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Almost all midshipmen at UNC-Chapel Hill share a common starting point: freshman orientation. This week-long training evolution is jointly conducted by UNC-Chapel Hill, Duke University and N.C. State University and is designed to give new midshipmen a brief but challenging introduction to the military. Midshipmen learn the basics of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and the NROTC program at their respective university. Freshman orientation will occur two weeks before classes begin at Camp Pendleton in Norfolk, Va. During the week, older midshipmen and the active duty staff will give classes on close-order drill, uniform wear and attention to detail. The midshipmen on staff will create a tense and stressful environment and freshmen will be expected to speak loudly, move quickly and work intensely. The week may be one of the toughest challenges the freshmen have ever faced. Physical fitness will be a major part of orientation and a physical readiness test (physical fitness test for Marine-options) will be administered twice during the week. Even when not actively engaging in physical training, the fast pace and intensity of the week will drain even the most fit midshipman. Therefore, it cannot be stressed enough that freshmen arrive at orientation in shape. A great resource for getting in shape is U.S. Navy pre-entry physical training plan and is highly recommended for those attending orientation. During the orientation week, freshmen will be given the opportunity to visit U.S. Navy ships, squadrons, submarines and have a day of motivation with active-duty Marines. Here they can speak with those in each job type and start getting a feel for what they may want to do after they commission into the U.S. Navy or Marine Corps. Orientation will not only test the body, but the mind as well. At the beginning of orientation each freshman will be given a pamphlet containing professional knowledge they will be expected to memorize and be able to loudly and confidently recite any part of the pamphlet verbatim. Motivated freshmen often study prior arriving to orientation to reduce additional stress during the week. Excellent resources can be found at our freshman orientation documents page. After completing orientation, the battalion will host a picnic at Jordan Lake for all midshipmen and parents. The picnic is the capstone of the orientation experience and allows the battalion to officially welcome the new midshipmen. For all questions, please email the NROTC scholarship coordinator at
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