MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. --  Naval Reserve Officer Training Corp’s (NROTC) midshipmen participated in urban warfare training during the Annual Career Orientation for Midshipmen Summer Training Program at Camp Pendleton, June 14.

Midshipmen were introduced to the Marine Corps, military operations in urbanized terrain, counterinsurgency operations at the Infantry Immersion Trainer, timportance of small-unit leadership and interactions with Marine officers and noncommissioned officers. They encountered squad and fire-team level urban scenarios, which integrated role playing and culture training.

“This is like an indoctrination for them to understand not just what we do on here on Camp Pendleton for Marines, but they also spend an additional three weeks with the Navy experiencing aviation, surface warfare, submarine officer jobs,” Said Gunnery Sgt. Michael Hnyla, assistant Marine officer instructor at University of Illinois.

Once midshipmen arrived to Camp Pendleton, they were introduced to something most people in the world will never see. These men and women were exposed to Marine drill instructors, The Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, pugil sticks, obstacle courses, Marine aviation, artillery and weapon drills.

“They get to see all these things and experience them,” said Hnyla.

While at the Infantry Immersion Trainer, the midshipmen experience first-hand what it’s like to be in a combat situation. They patrolled through a Marine “combat town,” mimicking an unfriendly Afghan village.

“Putting these guys in a combat situation, in an unfriendly town, will help them understand the stress and issues small unit leaders operate with,” said Hnyla.

Upon completion of career orientation, midshipmen should be familiarized with the rigors of counterinsurgency tactics and urban tactics, techniques and procedures employed by the Marine Corps.