A Brief Overview:
In taking part of our Army ROTC (Reserve Officers' Training Corps) program at Loyola (link here) I have been conducting the proper training over a period of four years that will allow me to commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. This sort of training includes:
- Land Navigation
- Battle Drills
- Drill & Ceremony
- Physical Training
- FTX (field training exercises)
In conducting land navigation cadets are tasked with taking 8 digit grid coordinates and using skills taught in class, successfully find and identify these points with nothing more than a compass, protactor, map and their own pace count.
Battle drills are the backbone of tactics cadets learn while in ROTC. These tactics include Ambush, Area Recon, Raid, Area Defense, and React to Contact. It is with the knowledge of these tactics are cadets capable to prove their leadership capabilities in PL, PSG and SL roles in the field.
Drill and ceremony is essential for any and every cadet if they are to move on and commission as a Second Lieutenant. This sort of skill allows cadets to confidently take control of a group of soldiers and march them in the correct manner to reach their destination.
Physical training is at the heart of every ROTC program, especially at the Greyhound Batallion. In growing one's ability to serve as an excellent leader one must be able to serve as a role for their subordinates in the realm of physical fittness. This sort of discipline earns the respect of soldiers and ensures success on the battlefield.
FTXs are the utlimate test of all skills previously mentioned. Typically, cadets go out for three to four days conducting training nonstop in order to better access their abilities in serving as leaders and soldiers on the battlefield.
