Eastern Washington University
This picture is of the Eastern Washington University (EWU) Army ROTC Ranger Challenge team conducting what appears to be the ruck march event back in 1989. Does anyone from the 1989 graduating class remember where the competition was held and how the team did at Ranger Challenge that year?
By: Cadet Austin Bristow
On October 17th, Eastern Washington University (EWU) Fighting Eagles Battalion traveled out of the local city of Cheney, Washington and executed its Fall weapons range at the Department of Corrections Range located in Medical Lake. The Cadet officer in charge, Cheyenne Sweet (MS-IV), organized the range and executed it with the assistance of other MS-IV Cadets.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B3wr778h_eW/
The training objective for the range was to familiarize the Cadets with the various weapons systems that the military uses, the M4, M249, and the new M17 pistol. For some of the new Cadets, this was the first weapons training they had ever received. Cadet Edgar Acosta, a brand new Cadet to the Fighting Eagles battalion, said, “I had always wanted to shoot a firearm, and was happy to get the chance to shoot a couple different firearms back to back.” This viewpoint was equally shared with fellow Cadet Olivia Richied, who said, “my favorite firearm to shoot was the machine gun, the M249!”
https://www.instagram.com/p/B3x40QGBGHp/
Training on weapons safety and marksmanship is one of the key skills that Cadets learn within the EWU Army ROTC program. After all the Cadets completed their weapons familiarization training, the Cadets then used the additional ammunition available to test their shooting skills in a friendly marksmanship competition. The Cadets fired at targets in different positions to challenge their marksmanship skills.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B3xN3-ihQy5/
The weapons range was an outstanding training event that properly trained the Cadets on how to safely handle weapons and practice their marksmanship skills. More pictures from the range can be seen below.
Go Fighting Eags!
Cadet Jacob Villasenor (MS-IV) briefs Cadets on weapons safety on the M17 pistol range.
Cadet Pietrina Coe engages targets on the M17 pistol range.
Cadet Elizabeth McGuire engages targets on the M17 pistol range.
Cadet Caleb Bullard engages targets on the M17 pistol range.
Cadet Giovanni Beegan engages targets on the M17 pistol range.
Cadets conduct weapons assembly and disassembly training.
EWU Army ROTC Cadets conduct M4 rifle familiarization training.
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Task: After post air-movement consolidation, each team will receive all 42 coordinates. Teams will decide how to divide the points amongst the members.
Condition: Teams must return within the allotted time/ with all key equipment.
Standards: Teams have two hours to collect as many points as possible. Teams with any members arriving late will have their scores penalized by 25% for every 5 minutes.
Task: As a squad, receive a mission and move along a prescribed azimuth to take out three dismounted targets and an enemy bunker utilizing hand grenades.
Condition: Given 6 hand grenade simulators.
Standards: Cadets will move and engage targets with grenades as a squads. Squads will high crawl from a marked location to a marked throwing location. Thrown grenades that land within an engineer taped circle or around the target will be considered ‘hits’. For the bunker, the grenade must land inside the structure to be considered a ‘hit’.
Cadets will find out what this event is when they arrive to the station.
Task: Assess a casualty, move squad with simulated casualty from the start point, up hill 1800 to end point via the route described. Once at end point, the team will provide the grader with a 9-line call for medevac.
Condition: Teams are given the option to carry either 1 200+ lb. ‘rescue randy’ with their entire squad, or they can carry a random (picked from a hat) member of their squad.
Standards: Cadets negotiate the route described while carrying the dummy or squad member via poled litter or SKEDCO. Cadets may take breaks, but may not remove the casualty from litter. Once complete, the team will provide a 9-line call for medevac in the proper format.
Task: As a team, load a HMMWV with the prescribed equipment, man all seats, and push the vehicle from the start point to the endpoint.
Condition: Given a M1151 HMMWV and assorted gear.
Standards: Teams will load the HMMWV with the prescribed equipment, occupy 4 seats within the vehicle, and push the vehicle 200m. At 100m, they will stop and teams will exchange all 4 seats before continuing to the endpoint.
Ranger Challenge 12K Road March: 8thBrigade conducts 12K Road March VIC Camp 7 Mile IOT score Battalions on physical fitness within the Brigade Ranger Challenge Competition.
This is a picture from the 1968 Kinnikinik Yearbook published by then Eastern Washington State College of the Army ROTC Jeep. Eastern’s mascot back then was the Savages and thus the Jeep was named “Lil Savage”. Today the university’s mascot is the Eagles and thus the ROTC Jeep is named “Lil Eag”. After all these decades the ROTC Jeep is still up and running and can be seen at every home football game next to the Cannon Crew.
We encourage any of our EWU Army ROTC alumni and friends to stop by and see “Lil Eag” and our historic World War II howitzer when attending home football games. We hope to see you there! Go Eags!
The Eastern Washington University (EWU) Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program is pleased to announce that Chad Triplett has been awarded the Legion of Valor Bronze Cross for Achievement in recognition of being the top Cadet in the western United States.
The Legion of Valor traces its roots back to 1890 when veterans created an organization to promote patriotism, belief in the U.S. Constitution, and support of civil liberties. Members of the Legion of Valor are all recipients of the nation’s highest military awards for heroism, the Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, the Navy Cross, or the Air Force Cross.
The Legion of Valor began awarding the Bronze Cross in 1961 to top Army ROTC Cadets across the country. The recognition expanded to include Air Force ROTC Cadets in 1962, and Naval Cadets in 1975. Cadets selected for the award go through a competitive nomination process through their ROTC Brigades where they must have dem0nstrated academic excellence, outstanding leadership potential, and a high degree of physical fitness. The Legion of Valor then selects its winners of the Bronze Cross for Achievement from the brigade nominations. Only 1 in 4,000 Cadets across the country receive this award. Cadet Triplett this year was selected as the Legion of Valor’s top Cadet in the 8th ROTC Brigade that covers the western part of the United States, Hawaii, Alaska, and Guam.
Chad is a Criminal Justice major who is on pace to graduate with honors, scored a perfect 300 on his Army Physical Fitness Test, is part of the university’s Ranger Challenge team, was awarded a Gold German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge, and is active in volunteer activities in the community. This past summer he completed ROTC Advanced Camp at Ft. Knox, Kentucky with the highest rating of “outstanding” and graduated from the U.S. Army Airborne School at Ft. Benning, Georgia. He has also been recognized as one of this year’s Chertok Scholars from the College of Social Sciences. Finally, Triplett is the current Cadet Commanding Officer for the EWU Army ROTC “Fighting Eagles” ROTC Battalion.
The last known Eastern ROTC Cadet to win the annual Legion of Valor Bronze Cross for Achievement award was Richard Ator who graduated from EWU in 1962. Cadet Triplett after graduating later this year from Eastern will commission in the rank of Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Congratulations to Cadet Triplett for this prestigious accomplishment.
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Task: All Cadets Complete the climbing wall within 15 minutes.
Condition: Given 15 minutes, 1x 3 sided Climbing wall with all safety equipment each cadet will climb the wall safely.
Standards: All members of the team will tie a Rappel seat be inspected then use 1 of 3 lanes to climb and touch the top of wall until every member is complete within 15 minutes. Every Cadet that doesn’t complete the wall climb within 15 minutes will earn a 1 minute penalty added to the overall course completion time. Each team will be released to continue the events at the 15 minute mark.
Note: Rappel seat will be inspected by certified Rappel Master before being allowed on the wall.
Task: Cadets will complete the ACFT Sprint/Drag/Carry as fast as possible until all team members are complete and move to the start of the obstacle course.
Condition: Given 5 lanes 25 meters long, 5 tire sleds, 2 filled water cans, and instructions.
Standards: Cadets will start in the prone pushup position. When 1st 5 Cadets are down they may begin the event. Once a lane is complete the Cadet waiting may assume that lane and reset equipment and begin on there own once in the prone position.
Sprint: Cadets will sprint 25m; touch 25m line with foot and hand; turn and sprint back to the start line. If Cadet fails to touch 25m line with hand and foot, the grader will call them back.
Drag: Cadet will grasp each strap handle of the tire sled which will be positioned behind the start line; pull the sled backwards until the entire sled crosses the 25m line; turn sled around and pull back until the entire sled crosses the start line. Entire sled must cross both turn around and start lines or grader will call them back.
Lateral: After the entire sled crosses the start line, the Cadet will perform a lateral for 25m, touch the 25m turn line with foot and hand, and perform the lateral back to the start line. The Cadet will face same direction both ways. If Cadet fails to touch 25m turn line with hand and foot, the grader will call them back.
Carry: Cadets will then grasp the handles of the two filled water jugs and run to the 25m turn line; over the 25m turn line with one foot; turn and run back to the start line. If the Cadet fails to touch the 25m turn line with their foot, the grader will call them back.
Sprint: after stepping over start line, Cadets will place the water jugs on the ground; turn and sprint 25m; touch the 25m turn line with foot and hand; turn and sprint back to the start line. If the Cadet fails to touch the 25m turn line with hand and foot, the grader will call them back.
Task: Cadets successfully navigate through the obstacle course for time until all team members have finished the rope climb then time will end.
Condition: Given 1x Monkey bar set, 1x 6’ wall, 1x 8’ wall, and rope climb.
Standards: All team members must start at the monkey bars and then move to 6’ wall, 8’ wall, and rope climb in that order. Each team member must complete each OB in order for the team to move onto next OB. If a team member fails to cross the monkey bars on 1st attempt they must move to back of team line for 2nd attempt. After 2 attempts failed then a 1 min penalty will be assed to the overall time per failed cadet. If a team member fails to climb the rope and touch the top beam after 2 attempts then a 2 minute penalty will be assessed to the overall completion time. This applies for each Cadet that doesn’t touch the top beam.
The below video shows an EWU Cadet climbing the rope at the end of the course:
https://www.instagram.com/p/B3XSCJchTOr/
Task: Complete 4-mile ruck march to Fish Lake
Conditions: Given a route, cadets move from start to finish line at Fish Lake.
Standards: Successfully complete a march from start point to end point located at Fish lake in shortest time possible in order to start rafting event. 9 line MEDEVAC clues are enroute. Time starts on command and ends at the end of the trail.
Task: Complete an out-and-back timed raft event
Conditions: Given a raft, 8x PFDs and one paddle per Cadet
Standards: Successfully complete a timed 8-person team paddle race without losing any gear. 9-line MEDEVAC is compiled by remaining members. Fastest time wins.
The below video shows EWU ROTC Cadets paddling in Fish Lake with the exact type of raft that will be used in the competition:
https://www.instagram.com/p/B3m_LG6Bgz7/
Task: Each member of a unit’s Ranger Challenge team completes the M9 leader qualification course in groups of 3 Cadets.
Conditions: Given 1x M9, 3x Magazines, 20x Rounds, and 5 Targets.
Standards: Successfully engage designated targets from multiple firing positions and executing fluid magazine changes.
Instructions:
1.Cadets will receive 3 magazines, 10 RDS, 5 RDS, and 5 RDS. Cadets will shoot 4 times per target.
2.Firing positions include standing (stationary), standing (walking), prone unsupported, and from behind obstacles.
3.Cadets will be required to drop and reload when necessary. Cadets will fire 2 rounds each at number or shape assigned to them before beginning of event.
4.In the event of a weapon malfunction Cadets are responsible for clearing their weapon system. Time will continue to elapse and Cadets are required to continue to move through the lane.
5.Targets will be replaced after 3 Cadets have fired.
Task: Obstacles are set up that limit the view of participants and require Cadets to shoot from a variety of positions.
Condition: Ranger challenge teams conduct buddy team stress shoot.
Standards:
Ranger challenge teams begin at AA. On the command of begin, the first buddy team moves to the firing line to engage targets. Each Cadet will receive 14 rounds, 2 rounds per station. After the first Cadet reaches station 4 the second Cadet will begin. Both Cadets are accompanied by a lane walker that ensures the Cadet is engaging targets from the required positions. Once both Cadets are complete they move back to their team together and the next two Cadets move to the M4 firing line. While Cadets are engaging targets the rest of their team is pushing a sled from CP1 to CP2 back to CP1. Each full rotation that is completed results in ten (tbd) additional point for the team.
Graders will change targets at the end of each Ranger challenge teams iteration. Targets will be turned into the ammo point. There they will be marked with the name of the team and scores will be calculated. The sled pull lane walker will inform the ammo point of the total points scored by a team at the end of their iteration. Ammo point will calculate the total score, combined stress shoot and sled pull, for each team and report back to the TOC.
Uniform will be ACH, eye pro, FLC, knee pads, elbow pads, ear pro, water source.
Task: Cadets will take a written test made by the BDE S-3 shop.
Condition: Given 1x written test, 1x pencil, 20 minutes, and possible 100 points per cadet team member.
Standards: Cadets will have 20 minutes to complete the written exam upon start. Any questions not answered within the time limit will be counted as wrong answers. No talking is allowed between the cadets while taking the test.
Grading: 100 points available, two points per correct answer.
Example: 50 question test, means 2 points per question.
Cadet does not correctly answer 13 questions [100 – (2 x 13)] = 74 points
Mission: Each member of a unit’s Ranger Challenge team completes a 3 event CWST test (Five-minute buoyancy test without ruck, Jump/Swim, and Two-stroke test)
Execution: Cadet teams will rotate every 20 minutes until each team has completed all three CWST events.
Task: Cadets will demonstrate their ability to remain buoyant for 5 minutes
Condition: Given test instructions, and a pool cadets demonstrate the skill required.
Standard: Cadets will enter the pool 3 cadets at a time and demonstrate there ability to remain buoyant for 5 minutes without touching the side. If a cadet touch’s another cadet or the side of the pool the cadet will be disqualified and loose the point for that cadet. After entire team is complete they will wait for rotation time to be called out.
The below video shows an EWU ROTC Cadet conducting the buoyancy test:
https://www.instagram.com/p/B3pYgIVBp-m/
Task: Cadets will demonstrate there ability to Jump from the diving board to standard into the water and swim to the far side and exit the swimming pool.
Condition: Given test instructions, and a pool cadets demonstrate the skill required.
Standard: Cadets will climb up the diving board 1 at a time and jump from the diving board into the pool demonstrating the skill: (cross the legs at the ankles keeping the knees slightly bent. Put the arms across the chest while jumping and entering the water). Once returning to the surface swim to the other side of the pool. Any Cadet that fails to demonstrate the proper technique will lose 1 point for there team per cadet. After entire team is complete they will wait for rotation time to be called out.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B3VEc7BBXxu/
Task: Cadets will demonstrate there ability to perform the two-stroke test by using the sidestroke and breast stroke.
Condition: Given test instructions, and a pool cadets demonstrate the skill required.
Standard: Cadets will enter the pool on the sides 3 at a time. On the command GO cadets will demonstrate the sidestroke down and back. After the entire team has completed the side stroke. The team will again enter the water 3 Cadets at a time and demonstrate the breaststroke down and back. Cadets who fail to complete each swim will lose 1 point per cadet that doesn’t finish. After entire team is complete they will wait for rotation time to be called out.
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