The Fall 2001 semester commenced August 23^rd and the Military Science Building is extremely busy.  Classes are in session; the active duty staff is once again  endeavoring to impart their military knowledge into the minds of our eager students.
Just prior to the first day of classes, the Jayhawk Battalion welcomed 23 new  midshipmen into the program.  Seventeen Navy Option, five Marine Option and one  Nurse option recently completed a physically and mentally challenging Orientation and  Indoctrination at Camp Clark in Nevada, Missouri.  Beginning with a formal ceremony at  noon on August 15, in front of a proud audience that included moms and dads, grandfathers and grandmothers, siblings and friends, the Class of 2005 was sworn in.  The new midshipmen candidates were then transported to Camp Clark to conduct four days of training.  This was the first chance for all of the new freshmen to pull together as a team and develop a sense of camaraderie and esprit de corps.  They were introduced to close order drill, physical training, military classwork, swimming, sailing, inspections, and marksmanship.  The event came to an end with sailing and a picnic at Clinton Lake on Sunday afternoon as the newest KU midshipmen mingled with staff and family.
Summer cruises went exceptionally well for our Jayhawks.  Although scattered to the four winds, all KU midshipmen returned safely.  Coming home with them in their seabags were many interesting sea stories and experiences.  The cruise program certainly gives our future leaders a tremendous opportunity to consider and prepare for their future careers.
I was Officer in Charge of Career Orientation Training for Midshipmen (CORTRAMID) West  in San Diego, and responsible for 510 third class midshipmen from around the country this last July.  It was a tremendous experience.  CORTRAMID gives each midshipman a week's exposure to each of four warfare communities: Aviation,  Submarines, Surface, and Marines.  The midshipmen really inspired me - they are dedicated, committed, and eager to excel, and I am very confident about turning over to them the leadership, and the future, of the Navy and Marine Corps.
The fall semester will be filled with a number of various events and activities.  We will be supplying a Color Guard for two of the home football games in addition to other events in the area.  We are planning several community service events as well as campus activities.  Our first social event of the season is a Barn Dance in September.  The Drill Team and Rifle/Pistol will compete at the University of Nebraska on September 16^th and at the University of Wisconsin in October.  On October 6^th, KU is holding its first All-University Open House.  Please spread the word: this will be a superb opportunity for anyone interested in any aspect of the University to examine the various segments of KU close up and personal.  The Navy and Air Force ROTC battalions are collaborating to participate with a joint display/activity area down by Allen Field House.  Although tough to improve upon, the Alumni Homecoming Tailgate Party will be bigger and better than ever this year.  We're expanding the invitation to include all Navy/Marine Corps veterans and servicemembers who would like to stop by our NROTC Open House-Tailgate Party on October 13^th , when KU plays University of Oklahoma. Mark your calendar now.  Good luck to all of our members.

Go Navy!
Semper Fi!
Rock Chalk, Jayhawk