University of Oklahoma Naval ROTC

(22APR2026 & 24APR2026) The Battalion recently had the opportunity to build camaraderie with our counterparts at and during the annual Commander’s Cup and Joint Awards Ceremony.
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OU NROTC secured the Commander’s Cup with a tie-breaker victory after a strong performance in flag football.
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Following the competition, all units came together to recognize the outstanding achievements of individuals across the academic year during the Joint Awards Ceremony.
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(27APR2026) Over the course of the semester, select Midshipmen were given the opportunity to attend leadership conferences hosted by the U.S. Naval Academy, Notre Dame University, and Yale University. They were able to develop their leadership skills by gaining valuable insight from senior leaders – both officers and enlisted alike. Upon returning, they briefed the battalion and shared what they learned from these experiences. This opportunity not only strengthened individual development within the unit, but also built camaraderie with Midshipmen across the nation.
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(28MAR2026-29MAR2026) The battalion’s Marine-Option Midshipmen and MECEPs traveled to Fort Sill to execute Field Exercise II (FEX II). During this evolution, they completed a 9-mile weighted ruck, conducted night operations, ran a combat conditioning course, and executed both day and night land navigation. They also trained with pugil sticks and concluded the exercise with a matrix game. FEXs are vital training events that prepare our Midshipmen to successfully complete Officer Candidate School and earn the title of United States Marine.
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(17APR2026) This week's 1/C Friday goes out to MIDN 1/C Mortiz! Here’s a little bit about him:
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"I am MIDN 1/C Moritz. I grew up in Attica, KS, and am studying Plant Biology here at OU. I'll be commissioning as a Marine Corps Officer in May and then moving on to The Basic School (TBS) in Quantico, VA. My favorite memory of NROTC was the first field exercise (FEX) that we did as Marine-Option Midshipmen near the Lloyd Noble Center on campus. We were doing nighttime land navigation while OU was having a concert in the nearby stadium. So, while we were getting rained on and feeling worn out from the hiking and other events, the other students were having a blast at a concert, and we could hear all the cheering and see the lights off in the distance.

After TBS, I will find out my military occupational specialty (MOS), which is essentially the “job” I will do for the Marines. I can't wait!”
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(02APR2026) We hope you wore green, because the Sooner Battalion hosted its very first St. Patrick’s Day party. During the party, the battalion cooked burgers and played festive-themed games such as "Grab the Gold" and the Lucky Charm Chopstick challenge.
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(10APR2026) This 1/C Friday goes out to MIDN K***a. Here is a short bio from him.
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"I am MIDN 1/C K***a, born and raised in Southern California but currently live in the Fort Worth, Texas area. I am majoring in Aviation Professional Pilot – Airplane, with a General Business minor. I have earned my Commercial Pilot License, Single and Multi-Engine Land; Instrument rating, and am currently working on my King Air rating. In college I have enjoyed hanging out with friends, flying planes, and exploring new areas – I’ve made many memories here that I will cherish for years to come. Upon graduation next month, I will be commissioning into the Navy as an Ensign where I have been designated a Student Naval Aviator, and will be reporting to Pensacola, Florida to start Naval Introductory Flight Education (NIFE). I am sad to be leaving OU soon, but am ecstatic for what is to come."
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(03APR2026) This 1/C Friday goes out to MIDN Gilson-Bond. Here is a short bio from him.
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"My name is Aaron Gilson-Bond. I was born in Killeen, Texas, but graduated from Midwest City High School in Midwest City, Oklahoma. At the university, I am majoring in Mechanical Engineering. In high school, I was involved in band where I played the French horn. In my free time, or rather the very little I get, I enjoy playing video games. On campus, I am also involved in Student Government, where I currently serve as the Vice Chair of the Undergraduate Student Congress. I have many great memories from my time in the unit, but if I had to choose one, it would be Dining In. Each year it has been a privilege to spend time with the battalion, reflect on the past year, and share those moments together. Upon graduation, I will be commissioning into the Surface Warfare community as a Nuclear Surface Warfare Officer. I am excited to graduate and eventually report to my first ship, DDG 54 USS Curtis Wilbur."
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(09MAR2026-15MAR2026) Congratulations to MIDN 4/C Aviles for being the Sooner Battalion's MIDN of the Week!
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MIDN Aviles is a freshman Finance Major at OU and is from Mckinney, TX. He aspires to commission as an Intelligence Officer in the United States Marine Corps. In his free time, he enjoys playing sports, hanging out with friends, and being outdoors. In high school he was a member of the JROTC program and participated in Color Guard, Armed Drill, Marksmanship, and Raiders Team.
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(27MAR2026) This 1/C Friday goes out to MIDN Gahl. Here is a short bio from her.
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"My name is Mariah Gahl. I was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma but was raised in several states including Virginia, Texas, and Washington. I am majoring in Human Relations which involves gaining a better understanding of yourself so you can better understand and learn how to help others succeed. In high school I played basketball and in my free time I like to work out, travel, go to the movies, and spend time with friends and family. Throughout my time in the unit, I’ve enjoyed learning about the SWO community, making memories at all the events, and developing as a leader. Upon graduation and commissioning, I plan to go to San Diego, California to join the crew aboard the USS Chafee (DDG 90)."
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(05MAR2026-08MAR2026) The Sooner Battalion traveled to Boulder, Colorado this past weekend to participate in the 31st annual NROTC Drill Meet hosted by the University of Colorado Boulder!
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Over twenty other NROTC units from across the nation competed during this Drill Meet. The Battalion participated in a Knowledge Battle, Rifle/Pistol Shooting Contest, Color Guard, Squad Drill, an Endurance Race, and the Iron 4/C Competition.
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Congratulations to all of our hardworking Midshipmen who competed!
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