Leader´s Week, Rook Week, and the Special Units Demonstration

First of all I would like to thank you all again for your continuous support and encouragement. I was very surprised and happy when several readers approached me while I was at the Provisional Battalion table to talk about the blog. It encourages me to become a better blogger and writer every time and serves as a motivation to keep on going when things are rough.

The past week has been extremely busy for the Corps of Cadets, especially for the new leadership because we had what is known as Leader´s Week, whose purpose is to finish preparing the new leadership of the Corps before the recruits and upperclassmen arrive. It was a very busy and intense week but at the same time very rewarding. This year I have been able to experience many new things and learn a lot about leadership and planning. As a the Cavalry Company Commander I have the honor and opportunity to lead a select group of cadets, very fine young men and women indeed, and prepare the plans and vision of this special unit, not only for this academic year, but also so that it can be applied to the 2019 plan.

This past week was also very intense for our Barn SGT and the Barn CPLs because they went to the barn on a daily basis to prepare the horses and the necessary equipment for the Cavalry Demonstration that we will be conducting this coming Saturday as part of the Special Units Demonstration. This past Sunday was also Rook Arrival Day, a very special day for every cadet here at Norwich because its one of those days you never forget. In some way we started this year with the right foot since we received the largest class of incoming rooks, 522 in total. Just seeing them form up and occupy one entire side of the UP motivates me to become a better leader and person.

I must admit that I´ve also had goosebumps when I hear the sound of platoons of 60 or more recruits marching and sounding off with their own cadences. Its a special feeling that is very hard to describe. I know that many parents, especially those of rooks are probably worried about them and are continuously thinking about what they are doing and how they are doing. I would like to ensure those parents that their sons and daughters are very lucky indeed to have come to Norwich on this very special year, a year of change and improvement.

As I mentioned before, this is a year of change and improvement in every aspect. In order to conduct Rook Orientation, Rook Basic Training, and Rook Advanced Training in a more professional and effective way, the Regiment has been reorganized. 1st and 2nd Battalions are now upperclassmen battalions whose mission is to train sophomores so that they can become better leaders and professional NCOs and Officers.

3rd Battalion has been designated a freshmen battalion and instead of having the normal companies like Hotel, India, or Kilo they now have Cadet Training Companies which are designated by the year and company number (i.e., 09-1). This change will be extremely beneficial for everyone because a more professional training environment has been created, not only for the freshmen but also for everyone else in the Corps.

Provisional Battalion is a different case because it is composed of the Special Units of the Corps of Cadets. These Special Units are the Regimental Band Company; the oldest collegiate band in the Nation, the Drill Team Company whose Shock Platoon won the National Championship last year, the Norwich Independent Battery (N.I.B) a.k.a Artillery or Arty, and of course the legendary Norwich University Regimental Cavalry Troop, whose centennial year is this year. As a special battalion, Provisional Battalion will not participate in the rook training as it did in the past. This will allow for the Special Units to focus all their efforts in specializing and representing the University at public events. Nevertheless the Special Units have been actively recruiting rooks so that they can participate in a voluntary manner in the basic or introductory training of each company.

The Special Units have all been working very hard in developing and adapting their training as well as preparing their respective demonstrations for Saturday. Personnel from all these companies reported during Leader´s Week, way earlier than the rest of the students or cadets.

Finally, I know this has been a long blog, I want to reassure the parents of all the rooks that they are in excellent hands. Please dont worry about them. I was once in their shoes and know that by now they are probably having mixed feelings, some are missing home or their friends and family. Others are very happy and motivated. Nevertheless of how they are adapting this is a special moment in their lives, they are changing for the better. This change includes new routines, discipline, obedience, and respect. Their first phone call will be hard, I remember I was only able to say a few words trying not to cry over the phone, but as time progresses they will overcome all these difficulties and when they feel it they will be seniors like me. Time goes fast. If you email your son or daughter, or if you talk with them during their phone call home please encourage them, allow them to embrace change and difficulties, explain to them that not everything in life comes easy, sometimes we must sacrifice things for the better. Tells them that it will be worth it in the end, but please dont pitty them, dont tell them to come back home or to quit if its too hard.

If I had to describe Rookdom with one word I would use the word and definition that appears in every cadet´s Dog River Run picture: PERSEVERANCE. This word appears in the bottom of the picture along its definition which says "the difference between a successful person and others is not a lack or will or strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will".

Rooks, keep up the good work, don´t look back and keep on going.

Comments

[Rich]

Hi C/Captain Jaime Parellada:

Our son made the jump to Norwich which after a traditional Liberal Arts College I think that it is a great fit.

We spoke via email last year off your Blog it makes me feel good that there are young people like you leading the way.

Anything that you want in life is hard. But if you follow a proven way, not taking away from you that have come before, you will be able to get through the day, week, month, year.

I wish you luck and enjoy your last year in college. If anyone thinks that the first year at Norwich is Hell wait for the real world.

[Anne Knapp]

Hi,

As a mom of a Rook from whom I have not heard a thing yet, I am so thankful for your information. I know our son is very well prepared for this and quite excited, but still, we worry. Your explanations of what is happening and your encouragement is wonderful! Thank you!

Anne Knapp

[Mary Carr]

Jaime - Thank you so much! We read all of your blogs last year and are so grateful to read them again this year. Your words mean so much. Our son, Chris, has been looking at Norwich since last year. He is a Senior this year and all of you who share your lives with us..really help us get a better understanding of life at Norwich. You are so right, Perserverance, is essential no matter what you do in life. Thanks so much for explaining the changes on campus - we heard about them, but did not understand. It is starting to make sense now. We look forward to hearing more! Have a wonderful day!! Thanks for your beautiful 9-11 poem - it is such a tribute to our fallen heros and their families - you have such a gift in writing!!