question for any one from the military
 

One of my friends is entering SUNY Maritime in the fall. He's joining the Regiment of Cadets so he has to go through a two week indoctrination period before classes start. He invited me to his indocrination graduation next month. I've never been to a military school before so I'm just wondering what I should wear, if I should get him any kind of gift, and if there's anything else that I should be aware of or know about?

Congrats to your maritime friend! Cadet indoctination can be an intensive program. You do not NEED to get him a gift but a congratulations card and some home-cooked goodies are always appreciated. He may have lost a good bit of weight during training. Err on the side of conservativism when visiting an academy. A dress that is appropriate for church or for sorority recruitment is very appropriate for the Oath ceremony.

Co-Sign! And alum KNOWS! :)

There will likely be people wearing shorts and t-shirts--its far better to be more dressy than less. In terms of protocol, your responsibilities are to be polite and friendly--that's it. Don't worry about saluting or anything like that. :) Follow others lead in terms of when to stand or sit, etc.

And enjoy! The ritual of the ceremonies is wonderful.

Thank you for the advice. I may have to take this as an excuse to go shopping. Should I bake him some cookies then or something? I know they're not allowed to have that during indoctrination? Is that ok once it's over?

It should be ok once the indoctrination period is over--but in any case, they probably won't last long enough for it be a concern (unless you bake enough to feed an army...no pun intended). Most of the indoctrine-ees I have known will eat the baked goods immediately. That and they want to sleep.

I would definitely bake a lot of batches of yummies so he can share with both his buddies willingly and the upperclassmen (not so willingly, haha). :)

Once Beast Barracks is over and the academic year starts, the restrictions change. Ask your cadet (or his mom) what is and isn't allowed. No sense in him gaining unwanted attention from an upperclassman because an unwitting relative or friend sends him something on the taboo list.

I forgot to add--don't forget to put your hand over your heart during the national anthem (which is usually a required song at military ceremonies). Many people don't do this, and it will show you know what you're doing.

Just Dress Casual Dress, not Jeans. As in a Dress that is semi formal and casual, skirt and blouse! A lot will depend on the weather of course.

If He is entering a ROTC program, and that is where I am losing you, it is a Formal type of event in College?

It is not an ROTC program, it is the regiment of cadets in SUNY Maritime.

They're not the only ones with a regiment of cadets not tied to a ROTC program... don't forget 'El Cid' (The Citadel), Norwich, Texas A&M, VMI, among others. ROTC enrollment is offered concurrently.

alum - give my regards to the General.