By MC1 Lewis Hunsaker

First quarter NPS students U.S. Marine Corps Capts. Valerie Munoz, left, and Danny Sanchez, right, transition between classes during the first day of instruction, July 5. The Summer quarter represents the university's largest incoming class of nearly 450 new students, with Munoz and Sanchez part of a record 123 new Marine Corps students on campus.

Munoz and Sanchez are both coming from Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, California, and have elected to be geographical bachelors during their time at NPS with their respective families remaining down south. In fact, it was this difficult decision that has already given Sanchez an idea of what he would like to examine for his thesis in the manpower systems analysis curriculum.

"I believe that we should be able to map out our careers for five years," he said. "Five to ten year plans should be allowed in the Marine Corps … This will help with family life, purchasing a house, school for kids, and ultimately with retention in the Marine Corps."

"I have to agree with many of Sanchez' points as a dual military family myself," added Munoz, a student in the acquisitions and contract management program.

The Summer quarter traditionally represents the largest incoming class of the year. Of the nearly 450 new students on campus, 160 are U.S. Navy officers, 123 are Marines, 76 are U.S. Army officers, and 29 are Airmen. In addition, 45 officers from international partners around the world, along with 10 DOD civilians, began their studies at NPS this quarter.