180725-N-IK959-1872 GREAT LAKES, Ill. (July 24, 2018) University of St. Thomas Naval ROTC midshipman candidate Eric Schmidt, from Apple Valley, Minn., fires a simulated M9 Beretta 9mm pistol in the USS Missouri Small Arms Marksmanship Trainer (SAMT) at Recruit Training Command (RTC). SAMT uses red laser lights and pneumatic air to simulate the firing and hits on a computer target. More than 65 young men and women entering their freshman year of the NROTC program participated in a two-week pilot program designed to provide standardized entry-level militarization and prepare midshipmen with a common training orientation. The Indoctrination Cruise serves as a standard training launch point for the future naval and Marine Corps officers, and for the development of their character and professional competence. (U.S. Navy photo by Scott A. Thornbloom/Released)