Clashaun J.

Chandler 1

Everyone has a calling that cannot be ignored; I believe that becoming a Naval Officer is
my calling. Serving in the United States Navy has been a tradition in my family for five
generations. But my goal is to become a Naval Officer, which will differentiate me from other
family members. To reach my goal of a Naval Officer, I must attend college, become a
Midshipman, and participate in Cortramid.
The first step to reaching my goal of a Naval Officer is going to college. To become a
Naval Officer, a Bachelor Degree or higher is required. In addition, I must join the NROTC
program at an accredited University. Participation in the NROTC unit will open doors for me
with my Instructors when its time for commissioning. Finally, I must maintain my academics
standing, emphasizing math and science as concrete subjects. Filling in these building blocks
will put me on course to achieving my goal of a Naval Officer.
Next to reach my goal, I must become a Midshipman. Before I am officially called a
midshipman, I must first attend Plebe Week (a week of introduction for new students).
Moreover, obtaining a security clearance is necessary. Obtaining a clearance is important; factors
that can sustain me from getting a security clearance are: a bad credit score and driving under the
influence (DUI) charges. Finally, I must take a personal fitness exam every semester.
Midshipman must pass this three part exam with Good in swimming, running, and pushups.
Completion of these tasks will benefit me towards meeting my goal of a Naval Officer.
In addition, to reach my goal of a Naval Officer, I would have to participate in Cortramid.
During the summer I must choose a pathway, either go east or west, seeing the major bases
within a certain radius. Cortramid is designed to give midshipman experience with enlisted
personnel upon a carrier, submarine, and aircraft. Examining all three environments can better

Clashaun J. Chandler 2

determine what I would like to do while in the Navy. Cortramid is the most significant step
before I achieve my goal of a Naval Officer.
As a Naval Officer, I believe I will make a difference in this world no matter how big or
small that difference may be. Achieving my goal will give me pride and satisfaction in this
honorable calling. I consider this goal as a domino effect because I may not be able to contribute
back to the community physically while in the Navy, but I would like to become an Instructor for
a Naval Junior Reserved Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) Unit when I pull away.