Eastern Washington University – Page 10

Squad Based Special Teams Training Conducted By Fighting Eagles Cadets

01/31/2020 by jstafford3

By: Cadet Marcos Sanchez

On the 30th of January 2020, Eastern Washington University (EWU) Reserve Officer Training Corp (ROTC) Cadets were tested on their knowledge and proficiency of squad based, special team operations. These special team operations consist of Aid and Litter (A&L) and Enemy Prisoner of War (EPW) handling. A&L is a crucial task that must be performed accurately and efficiently, this team could be the line between life and death in real combat situations.

Isabell Erickson — Cadet Isabelle Erickson participates in squad operations training.

Proper handling of EPW’s is also vital for survival in live combat. Ensuring that the EPW is free of weapons that may cause harm to your squad is very important. Cadets are also instructed to search the prisoners for any priority intelligence information.

Cadet Evan Lien moves during squad operation training.

On top of training the special teams, Cadets were also able to get hands on experience with the M240B. The M240B is one of the US Military’s crew serve machine guns. Cadets will be using this while at Advanced Camp and Basic Camp this summer. That is why it is important for them to be proficient at mounting/dismounting it from a tripod, conduct a malfunction clearing, and loading rounds.

Cadet Isabell Pannell learns to handle the M240 machine gun.

As the halfway mark of the quarter approaches, so does the winter field training exercise (FTX). During the FTX the MSIII class will be tested on their ability to lead a squad through multiple scenarios in a rigorous 24+ hour event. You can see more pictures from the lab at this link.

Go Fighting Eags!

Fighting Eagles Cadets Learn Tactical Combat Casualty Care Skills

01/25/2020 by jstafford3

On January 23rd, 2020 Eastern Washington University (EWU) Fighting Eagles Battalion Cadets braved the elements in order to conduct the Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TC3) lab. TC3 was created by the U.S. Department of Defense in order to teach soldiers life-saving techniques and strategies to be used on the battlefield or wherever necessary. Cadets will need to be proficient with these techniques when they become commissioned officers leading soldiers.

TC3 Lab — Cadet Lee (left) and Cadet Camacho (right) lead a group of cadets carrying a casualty.

Leg Injury — Cadet Everett Kuhnel applies a bandage to treat a simulated leg injury.

During the lab Cadets were first attacked by an opposing force (OPFOR) enemy. This forced to Cadets to practice their react to contact battle drills. The steps included returning fire, getting to cover and shouting the distance, direction and description of the enemy (three D’s). After the attack the Cadets were then given cards that explained what casualties they received. The Cadets then had to demonstrate the TC3 skills they learned to administer first aid to themselves or their buddy. During the leadership lab all 6 squads successfully completed the lanes and passed the TC3 evaluation.

Casualty Carry — Cadet Amayia Roberts practices how to carry a casualty.

As the winter quarter progresses, so does the curriculum in which these Cadets are submersed. They will move into the special teams portion of squad operations during next week’s leadership lab which includes clearing objectives, handling of enemy prisoners of war, and performing aid and litter. Although the weather may be grim this does not affect the Cadets moral in the least and motivation is at an all time high.

Go Fighting Eags!

U.S. Army Cadet Command’s Senior Enlisted Leader Visits EWU’s Army ROTC Program

10/09/202401/23/2020 by jstafford3

On January 22, 2020 the Eastern Washington University (EWU) Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program had the great honor of hosting Command Sergeant Major Mario Terenas who is the senior enlisted leader for all 274 ROTC programs across the nation in the U.S. Army Cadet Command.

People doing push ups — CSM Mario Terenas does push ups with the Fighting Eagles Cadets.

During his visit to Eastern Washington University, CSM Terenas was able to conduct physical training and discuss leadership with our Cadets. CSM Terenas was also able to recognize Captain Nick Carbaugh and Sergeant First Class David Ratliff for being selected as the 8th ROTC Brigade Instructors of the Year. He also recognized Cadets Cheyenne Sweet and Coy Odiorne for their outstanding performance on the new Army Combat Fitness Test.

Two people shaking hands — CSM Mario Terenas recognizes Cadets Coy Odiorne and Cheyenne Sweet for their performance on the Army Combat Fitness Test.

He additionally was able to tour the ROTC facilities, take a campus tour, and visit with the EWU Provost, Dr. David May before concluding his visit with a lunch with the Cadets. CSM Terenas is an inspiring leader who we thank for taking the time to travel from the Cadet Command headquarters at Ft. Knox, Kentucky to Cheney. He is definitely an example of the “Don’t Be Average” mentality.

Go ROTC! Go Fighting Eags!

CSM Terenas with ROTC Cadets — CSM Mario Terenas poses with the Fighting Eagles Cadets.

EWU ROTC Cadets Learn How to Operate Tactical Radios

10/11/202401/17/2020 by jstafford3

By: Cadet Marcos Sanchez

On the 16th of January 2020, Eastern Washington University (EWU) Reserve Officer Training Corp (ROTC) Cadets conducted various radio operational tasks. These tasks included assembly and disassembly of an ASIP radio, 9-line Medevac, and SALUTE reports. The Advanced Special Improvement Program or ASIP, is the primary means of communication between soldiers on the battlefield. The 9-line medevac report allows soldiers to call for an evacuation of wounded soldiers on the battlefield and the SALUTE report is an essential reconnaissance report all soldiers must be familiar with. Both of these reports are part of the testing that is conducted at both basic and advanced camp and are used throughout military careers.

Photo of Destin Garcia — Cadet Destin Garcia sends up a radio report.

In order to give the EWU ROTC Cadets the best training possible many steps were taken to simulate field conditions. In the SALUTE report lane cadets were instructed to low crawl to the edge of a hill in order to observe a fellow Cadet pretending to be an Opposing Force (OPFOR). This helps them practice noise discipline as well as individual movement techniques, which are both important in any combat situation. For the 9-line Medical Evacuation (Medevac) lane Cadets were given a strict time from when they received the scenario to when they called the report up. Both reports were sent using ASIP radios which allowed them to build confidence while using proper radio etiquette.

As EWU ROTC Cadets progress through the school year they will have to rely more and more on each other to complete tasks. Starting in fall quarter where they master individual skills to spring quarter where they will be in charge of completing platoon level tasks such as ambushes and raids. Cadet Burnside said, “working as a squad has been a great opportunity to bond even more with my fellow classmates.”

Photo of Adam Burnside — Cadet Adam Burnside sends up a radio report.

Burnside moved here from southern California and other than the weather adjustment, he attributes some of the ease of moving to the ROTC program saying that, “everyone is so nice, and it was really easy to make friends”. ROTC offers many scholarships which allow Cadets like Burnside to cover the cost of out-of-state tuition. As the weather gets colder this winter quarter Cadets will have to rely on each other to boost moral during future squad operations. More pictures from this week’s leadership lab can be seen below.

Go ROTC! Go Eags!

Cadet Liam Hewey participates in leadership lab training.

Cadets practice transcribing their radio report.

Photo of Josh Browning — Cadet Josh Browning learns how to assemble a tactical radio.

Photo of Christian Goldbach — Cadet Christian Goldbach assesses radio reports by trainees.

Destin Garcia reviews his study material during the leadership lab.

Cadet low crawl to an obscured position to observe enemy activity to make their radio report from.

Cadet Caleb Bullard writes down information to create his radio report.

Photo of Gervacio Camacho — Cadet Gervacio Camacho learns to operate a tactical radio.

Photo of Janu Lee — Cadet Janu Lee assembles a tactical radio.

EWU ROTC Contracts New Army Nurse

01/17/2020 by jstafford3

Congratulations to William Chamberlin for contracting into the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) this week. Chamberlin is prior Army service Cadet who decided to continue to serve his country by joining ROTC and becoming an officer. After graduating from Eastern Washington University in two years with a nursing degree, Cadet Chamberlin will commission into the rank of 2nd Lieutenant and serve in the Army Nurse Corps.

Contracting Ceremony — Cadet Chamberlin (right) receives the Oath of Enlistment from the EWU ROTC Professor of Military Science, LTC Jonathan Stafford.

During the ceremony Cadet Chamberlin was given the Oath of Enlistment by Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Stafford, the Professor of Military Science for the EWU Army ROTC program. The first Oath of Enlistment was developed during the Revolutionary War when the Continental Congress established different oaths for the enlisted men and officers of the Continental Army. The first Oath of Enlistment under the Constitution was approved by an Act of Congress on 29 September 1789. It applied to all commissioned officers, non-commissioned officers, and enlisted Soldiers in the United States military. The oath would receive minor modifications during the 1800’s, but the current oath recited by the contracting Cadets has remained unchanged since 1959.

Cadet Chamberlin is part of the largest Army ROTC nursing program in Washington State and the Inland Northwest. If you want to become a future Army nurse like Cadet Chamberlin, EWU ROTC can help get you there. Read more about how to become an Army nurse by clicking the below tab:

EWU Army ROTC Conducts Welcome Back Leadership Lab

01/12/2020 by jstafford3

By: Cadet Marcos Sanchez

On January 8^th 2020, Eastern Washington University (EWU) Reserve Officer Training Corp (ROTC) Cadets kicked off the New Year and the winter academic quarter by conducting a Welcome Back Leadership Lab. During the lab Cadets were split up into smaller groups of 6-7 otherwise known as a squad and were then able to familiarize themselves with each other by conducting ice breakers. Each squad then moved into drill and ceremony practice before finally being tested on what they’ve learned. Drill and ceremony is a vital tradition in the military and demonstrates proper discipline and military bearing. It is important for Cadets to master this early because it will be used throughout their ROTC and military careers.

Drill and Ceremony — Cadet Null leads a formation through drill and ceremony training.

Over the next quarter the “Fighting Eagles” Battalion will be focusing on teaching the junior level Cadets squad based tactics. Third year Cadet Amayia Roberts said she’s excited to learn about the upcoming topic so she can excel and be “top tier” at ROTC Advanced Camp this summer. Advanced Camp is Cadet Command’s premier annual training event that assesses Cadets on their ability to conduct basic officer leadership tasks. Cadets usually attend Advanced Camp during the summer between their junior and senior years of college. Passing Advanced Camp is a mandatory requirement for all Cadets who want to commission as an officer in the U.S. Army after graduation.

Cadet Roberts conducts the ‘extend to the left’ command during the drill and ceremony practice.

EWU ROTC Cadets will continue to build squad level cohesion over the next couple weeks in order to properly move into squad level tactics. These tactics will be used in harsh terrain and proper morale is necessary to keep the mission a success. Go Fighting Eags!