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Professor of Military Science: LTC James J. Gallagher Jr.
Editor: Kimberly Clark
Writer: Cadet Pete Tomczyk & Cadet Melissa Anderson
March 8, 2008
March 8th marked the culminating event of a competition that has been ongoing the beginning of the semester. Cadets had the opportunity to compete for an award named the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge (GAFPB). The badge is an award distributed by the German Armed Forces that requires participants to complete several different events that test their mental and physical abilities. The events consist of distance running, track and field events, swimming, a written first aid test, pistol marksmanship, and a ruck march. Cadets are required to complete on of the events in all of the different areas and have opportunities to replace certain events they fail to pass with certain other ones. There is a gold, silver, and bronze badge and you have to meet the standards of the specific badges in each event in order to obtain a badge. The distance running event consisted of a 5k run (just over 3 miles). This event is designed to test a soldier’s aerobic endurance. The cadets completed this event early on the morning of during regularly scheduled fitness training. Since running is considered a high priority in the army many of the cadets passed this event and were one step closer to achieving victory. Those that did not make the required time would have the opportunity to complete another aerobic event on a later date. Another event that was completed by the different cadet classes on various dates was the written first aid test. This test is meant to test a soldier’s knowledge of how to treat and evaluate a casualty suffering from different symptoms. This is essential for cadets to be well versed in this category in case they might need to treat a casualty in the future as officers. The first event that the Wildcat Battalion completed as a unit was the pistol marksmanship, held on February 2nd. Cadets were required to fire five rounds at a target outlining a life size person. The standards were five out of five in the target for gold, four out of five for silver, and three out of five for bronze. After an introduction on proper weapon handling by SFC White, the cadets lined up and began firing. Cadets that experienced trouble meeting the standards were coached by different cadre members as well as the senior cadets (MSIV’s). Thanks to proper management of the lane the event went smoothly and saw a very high success rate.
The following event was the swim testing, held on February 13th. This event tested anaerobic and aerobic endurance in the water and was held at the university rec center pool. The first two legs of the testing were a 100 meter swim followed by a 200 meter swim. After the short events were completed the cadets attempted to complete a 1000 meter swim. While some cadets were able to rely on swimming technique to accomplish the events many of the cadets met the standards simply through will power and determination. The distance swim could replace the distance run and the 100 meter swim could be replaced by a future track and field event. The track and field events were held on two separate days. On the first day the cadets completed a 100 meter and 400 meter sprint followed by a 1000 meter run. Although the times to meet the standards were far from easy there were still several cadets that were able to meet the times necessary to obtain a badge. The field events consisted of throwing a shot put, doing a long jump, and completing a high jump. Thanks to a practice session held earlier in the week these events did not prevent many cadets from still being eligible for the badges.
The final event was a 30 kilometer ruck march. Cadets had to march (or run) over 18 miles with at least 23 lbs strapped to their back. The standards were different for males and females to achieve the different medals. The cadets began their trek at 0600 on the morning of March 8th and found the weather for the next 5 hours to be unusually cool for Tucson. The first male to cross the line was Cadet John Cahir with a time of 3 hours and 25 minutes. He was followed closely by Cadets Kyle Miller and John McGrath, both finishing under 3 and a half hours. The first female cadets to cross were Enwei Liber and Mindy Dodge. The two of them ran the entire 30K together and finished ahead of many of the male cadets. After everyone was done and safely brought to the finish line, the cadets gathered for a picnic to eat, relax, and mend their torn up feet. The recipients of the GAFPB medals will receive them on a later date from liaisons from the German Armed Forces in a public ceremony.
February 23, 2008
On Saturday, the 23rd of February, the Wildcat Battalion at the University of Arizona conducted its first Situational Tactical Exercise (STX) of the semester. Cadets arrived at Davis-Monthan Air Base at 0600 with loaded ruck sacks ready for a full day of intense training.
The situations for training included Ambush, Reconnaissance and Squad Attack. Cadets were thrilled to find that the Ambush training was conducted with paint ball weapons. Cadet Richard Burd found that using paintballs on the lanes helped to make the lanes more realistic and provided a greater opportunity for leadership development.
Wildcat Battalion cadets only have one more opportunity to sharpen tactical leadership skills through STX lanes before the Joint Field Training Exercise at the end of April, leading up to Warrior Forge 2008. However, with the high quality of training these Cadets receive, all definitely be prepared to excel at Warrior Forge and in future careers as Officers in the United States Army.
February 20, 2008
During the 20 February lab, the Wildcat Battalion gathered on the UA mall for training in some of the elements of movement and fire team tactics. The lab was broken into three segments, all of which included theoretical teaching and practical exercise. One was an introduction to the battle drills for conducting an ambush and recon mission. Another was setting up an Operational Rally Point and the final was reacting to near and far ambush. “It was a good introduction to the ambush and recon before doing it at STX” said Brian Estes, an MSIII preparing to go to Warrior Forge this summer. These three elements are only a very small part of the squad tactical exercises the cadets conduct for evaluations, but every element is important and labs such as these help the cadets focus on the details that will help them succeed at Warrior Forge.
January 30, 2008
On 30 January, the Wildcat Battalion gathered at the Student Recreation Center for the beginning-of-the-semester Battalion Picnic. Cadets gathered for socializing, food and the long-looked-forward-to games of dodge ball and basketball. Cadet Angel Hart, an MSI, said, “I thought it was really great that people could come back from break and bond again. Everyone really got into the games and participated. People weren’t just sitting in the corner.” While picnics and games are typically not part of regular ROTC training, the purpose of the picnic was to have the cadets interact in a fun and competitive but casual environment after being away from each other for Winter Break. New and veteran cadets were also able to meet and become familiar with the people with whom they will spend the whole semester training.
October 2007
LTC Strandberg (our XO) volunteered to serve in Afghanistan in 2006. After over one year, he bumped into an alumni from the Wildcat Battalion! Thanks for the email and photo LTC Strandberg!
"Hello,
I recently had an opportunity to take a team on a short two-day mission to Ghazni and discovered that 1LT Travis Tetzloff, a 2005 grad from our program, was a PLT LDR there for the SECFOR platoon from 2/A/1-158 IN, AZARNG. Travis has been in country 9 months and already has provided SECFOR for over 300 convoy missions!
Attached is a photo of Travis and me, along with one member of the team I lead, CW2 Tony Romano, DARNG in Ghazni city.
-John"
26 October to 28 October 2007
The Fort Huachuca Scout has printed an article about our FTX! Click HERE to see it in .pdf form!
The Wildcat Battalion recently visited Fort Huachuca to take part in their annual Fall Field Training Exercise. Friday morning, October 26th, the entire Wildcat Battalion met at The University of Arizona’s South Hall to depart for a weekend full of field related training in order to enhance their technical skills, build confidence, and prepare Cadets for advanced camp.
Almost as soon as the Cadets stepped off the busses that had been carrying them for the hour and a half ride, they began training. After setting up the area that contained their tents, equipment, and personal belongings the battalion broke up into two groups. One group contained the underclassmen, MS I's and MS II's, and the other group contained the juniors, MS III's. The two groups traveled to a training area within Ft. Huachuca. From there they took part in Land Navigation exercises, one during the day and another at night. The weather was much kinder this year than last year. Even with the full moon, Night Land Navigation was still very challenging. These events required the Cadets to find designated points on a map using only a map and a compass. After plotting the points on their maps and determining a plan of action for finding them, they went out into the course on their own to find posts and record the number and/or letter on them. One Cadet, Younghun Kim, claimed, "It was very different than just learning about it in the classroom, but having a battle buddy and getting to be hands on actually made it better."
The following day Cadets took part in several different events. The first was another Land Navigation exercise on a much larger course. All Cadets participated in this event, with the seniors; MS IV's assisting the cadre with running and monitoring the event. Upon completion of this course, the Wildcat Battalion broke into two separate groups to continue training. One group went to a Confidence Course while the other went to a Rappel tower to practice rappelling. At the Confidence Course, Cadets faced obstacles that they had to complete both individually and in a group. Cadet Angel Hart remarked of her experience, "I had a lot of trouble climbing the rope on one event but two of the older Cadets, Phil Cerami and John McGrath, spent a lot of time showing me different techniques. All the events were hard but I was able to do them because of how mentally strong ROTC has made me." These events were the finale of the second day of training. Cadets finished the day off by eating a BBQ dinner and watching a movie around a campfire. However, there was still one more event to complete before heading home.
On the final day, everyone took down their shelters and their gear packed and loaded to head back to Tucson. The Cadets then moved to a different location to take part in the Leadership Reaction Course. Here the MSIII's would be given the opportunity to lead a squad-sized element through different challenges and obstacles. This event tests their conceptual and tactical skills, their ability to lead others, and to practice for an event that they would be evaluated while at Advanced Camp in Fort Lewis next summer. Many of these obstacles had water in them that needed to be crossed and luckily or skillfully no one fell into the water. This was the first time the junior class was evaluated in a non-garrison position. This great learning experience also served as a confidence booster. Upon completion of this final event, the Cadets had an After Action Review to discuss both positive and negative experiences, in order to prepare for future events. Following the AAR the Cadets and Cadre all headed back to Tucson to enjoy what was left of the weekend and prepare for the week to follow.
12 September to 22 September 2007
Drill and Ceremony training was a great success at Ina Giddings Field on Wednesday, the 12th of September. Cadets were instructed in “Basic movement techniques within a formation” and also “Basic movement as a formation”. This was the first time for many Cadets to lead a formation through the various commands and movements around Ina Giddings Field. This was also another great opportunity for the MSIVs (seniors) to mentor the newer Cadets. Onlookers were stunned and stopped to watch the formations move with ease and discipline. After mastering these first basic platoon movements, Cadets are preparing for the mastery of further instruction in more difficult Platoon movements to be taught at the end of September.
Preparation for the first “Situational Tactical Exercise” (STX) of the semester was held on Wednesday the 19th of September at the Olive Grove west of the Anthropology building. Cadets were instructed in the need for noise and light discipline, setting up security and the hand and arm signals used in STX. Cadets also learned to identify weapons which could be used during STX training. Applying and removing camouflage was an interesting class which allowed the Cadets the opportunity to actually apply real camouflage. Many passer-bys were curious about the training that was being conducted and asked multiple questions. It served as a wonderful opportunity for the University community to gain an understanding of the Wildcat Battalion’s mission.
The following Saturday, on the 22nd of September, the Wildcat Battalion was able to add to this instruction with further military training. The training kicked off with an awesome demonstration conducted by the MSIV class of the ideal STX lane with the training put to motivating Rock music. Cadet Will Gorosave narrated the event. Training included “Reconnaissance and Surveillance” teams, identifying improvised explosion devices and building a useful terrain model for use in briefing a tactical operations order. In the squad formations and movements class, Cadet Pete Tomcyzk taught the importance of keeping constant intervals for the security of the squad and to ensure the completion of the mission.
The training during the month of September has been increasingly useful in training some of the top Cadets in the nation. We look forward to the training which will continue over the course of the year.
5 September 2007
The first week in September marked quite a few momentous occasions in the Wildcat Battalion. On Wednesday, September 5th, the Freshman – Junior year Cadets in the Wildcat Battalion were able to wear their new Advanced Combat Uniforms (ACU) for the first time. Cadre and MSIV’s were on hand to assist the new Cadets and new students with proper/professional wear of the ACU. Wednesday also marked the first accountability formation run by the incoming MSIII class. The Wildcat Battalion appeared sharp and confident in Company formation on The University of Arizona Student Union Mall outside of the Henry Koffler Building.
The Wildcat Battalion had originally planned to conduct an Awards Ceremony on September 5th that day to recognize the many achievements from last semester and some over the summer; however, the Professor of Military Science (PMS), Lieutenant Colonel James J. Gallagher Jr., decided that the safety and well-being of the Cadets was a more immediate concern that need to be addressed. The Battalion invited Officer Andrew Valenzuela of the University Police Department to speak to the Battalion on preventing sexual harassment and protecting individuals, whether within in the ROTC program or through out their every day lives, from the harm involved in the many types of sexual harassment. Officer Valenzuela reinforced to the Cadets that the uniform they wear and the oaths they have taken, and will take in the future, hold them to a higher degree of professionalism and standard and conduct. He also explained that the Cadets enrolled in the ROTC program have exceptional influence over other students at the University, because of their leadership skills. At the close of the awareness training, Officer Valenzuela passed out pamphlets on Campus Safety, Office Safety and The Men against Violence Project.
Officer Valenzuela also spoke about the dangers of under-aged or binge drinking and keeping safe in social settings. Officer Valenzuela went over the responsibility that ROTC Cadets have to keep their friends and acquaintances safe from the harm that could be inflicted by irresponsible drinking habits. Attesting to these dangers were civilian friends of Cadet Kara Subach. Erica Solomon spoke about certain incidents on campus over the last semester which necessitated her personal action on the behalf of another. Her story illustrated the need for all people to be vigilant in social settings, not only for themselves, but for those around each of us. Jessica Frent also addressed other campus dangers and the need for personal awareness. Cadet Olivia Davidson, an MSII, explained that she received helpful information at the briefing. Cadet Davidson reports, “I think everyone needs to be more cautious of themselves and those around them. Everyone also needs to be able to give assistance to others if it becomes necessary.” At the close of the meeting, the PMS presented each of the guest speakers with a Wildcat Battalion Coin, a symbol of the Battalion’s appreciation for the service displayed by each of the guest speakers, and the Cadets left with a better awareness.
22 August to 29 August 2007
The University of Arizona’s Army ROTC program, also known as the Wildcat Battalion, is off to a terrific start this school year. Returning Cadets along with a large number of newly enrolled students have been welcomed from the summer break to start a brand new year of exceptional training and invigorating opportunities.
On Wednesday, August 22nd, the Wildcat Battalion had their first Lab of the semester. The Army ROTC Labs are always on Wednesdays and it’s a time when all the Army Military Science (MS) classes come together since the lecture portion of all the MS classes meet at different times. For this Lab though, the Senior (MS IV) class hosted a “Meet and Greet” in the Lounge at South Hall with just the Junior (MS III) class. The Freshmen (MS I’s) and Sophomore (MS II’s) classes were busy in-processing and learning about scholarship options. All Meet and Greet participants enjoyed fresh, hot pizza and iced soft drinks, an amazing distraction from the 102-degree heat. The MS IV’s began the Meet and Greet by introducing themselves to the incoming MS III class and offering suggestions and advise for building strong leadership for the Freshmen (MS I) and Sophomores (MS II). The room erupted with laughter when Cadet Brittney Barnhart and the new Battalion Commander, Cadet John McGrath, were told to do pushups in front of the Cadets of both classes.
On Friday, August 25th, the Wildcat Battalion completed its first Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) of the 2007-2008 school year. Cadet Amelia Rutkowski, a returning MSII, explained that she finds the APFT extremely helpful for her physical development. Cadet Rutkowski states, “I use the APFT to gauge my physical abilities and to see where I need to improve over the course of the semester.” For individuals who were in the “open” enrollment Physical Fitness class, the APFT was given the following Monday and administered by the MSIV’s. The open enrollment APFT marked the very first APFT administered by the new class of MSIV’s who were excited by their new responsibilities. Cadet Megan Wagner explained that she was pleased to watch the camaraderie and sportsmanship displayed between the individuals participating in the APFT.
The next major event happened on Wednesday, August 29th, when all the Cadets and those interested in becoming Cadets really met as one group. Contracted Cadets and interested students mingled in the Games Room at Wilbur’s Underground in The University of Arizona’s Student Union. The purpose of the Lab was to assist the Cadets in becoming better acquainted with each other and also the Army ROTC program. The Lab was also the time the newly developed Peer Mentorship program was launched. Each Cadet was introduced to both their new mentor or to the Cadet they themselves would mentor. The Peer Mentorship program offers a great opportunity for each Cadet to learn from each other and to be guided through the Army ROTC program in a helpful and efficient manner.
The Wildcat Battalion is prepared for a great year of training and leadership development. All of the Cadets and students are anticipating the training which has been extensively planned to take place over the course of the new school year because they know it will help shape them into the leaders which are so abundant in The University of Arizona’s Army ROTC program.
12 April 2007
On 12 April 2007 the Wildcat Battalion made its annual trip to Camp Navajo, Arizona (outside Flagstaff) to participate in a Joint Field Training Exercise (JFTX) with neighbor schools Emory Riddle Aeronautical University, Northern Arizona University and Arizona State University. The purpose of the JFTX is to prepare ROTC Cadets for Advanced Camp called Warrior Forge in Fort Lewis, Washington.
Warrior Forge (WF) is a pre-commissioning requirement that all Cadets must complete before earning their commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. The JFTX is tailored to simulate actual conditions at WF in order to prepare cadets for their training. The four-day JFTX consisted of several events, day land navigation, night land navigation, situational training exercises (STX) and garrison operations, in which the Cadets must pass or receive a satisfactory rating.
The first day exercise, night land navigation, was cancelled due to snow and safety concerns. Day two started by dividing the four schools into two separate companies, Alpha and Bravo, each consisting of two platoons. The two companies conducted training on opposite days in order to maximize the training opportunities. Alpha completed STX while Bravo completed both day and night land navigation. They switched training events on day three. Cadre within the training committees conducted both day and night land navigation courses on the same day in order to optimize the experience for the Cadets and provide them with the best training possible.
The events from WF are simulated at the JFTX to order to place Cadets in a scenario for which they have to quickly develop unit cohesion in order to accomplish their missions. Cadets were given leadership positions such as Squad Leader, Platoon Sergeant, Platoon Leader, 1st Sergeant, Executive Officer (XO), and Commanding Officer within their squads, platoons, and companies. This parallels WF where Cadets lead training under the supervision of Cadre members. Cadets received evaluations concerning their performance in order learn from mistakes and continue honing their skills.
The overall goal of the JFTX is to train up the Cadets for WF but it also allows Cadre to gauge the progress of each Cadet to determine their strengths and weaknesses. If issues can be ironed out at the JFTX, Cadets will be more successful while attending their training this summer. The JFTX is also a great opportunity for Cadets and Cadre to compare themselves with other Army ROTC programs and hopefully gain some insights that can be brought back to their units so training can constantly adapt and improve.
8 March 2007
Wildcat Battalion Cadets conducted their biannual Combat Water Survival Test (CWST) at the Hillenbrand Pool on Thursday March 8, 2007. CWST consists of four events which each cadet is required to pass on campus and also if they are go to their Advanced Camp this summer at the Leadership Development and Assessment Course (LDAC). The main events for the test are: the equipment ditch, the three foot drop, weapon swim, and a free swim with a Load Bearing Equipment belt (LBE). Additional events, which are not required for passing the test, include a five minute swim and ten minutes of treading water.
The morning started at 0530 after Cadets arrived and given instructions which also included a safety brief. During each of the four rotations that cadets went through, they were given numerous attempts to complete each event. Cadet identified as weak swimmers were given a white ribbon to wear while Cadre watched them closely and helped when needed.
Cadet Brooke Wiggins, a junior and MS III, listened attentively and took every chance she got during the equipment ditch. She wanted to ensure that she was proficient in the task to be better prepared for LDAC this summer.
Most Cadets said that the three foot drop was the most difficult since they had to hold their weapon, while being blind folded, and “walk the plank” off into 12 feet of water. After jumping into the water, Cadets then had to swim to the side of the pool without losing any equipment.
The ten minute swim and five minutes treading water were the final events conducted during the CWST. Due to the small size of the pool and the large number of Cadets, both of these events were amusing to witness. Cadets swam in a circle for ten minutes while trying not to run into other cadets. They also practiced their evasion skills during the five minutes treading of water.
Overall the CWST test resulted in an eventful and exciting morning, full of challenges and comedic moments. Cadets completed a fairly difficult Army requirement and also gained confidence as swimmers and future leaders.
1 March 2007
The Wildcat Battalion’s senior class of Cadets was recently invited to tour a local defense contractor, EOS Technologies, on March 1st, 2007. The trip was an excellent opportunity to see current Army technological development, which all Cadets will be working with in the future. EOS is an Australian company, founded in 1985, that started the Tucson franchise in 1995 and is located in Tucson along East Transcon Way. The majority of their business is derived from optical telescopes and precision optical systems. In addition they work on telescope engineering and develop advanced fire control systems. Upon arrival, Cadets received a briefing on the company and its contributions to the Army in order to become more familiar with the equipment used by today’s military. One system that was developed by the company and is currently in use is a fire control system fixed on the Army High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV). The program is officially named the Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS). CROWS is “a two-axis stabilized mount that contains a sensor suite and fire control software, allowing on-the-move target acquisition and first-burst target engagement.” (www.peosoldier.army.mil).
This system allows a soldier to use the MK-19 grenade launcher, .50 caliber, m240B, and m249 machine guns without being exposed to hostile fire. The system can be used on any armored vehicle and has the following features: rotates a continuous 360 degrees, contains a laser range finder, fire control software, lead / lag for improved engagement while moving, programmable target reference points, surveillance scanning and no-fire zones. In essence, the system provides a more accurate weapon platform that allows the soldier to perform tasks without being exposed. Colonel Richard D. Seiwert (Ret.) gave the senior class a tour of the facility as well as an up close view of complete and un-completed systems. The Cadets viewed the systems in their unfinished stages and learned assembling procedures as well as system activation. Colonel Seiwert and EOS staff explained how the system works even if it were to get damaged during battle. They said a soldier can still mount a weapon and manually operate it without all of the bells and whistles. At the end of the tour the Colonel answered Cadets questions including a jestful, “Are you hiring?”
February 2007
Wildcat Battalion Cadets and Cadre took part in the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge Test (GAFPB) this semester. The GAFPB is an annual event conducted by the Battalion in which contracted Cadets and Cadre try to earn a Gold, Silver or Bronze badge to wear on their uniform. The test consists of several events such as running, track and field, marksmanship, swimming and a 30 kilometer ruck march. The events began on February 9th with a 9mm pistol qualification. This event consisted of placing rounds in target at a distance of 10 meters using a M9 pistol. In order to obtain the gold, Participants must shoot all five rounds with in the target. The silver requirement is four hits, while the bronze standard is three. On February 21st the Battalion conducted track and field events at Pima West Community College. Cadets participated in events such as the long and high jumps, shot put, 100 and 1000 meter sprints. Cadets had to attempt each event even though not all the events are required to achieve the gold badge. The most amusing event was the high jump since most of the Cadets have little experience with the high jump technique and everyone had a good laugh. A week later, Cadets traveled to The University of Arizona Recreation center to attempt the swimming events. For most the swims were easy, but other had a tougher time. The swimming events consisted of a 1000, 100 and 200 meter timed swims. The next weekend the Battalion conducted the final and most exhausting event, the 30K (18.7 mile) ruck march. Cadets were required to carry 22 pounds in a ruck sack on their shoulders during the long and taxing event. One of the worst parts of the ruck march was moving along the “never ending loop” which was a road near the finish of the march. The loop section is only about three miles but seems to never end. Most cadets finished within the four to five hour mark with blisters being the only concern but no one really complained. After Cadets completed the march, the final event for the day was held at the finish line at Purple Heart Park in Tucson. A picnic was held and all Cadets were given a well deserved pat on the back as they celebrated the conclusion of a difficult yet rewarding event.
26 January 2007
The Wildcat Battalion bid First Lieutenant (1LT) Liz Waits farewell on January 26th 2007. 1LT Waits was assigned to work in the Battalion as a Gold Bar Recruiter (GBR). A GBR is a newly commissioned 1st or 2nd Lieutenant assigned to a unit as a recruiting officer while in transition to BOLC II, and their branch specific Officer Basic Course. During her stay with the Wildcat Battalion she managed Cadets assigned as cadet recruiters or a Cadet Recruiting Operations Officer (ROO). She also participated in various recruiting events, led Group 1 in the MLS 110 Physical Fitness class, helped design and manage the Battalion website and helped Battalion staff with other projects. 1LT Waits joined the Wildcat Battalion in August of 2006 after she had graduated from the University of Arizona’s College of Law and just taken her lawyer’s Bar exam. She became a very valuable and highly regarded asset to Battalion over her stay. She left the battalion in January 2007 to continue her Army training and then start her career as an Army lawyer. After completing Army ROTC, all Officers must attend two more phases of the Basic Officers Leadership Course (BOLC). Army ROTC is considered BOLC I and a six week intensive Infantry leadership training course is BOLC II. After these, new officers attend BOLC III which is there branch or specialty training. An Officer’s training is never complete in the Army. 1LT Waits is a great example of a Scholar, Athlete, Leader and an excellent role model to the Cadets who had the opportunity to work with her. She led by example with selflessness and inspired the Cadets with a mind set to achieve greatness. The Battalion will miss her and is grateful for all her time and hard work. Good Luck, 1LT Waits!
15 December 2006
On 15 December 2006, the Wildcat Battalion commissioned two new Second Lieutenants into the U.S. Army during the Fall 2006 Commissioning Ceremony.
Evan Munson, a civil engineering major from Phoenix, Arizona, was selected to serve in the Corps of Engineers on active duty. 2LT Munson will attend the Basic Officer Leaders Course II and then the Engineer Officer Basic Course at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri. After both courses, he will be stationed at Ft. Carson, Colorado.
Jeremy Sung, a psychology major from Tempe, Arizona, was selected to serve as an Infantry Officer on active duty. 2LT Sung will attend the Basic Officer Leaders Course II and then the Infantry Officer Basic Course at Ft. Benning, Georgia. He will also be stationed at Ft. Carson, Colorado, along with his classmate Evan Munson.
Commissioning is a bi-annual event held once in December and once in May. It is the culminating event in a Cadet’s training and signifies the transition from Cadet to Officer.
The Wildcat Commissioning Ceremony took place at the Arizona Stadium Club at 0900 hours on 15 December 2006.
2 December 2006
On a blistery Friday night in December, the Army Cadets squared off with the Navy Cadets in the annual Army-Navy Cadet football game. Although kickoff was not until six o’clock, parents, Cadets and roommates began to arrive at Arizona Stadium around five o’clock to watch the teams warm-up and enjoy hotdogs and hamburgers.
6 December 2006
The Wildcat Battalion held its annual Dining Out on Wednesday 6 December 2006 at the Marriot Hotel on the University’s campus. The Dining Out is a formal dinner that embodies many traditions of the service, including the cake-cutting ceremony, good-natured skits, and honoring the fallen.
This year’s Dining Out also featured LTC. Ret. Dr. Chris C. Demchak as the keynote speaker.
Dr. Chris C. Demchak received her PhD from Berkeley in Political Science
with a focus on organization theory and complex technical systems, as well
as two Masters degrees in Economic Development (Princeton) and
Energy Engineering (Berkeley). She has published numerous articles on
information warfare and new military models, as well as a book entitled
Military Organizations, Complex Machines: Modernization in the U.S. Armed Services.
Click here for a list of her other books.
After the speaker, the guests watched a Cadet-made slide presentation highlighting the semester’s activities and blunders. Overall, the night gave the Cadets and Cadre an opportunity to relax and enjoy each other’s company in a non-work environment.
29 November 2006
The Wildcat Battalion conducted Class A uniform inspections on 29 November 2006. The Class A uniform is the more formal service dress uniform. Included on the uniform are the Cadet’s rank and ribbons, signifying awards the Cadet has received. While the Cadets stood in formation, the Cadre walked through the ranks pointing out deficiencies to the Platoon Sergeants.
17 November 2006
By 2LT Matthew Harris, AR
Every year, Army ROTC Battalions around the country engage in a friendly inter-school competition called Ranger Challenge. This competition occurs during the Fall semester and is preceded by several months of intense physical training—training that consumes a great deal of time and energy for participating Cadets. Cadet Chris Elliot of the University of Arizona says, “The hardest part of the preparation is the combination of ROTC, school and the training regimen of Ranger Challenge.”
On 17 November 2006, the University of Arizona and Arizona State University squared off at Ft. Huachuca in the annual competition. The UofA’s Team was led by Cadet Chris Elliot; ASU’s Team was led by Cadet Chad Livingston.
Per the rules of the competition, each school must bring 10 Cadets (including at least 1 female) who are hand-selected by their cadre to participate on their respective teams. The competition is composed of 6 events: a physical fitness test, a one-rope bridge, a map reading test, rifle marksmanship, an obstacle course, and a 10 kilometer road march.
The morning began with the Army Physical Fitness Test at 8:15am. Several Cadets from both schools “maxed” the test, meaning they scored 100 points in all three events (push-ups, sit-ups and a two mile run). The highest recorded score on the test was a 399 by Cadet Pete Tomczyk of the UofA, who competes on the UofA Triathlete Team.
The next event was the one-rope bridge where teams have to construct a rope bridge over a simulated ravine and transport their entire team from one side to the other. The team with the quickest time and fewest penalties wins.
The one-rope bridge was followed by a military map reading exam of 20 questions. Map reading tests the Cadets’ ability to locate their current position and navigate to a new location. This reinforces the need for them to excel physically and mentally.
After map reading, teams moved to the M-16 rifle marksmanship event; firing at targets, with points awarded for every hit. Additional points are awarded for hitting within the center 3 centimeter circle. After shooting, the Cadets focused on the obstacle course where teamwork becomes crucial. The time does not stop until the last Cadet crosses the line.
Heading into the final event, the 10 kilometer rucksack march, ASU and UofA were tied. In the rucksack march, each Cadet has to have the exact same items in his or her ruck. The teams also have to transport certain squad items. Cadet Charles Blair of the UofA commented, “The ruck march is definitely the most difficult. Besides being physically demanding, it requires strategy and patience as you attempt to set the right pace. To get a competitive time, you must set a running pace that works for the whole event.” In the end, ASU had the faster ruck march time, but only by 6 seconds! It was one of the closest competitions in recent history.
Cadet Elliott, Captain of the UofA’s team, said he was really proud of the team’s hard work and competitive spirit. Jokingly, the team said that they’d wait until Thanksgiving weekend, when the UofA plays ASU in football to seek their revenge!
Fall 2006
Three of the Wildcat Battalion's very own were featured in two different newspapers recently.
Cadet Melissa Anderson was featured in the Sierra Vista Herald on 29 October 2006.
Click here to see her article on the web!
Cadet Jennifer Thomsen and Cadet Christopher Elliott were featured in an article in the Arizona Daily Star on 11 December 2006.
Click here to see her article on the web!
December 2006
MOAA Tucson Chapter President John Myers and Past President Jim Kalal have lunch with the heads of the Service ROTC programs at the Univ. of Arizona. This is part of the chapter's continuing outreach and support program for the ROTC. From left to right are Colonel Bourgeois, USMC, head of Navy ROTC; Colonel Abbott, USAF, head of Air Force ROTC; Jim Kalal; Lieutenant Colonel Gallagher, USA, head of Army ROTC; and John Myers.
21 November 2006
On 21 November 2006, Lieutenant Colonel Gallagher commissioned Dr. George Wilcox as a Major in the U.S. Army Reserves. Dr. Wilcox is currently a pathologist at University Medical Center in Tucson, AZ. Although he already has a very successful career as a pathologist, Dr. Wilcox made the decision to enter the Army to serve his country as an Army doctor. Due to his advance medical degree, he was commissioned directly as a Major.
Dr. Wilcox earned his undergraduate degree at Bellarmine College in Louisville, KY in 1984. In 1990, he graduated from the University of Louisville Medical School and began his residency in pathology at the University of Arizona College of Medicine. During his residency, he met his wife, Gracie, who is a pediatrician.
After his residency, the Wilcoxes relocated to Houston, TX where Dr. Wilcox did a fellowship in Surgical Pathology at the Baylor College of Medicine. He stayed on briefly at Baylor as an Assistant Professor after his fellowship, but decided to return to Tucson to be near Gracie’s family when the couple was expecting their first daughter, Alma. The Wilcoxes have 3 daughters--Alma (9years old), Lola (5 years old), and Nora (1 year old).
When an individual raises his or her right hand, he repeats the following oath:
I, (name), having been appointed an officer in the Army of the United States, as indicated above in the grade of (2LT, 2LT, CPT, MAJ…) do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter; SO HELP ME GOD.
8 November 2006
On November 8, 2006, the Cadets of the Wildcat Battalion took a short reprieve from their typical tactical training, and instead, took part in an interactive lecture on Islamic Extremism. The facilitator was Barry Webb, a former National Security Agency Operative, whose area of expertise is the modern day growth and spread of Islam.
Mr. Webb explained that he bases much of his theories and predictions about the spread of Islam on historical patterns. By studying the past, he believes that scholars and foreign policy analysts can predict the course of Islam in the future.
Through his study, Mr. Webb believes that Islam gains political control through the following process: First, Muslims move swiftly into an area. In the past, this has often been through raids and re-settlement of communities. Today, this phenomenon is seen in the large numbers of Islamic immigrants moving into both Eastern and Western Europe.
Second, after a group of Islamic migrants settles in a region, they quickly overpopulate the area. According to Mr. Webb, this is because Muslims typically have higher birthrates than most local populations. Today, this can be seen in Russia, Great Britain, France and other European countries, where the local birthrate is dropping, while the birthrate among Muslims is skyrocketing. Mr. Webb predicts that in twenty years, the number of Muslims in these countries could far outweigh the European populations.
Third, according to Mr. Webb, after an Islamic population becomes a majority, Islam asserts itself as the dominant cultural and political force either through legal and democratic means or through civil war and conquest. He explained that if Muslims can obtain citizenship in these countries, they might vote themselves into power. However, as in the case of Germany, citizenship can be difficult to obtain. Therefore, Mr. Webb predicts that civil unrest may ensue in Germany in the future as Muslims become the dominant population.
After Mr. Webb explained the processes behind the spread of Islam, he opened the floor to questions. One Cadet asked if Mr. Webb noticed any changes already in the composition or structure of European governments. Mr. Webb replied “yes,” but that the changes were subtle. For instance, in Great Britain, the traditional ringing of church bells has been silenced in many towns after Muslim groups petitioned their municipal governments. In France, the government went the other way and attempted to curb the spread of Islam by preventing young female students from wearing the veil to school. Mr. Webb believes these responses are shortsighted and do not adequately address the issue.
When asked what the appropriate response should be, Mr. Webb stated that he was not entirely sure. He said that it is important to respect the freedoms of all groups and it is important that Muslims be allowed to practice their religion. At the same time, he cautioned that one group’s religion should not prevent others from practicing their way of life and enjoying their freedoms. He warned that we must keep our eyes open to the subtle erosion of freedom that can, and often has, accompanied the spread of Islam.
After the lecture, Cadets said that the discussion was interesting and that it raised a lot of questions. Most of them believed that Islam, like any political or religious force, needs to be kept in check in order to protect the democratic freedoms which we all hold dear. Others said that they thought the discussion was very important as many of them will be serving overseas in the near future—often in countries controlled by Islamic governments.
Week of 10 November to 12 November 2006
By Chip Brooke
Class of 1977
Several months of planning, mostly by emails, resulted in a highly successful homecoming for nearly two dozen former UAZ Army ROTC cadets and instructors. Friday night, November 10th, we had a meet and greet, followed by dinner at a local restaurant. Name tags were required, since Father Time and our memories altered our abilities to quickly identify each other.
Saturday, kicked off with appetizers and beverages at South Hall, which for all of us was quite different; since our roots in the late 1970’s were in Old Main. It was interesting to learn that all the ROTC departments moved to South Hall in 1987 and that the current Professor of Military Science, Lieutenant colonel James J. Gallagher Jr., was a cadet at that time and also helped in the move. Many of us walked around inside South Hall checking display cases and the walls for visual reminders of Army ROTC as they remembered it. For those who were able to break away from homecoming activities throughout the mall area, we had a group photograph taken in front of Old Main on the west side by the fountain.
A group of us had obtained tickets for the football game against the California Bears and enjoyed a terrific come-from-behind win against the 8th ranked Golden Bears. Our seats were in the upper section of the northeast corner of the stadium, but many who were airborne qualified enjoyed the elevation.
After a heart-throbbing, edge of your seat finishing touch by the U of A football team against California, we adjourned back to South Hall for barbeque beef, pork and all the fixings. Campus and ROTC war stories were rekindled and everyone tried to catch up on what had happened to everyone over the course of the last 30 years. A small group of us went out for pie and coffee while others decided to soak in all of the celebratory activities around campus. It was lights out at 2200 hours for those who went for dessert. All of the all-night campus parties were just distant memories now.
The majority of the group left town early on Sunday but a small group met at Morris K. Udall Park for a family picnic. Business cards were exchanged, address verified, and digital pictures from the weekend activities viewed. By mid-afternoon, those who had later flights left and the reunion officially ended.
The UAZ Army ROTC reunion was a success because of the teamwork of everyone involved. We came together as a group just like we did in the late 1970’s. Back then, we picked out cactus thorns from each other after low crawling through the desert on a Ranger training mission, polished our buddies boots before a Drill Team inspection, or helped incoming students learn the five paragraph Operation Order. Whatever it was, it was never all about you or me; it was always all about the UAZ ROTC team.
Week of 30 October to 6 November 2006
This past weekend the Wildcat Battalion conducted its annual Fall Field Training Exercise (FTX) at Ft. Huachuca. The FTX is mandatory for all contracted Cadets. It is also available to any University of Arizona, Pima Community College, or NAU-Tucson student enrolled in either MSL 100 / 197 (Intro to Military Skills) or MLS 200 / 297 (Army Leadership Dynamics).
Known as “Operation Desert Challenge,” the FTX gives the Juniors experience leading the underclassmen through a weekend of training events located in the mountains around Sierra Vista, Arizona. The objective of the FTX is to place the Juniors in a similar environment to what they will experience at Warrior Forge and give the underclassman a taste of Army ROTC. Warrior Forge is a 33-day event at Ft. Lewis, Washington that all Army ROTC Cadets must attend between their Junior and Senior years. It is the culminating event in a Cadet’s training because it challenges and tests the Cadet on all of their past Army ROTC training up to that point. Moreover, the Cadet’s performance at Warrior Forge will weigh heavily on where the Army will place the Cadet once commissioned.
In the Spring, the Cadets and enrolled students will attend another FTX held at Camp Navajo, Flagstaff. At this exercise, the Wildcat Battalion will join forces with Cadets from ASU, NAU, and Embry Riddle Aeronautical University; therefore, it will be called a Joint FTX (JFTX). The JFTX is more tactical, including pre-combat inspections, operation order briefs, ruck marching, Battle Drills, and evaluations by the Cadre. In comparison, the atmosphere at the Fall FTX at Ft. Huachuca is more relaxed.
In the weeks leading up to the FTX, Cadets learned the basics of surviving a weekend away from civilization. For college students that means turning off the cell phones and I-Pods for 48-hours, building an Army tent out of two pieces of canvas, avoiding poisonous snakes, not eating random plants, and, most importantly, maintaining personal hygiene. (One can be amazed what a couple days without soap will do to a college student!) Some of the students said that aside from free meals, one of the most attractive parts of the FTX was the official Dean’s excuse allowing them to miss class on Friday.
Overview:
The FTX spanned three days, commencing Friday afternoon with a formation and a noisy bus trip to Ft. Huachuca and ending Sunday with paintball and a bus trip back to Tucson full of sleepy and stinky college students.
The structure of the Wildcat Battalion for the weekend was one Company, composed of three Platoons, with four Squads each. Each Junior had a specific leadership position, ranging from Company Commander to Squad Leader. This provided them the opportunity to develop their skills in motivation, time management, teamwork, communication and military bearing. In order to get everyone motivated, Platoons competed all weekend, earning points in the various training events (e.g., Land Navigation, the Confidence Course, the Obstacle Course and Paintball).
Day 1:
Upon arrival at Ft. Huachuca, the Cadets hit the ground running and began erecting a bivouac site immediately. (“Bivouac” is a fancy Army word for “campsite.”) This was the first leadership challenge for the Juniors. They were required to supervise the underclassmen as they constructed a tent out of two separate pieces of canvas and a piece of rope. Overall, the bivouac setup when smoothly and quickly—a good thing since lining up tents in neat columns and rows is difficult when the sun goes down.
Friday night's dinner menu called for a four or five course meal, depending on how far the Cadets could stretch the contents of their MREs. An MRE is a “Meal Ready to Eat.” It is composed of separate packages of freeze-dry food. One could tell right away which Cadets had experience in the ways of the MRE. These Cadets knew which MRE packages contained the good cookies and candy and traded with the unsuspecting underclassmen.
As the sun fell, parkas, gloves and other cold weather gear started to surface. With the help of a g enerator, U-Haul trailer, and mountains of junk food, the underclassmen watched movies. Comedies predominated, but in honor of the Halloween weekend, a horror flick managed to make it on the big screen for one of the nights.
Some battle buddy teams (i.e., tentmates) decided to call it a night, which was probably a good call since the Cadets had to be up at 0500 the next morning.
While the underclassmen relaxed by the fire, the Juniors conducted Night Land Navigation in preparation for Warrior Forge. They practice plotting their points in the dark and they learned to walk over uneven terrain at night with as little light as possible. (Although inevitably, there is one Cadet who walks around with his or her flashlight on full blast, thus ruining any night vision he or she may have had!)
Thankfully, all the Juniors made it back from Night Land Navigation safely. As they walked back to the bivouac site, they recounted their adventures to each other. Cadet Jessica Mercer laughed as she described how she found Cadet Rick Cole entangled in some barbwire. Cadet Cole tried to free himself for at least 10-minutes before Cadet Mercer released him from his wire prison.
Day 2:
On Saturday morning (after a hard night’s sleep on the ground in sub forty-degree weather) most of the squad leaders found out that getting their squad out of a toasty sleeping bag at 0500 was nearly impossible. After some flashlights to faces and shaking of tents, the squad leaders and their Chain of Command managed to herd the Cadets into a formation.
The first event on Saturday was Day Land Navigation. For a majority of the Cadets, this was their first time on a Land Nav Course. They were required to plot their points on a map, get their pace count, and orient themselves using a compass. Although Land Nav was a timed event, the focus was more on finding all the points, staying hydrated and not losing any Cadets or equipment. With safety in mind, Cadets left in buddy teams. Water checkpoints were set up and vans patrolled the perimeter to monitor the situation and help lost Cadets.
Freshman Joseph O’Brien from Pima Community College returned 40 minutes before most Cadets with his group of three. They found all of their points; unfortunately most were incorrect.
Junior Eddie Kwan laughed as he described his mistakes.
After all Cadets were safely off the course, they loaded onto vans and headed to the Obstacle and Confidence Courses. After a brief walkthrough of the different obstacles on both courses, the Cadets broke down into their squads and started to work as team through the different obstacles.
The Obstacle Course is all about speed, with the fastest cumulative time winning the event. On the other hand, the Confidence Course tests the Cadets’ leadership skills. One of the events that truly demonstrated this was the “Skyscraper.” The Skyscraper is a tower with five wooden floors spaced about six feet apart. The squad was required to climb the tower like a ladder, making sure everyone was safely on each floor before moving on. While some Cadets had the upper body strength to move up by themselves, most were simultaneously pushed from the bottom and dragged from the top. In the end, everyone successfully completed the task, which significantly enhanced unit cohesion among the squads.
Freshman Olivia Davidson said this was the first time she had seen a Confidence Course before and found the events challenging and even a little frightening.
As a Junior in leadership, Cadet Eddie Kwan was instructed to “lead the way” and walk across an obstacle called the Tough One. He looks one look at it and thought,
Nevertheless, Cadet Kwan led the way and was the first person across the obstacle.
Two Cadets, Junior Jennifer Esparza and Freshman Joe Dents, made the observation that the obstacles were much more challenging if you were short. Cadet Esparza said that her “little legs” could barely make it to the other side of some obstacles.
When all squads completed the Obstacle and Confidence Courses, the Battalion moved back to the bivouac site. For chow (another fancy Army term for “food”), BBQ was on the menu and it could be smelled before the vans reached the bivouac site. This was a pleasant surprise after MREs.
Later that evening, as the Cadets migrated to the campfire to watch another series of movies, most confided that they were exhausted. After walking several miles on the Land Navigation Course and then tackling the Confidence and Obstacle Courses, Freshman Judy Yurida said,
Day 3:
Sunday’s wake up was even harder after two nights of sleeping outdoors; but, at the same time, there was an excitement in the air. Today, the Cadets were going to duke it out in paintball. However, before the games could start, the Cadets tore down the bivouac site and the Juniors organized a massive police call (A.K.A. clean up) to pick up trash. After a breakfast of MREs, the Cadets loaded back onto the vans and departed Ft. Huachuca for Desert Paintball back in Tucson.
Paintball war stories started even before the Cadets reached the site. Upon arrival, the Cadets grounded all non-essential gear and received a safety briefing. The "No-Hand-to-Hand-Combat" rule got a snicker out of the group. Guns, masks and ammo were distributed to the Cadets, while Squad and Platoon Leaders discussed tactics.
The paintball area itself was incredible, with rusting vehicles and large stone walls. At the sound of the whistle, each Platoon rushed forward. Cadets had their eyes open for any Cadre member. This was their opportunity to nail their Military Science instructor (in the most respectful way of course). Sophomore Yousef Balooshi showed exceptional skill as he moved stealthily forward and took out Master Sergeant Butler. It was the only time the Master Seargeant was killed during the entire game.
Junior Michael Krogh said he “accidentally” mistook the Battalion photographer (who was off-limits) for a player and shot her several times. This rule infringement earned him a few shots from the referee.
Sophomore Mindy Dodge walked off the course with a smile on her face because her team won the last game. She went into detail about how she made the trip from eastside of the course to the westside in order to raise her team’s flag.
After weapons and equipment cleaning, the Cadets loaded the vans, bragging about their bruises as if they were war wounds. However, as soon as the Cadets were loaded, they grew silent due to utter exhaustion.
Back on campus, the Cadets quickly conducted recovery actions, cleaning equipment and taking accountability. All in all, everyone had a blast. Instead of telling friends and family about a math equation or a physics problem they worked on over the weekend, they had exciting stories of getting lost, overcoming fears, working as a team through physical challenges and covering each other in paint. That being said…everyone was ready to take a shower!
Read more about this in "The Fort Huachuca Scout" news article.....
Week of 9 October to 20 October 2006
On both 11 and 18 October 2006, the Cadets of the Wildcat Battalion conducted rappel training at the Harvill and Koffler Buildings here on campus. Rappelling is the art and skill of using ropes and simple equipment to descend sheer faces, such as rock walls or buildings. Army ROTC does rappel training to build self-confidence and develop leadership in their students. It is a mandatory Lab for all contracted Cadets and available to all others who are enrolled in either MSL 197 (Intro to Military Skills) or MLS 297 (Army Leadership Dynamics).
During the pre-rappel lab at the Harvill Building on 11 October 2006, the Seniors and Juniors taught the Cadets the basic techniques for rappelling and gave the Cadets the opportunity to practice these skills on a shorter wall before tackling the 90-ft Koffler Building the following week. The Seniors and Juniors taught the underclassmen how to tie a swiss seat (i.e., the rappelling harness constructed from a simple length of rope), how to present oneself for inspection before rappelling, and how to inch one’s way into the proper start position on the side of the building.
Some Cadets said they never imagined they would be rappelling off a building and were nervous about the prospect. Despite their doubts, every single Cadet successfully rappelled twice from the Harvill Building. During their rappels, Army ROTC cadre members assessed every Cadet’s technique and further instructed those who needed more help.
On 18 October 2006, as the Cadets stood at the base of the Koffler Building, many said they were shocked at the difference in height between the Harvill and Koffler Buildings. Some Cadets were excited to get started; others were somewhat hesitant. Whitney Price, one of the Pima Community College students enrolled in the Army ROTC class, said she was nervous at first and not completely convinced that the ropes on the building would keep her from falling. But, ultimately, she took a deep breath and successfully completed the training. In fact, every Cadet rappelled successfully twice and many begged to go off again.
Also during the rappel lab, the Juniors taught classes geared at preparing the underclassmen for the Field Training Exercise (FTX) at Ft. Huachuca on 27-29 October 2006. The Cadets learned how to construct a tent out of two shelter halves, how to evaluate a casualty, how to maintain proper hygiene in the field, how to recognize flora and fauna, how to prepare a Meal Ready to Eat (MRE), and how to wear their field equipment.
While some Cadets rappelled and others were in the classes, a crowd of bystanders formed on the Mall. Several college students asked questions about the event and others asked how they could get involved. Some thought the Cadets were crazy for rappelling down a 90-ft building! (What can we say? We are adventurous and we can’t wait until we can do it again next semester!)
Also in the crowd of bystanders were Junior ROTC (JROTC) Cadets from four local high schools—Cholla, Catalina, Salpointe Catholic and Flowing Wells. These JROTC Cadets took the afternoon off from school to spend some time with the Senior ROTC Cadets of the Wildcat Battalion. The Senior Cadets took the JROTC Cadets on a campus tour and explained to them how they could compete for 4-year scholarships at The University of Arizona and Pima Community College.
All in all, the Cadets of the Wildcat Battalion said that both rappel days were thrilling! They also recognized that rappelling is not just an exhilarating experience where Cadets have a lot of fun. It is a confidence builder—it forces you to face your fears and complete the mission. Once you have proven to yourself that you can accomplish something like rappelling, nothing seems insurmountable. For the underclassmen, rappelling is an exercise in trust—they have to put their faith in their fellow Cadets to properly hold the ropes and bring them down safely. For the upperclassmen, rappelling is an exercise in leadership—you have to lead by example and be the first off the building.
Last, but definitely not least of all, rappelling taught and demonstrated to the Cadets the importance of safety. Although rappelling is a lot of fun, it is obviously dangerous going off the side of a 90-ft building. What was not obvious was all the planning and preparation before any Cadet even touched a rope. The Seniors and cadre discussed, checked and re-checked all safety measures so the Cadets could focus on the event and not on the dangers. This is the Army’s way and the Leader’s way of doing things to ensure that all events, small or large, simple or dangerous, are safe and successful.
Week of 9 October to 13 October 2006
This week, Wildcat Battalion Alum (‘84) Colonel Stephen Yackley voluntarily took time to speak with the senior cadets about how the Army has modified its training of young Soldiers in today’s social and political climate. He commands the 1st Combat Training Brigade located at Ft. Jackson, South Carolina (the largest training brigade in the U.S. Army), training over 28,000 Soldiers a year. After having served roughly seven years as an enlisted Soldier, Colonel Yackley returned to school and graduated from the University of Arizona in 1984. He participated in ROTC and was commissioned as an Infantry officer in the U.S. Army. During his career, he has served in a variety of positions of increasing responsibility and importance.
During his remarks to the seniors, Colonel Yackley touched on two main points. First, he discussed the changing social climate in the United States, which is creating new challenges for leaders—leaders like the Wildcat Battalion seniors who will be commissioned as 2nd Lieutenants in May. He explained that it is important for leaders to impress upon their Soldiers the importance of selfless service. Colonel Yackley stated that the Army Values (loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage) are the cornerstone of Army training. At the 1st Combat Training Brigade, a Soldier who does not exhibit these values will not graduate from Basic Training even if he has completed all Soldier tasks.
The second topic that Colonel Yackley discussed was the radical changes in Soldier training. Colonel Yackley explained that in the past, a Soldier would graduate from Basic Training and then head to his/her unit. Once at the unit, the Soldier would receive further training before deploying; however, in today’s world, there is less time to mold Soldiers at the unit level before deployment. Oftentimes, Soldiers are joining their unit already in combat. Therefore, Basic Training has been changed to provide more realistic and combat-oriented training. Colonel Yackley explained that there is now more focus on live-fire training and combat awareness. Soldiers are issued weapons the very first day of Basic Training and the weapons are no longer turned in at the end of the day. Instead, the Soldiers carry their weapons with them throughout the entire time they are in training. They are required to safeguard their weapon at all times—during PT, when they sleep, at chow time, etc.
At Ft. Jackson, the Army has also constructed mock Forward Operating Bases for increased realism, where the Soldiers spend days in the field executing combat missions. This is a major change from the past where Soldiers simply worked on their marksmanship at a firing range. Now, they are required to pass marksmanship by firing off a vehicle. There are also mock villages where the Soldiers are trained in urban warfare. Long gone are the days when enemies engage in open fields; rather, wars are being fought in towns and villages where the enemy blends in with the civilian population. The U.S. Soldiers of today are being trained at Ft. Jackson in these types of environments.
In addition to training Soldiers, the 1st Combat Training Brigade is also training NCOs. In the past, drill sergeants were merely evaluators. Now, they are actually part of the training. They serve as squad leaders for the new Soldiers, acting as both evaluator and battle-buddy. As Colonel Yackely explained, the mission of the 1st Combat Training Brigade is to train Warriors who “are ready to fight and win any time, anywhere and against any enemy.”
After Colonel Yackley’s initial remarks, the seniors asked questions about his experience as an NCO before becoming an officer and about his time during his varied assignments. At the conclusion of his talk, the seniors were left with the impression that training in the U.S. Army has been “stepped up.”
For more on Colonel Yackley or the 1st Combat Training Brigade, go to the following link: http://www.jackson.army.mil/1BDE/index.htm.
Week of 25 September to 29 September 2006
Colonel Johnson, the Commander of 14th Brigade, and Sergeant Major Higgs paid a visit to the Wildcat Battalion on Monday, September 25, 2006.
Cadets had an opportunity to meet the Colonel and the Sergeant Major, as they inspected the Battalion and its cadre.
The day began with an awards ceremony as the Colonel promoted SFC Butler to Master Sergeant; recognized Master Sergeant Tuttle for his accomplishments prior to reaching the Battalion; and presented an award to Human Resources Assistant Tammara Foss for her stellar work within the Battalion. Cadets Ji-Hoon Yoo, Evan Munson and Chris Elliott were also recognized for their accomplishments within the Battalion and at Warrior Forge this past summer.
Not only did Colonel Johnson take part in the recognition of personnel within the Battalion, he also took the time to speak with cadets on a more personal level with regards to their progress in the ROTC program.
At the conclusion of their visit, COL Johnson and SMG Higgs encouraged the cadre and cadets to continue to strive to exceed the Army Standard.
At 0700 (that’s 7 am for those unfamiliar with military time) on Saturday, cadets participated in the first of two weekends covering squad tactical exercises (STX).
The cadets moved through 6 rotations, receiving different classes at each station.
AA Procedures:
Senior Cadets Yoo and Blair taught the Assembly Area (AA) procedures class. During this class, cadets learned the proper protocol for how to occupy a tactical AA, receive a mission, and properly convey that mission to their squad members. They also learned how to conduct Pre-Combat Inspections (PCIs) and rehearsals.
The Ruck Sack:
The class on how to properly wear an LBE and ruck sack was taught by Cadet Glasser. Here cadets learned the separate components of the ruck sack, also known as an Alice pack, and how to wear it comfortably and tactically. Cadets also learned how to size an LBE and how to place the components of the LBE were they belong.
LDA:
Learning how to cross an LDA is a crucial part of STX lanes. An LDA is an open area, such as a road, railroad tracks, streams, bridges, etc. It is any area where troops are in danger of being spotted. Senior Cadets Thomsen and Vineyard had cadets practice the proper method for crossing an LDA.
OPORDS:
Senior Cadet McAfee conducted a class on the Operation Order (OPORD). An OPORD is the squad’s “mission.” It is a lengthy order that explains what the squad is expected to do and how to do it. Cadet McAfee's class covered the five components of the OPORD: Situation, Mission, Execution, Service Support and Command/Signal. Cadets were given a mock OPORD and instructed to break it down and re-issue it to their squad members.
Terrain Models:
Learning how to make and use a Terrain Model is essential to accomplishing a mission. A Terrain Model is a small version of where the squad will be traveling in order to accomplish their mission. It usually displays the various rivers, roads, mountains, danger areas, etc. that the squad will encounter as they move to their objective. Senior Cadets Blackwell and Taylor instructed cadets on how to properly construct a Terrain Model and use it effectively.
Fire Team Movements:
Cadets were taught by Senior Cadets Golisch and Cerami how to form-up and move in different formations. The formations range from a simple single-file line to the more complex wedge. The movements also vary in complexity—some requiring a simple forward movement, others requiring teams to bound from one location to another while providing security for one another.
Overall, cadets enjoyed the STX training.
"It was a positive reinforcement of prior experience with STX lanes I have already done."
"I enjoyed the classes as it gave me the opportunity to develop skills and they showed me areas I need to improve.”
"I thought the classes were informative but I really could have used more rubber ducky time.” (The mock weapons the cadets use are called “rubber ducks.”)
Week of 11 September to 15 September 2006
Wednesday, September 20, 2006—The Wildcat Battalion conducted Individual Movement Technique training on the UAZ campus.
The Seniors taught various classes to the Corps of Cadets in the olive grove on Park Avenue. The classes included aid and litter, buddy rushes, weapons familiarization, hand signals, and recon/surveillance. The classes were geared toward those cadets who are new to Army ROTC, but also served as refresher courses for the Juniors who will be tested on these skills at Warrior Forge this coming summer.
The aid and litter class, presented by Seniors Greg Golisch and Devin Taylor, taught cadets how to provide aid, gather personnel, and conduct Enemy Prisoner of War (EPW) searches. In groups of two, the cadets provided first aid to both friendly and enemy forces. They assessed the needs of the soldiers (i.e., whether they required immediate aid, emergency aid or emergency service procedures). EPW searches are essentially “shake-downs” of personnel left behind or caught during battle. These searches are conducted from top-to-bottom, and require two to three people: one searching, one providing security and the third recording items recovered. If only two are available, the searcher also records information.
Seniors Chris Glasser and Jenn Thomsen gave cadets a class on weapons. The weapons covered were: the M-72 LAW, the M-16, the AT-4 and the claymore mine. Cadets were taught the general “know-how” of using each weapon—the parts of the weapons, how to use each, and how to check a weapon after it has malfunctioned. For example, the cadets were shown the correct implementation of the claymore mine, how to inspect it before combat, how to test it to guarantee proper functioning and how to deploy it.
Seniors Charles Blair and Ji Hoon Yoo gave cadets the “ABCs” on reconnaissance (recon) and surveillance. They explained how to conduct a recon during a tactical exercise, as well as how to survey enemy forces. The class provided the cadets with intelligence training—how to gather information on what enemy forces are doing and how best to handle an enemy situation. Cadets learned how to make a sketch of the enemy objective and how to produce a SALUTE report (Situation, Activity, Location, Uniform/Unit, Time and Equipment).
Although each class is essential, most cadets found “buddy rushing” to be the most exciting class taught during the lab on Wednesday. Seniors Phil Cerami and Trey Vineyard gave an interactive class, where cadets not only were shown how to conduct a buddy rush, but were also allowed to participate, doing some buddy rushes themselves. Buddy rushing is the tactical movement that allows cadets to assault an objective without taking fire. The goal is to move from one secure location to another, while the soldier’s “buddy” provides cover fire. Cadets were also taught hand signals during this class. They were taught what signals to use during a tactical formation, such as halt, rally point, freeze, pace count, and several other necessary signals that are crucial during tactical movements when silence is essential.
Junior Megan Wagner, who participated in the training, found it informational and helpful to her as she prepares for Warrior Forge this summer and as she prepares to be an officer.
This Saturday, the Wildcat Battalion will continue their tactical training. The Seniors and Juniors will participate in a Squad Training Exercise (STX) in the olive grove on the UAZ Campus. All are welcome to observe.
Week of 4 September to 8 September 2006
On 6 September 2006, the Wildcat Battalion conducted a military activation ceremony, initiating the Corps of Cadets as the 111th Wildcat Battalion.
An activation ceremony acknowledges the tradition of forming a battalion. The battalion is called the 111th because the military science program has been on campus for 111 years, starting in 1896. In the years after World War II, over 11,000 military men received training in the University of Arizona ROTC programs. Since then, thousands more men and women have been commissioned and are now serving all over the world.
After the activation ceremony, the battalion recognized cadets who met or exceeded the Army academic and physical standards. Several of the Wildcat cadets managed their ROTC commitments, while maintaining close to a 4.0 GPA.
The seniors were also recognized for successfully completing Operation Warrior Forge. The 33-day course is the most important training event for an Army ROTC cadet. It incorporates a wide range of subjects designed to develop and evaluate leadership capability. The challenges are rigorous, both mentally and physically, and they test an individual's ability to make difficult decisions in demanding situations. The Wildcat seniors exceeded the national average in many of the tasks. It is these students who will be taking control of the battalion this school year as senior cadets.
The battalion also recognized the achievements of a select few who attended Army summer schools. Cadets Rick Cole, Eddie Kwan, Holly Koehmstedt and Cal Thomas attended Airborne School at Ft. Benning, Georgia, where they spent three-weeks training from dawn until dusk. Airborne School consists of three phases: ground week, tower week and jump week. During jump week, cadets parachute from 12,500 feet. Successful completion of Airborne School is very difficult and the drop rate is high. However, the Wildcat Battalion had a 100% passage rate.
Cadet Holly Koehmstedt, the only female Wildcat cadet to attend Airborne this summer, stated, “It’s hard to believe I actually jumped out of an airplane at 12,500 feet! It was an exhilarating experience.”
Cadet Tobin Johnson was the only cadet from the Wildcat Battalion to attend Air Assault School. Air Assault School is a 10-½ day course at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky, designed to teach Air Assault techniques and procedures. Air Assault also has three phases: combat assault, sling load operations and rappelling. Air Assault consists of 2 rappels from a 34-foot tower, 9-12 rappels from the open side, and 2 rappels from a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter hovering 70-90 feet off the ground.
Cadet Charles Blair, a senior and Warrior Forge graduate, also attended Cadet Troop Leadership Training (CTLT) at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma. CTLT places cadets with active units and gives them the opportunity to work with the unit in a platoon leader position (typically assigned to a lieutenant). Blair worked with the Multiple Locked Rocket System Unit. Blair believes that CTLT provides one-of-a-kind training and considers CTLT a great experience for cadets.
For many college students, summer is a time to “kick back” and take a long-needed break from school. However, for Army ROTC cadets, the summer is jam-packed with exciting and demanding training that prepares them to be successful leaders.
Week of 28 August to 1 September 2006
On Wednesday, the Wildcat Battalion kicked off the semester with the annual battalion picnic.
For MS Is and IIs the picnic provided a relaxed environment to interact with one another and with the cadre.
For the MS IIIs and IVs the picnic was an opportunity to familiarize themselves with their squads and their
platoons. As the acting Cadet Company Commander Rick Cole called the group to attention, the company
"snapped to" and the new semester began.
"We have a large group of motivated cadets," said Cole. "It's going to be a fun year!"
The Wildcat Battalion is composed of approximately 115 cadets from the University of Arizona and Pima
Community College. Cadets vary in majors from Political Science to Religious Studies.
Many have prior Army experience, while others are just "getting their feet wet."
For sophomores Mindy Dodge and Ariel Sweet, this is their second year in the program.
The two young women stated they are enjoying the Army and the challenges it brings.
Sweet was attracted by job security the Army provides, while Dodge was interested in the
tuition assistance.
Laughingly, Sweet added, "You also have to love a woman in uniform."
Of course every Army function has to involve a little healthy competition. At the picnic, cadets and
cadre partook in a somewhat violent game of dodgeball, with the out-numbered seniors and cadre soundly
defeating the juniors.
As the picnic came to a close, LTC Gallagher, the Professor of Military Science,
stated that it was great to see the battalion finally take shape. He explained that the program's
mission is to train and develop leaders by instilling in them a sense of integrity, loyalty and respect.
"We are doing this for the Army and its Soldiers," said LTC Gallagher.
We invite your input! Please direct all questions, comments and prospect referrals to us at armyrotc@email.arizona.edu or (520) 621-1609. Please stop by South Hall when you’re on campus. We also encourage you to visit our website at http://fp.arizona.edu/armyrotc.
