Lehigh Valley ROTC Classroom Lead By Actions, Not Just Words

By Cadets Abigail Eby  (Alvernia  ’12) and Sabrina Rumpf (KU ’12)

November 15, 2011

Mountaintop Campus, Lehigh University

On 5 November 2011 cadets from the Lehigh Steel Battalion gathered at South Mountain on Lehighs campus in order to conduct an all day field training exercise (FTX). Starting at 7 AM, cadets broke down into 4 squads of about 8-10 people each.

While training, a MSIII (junior) cadet was chosen to lead each squad in a Squad Tactical Exercise (STX Lane). The MSIII that was being assessed on his or her ability to develop, communicate, and execute a well rehearsed plan in order to prepare them for the Leadership Development and Assessment Course (LDAC), which is held during the summer. During this training the cadets utilized paint ball guns to make the training as realistic as possible. Cadets quickly realized that the battle drills that they had practiced and the urgency of the situations that they were placed in after being hit with a few paintballs. There was a total of 4 lanes with 4 squads going at a time. After the STX lanes were complete cadets took a short break and then immediately moved into the day and night land navigation course.

The land navigation course helps familiarize cadets on how to use a compass, map, and protractor to successfully navigate in any situation. These basic skills are paramount to any officer and are perishable skills. This training not only builds the core competencies of the cadets skills, but also builds the confidence skills that cadets need to effectively navigate with just a map and compass. During the day land navigation, cadets were given three hours to find three out of five points and during night land navigation, cadets were given two hours to find two out of three points.

This entire weekend was very beneficial to all the cadets that participated. The event served as a multi-echelon training event, where every class of cadets was involved and training in some way. The event was entirely planned by the MSIV's. They were responsible for all parts of the training; from the planning phases to gathering all the necessary equipment and ensuring everything ran smoothly throughout the day. The MSIII's were given the opportunity to get a real feel of what will be expected of them when they go to LDAC. The MSIII's also facilitated training while at the same time conducting it. As mentors to the MSI's and MSII's, MS IIIs gave guidance and helped coach the younger cadets who were actually executing the classes learned throughout the semester while gaining an introductory level taste of what they will be expected to do during their MSIII and MSIV years.

This event was the final cumulative training event for the semester. For the younger cadets, this was a good way to introduce them to what exactly ROTC and the Army is all about. It demonstrated the skills that are expected for them to learn and how, over time, they will progress in the program.

Cadets plot points using compasses and protractors at the start of a land navigation exercise.

Cadet Mike Archutowski (KU class of 2013) briefs his squad before a mission during a Lehigh Valley Steel Battalion ROTC training exercise on Lehigh's Mountaintop Campus on Saturday, Nov. 5.

ROTC LEHIGH STEEL BATTALION WEAPONS FTX

Cadets Abigail Eby  (Alvernia  ’12) and Sabrina Rumpf (KU ’12)

September 26, 2011

Fort Indiantown Gap, PA

This weekend, Forty-five Lehigh Valley Steel Battalion cadets participated in a field training exercise (FTX). This training focused on small arms weapons, giving the cadets the opportunity to train on by firing the M-4 Rifle, M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW), the M-203 Grenade Launcher, culminating in the firing of the anti-tank rocket (AT-4). Leading the training this year were special instructors from the 19th Special Forces Group.

The training started on Friday night. The cadets spent the evening at the Charlie Company 1st Battalion, 111th Infantry located right behind Kutztown University. They received classes on how to properly operate, load, and unload the M-4, M-203, M-249 SAW, and the AT-4. The purpose of this night was to receive hands on training with all the weapons before firing them the next day.

Early the next day, cadets moved to Fort Indiantown Gap (FTIG) for the actual live fire portions of the training. Upon arrival, cadets were immediately moved to the range where Special Forces soldiers greeted them. At the small arms range, the Special Forces soldiers conducted basic rifle training. After moving through the initial training, the instructors quickly transitioned to the advanced portions of weapons training, where the cadets trained on advanced marksmanship practices that soldiers are using now in current operations. Once complete with the M-4 range, the freshman and sophmore (MS 1 and MS 2) cadets moved to the SAW range where they quickly riddled the targets presented to them with the automatic weapon. Finally, all the cadets consolidated at the M203 range where they all had the opportunity to use a grenade launcher to engage targets.

After a successful day of training on Saturday, the BN had a BBQ to build on the high esprit-de-corps. During that event, there was a professional development session where the SF soldiers shared their stories and experiences as Special Forces soldiers in the National Guard. Cadets had the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the opportunities that the Army offers for leaders in the Special Operations.

Early Sunday morning, two cadets who had fired the best the previous day were rewarded the opportunity to fire the AT-4 rocket. Before attempting to obliterate their targets the battalion conducted a contracting ceremony at the range. Cadets Clark, Compton, Geiger, and Golden raised their hand to take the oath of enlistment and contract as cadets into the Steel Battalion and the United States Army. This was a huge step for these cadets as they have committed themselves to the Army and the selfless service that follows after they graduate and commission.

For many of the cadets this was their first time firing or even holding a weapon, and shortly after touching a weapon for the first time, they were on the range preparing to fire at paper targets. The guest instructors from the Army National Guards 19th Special Forces group gave some superb mentoring as the primary instructors. The training weekend was a great success; all of the cadets learned something new and had a lot of hands on training with weapons that are used by soldiers in every branch of the military. This weekend was about not only getting hands on weapons familiarization, but also gaining invaluable experiences from seasoned soldiers. This synergy created a very successful event for not only the cadets that arecurrently in the battalion, but also for participating students that are considering contracting. The professional development alone gave cadets another perspective about what they can do in the Army.

Lehigh Senior Matt Yosua, cadet battalion commander, reassembles the M249 squad automatic weapon.

A cadet is administered the oath of office by military science Prof. Erik J. Walker.

Cadets gaining weapons familiarization on the M4 Rifle