TINIAN — New supplies, new lessons, and new faces! School Year 2022-23 finally kicked into motion on August 22, 2022. Our battalion has never felt so excited to greet the new students into the JROTC Program, along with past students who are taking the class for another semester.
On the first day, our battalion began with an introduction of leaders and cadets. Everyone introduced themselves and the leaders shared a bit about their experience in the JROTC Program.
C/CPT Saim Ali noted, “As an officer in JROTC, I gave the cadets a heartwarming welcome and shared a bit about myself to make them more open to sharing.”
They were then introduced to our Senior Army Instructor Captain Joseph Santos, and Army Instructor 1st Sergeant Jose King. After introducing themselves, the cadets watched a video of the previous school year’s highlights to help them understand what the program is like.
As this week unfolds, the cadets will do SEL activities to build bonding and teamwork skills in their blocks, as well as learn the class process and how it works. In the weeks [to come], they will learn the basic JROTC knowledge.
We interviewed some of the new cadets about what they thought about their first day. When we asked about their first thoughts of the JROTC Program, Darence Palacios remarked, “I heard many things. I heard that JROTC keeps you fit which I really look forward to. I heard there are many activities and options that you could participate in.”
Another student, Jake Moncada stated, “It was alright, JROTC caught my interest to it.”
The new school year also brings in many events for the battalion. Some of the events include the Annual Drill Competition, Adventure Training, JCLC, Marksmanship/Archery Competition, Robotics, Cadet Challenge, and Uniform Days.
C/SSG Jazmine Furton commented that, “I am excited for the upcoming events for this school year because last year we weren’t able to do it. I hope that this year would go smoothly and we all have fun.”
Battalion Commander C/LTC Ciara Santos also feels excited for this school year. When we interviewed her about what she hopes for this school year, she stated, “to the new and upcoming cadets, I want them to be able to have a memorable and enjoyable year.”
As the new school year begins, our battalion is getting ready for the events that will occur this year. We are extremely grateful for the new and returning cadets that we have this school year.
Senior Army Instructor Capt. Joseph Santos speaks to the cadets of the Tinian Stallion Battalion.
Battalion Commander Ciara Santos talks about the JROTC program with the new cadets.
Army Instructor 1SG Jose King introduces himself to the cadets.
