Commanding Officer's Philosophy
There are two key objectives while you are enrolled in Naval ROTC at Penn State University. The first is to earn a bachelor's degree and the second is to earn a commission in the United States Navy or Marine Corps. My staff is here to help you reach these objectives, but you must also do your part.
The NROTC Mission Statement, the Sailors Creed, the Honor Code, and the Navy Core Values highlight what we are trying to achieve and what is important. Through your course of instruction, your summer cruises, and the leadership positions you hold in our unit, it is my goal that you develop the characteristics necessary to successfully lead the men and women of our Navy and Marine Corps team.
The intent of the following section is to emphasize some key areas that I consider to be essential for your continued success.
Safety: Your safety and the safety of your people must always be a top priority. Errors here can kill someone. While I will emphasize safety at my level, you must also be thinking of safety in all NROTC and non NROTC events that you are involved in. If you have to ask the question 'Is what I am doing safe?' you have probably already answered the question that it is not.
Drug Use: Don't use drugs! Zero tolerance for drug use is the standard. If drugs are present, you shouldn't be there. If I determine that you are using drugs you will be disenrolled.
Responsible Use of Alcohol: The drinking age in Pennsylvania is 21 years old. Underage drinking will, as a minimum, result in probation. If you are of age and drink, do it responsibly. 'I had too much to drink' is no excuse. Never drink and drive. If you believe that you have an alcohol problem we will work to get you help.
Respect for All: Treat people the way you want yourself or your family members to be treated, with dignity and respect. As naval officers you will have sailors and marines of different gender, race and religions. This diversity makes the team better. Hazing, discrimination, and harassment have no place in the Penn State NROTC.
Honesty: Be honest; we all make mistakes. Admitting mistakes saves valuable time and allows us to train on the right thing to prevent similar mistakes in the future. Not admitting mistakes or attempting to cover them up will only diminish your own character and possibly impact the safety and well being of those who serve with you.
Personal Responsibility: You will be challenged in your ability to organize yourself and accomplish the myriad of tasks that you will face. Personal responsibility starts with the 'little things', such as turning in assignments, being responsive to the Staff and answering communications. As a division officer or a platoon leader you will find that the 'little things' are the 'big things'.
Taking Care of Your Shipmates: Taking care of each other is an 'up and down the chain of command' event. At your level this means everything from helping each other with homework assignments, keeping each other informed of what is going on, to having the courage to tell a shipmate that they have an alcohol abuse problem. Remember that you are given rank in the battalion to better serve those below you.
Physical Fitness: Stay in shape. If you are not in shape, get in shape. Any warfare specialty you choose will require physical stamina to effectively perform your job. Most importantly physical fitness will add a quality to your life that nothing else can replace. Now is the time to start the habit of routinely maintaining your physical fitness.
Use of the Unit Staff for Help: The primary reason the Staff and I are here at Penn State is to provide help for whatever issues you are facing. Issues can range from academic, financial, to emotional. If I cannot help with a specific problem, I will find someone who can. If you do not think that you are getting sufficient help at a certain level go to the next person in the chain of command. No issue is too small if it affects your academic or military performance.
If you have any questions about the above or any other questions please address them with your advisor, the Executive Officer or me. I want you to succeed and become a successful commissioned officer in the world's finest Navy and Marine Corps.