With the deafening roar of a Black Hawk helicopter overhead, camouflaged figures charged over a ditch, weapons in hand.
This sounds like a scene from Desert Storm, but in fact, it was a Reserve Officers Training Corps field training exercise, held once a term to demonstrate the responsibilities and obligations cadets can expect to fulfill upon graduation.
Last Saturday’s event consisted of tactical training exercises, such as a grenade assault course, camouflage application instruction and paintball drills. Planned and led by ROTC seniors, the field training exercise began at 6:30 a.m. and went at full speed throughout the evening. Cadets used simulation grenades for safety and “rubber ducks” — fake M-16 rifles — to replicate activities such as charging and flanking while using a weapon.
“Rolling around in the grass during on the grenade assault course and hiking through the forest really put it all in perspective,” ROTC sophomore Jackie Reed said.
At lunch, cadets could opt for catered food or the infamous 3,200-calorie “Meal Ready to Eat.” A demonstration of the contents of the MREs, packaged in nondescript tan plastic, was given to civilians attending the exercises.
With the use of an almost weightless chemical heating element contained in a plastic bag, the MRE main dish — chili macaroni was the dish of the day — can be served piping hot. And if the thought of the visually unappetizing dish is too much, the MRE also contains vegetable crackers, peanut butter, a fruit bar, a tea bag and a small Tobasco bottle. And of course, a towel and toilet paper for other situations.
The demand of the exercises increased throughout the afternoon. The cadets were provided with an enemy situation and placed in leadership positions to plan and execute attacks based on their situations. Missions, such as knocking out a bunker, were executed to provide the cadets with a more realistic tactical situation.
“It was an all new experience for [the cadets],” Sgt. Jon Dinsmore said. “It makes cadets think more seriously about using proper cover and concealment and proper techniques.”
For cadets, the tactical experience with paintball guns put to life the skills they’ve been learning in classes like Military Science 101: Leadership Training.
“The exercises gave me an idea of what is expected and what it’s like from a soldier’s position,” Reed said. “The paintballing was invigorating. You know you’re really not going to die, so you go all out.”
Another highlight of the day for the cadets was the opportunity to ride in a National Guard Black Hawk helicopter, a first for many of the ROTC students. The helicopter took cadets on rides throughout the day around the Dorena Lake area. The noisy aircraft zipped over treetops, allowing the passengers a bird’s-eye view of the landscape.
“It was a great day and a lot of fun for the cadets,” Sgt. John E. Campbell said. “It’s not every day we get to go out and play army.”
The field training exercise was the first of three held this the year. Coinciding with the army’s “crawl, walk, run” ideology regarding training, this first exercise was the “crawl” stage, where cadets learned basic army skills, Dinsmore said.
The next two exercises are three-day events in which cadets from Oregon State University, Portland State University, the University of Portland and Western Oregon State University also participate. The combination of the longer training and competition is utilized to place cadets in more rigorous and demanding situations to react to, Dinsmore said.
For Reed, who is in her first year of the program, the exercise was her first opportunity to experience what her future in the service will be like.
“When I graduate, I have a job, and I’m only a sophomore now,” Reed said. “How many people can say that?”
For students such as junior Corey Hester, ROTC provided an opportunity he couldn’t turn down. In his first year of the program, Hester has no problem trading in a few weekends for the peace of mind of having school paid for by the ROTC.
“When you think about the benefit in the long run, a little time is nothing,” Hester said. “I want to do this. It’s something new.”
ROTC cadets get down and dirty
Daily Emerald
October 30, 2000
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