Independent Component 1

• Literal

(a) I, Jaime Plascencia, affirm that I completed my independent component which represents 30 hours of work.

(b) My main mentor is Petty Officer Valladeres (909) 274-8453. My main source would have to be the Basic Training videos I see on YouTube, one in particular being RTC Revealed - US Navy Basic Training - Recruit Bootcamp 2012. This covers all of BMT as far as what happens on the inside. On my WB, I have two other videos that are a bit outdated but still help. They're sources 23 and 24.
(c) Mentorship Log
(d) Throughout my hours of servicing learning and research that I have done, I've been able to complete everything to help me conduct a successful Senior Project. I've been able to learn and know more than anybody else would in my situation (going in to BMT). I feel that I will be better prepared on top of the instruction I already receive at my DEP meetings thanks to the Senior Project. My service learning hours have allowed me to be physically better prepared for the PT evaluations that await in BMT.

• Interpretive

The most significant part of my component was being able to go to work with Petty Officer Valladeres. I was able to talk with people who have already graduated from BMT, some only recently. My project revolves around being better prepared while in BMT. During BMT, we learn about the Navy from customs, to equipment, to vehicles. I was able to learn about the Super Hornets which hopefully I'll one day be able to fly. Instead of simple classroom instruction, I was able to observe their work. Aside from this, DEP meetings and even simply talking with Petty Officer Valladeres has helped me prepare for BMT. Learning the Sailor's Creed, the 11 General Orders of a Sentry, how to address the RDC's, how to stand at ease and attention, and being mentally and physically prepared all help answer my essential question. For evidence of my work, refer to this blog post.

• Applied

This component has been a great deal of help to me in understanding the foundation of my essential question. I want to know what is most important to succeeding in Navy BMT? Obviously, anybody going into Navy BMT requires a physical semblance. If I ever want to pursue a career in BUD/s or SWCC, it's always helpful to score as high as possible in the PT evaluations. This is why whenever I do PT, I always push myself as hard as I can. This is to make sure that I do not only succeed, but excel and open many doors and careers for myself. There are classroom sessions in BMT that teaches recruits about the Navy's vehicles. I have a huge interest in aircraft and so I've based my research on this. I know that when I do go in to BMT, I'll be way ahead of everybody else in turn which again not only allows me to succeed, but excel. I've learned that there are multiple answers to my EQ from being physically fit, and being well versed in the customs of the Navy. 

Rough Draft of 30 Minute Presentation

Lesson Plan Here

Third Interview Questions

1. What is most important for a recruit to gain entry into a Navy pilot program?
2. What are the academic requirements to become a Navy pilot?
3. What are the physical requirements to become a Navy pilot, and are there any exceptions?
4. During BMT, is there anything that you can do to point yourself in the direction of becoming a pilot early on?
5. Do you have a say if you get stationed on a carrier or on base? If so, how do you choose?
6. The Navy describes a pilot as someone who has to be at their best at all times, especially under pressure. What additional training is given to ensure that you are the person for that kind of job?
7. How do you attend the Naval Postgraduate school to be paid fulltime, and still be in training to become a pilot?
8. Is it possible to choose what kind of aircraft you'd fly, or is it something that is decided as a result of your additional training in Pensacola, Florida?
9. How do the pay ranges vary in the aviation program?
10. What can I do as someone coming out straight out of high school and straight into the Navy, to ensure my success in the ranks of Naval Aviation Officers?

Blog 11: Mentorship 10 Hours Check: What is most important for a recruit to gain entry into a Navy Pilot Program?

1. My Mentorship is being done at my Recruiter's Office, at home, at the Naval Air Station in Lemoore, and at the Gym. 
2. I have two contacts, my primary contact being Petty Office Robert Valladares. My secondary contact is my Navy Recruiter, Petty Officer Eliseo Abaya.
3. So far, I have accumulated 12 hours of mentorship. From my DEP meetings at my recruiters office and to learning and actually physically and mentally prepping for Navy BMT and lifestyle change with Petty Officer Valladares. 
4. Of the 12 hours I have done, I'll start with my recruiters office. While here, we recite and memorize the Sailor's Creed, and the 11 General Orders of a Sentry. These are core values that must be learned in the Navy, and are also vital to success in Navy BMT. Here at my DEP meetings, we also go over various things we will learn in BMT such as how to prepare for the processing days, and learning about the equipment and vehicles in the Navy. For example, we once learned about various aircraft and their roles in the Navy's combat force. At home, I've talked with Petty Officer Valladares and his experience in BMT, and what I can expect as I go in. We've also talked about what life is like after graduation from Navy BMT, how to get stationed in my area of preference, and various benefits that will be available to me. Recently, I've been inside the Naval Air Station in Lemoore, and was able to experience first hand what my future will be like. Finally, my favorite part is the Physical Training. Petty Officer Valladares graduated BMT with the Special Forces Division, and so the PT exercises we do are above what is supposed to be expected, and so I strive to be at that level with his help.