personnel would be visiting the Capitol and were interested in making a stop to visit our Unit. While this was not possible due to the fact that a plan had already been solidified for that weeks drill, it was still possible to set up a Q&A panel event. With much correspondence through myself, the POC from GW, and Ms. Dorion, the event was eventually scheduled in a way that would accommodate all parties. The event itself was probably the reason why it was so memorable. The way things worked out with timing, only two of the original four personnel could come to the panel. One was a Colonel, and the other a liaison officer to the Prime Minister of Israel. Both men were incredibly easy going, and actually seemed to be interested in learning about our military as much as we were interested in learning about theirs.

They answered any and all questions we had about the IDF, most of which had to do with the process of joining, who had to join, and the commitment. The knowledge I gleaned from this panel was that the military is a way of life for them. It is something they are all involved in and look forward to participating with. Becoming an officer does not mean graduating college; it simply means more extensive training if you are interested in doing so and are selected as an able candidate. The Israelis never use the full power of their military, seeking life and peace over death and war. I look forward to serving with these people some day.

George Washington University NROTC

SPRING 2012

MIDSHIPMEN DIVE INTO THEIR ROLES AT THE CRISIS NEGOTIATION SIMULATION

CSIS/US Army War College

By: MIDN 4/C Kurowski & MIDN 4/C Anderson
On the 23rd of March, twelve Midshipmen walked to the Center for Strategic International Studies as Americans. Once they crossed the threshold of CSIS, these twelve men and women transformed into delegates of the European Union tasked with solving one the most divisive issues in recent history, the political situation in Cyprus. The US Army War College sponsored a simulation that involved seven groups, each representing a political entity in the conflict. This included the distinguished Cato Institute, Georgetown University, University of Georgia, CSIS, etc. The groups went head to head debating and negotiating the best course of action to solve this situation that has plagued Europe for decades. Ambassador Dentino, the United Kingdom cannot relinquish control of its bases. Midshipmen Dentino quietly rubbed his temples and glanced over at Midshipman Kurowski doubtfully. Ambassador Dentino responds, Madam Ambassador with all due respect, if your country does not act immediately on this matter we will all face a situation of grave danger in the Mediterranean region. In the next room over, Delegate Nelson was playing hardball with the Greek Cypriots. So essentially what youre telling us is that you do not care about our interests. Delegate Nelson rolled his eyes slightly, No, as I mentioned before, we are all here to help solve this conflict. CDR Arleth and the other advisors smiled patiently in the background. During the last round of negotiationsthe round which would determine the fate of the Cypriot islandthe Greek and Turkish Cypriots continued to stall on the important issues of the bargain. Delegate Anderson, in a rare bout of impatience and anger, demanded that, We all must move on from these unimportant quarrels. The European Union will not leave this conference without a tangible agreement, and both sides here are acting like children. Move on, or we will commandeer these meetings and arrange a beneficial agreement for all of you. Needless to say, the delegates did not appreciate Midshipman Andersons blunt words. However, by constantly holding their feet under the fire, the delegates realized that, as the clock was winding down to mere minutes, they needed to put their differences aside and come to an acceptable agreement. Other than realizing that a Midshipmans ability to negotiate could use a few more years of refinement, we learned a variety of lessons. We learned the importance of attitude, composure, and confidence in the process of negotiating. In addition, we learned that a few key words could derail a series of discussions further emphasizing the importance of communicating. Similarly, the Midshipmen attendees learned that even the slightest mishap could hold up negotiation for hours. Specifically, a lack of sensitivity towards ethnicity, values, or national sovereignty could stifle talks for hours. The simulation proved to be beneficial for all the participants. And despite the hard work, we all agreed that it would be worth volunteering again next year.

George Washington University NROTC

SPRING 2012

Army/Navy Nurse Club Mentoring

By: MIDN 3/C Gracia
The most interesting meeting for this semesters Nurse Club was the Army/Navy meeting that took place at Catholic with the nurse option cadets from Army ROTC. The nurses got together to discuss how the merging of the military branches medical communities would affect the nursing community. Most of the nurses were excited about the opportunity to work with other nurses from different branches, and thought it would be a great learning experience for everyone. The push to merge the medical communities is seen in the recent combination of the Bethesda Naval Hospital, and the Walter Reid Army medical center into the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Members from both the Army, Air Force and Navy will be working here. The nurses agreed that this merge will be an adjustment for everyone, but will eventually lead to a greater sense of cohesion between the branches. The navy option nurses also got to learn about a day in the life of an Army nurse cadet. The army nurses participate in train-ups every week, and attend all the field exercises that the non- nurse cadets do. They also participate in summer training. MIDN 2/C Birdsall said, It was really interesting learning about what the Army ROTC nurses do, but it definitely makes me glad that I chose the Navy!

Dining In 2012
By: MIDN 4/C Dash
On the eve of Friday, 13 April 2012, the GWU NROTC Unit celebrated their annual Dining In event. Dining In is a traditional formal dinner filled with camaraderie, great food, and entertaining events. Battalion members were entertained during their meals as members accused others of egregious acts ranging from walking around the mess hall with food in their mouth to supposedly wearing bright pink floaties to pass the Navy SEALs screening. Some members were punished for these egregious acts in embarrassing ways such as being sent to the grog to drink an un-tasty mixture of unknown liquids, wearing pink floaties, and wearing shaving cream over an unruly mustache. After the meal and a short break, the battalion was honored to hear from our guest speaker, Marine Corps Lieutenant General Mills. He was impressed with our camaraderie and told us of the path ahead as an officer in the Navy and Marine Corps. After his motivational speech, members of the battalion, including the Officers, proceeded to perform skits full of humorous jokes and ridiculous scenarios. Toasts were given to service members both past and present until the evening came to a close. The night was full of laughs and smiles and will be a night to remember for all.

George Washington University NROTC

SPRING 2012

STAY CONNECTED!
Like our facebook page www.facebook.com/GWUNROTC Check out old and new Newsletters www.scribd.com/gwunrotc/ The GWU NROTC Parents and Family Association is an integral part of our units outreach effort. www.gwu.edu/~navyrotc/parentsassociation.html The GWU NROTC Unit encourages Alumni to stay in touch, and connected to the unit by joining the GWU NROTC Alumni Facebook page.

GWUNROTC

2035 F St NW Room 205 Washington DC, 20052