Students learn military lifestyle at U.P. cadet camp

ISHPEMING — Younger kids who would like to experience the military lifestyle have been getting their opportunity to do just that at the Ishpeming Armory all this week.

The 25 cadets in the Naval Sea Cadet Corps Program range in age from 10 to 18 and come from all over the Midwest.

Instruction is given on the discipline, manners, customs, and courtesies of the U.S. military. The program works alongside the Navy, Coast Guard, and the Marine Corps to help instill those values.

“Team within our program means together everyone achieves more,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew Wagner, “that’s what we really try to get in to our cadets and through their heads.”

“We don’t push the military,” said Lieutenant JG Lisa Jaramillo, “but we do instill the discipline and the desire to become a better person.”

The cadets are trained by real drill instructors. Even though the program is far from easy, they say it’s worth it in the end.

“It is hard–work but it definitely pays off,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Lucas Lafave, “I would rather be here than sitting on my couch just playing X–Box on my couch all winter break.”

“They’ll see them marching, they’ll see them in unison,” added Jaramillo,” they’ll go and they’ll talk about: I know how to make this bed, let me show you these hospital corners, let me show you how to PT, listen to me call this command. There’s a sense of pride and ownership once they complete this training.”

“It’s sort of like a mini boot–camp for these cadets,” added Wagner, “they’re scared, some don’t want to be here but we are always happy at the end because they change their mind of what the Naval Sea Cadet Corps can do.”

A graduation ceremony will be held at the Ishpeming Armory this Saturday.