During the indoctrination phase, OCs work through stress- inducing scenarios to test leadership ability, time management skills, performance under pressure, and the ability to work as a team. This phase included demanding “physical motivation,” and room and barracks inspections. In the wardroom, students were required to recite required knowledge from memory. This phase was long, filled with physical motivation sessions, a myriad of classes and academic requirements, and competing demands that build time management skills. The program continually reinforced a concept integral to military life: the only way forward is as a team. Once the company performed at the level expected of them in the indoctrination phase, they moved onto the junior phase. The junior and senior phases introduced the concept of coaching, and both tested the OCs’ ability to maintain ROCI’s firm standards. While indoctrination was geared toward teamwork and establishing standards, junior and senior status ensured that OCs were able to hold themselves and their peers accountable for their actions. OCs were largely responsible for policing themselves. During this time, OCs were primarily in the classroom where they learned about topics ranging from Coast Guard history to leadership psychology, ethics, law and policy. Upon completion of these phases, the program shifted to the transition phase where OCs met with mentors to discuss the responsibilities of a junior officer. D5/SEC DelBay hosts dual changes of watch for Reserve CMCs The Fifth Coast Guard District and Sector Delaware Bay held a double change of watch ceremony June 26, 2021, for Master Chief Petty Officers Andrew Mowery, Mike Rosati, and Leon Troy aboard the USS New Jersey in Camden, N.J. Rear Adm. Laura Dickey, commander, Fifth District, presided over outdoor event, which was also attended by Capt. Jonathan Theel, commander of Sector Delaware Bay. During the double event, Troy relieved Rosati, becoming the Sector DelBay Reserve command master chief, and later, Rosati relieved Mowery, becoming the Fifth District Reserve command master chief. Mowery heads to the Ninth District to become its Reserve command master chief. � Issue 3 • 2021 � RESERVIST 9 Beyond daily responsibilities, OCs are required to give back to the community to display stewardship in all aspects of their lives. ROCI Class 1-21 assisted the Connecticut veterans’ community in marking over 14,000 graves with the national ensign in honor of Memorial Day. “Planting flags at the Connecticut Veterans’ Cemetery on Memorial Day was an unexpected and impactful experience for all of us,” Ensign Emily Kendall said. “To pay respect to the sacrifices of the men and women who came before us was an honor. This experience reminded us to count our blessings and keep our challenges in perspective.” Prior to receiving their commissions, each OC took the oath of office. They made a public vow to support and defend the Constitution and to bear true faith and allegiance to the same. They also made a commitment to embrace respect, act with integrity and humility, and never stop learning from others. Congratulations ROCI 1-21. This class of firsts set the standard at ROCI, and they’re now in the fleet, creating one story at a time. � If you’re interested in commissioning as a Coast Guard Reserve officer, speak with your local recruiter or visit gocoastguard.com.
