Administrative Day for Boston College By CDT James Long

The Lance Liberty Battalion Army ROTC Newsletter Fall 2008 Edition

Inside this issue:

Company MIL Lab�s 2-3

Boston College Oath Cere-mony

2

What is SMP? 4

Battalion Photos 5-8

Summer Training 9

The View from the outside 10

PT�A Cadet�s View 11

Open PT 12

A MS III Perspective 13

MS I�s Show Initiative 14

A Culture Shock 15

The Fall FTX was an exciting opportunity for Ca-dets to carry out what we have been learning in the classroom and to apply it in a practical environ-ment. It gave new Cadets a first hand look as to how field training exercises are car-ried out. The weekend also allowed for senior Cadets to gain experience in leadership roles by taking on re-sponsibility in leading the younger Cadets through classroom and practical exercises. Cadets were challenged in an array of exhilarating exercises some of which included, an obstacle course, rappelling, and night land navigation course. The FLRC, field leadership reaction course, gave the MS III's the opportunity to lead the MS II's through a series of demanding situations. This gave the MS II's the chance to use skills they have learned in the classroom.

Fall 2008 Field Training Exercise

By Cadet Brian Calandra

After a mentally and physically challeng-ing weekend the Cadets got the exciting chance to take rides in Black Hawk helicopters. Over-

all, the Lib-erty Battalion walked away from the weekend gaining in-sightful ex-perience and confidence in their abilities as future leaders. The Fall FTX allows Ca-dets to gain

practical experience for the skills learned in the classroom setting in the Fall Lab. In the Fall Lab Cadets learned the fundamental principles of first aid, CPR, grenade throwing, and clay-more mines. These skills are all important in developing leadership skills that will be used as an Officer. Another important area of leader-ship is movement and orientation.

Every Cadet�s introduction to ROTC is highlighted by a universal experience, the equipment issue. Equipment day seemed not overly powerful in itself, as the date when we were to be given all the needed equipment for the upcoming semester, but, when combined with meeting all of the other freshmen Cadets and forming up together for the first time, it takes on incredible significance. The Cadre and upperclassmen issuing orders marked be-ginning of a commitment to ROTC, the Army, and developing ourselves

as leaders and future Officers. The day began with paperwork, ensuring all of the information on these papers was correct and signing our names to everything. We were also taught the cardinal rule of mili-tary paperwork; always ensure you have a copy of everything. The true significance and gravity of some of these papers, life in-surance and next of kin, was not to sink in, for most, until far later. See Admin Day on page 14

tion in classes taught by MSIV Cadets, including land naviga-tion, first aid, and elementary land mine and hand grenade techniques. What was taught in the classroom, however, cannot be compared to the priceless lessons learned outside in the field. Reading about the difference between a low and high crawl is useless until you�ve actually practiced this out in the field; a learning experience that can�t be found elsewhere.

Although at first land navi-gation instruction seemed dull and too much like one of those 8 A.M. lectures that you dread going to, once we got to use the skills that were taught in class that morning, I realized the sig-nificance of each element that was introduced to us that day. Perhaps this in itself was a learn-ing experience; (aside from learning how to shoot an Azi-muth and orienting your map North) knowing that all skills taught to you will one day per-haps save you and your buddies�

On the weekend of 19-21 September 2008, Liberty Battal-ion�s Alpha Company of North-eastern University�s ROTC pro-gram, participated in their fall leadership lab event. This event was of much significance for all new Cadets, like myself, because it offered a first exposure to dif-ferent dynamics of the ROTC program.

Although the Physical

Training (PT) environment on campus introduced us to the chain of command and drill and ceremony, we had not seen these elements in action. I�ll make the assumption that my MSI peers shared the same excitement I experienced, I am certain this was demonstrated in our high levels of motivation throughout the weekend.

At this point, I am not sure

what my expectations were for the weekend, but I now clearly remember the highlights of the event. The weekend provided all Cadets with exceptional informa-

lives. Land navigation included the most technical part of the weekend�s instruction, yet pro-vided the greatest and most memorable adventure. MSIs were divided into groups of four Cadets with one MSIV as a �guide,� which gave you the feeling of independence, yet the comfort of knowing you had a knowledgeable senior Cadet to ensure you didn�t screw up too badly.

The Fall Lab was my first

experience with the ROTC pro-gram outside of campus and perhaps one of the most memora-ble. It taught me lots of technical information that I hope to master through my Military Science courses, but most importantly, the fall lab was one of the first signs that proved to me that I was truly passionate about this program. Even in the �dull� mo-ments, just shout out a couple of �Hooahs,� and there�s no doubt that the motivation will come back to you.

Northeastern Company Mil Lab

By Cadet Gustavo Ventura

Boston College Open PT Day

By Cadet Samuel Betar

Page 2 The Lance

Cadet Pfundstein giving instruc-tor on First Aid during NEU Com-

pany Mil Lab

The morning started off like any normal day of PT (Physical Training), my alarm pierced the silence of my quiet room. I sat up let out a sigh and got ready. My alarm is set so that I have ex-actly 4 minutes to get ready for PT in the morn-ings in order to make it to the Plex by 6:15 a.m. I scattered through the darkness of my dorm to scrounge together my PT uniform, which includes: white socks, my reflective belt, and my PT shirt and shorts.

My eyes slowly adjusted to the light of the moon that was still blanketing the campus as I walked swiftly down to the Plex. This routine had be-come almost second nature to me. Waking up at the crack of dawn and hauling down to the Plex barely awake to start our work out. I had not real-ized how far I had come since our first day in August, until our Open PT day. A day set aside for Cadets to bring friends in to PT, to show them what the ROTC program is about and to get a great work out in as well. (See page 11)

Boston College Cadets and stu-dents at Open PT day doing flut-

ter kicks.

Boston College Mil Lab

By Cadet Rafael Leonardo

Fall 2008 Edition Page 3

Upon arrival, pre-planned activities were nixed as we were given the opportunity to prac-tice with Engagement Skills Training (EST). This amazing technology allowed us to practice the use of an M16, 9mm and M22 with grenade launcher in a video game atmosphere, but with very realistic aiming, weight (of weapons) and recoil. As groups were waiting, more marching was practiced and great MRE food was enjoyed.

Once everyone got a turn on EST, we con-

tinued with round-robin classes on battle drills, weapons and first aid. Battle Drill 1A as well as general squad movement in a tactical environ-ment was taught. During weapons class, we were familiarized with the attributes and proper usage of claymore mines, the A4 grenade launcher and the frag grenade. Finally, the first aid class re-viewed basic life saving skills as well as the nine-line MEDEVAC. The classes were followed by some land navigation training where we re-corded our pace counts and sharpened our com-pass skills. The night was topped off in the bar-racks where MSIIs and IIIs got an in depth look at the OPORD.

The next day began with land navigation,

giving the Cadets a chance to utilize the lessons we learned the night before. MSIIs and IIIs trav-eled for the first time without guidance as the IIs worked in pairs or groups of three and the IIIs went solo. The MSIs traveled with a IV or cadre. The classes proved successful as nearly all groups finished on time finding all their points.

Most people like spending the first days of the academic year by taking things slow and easing into routines. Some students move in early to unpack their possessions, decorating and arranging their rooms ensuring the right feng shui. Some professors play name games to get their students acquainted with their classmates. But for ROTC Cadets, no time was wasted - the first weekend before classes was spent in a fun-filled weekend of weapons, drills, ceremony and overall improvement of military skills.

The weekend started bright and early on a beau-

tiful Friday morning as Bravo Company, Liberty Battalion met for accountability outside the Flynn Recreational Complex on the Boston College cam-pus. New faces mingled with some old-timers meet-ing for the first time, knowing that over the coming weekend and year, we would get to know each other very well. A few lucky MSIIs were given surprise assignments to be Squad Leaders as they got their first experiences in leadership, while the IIIs aided by the newly minted IVs ran the show from higher. After accountability, the fun began with some Drill and Ceremony. Practicing the correct marching and movement was helpful to the experienced Cadets shaking off the summer rust, but even more educa-tional for the brand new freshmen. We then took the vans up to a National Guard building to practice some assembling and dissembling of M16s. Execut-ing a good mix of speed and delicate handling, the Cadets learned skills that would prove useful one day when called to the battlefield. Soon after, we loaded up the vans once again to head over to our final destination of Camp Curtis Guild.

Cadet Morin and Cadet Sunde during a Map Reading class during Boston College�s MIL

LAB Weekend.

Cadets forming up in formation during the Company�s MIL LAB.

Cadet Garcia standing at parade rest in formation.

Why am I writing about such a rare program? SMP, Si-multaneous Membership Pro-gram, is a program near and dear to my heart. SMP allows selected enlisted members in the Army reserve components to simultane-ously participate in any Army ROTC program. This is the route of becoming a officer that I have chosen to pursue. Why has the Army put this program in place? The SMP program�s purpose is to increase officer commission-ing in the reserve components by increasing ROTC enrolment from enlisted soldiers attending college. SMP Cadets can request a Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty option, which would allow the Cadet to stay in a reserve component upon commissioning or they could go active. What are the benefits? Ca-dets are gaining a commission and experience in their current units by �shadowing� an officer in their unit. There are also finan-cial benefits that go along with that experience too. SMP Cadets are eligible for the ROTC monthly stipend plus their drill pay. Their drill pay increases to E-5 pay for drills and annual training. Cadets can also utilize their Montgomery GI Bill and tuition waiver in conjunction with the ROTC scholarship. Upon commissioning, these offi-cers owe a 8 year commitment which will negate their previous enlisted contract, which would result in a loss of any kind of enlistment bonus. Also SMP Cadets are not required to deploy

with their units until they com-mission. This prevents a break in schooling for these potential officers. Now how does one become eligible for the SMP program? Traditionally SMP Cadets have completed both basic training and advanced individual training. You must also meet physical requirements and be under 30 years of age when commis-sioned, but some waivers do exist in certain instances. Most ROTC programs require at least a 2.0 on a 4.0 scale, but generally want higher grades. You also must have at least 4 years left on your enlisted contract because your commissioned contract doesn�t start until you graduate. Cadets are full- time student and are U.S. citizens. Nursing majors are allowed to participate in the SMP program but on a limited number. Active duty soldiers looking to go from green to gold and Cadets who have already attended LDAC, aren�t allowed at all to become an SMP Cadet. The first two years of ROTC are equiva-lent to basic training. Enrolling is very easy if you are enlisted. You have meet with your unit commander and the ROTC program you wish to at-tend. Once you take the officer accession physical, all you have to do is turn in some paperwork, like birth certificate, social secu-rity card, DD214, transcripts, sat scores, & etc. Some soldiers enlisted as potential SMP and attend basic training and forego

their advanced individual train-ing. If they are not contracted, they can either leave their reserve component or attend ait and ful-fill an enlisted contract. The last SMP option is the basic camp to SMP, in which a Cadet would complete the first 2 years of ROTC and then attend basic camp, which would allow the Cadet to become SMP without going to basic training or AIT. SMP Cadets receive more educational benefits and have more control over their duty station once they commission. They also have the burden of having two obligations, one to ROTC and to their unit. Being the only SMP Cadet at BC right now, I feel proud to have both perspectives of military life, that of an officer and of an enlisted Soldier.

WHAT IS A SMP Cadet?

By Cadet Jorge Garcia

Fall 2008 Edition Page 4

Force, and Marine Corps. I learned about many different opportunities in the military and developed a deeper understand-ing of how things actually work outside of �Cadet land�. It was interesting hearing about differ-ent people�s military experiences and to receive advice on my future Army career. See Page 13

Airborne School was an amazing experience not just because of the thrill of jumping out of a plane five times, but because it was my first time in a military setting for more than a few days at a time. I also had the opportunity to meet people from all different walks of life and develop lasting friendships. I�ll never forget the excitement of anxiously waiting to jump out of the aircraft, or the adrenaline rush as I was basically sucked

out of the plane by the wind to fall 1250 feet to the ground, but I feel like I took away much more from my experience at Airborne School than simply earning my wings. In the three weeks I was in Ft. Benning, Georgia this past summer, I had the opportunity to interact with Soldiers, Non-Commissioned Officers, Offi-cers, other Cadets, and to include personnel from the Navy, Air

Summer Airborne Training Sends Cadets to New Heights By Catherine Barrett

At both the Lab and the FTX, Cadets were given the opportunity to learn the principles of land navigation both in a classroom and in a hands on simulated experiment. Through practice and deter-mination Cadets completed their practical exercises in land navigation during the day and at night. The night land navigation course proved to be a chal-lenge for most Cadets. With rough terrain, poor visibility, and less than ideal lighting it provided Cadets with the chance to overcome these obsta-cles. Despite the difficulties, Cadets learn valuable lessons that will help the way they lead their troops in the future.

The obstacle course also proved to be a wel-

comed challenge for the MS I's and II's. Cadets ran from start to finish, scampering over obstacles as they went. Each obstacle was completed as a team. Everyone did their part in motivating fellow Cadets though the entire course. This is a great example of teamwork and dedication that the Army uses every-day to accomplish their missions and goals. The FLRC is also another area of the FTX that allowed Cadets to work together and overcome obstacles as a team. The MS III's took turns leading their re-spective groups of MS II's over, under, and through various obstacles depending on their scenarios. This gave everyone involved a great insight into how one needs to work with their Soldiers to ac-

complish the task at hand. This also prepared the MS III's for an event that they will have to pass at LDAC. The entire FTX is geared towards teach-ing and preparing all Cadets for their roles as Officers in the Army and to enhance their per-formance at LDAC. Whether it is facing ones fears at the top of the rappel tower, or helping a fellow Cadet plot an azimuth, the FTX will help shape the type of leader and effectiveness of each Cadet.

The last event was the coveted ride in the infamous Black Hawk helicopter. After an ex-tensive safety briefing Cadets were treated to a flight in one of six helicopters. Some lucky Ca-dets were even able to ride in the crew chiefs seat, directly behind the pilot. The helicopters turned, dipped, and banked over the base for a few minutes before landing back on the air strip. The Fall FTX proved to be a challenging weekend to all Cadets. In conclusion however, all Cadets were handed new opportunities and chal-lenges that provided a weekend full of many exciting events. The Liberty Battalion walked away from this weekend feeling confident in their skills and eager to continue their education with ROTC.

Field Training Exercise From Front Page

Page 9 The Lance

Cadet Rousseau negotiating the �Six Vaults at the Obstacle Course during the Fall FTX.

Cadet Caffrey climbing the rope at �The Tough One� at the start of the Obstacle Course.

�So what did you do this weekend?� asks Annie Spencer, Boston College �12, to one of her friends. Her friend replies, �I hung out, watched T.V., went to an off campus party, and did a little homework. How about you?� �I repelled off of a 60-foot tower, learned how to assemble an M-16, went paintballing, and rode in a Blackhawk helicopter.� Spencer just smiled as her friend�s mouth dropped open in surprise. College life is radically different while still very much the same for ROTC Cadets, a fact that students outside of the program are largely unaware of. Still, there is a general respect and appreciation for what we are doing, and what we stand for on the BC campus, despite the lack of knowledge for what ROTC actually entails. Few students at Boston College outside of ROTC fully comprehend the extent of the program, or what is required of them before and after gradua-tion.

The Army Reserve Officers Training Corps is a highly visible group on the Boston College campus. Cadets can be seen pep-pered about the campus in digital camouflage combat uniforms or on the field bearing our national colors at every home football game. �I see the ROTC people every week, even in some of my classes,� says Melissa Mantione, BC �12. However, the majority of BC students are unaware of the nature of the program, and exactly what it entails. Most often, preconceived notions of the essence of the program cloud

reasonable judgment. Erroneous beliefs make it difficult to obtain a true outline of the program without speaking directly to those involved. From those who think that Cadets are recruited by Boston College specifically for AROTC to those who think of the program as a club or simple extracurricular activity, AROTC at Boston College is a widely known element of BC culture, but it is often misunderstood. �I thought people in ROTC would have to be serious all the time,� says Ugo Okpara, BC �12, �But I was told that they have a basi-cally normal college life.� The major question posed by civilians towards these future military personnel is: what made you choose this path? For many Cadets the scholarship is the most attractive feature of the program. �I know that the Army will pay for a full tuition scholar-ship, and that would take a heavy burden off of my family,� says Erika Taschler, BC �12, �I�m still taking the commitment very seriously though. Right now I�m weighing my options.� For most scholarship Cadets the utilization of the military to pay for school becomes much more than neces-sity, it becomes an outlet for a multitude of future opportunities. With over 150 career choices, and a position of leadership as a Second Lieutenant, Cadets begin to see the spectrum of possibility available to them. Many Cadets from Boston College hope to specialize once they graduate as an Army doctor, lawyer, nurse, or chaplain. �The Army offers

some of the best training in the country,� says Professor of Phi-losophy Dr. Paul Daponte, �I�ve had several ROTC students in the past and have always been im-pressed by their focus.� Although most students and faculty members on campus ap-preciate the ROTC program and what it represents, many students at Boston College forget the commitment of four years of active duty service upon gradua-tion. �I didn�t realize the amount of time that each Cadet puts into ROTC,� says Professor of Theol-ogy Matthew Mullane, �Their dedication is admirable.� Public opinion is essential to arousing support for the program. Al-though the logistics may escape many students and faculty out-side of the program, the majority of them have an immense respect for those who participate.

The View From Outside �What Other Students Think of ROTC at Boston College

By Cadet Katherine Nisbet

Fall 2008 Edition

�The Army offers some of the best training in the country,� says Professor of Philosophy Dr. Paul Daponte, �

Page 10

A Cadet�s View

From Page 2

Page 11 The Lance

The challenges I faced in high school more than adequately prepared me for the academic rigors of the Boston College curriculum. Finely tuned time management skills from boarding school enabled me to accomplish my work ahead of the class dates. This gave me lots of free time to work out at the gym and watch movies. About a month into the school year, I didn�t know what to do with myself. I felt as though I was not putting my talents to good use. I consulted my parents who suggested that I get involved in some student and organizations or a club team. Late one night, I spotted an advertisement for an Open PT session hosted by the Boston College ROTC program.

I woke up a few minutes early to wake up my buddy who wanted to see how fun ROTC was in the mornings. I dragged him out of bed and down to the Plex with me. His clothes were dis-combobulated , his shoes untied; I looked at my self and saw the tucked in shirt below my chin my shoes tightly tied and my reflective belt fastened securely. We arrived at the Plex and started our work out. My friend watched as our platoon ran swiftly in to formation and stood motionless as our pla-toon leader informed us as to what the work out would include for the day. This process had be-come so automatic that I didn�t think anything of it until I watched my friend and the other Cadets friends try to stand at attention, fall in properly and march in unison. It made me realize how much I have learned and how far I had come since the beginning of the year. We arrived at the Plex and started our work out. My friend watched as our platoon ran swiftly in to formation and stood motionless as our platoon leader informed us as to what the work out would include for the day. This process had become so automatic that I didn�t think anything of it until I watched my friend and the other Cadets friends try to stand at

attention, fall in properly and march in unison. It made me realize how much I have learned and how far I had come since the beginning of the year. I remember my first PT, I had no idea what to expect I showed up with black socks, no belt, I had a scruffy beard coming in, my shirt was untucked and I had no idea what to expect. Only a month or so later and I had become a �squared away� Cadet thanks to the leadership and guidance of the upper-classman and cadre members. I have learned so much about myself as a person from the ROTC programs, how to be disciplined, make smart ethi-cal decisions, and how to be a better person. Open PT, gave me the chance to see how far I have come since my first few days as a student here at Boston College. It also, provided students with the chance to see what ROTC is like and the things we do on a daily basis. I think Open PT, is a great event that educates Boston College students on the ROTC program here. It�s also beneficial to the Cadets to see the improvements they have made since day one here as a ROTC Cadet. I think all the visitors left with a new respect for what we do and what we stand for here at Boston College ROTC.

Cadets and students doing crunches.

Cadets and students at Boston College�s Open PT day.

Cadet Harper, the c/Battalion Commander during Open PT day at Boston College.

Little did I know I found the activity that I was looking for. Nothing I had seen in the movies could have prepared me for what awaited me at the Open PT. I arrived to find out that I recognized many of the Cadets from not only my classes but from several campus organizations that I had joined. The other visitors and I were grouped into formation along-side the other Cadets and given a formal welcome by the Cadet Platoon Leader before we broke off into running groups.

Boston College Open PT�A Visitor�s Perspective

By Alex Wider

We sang Army cadences and hooted and hollered and motivated each other we trekked across Com-monwealth Ave all the way to upper campus. The group then huddled around in small circles and we performed stretches calisthenics. Had it not been for the extra time I had been spending at the Plex and my time as a cross country runner I would have been exhausted. Instead I found myself all smiles. I stayed behind after the event because I wanted to learn more about the program. The other Cadets, many of whom have become my good friends, were more than happy to stay behind to answer all my questions about the program and Cadet life. In all my wildest dreams, I never ex-pected to make it through an Army physical train-ing session with a smile on my face but it hap-pened. I came back to my room a little sweaty, but very pleased for having done the Open PT. Never had I imagined seeing so many familiar faces in the program. Many Cadets are heavily involved in leadership positions throughout the Boston College community. They serve as editors of school news-papers, paramedics, soloists in a cappella groups, as Residence Council leaders, and as members of the Hillel and Bellarmine societies. They are also some of the most interesting and dedicated indi-viduals one could ever have the pleasure of meet-

ing. They come from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds but because of the intimate environ-ment everyone knows and supports one another. I really wanted to be one of the Cadets. No sooner had I showered and dressed myself in clean clothes, I met with Captain O�Brien and embarked upon my ROTC odyssey.

Open PT�A Visitor�s Perspective

From Page 11

Fall 2008 Edition Page 12

Boston College Cadets hosting Open PT at the Plex.

Boston College Oath Ceremony

By Cadet Andreas Wilder

As nervous Freshmen and Sophomores take the field in front of BC football fans on Par-ents Weekend, many ask themselves why they are there. I at least did. But reflecting on the meaning of the ceremony, I begin to acknowledge certain truths about being in ROTC that I hadn�t realized before. The fact that I will become a Second Lieu-tenant in the United States Army excites me, but also frightens me at the same time.

The Oath Ceremony that took place before the football game against University of Rhode Island on September 27, 2008, celebrated the addition of 15 new Cadets to the ROTC program. As we re-peated the words �I do solemnly swear� and pro-ceeded to take an oath of allegiance to the United States Military, I began to wonder about the mean-ing of the words we spoke. With most of our par-ents present (as well as those of many other BC students), we were naturally nervous and eager to get the ceremony over with. (See Oath Ceremony, back page)

LTC Kate Scanlon, Professor of Mili-tary Science for the Liberty Battal-ion, administers the Oath to the Class of 2012 Boston College Ca-dets

After enjoying two years in the ROTC program, I was look-ing forward to the first semester of being an MS III. From the first PT session, through the Fall Labs, to the APFT, it has been a great experience. As an MS III, the experience differs from a MS Is or IIs in that there is more exposure, both to the planning process and training. There is also a greater degree of responsi-bility, as a Cadet is not only responsible for himself, but the other Cadets around him. For the MS IIIs this year, there was a new perspective to be gained on the program and the effect that it will have on us. MS IIIs started this year off with an introduction to being a Cadet in his/her third year in the program. c/CPT Denninger and his command staff were present to explain to the class the impor-tant of Army ROTC. After ex-plaining the duties and responsi-bilities of different leadership positions, they continued by offering advice for various situa-tions. c/CPT Denninger inspired

me to take a step back and re-examine the important of ROTC when he said �if there is any-thing that I can stress to you enough it�s that you will gradu-ate and you will become Army Officers and you will be respon-sible for Soldiers lives.� As an MS III I realize even more that the ROTC program is a great opportunity. The oath that I took will in turn take me places, but I need to be prepared and I believe that I will be thanks to the greater responsibility and expo-sure that an MS III is given. An ROTC unit functions like a regular Ar,my unit, and for MS IIIs that means rotating in and out of leadership positions so everyone gains experience. Showing up to PT is not as easy as being there on time, because a Squad Leader (SL) is responsible for the attendance of his entire Squad and a Platoon Leader (PL) for his platoon. The responsibil-ity that falls on an MS III�s shoulders can be stressful at times and it really forces a Cadet

to practice proper time manage-ment; a skill that would prove very useful as an Army Officer. The PLs are also responsible for creating the PT plans during their two-week rotation and distribut-ing them down the chain of com-mand. Along with issuing OPORDS that detail the plans for the upcoming weeks, it is this kind of exposure to the ARMY that prepares MS III for the road ahead. There are many difficult aspects to life as an MS III. It is the difficult tasks that prepare Cadets for both; life as an Army Officer and life outside of the Army. It is not all hard work, however. MS IIIs are all learn-ing together and if one stumbles, his or her peers are there to help out. The bonds that started freshman or sophomore year are reinforced tenfold. As for my-self and many of my fellow MS III Cadets, the MS III year has been very exciting and it is only halfway through.

From a MS III perspective

By Cadet Jordan Sweet

Page 13 The Lance

I really enjoyed meeting people with so many different life experiences who I normally would not have a chance to interact with as a college student. One of my most memorable parts of Airborne School was the friendships I made and experienc-ing the Army family. It was incredible how close three weeks of training could bring people to-gether.

People were very supportive of each other. One of the cadences we sang constantly about Airborne School included the lines, �We like it here, we love it here, we finally found a home. A home, a home, a home away from home.� As corny as these lines sound, I was actually sad to leave Ft. Benning. I honestly felt like I made lasting friend-ships with people whom I will stay in touch with and see again. I also gained many insights about the Army and military in general that will help me in the future.

Summer Training

From Page 9

MS I�s show initiative

By Cadet Tim Cruz

Fall 2008 Edition Page 14

Mistakes are made in every organization throughout the world. The military is no differ-ent. But it is what is learned through these mistakes that truly defines who we are and what we are made of. During the weekend of October 3rd, 4th, and 5th the Lib-erty Battalion Army ROTC pro-gram held their annual Fall Field Training Exercise at Otis Air force Base. We trained using a wide variety of equipment in-cluding a repel tower and an obstacle course. We also got an opportunity to fly in Black Hawk helicopters. But even with all of these activities to look forward to, the consensus seemed to be that the paintball was going to be the highlight of the weekend. When the day finally ar-rived to play paintball all the MSI�s gathered in front of our barracks. We were split up into fourteen man squads and taken one squad at a time to a location in the woods where we were

to meet up with a higher ranked Cadet. My squad was dropped off in a location where five dirt roads con-verged. After about ten minutes with no one showing up we knew some-thing was wrong. Were we supposed to find someone? Are we in the right place? What should we do? All these questions ran through our mind. Then something remarkable happened, fourteen MSI Cadets who had only been in the Army ROTC program for less then two months, started to use the skills that they had learned. We knew where the paved road was that leads back towards the center of the base, but we did not know if maybe there was someone we were supposed to meet just over the hill. So we split our squads into teams. Each team had at least two people in it. We had teams go one at a time down a different road each for to us. One team actually found a little shack that we could all fit into in case it began to rain, and that was

five minutes. If they found anything they would come back and report it When we all gathered back at our drop off point we started discussing what we should do next. It started to rain and we considered going to the shack that we had found, but instead we decided to try to get out of the woods. We sent two people to the paved road, which was about a fifteen minute walk away, to see if they could flag down a car. The two Cadets were gone for about an hour but they came back with a cadre member. We all walked to the road and we eventually got out of the woods.

As soon as we finished filling out the paperwork, we assembled behind Carney Hall, with each Cadet standing behind an identi-cal pile of equipment. We were instructed to place items into our duffle bags after indicating that we had the proper piece of equipment. For the uniforms themselves, we formed into lines and were given the rough ap-proximations of our sizes, close enough to fit, but far from com-fort.

We dressed and slowly began to resemble Soldiers, although few of us even viewed ourselves as such. The sheer volume of equip-ment issued now under our respon-sibility seemed to magnify the sig-nificance of what was happening. The onslaught of commands and orders culminated in the Squad level maneuvers, where we formed into small groups and were led through the basic commands and formations by the MS IIs.

This was the first time that many of us had ever been in a formation and cer-tainly the first for many of us to march in unison. Although the maneuvers were very basic, even turning and walking was broken down and explained in proper mili-tary context. Many of us began to feel a small change with each foot-fall. The realization that we were embarking on a journey that would turn us from High School graduates, to Officers in the most advanced military in the World dawned on us. Something as simple as being given a couple shirts and a pair of boots has enormous power when it marks the beginning of a Military odys-sey.

Administrative Day From Front Page

Culture Shock

Cadet Robby Olp

Fall 2008 Edition Page 15

It takes a lot of courage to join the Armed Forces of the United States these days. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have generated a lot of discord among citizens. The citizens voiced their concern and desire for change in the 2008 Presiden-tial election. Early on, while deciding which college to attend, I did not consider participating in ROTC. I knew of the program, but I could not see myself in the Army. It wasn�t me. However, my dream is to become a doctor. I want to help people. In finally choosing to join Army ROTC at Boston College, I realized that this was a great opportunity to give back to my country and to make a difference in the world. After a semester of experiencing the program, I have learned more about the Army, much of which the country misconstrues, and the ideals for which it stands. The way the nation is react-ing to the Iraq war, especially during the election, reminded me of what I learned about the coun-try�s reaction to the Vietnam War. Vietnam was extremely unpopular. Many citizens pro-tested. Young men burned their draft cards. ROTC programs were forced to shut down due to threats by the animosity of the anti-war movement. The senti-ment due to the war in Iraq is not quite as severe as it was during the Vietnam era. It was difficult for me to choose ROTC, but the opportunities for leadership and careers made my decision easier.

I learned about different branches in the Army, the awesome oppor-tunities to help others as a doctor, and the chance to give back to the country that stands for freedom to the rest of the world. After going through PT for the first few months, I was quickly welcomed and accepted into the program by the other Cadets. The MSIIs, MSIIIs, and MSIVs all made us MSIs feel comfortable and adjusted to col-lege as well as Army ROTC. We all shared common qualities, like patriotism and an unbeatable work ethic, and the dream of succeed-ing in various careers. I made friends immediately and enjoyed being around the Cadets, even at 0615 in the morning. Being in college as an Army ROTC Cadet is very unique. All of us Cadets are driven, more than many of our fellow classmates. We are Cadets and we are students. We balance ROTC with classes and other extracurricular activities. On paper, it looks tough. Many of my friends ask me how I handle all the things that I do. I learn discipline through ROTC and apply it to my entire life. Plus, I enjoy participating in these extracurricular activities. I want to do them. I never look at them as something I have to do. I want to experience many things in my life, and being in the Army is one of them. I am excited for what lies ahead of me. I will meet the true heroes of this country; the ones sacrifice their lives day in

and day out to protect the lives of millions at home. I will ex-plore the world, and I will have the ability to make a difference in this world. I know there are many new paths that I will blaze as an Army officer. Being in the Army, whether it is four years or thirty years, will be a great portion of my life. The camara-derie, the adventure, the ser-vice, and the pride are qualities that come to mind when I think of the Army. As a Cadet and a Boston College student, I think the mottos of the university, �men and women for others,� and of the Society of Jesus, �go set the world aflame,� describe what I can do in the United States Army.

335A Huntington Ave Boston, MA 02155

Phone: 617-373-2372 Fax: 617-373-8677 Websites: www.rotc.neu.edu www.bc.edu/offices/rotc/

Liberty Battalion Army ROTC Newsletter

Oath Ceremony From page 12

We had practiced all throughout the preced-ing week, learning the necessary movements un-der the command of Cadet Captain Snider, yet I was still apprehensive about actually carrying out the movements in front of a crowd. As we lined up in two files and marched out onto the field in the damp weather, I saw a crowd, yet not too many people as to be overwhelmed, making me feel much better and confident about the ceremony as a whole. When I stated my name, in sequence, with the other Cadets in my platoon and had taken an oath to uphold the constitution and the com-mands of all the officers in charge of me, I had willingly committed to the ROTC program and to later serving in the United States Army.

More than just a ceremony, the Oath Ceremony was the public initiation of the Cadets into the ROTC program and served to bring the attention of the whole Boston Col-lege community to our existence and our commitment to uphold the United States Constitution and to develop Cadets into highly qualified officers ready to serve in the United States Army.

The LANCE is an unofficial publication authorized under the provisions of AR 360-1 and published twice a year by the Cadets of the Liberty Battalion. The Liberty Battalion is composed of students from several campuses including North-eastern University, Boston college, Berklee School of Music, Suffolk University, UMass of Boston, Emmanuel College,

Eastern Nazarene College, Simmons College, Regis College and Wentworth Institute of Technology. To contribute a store to The LANCE, contact the Commanding Officer at 335A Huntington Avenue, Northeastern University, (617) 373-2372.

Visit us on the Web at www.rotc.neu.edu.

Boston College Color Guard during Oath Ceremony