ROTC trains at Camp Ripley
The ROTC program went to Camp Ripley this past weekend to complete their fall field training exercise. They participated in a variety of activities including medical lanes, operating tanks with paintballs, land navigation and situational training. ROTC cadets also completed the Army 10-Miler.
his past weekend, the ROTC program went to their Fall Field Training Exercise (or Fall FTX) at Camp Ripley. In addition to this exercise, a few ROTC students participated in the Army 10-Miler, which was hosted by the U of M in Stillwater, MN, as the original event in D.C. was held virtually this year.
The ROTC’s Fall FTX began on Friday and lasted until Sunday, and it is one of the two FTXs every year. Both the fall and spring FTX weekends are planned to prepare for the advanced camp the summer following one’s junior year. The students are divided into different sections based on their Military Science (MS) class: MS1, MS2, MS3 and MS4. MS1 and MS2 (first- and second-year students) work on tasks such as medical lanes and operating tanks with paintballs.
ROTC Student Rilee Schmidt explained that the activities the underclassmen do are meant to be both educational and fun for students.
“[The] teams and labs promote being the best you can be in these situations,” Schmidt said.
The MS3 group (juniors) focus mainly on situational training (STX) and training for the advanced camp, which tests and ranks their skills amongst their peers. Each group works together doing both day and night land navigation exercises as well. Lastly, the MS4 group (seniors) are responsible for planning the FTX trainings. Since MS4 has completed the advanced camp, they help prepare and train the other students for it as well.
The Army 10-Miler is a 10-mile run sponsored by D.C., and although it may seem exhausting, it is a very rewarding experience. ROTC student and SJU junior Stephen Hansmann helped coordinate and lead the 10-Miler in Stillwater, and he said that training for the event began when school started. Students would train one to two hours a day for five days a week. This effort paid off as every student participated, but it especially paid off for Emily Schmitz, who won Individual First Place for women.
Although the ROTC program may seem very busy, these students experience the liberal arts education uniquely,
building leadership skills, tenacity and teamwork. ROTC and CSB student, Mo Burns expressed that the liberal arts education at CSB/SJU improves her leadership and brings different perspectives to ROTC.
“As future leaders, we need to have an open mindset. [The] people you’re leading aren’t all cookie cutters,” Burns said.