The Marine Corps Air Station Kneohe Bay, Hawaii, recently played host to the annual Basic Cadet Training (BCT) camp for students from Kalheo High School's Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC). The event, which took place over two days from September 12-13, 2025, gave first-year cadets their first taste of military life and introduced them to the core values, operations, and culture of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Kalheo NJROTC has long collaborated with the Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH) to provide a real-world military experience to its cadets. Marine Aerial Refueler Squadron 153, part of Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 24, was the official sponsor for the camp, helping to coordinate guided tours, static displays, and military instruction. The camp provided cadets with an opportunity to explore multiple military career areas. The event kicked off with a tour of the Marine Corps Air Station, where cadets visited key facilities, including the air traffic control tower and radar room. On the flight line, cadets got an up-close look at Marine Corps aircraft, including the KC-130J Super Hercules and MV-22B Osprey. I personally loved going into the Osprey, said cadet Lacy Bitanga. Im thinking about cadets who have never been on a military base. They dont know what its like to be in these types of positions, so I think its really cool how they can incorporate civilian life into military life. As part of the training, cadets also had the opportunity to learn about engineering equipment used by Marine Wing Support Squadron 174, such as a water filtration system, solar charging stations, and heavy machinery like the P-19R Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Vehicle. At each station, Marines from different specialties explained their roles, answered questions, and offered insights into military life. The first day concluded with lunch, followed by a motivational speech from Sgt. Maj. Christopher Rivera of MAG-24, who emphasized the importance of physical and mental toughness, leadership, and personal responsibility. Many cadets recognized Rivera from his role as a father to a Kalheo NJROTC graduate. On the second day, the cadets participated in simulated marksmanship training, which was designed to introduce them to the mental and physical aspects of being a Marine. They also attended leadership training, where senior cadets had the opportunity to demonstrate their leadership abilities by supervising the movements and actions of their younger peers. For many cadets, this experience was an eye-opening opportunity to connect with real military personnel and learn about the discipline and responsibility required in a military career. As a leader, events like this really help you build a relationship with your cadets, said cadet Mia Krebbeks, who serves as the cadets command master chief. Youre able to build memories with them, and I think that relationship is one of the most important parts of leadership. The training camp also played a vital role in helping cadets recognize the importance of teamwork and resilience, two qualities that are essential for success in both military and civilian life. Through hands-on learning experiences, cadets developed leadership skills and gained confidence in their ability to face challenges head-on.