Upward!: Cadets navigate the United States Air Force Academy obstacle course during leadership lab on March 18th at Jacks Valley,

USAFA

April Newsletter Volume V Issue II

2 From the Cadre

Mountain Ranger Newsletter Volume V Issue II

Battalion Commander: LTC James DesJardin Cadet Battalion Commander: CDT Trevor Pruett

Executive Officer: CPT Mitchell Roberts Cadet Executive Officer: CDT Andrew Woolridge

Battalion Commandant of Cadets: MSG Randy Collins Cadet CSM: CDT Kirk Stickley

PAO/Editor: CDT Uriah Meyer Editors: CDT Christopher Wilkening

Photos: CDT Luke Maisarak Additional photos: CDTs Richard Romani and John Stuart

An unofficial publication of the U.S. Army ROTC Mountain Ranger Battalion, UCCS

In the U.S. Army we have ethos, codes and mottos—tools

for individuals and units to use for motivation, guidance, and focus

on their goals or mission. This includes the officer code: Duty,

Honor, Country. One of the goals of ROTC is to develop Cadets

that will embrace and follow this code.

Through my personal experience, this

sums up the Army ROTC Cadet Matu-

ration.

For freshman MSI Cadets, I

think there is often a huge academic

transition required to adjust from high

school life to college academia. MSI

Cadets’ physical shape varies; they

could be in good shape or bad shape

depending on their lifestyle. For

many, there are adjustments on newly-

acquired independence. Independence

from mom or pops who to told them

what to do, when to sleep, what to eat.

One of the biggest challenges for MSI

Cadets is an issue with time-

management. This is their time to develop their goals and stick with

them.

During the sophomore year MSII Cadets have hopefully

learned from their previous successes and errors—a “self-

AAR” (After Action Review). By now, they have a good idea on

what how to balance academic and ROTC requirements. Their

challenges include determining their major, and what their strengths

and weaknesses are for a better overall GPA. MSIIs are traditionally

in better shape and good enough to pass an Army Physical Fitness

Test. This is when they develop a strong sense of attachment to

what they do-their duty.

The junior MS III Cadet year is “coming out of your co-

coon year.” Leadership dimensions and tactical skills are evaluated.

Motivation, physical fitness and focus are important. One of the

details they have to focus on is the Cadet Leadership Development

and Assessment Course (LDAC) that they take

during the summer. By their MSIII year they

should not just understand the ethos and mottos,

but live by them. Standards are meant to be sur-

passed. The saying: “just doing enough to get by”

is not in their vocabulary; the standard Army

APFT score of 60 points per event is not good

enough. They want to be in-charge and chal-

lenged.

Ultimately during your senior and MS IV year

you have successfully negotiated the course of

LDAC. You are more professional and you un-

derstand that you are responsible for the training

and welfare of the MSIs, MSIIs, and MS IIIs in

the battalion. You also understand that this is not

the END for you in the program but just the BE-

GINNING of your career. You have to set the

example for all to follow or exceed. Honor is important for the

MSIV. You have to continue to “walk the talk,” and not trance into

“just doing enough to get by” mode.

In my years of observation, many of you do the right thing;

however, do not fall into the “just doing enough to get by” mental-

ity. For the most part I truly enjoy watching the whole development

process. I am privileged to be a Cadre in the MRB and

enjoy the end product of ROTC...a 2nd Lieutenant in the

United States Army.

Cadet Maturation By SFC Gener Molina, Training NCO

Mountain Ranger Battalion

Inside this Issue:

3. Cadet Communications

4. Cadet Training

5. Bataan!

6. Intramural Soccer

7. Physical Training

8. Alumni Cadets wait for their turn on the Reverse Climb obstacle at lab on March

18th at Jack’s Valley, USAFA

Cadet Communications 3

A typical S-3 week starts off

at 0520 on Monday with a persistent

alarm clock. Prior to Physical Training

(PT) I give LTC. DesJardin a brief

about what is happening during the

current week. These briefings can be

intense! Afterwards, I resume back to

my full schedule including school, fam-

ily and work.

When I get home from work I immediately pull up the slides

for staff call and start to organize my notes. I create plans for the

training schedule a month out from the execution date. You have to

stay assiduous with Operation orders (OPORDs); events come and go

fast. By 2400 Tuesday, I need to get the Operation Orders to Capt.

Koontz for review and approval. Capt. Koontz is very knowledgeable

about OPORDs: that means each OPORD has to be “air-tight” before

disseminating to the Mountain Ranger Battalion. On Thursday, I

brief LTC. DesJardin all the OPORDs for the month and prepare for

my staff call brief to the Cadre.Following ROTC lab, I am briefed

over elements that did not go as planned so I can incorporate changes

into my future orders. So it is back to square one and a new week be-

gins.

Regardless if it is in ROTC, or Active Duty Army, the S-3 is

the commander’s staff officer for matters pertaining to planning, op-

erations, organization, and training. There is an S-3 in every echelon

from the battalion level up. The S-3 plans training in order to prepare

units for combat and garrison missions. A few of them include: field

training exercises, weapon range training, and Standard Operating

Procedures (SOP) training. In addition, the S-3 provides recommen-

dations for which units to deploy/redeploy, unit attachments/

detachments, and resources needed for training. The S-3 coordinates

with every staff position (S-1, S-2, S-5, etc) in order to meet the com-

mander’s intent to maintain a combat ready force The S-3 is the heart

and soul of a unit, for without the S-3 the mission will not be com-

pleted.

Although it is a lot of work, consider yourself lucky to be the

S-3 once in your officer career because, in return, you can gain

knowledge that will set you apart from many of your officer peers.

Life as the S-3 By Cadet Wade Myers,

Cadet Battalion S-3

How do you stay in Shape over break?

MSI Cadet Keith Martin

Third Platoon, Third Squad

-“I will be playing semi-

pro football for majority of

the summer, so that should

keep me in top physical

shape.”

MSII Cadet Daniel Mannon

First Platoon, Second Squad

-“I try to keep things interest-

ing by changing routes when

I run or doing “commercial

PT” while watching TV.

Commercial PT, for those

who don’t know, is simply

doing push-ups or some other

exercise while the commercials

are playing. I also try to hit

the Incline in Manitou Springs

as it offers a short, but intense

cardio and lower body work-

out.

MSIII Cadet Thomas Gonzales

Second Platoon, First Squad

-“To keep up with my run, I run

the trail at the El Pomar youth

sports park which is the same

trail I ran during high school

track and cross-country. I will

also go to Bally's gym on S.

Academy and train with my

cousin's Mixed Martial Arts

team, Kongo-Do. It's a nice

change to do something differ-

ent that can be fun and can also

smoke yourself. Hooaahh!"

MSIV Cadet Luke Maisarak

Cadet Battalion S-6

-“I take advantage of all of

the outdoor opportunities

that Colorado has to offer.

Places like Red Rock Can-

yon, Garden of the Gods,

and Helen Hunt Falls all

provide awesome scenery

for hiking, running, and

biking activities that are

beneficial for health and

fitness.”

Cadets Miller, Hilmo, Lorentz, and Deacon prepare to enter a

“hostile” building during lab at USAFA on March 11th

4 Cadet Training

Today’s conflicts demand more from our military leaders.

More than fighting skills. Skills with people. More of today’s mili-

tary work is being done with civilians and non-combatants. More

and more victories are being won in hearts and minds than in bun-

kers and trenches.” - The Soldier-Citizen-Sapien Project

The passage above ac-

centuates the importance of

training with variables from

regular squad tactics training..

The most important of these

being: how to react to, and

deal with, Civilians on the

Battlefield (COBs). Dealing

with COBs can be a daunting

task for just about any Soldier

in today’s Army. The Moun-

tain Ranger Battalion seeks to

prepare its Cadets for the

event of dealing with COBs

through hands on training, real

-life scenarios, and the imple-

mentation of a mock Rules of

Engagement (ROE) that re-

sembles that of the Current

Operating Environment.

During a recent variable

training exercise, Cadets

learned to perceive threats and

adapt to COBs who may be

dangerous to them, such as suicide bombers, and other COBs who

are friendly and may be delivering supplies, working in the base

camp or seeking assistance. Cadets must learn to follow strict rules

of engagement when encountering civilian personnel and operate

within these rules while working towards accomplishing the mis-

sion, which proves to be a difficult task when civilians refuse to

cooperate.

Generally, COB training emphasizes the need to know not

only how to shoot and fight, but also how to solve a plethora of

problems while dealing with an unfamiliar population. It helps

develop decision-making skills and quick thinking during scenarios

that parallel real-life situations. With this knowledge gained, our

Cadets are more prepared to gain victories in any future conflict, be

it winning “hearts and minds” or clearing “bunkers and trenches”

Need Help? Get Help!

GPA is 40% of your OML Use the resources you have to max out your points!

Assets provided by UCCS Assets provided by CSU-P

Language Technology Center Dwire Hall 272, 255-3690

General Education Tutoring Center Psychology Suite 232. 549.2756

Mathematics Learning Center Engineering 136, 255-3687

Math Tutoring Center Psychology Suite 232, 549.2290

Oral Communication Center Columbine Hall 312, 255-4770

1st Year Center Occhiato University Center 214/215, 549-

2584

Science Learning Center El Pomar Center 239, 255-3689

HSB (business) Learning Center HSB building 230, 549-2155

Writing Center Columbine Hall 316, 255-4336

Writing Room Psychology Suite 232, 549.2581

Tutoring among your peers is available through the ROTC. Contact William Port (Mentorship CIC) at

w.port@ymail.com to be linked with a subject matter expert in your area of study.

Cadets Lee and Wilson clear a room during lab on March 11th at

Jack’s Valley, USAFA

Cadets start Variable Squad Training Exercises By Cadet Elvin Marmol,

MSIII, Third Platoon, First Squad

Cadets react to an enemy troop

during glass house MOUT training

at USAFA on March 11th

Bataan! 5

Bataan 2010 By Cadet Richard Romani,

MSIII, Third Platoon, Forth Squad

On March 19th, thousands of people from across the U.S

and the globe gathered to remember those that lost their lives in one

of the most tragic violations of human rights. The Bataan memorial

death march commemorates the U.S. and Filipino Soldiers that died

when forced to march 60 plus miles by Japanese forces in WWII.

I had the privilege for a third time to participate in this

Marathon to honor those that suffered. Our program sent two teams

this year to compete in

this year’s race. UCCS

sent a heavy team whose

members completed the

race with a thirty-five

pound ruck, and CSU-

Pueblo sent a light team

(no rucks). Having done

heavy for two years be-

fore I was glad to be

given the chance to try

and complete in the light

category. Some might

think that the light cate-

gory is easy. Truthfully,

it is no cake walk. Yes,

heavy does put a higher

toll on one’s body, but

the light teams must run

the entire duration of the

26.2 mile race in order to

be competitive.

Running the race is not

just something that one

decides to do the day

before. One must train prior to the event for several months. The

CSU-Pueblo team this year started its regime a month before the

winter break last semester and consisted of running at least three

times during the week and putting in long runs on the weekends.

This training paid off our CSU-Pueblo team managed to come in

third during the event. The UCCS also did very well and placed

sixth among over twenty teams in both categories. I look forward to

next year where I can participate for a fourth time in this fun yet

challenging event.

Cadet Hunt, participating with the UCCS

heavy team makes his way through the

New Mexico desert

Cadets Wilson, Romani, Counce, Martin, and Lambert enjoy break-

fast at Denny’s, a MRB tradition following the Bataan Marathon

Cadet Port prepares for the marathon by

hydrating

Cadets Hunt, Wolford, and Briggs share the back seat during the day-long drive

down to White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, where the Bataan Memorial

Death March is held.

6 Intramural Soccer

The indoor soccer team has been a great

opportunity for the Cadets to come to-

gether and have fun while still being able

to get in some extra PT. Being the Cap-

tain of the team I have had the opportu-

nity to assemble the team and have a

relationship with the Cadets that are

stress free, a little competitive, and more

importantly fun.

The team consists of five players on the

court while one is in goal. There must be

two females on the field at all times and

when the females score it counts as two points rather than only one for

males. The teams have a variety of players with some very experi-

enced and some whom just started

playing. So far, the Army ROTC

team has been very successful losing

only once and winning three games.

Our team consists of Cadet Jonathan

Briggs, Lisa Woolridge, Chris

Yackley, Matt Wolford, Dillian

Pritts, LeAnn Buchholz , Andrew

Woolridge, and Luke Masiarak.

Our point leaders are Yackley as

well as Ward who both show dedi-

cation and hard work.

Our team is strong and

may possibly qualify for the cham-

pionships. Our games are on Tues-

day nights, for Cadets willing to

come to show support.

Intramural Soccer By Cadet Desiree Palmer,

MSIII, Second Platoon, Forth Squad

Represent the Mountain Ranger Battalion in UCCS Intramural Sports!

ROTC Deadline

for sponsorship

Captain

Meetings

Season

Duration Days of Play

Volleyball (4v4) Volleyball is open! Contact CIC Hines-Brickles at hhines@uccs.edu if interested!

Flag Football (4v4) May 2nd N/A Tourn 5/2 (1:00)

Ultimate Frisbee (6v6) May 4th N/A Tourn 5/4 (7:30)

Kickball (7v7) May 5th N/A Tourn 5/5

Dodgeball (7v7) May 6th N/A Tourn

5/6 (7:00)

For more Information, contact CDT Leanne Buchholz at lbuchhol@uccs.edu

Cadets Brown and Lee act as safeties for the Reverse Climb ob-

stacle during lab on March 18th

The Mountain Ranger Battalion run on Fort Carson on March

5th.

Cadet Richert completes the

Ft. Carson run on March 5th.

PT 7

A great way to max sit ups, as with all other exercises, is

making a workout routine, hard training, and a good mental state.

These three simple steps will allow you to max your sit ups in less

than two weeks.

When making a workout routine you should make a plan to

at least work your abs about every other day. Additionally, compli-

ment the workout with a daily run-to build core strength and endur-

ance. The bottom line is it is essential to challenge yourself! In order

to do that you have to give yourself a goal, and then create a workout

that is more challenging than that goal.

For example, if you want to do 80 sit ups in two minutes,

create a workout that requires you to do a quantity more than 80 sit

ups, such as 100 sit ups at your own pace. Once quantity starts to get

easy, challenge yourself by adding time into the mix, one full minute

of fast non stop sit ups, then after a minute continue at your own pace

until you get to 100. When that gets easy do the same thing except on

an incline bench. The key to making a HARD training routine is to

keep CHALLENGING yourself.

A good mental state is as important as everything else. If

you have a good attitude then you will feel good, push harder, and

results will be more distinct. Concentrate on the part you’re working

on and your workout will feel better. Listen to music when you work-

out, something that gets your body in the mood.

Following these simple steps, developing a workout routine,

training hard, and maintaining a good mental attitude, will enable you

to max your sit ups no problem.

Tips for Maxing your Sit Ups! By Cadet Joseph Hinojosa,

MSII, Second Platoon, Third Squad

“Pain is not evil, unless it conquers us.”

-Charles Kingsley

Cadet Cillo performs the sit up portion of the APFT

LTC DesJardin and MSG Collins lead the Mountain Ranger Battal-

ion on a run on Ft. Carson on March 5th

Cadets Miranda and Woolridge wrap up their timed two-mile run

event during the APFT at Colorado College on March 17th

After twenty-two straight months of

being in Training and Doctrine Command

(TRADOC), I am finally about to earn the

badge that I have been seeking since commis-

sioning from the Mountain Ranger Battalion,

the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD)

Badge or “Crab.” My training began with

Basic Officer Leadership Course (BOLC) II

and III. Through my academic performance

there I earned a spot to go to the EOD School

located in Redstone Arsenal, Alabama.

The first phase of EOD school, com-

monly known as Redstone, was created to

help the Army assess soldiers’ natural aptitude and ability to perform

basic EOD tasks. These include basic demo procedures, EOD tool

setup, and publications research. After completing the ten week Phase

I, I proceeded to Eglin AFB near Destin, FL, where the real training

started.

The school is run by the Navy and is located on an Air Force

base, which gives the school a number of interesting characteristics.

The floor is called a deck, the latrine is called a head, and by Navy

standards, the whole building is technically a ship simply because it

has an anchor out in front. Phase II turned out to be vastly different

than Redstone. It started with CORE division, which was about three

weeks long, and covered most of what we had already learned at Red-

stone, things like basic terminology and ordnance identification.

Demo division followed immediately afterwards. In the demo

division, our instructors expanded beyond the basics of demo. The

concepts they taught included specialized demolition techniques that

could be used to slice steel or punch a 10’ hole straight down into the

ground with shaped charges.

One of my favorite sections of the program was the following

tools and methods division. We learned how to pull a fuse out of a

projectile or bomb with nothing but tape and rope and how to use

the .50 cal “dearmer” to shoot a hole

through a fuse or jam the inner workings.

The next two divisions, Ground

and Air, were the hardest. These divisions

were where all of the training we had re-

ceived came into full use. We were ex-

pected to be able to safely and quickly

conduct a recon of a random ordnance

item, look it up in the publications, and

precisely follow a procedure to render the

item “safe.” To pass you had to get an 85%

or higher. Unfortunately, it only sounds

easy. These two divisions combined accounted for the loss of over half

of my class.

After those two divisions came Improvised Explosive Device

(IED) instruction—the bread and butter of current EOD operations and

everyone’s favorite. EOD is responsible for all IED threats in Conti-

nental United States (CONUS) and in theater. This means we learned

about both type of scenarios, which present vastly different challenges.

After IEDs was BIO/CHEM, where we were taught how to handle

everything from a meth lab to an anthrax lab.

Finally, our training ended with instruction over NUKES and

Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs). By completing EOD school I

will finally be out of TRADOC and both academically and practically

ready to do my part.

My EOD school Experience 2LT. Charles Ausmus,

723rd EOD CO

Alumni

752nd CO EOD Soldiers layout anti-tank mines for

demolition in Iraq. EOD Soldiers play a vital role in

the war on terror by rendering hazardous explosives

safe.