I've attempted to get a sense of this very subject from each Midshipman I meet from other units. It appears to me there are really big units (200-300+), really small units (25) part of "parent" units, and those in between...like Missouri (80-90)...where I'm attending school. Size does matter, in my opinion. In my opinion (and having talked to others out there), if the unit is too big you have a greater chance to get lost in the masses and miss out on developing meaningful, personal relationships with the unit staff (something I value highly). Too small and you are tossed around from billet to billet without hesitation because you are one of a small number that can/have to fill the slots.
I believe my unit's size (about 80something) is ideally conducive to developing a well-rounded Ensign/1st LT. It is big enought that: 1) you are exposed to enough people and situations, 2) have enough OC's and MECEP's to give you a better taste of the fleet and working with enlisted folks, 3) don't get "lost in the crowd" of 200-300 other Midshipmen (not saying it's a bad thing to have a big unit...but in my opinion there are more less-desireable characteristics than desireable about being a part of one)...Brett, you're at USD, right? Chime in here and let me know if i'm way off...
...and yet it is small enough that: 1) you aren't receiving a billet every semester out of necessity of filling slots. The billets you recieve are generally given to you out of more than simple necessity...the billets you recieve at my unit are for a good reason, they are given to individuals that have earned them or need them. Met a Mid this summer that had served in almost every major billet during his tenure at his small school. He conveyed a sense of meaningless from one billet to another. Now I realize this is also just his opinion, but I can understand how one would tend to lose a sense of pride or accomplishment after having been given billet after billet. That being said, there are those Midshipmen that consistantly recieve billets, even at my unit's size. 2) you are able to develope a more personal relationship with the officers stationed at your unit. I value highly the relationships I have formed with several of our unit staff members...directly as a result of, in my opinion, my unit's size and the size of a class as it moves through the 4 years in NROTC. We started out with 30 and will graduate approximately 10-12 when it's all said and done. Personally, I feel the guidance recieved from the unit staff is one of the most important tools I have in my "kit" of leadership developement. Additionally, I feel I was better able to sit down and have detailed discussions with my advisors with more frequency and length than those Midshipmen attending a larger school.
It is my firm belief that size matters when it comes to NROTC units.
For me, Missouri has offered a great combination of leadership opportunities backed by sound guidance from the unit staff. They are involved enough with the battalion that they see you that you don't mess up too bad, yet allow you to make mistakes and benefit from the lessons they can offer. The motto around here from the unit to the battalion staff is, "It's your battalion." This is not always adheared to, but I don't think it could be expected to be either. It is also my opinion that our Midshipmen are generally NOT the social hand grenades you will undoubtedly encounter along your NROTC travels. We are able to carry on intelligent, tactful conversations with officers/enlisted and yet know when to let loose and have a good time. Oh! That's another point I'd like to make. There are units are out there that embody the stereotypical "this is the military, don't smile, you puke!" attitude...and those that are are so laid back that their Midshipmen lack developement of "professionalism."
Long answer, but I hope it helps.
jai5w4 :icon_smil
