About a week after the class turned in their top billet choices it was time for an Orders Reading Ceremony. This ceremony was different from all the others I have been a part of so far. It was far less serious and somber, instead there was an air of excitement and optimism. Several members of my class had spent a long time setting up a power point presentation that would be the primary focus of the event.
During orders reading each Officer in the class first had their name called out. They stood to be recognized and were then given their future billet. The caveat to this process was the pictures and captions that were coming up on the power point slides. My classmates went out of their way to embarrass their fellow students as best they could. Mine turned out to be one of the better ones. When my billet came up (one of the last since my name starts with a "W") I learned that I would be serving on board the USS CURTIS WILBUR DDG-54.
There was a long celebration that night in town, where we had the chance to let loose a little and talk with instructors and staff. It was a great opportunity to interact with everyone outside of the base without worrying so much about rank and customs. Most, if not everyone, got the billet they were anticipating so spirits were high all night.
Orders Reading is one of the major highlights at the Navy Supply Corps School but classes are not over yet. There are still several months of classes left to finish. One of the major hurdles to climb is finding the motivation to continue studying for class. Class rank ceases to have any importance so Officers must find a way to intrinsically motivate themselves. I found a new challenge in this approach because there will not be any direct competition on my ship. It will be up to me to perform my duties in the best possible fashion.
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