Midn. 2⁄C Elvin Vasquez, a prior enlisted Marine, gives the Semper Fi Society training on internal security during a Field Exercise held on Greenbury Point. Courtesy photo.

In support of the Administration’s intent to prepare Midshipmen for the Fleet, the Semper Fi Society, led by Midn. 1⁄C Ian MacKichan, organized Fleet-oriented activities calling on Midshipmen to challenge themselves with unfamiliar tasks.

Midn. 2⁄C Taylor Latham, FEX officer in charge, said, ‘‘The FEX included several aspects of basic Marine Combat training. The Midshipmen involved all enjoyed themselves, and myself and the other prior Marine instructors feel really good about what we saw.”

The activities included a shooting range with shotguns, night patrolling, military operations in urban terrain (MOUT), firm base security operations, a one-mile hump, and a brief from retired Marine Col. Michael J. Paulovich, a former Naval Academy instructor.

The Midshipmen were organized into a company led by Midn. 1⁄C Lee Haney and Midn. 2⁄C Ashlee Nelson, and trained by an instructor group made up of prior enlisted Marines, including Midn. 3⁄C Daniel McCawley and Midn. 3⁄C Andrew Wickenheiser.

‘‘The prior Marines believe that the Midshipman training experience can be more complete,” said Wickenheiser. ‘‘We, as an instructor group, strive to expose a ground combat mindset to the Brigade, because these are the types of things our enlisted Marines will be doing in the Fleet once we become Marine officers.”

During the course of the 24-hour FEX, the Midshipmen received classroom-style training on MOUT, patrolling, and security operations and then put knowledge into action. Midshipmen learned how to properly kick down doors and enter a room looking for possible enemy action. Midshipmen also learned how to properly patrol the terrain by being covert and intelligent in case contact was made with an enemy force. Finally, Midshipmen learned the importance of having a secure perimeter by constantly roving the surrounding area around the base and checking vehicles passing through a checkpoint.

After the training was complete, the Midshipmen felt the FEX provided them with the best military training they have had yet while at the Naval Academy. Not only did Midshipmen receive great training from the prior enlisted Marines, but they also got an awesome leadership experience serving as company commanders, platoon commanders, squad leaders and fire team leaders.

‘‘The Midshipmen are what makes an FEX successful and everyone out there was willing to learn and highly motivated, which really makes me excited for the next FEX,” said Midn. 3⁄C Ryan Steenberge.

Another FEX held April 5-6 focused on helping prepare Midshipmen for Leatherneck, and another FEX scheduled for April 19-20 will train Semper Fi members on cultural issues. Sign-ups are available through the Semper Fi Society Web site on the Naval Academy intranet.