FALL 2013

FORDHAM UNIVERSITYRAM BATTALION

IN THIS ISSUE:4455667889

...........................

...........................

...........................

...........................

...........................

...........................

...........................

...........................

...........................

...........................

Staff RideArmy 10 MilerVeterans’ DayBranching CeremonyFall FTX MS4 ViewFall FTXDining-inWinter CommissioningAll American BowlSpring Events

3

1. At the FTX, CDT Ben Levy holds security while the squad leader receives the operations order.2. Newly commissioned officer, 2LT Matthew Neuringer has family and friend pin his ranks at the commissioning ceremony.3. During the Staff Ride, CDT John Huh looks over a map depicting the area the various battles occured in.4. Bravo Company change up physical training on Halloween by wearing costumes.

1

2

4

3

One could not ask for a better day for the staff ride. The sun was bright and the weather warm. This year’s staff ride took place in Brooklyn, the first stop being Ft. Hamilton. From Brooklyn, cadets continued to Harlem.

Army 10-MilerBy CDT Katie Gaffney

Staff RidePhoto by CDT Brittany Kramer

Ram Battalion cadets grin during the staff ride in Brooklyn.

Seven cadets and one lucky member of cadre, CPT. John Beasley, had the pleasure and honor in running in the 29th annual Army Ten Miler on October 20th 2013. Months of training took place prior to the race in order to ensure course completion from all participating cadets. The rigorous, long training runs allowed cadets to build camaraderie among cadets from Alpha and Bravo Company; as well as the confidence to take on the ten mile course throughout Washington D.C. The cadets had the opportunity to explore the nation’s capital the day before the race. From the Smithsonian Museums to wandering The Mall; Fordham Ram Battalion cadets saw as much of Washington D.C. as possible in a limited number of hours. The morning of the race was cold but it just motivated cadets even more to run fast and represent Fordham Ram Battalion proudly. The weekend was an overall success and everyone is already counting down the time until training begins for next October’s race.

After completing the run successfully, the team pose for a photo with winning grins.Mr. John Beasley, CDT William O’Neill, CDT Brittany Kramer, CDT Michael Reilly, CDT Katie Gaffney, CDT Esther Kim, CDT Anne Couture, CDT Brendan Doran

At Ft. Hamilton cadets listen as they are taught about the varioius tactics used during the battle.

5

Veterans’ DayBy CDT Lyle Regalado

Branching CeremonyBy CDT Brittany Kramer

Finding out one’s branch decision can be an exciting yet nervous moment for many seniors. This branch will help mold the cadet into the officer, and individual they will be. Rather than discovering what branch each cadet was assigned to via an email, Ram Battalion held a dinner on November 14. Ram Battalion cadre and MSIV cadets attended the branching event. This dinner was held at the New York Athletic Club. Coffee, tea, and small finger foods were available. LTC Hunt began the evening congratulating cadets and spoke of her experiences as a Military Intelligence Officer. Cadets and cadre enjoyed the evening with pleasant conversation.

Every year, on veteran’s day, our battalion marches on the Veteran’s day parade to honor those who have served our country proudly. This is one of the few events that te battalion gets to march together as a whole unit throughout the entire year. This is a strong tradition that has carried for many years in the Fordham Army ROTC program and it does not look like it will stop soon. Also on Veteran’s day this year, some cadets were able to participate in an event called “Kisses for the Troops”. It is an event sponsored on combination with USO, Cosmopolitan, and Maybelline in order to support out soldiers overseas. At this event, we are encouraged to advertise that ladies and gents can come in and get their makeup done by maybelline professionals. When they get their lipstick done, they get to kiss a card and write a note that will be sent overseas to a soldier that is serving. Not only will they be giving a nice heartfelt gift, but Cosmopolitan donates $1 for every card that is kissed. On top of this fundraising event, there is a celebrity kiss at each “Kisses for the Troops” event who does a nice photo op an takes pictures with some members of the military that show up. This year’s celebrity was Ashley Benson of “Pretty Little Liars” and “Spring Breakers” whogladly took pictures with the cadets and cadre that were present. One of our cadets, Lyle Regalado, was also lucky enough to get a kiss on the cheek from Ashley herself.

Ram Battalion Cadets and Cadre smile for a photograph after the Veterans’ Day parade

CDT Lyle Regalado at the Kisses for the Troops event sponsored by Cosmopolitan.

On the balcony of the New York Athletic Club, CDT Roberto Santos, CDT Chris McKernon, CDT Patrick Millerick, and Mr. Benjamin Cruz break from conversation to take a photograph.

Field Training ExerciseBy CDT Bradley Collins

Efficient planning means excellent training. (Left to right) CDT Courtney McMahon, CDT Chris McKernon, CDT William O’Neill, CDT Roberto Santos

listen to advice provided by cadre in adjusting training due to weather.

This past November, Ram Battalion conducted its fall Field Training Exercise (FTX). MSIV leadership worked around the clock overcoming obstacles to make sure the event was a success. The initial date for the FTX was weeks earlier in the summer; however, due to the shutdown, MSIVs were not able to enact their original plan. After considering a variety of options, it was determined that the FTX would still take place at Camp Smith, it would just be pushed back a few weeks. Upon arrival at the camp, cadets immediately began training. Due to the later scheduling of the FTX, weather

After a STX lane, CDT Bradley Collins (left) participates in an After Action Report (AAR) with his squad..

Planning TrainingBy CDT Chris McKernonº

As Battalion S3, I was able to see the inner workings of the planning process and execution of the Field Training Exercise (FTX). Cadets received great training at the fall FTX despite adverse weather conditions (like a snowstorm when no snow was predicted). The bitter cold weather forced Operations Orders (OPORD) planning during Situational Training Exercises (STX) lanes to happen indoors which allowed every cadet to see and be involved in the OPORD process, an unorthodox but effective practice. That is something MSIs and MSIIs do not get a lot of and were happy to learn. Attending an FTX and planning one are entirely different. I learned that this year as an MSIV. Almost everything needs to have a backup or contingency plan. As an underclassman in Reserves Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), that is

During the Situational Training Exercise lanes, CDT Chris McKernon assesses a MSIII cadet in order to further the cadet’s training.

something you never notice. Hours and hours are spent going through scenarios depicting what results would occur due to certain actions. It was definitely a challenge to ensure the FTX went well but it was also fun to tackle these hurdles at full speed. All of the MSIVs worked amazingly as a group to plan training that would prepare cadets for their future in the Army as leaders.

7

Dining-in

was much colder than initially planned. With wind chills as low as -4°F, MSIVs were again forced to alter plans in order to ensure the safety of all cadets. By abbreviating training exercises in a way that did not harm their overall integrity, MSIVs successfully avoided cold weather casualties and offered invaluable training to younger cadets. Cadets began by dividing into their FTX squads. These squads mixed cadets from all three companies to ensure battalion bonding. Immediately, they hiked to the Bald Spot training area of Camp Smith and begun land navigation. Many cadets reported recondo scores, even MSIs and IIs. Although this day was cut short due to unexpected snow and cold temperatures, all cadets agreed it was a success. The difficulty of the land navigation course no doubt provided training that will prepare cadets of Ram Battalion to a higher standard than what is expected at LDAC. On the second day, cadets again hiked up to the Bald Spot training area. They started the day with squad situational training exercises (STX). After the first iteration, it was deemed unsafe to stay outside all day due to the incredibly low temperatures. Cadets were immediately shuffled back down the mountain to conduct abbreviated STX lanes with an indoor portion. This adjustment was crucial in maintaining the safety of Ram Battalion cadets. Many MSIIIs led their first STX lane on that day. They came away with a better understanding of what will be expected of them at LDAC and have a better idea of what they need to practice in the future.

Although previous Fall FTXs have focused more on recruiting, with activities such as repelling and weapons familiarization, the MSIVs chose to orient the material of this FTX more towards the evaluated tasks of LDAC. This decision will no doubt be have a great effect on the cadets of Ram Battalion. Many cadets conducted land navigation and STX lanes for the first time on this FTX. They had no idea what it meant to actually do these things; now, they have an increased understanding of what will be expected of them and how they can improve their evaluations and their leadership potential. Despite the obstacles this FTX faced, it definitely came through to offer vital training that will help all cadets of Ram Battalion be the best Army officers they can be.

MSIs and MSIIs choose partners during the Day Land Navigation of the FTX. LTC Hunt helps two cadets locate their points.

On November 22, Ram Battalion held the annual Dining-in. Three of the companies are spread out over very different campuses and this dinner event allows the companies to build camaraderie. After dinner is served, each class presented a skit as entertainment for the evening. Another form of entertainment is the grog bowl. The grog bowl is presented and mixed with various ingredients. Cadets can be called upon to drink from the grog for any infractions such as grooming standards not being adequately met. Dining-in is not merely a dinner but also a chance to get to know more cadets.

Alpha Company performed a skit parodying a staff meeting between Ram Battalion cadre.

Winter CommissioningBy CDT Alex Zhang

The commissioning ceremony took place on 18 December 2013 at 1400. The location was in the beautiful Keating Hall Auditorium for 2LT Jordan Botvinik, 2LT Matthew Neuringer, and 2LT Olmstead. 2LT Jordan Botvinik commissioned into Signals Corps, 2LT Neuringer commissioned into the Judge Advocate General’s Corps, and 2LT Olmstead commissioned into the Infantry Branch.The ceremony first started with our wonderful color guard which consisted of CDT. Reilly, CDT. Gaffney, CDT. Hoblin, and CDT. Callahan. Each 2nd lieutenant was pinned by the person of their choice and was sworn into the United States Army by LTC Hunt. The ceremony ended with our spectacular color guard and reception.

(Left to right) 2LT Matthew Neuringer, 2LT Jordan Botvinik, 2LT Olmstead during the winter commissioning ceremony.

Review: All American BowlBy CDT Justin Ahn

Every year since 2000 the U.S. Army puts together the U.S. Army All American Bowl, which features 90 of the best football players in the country, playing for the East and West team respectively. Another recent addition to this bowl is the U.S. Army All American Marching Band, which I had the honor of being a part of when I was a senior in high school as a clarinetist. The players and bandsmen come to San Antonio Texas about five days before the actual game day to prepare for the football game and the halftime show. This football game is broadcasted on NBC and is seen by many people around the world. The marching band, which is now in its seventh year, is also broadcasted by way of streaming video on the Internet to the many people who enjoy the marching band arts. As an alumnus of this band and also a part of the Fordham ROTC program I was able to attend this years’ bowl and help the band throughout the week. Throughout the week I was able to help the band in many ways such as making sure everyone was where they were supposed to be, filling water for them and being a friendly

Cadet Ahn with the 2014 All American Clarinet section at the Alamo

9

face that is relatively close in age to these All Americans. All of the other cadets and specialist that were on staff were also alumni from the All American Marching Band. When I was a bandsman in 2011 I knew that there were people there that I could relate to and this gave me a sense of belonging. This was also the venue where I was able to seriously look into becoming a part of the U.S. Army by way of joining the ROTC program, which I eventually did. Having the privilege to be an All-American Bandsmen is something I will cherish for the rest of my life. Having the honor to serve among the men and women that I saw during Bowl week and the All-American Bowl itself is a humbling experience. Having the marching band sound so good in a place with a temperate climate with an audience of millions of people watching gives me pride in not only being an alumnus of the All-American Marching band but also being a part of the U.S. Army and being an American citizen.

Cadet Justin Ahn with 2014 All American Clarinet and Piccolo sections

Spring Events

Major General Batschelet (Commanding General of Army Recruiting Command) with All American Alumni.

Mar 7-9Mar 15-21Mar 28-30

................

................

................

FTXSpring BreakJFTX

This newsletter was compiled and edited byCDT Brittany Kramer and CDT Alexandria Corneiro

Fall 2013