Lab is a time allotted each week for the midshipmen to learn and ask questions about today’s military and surrounding world issues. Information is passed in a lecture-like format but focuses on discussion. Occasionally, midshipmen will have the opportunity to hear from different military leaders who visit IIT. The battalion has had the opportunity to hear from veterans from the Vietnam War during a Veteran’s Day Panel and also from crewmembers from the submarine USS Henry M. Jackson.
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Midshipmen are required to take several Naval Science courses throughout their college career, averaging about one class per semester. Examples of classes include Introduction to Naval Science, Navigation, and Leadership. Knowledge obtained from these classes give midshipmen background knowledge needed for the future about that area of study and about the Navy’s culture and expectations.
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Physical Training is conducted in sessions every week to increase physical fitness and build teamwork within the battalion. Midshipmen form up to perform warm-up exercises followed by a workout organized by the midshipman PTI (Physical Training Instructor) followed by cool down exercises. Not only do PT sessions aid in increasing midshipmen performance for the PRT/PFT/CFT (Physical Readiness Test/Physical Fitness Test/Combat Fitness Test), PT helps to develop the physical readiness for any unknown physical demand in the fleet for the future.
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Composed of standing, marching, and rifle exercises, drill is a military custom used to develop precise attention to detail and discipline. Practices are scheduled per semester in order to compete in drill competitions at various universities. IIT/UIC midshipmen have competed in competitions from Louisiana to Wisconsin.
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The National Ensign, Navy, and Marine Corps colors (flags) and two riflemen are arranged in such a way as to be presented in order to render honor to the United States and Navy/Marine Corps. Midshipmen in Color Guard practice absolute precision and discipline, and travel with the Drill Team to perform at local and national drill meets.
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Midshipmen who excel beyond the given requirements of their physical fitness are a part of Endurance Team (E-team). Also participants in the local and national drill meets, E-team carries out their own extra practice PT sessions during the week to prepare for a long and strenuous course. Events in the course have included 9+ mile runs, buddy carries, team push-ups, etc.
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Every fall, the NROTC units from IIT/UIC and Loyola/Northwestern gather for a formal dinner and dance to celebrate the “birthday” of the Marine Corps. A distinguished guest speaker is hosted at each military ball, allowing the battalions to take the time to respect those who have served and to learn from their experiences and advice.
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SULE (Small Unit Leadership Evolution) Lab is conducted annually as a leadership training event. Various challenges are presented to each squad of midshipmen, and the designated leader for that activity must clearly develop, communicate, and execute a solution. Such events have included activities such as the “Shrinking Blanket” activity, where midshipmen must maneuver to stand on an area of blanket for a given amount of time in increasingly smaller sections.
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