Rockets Proud To Be!

“On 16th September 2010, The University of Toledo ROTC battalion left for FTX at Camp Perry in Ohio. The first night was simply the calm before the storm as we settled in at the barrack to wake up for training the following day. On 17th September 2010, we started with LRC courses then did day and night land navigation. These were great skills to start the MSI’s with learning since they were basic and the upperclassmen did an excellent job at teaching the MSI’s while still testing their skills. The next day is when the battalion split up. The majority of MSI’s and II’s went to the shoot house to refine their basic skills of shooting and such. Meanwhile, MSIII’s with select MSII’s and I’s ran STX lanes all day with some MS II’s and I’s acting as Opfor. On the last day, Everyone competed in the “Rocket Challenge” which is a ruck run of 5 1K laps with each lap containing four stations with push ups, sit ups, huddles, and a balance beam. This was timed and the first male and female cadet of each MS class was rewarded and recognized. We then proceeded back to campus. I learned a lot as an MS I during this FTX. I thought I learned the most by far running with the MS III’s during the STX lanes. Everything was on the fly for me, but the MSIII’s did a great job at teaching me and not treat me as a burden. The MSIV’s did a great job in preparation for this weekend and the Cadre were amazing and very helpful when we needed it. Can’t wait for the next one!!!”

“Being a cadet at the University of Toledo ROTC program, I always looked up to my instructors that had all of the training badges and chest candy that I had always wanted. When I found out that I was getting a shot at Air Assault School I jumped at the opportunity. Arriving at the first day of in-processing I was nervous but anxious to begin and test myself. The first few training days were rough physically and mentally. A lot of information was thrown our way with only a little time to study, and we also had the added physical stress to compliment our cadet nervousness. Phase 1 came and went and the hardest phase was phase 2 sling loads, and it just so happened the sling load exam would fall on my birthday. I would go on to pass the test easily only after some razzing from the Air Assault Sergeant about my b-day. After that was the final fun rappelling stage on the 12 mile road march. I passed repelling and came in with a solid 35 minutes to spare on the road march to earn my wings. The overall experience was great and I learned a lot about attention to detail and how the Army can utilize rotary wing aircraft. I thank my cadre, and cadet command for giving me the opportunity to earn my Air Assault wings.”

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The first thing I would like to share is the way female cadets were treated in the Moroccan Army; as it was the first overwhelming change of culture. The female cadets were separated-women are slowly trickling into the military and are still commonly not approached in public or allowed to show much skin. We were treated like princesses. We had twin sized beds lined along a gorgeously tiled room with above the ground toilets, individual showers and a lounge area (However, the Moroccan cadets came to realize that women are accepted in the Army and are held to the many of the same standards, they learned about us as well).

I learned that American military trains like no other and has organization that (most of the time) makes sense for more efficiency. I was lucky enough to experience some training out in the Ain Kahla Mountains with the Moroccan military. Our group camped out a week in tents learning about various helicopter, tank and jeep maneuvers. We had the opportunity to shoot off 120 mm mortars, 12 mm mount guns, receive equestrian training (they still have a cavalry!), ride in French Puma helicopters, perform a combined mock mission with mechanized, motorized and heliportage combined, and more. Our group had the opportunity of working with huge sand tables to learn the tactics of maneuvers and missions, a different approach opposed to talking and drawing things out. We also had the chance to taste the European MRE (canned rabbit included!) and were pleasantly surprised with the change and variety. The American cadets were all thrilled to experience more hands-on training instead of talking about it; we were able to ride over to the objective in a helicopter, jeep or tank. It was amazing and surreal to actually see these things take place. We also got to ride military style (in uniform) in a C130 plane to the Ouarzazate desert and camp out in the heat for a few days. This is what an Army is all about!

As much as we trained with the Moroccan cadets, we got to play a little too. My group of cadets got to explore medinas and museums in Fes, Marrakech, Agadir, and Meknes. We got a chance to barter with shopkeepers, wear snakes around our necks, receive henna from local women, and sample authentic cuisine from vendors. A few Berber women actually prepared traditional cuisine (eggs, milluie-traditional bread, and mint tea) on a hillside in the High Atlas Mountains for hungry cadets after training. A few days of touring were devoted to visit an English speaking university, CLA studios and sand dunes (riding camels too!). We observed the Muslim religion first-hand by peeking into mosques, listening to the adhan (the call for prayer) five times each day, and watching our counterparts pray on their own rugs.

The deliberate cognizance of the various cultures and languages is a beautiful thing to experience. As a cadet training to commission as an officer, this cultural immersion trip utilized leadership skills I have learned in ROTC. I was assigned a platoon leader and was held accountable for the twenty-three individuals in my group. I learned how to delegate tasks, and hit hard-times for specific training events. I learned how to deal with culture-shock in a training environment and will help develop mental agility in the future. This trip, along with other military training opportunities like Airborne school and being a part of the Ranger challenge team, will coalesce to prepare me for the adventures that lay ahead.