Birthdays! I have found that birthdays can be the best source of motivation and a natural morale boost. Whether your soldier is welcoming a new life into the world or your commander is have his 'induction to AARP' birthday, they seem to bring people together. On March 29, we had a soldier have his 22nd birthday. He wasn't quite thrilled about it (we had field duty this weekend), and not many people knew it was even his birthday in our Battalion (which is less than 100...read more

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LOOK UP THERE; WHAT IS IT?! IT'S A BIRD, NO ITS A PLANE! WELL, HOPEFULLY IT WILL BE ME. Nothing in life has made me this nervous thus far. On 6 April I will be gearing up for my first attempt at the AFAST (Army Flight Aptitude Selection Test). Now, I know that this is just an 'Aptitude' test, but I want to fly so bad that I have been studying for 4 hours every day for the past 3 months. I can nearly recite the entire book/study packet and flash cards. Needless to...read more

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Learning a different language is helpful no matter your MOS. I understand this, but which do you think is "more useful" than others? Currently, I have a firm grasp on English (ha ha), a good understanding of Spanish, and the basics of Russian. (I am at a conversational level with each language) However, I have been instructed to choose yet another language...a 'modern' language. So here are my top 3 options: French, German, and Italian My major is...read more

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Hello Army Strong readers and leaders! It has been a long time since I have written a post for my blog, but I am going to be better over the next month for sure! Since I have been gone for so long allow me to introduce myself again. I am Francesca Welsh, a 3rd year cadet at Texas State University. I am 20 years old and I go to school full time. I am an intern for the San Marcos City Hall Councilmen/Mayor, I am a freelance reporter for the San Marcos Daily Record, I volunteer...read more

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As I am informed, there is a ritual that many military officers commence in called a "Military Formal" or a "Dining In/Out". In our ROTC Battalion, we refer to the event as a Military Formal. Its is a time for all cadets (and Cadre) to come together in a formal setting with the intent to relax and socialize as a unit. Our female cadets dress to impress in beautiful after five attire while our males come in uniform representing the Army in a dapper fashion. This...read more

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Everyday we all have the opportunity to be someones hero. Whether you wear a military uniform, a fireman's hat, or a policeman's badge you have the ability to make a difference. Being an older sibling, a parent, an aunt or just a good ol' fashion role model you influence other people's outcomes. Unfortunate events are inevitable. But, we have direct control of how we get through them and how they help us grow! Today I read an article that restored faith in...read more

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Hello to all avid readers of ArmyStrong stories! I have returned from a long and overdrawn silence. I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year. In these past few months, as I am sure that everyone has been, I have been swamped in numerous activities. I will give you a small glimpse into my life for the past weeks of inescapable moral adventures. Each day was carefully divided into ample study time, volunteer time, and then more study time....read more

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Good Evening! I hope everyone had a great weekend. My weekend was extremely busy with FTX and a very lonnnnng trip to Dallas International Airport. My Uncle is a CW 4 in the United States Army. He flys Blackhawks and Chinooks and has been stationed all over the world. He is currently on his third tour in Iraq/Afghanistan. This past week, well the past 15 days, he was home with family and friends for R&R. He was able to attend his sons' football games and see his...read more

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??????! (informal Russian greeting) This past summer, along with a handful of cadets from around the country, I traveled to Russia. While in Russia we visited Saint Petersburg, Moscow, and Volograd. This trip was sponsored by Cadet Command and Culmen Institute. Each cadet went through an application process to include an essay portion, letter of recommendation, and transcript submission. The program that engaged us academically and culturally is called CULP. (CULP...read more

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Hello All, Typically, I would never post anything about politics (religion, pro choice/pro life, or football :P), but seeing as how this politician was prior service I think it only polite to show him some support. Yesterday, while walking to class, in uniform, a few cadets and myself were approached by a well dressed and kind man (Jude Prather). He started the conversation by thanking us for our service and future commitment to the United States...read more

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