Jacksonville University NROTC Unit

Congratulations to Gunnery Sergeant Marquez on his promotion effective 1 July 2026!

GySgt Marquez is a Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program (MECEP) student with the Unit, where he continues his journey from enlisted Marine to commissioned officer. His promotion to Gunnery Sergeant reflects his continued dedication, leadership, and commitment to the Marine Corps.

The Jacksonville University NROTC family was proud to recognize this significant milestone alongside his fellow Marines, Sailors, and family.

Congratulations GySgt Marquez; well deserved!
Semper Fidelis

Day Three of New Student Orientation challenged our newest midshipmen both physically and mentally. ⚓️🇺🇸

The morning began with an O-Course and CFT-style workout, giving our incoming 5/C and 4/C Navy and Marine Option midshipmen their first taste of the physical demands and teamwork expected within JUNROTC.

Our newest members participated in a series of briefs covering DAPA and alcohol awareness, SAPR, CMEO, the Navy Regulations and Orders, and the expectations and standards that guide our battalion.

These conversations are an important part of building future officers who understand that leadership is not only about physical strength or academic performance, but also about character, accountability, respect, and doing what is right.

The day concluded with a knowledge exam, putting their attention, preparation, and understanding to the test.

Another day down. One step closer to becoming the leaders we expect them to be. ⚓️🇺🇸

Our newest 5/C and 4/C Navy and Marine Option midshipmen continued their introduction to Jacksonville University NROTC with a day focused on physical readiness, leadership, and finding their place within the battalion.

The day began with our incoming midshipmen taking on the PFA/PFT, putting their physical readiness and determination to the test. They also had the opportunity to meet our upperclassmen and staff, gaining insight from those who have already walked the path they are beginning.

Our newest midshipmen were introduced to the many clubs and communities within JUNROTC, including Aviation Club, Nurse Club, SWO Club, SFS (Semper Fi Society), Nuke Club, and more. These opportunities allow our midshipmen to explore different warfare communities, develop professional skills, and build lasting relationships within the battalion.

We also had the opportunity to sit down with each of our incoming freshmen for interviews, getting to know the individuals behind the uniforms and learning more about their goals, motivations, and aspirations.

Day One of New Student Orientation (NSO) welcomed our newest 5/C and 4/C Navy and Marine Option midshipmen to the Jacksonville University NROTC Battalion.

Throughout orientation, our incoming midshipmen and their families were introduced to the values, expectations, and standards that define our battalion. From completing essential tasks to meeting the staff and midshipmen who will help guide them. Day One was all about building relationships, establishing expectations, and preparing our newest members for the journey ahead.

To our newest midshipmen: welcome to the Jacksonville NROTC family. Your journey starts here, and we are excited to see what you accomplish. ⚓️

Congratulations to Officer Candidate Moss, who commissioned at Jacksonville University on July 31 and is now embarking on the next chapter of his journey as a Naval Officer.

After years of hard work, dedication, and preparation, this commissioning marks the beginning of a career dedicated to service, leadership, and excellence. As he moves forward into Naval Aviation, we look forward to seeing him take flight and make his mark in the Fleet.

The Jacksonville NROTC Battalion is incredibly proud of this accomplishment and honored to have been part of the journey. We wish Ensign Moss the very best as he begins this next chapter and takes to the skies in service to our nation.

Congratulations, Ensign Moss! Fair winds and following seas. ✈️🇺🇸

This summer, Jacksonville University NROTC midshipmen continued their professional development through Phase II and CORTRAMID East, gaining firsthand experience across the Fleet and preparing for future service as naval officers.

MIDN Lashley and MIDN Franklin embarked aboard the USS Nitze (DDG-94), traveling to New York for International Naval Review 250 before spending nearly two weeks underway off the coast of Norfolk. Alongside fellow U.S. Navy sailors, they had the unique opportunity to train with French midshipmen, strengthening international partnerships and leadership skills.

MIDN Boknevitz completed an overseas deployment aboard USS Arleigh Burke (DDG-51), visiting Spain, Greece, and Cyprus while experiencing the operations of the Navy’s first Arleigh Burke-class destroyer. His cruise provided valuable insight into forward-deployed naval operations and leadership at sea.

MIDN Smith, A., MIDN Renyck, and MIDN Kessler, R. trained aboard USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7) for their nursing cruise, spending several weeks shadowing the ship’s Medical Department. During their time aboard, they worked alongside Navy Hospital Corpsmen, gaining hands-on experience with IVs, X-rays, and patient care while developing a deeper understanding of how medical teams operate at sea.

MIDN Curry served as a Phase II NSI Midshipman Instructor, helping train and mentor the next generation of incoming freshmen. Throughout the cycle, he also participated in damage control and firefighting training while supporting the successful graduation of the newest members of the battalion.

During CORTRAMID East, MIDN Peters explored multiple warfare communities through immersive, hands-on training. Highlights included touring VFA-81 “Sunliners,” flying aviation simulators, observing flight line operations and air traffic control, and getting underway aboard USS James E. Williams (DDG-95), where he experienced life at sea, participated in shipboard evolutions, and observed live weapons demonstrations

Whether underway, in the air, overseas, or mentoring the next generation, these experiences challenged our midshipmen to grow as leaders while providing an inside look at the many opportunities within the Navy and Marine Corps. We are proud of everything they accomplished this summer and look forward to seeing how these experiences shape them as future officers.

From Jacksonville to Quantico, the journey has led to this moment.
Congratulations to MIDN 1/Cs McHugh, McNerney, Sarrion, Aber, and Ramirez on graduating from Officer Candidates School and earning the title of United States Marine.

Every early morning, every challenge, and every obstacle has prepared them for this day. They now join a legacy built on honor, courage, and commitment.

The Jacksonville NROTC Battalion is incredibly proud of these future commissioned leaders and can’t wait to see the impact they make in the United States Marine Corps.

Semper Fidelis

Strength, endurance, and unwavering determination. Midshipman 1/C Schwartz, Midshipman 2/C Vogt, Ensign Vogt, and our AMOI - Gunnery Sergeant Veliz embodied all three as they conquered the Jacksonville Ironman.

From the first stroke in the water to the final stride across the finish line, they represented the Jacksonville University NROTC unit with exceptional grit, discipline, and pride.

Their accomplishment stands as a testament to the mental toughness, leadership, and warrior ethos cultivated within this battalion.

The JU NROTC family could not be prouder of these outstanding leaders for proving that excellence is not given. It is earned through sacrifice, perseverance, and commitment to something greater than oneself. Bravo Zulu to all four!