FORT KNOX, Ky.—On Saturday, June 9, Cadets were issued their Multiple Laser Integrated Engagement System (MILES) gear to gain combat and mission experience in the Army’s learning-geared version of laser tag.
“The overall objective is to teach them TTPs (tactics, techniques and procedures), basically their combat roles and how they lead solders in the field,” said Sgt. Timothy Horgan, Hawaii, “it helps with MEDEVAC and other medical purposes because when they ‘die’ they can provide quick reaction to fallen comrades and perform CASEVAC. It makes sure that they’re ready to go in to combat.”
Cadets had to fill out hand receipts to check out equipment for their MILES training on June 10.
The Cadets report to issuing to receive a harness that has a sensor and GPS connected to it that allows those at headquarters to know when they have ‘died’ in the field by a weapon that also has a sensor and a laser that will connect with the harness, similar to laser tag.
Hargon added that he had never personally gotten to experience the MILES training, but that he was looking forward to it and seeing how the Cadets did.
“I’ve been looking forward to the field the whole time,” said Cadet Daniel Ellis, Appalachia State University, of Atlanta, Georgia, “now we actually get to put to work all of the things that we have been learning all semester, and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Cadet John Dolan, Texas A&M, San Antonio, Texas, checks out his MILES gear from Master Sgt. Darnell Applewhite, Syracuse, New York.
Ellis was ranked 1st in the nation in track and field for Appalachia State and gave up the sport to pursue his dream of becoming a future Army leader.
“Leadership to me is being able to influence someone else’s life, providing them with purpose, direction and motivation and helping them to accomplish things that they never thought possible.” Said Ellis.
Cadet Summer Training will bring 8,200 Cadets through Basic and Advanced Camp this summer on Fort Knox. These camps are designed to help challenge, grow and improve various skills and leadership qualities within the Cadets. If you think you have what it takes to be a Cadet or if you are interested in a job after college click the following link: https://my.goarmy.com/info/rotc1/index.jsp?iom=IP08-AUTO-R1NA-BR-XXX-XX-XXX-MO-XX-X-BRCMAC:IP08
