jstafford3 – Page 45 – EWU Army ROTC

EWU ROTC Contracts 10 Cadets into the US Army In Front of Historic Showalter Hall

09/23/2018 by jstafford3

On September 20, 2018 the Eastern Washington University (EWU) Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program contracted 10 Cadets into the US Army. A Contracting Ceremony was held in front of Showalter Hall which is the oldest building on EWU’s campus. Showalter Hall was built back in 1915 when EWU was a teacher’s college. (Note: All the following pictures provided by Mr. Rob Riedel)

The Contracting Ceremony was attended by senior university leadership, fellow Cadets, alumni, friends, and family.

All 10 Cadets recited the Oath of Enlistment given to them by Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Stafford, the Professor of Military Science and Department Chair for the EWU 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. Here is what the original oath said:

“I _____, do acknowledge the Thirteen United States of America, namely, New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, to be free, independent, and sovereign states, and declare, that the people thereof owe no allegiance or obedience to George the third, king of Great Britain; and I renounce, refuse and abjure any allegiance or obedience to him; and I do swear that I will, to the utmost of my power, support, maintain, and defend the said United States against the said king, George the third, and his heirs and successors, and his and their abettors, assistants and adherents; and will serve the said United States in the office of _____, which I now hold, and in any other office which I may hereafter hold by their appointment, or under their authority, with fidelity and honour, and according to the best of my skill and understanding. So help me God.”

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, noncommissioned 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. Here is the current Oath of Enlistment:

“I, _____, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.”

By contracting the Cadets can now activate scholarship benefits, receive a monthly monetary stipend, attend advanced training, and other opportunities to help them towards their goal of becoming a US Army officer after graduating from EWU.

Following the reciting of the Oath of Enlistment, the 10 Cadets were then given their right shoulder sleeve EWU ROTC patch. The patch was presented by Sergeant First Class Jason Hennig who explained the importance of the right shoulder sleeve patch that recognizes combat service in the active US Army. In the EWU ROTC program the right should sleeve patch recognizes these Cadets’ commitment to the program by contracting.

A video of the Contracting Ceremony can be viewed below:

Congratulations to all 10 of our great EWU ROTC Cadets who contracted into the US Army:

Jacob Villasenor
Samantha Knight
Christopher Milward
Isabelle Erickson
Adam Burnside
Chad Triplett
Jazmin Castrejon
Jameson Palmer
Matthew Jeffs
Andreas Brazier.

Video of UH-72A Lakota Helicopter Participating in the EWU ROTC Jump Start 2018

09/17/2018 by jstafford3

The Eastern Washington University (EWU) Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Jump Start 2018 was a great training event for all the first year Cadets that participated. A major highlight of Jump Start was the participation of a UH-72A Lakota helicopter during the field portion of the training. A short video featuring the Lakota helicopter and its crew can be viewed below:

The EWU ROTC program gives a big thank you to the National Guardsman who are part of Charlie Company, 1-112th Aviation Security and Support based out of Fairchild AFB, WA for supporting Jump Start 2018.

Jump Start 2018 Introduces New Cadets to the EWU ROTC Program

09/16/2018 by jstafford3

Jump Start 2018

The Eastern Washington University (EWU) Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program conducted its annual Operation Jump Start between 10-14 September 2018.

The purpose of the five day event is to inprocess first year Cadets, settle them into their dorm rooms, introduce them to Army physical fitness, and conduct initial soldier skills training. The first day of Jump Start was dedicated to receiving the new Cadets and settling them into their dorm rooms. After a successful first day, the second day of Jump Start began with the Cadets receiving a welcome from the EWU ROTC Cadre and the Military Science Department Chair, Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Stafford:

The Cadets then proceeded to conduct team building activities led by Military Science (MS) third and fourth year cadets (MS III & MS IV):

In the afternoon, the Jump Start Cadets conducted Drill and Ceremony training directed by the MS III and MS IV Cadets:

The Cadets ended day 2 by being issued their initial gear and uniforms:

A very busy Day 3 for the Cadets began with some early morning physical training (PT):

They also got to meet the EWU ROTC obstacle walls:

After PT the first year Cadets conducted classroom training on land navigation in preparation for the field portion of Jump Start that would begin later in the day:

They then applied their newly learned land navigation knowledge outside with a compass course:

The Cadets also conducted initial rifle marksmanship and movement & maneuver training:

Field Exercise

Later that afternoon the Cadets then deployed out to Seven Mile Training Area located in the forested hills north of Spokane:

The training area is within the expansive Riverside State Park that straddles the banks of the scenic Spokane River:

The Cadets spent the night outside at the training area and at dawn they woke up to a high temperature of 39 degrees. After eating a Meal Ready to Eat (MRE) breakfast the Cadets then prepped their gear in preparation for a busy day of training:

The Cadets divided into groups and conducted soldier skills training at various stations. One of the training station featured land navigation training conducted by EWU ROTC Recruiting Operations Officer (ROO) Mr. Rob Riedel:

The EWU ROTC Cadet Commanding Officer (CO) Haley Bent along with MS IV Cadet Kyle Isaacson provided instruction on proper movement techniques:

During the training lane Cadets practiced how to react to fire and conduct buddy rushes against enemy positions:

The Cadets also received instruction on how to throw grenades. MS III Cadet James Tallakson (right) instructs a Jump Start Cadet on how to properly throw a grenade:

A major highlight of the field portion of the training was the arrival of a UH-72A Lakota helicopter flown in by Soldiers from the Washington State National Guard. The National Guardsman provided an overview brief about the helicopter, allowed Cadets to get inside of it, and answered questions about being an officer in the National Guard:

The helicopter was crewed by (from left to right), Chief Warrant Officer 2 Cody Heathman, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Dave Caporicci, and 2nd Lieutenant Brett Johnson:

The National Guardsman are part of Charlie Company, 1-112th Aviation Security and Support based out of Fairchild AFB, WA:

Final Day of Jump Start 2018

After the completion of a successful fourth day of Jump Start training, the Cadets headed back to Cheney for a well deserved night of rest. The rest was needed because on the final day of Jump Start 2018 began with the Cadet Commanding Officer, Haley Bent leading the new Cadets on their first unit run:

During the run the Jump Start Cadets took a team picture at the entrance gate of Eastern Washington University:

The final day of Jump Start 2018 concluded with a luncheon and award ceremony for the Cadets with their parents:

Jump Start 2018 was without a doubt a great success. A total of 33 MS I Cadets were able inprocess, move into their dorms, become familiarized with PT, and conduct basic Soldier skills training. These talented MS I Cadets have kicked off what will be another great year for the EWU ROTC program.

Go Fighting Eagles!

Pictures from EWU ROTC’s Cannon Crew Support to University’s Home Opening Football Game

09/15/2018 by jstafford3

The EWU football team is currently 2-0 and on the road to play Washington State today in Pullman. Hopefully the Eags can pull off another upset on the road against WSU like they did two years ago. However, what that means is that there is another week of no EWU ROTC Cannon Crew support to the team. The Cannon Crew will be in action though next week when EWU plays Cal Poly at home on Sept. 22nd. Until then here are a few pictures to enjoy of Cannon Crew action in support of EWU’s home opening 58-13 victory over Central Washington back on Sept 1st.

EWU ROTC’s historic M1A1 Pack Howitzer is ready for action. The cannon first entered service during World War II with the 10th Mountain Division. The cannon saw action against enemy force during division operations in Italy.

Banner explaining the history of the EWU ROTC M1A1 Pack Howitzer.

Cadet Tyler Bergman of Spokane Valley, WA had the honor of firing the first shot from the ROTC program’s historic 75mm howitzer.

The EWU ROTC’s cannon site above Roos Field was a popular location at Eastern Washington University’s home opening football game. One of the notable campus figures that stopped by was the university mascot “Swoop” who took a picture with the EWU ROTC Color Guard and Cannon Crew teams.

Cannon crew fires the cannon after one of many EWU touchdowns.

Application Period for the 2019 Cultural Understanding and Leadership Program Has Opened

09/14/2018 by jstafford3

All EWU ROTC Cadets interested in participating in the Cultural Understanding & Leadership Program (CU&LP), the application period opened today (Sept. 14). United States Army Cadet Command (USACC) will be accepting application into CU&LP until October 31st. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity so take advantage of it.

For those unfamiliar with CU&LP it is a program sponsored by (USACC) that takes Cadets overseas on cultural deployments in support of worldwide Army Security Cooperation plans and the Army Culture and Foreign Language Strategy. The timeframe for a CU&LP deployment is generally one month in duration and are executed between the 11 May – 11 August 2019 timeframe. Here are the qualifications to apply for a CU&LP position:

QUALIFICATIONS:

Cadets must be Contracted
Medically Qualified (DODMERB Completed)
Cadet in Good Standing with the ROTC program

INELIGIBLES — DO NOT APPLY IF:

Cadet is APFT Failure or does not meet AR 600-9 HT / WT
Cadet is Green to Gold ADO (Active Duty Option)
Cadet has previously deployed on a CU&LP mission
Is planning to enroll in other Cadet summer training (ie: CTLT, NSTP, etc)
Cadet will not be enrolled full time and present at program thru AY 18-19
Do not apply if conducting study abroad in either semester

USACC selects Cadets into the program through a competitive process. After applying a Order of Merit List (OML) for all applicants is developed based on:

OML BASED ON:

University GPA
ROTC GPA
Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) score
Language Capability

After completing the OML, each Cadet’s skills, abilities, and availability are matched against the language and skill requirements for each mission. Higher OML scores get selected for a CU&LP mission. The number of CU&LP missions varies each year.

More information and details of how to apply to the Cultural Understanding & Leadership Program (CU&LP) can be found at the below link:

Click here for a web PDF that explains the CU&LP application process

Anyone with questions about the program can speak with EWU ROTC Cadet, Christian Goldbach who was selected for CU&LP last year and was sent on a mission to Peru. Any further questions can be directed towards your Military Science instructor for assistance.

Remember this is a once in a lifetime opportunity that most active duty officers will never get a chance to experience. Take advantage of it now if you meet the application criteria.

EWU ROTC Supports Washington State Veterans Cemetery Forgotten Heroes Interment

09/14/2018 by jstafford3

Today I had the honor of attending the Washington State Veterans Cemetery Forgotten Heroes Interment just outside of Medical Lake. The ceremony is used to provide proper burial for abandoned or unclaimed remains of veterans in the Spokane region.

Washington State Veterans Cemetery at Medical Lake.

At today’s ceremony 55 remains were interned at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery. EWU ROTC Cadet Tyler Roylance participated in the ceremony as part of the Washington State Honor Guard.

Washington State Honor Guard ready to conduct the Forgotten Heroes Ceremony (Picture courtesy of Ms. Katie Brown).

Cadet Roylance of Post Falls, Idaho is one of the Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP) Cadets enrolled in the EWU ROTC program while also serving in the Washington State National Guard. While conducting monthly guard drill duty an SMP Cadet is paired with and mentored by a National Guard officer. The program also allows Cadets to participate in highly selective National Guard activities such as the Washington State Honor Guard.

Cadet Tyler Roylance (2nd from left) conducts Honor Guard duties at the Forgotten Heroes Ceremony.

After conducting Honor Guard duties Cadet Roylance also participated in helping to intern one of the remains at the cemetery:

Cadet Tyler Roylance interns remains during the Forgotten Heroes Ceremony.

More pictures from the Forgotten Heroes Ceremony can be viewed on the EWU ROTC Flickr page. It was a fantastic job by the Washington State Veterans Cemetery, the National Guard, and the local veteran community for putting together such a memorable event to honor these forgotten heroes.