This page will contain periodic training updates regarding your cadet's participation in training at Camp Dodge. Dates will become links when active.
20 JUN 2009
Recruit Training: Recruits checked in and immediately began to experience the intensity of the Recruit Training experience. There were a lot of nervous recruits but those nerves calmed as we moved throughout the day. Males received their "Recruit" haircuts today as well. All hands completed the PT test this afternoon. It was warm but cadets were drinking lots of water. The day ended with a class on watch standing, military drill, and company time to square away the barracks. The group as a whole is inexperienced in the cadet program, so there is a lot of work to do. Recruits did a good job at drill but need to work on sounding-off and working as a team.
Photos: 1) Recruits arriving at training. 2) New recruit sounds off, demonstrating enthusiasm and motivation. 3) New recruit receives instructions.
4) Recruits in-processed study knowledge and wait for training to begin.
Field Operations: Cadets checked in and dealt with a large quantity of gear. Cadets met the Marines running the training, inventoried gear, and then began some classroom evolutions on various weapons systems.
MA--Cadets checked in, drew gear, and completed physical training at a PT test. Cadets were given an orientation to training and began to learn the various aspects of the MA rate.
21 JUN 2009
Recruit Training:
Today Recruits worked on military drill, did physical training at 0530, did classes on military heritage and traditions, learned the Sailor's Creed, and completed the pugil stick evolution.
Overall motivation is very high. The inexperienced cadets are adjusting to expectations very quickly and are fast becoming acclimated to Recruit life. The warm weather has caused some changes in the training schedule. The staff is very aware of making sure that Recruits drink plenty of water.
NLCC Basic: Cadets reported aboard, learned to make racks, did physical training, and learned about sexual harassment, bullying, and fraternization. Cadets are adjusting well and working hard.
Field Operations: Cadets completed a very rigorous early morning PT session and did classes on tactical maneuvers. Cadets completed a two mile hump with pack and finished their day with CIDMAP instruction (Central Iowa Division Martial Arts Program). Cadets are learning much and are tired but motivated. Cadets were issued their (inert) training weapons and are now responsible for carrying their training weapon with them at all times.
MAA: Cadets completed a M-9 weapons familiarization class, M-16 weapons familiarization class, were issued tactical belts and drop holsters, and performed searches on individuals being apprehended, and completed physical training evolutions.
22 JUN 2009
Recruit Training: Recruits completed class work and reviewed the various Navy ship types, ship construction, and carriers. Cadets continued to work on basic general knowledge such as the Sailor's Creed, 11 General Orders, and ranks and rates. Cadets completed a leadership reaction course in the afternoon and did early morning physical training.
NLCC Basic: Cadets completed early morning PT. Cadets completed various sections of the NLCC Syllabus in the classroom and worked on military drill.
MAA: Cadets used combatant bags as targets to hit with a variety of strikes. Cadets learned how to administer OC spray and the effects of OC spray. Cadets were briefed on detention center operations and practiced searching enemy combatants.
23 JUN 2009
Recruit Training: Recruits completed class work on damage control systems, including fighting fires and controlling flooding. Recruits did pipe patching class and completed an outdoor lab activity where they patched pipes under simulated flooding conditions. Recruits continue to work on their required general knowledge for graduation. Early morning physical training took place. Overall, the motivation of this group is very high; most have temporarily lost all or part of their voices from sounding off. The group overall is very physically fit and is working better together as a team.
NLCC: NLCC cadets completed syllabus requirements, worked on military drill, and learned the phonetic alphabet. Cadets completed physical training early in the morning due to the warm weather. The group is enthusiastic and working hard. NLCC cadets worked in the wet trainer as well, stopping flooding.
24 JUN 2009
Recruit Training: Cadets took their class photo today. Cooler weather allowed for an extended period of military drill in the morning. The cadets completed various classroom evolutions in the afternoon during the warmer weather, including career motivation and opportunities, Navy swimming standards, Naval traditions, Naval aviation, and awards and recognitions available to cadets through the NSCC.
NLCC: NLCC cadets worked additionally on military drill and learned the semaphore flagging system. Cadets learned about self-discipline and self-control in the NLCC syllabus. After evening chow, NLCC cadets had a mid-week break and watched a movie.
Field Operations: Cadets continued to work at the mobile MOUT trainer, practicing clearing rooms and securing detainees. The cooler weather allowed for a longer hump into the field and training for a river crossing.
MA: MA cadets completed early morning physical training, completed handcuffing, and worked extensively on baton techniques. Cadets also used inert OC spray trainers in a lab setting to understand how to use the canisters properly.
25 JUN 2009
MA/Field Operations: Some joint training exercises took place today. With the help of the Iowa National Guard, cadets went rappelling off the tower at Camp Dodge. The day ended with the OC lab. Cadets came out of the lab in good shape and are taking it easy for the remainder of the day and doing laundry.
Recruit Training: As usual, the day started at 0500. Cadets were outside doing PT at 0530, with running, pull-ups, sit ups, lunges, push-ups. Cadets then went to the pool for a swim qualification, and all cadets qualified at least as third class swimmers. Five cadets qualified as Navy First Class Swimmers. Cadets completed a kevlar/pack survival swim and completed drown proofing activities. Upon return, cadets completed class work on the CBR measures, including donning the gas mask and the MOPP suit hood. The MOPP system was introduced to cadets as well. Cadets completed the night with a martial arts session and then headed to the barracks for hygiene to get ready for the evening routine.
NLCC Cadets: NLCC cadets did morning PT at 0600. It is a good group of runners. NLCC Cadets did a pool evolution today. NLCC Cadets practiced drown proofing with trousers in the shallow end of the pool before attempting the maneuver in deep water. Cadets also worked on third class swimmer qualifications, which involves entering the water from a board, remaining afloat for (5) minutes, and then completing a 50 yard swim. NLCC cadets worked on military drill and some classroom activities for the remainder of the day.
26 JUN 2009
27 JUN 2009
28 JUN 2009