Five, four, three, two, one, Cadets can be heard joining in on the countdown for the six-mile ruck. Some out of fear, some out of anticipation but all with the drive to pass. GO! 1st Regiment, Advanced Camp Cadets had an early start the morning of June 9th, as they faced the six-mile ruck march. A must pass event for the Cadets, they have two hours to carry 35 lbs. of gear on their backs if they want to continue on to graduation. Cadet Mary Coverdale, from Norwich University, gave her thoughts as she pushed forward one foot at a time. [...]

64-feet above ground. A secured rope seat and your own strength holding you up. Now Cadet, take the leap. Facing your fears is something all of us have to do, but for 1st Regiment Advanced Camp Cadets, their fears became all too real when looking at the Rappel Tower this morning. Cadet Carter Jefferson, from the Virginia Military Institute, shared his feelings as he climbed up the stairs of the wooden structure. “If you can’t call it anxiety, I’d say it’s a lot of anticipation of what’s going to happen,” Jefferson explained. For any Cadet who has never rappelled before, like [...]

By Cadet Michael Hoffmann, Virginia Military Institute We five ROTC Cadets arrived at the Alexandria Airport in Louisiana, anxious to begin what would prove to be an unforgettable experience.  Two officers wearing pressed olive green field uniforms and maroon berets crested low over their eyebrows, the distinctive uniform of the 1st Battalion, 509th Infantry Regiment, soon arrived and took us to Fort Polk. The 1/509th, or “Geronimo” Battalion, was activated in 1941 and possesses a rich history, including the Army’s first combat jump during World War II in November 1942.  Today the 509th serves as the Opposing Force (OPFOR) at the [...]