Courtesy Photo | U.S. Naval Academy midshipmen participate in a live-fire range exercise during the...... read more read more
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The Professional Training of Midshipmen program, known as PROTRAMID, at the United States Naval Academy offers third class midshipmen a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the life and training of the Marine Corps.
Recently, midshipmen participated in an intensive training program at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, where they worked closely with Marines from 1st Marine Division.
"Our objective is to provide these midshipmen with a comprehensive view of Marine Corps operations,” said U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Christian Marquez, the PROTRAMID lead planner for 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st MARDIV. “We designed the training to be physically demanding and mentally challenging, giving them a true taste of what it's like to be a Marine. From handling weapons to navigating obstacle courses, they experience the full spectrum of combat training."
The training the midshipmen receive during PROTRAMID serves to create a foundation for the leadership skills the students will carry on into their careers beyond the academy.
“The process of combat arms training is a very formative part of becoming a leader in the naval service,” said U.S. Navy Master Chief Jay Holley, the senior enlisted advisor for the Brigade of Midshipmen at the Naval Academy. “They learn self-leadership and transition to leading themselves and their peers outside the constraints of the Naval Academy. This is a way to expose Marines to other enlisted leaders and give midshipmen an experience they may never get again. They hear vignettes and stories of combat operations, but this is their first real exposure to it, helping them understand the realities of combat and the importance of leadership."
U.S. Navy Capt. Walter H. Allman III, the commandant of midshipmen at the Naval Academy, believes the training helps prepare midshipmen for the future fight faced by the Navy-Marine Corps team.
"As we move forward and operate in the littorals and the maritime domain, the Marines are the stand-in force that the Navy will be supporting from long range, while the Marine Corps will be supporting from a close-in island chain,” said Allman. “This experience is crucial in building that understanding and cooperation. It prepares midshipmen to work effectively with Marine units in future operations."
The training also fosters a deeper appreciation for the dedication and discipline required in the Marine Corps.
"Seeing how the Marine Corps honors their fallen and the paid respect should give the midshipmen a more robust baseline for leadership," explained Holley. "It's about understanding the sacrifices and the commitment involved in being a Marine, which in turn shapes them into better naval officers."
"This partnership between the Navy and Marine Corps during PROTRAMID ensures that future naval leaders are well prepared,” added Marquez. “The physical setup, from weapons training to tactical exercises, is designed to be as realistic as possible, giving midshipmen a true sense of Marine Corps operations. It's an experience that will stay with them throughout their careers, reinforcing the importance of joint operations and mutual support."
Through programs like PROTRAMID, the Naval Academy continues to develop well-rounded leaders ready to face the challenges of tomorrow. By training alongside Marines, midshipmen gain a deeper appreciation for the dedication, discipline, and teamwork that define the Marine Corps, setting the stage for a future of collaborative success in the naval service.
| Date Taken: | 07.09.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 07.12.2024 22:26 |
| Story ID: | 475801 |
| Location: | CAMP PENDLETON, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 2,968 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Midshipmen gain firsthand experience in Marine training at Camp Pendleton, by 1LT Charles T. Kimbrough, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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