All new Midshipmen were formed in the field and divided into 13 companies. The Special Units started their recruitment and a quite a number joined the Marines, SRG, Radio Communications Unit (RCU) and the SP/Medics. This further decreased our chances of finding midshipmen who can be dedicated enough to cooperate. We had no other recourse but to use our people skills to convince regular midshipmen to cooperate with the unit to attain our objectives.

After that, Operation Dolphin Charmer was commenced. it was our turn to "recruit" our "men". Our method of "recruitment" was unorthodox. What we did was go around the 13 companies, pick men at random and tell them to proceed to our area on  the west side of the field.

We finally gathered our 150 men on our designated area and they were divided into four platoons. Being the most senior ranking officer and de facto commander, I took a deep breath and went on to make the vital speech that would explain to them why they were pulled out from their companies and brought to that place. I have thought about and practiced this speech the night before because it will be the key that would set their minds on our goals. It would also make them understand the purpose of whatever training activity we had to go through and we're in it together.

Most of them in that formation had the puzzled look on their faces as I saw their eyes questioning the fate that may befall them. So I decided to relieve their curiosity by starting my introductory speech with "Congratulations"... the bewilderment in their eyes became even more evident, but their worries seemed to have disappeared. "Welcome to the Escort and Honor Battalion" ... I continued. "You have been specially selected to join this unit for a very important mission. We have received notice of an up-coming Tactical Inspection where the glory of our school and unit would be challenged. With this, the unit decided to put it's trust in all of us to attain victory during the said event. This would be your official unit and your names would be in it's roster. Names in that roster are non-transferrable. You would be reporting to this unit every Saturday. Your training hours would be within the ROTC period only, nothing more, and nothing less. Hazing is strictly prohibited in this unit. We would have to undergo training that would enable us to compete with the other units including the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy. Can we do it? ... without skipping a beat, they gave a resounding "SIR AYE SIR!". Deep inside, I smiled my biggest smile for that response immediately wiped away my anxiety and I knew - we had picked the right men and we would make it. Thank God.

Next: Operation Ramrod