bearings - spring 2011

8/4/2019 Bearings - Spring 2011

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down to planning. The midshipmen wereassigned a quota of one lessons learnedpaper per month. Because we plannedahead and gave clear and simple deadlines,each member of the platoon was able toget at least three books completed withoutbeing crushed under the pressures of atypical semesters workload, MIDN Cul-len says. Thinking far in advance also madeperforming drill and PT a less painful proc-ess. By projecting ahead, we were abletosucceed in evolutions simply by hav-ing the members of the platoon becomemore comfortable with their environ-ments. MIDN Cullen states inspections asan example. By keeping inspections inmind from day one, practice became anunobtrusive habit that ultimately led toexcellence. The platoon would spend a

couple of minutes after each PT sessiongoing through the motions in drill, and as aresult A3 consistently scored highest ongroup inspection criteria.

Communication was also vital. The pla-toon utilized shared online documents tokeep every member aware of the commit-ments that had and hadnt been completed.Discussing the already completed successesalso helped build confidence, and keepingtrack of to-do lists left nothing unfin-

ished.It is important to note that while Alpha 3

won the overall color platoon competition,the competition also revealed the strengthsof other platoons. Bravo 3 also performedconsistently in inspections, earned an out-standing average GPA, and dominatedevery PT competition thrown their way.Alpha 2 took the gold in the Battalion

As the Battalion charges into thespring semester, led by our new BCOMIDN Keiser, we had the opportu-nity at a recent drill to reflect on thepast semester. After final grades wereprocessed, the results of the fall ColorPlatoon Competition were an-nounced. Alpha 3 remained solidly infirst, followed by Alpha 1 and Bravo3.

The accomplishments of the winning

platoon were impressivehighestaverage GPA, 100% PFT pass rate,placing third or higher in every in-spection, completion of the Battalionreading list, etc. The platoon alsoprovided the Battalion with its mid-shipman of the semester: MIDN 3/ CBauer. So what was the secret to thisunstoppable groups success? MIDN

2/ C Cullen and 1/ C Brotman,Alpha 3 platoon sergeant and pla-toon commander, both attributethe victory to the hard work of allof the platoons members.Everyone came to A3 with a greatattitude and a natural urge to suc-ceed, explains MIDN Cullen. Asense of teamwork developedquickly and naturally, allowing theplatoon to focus on ironing out

kinks and weaknesses and cultivat-ing strengths. All Alpha 3s mem-bers took their billets seriously,PTed beyond what was required ofthem, studied hard, and partici-pated consistently throughout thesemester, says MIDN Brotman.

Translating individual success intoplatoon success, however, all came

Alpha 3 Victor ious in Fall Color Platoon Competition

GW U N RO TC

SPRING 2011

BEARINGS

Bearings Editor: MIDN 3/C Griffith

Alpha 3, standing at parade rest

By: MIDN Gowell

Continued on page 2


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PAG E 2 BEARINGS

knowledge bowl, Bravo 1 achieved the highest averagePFT score, and Alpha 1 snagged first in the intra-Battalionregatta. The competitive edge influenced midshipmenthroughout the Battalion, from platoon commanders tobillet-less 4/ C to push themselves for the better of their

platoons. MIDN 1/ C Oley, the fall semester BCO,deems his brainchild a success. I may be biased, he ad-mits, but I think that [the competition] improved Battal-ion performance. The effort exerted by both platoonleaders and members was observable at drill and aroundthe wardroom. As Battalion members strove to becomethe example, their strengths were revealed. As an organi-zation based on professional development, however, thereal benefit of the competition was the potential for con-tinued improvement. Says MIDN Oley; I hope that peo-ple were able to identify their own weaknesses so they canfocus on them in the future.

As a participant, MIDN Brotmans overall assessment ofthe nature of the competition was also positive. Like al-most everything in this world competition isnt a univer-sal[ly] good or bad thing, he explains. But in the propercontext, it can drive morale and inspire performance,which the Battalions competition achieved. It also isnt

unusual to see competition used as an incentive in the Big

Navy. After all, division officers on a ship are all ranked, andtop ships in the fleet compete with one another for the BatltleE. There is little reason why a friendly competition amongstmidshipmen should unsettle anyone, concludes the victoriousplatoon commander. I mean, unless you dont win

Congratulations to all the members of the Alpha 3 platoon!

Alpha 3 continued from page 1

Alpha 3 during inspection


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about 1,000 beds and 12 full functioning operating rooms.From a simple eye exam, to the most complex, life savingprocedure, the capabilities of these ships are almost limit-less. Even if the realm of care is outside of the crews com-fort level, a helicopter pad provides the necessary transportto more conventional healthcare centers for further treat-ment.

Putting aside all of the structural components of the ships,what really makes the heart of Comfort and the Mercybeat are its crew. Each ship holds a crew of almost 2,000people, including doctors, nurses, technicians, veterinarians,physical therapists, dentists, and countless other medical

professionals. Interestingly, different from any other navalship, is the presence of civilian volunteers, working side byside with members of the military medical corps. While thisdelicate balance of personnel can have its challenges, thediffering experiences that civilians and military membersbring to the table, allows for exceptional patient care.

Some of the current missions of the USNS Comfort andMercy have been providing relief to the disaster-strickenHaitian population and many other developing countries,such as in South America and Southeast Asia. These mis-sions not only help those in most desperate need, but alsoprovide an example of a very different side to our militaryforces. Navy Captain Bob Kapcio stated, Were in a strug-gle to win the hearts and the minds. This idea is very centralto the core mission of the hospital ships. Power and sheerforce can only get you so far in a world where sadly, manypeople live in fear because a war is going on in the midst oftheir daily lives. By projecting care of the whole person andspreading some of our most valuable medical resources, wegive a precious gift to the world.

The US Navy is spreading peace and prosperity by offeringa helping hand in places where many people have never intheir lives seen a doctor or a dentist. Whether it may be

through giving sight to a child who has never been able toobtain that needed pair of glasses or veterinary care to afamilys lone source of income, their cow or chickens.While it may seem so small to us, we are making a hugeimpact on our world. In that tiny Haitian village or a pov-erty stricken seaside port in The Philippines, the USNSMercy and USNS Comfort are making enormous waves.

W INNING H EARTS AND MIN D

PAG E 3SPRING 2 0 11

When you think of a Naval Ship, what comes to mind? Formost of us, the picture that pops into our heads may be a de-stroyer, a cruiser, or even an aircraft carrier. These impres-sive, grey battleships ride the seas of the world, projectingour Naval presence far from our nations shores. The war-ships are built for power and force, complete with weaponssystems, missiles, and fighter jets.

What most people arent aware of is that there is a wholeother class of ships, whose main mission and purpose is toprovide a mobile, flexible, and rapidly responsive afloatmedical capability for acute medical and surgical care. Theseglistening white ships sail through the water, adorned with a

prominent Red Cross symbol. They are certainly far fromtheir war-fighting sister counterparts, in both looks and pur-pose. The two main ships, the USNS Mercy and the USNSComfort, are a major part of the Military Sea Lift Command,which aims to support our nation by delivering supplies andconducting specialized missions across the world's oceans.While homeport for the Comfort is Baltimore and San Diegofor the Mercy, much of their time is spent far from these twoplaces. In fact, the ships operate on a minimal skeletoncrew during the time when they are not forward deployed.The ships can go from a crew of a couple hundred to a crewof a couple thousand in about five days.

The hospital ships of the US Navy primarily provide supportfor our forward deployed military service members, but theyalso have a very important secondary mission. The secondarymission of the USNS Mercy and Comfort is to provide hu-manitarian relief to suffering countries around the world;those confronted with natural disasters, such as hurricanes,tsunamis, and earthquakes. When the big, beautiful, whiteMercy or Comfort pulls into a port around the world, helpcertainly has arrived. As a fellow lifelong Naval Officer putsit, Hospital ships make the most important deployments Ican imagine, because they bring hope and belief to nationsaround the world in the basic values of the United States.

That is how we will deliver security in the 21st century.

The stunning exterior of the ships projects a force of enor-mous proportions, despite the fact that these ships are notequipped with any gunfire or ammunition. By far one of themost amazing things about the hospital ships, however, iswhat lies within its massive exterior walls. They each contain

By MIDN Stavridis

Quotes for this article were retrieved from: www.globalsecurity.org


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Since its inception in 2004 in the UnitedKingdom, the synthetic cannabis com-monly referred to as Spice has becomeincreasingly popular in the United Statesand all over the world. It particularlygrew to be common among servicemembers, specifically because theythought of the imitation substance as aviable outlet, seeing as cannabis itself isillegal in the United States. However, itcame to the attention of the Depart-ment of the Navy that although this imi-tation substance was legal in the UnitedStates, it altered ones mood, sense of judgment, and ability to perform theirjobs effectively. Thus, the Naval Servicedecided to ban the substance amongservice members. A recent messagefrom the Master Chief Petty Officer ofthe Navy (Rick D. West) stated thefollowing:

Shipmates, There has been an alarm-ing rise in the number of Sailors whoare choosing to use 'Spice,' herbalproducts and other so-called designerdrugs; and this must come to an imme-diate stop. More than 150 Sailors arecurrently being processed for 'Spice'use, possession or distribution, and thisis UNSAT. By reading this directivefrom the MCPON, it is empiricallyevident that the Navy has zero toler-ance for the use of this drug amongSailors, Airmen, and Marines. As ismentioned in the articles, some Sail-ors careers, as well as those of severalMidshipmen at the Naval Academy, inthe Navy were ended simply becausethey tested the waters and thoughtthey could find a loophole in the drugtesting system, as it is commonly ad-vertised that Spice does not show up in

a Urinalysis. However, in the Depart-ment of the Navy, this is clearly notthe case. Midshipmen throughout theBattalion have also voiced their opin-ions on the matter. MIDN 4/ C Rileystated, Whether or not it's designedor farmed it's still a drug, and can stillimpede discipline, and ultimatelymission accomplishment." Whenasked how he felt about the crack-downs, MIDN 1/ C Brotman com-mented, I think its a good thing.Illicit drugs of any kind have no placein the Navy. This crackdown servesas a reminder to Midshipmen, Sailors,Airmen, Marines, and Officers alike:even when you go home for leave orgo out on liberty, you are always amember of the United States ArmedForces, and you must conduct your-self accordingly.

SYNTHETIC C ANNABIS C RACKDOWNS: T HINK T WICE

BEFO RE YO U AD D SPICE TO YO UR LIFE

PAG E 4 BEARINGS

By: MIDN Kelly

BUDGET

UNDER

SCRUTINY

As members of Congress struggle to come to a consensuson budget cuts, it is evident that the military will not beexempt from the tightening that is to come. There is stillwork underway on the budget for the remainder of FY2011, and there is a lot of discussion about proposed mili-tary budget cuts coming from Defense Secretary RobertGates and supported by the four service chiefs for FY2012. The total budget requested from the Pentagon to-tals $553 billion, and the cuts amount to $78 billion.Spending for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan is separatefrom this budget. The proposed cuts affect weapons sys-

tems, contracting, personnel numbers as well as healthcareservices. Two major weapons systems affected by thesecuts are the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV)and the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. While $3 billion has already beeninvested in the EFV, canceling the program will potentiallysave $11 billion in future costs. The goal of the programwas to create a new Amphibious Assault Vehicle capable oftransporting Marines from an Amphibious Assault shipfrom beyond the horizon to shore, with shore capabilitiesas well. It would have replaced the 1972 AAV-A71.

While some cuts have been made to the F-35 program,such as $450 million for an alternate engine, the projectwill continue. The Marine Corps version, however, willbe under a two year probation. The Navy is also feelingthe effects of the stalled budget for the remainder of FY2011 as the completion of a new Virginia class submarinehas been delayed. These budget cuts will also affect per-sonnel numbers of the Army and Marine Corps after theAfghan security forces begin leading their own security in2015. For the Marine Corps specifically, this wouldmean 20,000 less Marines in a force currently numbering

202,000. On an even more tangible level, TriCare pre-miums will likely increase from $460 to $520 a year forretired veterans under 65. Healthcare currently consti-tutes 10% of the Pentagons budget and is only expectedto increase in the coming years. Though advocated bySec. Gates, this plan is incredibly controversial and willlikely face strong opposition in Congress. It is clear thatmany difficult decisions are being made in regards tomilitary spending, and it appears that further cuts willfollow in years to come.

By MIDN Kyle

Quotes for this article were retrieved from:www.navytimes.com, cnn.com


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One doesnt have to follow the newsto know that there is unrest in NorthAfrica and the Middle East. In what is

quickly becoming a domino effect,country after country is experiencingrevolutionary protests calling for achange in leadership. What started inEgypt has quickly spread to othercountries in the region; Libya,Yemen, and Jordan, to name a few.One of the most significant countries,at least in terms of U.S. foreign pol-icy, is Bahrain, where tens of thou-sands of citizens have gathered, pro-testing the current monarchy. The

United States Navy has a particularinterest in Bahrain considering its

capital, Manama, is home to the Navys5th Fleet. As such, the outcome of theseprotests could have a significant impact

not only on the wars in Afghanistan andIraq, but also on the Navys influence inthe Middle East.The exact reason for the Bahrainian pro-tests can be traced back to the tensionsbetween Sunni and Shiite Muslims. Thecurrent ruling monarchy is Sunni, butover seventy percent of Bahrains popu-lation is Shiite. Consequently, this leadsto discrimination against the Shiites bythe government. In an effort to reachsome sort of a compromise, protestors

have called for the surrender of most ofthe monarchys power to the elected

parliament. However, other countriesin the region, namely Saudi Arabia, arenot as willing to allow the monarchy to

give into the protestors demands. Iranis also a Shiite controlled country, andSaudi Arabia fears that if Bahrain be-comes Shiite as well, it could lead togreater Iranian influence in the area,which Saudi Arabia would consider tobe less than ideal.Though what exactly does this meanfor the United States Navy? Currently,Bahrain is the center for naval influ-ence in the Middle East. The 5th Fleetacts not only to support the currently

deployed troops in Afghanistan andIraq, but also as a check to expandingIranian influence. If, in a worst casescenario, the US is forced to move outof Bahrain, Saudi Arabias fears may berealized and Iranian influence may ex-pand into Bahrain, giving them a foot-hold in the Arabian Peninsula. How-ever, there are many, more likely, lessdrastic results that may come from theprotests. One notable aspect of theprotests is their desire for a diplomaticsolution. Because of this, it is morelikely that the United States wouldassist in reaching a peaceful resolution.What we can expect to see in the com-ing weeks is more dialogue betweenthe monarchy and the protestors aswell as more political reform withinthe government. King Hamad has al-ready agreed to make changes to hiscabinet in response to the protests, andmore democratic reform cant be toofar behind.

U N REST IN BAHRAIN

BEARINGSSPRING 2 0 11

By Mid n Bo st o c k

Protestors in Bahrain take to the Streets (2011)

courses wherever they are located;language classes are the most popu-lar and practical, but nurse option3/ C Amy Funk has the opportunityto participate in Nurse Clinicalsduring her time in Australia. I amstudying in Melbourne, Australia for5 months. I chose this program be-cause it is the first year that CUA's

nursing school is allowed to studyabroad (which is very rare for anynursing school). I was selected tostudy abroad, and obviously couldn'tpass this opportunity. So far, I onlytraveled to Tasmania and hiked with atour group for 3 days. It was an amaz-ing experience and a good workout atsome parts of the trip.

Upon returning to America, midship-men must catch up on ROTC andother academic requirements but findthe experience entirely worth the ex-tra work. Ill catch up with everythingwhen I get back, says Aguiar. But fornow, I plan on living life the Barcelonaway.

Midshipmen abroad continued from page 5


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Lieutenant Mark Burchill joined GWUNROTC last fall as the Units newest

staff member and sole representative ofthe Submarine Community. LT Burchillhas brought his experience as a Subma-riner to serve as second class advisor,summer cruise coordinator, and princi-pal advisor to Midshipmen interested innuclear power branches of the Navy.Like many members of the Battalion,LT Burchills exposure to the militarybegan at an early age. His father servedas a Supply Officer in the Navy whileLT Burchill grew up. This allowed himto see the four corners of America, andto experiences the different parts of thecountry. In high school, LT Burchilldecided that the Navy would providehim with many excellent opportunities,and accepted an NROTC scholarship at

Villanova.LT Burchill fondly remembers the

close camaraderie while at Villanova.Like current Midshipmen, he com-pleted a summer training cruise aftereach year of school. After attendingCORTRAMID West for his 3/ Ccruise, he completed his second classcruise on the USS Portsmouth, a fastattack submarine based in San Diego.During his cruise the Portsmouth partici-pated in an exercise where it stalked acarrier battle group. He knew afterthis cruise that he wanted to serviceselect submarines. For his 1/ C cruiseLT Burchill participated in a FOREXwith the Greek Navy, which allowedhim to make a number of Mediterra-nean port calls.In the fall of his senior year LT Burchill

was selected for the Nuclear TrainingProgram, and after graduation reported

to Nuclear Power School in Charleston,South Carolina. He describes the pro-gram as challenging, but manageable.Working with your peers is highly re-warding. Following Power School, heunderwent Prototype Training in up-state New York, where officers are ableto gain invaluable hands on experience.Finally, after completing Prototype andSubmarine Officer School, he reportedto the USS Alabama, home ported inBangor, Washington.TheAlabama is immortalized in the filmCrimson Tide, which LT Burchill ac-knowledges with frequent jokes con-cerning which side of the mutiny he wason. As a Ballistic Missile Submarine itmakes up one leg of the countrys nu-

Repr esen t in g t h e sil en t Ser v ic e: LT Bu r c h il l

By MIDN Robinson

The USS Alabama SSBN-731, LT Burchills first ship of duty

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PAG E 8 Bea r in g s

clear triad, and frequently conductsstrategic deterrence patrols withactual nuclear missiles. LT Burchillcompleted five deterrence patrols

while serving in a variety of billets,including Damage Control Assistant,Tactical Systems Officer, and Mid-shipmen Training Officer. His favor-ite experience aboard the Alabamaoccurred when the boat was under-going the INSURV inspection andthe crew was able to operate theboat to her maximum limit.

Historically, sodomy, and more specifically homo- andbisexuality, have been grounds for discharge from the

US military. However, in 1993, Congress passed theDont Ask, Dont Tell policy that stipulated that ser-vice members could be homosexuals, but could not beopen about their sexual orientation. This stirred upmuch tension and controversy over the next two dec-ades, as many argued service members should be able totell the truth about themselves in an organization thatstresses integrity. Consequently, on 22DEC2010, thecontroversial Dont Ask, Dont Tell Policy was re-pealed by President Barack Obama, and the promisewas made that homosexuals would have the opportunityto openly serve their country in the Armed Forces.

Both the Navy and the Marine Corps have already de-vised intricate plans detailing exactly how they will goabout training service members and implementing thenew policy in a timely and efficient manner. However,this has caused a very mixed reaction among Sailors andMarines in the Fleet and in the Field. Some were indif-ferent, some were excited, and some were outraged.GEN Conway, the former Commandant of the MarineCorps commented, "When we take a survey of ourMarines, by and large, they say that they are concernedthat it will cause potential problems with regard to theirorder and discipline -- that it will impact their sense of

unit cohesion." Some service members are completelyindifferent to the changes that will be brought about bythe repeal of Dont Ask, Dont Tell. Petty Officer

DADT REPEALSecond Class Michael Gonder remarked, Theres no timeon a ship to think about if someone is looking at you or not.

If you have time to think about that, youre not doing yourjob. Of course, there are some service members who areglad that the change will take place. For obvious reasons,many of those Sailors and Marines did not share their feel-ings of joy (yet) with the public, as they technically cannotcome out quite yet.

GWU NROTC Midshipmen have also shared their viewson the repeal of DADT. When asked about her views onthe matter, MIDN 3/ C Aguiar replied, I think it's interest-ing for them to be focusing on [the DADT policy] whenthere's a lot more important things going on that should betaken care of first. But besides from that, Im not [going to]

say anything about it itself [because] we dont really knowuntil we get out there [in the Fleet.] Conversely, MIDN4/ C Vicchio stated that, In a [profession] that stresses in-tegrity and honesty, why are its members supposed to lie toothers to do their job? MIDN Brotman said in reply toservice members disapproval of the repeal of DADT:Theyre making a big deal about nothing. The gay peopleare there. They always will be. Its just a matter of[homosexual service members] being able to perform theirtasks freely and openly.

Finally, it is evident that while this may not be an easy orcomfortable transition for certain service members, thischange is fully on, as the ball is already up in the air.

His time at Villanova NROTC and asMidshipmen Training Officer persuadedLT Burchill to become an NROTC In-structor here at GWU. He is enjoying an

extended period ashore and describes histime thus far at the unit as fantastic. LTBurchill teaches Naval engineering to the2/ C Midshipmen, and MIDN 2/ C Schuckdescribes him as, extremely passionateabout what he does. His excitement en-courages all of us to look forward to ourfuture profession.LT Burchill encourages all Midshipmen to

consider the Submarine communityfor its high level of professionalismand outstanding quality of people. Healso notes that all Midshipmen, par-

ticularly those with technical interests,should consider Navy nuclear powertraining, as it can lead to a future inthe growing civilian nuclear powerindustry. Finally, he urges all Midship-men to spend their time here learningfrom the staff, speakers, and cruises inorder to develop their own leadershipstyle.

Representing the Silent Service: LT Burchill, continued from page 7

By MIDN Kelly

Quotes for this article were retrieved from: www.navytimes.com,www.marinecorpstimes.com, and www.cnn.com

bearings - spring 2011

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