JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST -- Civic leaders from the local community got a taste of military training and daily life at the Honorary Commander Boot Camp at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Oct. 27, 2016.
The Honorary Commander Program pairs key community leaders with commanders from across the Joint Base in order to provide the honorary commanders a deeper insight into military life here, with the hope that they will return the information to their communities.
Donning their dog tags and marching in formation, the honorary commanders had the opportunity to go through a mock basic military training as part of the program.
“The boot camp gives them a feel of what military members have to go through as a rite of passage,” said Tech Sgt. Darrel Dean, 87th Air Base Wing Public Affairs NCO in charge of mission partner support. “There’s a little yelling, some facing movements and of course, push-ups.”
The newly inducted honorary trainees visited various missions across the Joint Base. Throughout the day they had a chance to simulate a roll over in a Humvee, handle weapons at the virtual firing range, and indulge at the McGuire-side chow hall.
“I love learning about all of the training that goes on here, because if we lose even one American it is too much” said Douglas Torterelli, honorary commander. “The boot camp shows the need for discipline and cohesion in the military – it can save lives.”
By day’s end, they were no longer honorary trainees but full-fledged honorary commanders. Armed with new knowledge, they received a certificate for their successful completion of the Honorary Commander Boot Camp.
“The program increases public awareness and understanding of the armed forces,” said Dean. “We fight like we train and train like we fight, this helps the community understand that.”