Combat Water Survival Training

Front

Alumni Dinner Front

The PMS Pg. 2

The SMI Pg 2

Biggest Loser Race

Pg 3

Awards Ceremony

Pg 3

Military Appreciation Game

Pg 4

Fundraisers Pg 4

Plaque Ceremony

Pg 5

Special Forces Pg. 5

New 2LTs Pg. 6

Bataan Memorial Death March

Pg. 7

JFTX Pg. 8

Pass and Review Pg. 8

New Cadre Pg. 9

Thank You! Pg. 9

NMSU ARMY ROTC

Spring 2014 Edition THE DISPATCH Combat Water Survival Training

by Luis Chavarria

Alumni Dinner by Polly Raley

On February 8, 2014 the Bataan Battalion assisted in the 11

th Annual NMSU ROTC Alumni

and Honor Company Dinner. The dinner was an incredible experience for both cadets and alumni who were able to interact with each other during the meet-and-greet session before the dinner. Cadets who graduate in May 2014 were recognized for their achievements during their tenure in the Bataan Battalion. One person who was honored during the dinner was Mr. Jose Vargas, the Battalion’s Supply Tech. He was inducted into the Honor Company for the Bataan Battalion. This dinner was a great success and we are very excited for the event Scheduled next Spring.

Combat Water Survival Training (CWST) is essential for Cadets' success. This training not only teaches water survival techniques to Cadets, but they learn to improvise in different environments in order to overcome situations and survive. Cadets have to think how to stay afloat while in uniform (with 10-lbs. of gear on), and they must hold their weapons out of the water. Most of our Cadets completed CWST in previous semesters, so they were familiar to swimming in gear and ACUs. We also had Cadets who had not previously completed CWST, but they were decent swimmers; some of our other Cadets struggled. We had Cadets who experienced difficulty completing the 15-meter swim with the M-16. I know I had trouble with it, and I consider myself a pretty good swimmer, but it is a whole different story doing it with an LBV and uniform. One of the toughest events featured was for Cadets to walk off the diving board while blind-folded. Many Cadets feared this event. The best part about the training was that no Cadet was put in situations where they would be in danger. A safety was always present for each event. When someone was having a hard time doing the task, they would be given time to try it, but if they started to hesitate, the safety would help out. Even when that wasn’t enough, everyone around would give positive encouragement to the Cadets who had a hard time. The purpose of this exercise was to build the confidence of Cadets who were scared of swimming in deep areas as well as to improve their swimming skills.

Special Interest

Articles:

• Bataan Memorial

Death March

• New 2LTs

• Special Forces

Training

NMSU ROTC Senior Class, with Alumni

Alumni inducted Mr. Jose Vargas into the Battalion’s Honor Company

CDT Ortegon guided CDT Salas during the 15 Meter swim

Cadets had to stay afloat for 10 Minutes

CDT Chavez pushes CDT Paul into the water during the Don-and-Ditch event

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A message from the PMS: LTC David McCoy

A message from the SMI: MSG Colin Doolan Our mission is to train the future Officers of our Army. Our job is important because these officers will lead Soldiers into combat within two years of their commissioning. For this reason, it is imperative that we lead by example. As the Senior Non-Commissioned Officer of this Battalion, I will never direct you to do something I would not do myself. I guarantee you that this battalion is going to be the best battalion in ROTC. Keep in mind these basic tenants that serve us well: Caring: Treat others as you would like to be treated; always maintain proper military courtesy when addressing anyone. Be safe; use the common sense approach; take care of the needs of your family first and foremost, as one day the Army will be all but a fond, distant memory, but you will still have your family. Maintaining: Maintain an appropriate level of physical fitness and appearance. You’re a Cadet 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and represent the United States Army. Leading: Lead by example! Train as a team; utilize the chain of command and delegate accordingly. Ensure each task is understood, supervised, and accomplished. Task, Conditions, and Standards! Take the initiative and seek responsibility. Training: Train to the Army standard. Don’t take shortcuts! Idiosyncrasies: Always keep me informed, No surprises! Don’t make excuses; zero tolerance for those who lie, steal, or cheat. Be on time! We all make mistakes, learn from them, but don't make the same mistake twice. Insubordination will never be tolerated. I will treat you in a professional manner and expect the same from you. I do not believe in micro-managing anything. If you have a problem, bring it to my attention, but also bring the possible solutions and your plan of action. Once again, I am proud and honored to be your Senior Military Instructor. Always remember we are a team and will always work as one. I only ask that you use your judgment and “do the right thing”. Maintain your honor and remember do not bring shame or disgrace to your family name.

Congratulations to the NMSU Bataan Battalion for a highly successful Spring 2014 semester! Our cadets worked extremely hard in all areas of training and leadership development. I am exceptionally proud of our graduating seniors who receive their Second Lieutenant commissions on May 9th. Go forward, do great things, and represent your university proudly! Seventeen of our third-year cadets will attend the newly reorganized Cadet Summer Training (CST) this summer at Fort Knox. This new CST combines the Leadership Training Course (LTC) for our newest cadets with the Leadership Development and Assessment Course (LDAC) for our upcoming seniors. I am confident that all of our cadets will perform magnificently at the training. Best of luck to you all! I want to extend a personal thank-you to all of the Las Cruces community and university personnel who support our program on a daily basis. Without your love for our program, we would not continue to exist. I truly appreciate the time, effort, and dedication that you devote to our cadets. I look forward to the summer training and the Fall 2014 Semester.

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The “Biggest Loser” Marathon Race by Eric Paul

Awards Ceremony by Joseph Hernandez

On Sunday morning, January 26, 2014, more than 2,250 people showed up in running clothes ready to run, walk, and motivate others in the community's 1st Annual Biggest Loser Run/Walk Race, which started and ended in front of the Hadley Complex, 1600 E. Hadley Avenue. The Bataan Battalion participated in the event in full fashion. Cadets Romero, Yabumoto, and Ortegon were accompanied by Major Paul Saiz and Master Sergeant Colin Doolan to run the 5K race. The cadets formed in the front of the line and carried Nation’s colors as they ran the course. The battalion’s cadets blasted a blank cannon shot every time the race set started a new wave of races. It was an incredible event and definitely gave the cannon crew some practice. In return, we were able to present our recruiting table in order to draw more attention to our program. The end result was a success and the cadets hope to participate in this event next year.

Throughout the year, Cadets worked hard to excel and demonstrate what an outstanding Cadets they are. On March 20, 2014, Cadets lined up to receive awards and acknowledgement for their continued hard work, good deeds and exemplary performances through the school year. Cadets were also recognized for special teams, such as the Bataan Battalion Cannon Crew and Color Guard, along with the Bataan Memorial Death March running teams. While they sported new ribbons and medals from the previous award ceremony earlier in the semester, Cadets looked sharp for the combined award ceremony for the Air Force and Army ROTC programs. Several awards were reserved for Cadets who exemplified the Army Values and the basic definition of leadership. The Cadets were also recognized by local, state and national institutions for being model students, Cadets and individuals. Finally, Cadets received generous donations from several individuals, local, state and national groups for their outstanding performances. Our Battalion would like to thank all the sponsors that donated and supported the Cadets.

CDT Webb and Jackson blast the cannon during start the race

CDTs Romero, Yabumoto, Ortegon, and MSG Doolan carrying the flag to the finish line

Cadets wait for the award ceremony to begin

Cadets lined up to receive awards

CDT Green receives an award from LTC McCoy

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Military Appreciation Game by Brian Webb

Panda Express & Ump 88 Car Wash Fundraisers

by Raymond Harless

On March 7

th, 2014, and on April 26

th, 2014,

NMSU ROTC cadets participated in fundraising events for the Bataan Battalion at the NMSU Panda Express and the UMP 88 Restaurant. Twenty percent of Panda Express's proceeds went to support the Bataan Memorial Death March teams for this year’s event. Days before each event, cadets went out onto the campus to pass out flyers to notify the students, staff, and faculty, and our cadets even posted information on the online “Student Hotline”, which all students in the university system receive. As a result of all the hard work put in from the cadets, both events were successful.

On January 25th, 2014, the NMSU men’s basketball team played the

Texas-Pan American men’s basketball team at the Pan American Center in Las Cruces. The admission for the game was free for active and veteran military personnel (with identification), to include their families. To start the game, a joint color guard from both the Army and Air Force ROTC programs presented the colors. Our own Brian Webb (American flag) and Emily Rossen (New Mexico State flag) represented the Battalion, with Samantha Giebel and Justin Colbert as representatives for the Air Force ROTC program. After presentation of the colors, military personal were asked to stand and were given a standing ovation from the audience for their service to our country. During halftime, key military personal from White Sands Missile Range, the New Mexico Army National Guard and Fort Bliss were presented signed basketballs from NMSU’s athletic department. The atmosphere in the building was inexpressible, especially as by-standers shook the hands of those who served and continue to serve our country. It was an honor to have represented the Bataan Battalion with presentation of the colors during the military appreciation game, and it was great to speak with our veterans as well. As the New Mexico State Army ROTC Bataan Battalion continues to play an active part in the community, they continue to display themselves as positive role models for the public.

CDT Webb and CDT Rossen present the Nation’s colors

Both ROTC Programs participated in the Color Guard

Cadets helped provide publicity to the event

CDT Webb passing out flyers

Cadets washed vehicles at “Ump 88” to raise funds

CDT Yoshimura washes motorcycles at the event

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Plaque Ceremony by Polly Raley

Special Forces Training by Conner McGuire

On February 8, 2014, the Bataan Battalion assisted the NMSU Alumni Association with the school’s Plaque Ceremony that honored the fallen Aggies of recent conflicts from Vietnam to present. The plaque was placed on the wall outside Young Hall next to an existing plaque; this plaque was placed in 1988 to commemorate the fallen Aggies from the Spanish American War through Vietnam. The new plaque includes the names of seven men who lost their lives in Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, or Operation New Dawn; they are Matthew Stephen Apuan, Libardo Eduardo Caraveo, Thomas Casey, Bruce Evan Hays, Jon Michael Lockey, Israel P. Nuanes and James Heath Pirtle. For every service member who was recognized, there was a member of the Alumni Association to give a speech in his honor. The ceremony was very sad, but it is a great honor to know that our country still calls upon our loyal Aggies for military service.

As an MS I, I believe that the training with 1st Battalion, 5

th Special Forces Group, was one of

the most rewarding experiences that I have had the opportunity to participate in during my ROTC experience so far. During this training event, participating cadets had the chance to assist the Green Berets in Operation Enduring Freedom Pre-Mission Training at Fort Bliss, while acting as the Afghani forces that the Soldiers would be working with during their deployment. For some members of the Special Forces Group, this will be their first deployment. Others, however, will revisit the theater. Upon arrival to Fort Bliss, and from 3-6 March, the 17 cadets were split up into three teams, and were tasked to a specific Special Forces Team. We were assigned our weapons, and headed to the range to zero and qualify. During this time, we were guided by a few of the Green Berets, and were shown not only basic skills, but some in-depth skills that we could apply to help improve our marksmanship. The days that followed until our departure were filled with many more learning opportunities as each of our teams rehearsed and went on missions with our assigned Special Forces team. I personally learned a variety of useful skills from the men on my team, to include different ways to reload my weapon based on the situation, close-quarters combat, and room-clearing procedures. They also showed us how to operate some of their equipment such as the sweepers (used for locating IEDs), as well as the Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS or CROWS II), which was mounted to the top of the MACVs. As for the missions, even though the situations were just similar to the ones that the Green Berets will face in Afghanistan, everyone treated the missions as if they were real. This helped to provide the Cadets with experience on how to conduct missions, as well as the different aspects that make missions successful. At the end of the training, we were treated to a taco lunch, which was awesome since we ate MREs for the entire length of the training; it also provided us a chance to spend a little more time with the 1

st Battalion, 5

th Special Forces Group. Since I am an MS I with no prior

Army experience, I would have to say that the training was one of the best learning opportunities I have been offered so far, and for that I am very thankful. The knowledge that I gained from the Green Berets will serve me well, and I can apply them when I am just running patrolling lanes during lab on Thursdays, at Cadet Summer Training or in the Army after I commission. Being that the training was only offered to the cadets at NMSU, I would have to say that I am proud to be in the Bataan Battalion.

Cadets presented the Nation’s colors at the ceremony

Ben Woods (Senior Vice President for External Relations) presents plaques

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Cadet Pablo Romero was branched Military Police (Active Duty). He will attend BOLC at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. He is originally from Anthony, NM.

Cadet Stephanie Batchelder was branched Adjutant General Corps (Active Duty). She will attend BOLC at Fort Jackson, SC. She is originally from New York City, New York.

Cadet Raymond Harless was branched Military Intelligence (National Guard). He will attend BOLC at Fort Huachuca, AZ. He is originally from Farmington, NM.

Cadet Robert Tronti wads branched Transportation (Army Reserve). He will attend BOLC at Fort Lee, VA. He is originally from Las Cruces, NM.

Cadet Andrew Gonzalez was branched Adjutant General Corps (National Guard). He will attend BOLC at Fort Jackson, SC. He is originally from El Paso, TX.

Cadet Felix Ortegon was branched Infantry (Army Reserve). He will attend BOLC at Fort Benning, GA. He is originally from El Paso, TX.

Cadet Michael Yabumoto was branched Armor (Active Duty). He will attend BOLC at Fort Benning, GA. He is originally from Las Cruces, NM.

Cadet Kyle Harbison will receive his branch and component following completion of Cadet Summer Training this year. He is originally from Sacramento, CA.

Cadet Tyler Smith will receive his branch and component following completion of Cadet Summer Training this year. He is originally from Knoxville, TN.

Cadet Andrew Vandiver was branched Chemical Corps (Active Duty). He will attend BOLC at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. He is originally from Clayton, NM.

Cadet Andrew Jolliff was branched Military Police (National Guard). He will attend BOLC at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. He is originally from Roswell, NM.

Graduating Seniors: Class of 2014

The Dispatch Page 7 of 7

“No Mama, No Papa,

No Uncle Sam”- from

Beyond Courage, by

Dorothy Cave

Bataan Memorial Death March by Benjamin Beaulieu

Cadets from NMSU had the amazing opportunity to participate in the 25th annual

Bataan Memorial Death March from 22-23 March 2014. This year’s race commemorated the 72

nd anniversary of the fall of Bataan, and the Cadets were

highly involved in helping to remind New Mexico of the debt owed to the men and women who were there when Japan overran the Philippines. Our Cadets served many roles throughout the weekend, before and during the march. They planned and set up the water point at the middle of the course, and sold hot dogs and hamburgers to the walkers as they reached the highest point of the march; they encouraged them before the long trek back down toward the post. They passed out water, Gatorade, bananas, and oranges, and met the marchers before they made it to the point and cheered them on as they passed. The cadets participated as ushers to the remaining survivors during the event to assist them in any way possible. Additionally, our Cadets were there to honor those who survived through some of the most horrific conditions our Soldiers have ever faced . The New Mexico State Army ROTC Cannon crew punctuated the roll call of the remaining Bataan Death March survivors with cannon shot fired for each survivor. As the announcer called the names, the mountains echoed the thunder from the guns. For several minutes, the thousands in attendance stood in respectful silence for those heroes who are still here with us, and who had overcome and triumphed. The m ome nt revea led a stillness that is hard to describe; it was like the whole desert was listening in respect. All too soon the moment was over and the events moved on. The guns had one more shout to give: as the first marchers crossed the starting line, the Cadets fired off a round that caused many runners in line to jump. But just as our cannon crew ended its task, another group of Cadets started a different one. Every year, in addition to regularly having Cadets participate in the March on an individual basis, the Battalion featured teams to run the full marathon, and this year was no exception. The Ba taan Ba t ta l ion f ie lded bo th a male and a female team to represent the Battalion in a contest against ROTC teams from across the nation. Both teams represented the NMSU wel l , and made us proud. While all participants picked up their packets on Saturday, our Cadets were there to remind them of the history of the March through support for the survivors as they shared their stories. At the same time, our senior class gave a presentation about the History of Bataan to the participants and all in attendance. In the WSMR base theatre, our cadets presented a professional lesson on the costs paid by those brave souls who defended the Philippines and held on through their experience in the POW camps. Several years ago, these presentations were almost ignored and very few people showed up, but this year the theatre was packed beyond capacity ; people stood outside and looked in through tightly-packed doorways to listen as the MSIVs described events from 72 years ago. This positive surge in attendance and our increased presence at the Bataan Memorial Death March is largely due to the hard work and dedication of the senior class and their determination to “Remember Bataan ... Always!” They did an amazing job this year and every aspect of our participation yielded a huge success.

The Dispatch The Dispatch

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Joint Field Training Exercise by Andrew Leon

From April 10-13th, 2014, the NMSU Army ROTC Bataan Battalion participated in the annual Spring Joint FTX (JFTX) near Capitan, New Mexico. The purpose of this four-school FTX was to prepare this year's MS IIIs for Cadet Summer Training, where they will be assessed for future commissioning. It also provided an opportunity for MS Is and MS IIs to gain valuable experience in field operations and tactical knowledge. Key events from the JFTX included day and night land navigation, as well as platoon patrolling lanes; the MS IIIs from each of the four participating schools occupied key leadership positions. MS Is and MS IIs from each school rounded out personnel for each of the platoons, and they operated as members of individual fire-teams and squads. While the MS IIIs had the chance to practice what they had learned over the year from various leadership positions, the JFTX also was a valuable learning experience for MS Is and MS IIs. The land navigation course allowed them to both learn the basics of land navigation and hone the skills of those who already had a grasp of the subject. Platoon patrolling lanes also gave MS Is and MS IIs the chance to learn how to operate in the field, and gave them hands-on experience in the basics of small unit tactics. The Joint FTX proved to be a valuable learning experience for all involved. The opportunity to work with other schools allowed everyone to share their own knowledge and learn tactics, techniques, and procedures from other schools. Every participant left better prepared to continue on in their respective Army ROTC programs.

Pass and Review by Luis Fong

On March 20th 2014, the New Mexico State University's Army ROTC

Bataan Battalion partnered with the Air Force ROTC Detachment 505th

for the 112th Annual NMSU President's ROTC Pass in Review. In this

joint event , both programs conducted a parade on Pride Field across

from Hadley Hall. Both programs formed up across from NMSU

President Dr. Garrey Carruthers, who was situated at the top of the

field with the Professor of Military Science, LTC David McCoy, and

the Professor of Aerospace Studies, LTC Ira Cline. Throughout the

ceremony, events recognized both programs, and the cadets were

treated to a short speech from Dr. Carruthers. After the key note

speech, the Cadets received the order to pass in review before the

President.

The Cadet Commanders of both programs marched the front of the

formation with the remainder of the Cadets following close behind.

The event was a great success, as both programs spent weeks

preparing for the event. Both programs hope for another wonderful

event when it again takes place in the Spring 2015 semester.

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New Mexico State University Reserve Officer Training Corps

HOME OF THE BATTLING BASTARDS OF BATAAN

Winner of the 2007 General Douglas MacArthur Award

Selected as the 2007/2008 Best Battalion in the 12th Brigade

Celebrating 112 years of Army ROTC on the NMSU Campus

The Professor of Military Science is LTC David McCoy. The Senior Military Instructor is MSG Colin Doolan. For questions, please feel free to call (575) 646-4030. For enrollment information call CPT Michael Rivera at (575)646-6856.

The Bataan Battalion co-sponsors the annual Bataan Memorial

Death March conducted at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR).

Our Mission

The New Mexico State University Bataan Battalion recruits, develops,

retains, and commissions, the future leadership of the Army while

motivating young people to become better citizens.

Our Vision

We recruit, develop, retain, and commission quality Scholar/Athlete

/Leaders who are competent, confident, adaptable, and agile while

demonstrating leadership and initiative, physical and mental toughness,

Army Values and Warrior Ethos. We will succeed through a focused

recruiting, retaining, and commissioning campaign involving all Cadre,

Cadets and Alumni, focused and realistic training, and setting the

Army example daily. Quality begets quality.

NMSU ARMY ROTC

New Mexico State University Young Hall

1300 Horseshoe Drive Las Cruces, NM 88003

(575) 646-4030

NEWSLETTER COMPILED/EDITED BY

CDT CPT ANDREW GONZALEZ

BATTALION S5 We’re on the Web!

See us at:

www.nmsu.edu/~armyrotc

FIND US ON FACEBOOK!

See us at:

The NMSU Army ROTC

New Cadre: CPT Joshua Rivera

CPT Joshua Rivera graduated from Chowan University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice in May of 2006. Upon graduation, CPT Rivera attended Basic Training at Fort Benning, GA, in June 2006 and received his commission through Officer Candidate School in December 2006. Following attendance at the Signal Officer Basic Course at Fort Gordon, GA, CPT Rivera was assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Special Troops Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division at Fort Hood, Texas as a Joint Network Node Platoon Leader until he transitioned to the Executive Officer position in June 2008. CPT Rivera deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom with his brigade to the Rashid District from 2007 to 2009. Upon redeployment in March 2009, CPT Rivera was reassigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Special Troops Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson Colorado until he transitioned to the Battalion S6 position in March 2010, which included a deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Upon redeployment, CPT Rivera attended the Engineers Captain’s Career Course at Fort Leonard Wood, MO and graduated in June 2011. CPT Rivera attended the Brigade and Battalion Signal Officers Course at Fort Gordon, Georgia and graduated in May 2012. Following his training, he was assigned to the 4th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri and selected to command the 94th Signal Company in July 2012.

Captain Joshua Rivera Assistant Professor of Military Science and Training Officer in Charge