LEXINGTON, Va. Jan. 4, 2024 — Sebastian Ramirez ’24 became fond of the challenging lifestyle that came with attending Virginia Military Institute after attending an open house. He said the high standards that cadets endured on a daily basis was something he wanted. 

“I wanted to go through the system myself and experience a transformation from such an intense and demanding environment,” he said. 

The applied mathematics major was originally enrolled in the Air Force ROTC for the first two years of his cadetship. Towards the end of his 3rd Class year, he had a change in heart and decided that he wanted to try to become a Marine.  

“I admired the leadership philosophies of the Marine Corps and the unrelentingly high standard that is expected of all Marines,” he said.  

He said the standard of the Naval services, especially the Marine Corps, is one of the highest of all the branches, which made it something he was drawn to. He also saw similarities in VMI’s culture and that of the Marine Corps — intimate and sacred. 

"The mission of the Marine Corps is unique; we are called upon at a moment's notice with the expectation of fighting and winning in any clime or place,” he said. “The thing that makes me most proud to be a Marine is the legacy. To have the privilege of carrying on the legacy of the Marine Corps is indescribable. I look forward to serving and supporting Marines and feel privileged to be given the opportunity to lead.” 

He’s currently contracted as a student naval aviator with hopes of flying the F/A-18 or F-35. 

The Naval ROTC program provides two programs in which cadets can enroll in — U.S. Navy or U.S. Marine Corps. 

The mission is to develop midshipmen mentally, morally, and physically, and to instill the highest ideals of duty, honor, and loyalty to commission them as Navy or Marine officers. The NROTC program fosters high-level responsibilities of command, citizenship, and government. 

This past summer, Ramirez attended Officer Candidate School (OCS) at Marine Corps Base in Quantico. OCS is to educate and train officer candidates in Marine Corps knowledge and skills within a controlled and challenging environment. The school evaluates and screens individuals for the leadership, moral, mental, and physical qualities required for commissioning as a Marine Corps officer. 

Some trainings and activities included: combat conditioning, obstacle courses, close order drill, academic classes and discussions, fire team assault course, leadership reaction course, stamina and endurance course, small unit leadership evaluation, and daily platoon staff evaluation. 

The 10-week training was focused on small unit leadership in a stressful and fatigue-inducing environment, Ramirez said.  

“There’s also a significant amount of physical training events varying from long-distance runs to courses designed to simulate the physical rigors of a combat environment,” he said. 

He is currently in the Marine Company as the midshipman company gunnery sergeant and physical training instructor.  

“My responsibilities include planning, overseeing all physical training events, and managing gear distribution and maintenance,” he said.

He’s had the privilege of leading the company in physical training and ensuring their success in physical fitness tests and combat fitness tests, but all aspects of life where one’s physical fitness is put to the test. 

"We're trying to build someone who is balanced in strength, endurance, and adaptability,” he said. 

Ramirez said that a benefit of VMI is the open doors it provides.  

"My decision to join NROTC came very late in my cadetship, relatively speaking. Fortunately, I was willing to put in the work and as a result, I've been given amazing opportunities despite having joined the program so late,” he said. “Finally, nothing makes the journey more meaningful than being able to take on every challenge with your best friends. Make friends wherever you go, and you will enjoy the work.” 

Laura Peters Shapiro
Communications & Marketing
VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE