News – Page 15 – EWU Army ROTC

Snowy Weather Doesn’t Stop Fighting Eagles Cadets from Conducting Squad Movement Training

02/08/2020 by jstafford3

On the 6th of February 2020, the Eastern Washington University (EWU) Fighting Eagles Battalion conducted squad movement techniques as well as Linear Danger Area (LDA) crossings at the Montagues Farm property adjacent to the EWU campus. Recent snow made the hilly wheat fields slick and muddy, but the Cadets still showed great motivation throughout the lab despite the conditions.

Cadets listen to training brief prior to the start of the lab.

Cadet Kuhnel pulls security during leadership lab training.

Cadets who had met previously with their assigned squad leaders, were able to apply what they’ve been learning in the classroom in a real-world environment. The movement formations being used were the squad file, squad line and squad column fire team wedge. The movement techniques, which are the method in which the formations are used, were traveling, traveling overwatch and bounding overwatch. These will be utilized in different situations depending on time restrictions, maneuverability, and if enemy contact is likely or not. It is ultimately up to the squad leader to determine which is used.

Cadet Roberts pauses during leadership lab training.

LDA’s come up when doing large movements. A few examples of these are power line areas, or even large grassy fields where cover and concealment is limited. As leaders in the army, Cadets are required to know how to manage these areas without putting soldiers’ lives in harms way. These skills are also important for our Cadets to master to prepare them to excel at ROTC Advanced Camp held each summer at Ft. Knox, Kentucky.

Cadet Camacho takes the Oath of Enlistment to contract into ROTC.

Following the conclusion of the squad training the Fighting Eagles concluded the lab by conducting a contracting ceremony for Cadet Gervacio Camacho. It was special moment for him to take the Oath of Enlistment with his mother on hand to place his EWU patch on his right shoulder sleeve signifying him as a contracted Cadet. More pictures from the lab can be viewed at this link.

Go ROTC! Go Fighting Eags!

EWU Army ROTC Graduate and I Corps Commander, Lieutenant General Gary Volesky Retires After 36 Years of Military Service

02/06/2020 by jstafford3

The Eastern Washington University (EWU) Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) extends its congratulations to the former I Corps Commanding General, Lieutenant General (LTG) Gary Volesky for his retirement from the U.S. Army after over 36 years of military service.

The I Corps Headquarters at Joint Base Lewis McChord.

I Corps headquarters sign from when LTG Volesky was in command.

LTG Volesky is a 1983 Distinguished Military Graduate from EWU and the highest ranking member of the university’s Military Science Hall of Fame.

Volesky plaque — LTG Volesky’s plaque in the Military Science Hall of Fame

LTG Volesky’s Change of Command with incoming I Corps Commander, LTG Randy A. George was held at Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM) on February 4, 2020. The U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) Commander, General Robert Abrams and the U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC) Commander, General Paul LaCamera both spoke during the ceremony. General LaCamera additionally oversaw the symbolic passing of the guide on from LTG Volesky to LTG George.

LTG Volesky (left) marches into the Change of Command Ceremony with General LaCamera (center) and LTG George (right). (Picture courtesy of Al Watson)

I Corps soldiers salute during the change of command ceremony. (Picture courtesy of Al Watson)

General LaCamera oversees the symbolic passing of the guide on between LTG Volesky and LTG George. (Picture courtesy of Al Watson)

LTG Gary Volesky speaks to audience during the I Corps Change of Command ceremony. (Picture courtesy of Al Watson)

Full video of the I Corps Change of Command can be viewed below:

LTG Volesky who is originally from Spokane, has had a long and distinguished career in the U.S. Army that began here at Eastern Washington University. One of the plaques we still have hanging up in Cadet Hall recognized the then Cadet Volesky for his “Aggressiveness” back in 1983.

volesky plaque

We additionally have some old yearbooks in Cadet Hall where we have an image of LTG Volesky being commissioned into the rank of 2nd Lieutenant by the then EWU Army ROTC Professor of Military Science, Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Walter.

The then Cadet Gary Volesky (left) is commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1983 by EWU Army ROTC Professor of Military Science Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Walter.

From everyone at EWU Army ROTC we congratulate LTG Volesky on his retirement. His over 36 years of committed service to the U.S. Army and our nation is remarkable. He is truly an example of outstanding leadership for all our Cadets to aspire to. Go Fighting Eags!

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

02/01/202001/23/2020 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.

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.

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

01/17/2020 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.

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.”

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!