One requirement for an Army ROTC cadet is to participate in a Joint FTX (Field Training Exercise) with other schools around your area, for me, the schools consisted of many Florida Schools, as well as one from Georgia and one from the University of Puerto Rico.  I attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with the Eagle Batallion, and in March of this year we participated in the Audie Murphy Joint FTX.   This is what I did day by day.  I thought many people might like to read what happens at an FTX, especially my parents and friends who may be unfamiliar and ask what it is we actually do.  Hope you enjoy the read!   Day 1....»

Just recently Toledo Army ROTC, of the 7th Brigade sent it's Pershing Riflemen to the 2012 National Convention. Lima 1 placed second in the nation; a success thought impossible by some outside of the Troop. Great leadership along with a willingness to learn proved to be of much necessity in achieving the goal. Many long hours were spent learning and reviewing everything that was needed for the competition and the results showed just that. Despite many challenges and though the demands were high, the Rockets rose to the challenge and performed excellently. Baltimore had more to offer than just the Convention. Our brotherly bond grew much stronger throughout...»

As a senior cadet at the University of Toledo Army ROTC program I went down to FT. Benning for US Army Small Arms Championship from 1 - 10 MAR 2012. I feel that the program was run flawlessly for all ten days and the Army Marksmanship Unit really put forth effort to teach those like myself who have minimal experience on a rifle and pistol. All the competitors were friendly, reassuring and helpful while the competition was taking place. I met a lot of interesting Soldiers and officers that I hope to see again in my future. The week began with a Small Arms Firing School 2 day class that included a day to zero and practice on the M16A4 and M9. The fourth and fifth...»

CDT Ellen Parkins here, reporting with my first blog post. Just a quick introduction to myself: I am a senior at Temple University studying Political Science and Journalism. I joined the ROTC program last year as a junior and last summer my cadre sent me out to FT. Knox for some LTC loving. When I first joined ROTC I had no idea what I was doing. When people would ask about it I gave long explanations about how I am not really in the program, just in the class. I was so confused. Now I realize that the ROTC program, the Army as a whole, is not something you just do. It is a lifestyle. Not only does it set individuals up with specific values to live by it also...»

 When the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) decided to make its rounds to numerous schools for their 2011 HACU Army College Tour, I thought what better school to come to then the University of Texas at San Antonio.    Currently serving as the Public Affairs Officer for the UTSA Army ROTC Roadrunner Battalion, me along with other cadets felt the need to share our stories and provide knowledge to other minorities like ourselves on the many ways to get to college… Army ROTC being one of these.    Like many of the high school students who attended the college tour at UTSA today, I also was...»

This last weekend was the University of Toledo's Homecoming in which the Army ROTC (Rocket) Battalion played several roles. The Rocket Battalion lead the way by marching and passing out candy at the very front of the homecoming parade. Later in the day the battalion held a cook out which was open to everyone. After the cookout was over cadets went and enjoyed the game. At half time one of the Battalion's specialty platoons (Pershing Rifles Troop L-1) performed a saber arch for the homecoming court and also lead the color guard for the football game and parade. The day was a welcome for the University to escape the rigors of study and enjoy UT's oldest tradition.

 Once a semester, we go to a different location for a field training exercise.  This semester we went to Camp Perry and conducted training, through rain and through shine.  A large focus while we were there was Land Navigation.  MS 1's and MS 2's were sent in groups, and MS 3's navigated individually.  We were given 5 different distance and directions to work on our pace count and ability to use a compass. I personally prefer to run on Land Nav but many walk.   Many of us did very well and were sent back out with a second set of 5.  We conducted night Land Navigation once it was dark outside with the same idea.  At...»

Hello. My name is Kacie Truss and I am a Freshman at the University of Toledo and a cadet private in the ROTC program there. Two weeks ago, the MS1's experienced their first FTX (Field Training Exercise) at Camp Perry and I am writing a little about the experience I had there. The first day of training was the Field Leadership Reaction Course and Heat Training in a Humvee Simulator. We were divided into even groups of MS3's, MS2's, and MS1's and took turns being squad leaders and team leaders, learning more and more after each task. The MS4's prepared well and adjusted the plan well when it started raining and it was a successful learning opportunity. Later...»