Leader's Training Course

The official news site for Operation Bold Leader

Cadets celebrate end of training with future in mind

Posted on July 12, 2011 by PAO

A Cadet lights a ceremonial torch Tuesday during Bravo Company's rites of passage ceremony. Photo by Dorothy Edwards/LTC PAO

By Caitlin VanOverberghe
Staff writer

There comes a day toward the end of a company’s time at the Leader’s Training Course when, under a dark, early morning sky, Cadets are given a moment to celebrate with a ceremony known as the rites of passage — an event that marks the official end of formal training.

After a 6.2-mile road march starting at 3:15 a.m., the bleary-eyed, sweat-soaked Cadets made their way to Memorial Grove, where music greeted them. Tunes ranging from Eminem to Toby Keith blared over the speakers, but were quickly drowned out by the motivating shouts of the Cadets.

Exhaustion could be heard in their voices and seen on their faces. Just as the began to peek, giving the sky a purple hue, the Cadets fell into formation for the ceremony.

Under the shadow of trees, seven Cadets, reciting the seven Army Values, lit torches with a flame from the past, always remembering those who came before them. At the conclusion of the ceremony, Cadets received an Army Values tag.

Bravo Cadet Doug Spencer, of Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, said that for him the ceremony meant he and his fellow Cadets were one step closer to becoming second lieutenants in the Army. He’s looking ahead to the Leadership Development and Assessment Course next summer, where he will continue training.

Alpha Cadet Kyle Carlson, of Western Michigan University, said that even though he and his fellow Cadets were sweaty, after many handshakes and slaps on the back, completing the ceremony made him feel good.

“It was nice to hear the Army Values again,” he said. “Mostly, I was just really sweaty and wanted to get a shower.”

Like Carlson, Bravo Cadet David Abrams said he also looked forward to changing clothes and eating breakfast. While he has enjoyed his time at LTC, Abrams is glad training has drawn to a close. He said he’s looking forward to heading home.

Fellow Bravo Cadet Derricka Vereen, of Jackson State University in Mississippi, said she was motivated and proud of herself for receiving a dog tag.

“This is the first thing I’ve actually worked for in my life,” she said. “I’m feeling good; I’m feeling really good.”

Like Spencer, Vereen is eyeing attendance at LDAC next summer. She knows many in her LTC platoon will join her there.

“I’m going to miss everybody, but we’ll all end up together at LDAC, and when we do that it will be on and poppin’,” she said.

So long, Alpha: Company first to graduate

Posted on July 11, 2011 by PAO

Third platoon of Alpha Company stands at attention during Monday's graduation ceremony. Photo by Bobby Ellis/LTC PAO

By Thomas Gounley
Staff writer

As family and friends gathered Monday morning at Fort Knox’s Brooks Field, Brig. Gen. Barrye Price had a word of warning for them.

“You may have a hard time recognizing the people who arrived here 29 days ago,” said Price, deputy commanding officer of U.S. Army Cadet Command and the graduation’s guest speaker.

One-hundred ninety-five Alpha Company Cadets from schools across the country graduated from the Leader’s Training Course, formally ending the 29-day program that allows them to return to school as third-year ROTC students.

LTC Commander Col. Eric Winkie urged Cadets to remember their training, everything from navigating the high ropes course to putting their marksmanship skills to the test.

“You never quit, you never gave up,” he said. “You pulled each other through.”

After recognizing those among the audience who served, Winkie urged Cadets to follow suit.

“You are following in great footsteps … you are the reason they’ll be free tomorrow,” Winkie said.

Price, himself an LTC graduate, urged Cadets to commission upon returning to their home campuses.

“I pray that I’ll see you in these colors on the team in a couple years,” Price said, referring to their uniforms.

The reunions among family and Cadets after the ceremony were much as Price had predicted.

“He’s kind of changed from a boy to a little bit of a man here,” said Mark Connor of his son, Cadet Andrew Gillespie-Connor.

After nearly a month of minimal contact with his son, Connor and his family drove down from Peoria, Ill., to witness the graduation.

“We were pretty excited to get down here – all hyped up,” he said.

Many of family members discovered that, in their absence, Cadets had formed a family of their own.

“When I came here, I didn’t think I’d meet so many different people,” said Gillespie-Connor, of Western Illinois University.

After arriving and knowing no one, Cadets quickly bonded within their company, and particularly within their platoon.

“I’m going to miss the camaraderie – having that kind of support,” said Cadet Jacob Rafidi, of Kent State University.

“It’s amazing how quickly you can build a team,” said Cadet Lawrence Hsieh, of the University of Maryland.

In addition to learning teamwork, Cadets also spoke of learning the inner workings of the military, a world few get to see in-depth.

“I definitely learned a lot of discipline and a lot more respect for what everyone does in the Army,” Rafidi said. “It’s a different world.”

Loved ones reunite with Alpha at family day

Posted on July 10, 2011 by PAO

For a photo family day photo gallery, click here.

By Caitlin VanOverberghe
Staff writer

With CamelBaks on over their civilian clothes and after nearly 30 days away from home, Alpha Company Cadets reunited with their families Sunday as part of the family day celebration.

Drill sergeants hassled the Cadets, making them get into formation and even do push-ups in front of their loved ones. But as the Cadets introduced the friends they had made, nothing could stifle the smiles and excitement that filled the air.

Cassandra Kotlowski, of Marquette University, confessed that she cried after seeing her parents again.

Cadet Michael Miller gets a hug from his sister, Zoe Sturrier, on family day. Alpha Company families met up with their Cadets after a program conducted by LTC leadership. The Cadets and their families were then released to spend time with each other for the day. Photo by Bobby Ellis/LTC PAO

“She’s my best friend,” Kotlowski said, pointing to her mother. “Everything about being away was hard.”

Sunday morning, while Cadets practiced for their graduation Monday, their families were in nearby Waybur Theater for a presentation about what it means to be apart of the Army family.

They were given a chance to ask questions of Maj. Gen. Mark McDonald, commanding general for U.S. Army Cadet Command, and his wife, Connie. The families then watched a video that allowed them to see their Cadets in action while at LTC.

“I cry every time I look at the website,” said Carol Steinke, Kotlowski’s mother, referring to www.leaderstrainingcourse.com. “This is the longest she’s been away from home. I can’t believe some of the things she’s been doing here.”

Before the presentation, families collected information at booths, free gifts and could scale a rock wall if they wished to get a taste of what their Cadet had done.

Col. Eric Winkie, the LTC commander, and Sgt. Maj. Michael Thompson, the LTC sergeant major, presented the group of nearly 200 people from across the country with information about why the course is conducted. They also described the different activities Cadets partake in and the reasons behind those events.

“We’re building their inner strength,” Winkie said. “We’re making them overcome their fears. We’re saying to them, ‘Hey, you’re a leader. You just have to find it in yourself.’ ”

Thompson also gave parents something to cheer about, explaining that the Cadets have no excuse not to help out around the house when they get home, because they’re learned many domestic chores while at the course.

“Your Cadets know how to make their beds. Your Cadets know how to organize their closets. Your Cadets know how to clean bathrooms,” he said. “If they say they can’t, buy yourself a little drill sergeant’s hat and get at them.”

Back in the barracks area, parents met up with their children, and Cadets showed their families around what has served as their home for the past month. Many then took off — like Kotlowski’s family, who were headed to Louisville to celebrate her father Dave Steinke’s birthday — in hopes of what would be a fun, relaxing day.

“I’m so excited to see her,” Michele Hawryliw, of McKean, Pa., said after meeting up with her daughter. “I’m so proud of her.”

Despite struggles, graduating Alpha Cadet didn’t give up

Posted on July 10, 2011 by PAO

Alpha Cadet Thomas Merker is congratulated by fellow Cadets after completing the two-mile run portion of his final PT test. Photo by Bobby Ellis/LTC PAO.

By Thomas Gounley
Staff writer

When Alpha Company Cadet Thomas Merker began looking into the ROTC program in March, he made an initial attempt on his own at the skills required in the Army physical training test.

It was an arduous affair. He could do two or three push-ups, about a half dozen sit-ups and moving two miles took half an hour.

“I couldn’t run two miles,” Merker said.

In the months before he came to the Leader’s Training Course, he devoted himself to improving those numbers. However, Merker, who is 6-foot-3, still showed up June 13 at 236 pounds, and had to get a specific waiver from the ROTC program at the Missouri University of Science and Technology (where he is enrolling after completing an associate’s degree in civil engineering at New Jersey’s Brookdale Community College) to attend the first PT test.

“I was dreading the first PT test,” he said of arriving at Fort Knox.

Despite that, his fellow Cadets in Alpha’s second platoon sensed he had the right attitude.

“He was significantly out of shape, but he was very motivated to do better,” said Cadet Jacob Radifi, of Youngstown State University, a partner school of the Kent State University Army ROTC program.

His initial diagnostic test showed he had already come a long way. Merker recorded 24 push-ups, 28 sit-ups and a two-mile time of “twenty-something and change.” Still, those numbers were well-short of passing scores for his age group – 39 push-ups, 45 sit-ups and a two-mile time of 17 minutes.

“I came here to push myself,” he said. “I knew that was going to be a part of coming here.”

In his final PT assessment, Merker posted marks of 28 push-ups, 52 sit-ups and a two-mile time around 19 minutes. He achieved a passing score in sit-ups, while still falling short in push-ups and the run.

“I’m happy with how far I’ve come, but I’m not satisfied with it,” he said. “It’s really just a benchmark for me” to improve upon.

According to U.S. Army Circular 145-04, the regulations for the Leader’s Training Course and Operation Bold Leader, those who complete LTC must successfully pass the PT test before contracting. They have until Dec. 15 to do so.

While struggling at the PT test, Merker completed all other training exercises at LTC, from stream-crossing to combat water survival training. That has resulted in some physical changes.

“I’ve dropped 18 pounds since I’ve been here,” he said Friday during Alpha Company’s out-briefing.

Following his initial PT test, Merker worked out with others, including Radifi, during Cadet time at the end of the day. They spent time doing the traditional push-ups, sit-ups and sprints, and his fellow Cadets gave him pointers on smaller things such as technique and breathing.

“They taught me all the little stuff I never really knew,” he said.

Merker decided to go back to school after spending years working at retail establishments with little opportunity of advancement.

“It’s not a career – it’s a dead end job,” he said. “And they don’t appreciate training people like the Army does.”

In addition to the opportunities offered by the Army, Merker was attracted by the idea of service. At home in New Jersey, Merker spent three years as a volunteer firefighter and a year-and-a-half as a volunteer EMT.

“I’ve got a service-oriented mindset,” he said. “It’s not something that I shy away from.”

Although he knows he still has a ways to go before passing the PT test, Merker, who graduates Monday with Alpha Company, appreciates that LTC has helped him realize his capabilities. While some choose to leave LTC voluntarily, for Merker, that was never an option.

“I had a harder time than some of these guys here, but that’s not why I came,” he said. “I wasn’t going to give up.”

Some fire for first time in rifle marksmanship

Posted on July 9, 2011 by PAO

A Bravo Company Cadet takes aim at a target during basic rifle marksmanship. Photo by Dorothy Edwards/LTC PAO

By Thomas Gounley
Staff writer

Tuesday morning, Bravo Company Cadet Lorena Tepan, of St. John’s University in New York, laid down in the prone position at Fort Knox’s Handiboe Range, aimed at the silhouette on the post 25 meters away and, for the first time in her life, pulled the trigger.

“I thought I was going to be scared, but not at all,” she said afterward, as she and her fellow Cadets cleaned their rifles.

Cadets at the Leader’s Training Course spend several days at Handiboe and other ranges as part of their basic rifle marksmanship (BRM) training. Although a vast majority of Cadets come in with at least minimal firearms experience, ranging from past experience with an ROTC unit or a background in hunting, some, like Tepan, are firing for the first time.

“There were about 15 out of 100 that hadn’t shot before,” Cadet Ken Hashimoto, of the University of Hawaii, said of the two platoons from Bravo Company that were at the range Tuesday.

Firearms training for Cadets at LTC begins with engagement skills training, which offers a computer simulation of what Cadets will encounter at the range, complete with cloudy skies and trees in the background behind the targets.

“We’re still teaching basic skills, it’s just not wasting our ammo,” said 2nd Lt. Victoria Bowden, assistant officer in charge of the BRM committee, of the simulator.

The EST program, which the Army has been using in training for about 10 years, allows cadre assisting the Cadets to see the round trace – essentially the movement of the rifle before and after shooting. That allows them to focus on the little things, such as encouraging Cadets to raise their rifles up before shooting, just as they would do if they were on a combat mission.

“It helped me a lot,” Tepan said of the simulator. “It helped me realize what I had to go through.”

After completing exercises including squad tactics using rubber M16s, Cadets draw the real version at the end of their first week at LTC. At the barracks, they are introduced to the weapons, disassembling and reassembling them to learn how they work. Then it’s time to head out to the range.

“The overall goal of this is to teach basic marksmanship,” Bowden said.

Tuesday morning, Bravo Company’s third and fourth platoons were focused on grouping and zeroing. Cadets brought their targets to cadre members for inspection after each round.

“Their rounds are going to be tight, close together,” Bowden said of the optimal result.

Sometimes, that was easier said then done.

“Zeroing was the most challenging part,” said Alpha Cadet Cecilia Ysassi, of Texas A&M- Kingsville, who said she was the last in her platoon to finish. “Grouping was just learning to keep the gun still.”

“It was harder than I expected,” Tepan said.

A trailer with the EST simulator was on-site at the range for Cadets who needed extra practice.

“If they go through and can’t zero, we bring them in here, correct it and send them back,” said Staff Sgt. Vicente Mariscal, a member of the BRM committee.

However, several experienced shooters found the range easier than the simulator.

“It’s a lot easier to get in your zone out here (on the range),” said Bravo Cadet Mark Holt, of the University of Alabama.

The goal of marksmanship training at LTC is weapon familiarization, as opposed to being a specific qualification program. At Alpha Company’s out-briefing Friday, LTC Commander Col. Eric Winkie praised the company’s 98 percent success rate at grouping and zeroing.

“In today’s Army, everyone is a rifleman,” he said.

Cadets who matriculate into ROTC programs at their home schools will go through basic and advanced rifle marksmanship as part of the Basic Officer Leadership Course after they graduate. There they’ll be outfitted in full combat gear, as opposed to the ACUs that Cadets train in during LTC.

“Once they get the good fundamentals down, then we add the equipment,” said Lt. Col. Eric Wishart, officer in charge of the marksmanship committee.

In Wishart’s eyes, eliminating the distractions allows for better development.

“Out here, it’s just you and the rifle and developing good habits,” Wishart said.

And for those first-time shooters, that habit is something worth bragging about.

“It’s one thing to have the fake gun; having the real one was really cool,” said Cadet Kylee Roberts, of the University of Idaho.