Jacksonville University NROTC Unit

11/29/2024

On November 26th 2024, The United States Navy has officially gained, Ensign Abigail Callahan into its arsenal. She has sworn to protect and serve our nation under the constitution.

Leading, mentoring, and impacting all the people around her, she has left her mark on Jacksonville University, and her presence will be missed. She was an integral part of our battalion, and we are proud to see her step into the service we are all training for. Moments like this remind us of the ultimate goal as a Midshipmen: to commission as a Naval Officer and to serve our nation. Thank you for setting the example, ENS Callahan. Congratulations!

A quote from ENS Callahan:
“I am grateful to God, my family, friends, and the support from the JU NROTC Battalion. My shipmates have made this a special journey. I am honored to be an Ensign in the United States Navy. I look forward to the next chapter “

11/15/2024

Our very own JU NROTC alumni, ENS Moore!! ⚓️

11/15/2024

09/16/2024

Welcome to Midshipman Monday!

MIDN 1/C Maximus Vogt is majoring in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Math and Naval Science. He’s originally from St. Louis, Missouri, and decided to come to JU for its expanding NROTC program and its more personalized learning experience due to the small student-to-professor ratio. His hobbies include endurance sports like triathlons and marathons, as well as weightlifting, reading, and cooking! MIDN Vogt aspires to select into the Submarine community this spring semester.

When asked what he enjoys most about the unit, he said, “The JU NROTC program cultivates a strong sense of community among like-minded individuals who continuously support and uplift one another. It’s an environment where we are encouraged to help each other grow physically, mentally, and morally as a team. Whether it’s calculus homework or standing watch, I always know there’s a reliable community ready to help solve any problem.”

09/11/2024

A Day of Remembrance

Tackling today’s stair workout with unwavering grit, our Midshipmen and active duty staff demonstrated true resilience and unity in honor of September 11, 2001. Beyond just physical endurance, this workout became a moment of reflection and remembrance, celebrating both the strength of the day and the spirit of those we lost. The JU NROTC unit challenges you to take on this symbolic workout and pay tribute to the enduring spirit of 9/11. It’s more than just a stair workout; it’s a testament to our collective strength and unity.

09/07/2024

Friday Drill Day!

Today, our dedicated AMOI led a session on close order drill to inform the new 4/C and 5/C Midshipmen and serve as a refresher for the rest of the Battalion. His expertise ensured that the fundamentals of precision and discipline were perfectly demonstrated.
Following the drill, our Battalion staff introduced themselves and outlined their goals for the semester, setting a clear vision for leadership and development. Our Battalion CO, MIDN 1/C Hodgson, delivered an outstanding speech, setting high standards and motivating the Battalion.
Our CO also took the time to recognize and award a well-deserved Bravo Zulu to Midshipmen who recently earned scholarships and our OCS graduates, celebrating the hard work and dedication of the entire Battalion.

Here’s to a productive and successful semester ahead! ⚓

09/04/2024

This morning, our Battalion had the privilege of hosting Dr. Jeffrey Wight, an expert in running biomechanics and the Interim Department Chair of Exercise Science at Jacksonville University. He guided our Midshipmen through a comprehensive running clinic, focusing on optimal running technique and injury prevention. Thanks to his expertise, our Midshipmen are now equipped with valuable insights for enhanced performance and long-term fitness.
We appreciate Dr. Wight’s dedication and support for our battalion!

08/25/2024

Over 100 motivated midshipmen volunteered at the Annual Mayport Mud Run this morning. They were assigned stations to supervise and cheer on participants as they passed through the obstacles throughout the course. Afterwards, they were given the opportunity to run the course themselves!

Events like these are one of the great ways that JUNROTC integrates with the installations located in this fleet concentration area.

08/23/2024

This morning, our battalion came together for a special drill period filled with music, breakfast, and camaraderie. The unit provided a delicious breakfast and a great setting for everyone to talk with each other, enjoy the food, and play games! We also celebrated the swearing-in of Midshipmen who received scholarships, marking an exciting milestone for our unit!

08/23/2024

For nursing option Midshipmen, the 1/C and 3/C cruise is essential for gaining hands-on clinical experience and connecting academic knowledge with practice. During the cruise, they shadowed nurses and corpsmen, administered medications, observed surgeries, and worked in various hospital departments including Medical-surgical, OR, Labor and Delivery, ICU, and the Emergency Department.

“I spent my 1/C Nurse summer cruise at NMRTC Rota. I gained valuable experience in Navy nursing, explored Spain, and feel better prepared to commission in Spring.” - MIDN 1/C Samantha Drake

08/21/2024

This summer, rising 2/C Marine option Midshipmen participated in Fleet Marine Force (FMF) training at Camp Pendleton and Camp Lejeune. This immersive experience equips them with vital skills in tactics, leadership, and operational planning while exposing them to various Marine Corps warfare communities. This comprehensive training is essential for preparing the Midshipman for Officer Candidate School in the near future!

08/20/2024

Over the summer, our rising 3/C and some rising 2/C Midshipmen embarked on an enriching CORTRAMID journey. Some explored the vibrant West Coast in San Diego, while others ventured to the East Coast, including Norfolk and Kings Bay. Over four weeks, they immersed themselves into the worlds of Aviation, Submarine, and Surface Warfare, and wrapped up with a week in the Marine Air-Ground Task Force at Camp Pendleton or Camp Lejeune. This training was a deep dive into the diverse roles within the Navy and Marine Corps, shaping their future with hands-on experiences.

08/16/2024

Training Day 3:

Kicking off the final day of training with inspiring words from our active duty and battalion staff, who set high expectations for the journey ahead in the NROTC program.

Midshipmen had the option to tackle the obstacle course on campus, named in honor of Major Moises “Mo” Navas. This course is a vital part of our training, designed to challenge strength, endurance, and resilience while building confidence to face adversity. Looking forward to another year of pushing limits and growing stronger!
Congratulations to the class of 2028!

08/16/2024

Training Day 2:

This morning, our Marine and Navy Option Midshipmen showcased their strength, core stability, and endurance during their initial Physical Fitness Test/Assessment. The motivation was high after these challenges! Following the tests, Midshipmen received more General Military briefs and had the opportunity to connect with Jacksonville University staff, including our units CO, XO, and the Deans of various campus colleges.
After a final exam on basic military and JU knowledge and a Q&A session with upperclassmen, parents and staff celebrated as the Midshipmen were officially sworn into the JU NROTC program. PHINS UP!

08/15/2024

Training Day 1:

Midshipman rose before the sun this morning after an early reveille. After a quick MRE breakfast and unit check-in, they participated in General Military Training briefs led by Midshipman Instructors. Throughout the day, Midshipmen Candidates participated in Dolphin Dive events and the Matriculation Ceremony at Jacksonville University. In the afternoon, they had the opportunity to reconnect with our Assistant Marine Officer Instructor, MSgt. Dean Williams, who provided further instruction on close order drill and military customs and courtesies.

08/14/2024

Training Day 0:

Welcome to the JU NROTC class of 2024! Our CO, CAPT J. R. Hill, kicked off NSO by outlining the path toward commissioning and introducing our program requirements. The new Midshipman met our dedicated active duty staff, including our AMOI, MSgt Williams, who gave them a taste of his former drill instructor side. Under the guidance of their Midshipman Instructors, the journey into the JU NROTC Battalion has begun. We’re excited for the days of training ahead!