The Past Couple of Weeks

Over the past couple of weeks, the BYUI ROTC Cadets went from water to land by completing Combat Water Survival Training (CWST) and Hand and Arm Signals / React to Indirect Fire labs. Both events were entertaining and physically challenging.

CWST was held at Green Canyon where some of the Cadets found out how rusty they are in the water. Some were like fish and others struggled but they made it. With CWST you have to become familiar with the techniques improvised floatation devices, combat swim, and the equipment ditch. The mos fun from the entire event had to be the social afterwards and the basketball game. It was physical.

Now I didn't get to see all of the lanes out at the AG Center at last Thursday's lab, however, I can say that the Cadets had to improvise on techniques on maneuver and communication. I know that they had a feeling of, "Where are the MS IIIs when you need them!" MS I and II Cadets leading the training, it was another challenge that faced them.

The cattle were more amazed at our presence than we were of them. They followed us around on farmland where the training was conducted. I saw some good and not so good movement techniques there. In the end, they enjoyed themselves.

The Long Road Ahead

Each semester we start of fresh with new students who are trying to find there way. The path that they have traveled has led them to the ROTC office where they find out that it is filled with paperwork and research. This is a daunting task for some and easy for others. Once there paperwork has been completed, then they can go get there equipment and uniforms issued. Now the prospective Cadets get to look and feel like a Soldier for that few moments and I am pretty sure they feel the same way that I did when I was issued my uniforms over 24 years ago and it builds a sense of pride within us that we are serving our country. Now I must say that this is the only the beginning of a long journey that for a select few, ends with their commissioning and then onto a new journey.

This past week, I heard a Cadet say that she had bruises on top of bruises. I got a laugh out of that. They are working extremely hard to find out what they are made of and at lab, they completed the 4 mile ruck march with an assault pack and 10 pounds. It pushed them to their limits. Some didn't break in their boots and found out quickly how to get blisters.

I must say that the long road ahead is sometimes filled with bumps, bruises, joy, happiness, pain and a few other colorful words that is sometimes used to describe what we go through. Those who make it no that it was all worth it and those who do not find out about themselves and can most often look back and smile at the memories and friends that they have gained.

Iron Volcano FTX

What a great weekend capstone... The MS III participated in the Iron Volcano FTX that was hosted by Boise State University with participants from Northwest Nazarene University, Idaho State University and Brigham Young University Idaho. Once again it was cold and this time some rain was added to the event and cleared up by the early evening. It was a great opportunity for the MS IIIs to meet there peers and other students within the brigade. The three day event was started by a wonderful class on patrolling from SFC Gill. That first night was memorable with the night land navigation in the dark and there were badger holes of all sizes to contend with. The next day the MS I and IIs from the sister schools arrived via the Blackhawk helicopters, got acquainted with each other (broken down into squads) and started to prepare for the STX lanes. By the end of the day the set up there patrol bases for early Saturday morning patrols. When patrolling ended, the Cadets conducted day land navigation, cleaned up the area, and the MS III received there pep talk from MSG Jason Larsen about this summer at LDAC.

I was proud of the performance of all the Cadets. Most of all I got to take pictures and witness the events. Take a look at the best brigade in ROTC Command!

From SPC Baker

Saturday is an exciting day here at BYUI. There will be 5 of our cadets commissioning into the U.S. Army. We have 2 of our soon to be officers heading overseas and 3 of these wonderful beings staying stateside. It is also momentous for us because we will have our 1st female cadet graduating and commissioning this weekend. All that can be said to these individuals is good luck, congratulations, and it's been a pleasure.

The Rush

Thursday (1 April 2010), was a big day for us. After a couple of weeks of planning, the closing social took place at Heise (Hi-see) Rock where the staff and Cadets rappelled, played ultimate frisbee and ate food. Before that, the contracted Cadets received their individual awards for excellence in physical fitness, leadership, and the commander's award. The weather that day was amazing. It went from snowing, cloudy, and windy to sunny, windy, cloudy, and snowy. There was some anxiety for a few about walking backwards of the rock and getting into a good L-Shape. In the end, they all felt the rush.

Leadership is a key dimension that is learned in the ROTC. It is always exciting to see the students growth as they progress through the program and as they assume their leadership roles. We are starting the Accessions process this week with the students who will be attending LDAC this summer. They will be determining the branch and post they will be doing for the Army when they leave this institution, but much will be determined by their GPA and physical fitness.

Why We Conduct Physical Fitness Training

It is my belief (from years of experience) that we conduct physical fitness training to push ourselves beyond our limits to have a chance to survive, evade, and escape from capture or any other situation.

While studying FM 3-21.8 The Infantry Rifle Platoon and Platoon manual, it states that "Physical and mental toughness are the qualities Soldiers must have to combat physical exertion and suffering. Physical toughness enables the Soldier to endure hardship and perform his rigorous duties. Mental toughness enables the Soldier to put the harshness of the environment and his duties into proper perspective. Mentally tough Soldiers can do what needs to be done to accomplish the mission."

So, when a Cadet thinks that the training is too hard, they will understand the reason behind the madness. When you come to physical training (PT), you have to come with heart and motivation.

The picture above was taken out at Beaver Dick Park near Rexburg, Idaho, 30 Jan 2010.

As a Soldier/Cadet, you have so much to prepare for. One of the most challenging events that we have to prepare for is Combat Water Survival Training (CWST). You have to be able swim 25 meter in uniform, make floatation devices out of your clothing, ditch equipment, side stroke, tread for 10 minutes and jump from a 3 meter platform. Since I am not a strong swimmer, this is a challenge. When it is all said and done, the Cadet comes out with more confidence than they had before.