The Official News Letter of the Buckeye Battalion Spring 2009 The Guidon From the Editor The Ohio State University Army ROTC program is an experience that those involved innever forget. All of the cadets here work tirelessly daily in preparing themselves to become a Second Lieutenant and a leader for life. Inside the Guidon are Cadet written articles highlighting various events from the newest ROTC members to those ready to graduate and join the ranks of our Army. Some of the interesting articles in this edition include stories from the Tri-Service Passs in Review and the Spring Joint Field Training Exercise. We hope you find the articles of interest and thank you for your continued support of the Buckey Battalion. Buckeyes Lead the Way! -C/CPT David Blanton Inside this Issue Page 2 Cadet Battalion Commander s Remarks Ranger Force Page 3 Alpha Company Page 4 Bravo Company Page 5 Spring JFTX Page 6 2009 Spring Pass in Review Page 7 2009 s Ceremony The Official Newsletter of The Ohio State University Army ROTC Buckeye Battalion Summer Training As summer approaches and school winds down, the Cadets of the Ohio State Army ROTC battalion prepare for many summer training opportunities. These summer training events give Cadets of all levels the chance to grow as leaders and experience the Army firsthand while extending the tradition of Buckeyes Lead the Way! The major summer training event for the MSIII Cadets, is spending 33 days at Fort Lewis, Washington conducting the Leadership Development Assessment Course (LDAC). This event is the culmination of three years of training on campus and gives our juniors the chance to show why OSU is the best ROTC program in the country. At LDAC, our Cadets will have the opportunity to practice their land navigation skills, work with cadets from all over the country, and most importantly demonstrate their leadership skills. Another training event that some of our MSIIIs will experience is called Cadet Troop Leading Training. CTLT is an opportunity to spend two weeks with an active duty platoon serving as the platoon leader. This gives Cadets the opportunity to actually see and experience the daily challenges of a platoon leader. There are CTLT slots throughout many different types of Army units, which allows the MSIII s to experience what a certain Army branch is like. Some of these slots are Airborne slots that provide another opportunity to jump out of a perfectly good airplane. Airborne school is another training opportunity that is open to all Cadets. It takes place at Ft. Benning, Georgia. The course lasts three weeks and culminates with five jumps from 1250 feet. The first week is where Cadets learn the proper methods of how to properly exit an aircraft and how to properly land. The second week is tower week, which Cadets get to practice exiting from a 34 foot tower and 250 foot tower. The final week is jump week, where Cadets must complete five successful jumps to earn their Airborne wings. Some Cadets will also have the chance to attend Air Assault School at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky. This school is eleven days long. Since the Buckeye Battalion operates on quarters instead of semesters we typically get a few extra slots for summer training school like Airborne. Cadets wanting to compete for a slot should maintain their physical fitness and work hard. Another training opportunity that has been presented to our Cadets for this summer is the chance to attend Robin Sage training. This summer, the Buckeyes will send two Cadets to this school where they will gain amazing experiences from playing opposing force (OPFOR) for active duty Special Forces members. No matter what training events our Cadets attend, they will gain the skills necessary to maintain the primacy of the United States Army. -C/LTC Kyle Steiner
The Guidon C/LTC Kyle Steiner Ranger Force Comments from the Cadet Battalion Commander With the completion of Autumn and Winter quarters the Cadets of the Buckeye Battalion are now in the run phase of training. Throughout this quarter, much of the responsibility of running the battalion is in the hands of the MSIII and MSIV classes. The experience that the Cadets gained throughout the Spring quarter will absolutely prove to be critical, as our MSIVs will soon be platoon leaders in charge of at least 35 Soldiers. Some of the training that is highlighted in this issues includes the annual spring Combined Field Training Exercise (CFTX), the Joint Service Pass-In-Review, and the spring quarter awards ceremony. The week-to-week training during spring quarter was heavily focused on squad level situational tactical exercises (STX). While running a STX lane, the MSIII cadets were placed in charge of a squad (about 12 cadets) and given a mission to execute. These missions ranged from reconnaissance, to assaulting an enemy position, to keeping peace among hostile insurgents. Our MSI and MSII cadets also participated in the STX as valuable squad members and team leaders. The MSIV class provided the opposing force (OPFOR) and also tactical evaluators and lane walkers. Another major responsibility for our MSIVs is planning all of the missions and training that is executed by the MSI-III Cadets. With the conclusion of spring quarter comes many exciting opportunities. Many of the MSI and MSII cadets will be off to summer training including Robin Sage, Airborne, and Air Assault. All of the MSIII cadets are now extremely well prepared to accomplish all that will be demanded of them while at LDAC s Warrior Forge. And of course the MSIV are equally prepared to join their first active duty or reserve unit as competent leaders. All of these next steps allow our Buckeyes to continue the tradition of Ohio State s excellence. BUCKEYES LEAD THE WAY! - C/LTC Kyle Steiner Spring quarter brought with it a full schedule for Ranger Force (RF), the Buckeye Battalion s premier tactical club. Ranger Force is an organization that is open to any Cadet in the Battalion who excels both mentally and physically and wants to continue to improve themselves. They must be willing to work hard and stay dedicated in order to succeed. We focus on developing junior leaders by learning a variety of skills, tactics, and the history of the Rangers. Training this quarter has included an in-depth studying of battle drills and operations orders, room clearing exercises and a paintball lab. The MS IIIs are prepared for LDAC and ready to match the high standard of performance established by the previous class. Seven seniors will be graduating this June. Their professionalism and dedication set the example for others to follow. Those from the candidate class who have proved their merit are almost ready to join the ranks. As the academic year draws to a close, RF has already set its sights on the Ranger Challenge competition in the fall and plans to send a team to compete and win. RLTW!! -CDT Beil
Page 3 Remarks From the Alpha Company Commander Congratulations to all members of the Buckeye Battalion for completing another amazing year together! The motivation and hard work displayed by all classes has been nothing less then excellent. You should all feel confident and excited moving into your summer training and new leadership roles as you advance to the next step. A Co has been especially hard working this spring quarter as we executed intense weekly training along with a Field Training Exercise at Camp Atterbury, IN. The juniors lead the underclassmen through tough and realistic situational training exercises weekly that not only develop their leadership skills, but also provide training for real world situations they may face in the future. The Cadets learned the basics of ambushes, reconnaissance, movement to contact, and how to knock out a bunker. These training events culminated in our annual Spring Field Training Exercise in which the juniors executed three days of intense non-stop training including Field Leadership Reaction Courses, Basic Rifle Marksmanship, Day and Night Land Navigation Courses, and nine different Situational Training Exercises that imitated real world combat missions. A Co also participated in a number of extra curricular activities that displayed our professionalism and dedication to service. The entire OSU Corps of Cadets consisting of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines came together to execute our annual Pass In Review. This military tradition allows the commander to inspect the troops as they march by. A Company represented the Army exceptionally well. A Co also participated in The OSU ROTC Joint Service Olympics. All four services came together and participated in numerous events including sprints, pull-ups, pushups, and the tug-o-war. Once again, the Army came away with the trophy after dominating the tug-o-war event. A Company cadets will head off to Army installations across the country to participate in various training activities including Airborne School, Air Assault School, and Leadership Development Assessment Course. I have the utmost confidence in all of our Cadets, and I remind them to always maintain their military excellence and professionalism, as they are direct representatives of the Buckeye Battalion wherever they go. We at the Buckeye Battalion have created a name for ourselves, and I have no doubt that our new leaders will not only maintain this reputation but improve upon it as they continue their military career. Good luck to you all and as always BUCKEYES LEAD THE WAY! C/CPT David Hurd A Co Commander
Page 4 Remarks From the Bravo Company Commander The end of spring quarter marked the end of another training year for the Buckeye Battalion (the 135 th training year since LTC McFarland taught the first tactics and drill classes at OSU in 1874). The Bravo Company Terminators had a busy quarter between weekly physical training (PT) sessions and leadership labs. Cadets continued to utilize the Ranger Athlete Warrior (RAW) physical fitness program during PT, but were afforded the opportunity to modify the workouts to better suit our company. All that training was focused on preparing the cadets for the Army Physical Fitness Test at the end of the quarter. For the MS IIIs, this APFT counted toward their assessions packet, which will be used to determine their standing in the national Order of Merit List (OML). That list will rank all of the Cadets in their cohort from across the nation, except West Point Cadets. Labs focused on Situational Training Exercises (STX) lanes, STX lanes with variables, section-level patrolling, a squad competition for the MS Is and IIs, and an inspection of the MS III s equipment to ensure they are set up for success when they attend LDAC. On top of the aforementioned weekly training, the Terminators participated in a number of other training events and battalion activities. Combat Water Survival Training was conducted at the RPAC, the Joint Field Training Exercise (JFTX) was held at Camp Atterbury, IN, ROTC Spring s Ceremony (at which Bravo Co. was well represented), Armed Forces Day luncheon, Joint Service Pass and Review on the Oval, and the 1 st annual Major Ray Mendoza Memorial 5K run. Bravo Co. Cadets represented the company and the battalion well throughout the quarter. 1 st Platoon beat out the other three platoons in the battalion to earn the title of Honor Platoon after outstanding performances in a number of evaluated events. A number of Cadets also were also recognized for Cadet of the Month awards, high APFT scores, community service contributions, and for various and sundry accolades at the Spring s ceremony. BUCKEYES LEAD THE WAY! C/CPT Jim Hyman B Co Commander
Page 5 Spring Joint Field Training Exercise As campus begins to wind down for the homestretch of spring quarter, the intensity only increases for the MSIII Cadets of the Buckeye Battalion, culminating with the Spring Combined Field Training Exercise (CFTX). The annual CFTX this year was held at Camp Atterbury, IN from April 29-May 3. Here Cadets were integrated with fellow MSIII Cadets from the University of Cincinnati and Ohio University. The CFTX serves as a final preparation for the summer training these Cadets with all undergo. This final training will be held at the Leadership Development and Assessment Course (LDAC) in Ft. Lewis, WA. Cadets left early on the morning of the 29th and flew via CH-47 Chinook helicopter to Camp Atterbury. Upon arrival, they immediately began their integration with Cadets from the other universities in preparation for the training that was to follow. Over the next three days these Cadets participated in a variety of training exercises including Squad Tactical Exercises (STX), Field Leader Reaction Courses (FLRC), Land Navigation, and Basic Rifle Marksmanship (BRM). In STX, squads of 9 to 11 Cadets performed various missions in order to evaluate their leadership skills, which they have spent their time in ROTC developing. These exercises ranged from conventional reconnaissance missions and ambushes to more complex operations such as reacting to an improvised explosive device and working in cooperation with foreign civilians or a non-governmental organization. FLRC exercises are also used to test Cadets quick thinking and leadership abilities. During these exercises, the Cadet squads are expected to negotiate man made obstacles using sound judgment, planning, and teamwork. Land navigation training provides Cadets the opportunity to perfect their ability to navigate through wooded terrain using only a map, compass, and pace count. At Camp Atterbury, the Cadets did their land navigation training at night and were expected to find three out of five points in less than three hours in order to earn a successful GO in training. The last event of the weekend was the BRM training. Cadets had the opportunity to become familiar with the M16A2 and fire on a pop up range with the M16A2 rifle. While few college students can be found on the weekends waking up before noon, these Cadets awoke at 4 A.M. to begin a 15 hour day. The outstanding performance by our Cadets shows that not only do we have the highest caliber of Cadre and Cadets at The Ohio State University but that our MSIIIs attending LDAC will not only meet, but exceed the standard. BUCKEYES LEAD THE WAY! Above. Cadets negotiate an obstacle for FLRC. Below. Cadets on board a CH- 47 Chinook helicopter enroute to Camp Atterbury. King -C/CPT Lauren
Page 6 Spring Joint Service Pass in Review One of the highlights for all three services of ROTC is our spring Pass-In-Review. This year s event was a great success, highlighted by perfect weather and a great attendance from students, faculty, parents, and community members. Held on the Oval for the fourth consecutive year, this event is a culmination of all of the training conducted throughout the entire year. This year the reviewing officer was CPT Steven K. Noce the commanding officer of the Naval ROTC department at The Ohio State University. CPT Noce delivered an inspiring speech to all of the ROTC Cadets, outlining what it means to be an officer in America s Armed Forces. He explained that you are an officer at all times, on and off duty. The event was also attended by the spring concert band that provided amazing music for the event, including Carmen Ohio, Ohio Sate s Alma Matter. This year s commander of troops was C/LTC Kyle Steiner and the adjutant was C/CSM Alex Carlier. These two individuals were tasked with giving commands to the Corps of Cadets, ensuring that the event was executed flawlessly. Also, C/1LT Josh Edwards helped to make this a great event by providing excellent commentary. A big thanks to all of the Cadets, an event as great as this would not be possible without everyone s involvement! -C/LTC Kyle Steiner
Page 7 The 2009 Spring s Ceremony The 2009 Spring s Ceremony was help at the Fawcett Center. We appreciate those who were able to attend. The following individuals received awards. Congratulations! The Most Supportive Civilian/ Agency of the Year -David Reeves The Most Supportive Alumni of the Year -LTC Daryl Kelly, USA, Ret. - MG R. Clifton Gibbs, USA, Ret. The National Guard Person of the Year -MAJ G. Allen Renner Military Order of the Purple Heart -CDT Kyle Steiner Association of The United Army Medal -CDT Zachary Calamante The Association of the United States Army Military History -CDT Craig Morin Sons of the American Revolution -CDT Harold Shorter The Military Officers Club of Central Ohio -CDT Geoffery Thomas The Military Order of the World Wars -CDT Craig Doran -CDT Matthew White -CDT Henry Corretjer Daughters of the Founders and Patriots of America -CDT Megan Matthews The Society of the War of 1812 -CDT Daniel Shell The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the USA -CDT Matthew Ausderan The National Defense Industrial Association -CDT Jonathan Gribben The Daughters of the American Revolution -CDT Rachel Gerlach The American Veterans of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam - AMVETS -CDT Brian Wilson The National Sojourners -CDT Lindsay Whitney The Reserve Officer Association -CDT Dominic Howard -CDT Sean Fulford -CDT Aaron Siebenaller -CDT Christopher Heheman The American Legion Military Excellence -CDT Matthew Kocher -CDT Kyle Steiner The American Legion Scholastic -CDT John Thibault -CDT James Hyman The USAA Spirit -CDT Brian Bunting The Department of the Army Decoration Superior Cadet s -CDT Jarren Thomas -CDT Tyler Fritz -CDT John Crisp -CDT David Blanton MG Raymond Mason Scholar - CDT Clayton Yates The George C. Marshall ROTC -CDT David Blanton The Military Order of the Loyal Legion -CDT James Hyman The Scottish American Military Society -CDT Adam Fitzsimmons Marksmanship -CDT Todd Anderson -CDT Daniel Bentley -CDT Zachary Calamente -CDT Ryan Devine -CDT Jacob Harvey -CDT Aaron Siebenaller -CDT Kyle Steiner The O Neill Family OSU Army ROTC Scholarship Fund -CDT Brandon Kurtz The Apple Foundation Scholarship -CDT Scott Bierwirth The Major General Raymond E. Mason Scholastic Achievement -CDT Steven Stipkovich The SGM Robert L. Smith and Georgia Ann Smith Army ROTC Scholarship -CDT David Derrick -CDT Kurt Sardiga -CDT Ian Beil -CDT Alex Carlier The OSU Army ROTC Alumni Society Scholarship -CDT Jay Dawson -CDT Kurtis Kuhl -CDT Tonya Armstrong -CDT Lauren King
Good Luck To The Graduating Seniors of 2009! Buckeyes Lead The Way!!! Active Duty (AD) / Reserve Duty (RD) Basic Detail Name Branch Branch Duty Station CDT Anderson AD MI AR Ft. Polk, LA CDT Barnett AD TC Ft. Campbell, KY CDT Blanton AD AR FT. Carson, CO CDT Bodey RD MS CDT Brandew ie AD AG Schofield Barracks, HI CDT Carlier AD EN Ft. Bragg, NC CDT Cisler AD FA Ft. Campbell, KY CDT Duhon AD AG Ft. Lewis, WA CDT Edw ards RD CM CDT Gerlach AD Nurse Ft. Lewis, WA CDT Gribben AD SC Ft. Bragg, NC CDT Hehemann AD MP Ft. Knox, KY CDT Hurd RD FA CDT Hyman AD IN Ft. Campbell, KY CDT Kraner AD MI IN Ft. Bliss, TX CDT Miller AD FA Ft. Lewis, WA CDT Okoro AD Nurse Walter Reed AMC, DC CDT Starin RD AD CDT Steiner AD IN Ft. Knox, KY CDT Stew art RD AR CDT Wenstrup AD TC Ft. Campbell, KY CDT Wilson RD IN I, having been appointed a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army under the conditions indicated in this document, do accept such appointment and do solemnly swear 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; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter, so help me God. - Army Officer Oath