Cadet Organizations
Pershing Rifle Team
The Pershing Rifles is a nationally recognized Military fraternity, the purpose of which is to, “develop, to the highest degree possible, outstanding traits of Leadership, Military Science, Military Bearing, and Discipline within the framework of a military oriented, honorary fraternity.” (Gen John J. Pershing) Drill, Discipline, Friendship, and Cooperation are the 4 Fundamentals of the Pershing Rifles organization. This fraternal organization is open to Cadets and non-Cadets alike.
To become a Pershing Rifle, a pledge must go through a pledging process. Pledging is synonymous to the Greek term “Rush”. This process focuses on the development and perfection of the 4 Fundamentals of the Pershing Rifles. Once a pledge is activated, he/she is still required to perfect his/her skills in both Drill and Ceremonies and Military Customs.
The Pershing Rifles provide many services and are active in the surrounding community. They conduct the Annual Peterson-Flynn Memorial Drill Meet (occurring the first Saturday each December) which hosts many High School JROTC programs from Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan.
The Pershing Rifles conduct Color Guard ceremonies for community and university functions. The Pershing Rifles also participate nationally in Drill competitions, which focus on Precision Drill, Exhibition Drill, and Color Guard. If you need a Color Guard for your event, contact Major Wedley at 419-530-5318 or wwedley@utnet.utoledo.edu or Cadet Talmon at russell.talmon@utoledo.edu
Ranger Challenge Team
The University of Toledo Army ROTC Ranger Challenge Team focuses on basic light Infantry skills. As a unit, they train on Combat Patrols, Land Navigation, Weapon skills, Rope bridges, Rappelling, and Survival skills.
Every fall, the Ranger Challenge Detachment selects two team of Cadets (10 on each team) to compete against other Brigade schools in the Ranger Challenge competition. To become a part of this team you must display outstanding physical fitness as indicated by the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT). You must also master individual Soldier skills such as weapons disassemble and assembly, Marksmanship, Grenade assault, One-rope rope-bridge, Land Navigation, 10K Road march, and a written test of the FM 3-21.8, the Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad Field Manual.
The Ranger Challenge Detachment trains throughout the year so that all members of the detachment can continue to sharpen their infantry skills. In order to help perfect their skills, the Ranger Challenge Team Detachment conducts exercises in which they are equipped with paintball weapons and protective gear to heighten the intensity of training
The members of the Ranger Challenge Detachment share a tight bond due to the time spent together training and perfecting their individual Infantry skills. In order for them to succeed, they must be able to anticipate each others’ actions. The members of the Ranger Challenge Detachment also dedicate time to various social activities that strengthen the bond that is necessary for their success
ROTC has been instrumental in the development of who I am as a college student. From using excellent time management to stress management to becoming a better leader both in the classroom and out. I feel more prepared than most college students as I, in just a few months, graduate from college. I strongly encourage anyone to look at the possibilities that ROTC provides as you make your college decisions.