New Mexico Military Institute - Review #5

New Mexico Military Institute (NMMI) is one of the few schools that is Army based, High School and Junior College, as well as Early Commissioning Program (ECP) Senior Reserved Officers Training Corps (SROTC). As a college cadet at NMMI, I have the opportunity to serve as a leader in the NMMI Corps of Cadets as well as exercise my leadership in SROTC.

As a cadet at NMMI, I have learned how to manage my time and balance my academics, SROTC, Corps of Cadets, and more. I have grown as a person as well as a leader and learned how I and those around me react to multiple situations. It has been difficult at times, but I have grown much and have better prepared myself for my next school.

Attending NMMI is a new experience and anyone who plans on it should be ready and willing to learn the new ways to approach. NMMI is an Army based school with a few of its own traditions. Because of this, it is important to understand and follow the rules and regulations directed by those placed as your superiors (whether they be much younger than you or not).

I am very appreciative of the opportunity provided to me by the ECP of NMMI. With this program, I am able to commission as a second lieutenant in two years and have a total of four years in the National Guard to learn how to approach my profession in the best manner.

Each barracks room is similar to the next with the only change in some being the size. The more rank and responsibility you acquire in the Corps of Cadets, the more privileges you may acquire. As a cadet at NMMI, the VMV is my favorite place to be. There are multiple sections of this building but my personal favorite is the lounge JRT where there is a piano. NMMI has multiple talented cadets and it is the best to find one at the piano and a relaxing environment to study or have a good time with friends.

The academics at NMMI are stellar and the opportunity to find tutoring is vast. One can have tutoring from professors as well as peers in the morning before school begins, in the evening during night study hall (NSH), or any time of the day where free time matches up with fellow students or instructors.

The athletes at NMMI are cadets with the rest of the school. They balance their athletic responsibilities as well as their academics and Corps related duties. It is admirable that we have dedicated athletes at NMMI who are ready and willing to take on this challenge. There are certain mandatory games that the Corps of Cadets as a whole will attend and the motivation is exciting. Each athletic team is provided with a locker room and has ample areas in which to train. Athletic teams include football, tennis, volleyball, swimming, golf, and more.

NMMI has an entire troop dedicated to band. Headquarters (HQ) Troop practices often and is excellent in their uniformity in all of their performances. One could find HQ troop practicing their marching and music making them excellent in each execution of their musical performances. There are drama and theater production classes also available at NMMI and each semester, the class puts together a play for the Corps to attend. There are also multiple courses available in all areas in art from art history to stained glass and many more.

There are many clubs provided at NMMI including Mexican club, Polynesian club, Boxing, Scuba, Rodeo, Radio, Air Rifle, Skiing, and many more. These clubs take place after school is finished and each year there is an activities fair where cadets have the opportunity to sign up for anything that captures their interest.

There are two barracks at NMMI called Hagerman barracks (referred to as "the box" by cadets) and Saunders barracks (called "the slab" by cadets), Both barracks are relatively similar while the box has more variation in rooms as it is the older of the two. The majority of rooms has two bunks set above the desks and two sinks near the front window. There is a wardrobe for each cadet and a personal locker on the desk. The rooms are comfortable each troop area has a set of "sinks" (bathrooms). There are fourteen sections of the barracks that are labeled A through O with the exception of J. The thirteen troops along with Regimental and Squadron staff are housed in these rooms. at 2200 (10pm) every night, lights are turned off and every cadet must be in his or her assigned room.

Dining mostly takes place in Bates Hall (the dining facility aka the mess hall). Bates is where all meals are provided and where all mandatory meals (except for troop level etiquette dinners) take place. There is a main meal provided as well as options for PB&J sandwiches, meat and cheese sandwiches, salads, and cereals. There are two drink stations. If one does not eat in Bates, he or she can go to the PX and purchase a meal or visit the Starbucks on post for a snack or coffee.

There are a few stores conveniently close to post which makes it good for cadets without a vehicle. This includes Walgreens, Dairy Queen, Whataburger, and a few other places that are very near post. Cadets can go to the mall down main street, to the theater, or to Bottomless Lakes (a beautiful lake that has picnic tables and such to make a pleasant afternoon).

Troops grow very close as there are multiple activities they participate in. Each troop is in competition with each other for best troop awards and keep each other motivated. Much of the time is already in a schedule, however, when there is free time, there are a few places on post that cadets can go such as they gym, athletic courts, pool, bowling alley, game room, and more.