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In addition to academic and military requirements, NROTC at Northwestern University provides a variety of extracurricular options available only to midshipmen. These include social events (annual Military Ball and Dining-In) and optional opportunities for competition (the sailing team, drill team, and rifle/pistol team (among others)). In many of these activities, Midshipman partner with or compete against other NROTC units.
To promote social interaction and reinforce the concept of having fun while remaining responsible, NROTC at Northwestern University holds social events. While these are mandatory, midshipmen find them to be the highlight of their academic year.
Navy Marine Corps Birthday Ball
Each fall, the Northwestern NROTC midshipmen team up with their Chicago consortium counterparts from the Illinois Institute of Technology to throw a ball in honor of the Navy and Marine Corps birthdays. The event is very formal and has been held at such notable Chicago locations as the Knickerbocker, the Chicago Hilton and Towers, and most recently, the Drake Hotel. Every year a distinguished guest is invited to speak at our ball. In previous years we have had a variety of flag officers and high-ranking government officials such as the Secretary of the Air Force, the Honorable James G. Roche. Midshipmen bring dates, who are usually left awestruck at the elegance of military ceremony. Finally, after all formalities are out of the way, the dance floor opens up and the party begins!
Dining-in
Dining-in is a long-celebrated Naval tradition dating back to the Vikings. It is a formal event for our unit's members only. No dates are invited. It is held at the end of the year and is a time for us to look back and celebrate our accomplishments and laugh at our follies. The event lasts for about five hours and involves a cocktail hour, dinner, toasts, speeches, skits, and an entertaining slideshow. Each year a distinguished guest is invited to speak to our battalion.
Spring Review
Every spring marks the end of another school year and the celebration of the battalion's achievements throughout the past term. Outfitted in Dress Whites, the battalion parades before friends and family, displaying traditional military procedures and drills. Awards are presented to top midshipmen, and a change of command ceremony marks the promotion of the new classes.
To foster the spirit of teamwork, build unit cohesion, and provide opportunities for travel and competition, we participate in events throughout the academic year. These events are entirely voluntary, but are unique to the NROTC program and are favorites of our midshipmen.
Sail Team
The NU NROTC Sail Team usually competes in one to three regattas throughout the year. The Sail Team is a great place to have fun and make friends in the battalion. It provides a relaxed setting and allows midshipmen to have fun on (and in) the water. The Sail Team is an opportunity to improve skills that may be rusty, or to learn from scratch how to sail. No experience is needed to be on our team. We'll teach you as we go.
Drill Team
The Drill Team is a group of motivated, disciplined midshipmen who form the Northwestern NROTC Drill Team. They practice drill at 0600 two mornings a week, and at 1900 on Sundays in the fall. Drill Team helps midshipmen practice proper military bearing and discipline. It also offers enthusiastic midshipmen a chance to show their leadership capabilities. If a midshipman proves himself in practice, he or she is given the chance to represent the NROTC battalion at drill meets. Drill meets build camaraderie between midshipmen and highlight midshipman pride in the battalion. Usually, the drill team travels to the University of Wisconsin in the fall and down to Tulane for Mardi Gras each spring.
Color Guard Team
The Color Guard Team consists of five midshipmen. They compete in drill competitions with the drill team and perform at local Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies. They also march the colors onto the football field during the National Anthem before NU football games.
Rifle/Pistol Team
The Rifle/Pistol Team competes at the University of Wisconsin drill meet in the fall. Each member of the team shoots both .22 caliber rifles and .22 caliber pistols.
Endurance Team
The Endurance team is an extracurricular ROTC activity in which midshipmen compete in a variety of endurance races. From adventure races to 5Ks, the Endurance Team seeks out competition.
Intramural Sports Teams
MIDN are given the opportunity to play on a variety of different intramural teams. These include but are not limited to basketball, football, softball, volleyball, soccer, and floor hockey. Intramurals are a great time for midshipmen to have fun and get some additional exercise during the academic year. The NROTC intramural teams compete against other Northwestern student organizations such as fraternities, sororities, and clubs.
Field Training Exercises
(or FTX's) are completed once a year by Marine Options. The focus is on small unit leadership and tactics. FTX operations include land
navigation, squad assaults, and team building exercises.
Our Battalion hosts a few different philanthropic events throughout the academic year.
Toys for Tots
During the fall, our midshipmen raise money and purchase toys for the Marine Corps "Toys for Tots" drive. We usually host a 5k "Reindeer Run" and then purchase toys with the money we raise.
Navy Marine Corps Relief Society
In the spring we host another fundraiser for the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society. The mission of the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society is to provide, in partnership with the Navy and Marine Corps, financial, educational, and other assistance to members of the Naval Services of the United States, eligible family members, and survivors when in need; and to receive and manage funds to administer these programs.
Veterans Day
Last year we held a wreath dedication ceremony on Veterans Day in honor of Northwestern alum veterans. Also on Veterans Day a group of midshipmen went to a ceremony at a local nursing home. The midshipmen prepared speeches and spoke to a group of residents at the nursing home.
 
21 Gun Salute
Every year a group of midshipmen organize a 21 gun salute for a Memorial Day ceremony in Evanston. The Color Guard team is also present. The ceremony involves the playing of the National Anthem, a few guest speakers and it ends with a 21 gun salute provided by or battalion.
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"NROTC has introduced me to the best friends I could have ever asked for and that will last my lifetime. I could not have asked for anything else better."
3rd Class Midshipman
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As your commanding officer I take personal responsibility for your success:
CAPT E. J. Martin USN
617 Haven Street
Evanston, IL 60208
Tel: (847) 491-3324
Email
We help you understand each step of the process whether you decide to join us or if you
simply have questions.
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2nd Class Cruise
Midshipmen from across the country quickly form strong friendships, a key aspect of Navy life at sea.
Summer Obligations : 2nd Class Cruise
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