Joint Service Review

         Joint Service Review is an honored tradition where all three ROTC units (Air Force, Army, and Naval) march in a formal military parade and conduct a joint Pass and Review. The University of Minnesota hosted this event on Saturday April 23^rd and family and friends were encouraged to come watch. We were able to get first hand accounts of the event from five cadets who were all in different leadership positions.

Cadet Hubert was the AF contact, and played a key role in planning, set up, and rehearsals.

         “Joint Service Review was an incredible experience. It was a joint operation, headed by the Navy. Staff Sergeant Lomeli was the one in charge, making sure every movement and command was correct. Master Sergeant Berube was always present at each practice, helping out in any way that he could. As JSR week began, practices started at 0600 every morning for those Key Personnel as well as those in charge. Color Guard was also at these practices. The Color Guard was combined of Air Force Cadets, Army Cadets, as well as Navy Midshipmen. Each branch had their own flat as well as the American Flag and the POW flag. Once Wednesday hit, all hands started practicing. This is where the entire detachment from Air Force, and each Army and Navy Unit were present. Practices ran each day from 0600 to 0800. On Friday, we were all able to participate in the Annual Moto Run. This is to build the comradery between the branches as well as get a good two and a half mile run in before the actual ceremony. Once Saturday hit, practice began at 0800. Cadets and Midshipmen arrived and went through an entire run through. This included the narration, the awards, the band playing, and the pass in review. The Joint Service Review Ceremony began at 1300. Over 50 guests attended, as well as many retirees and active duty military were present. Overall is was a great success and we are excited for next year's Joint Service Review.”

                                                                                          C/Hubert

Cadet A. Burneske was in charge of conducting the band.

         “ I was the JSR band director this year. The band is open to any cadet or midshipman who has some background playing a wind or percussion instrument. This year there were about 15 of us. We started rehearsing about three weeks before JSR because many of our members haven't played for years or months. They can really use the extra practice! By the time the week of JSR came, we were playing quite well. At that point it was time to practice aligning our music with the cues from the JSR script. That part isn't too difficult though; we spend more of our time making the music we have work with what ever combination of instruments we have and coming up for clever solutions to problems we run into. For example, Cadet Knapp had to transpose an entire clarinet part so she could play with us because we didn't have any music for her to play on her flute. All of the cadets and midshipmen worked really hard and JSR went really well. It definitely helped that we had a tuba and three trombones this year. We also had a really strong trumpet player which helped on the Air Force song and Army song. I think this was the best JSR band I've seen in my four years of playing with ROTC.”

                                                                                          C/Burneske

Cadet Bendler ran the Eagles drill team.

         “Along with the joint Pass and Review, the rifle drill teams from each branch come together in the days leading up to the Review and create a joint drill performance. Our detachment's rifle drill team is called the Eagles Drill Team, and JSR is the culmination of the work we put in every year. This year the Navy drill team commander created the rifle routine that all of the branches then learned and participated in. We only had about a week and a half to learn this new routine, and due to some last minute changes, we needed to find another Cadet to perform with us. So a replacement was sought out, less than a week before the performance, and Cadet Harris was found. I think he was the real MVP of this performance, because he came in so soon before a big performance like this and kept practicing and by the time JSR rolled around he did great. Besides Cadet Harris, the team was comprised of Cadets Pederson, Zastrow, Knapp, Braun, and myself (Bendler). The rifle routine went very well, with only a couple small mistakes, but I mean its hard to be perfect when you're throwing 9 pound rifles through the air!”

                                                                                          C/Bendler

Cadet Brown remained in formation, took part in the formal parade and the joint Pass and Review, and was able to accept an award on another cadet’s behalf, as well as one of his own.

         “JSR was great! This was actually my first JSR. Normally I leave town around this time to travel to Duluth or to one of the Ojibwe nations. I was lucky enough to be on the working party at 0630 to help set-up and it was a fun way to start the day. We got a jumpstart on the inter-service bonding and had the chance to get breakfast before practice began. The ceremony was not nearly as painful as everyone makes it out to be. It should be a welcomed affair for only having it once per year. My favorite part was accepting the award for Cadet of the Year. It was an honor to march in front of all of our guests and the platoon to receive the award from Lt. Col Grupe. I think she even winked and said, "Congratulations Cadet Bryson." After all, I was accepting the award on his behalf. Overall JSR was a very positive experience. It is awesome that we get the opportunity to come together with the other branches for a formal awards ceremony and pass in review. I doubt many others do. I might even have to make sure I'm available to do it again next year.”

                                                                                          C/Brown

Cadet Scholl also stood in formation for the entirety of the two-hour ceremony and participated in the formal parade.

         “As the University of Minnesota is one of the few locations with all branches of service represented in ROTC, every year a military parade is executed as a chance to demonstrate the training that all cadets and midshipmen go through.

While standing in formation for an extended period of time may not be the most enjoyable way to spend a Saturday afternoon, it is an amazing chance for cadets to demonstrate their discipline and military bearing (hopefully without passing out) that they have developed. Fortunately, the distance from the audience means that a little swaying and leg-shaking can go unnoticed and keep the blood flowing. It is also a chance for individuals to have their accomplishments recognized and rewarded with a variety of awards on the day of. This is a great honor; however awarded cadets may say that getting out of formation is also as rewarding. All in all, it was a motivating and morale-raising event that cadets feel accomplished for completing.”

                                                                                          C/Scholl

Field Training Preparation

            On April 1^st our cadets in Det. 415 found out who among them were selected to go to Field Training this summer. When we found out that our detachment had a 100% acceptance rate, the cadets erupted with cheers, laughter, and even tears. To get an insider’s perspective on the training that has been going on throughout the semester, the trainers and the cadets answered some burning questions that we had.

            When asked how the trainers are preparing their cadets for Field Training, Cadet Amundson said, “we are training them with the idea of character and personal development at the forefront. In our experience, the best Cadets not only at Field Training, but also at the detachment, are those who are the best people. Anyone can learn technical skills, though the character and interpersonal skills are what sets leaders apart from the pack.” Cadet Bryson added that, “the main focus for us this semester was not only focusing on the fundamental knowledge requirements, but also teaching the FTP cadets to think creatively and to understand the purpose behind their actions.”

           Field Training is known to be tough on the body physically, but it also takes a lot of mental strength as well. Cadet Bryson said that while cadets are at Field Training they should remember, “The reason that they were chosen to be there. Everyone chooses a career in the Air Force for their own personal reasons. Remember that on the days that you are tired and hungry.” Cadet Amundson addressed the relationships made during this time when he said cadets should remember that, “They are a team. Friendships that last a lifetime will be forged down there, and that they will never have another experience like this again. Make the most of it.”

            Field Training is typically described as “The most fun you never want to have again.” According to Cadet Bryson, most people don’t realize “How much fun it can actually be. Everyone knows that it will be hard and that they will be tested, but not many people realize just how enjoyable the experience can be if you put all of your effort into it,” according to Cadet Bryson. Cadet Amundson said that most people don’t know that “Most of the instructors are actually pretty nice guys/gals that sincerely want the best for you, and will push your limits to help you achieve that.  It is important to not lose sight of that when you are down there.”

            Cadet Amundson, when asked one thing he wish he had been told before Field Training, said, “To not worry so much, and to keep a journal. Much of FT can turn into a blur if you don’t have a way of recording it and there will be things that you wish you could have a clearer memory of.” Cadet Bryson agreed and said, “Eat more dinner rolls. Although, in all seriousness I would echo Cadet Amundson’s thoughts. Just remember that you have the knowledge and training, and you will be fine. You’ve got this."

            Lastly, the crucial information, the golden ticket; we asked the best piece of advice that they were given while at Field Training. Cadet Bryson said, “Don’t roll in the ant hills (which I inadvertently ignored and regretted almost immediately). That and to shut up and let people make their own mistakes. Often times we can get caught up in our own experiences and forget that we are part of a team [of people] who all have their own strengths and weaknesses. By stopping and letting someone else make a mistake (even if you know the answer) you could potentially learn something new yourself by watching and/or helping them through it.” Cadet Amundson chimed in with, “Remember names, not only for Field Training, but also life in general.  It says a lot about someone who remembers the names of the people he/she works with, leads, or trains.”

            Now for the opposite perspective, we asked cadets some questions about their concerns, preparations thus far, and needed improvements. Cadet Hughes said she’s most nervous about “sleeping” at Field Training. Cadet Beck said, “I am most nervous about falling asleep during the speakers that I will sweat so much I will turn into a prune.” Cadet Clark is most nervous about not taking care of his team, “not being creative enough, not devoting enough time to prayer, or getting passive aggressive and doing something stupid.”

            The best advice that Cadet Hughes has gotten thus far is “don’t try to be the type of leader you think a leader should be, be the leader you are.” Cadet Beck was told “to just be myself down there (at Field Training), and to be confident.” From what he’s heard, “as long as you are true to yourself and a good person you will have no problem meshing with you team and making the experience bearable.” Cadet Clark was given more specific advice as to wear his soffees under all his uniforms.

            When asked how preparation as a flight is going, Cadet Hughes said “as a flight/squadron we have been doing more outdoor marching, Group Leadership Projects (GLPs)… basically following what is in the Field Training Manual (FTM) to ensure we know everything before we get to Field Training. Additionally, we are working on learning different leadership, as well as followership skills. As for Physical Training (PT), we have been upping the intensity with more running, push-ups and sit-ups and working on the skills that will allow us to do our best on the FA.” Cadet Beck had a similar answer when he said “we continue to become physically fit during PT. We also continue to develop the mindset that will help us down there by practicing GLP's according to the LCE forms. One big area where we prepare together as a flight is at the FTP review sessions held every Sunday night where we practice bed making and shirt and sock rolling.” Cadet Clark added that they “did a self assessment to figure out where our weak areas are and sought the trainers input to catch the areas that we're weaker in than we think, which has helped us focus in on those weak areas. At this point, everything is on us to work together to prepare.”

            Individually, Cadet Hughes said she has “been studying the FTM, studying warrior knowledge, working out outside of PT and just trying to mentally prepare by talking to older cadets about their experiences.” Cadet Beck has been “practicing rolling clothes outside of FTP review time as well as studying Warrior Knowledge, including the quotes, and the verbiage for procedures.” Cadet Clark has been working on “practicing all the little details now so that they're second nature by Field Training (i.e. shirt rolling, bed making, warrior knowledge, etc.), looking over past Group Leadership Project notes, and evaluating what my strengths and weaknesses are as a leader, follower, teammate, and cadet.”

            We asked the cadets who they first told about being selected for field training. Cadet Hughes, Cadet Beck, and Cadet Clark all told their parents.     

     

             Lastly, we asked the cadets about one aspect they could improve before Field Training. Cadet Hughes said, “Everything… honing in on the skills that will help me be a better leader and follower, whether in marching, GLPs, warrior knowledge or being a good wingman.” Cadet Beck said he is looking forward to improving his “bed-making abilities (which still need work), however I am most looking forward to improving my ability to be a dynamic follower. I think the staff that we have training us right now are doing a great job on continually improving each one of us. Dynamic follower-ship is something I think they have helped me out the most with and I believe they will continue to help me improve this skill.” Cadet Clark is eager to improve his “followership, selflessness, and trust.”

Bataan Memorial Death March

Over spring break a group of 7 cadets traveled to New Mexico to participate in the 27^th annual Bataan Memorial Death March at White Sands Missile Range.  Cadets Csizmadia, Larson, Scholl, Syed, and Zastrow participated in the marathon while Cadets Bendler and Wells ensured their safe travel by driving the 21 hours to Las Cruces.

The Bataan Memorial Death March has been hosted each year at the White Sands Missile Range since 1989.  The march honors a special group of World War II heroes.  These brave soldiers were responsible for the defense of the islands of Luzon, Corregidor and the harbor defense forts of the Philippines.

On April 9, 1942, tens of thousands of American and Filipino soldiers were surrendered to Japanese forces. They were marched for days in the scorching heat through the Philippine jungles. Thousands died. Those who survived faced the hardships of a prisoner of war camp. Others were wounded or killed when unmarked enemy ships transporting prisoners of war to Japan were sunk by U.S. air and naval forces.

Our cadets visited the memorial in Las Cruces paying respects to the memorials erected in honor of the veterans of Bataan as well as the Vietnam War.

 

The Vietnam Memorial in Las Cruces, NM

 Cadet Wells, Bendler, and Csizmadia listening to Vietnam veterans

The Bataan Death March Memorial

The marathon began early on Sunday morning.  The course of the marathon was extremely difficult featuring sandy trail, long hills and no cover from the sun.  At the finish line finishers were able to shake the hands of several veterans that were in the Bataan Death March during WWII.  It was an extremely humbling experience.  The team finished in 4 hours and 39 minutes taking 3^rd place out of 11 in the ROTC light team competition behind Saint John’s Army ROTC and the U of M Army ROTC teams.  It was the first marathon for everyone on the team.  The overall trip was a success and a great experience for everyone on the team.

The team approaching the finish line

While talking about the race, Cadet Csizmadia said, “It started out at 35 degrees. I was shaking so badly that the people in the group behind us asked if I was okay.” Cadet Syed added, “The heat wasn’t nearly as big of a factor as the cold.”

When asked about specific memorable events of the race Cadet Syed told a short story where, “A Chief Master Sergeant came running by and asked the team if they were doing alright and they responded that they were doing just fine. He responded with ‘Well Airmen don’t walk…but since you guys are cadets I guess it’s okay’. Boy that lit a fire in us and we passed him within the last quarter mile (ironically, he was walking).”

On the same topic, Cadet Csizmadia said “the sheer number of people at the race was inspiring. There were teams from Germany, Canada, France, Australia, and even Great Britain. Seeing them all there in support was amazing. There were around 6,000 runners and the youngest was 10 and the oldest was in his mid 70’s.”

On the topic of good food, during the trip Cadet Csizmadia said they stopped at a really nice Mexican restaurant on the border in El Paso. Cadet Syed chimed in that the food was wonderful and he would definitely do it again but he “wouldn’t do the Chimichangas the day before the race.”

Driving down must have been an interesting experience. Both Cadet Csizmadia and Cadet Syed agreed that the car ride on the way down was much more comfortable and roomy compared to the ride back when they had one extra member join them.

Overall, the cadets on the trip seemed to have an amazing time and Cadet Larson and Cadet Csizmadia said they would gladly do it again. With the success of this experience, it is sure to be a new detachment tradition for years to come.