Recruit Orientation
Fall 2024 Recruit Orientation Schedule
Saturday, October 12, 2024, 8:30am to 3pm Spring 2025 Recruit Orientation Schedule
Saturday, January 11, 2025, 8:30am to 3pm Saturday, January 25, 8:30am to 3pm Saturday, February 8, 8:30am to 3pm Saturday, February 22, 8:30am to 3pm Saturday, March 8, 8:30am to 3pm Saturday, March 22, 8:30am to 3pm (annual inspection) Saturday, April 12, 8:30am to 3pm Saturday, April 26, 8:30am to 3pm (last day to enroll until Fall 2025) |
Recruit Orientation Location:
Esek Hopkins-Armed Forces Reserve Center (EH-AFRC) 1 Narragansett Street Cranston, RI 02905 |
About Recruit Orientation
Think of Recruit Orientation as a "try-out" for our unit. It's a chance for new applicants to experience what it's like to be part of our youth program. Best of all, Recruit Orientation is FREE to attend! All new applicants must attend at least one session before they can enroll. Families are welcome to join in, but it's not required. Recruit Orientation is all about making sure our program is the right fit for your child. We are an "at-will" youth program, meaning we don’t have to enroll every applicant. We are selective to ensure that kids meet our required levels of maturity, commitment, and readiness for the challenges we offer. Our youth program isn't for everyone, and that's okay! We want to make sure that your child will thrive here. So, it's not just about you choosing us—we also want to make sure that we’re the right match for your child. |
What to Wear to Recruit Orientation:
The "Uniform of the Day" is the required outfit for that day's activities. For Recruit Candidates, there are two "uniforms" of the day Morning Arrive in PT Gear:
Bring in Your Backpack For the Afternoon Business Casual Outfit:
What to Bring to Recruit Orientation:
What Happens at Recruit Orientation: When you arrive, Cadets at the gate will check your driver's license and let you in. You can park in any available spot. Cadets will be outside to guide you to our unit office, where you’ll meet our Unit Commanding Officer and can ask any questions. Each Recruit Candidate will be introduced to the X-Ray Company Commander, a Senior Cadet who will help guide and motivate them throughout the day. There is no separation between Recruit Candidates and other Cadets—everyone trains together to get the full experience of a typical drill day! When leaving, drive up to the gate, and it will open automatically for you. |
Preparing for Recruit OrientationThe more Recruits prepare both physically and mentally for our program, the more they will not only love it but also fit in well with the rest of our Cadets! We've attached a few PDF documents below with basic information about our program. Feel free to download, print, and review them.
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Recruit Orientation Plan of the DayThe "Plan of the Day" (POD) is a schedule of all the day's activities/events. The POD is sent to your email and posted in our Facebook Group on the Wednesday night before the drill. Below is a descriptive version of a typical Recruit Orientation Plan of the Day.
0830: Report Aboard Arrive at our drill facility. Please don't arrive before 8 a.m. unless you have permission from our Unit Commanding Officer. 0900: Quarters for Muster, Inspection, & Instruction Cadets gather in military formation for attendance and announcements. 0905: Physical Training Physical activity is important, so we spend a lot of time outside! Sometimes we play soccer or flag football. 1100: Close-Order Drill A military training method focusing on synchronized movements to build discipline, teamwork, and attention to detail. 1200: Chow Lunch time! A refrigerator and microwave are available. 1230: Military Knowledge & Life Skills Training Afternoon topics vary from military knowledge to CPR/AED training. These sessions are often taught by senior Cadets. 1430: Sweepers and Field Day Everyone helps clean up the drill facility. 1445: Quarters for Muster, Inspection, & Instruction Cadets gather again for attendance and to receive any awards or promotions. 1500: Dismissal - Go Ashore Everyone departs the drill facility. |