Why are you here? 

Your decision to join the United States Naval Academy is likely owed to a combination of individual aspiration, calling, the moral narratives that shaped your character and ambitions, a manifestation of what you find significant and worthy of a life, and much else. What your personal reasons, we know what we intend to do with you while you're here. A part of our mission is t o develop you, as Midshipmen,  morally , mentally, and physically and imbue you with the highest ideals of duty, honor, and loyalty. 

The class need not turn you into  philosophers. But you are members of a profession which has its own distinguished ethical code, and in the performance of your duties you are bound to uphold that code. You are obligated, therefore, to reflect upon its character and practical directives . 

“All Commanding Officers and others in authority in the Naval Service are required to show themselves a good example of Virtue, Honor , Patriotism, and Subordination; to be vigilant in inspecting the conduct of all persons who are placed under their Command; to guard against and suppress all dissolute and immoral practices, and to correct , according to the laws and regulations of the Navy all persons who are guilty of them ; and to make all necessary and proper measures under the laws, regulations and customs of the Naval Services, to promote and safeguard the moral, the physical well-being, and the general welfare of the officers and enlisted persons under their command or charge. "              

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              10 US Code 5947 /  Article 1131, Navy Regs

Recall that moment in the film  Gladiator,  when General Maximus exhorts his men before they charge into battle. “Brothers,” he declares. "What we do in life, echoes in eternity." Our choices in life shape our habits. Our habits become automatic responses in moments of crisis. These habituated responses shape our identify. And our identify can shape our nature. Making one kind of choice - whether for good or for evil - makes making a similar choice later on easier. In this moment, left of boom, you have the time to reflect on the kinds of choices you want to make and the kind of person and officer you want to become. 

READ THIS

"The Inner Ring" - CS Lewis

WATCH THIS

Excerpt from  10 Days to War  (2008)

Think about the following prompts while you read "The Inner Ring" and listen to COL. Collins' speech.

1. Why do some find the "inner ring" a temptation? Do you? 
2. What is the proper location of pride in what you accomplish and what you achieve? 
3. Some have complained that COL. Collins speech put the enemy's welfare ahead of his own mens'. What do you think? Are his words empty rhetoric to motivate his men or commander's guidance?
4. The quote below is another portion of COL Collins' speech, some of which is not in the video clip. What does it suggest about the character of the just warrior?
   

   "It is a big step to take another human life. It is not to be done lightly. I know of men who have taken life needlessly in other conflicts. I can assure you they live with the mark of Cain upon them. If someone surrenders to you then remember they have that right in international law and ensure that one day they go home to their family. The ones who wish to fight, well, we aim to please. If you harm the regiment or its history by over-enthusiasm in killing or in cowardice, know it is your family who will suffer. You will be shunned unless your conduct is of the highest - for your deeds will follow you down through history. We will bring shame on neither our uniform or our nation. "