Army Strong. South Dakota State University

Transcription

1 Army Strong Department of Military Science South Dakota State University Volume 9, Issue 3 May-June 2014 Commander s Corner Inside this issue: Cadets: Be proud of your accomplishments this past academic year. Cadet life is not easy as you must balance academics, ROTC functions, social life and family activities. Continue to involve your family and friends in ROTC, you never know you may want your friends in the ranks with you. Always recruit! Before you depart SDSU for the summer, be sure to make one last check at DePuy for any final cadet paperwork, training or equipment needs. Be sure you maintain a fitness program during the summer months. Take advantage of good weather and enjoy the outdoors. When you are back home, help promote Army ROTC and tell them how cool it is to be a cadet. MS IIs: you need to make sure you are prepared to take on the challenge that goes with the MS III year. You must remain focused on squad tactics, Officership, fitness and academics. Your MS III year is critical to your success as a future leader in the U.S. Army. MS III leadership, be ready to lead the Battalion in the fall. Be proactive in planning all the training and garrison operations. Be sure you have completed the transition with the previous leadership team as you become the new MS IVs for the school year. Congratulations to the newest group of Army Officers: 2LT Biermann, 2LT Cooper, 2LT Doherty, 2LT Elifson, 2LT Flynn, 2LT Kirkman, 2LT Lankford, 2LT Pederson, 2LT Rozell and 2LT Rumpca. It was a pleasure serving as your PMS, feel free to stop by DMH whenever you are in town. I wish you the best of luck as you embark on a great military career. Always live by the Army values on and off duty. Be safe this summer, relax, and have fun with your family and friends. I look forward to seeing you all in the fall. SMI Section 2 BN XO 3 ROO Notes 5 Commissioning 7 How are you spending your summer? Scholarships Available 10 Social Networking 12 Calendar of Events: 7May: Breakfast at ROTC 9May: commissioning 9May: Awards Banquet 10May: Graduation 10May: CULP travel begins 7Jun14: 1st Regiment of LDAC 8 LTC Schultz

2 Army Strong Page 2 SMI Section It looks like Old Man Winter has finally given up and we can finally have a day or two of spring. Fortunately we were able to make it out to our JFTX at Camp Rapid this year. Where did the time go? Another school year has come and gone. It is amazing to look back at all we have accomplished in such a short time. Our Battalion has continued to break new ground and set new standards. It has not been easy by any means, but we have been very successful. Some days were long, tiring and trying, but I would not trade a one of them. Well maybe some of the days that we had snow! To all the MS IV s, I am humbled to have been part of the process in transforming you into the Army s leaders of tomorrow. I have come to know each of you quite well this past couple years and it has truly been a privilege. Needless to say that I have great admiration and respect for what you have accomplished. Congratulations and I sincerely wish you and your families the best in all that you do. To the MS III s, y all are almost there and Warrior Forge is just around the corner. I don t need to remind you that our efforts have been to set you up for success. This includes continuing fitness training right up till your departure. You want to be in the best condition for the challenges before you in the coming months. Remember to carry your TACSOP with you and read it every chance you get. That s a great tool, make use of it and don t hesitate to call on me at any time. I am here to assist you. To all MS II s: It was great to have the contracted class this spring! I am looking forward to seeing you as MS III s! We have much to do in preparation for the many adventures ahead and to help you develop the tools you will need at LDAC. Every day of ROTC will be a challenge starting this fall. Some will be small while others will be quiet daunting. Meet them all head on and you will learn to be better leaders and an officer as a result. I want to remind each of you that education and safety do not stop when you leave the SDSU campus. Wherever this summer or life takes you, SAFETY should be the first thought on everyone s mind. Always have a contingency plan and report in regularly to someone who you can depend on. Also, remember to practice good conduct in all endeavors. You are future Army Officers. Therefore, you represent the Army, ROTC and your family wherever you go and whatever you do. Bottom line is Be Safe and Keep your Army Values! Last but not least of all, I hope y all enjoy your summer and a well-deserved break from school! MSG Charles White

3 Page 3 Volume 9, Issue 3 Battalion XO Looking back, almost seven years now, I reflect on my own commissioning and what I thought really awaited me as an Army Officer. Let me tell you, I had no idea the fun, the memories, the trials, and the lifetime friendships I would develop. In addition, I never realized what lay ahead of me as the Assistant Professor of Military Science at South Dakota State University. The past three months have been the busiest of my Army career in garrison, while also some of the most rewarding. Watching our Cadets excel during the JFTX at Camp Rapid was exhilarating. The dedication, exuberance, and motivation I observed has been an encouragement to me for my own self development. As I watched CDTs Flynn and Elifson cross the finish line and win the Ranger Buddy Challenge Coed Division, I was filled with pride and motivation at the awesome program you have developed at SDSU. I look forward to many more great events in the future that showcase the amazing Cadets and Cadre I get to work with daily at SDSU. Although this is a time to strategize for the future of our program, it is also a time to reflect on the great leaders we have developed and their upcoming commissioning. In May 2014, we will commission a great class of officers and see them off to serve the unknown while also serving the best nation and best Soldiers in the world. We are proud of their accomplishments to date, and bid farewell to the following SDSU Army ROTC class of 2014: CDT Spencer Biermann Infantry Fort Bliss, Texas CDT Kyle Cooper Infantry Iowa Army National Guard CDT Cole Doherty Medical Service Corps Vicenza, Italy CDT Katherine Elifson Quartermaster Fort Bliss, Texas CDT Eric Flynn Infantry Fort Bragg, North Carolina CDT Darin Kirkman Chaplain Corps United States Army CDT Derek Lankford Transportation South Dakota Army National Guard CDT Alyssa Pederson Quartermaster South Dakota Army National Guard CDT Elizabeth Rozell Army Nurse Corps United States Army CDT Ryan Rumpca Transportation South Dakota Army National Guard

4 Army Strong Page 4 The annual Army ROTC Awards Banquet will be held on 9 May 2014 at 1800 at GracePoint Wesleyan Church. Please purchase your ticket to the Awards Banquet by 2May14. The Cadet Corps is paying $10.oo towards each Cadet ticket so the cost is $10 per ticket for Cadets. Please purchase tickets for your guests at a cost of $20 each. There will be a seating chart so families can be seated together. When possible, the seating chart also provides the opportunity for award and scholarship donors to meet the recipients of their respective award or scholarship. Please express your gratitude. Traveling abroad this summer? All ROTC cadets planning to travel outside the US must complete the AT Level 1 training and compile a packet of information for Third Brigade. Please go to the website complete the training and bring the certificate to the office. The training is general in nature but provides awareness of your surroundings, clothing that you wear and cultural differences. To check for State Department travel advisories, go to their website: travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html The packet for Brigade is an easy requirement to complete! Have fun but be safe as you travel.

5 Page 5 Volume 9, Issue 3 ROO REVIEW RECRUIT FOR YOUR PROGRAM The semester is coming to a close!! You are all busy with papers, finals and getting ready for summer training: Remember to dig down deep and finish strong!! Do you have a friend who is tired of student loans or would want extra spending money??? Spread the word about the financial benefits of the Army ROTC program. and receive a financial incentive in the form of CASH for your efforts!!! SMP cadet go back to your units and talk to fellow soldiers about our program. The ROTC program is always in need of new cadets!! SMP prospects are a perfect fit - Army National Guard and Reserve soldiers have already made a commitment to serve - talk to them about maximizing their leadership potential!! If you are going home for the summer, visit your high school counselor and let them know the benefits of Army ROTC. Keep up the great job of recruiting!! This semester has been very successful for finding new prospects along with the participation of the Cadets at recruiting events!! Always remember You are the backbone of the ROTC program. If you have any prospects bring them in or call me at Mr. Ness

6 Army Strong Page 6 Mr. Mahlen Congratulations to the MS IVs that will commission and graduate in May. Your hard work and dedication has finally paid off and made it all worth while. Now you will have new challenges of going to BOLC and becoming new Platoon Leaders. Thanks for your great job of mentoring the younger Cadets so they will be successful just as you all were. I have great confidence that you will all go out and do great things. Enjoy your future adventures, it s a great ride. Good luck to those Cadets going to LDAC this summer! It s time for all of you to put everything you have learned into action. I have great confidence that you will all do great things. Stay positive and enjoy your training. I look forward to working with you as MS IVs next fall. For the rest of the Cadets that will be coming back next Fall, please keep focused during the Summer. Set aside time for staying in shape. Summer is a time for fun but remember to make good responsible decisions. Don t jeopardize your career by doing something bad that could affect your military career.. Have a great Summer! Cultural Understanding and Language Program Chelsey Cahoon is attending the Cultural Understanding and Language Program (CULP) this summer. Her CULP deployment is to Chile; she is traveling to Fort Knox, KY on 10May14 to begin the predeployment requirements. She worked hard to meet the requirements for this training. While at Fort Knox, Cadet Cahoon will meet with CULP Leaders and other participants as well as complete the additional training. She will spend approximately three weeks in Chile. Enjoy your trip!

7 Page 7 Volume 9, Issue 3 Commissioning Ceremony At 1300 on 9May14, ten Army ROTC cadets will receive their commission into the US Army. Retired Colonel Elizabeth Johnson, an alumnus of SDSU and Army ROTC, is the guest speaker. The ceremony will be held in Peterson Recital Hall, Lincoln Music Hall, with a reception in the Schultz Room to follow. Cadets commissioning are Spencer Biermann, Kyle Cooper, Cole Doherty, Katherine Elifson, Eric Flynn, Darin Kirkman, Derek Lankford, Alyssa Pederson, Elizabeth Rozell and Ryan Rumpca. Ryan Rumpca and Derek Lankford will return to the SDARNG as Transportation Corps officers and Alyssa Pederson will return to the SDARNG as a Quartermaster officer. Kyle Cooper will return to the IAARNG as an Armor officer. Spencer Biermann and Eric Flynn will be Infantry officers on active duty while Darin Kirkman will continue his education at a seminary. When Darin completes his education, he will serve on active duty as a Chaplain. Elizabeth Rozell will take the NCLEX followed by active duty service. Katherine Elifson begins active duty serving as Cadre at LDAC at Fort Knox, KY. Cole Doherty begins active duty as a Gold Bar Recruiter here at SDSU. Please attend the ceremony and congratulate the Cadets that are commissioning. End of the Year Breakfast Cadets: The Cadre invites you to DePuy Military Hall for breakfast May 2014

8 Army Strong Page 8 How Are YOU Spending Your Summer? Army ROTC Cadets are traveling to various training locations during the summer of There are Cadets that will participate in training at LDAC at Fort Knox, KY; Airborne at Fort Benning, GA; Air Assault at Fort Campbell, KY; Whinsec at Fort Benning, GA; Engineering Internships at Anchorage Alaska and Wilmington, NC; AMEDD Internship at Madigan Army Medical Center, JBLM, WA and Cultural Understanding and Language Proficiency training in Chile. These training opportunities are great ways to enhance your personal development in military skills. These are opportunities to improve or perhaps showcase talents. Cadets are evaluated at every turn at LDAC. If you are training this summer, please plan to complete an APFT 30 days prior to departure and plan to have all required equipment inspected prior to departure. While there are not training slots for everyone, you are not limited to military experiences. Take the opportunity to accept a challenge and try something new this summer whether it be an internship, building a house for Habitat, playing in a summer softball league, participating in a mission trip, being a campus ambassador, teaching children how to swim, or singing in the church choir, you will grow as a result of the challenge. However you choose to spend your summer, do your best at what you do. Enjoy life enhancing skills that are available to you. Build a career path that will ultimately lead to your success as you access for duty in the Active Army, in the Army National Guard or Army Reserve. Internships Jacob Kruse, Engineering Internship, Anchorage, Alaska, 26May-16Jun14 Dacey Beck, AMEDD Internship, Madigan Army Medical Center, JBLM, WA, 6-25Jul14 Mathew Martin, Engineering Internship, Wilmington, NC, 21Jul-8Aug14 Slide for Life

9 Page 9 Volume 9, Issue 3 Where are ROTC Cadets this Summer? NAME LDAC REGIMENT DATE Dacey Beck 1 7Jun-6Jul14 Alexander Vos 1 7Jun-6Jul14 Jordan Smith 3 11Jun-10Jul14 Elizabeth Luczak 4 11Jun-10Jul14 Jacob Kruse 6 16Jun-15Jul14 Mathew Martin 7 22Jun-21Jul14 LDAC Mailing Address: Last Name, First Name, MI HQ, 1st BDE, LDAC # Regiment, # Company, # Platoon 24 Rhineland Street Fort Knox, KY Kyle Cooper attended the United States Military Academy (USMA) Mission Command Conference at West Point, New York, 23-25Apr14. The conference is a culmination event for the USMA capstone core course on Officership to inspire graduating USMA, USNA and ROTC Cadets to selflessly lead with character and honor within a framework of mission command principles. The conference theme was Building Trust in Today s Army, and the keynote speaker was LTG Robert Brown. The end state of the conference is to encourage future officers to be excited, focused, and prepared to serve.

10 Army Strong Page 10 Did YOU apply for Civilian Scholarship Sponsored Scholarships Available through ROTC? There are several additional scholarships available to ROTC cadets who will be a MS III or IV in the fall of Application deadline is 23 May The scholarships available are: General Creighton W. (Abe) Abrams Scholarship ($1500 & $1000); Combined United Services Automobile Association Scholarship (USAA) ($1500 & $1000); Armed Forces Insurance General Melvin Zais Scholarship ($1000); The First Command Financial Planning Inc. ($1000); Joseph Cribbins Scholarship ($2000) (science, engineer, technology). To be qualified for these scholarships you must meet the following criteria: be a MS III or MS IV with ½, 1 to 1 ½ years remaining till graduation (from start of next year), meet general scholarship criteria, and successfully complete Warrior Forge. Civilian Sponsored Scholarship Deadline: 23May14 To apply, please provide a biography for the Cadet Command Scholarship Review Board. In your biography, please include how you finance your education, meet living expenses, etc., what your major is & what your immediate plans and goals are, what your future plans and goals are, tell the review board about yourself how you spend your time (studies, work, community service, volunteer work, ROTC activities, campus activities, etc.), values, etc. Also, please update your academic worksheet and provide a photo in your dress uniform. Other items in the application packet include a letter from the PMS, Cadet record brief, and your Warrior Forge Evaluation (submitted following camp). These are national scholarships and are competitive. Submit one application and it will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible. The scholarship review board will be looking at grades, written communication skills, leadership potential, and extracurricular activities. Scholarships are awarded in the fall. It is worth the effort to apply!

11 Page 11 Volume 9, Issue 3 Smoke s Supplies FINALS WEEK! Though the weather doesn t reflect summer or even spring for that matter, it s almost here! But whether it turns warm or not, if you are being commissioned in May you must turn in your clothing and TA-50 before finals week. Please make sure your gear is clean and complete or you will be turned away and have to make up that appointment. If you have missing equipment please let me know in advance so I can have a statement of charges ready, and so you know how much you will owe. If I can help you I will. Cadets that are not returning to Army ROTC are also required to turn in clothing and TA-50. Cadets attending CPFT of any kind please see me so we can compare your packing list and issue you what we can. Don t show up to training unprepared (gear wise). NEW! Cadets are no longer authorized the option to purchase ACU/ASU s upon completion of ROTC. Sorry not my call. Don t wait until the last minute! Call the supply room and make an appointment: / Garnet s Gems Please update your mailing address with Garnet if you will be living at an address other than your home of record or current school address this summer! If you are attending LDAC or any other training opportunity through ROTC this summer, please ensure you have your travel packet before you leave campus unless you are leaving from Brookings; then you can pick it up prior to your travel. Your travel packet contains copies of your orders, travel itinerary and travel tips. Please take your driver s license to the airport as you will need a photo ID. Your airline travel will be ticketed about three days before your scheduled travel date. Follow the instructions in your folder to print copies of your ticketed itinerary. When you in-process, you will be asked for two copies of your itinerary; it s a good idea to take at least 3 to 4 copies of your itinerary. Have a very good summer!

12 Page 12 Army Strong Social Networking Some words to the wise about social networking. Facebook, twitter, and other various sites are fun and exciting ways to stay in contact with friends and family or to link up with new acquaintances and make new friends. Please ensure your social networking sites are suitable for viewing by anyone. Cadet Command recommends these rules of engagement: 1) Keep your personal Social Networking Site (SNS) pages separate from your professional pages. 2) Use your military address to create a professional SNS page. Set up a profile with the minimum amount of personal information. Ensure photos are appropriate for a professional site, professional attire, etc. 3) Do not collect or post personal data on the SNS to include date of birth, address, contact information or social security numbers. Sensitive material and official documents should not be posted or discussed in detail. Be cognizant of Operation Security (OPSEC) implications. No copyrighted material may be posted. Use only imagery from Army sources. 4) Monitor a professional SNS page regularly. Daily monitoring and updating is encouraged. 5) Avoid profanity, statements that are derogatory to ethnic or religious groups, nudity or gambling. Discourage discussions that are political or religious in nature. Remove this type of content immediately to include remarks and photos. 6) Any visitor that breaks rule 5 should be blocked from the page. Your visitors reputation reflects you! 7) Visitors could post derogatory comments about the Army as a career. Again, ensure the visitor does not break rule 5 ; identify between opinion and fact. Educate others to control the situation keeping in mind that some remarks warrant no response. 8) Represent the Army Values in all content and interaction. Words, images and online behavior are visible to a large number of individuals. 9) Don t let comments alienate social groups or show favoritism. 10) Complete Army training for websites at before establishing a professional page. Posting to a Social Networking Site is the same as positing on a billboard along the Interstate Highway. Social Networking Sites should be fun and enjoyable! Make your page acceptable for anyone to view.

13 Department of Military Science Department of Military Science Department of Military Science South Dakota State University Box 2236 Brookings, SD Phone: Fax: Train to Lead We Commission We Motivate! SDSU Army ROTC History: More than 2,500 officers have been commissioned at South Dakota State University. We re on the web; check us out at Attending training this summer don t forget to complete a travel voucher when you return from your travel! Congratulations Cadets on a great semester filled with numerous events and memories! Summer is a great time to continue to build your resume or enhance your activities list, often referred to as the Career Path in ROTC. Set yourself up for success for when you are a senior and go through the accession process. Work on Scholar, Athlete and Leader opportunities for personal development. Take a summer class to enhance your grade point average, play softball on a community league or lead a community service project to clean up your hometown. Be active, try something different: get out and enjoy your surroundings wherever you spend your summer.