Midshipman John Brookes and Midshipman Ryan Stille are currently serving as the Battalion Commander and Battalion Executive Officer for the Georgia Institute of Technology’s Naval Reserve Officer Training Command. As the two highest ranking midshipmen in the battalion, Brookes and Stille are responsible for overseeing the day to day operations of the battalion and the training of incoming freshmen. Furthermore, they are the public face of the 100-strong midshipman battalion.

John Brookes graduated from Starr’s Mill High School in 2002 and attended the University of Georgia for one year before transferring to the Georgia Institute of Technology. Ryan Stille graduated from Starr’s Mill in 2003. Neither had met the other until the first day of INFORM 2003. INFORM is the Indoctrination for midshipmen program held during the week prior to the fall semester for incoming NROTC freshmen at Georgia Tech. This five day program introduces the new midshipmen to the customs, traditions and basic expectations of the Naval Service. Brookes and Stille were roommates for the duration of INFORM.

While at Starr’s Mill, MIDN Brookes was active in the Beta Club and worked at Braelinn Golf Course. MIDN Stille was an Eagle Scout and played in the band for four years.

Both MIDN Brookes and Stille had fathers who served in the Navy and each hopes to make a career in Naval Aviation after graduation this spring.