liberty battalion army rotc newsletter, fall 2006 …€¦ · phases to the bold leader phase: ......

THE LANCE Liberty Battalion Army ROTC Newsletter, Fall 2006 www.rotc.neu.edu

Northeastern University President Joseph E. Aoun and LTC John C. McClellan, Jr.

Liberty Battalion Gets a New Professor of Military Science

By Cadet Andrew Campbell Boston is known nationwide as a hub of academia, a city full of remarkable schools and universities. The metropolitan center of New England, Boston holds numerous historical sites and a myriad of ROTC programs. It is the home of Faneuil Hall, Northeastern University, Boston College, and of course the Red Sox. These are just a few of the reasons Lieutenant Colonel John McClellan Jr.

requested the Liberty Battalion for his next assignment. The new Professor of Military Science is no stranger to ROTC programs. LTC McClellan initially did not plan on joining Army ROTC when he was a freshman at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. However, after watching (Cont’d on Page 2)

The LANCE – Fall 2006

Cadets rappel from the armory roof and realizing the program could fulfill the school’s physical education requirement, he decided to enroll. As a Cadet, LTC McClellan earned a 3-year scholarship and made full use of the opportunities the ROTC program offered, joining the Ranger club and attending Airborne school. LTC McClellan was commissioned a second Lieutenant on the 16th of May 1986 and entered his top branch choice, the Corps of Engineers. Since that time LTC McClellan has been around the world. As a second lieutenant he was stationed in Korea, then joined the 20th Engineering Battalion at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He deployed to Operation Desert Storm in August of 1990 with that same unit, and was promoted to Captain during his deployment. LTC McClellan spent seven years in Germany, and deployed to Turkey in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. LTC McClellan also spent time as an Assistant Professor of Military Science at State University of New York Rockport provided an introduction to ROTC as a Cadre member. Our PMS selected the Liberty Battalion to be close to his and his wife’s family, as well as all

the opportunities Boston provides. He also notes that this ROTC program performs at the top levels in nearly every category for our brigade, and that the “opportunity to be a PMS in this type of program is remarkable.” Since his arrival in June LTC McClellan has been impressed with the level of experience and dedication provided by other Cadre members and support staff, as well as the top-notch quality of the Cadets. The support of the host university’s administration and a committed alumni association has also kept the program running smoothly during the transition. The future of our program looks bright under the guidance of LTC McClellan. Sustaining our current level of excellence is a priority, as well as recruiting an increasing number of Cadets. He hopes to provide some more diverse opportunities for Cadets, including a possible trip to the Natick Labs, Lexington and Concord, as well as our continuing participation in Ranger Challenge, the Boston Marathon, and the numerous other community events. Lieutenant Colonel McClellan looks forward to commissioning the next generation of Army leaders coming from the Liberty Battalion.

The Leader’s Training Course

By Cadet Jeremy Armstrong

Leaders Training Course (LTC): twenty-nine days at Fort Knox, Kentucky in order to reveal and develop the leadership potential within Army ROTC Cadets. For many, LTC was their first experience with the United States Army; others have had a semester or two of ROTC. For all, it was a challenging and fun month of Army training for Cadets from all over the country. Personally, I had bay mates from Puerto Rico, California, Texas, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois, so there was quite a diversified demographic represented. LTC is conducted in four phases: Soldier First, Warrior Leader, Bold Leader, and Future Leader. Each phase challenged Cadets to strengthen soldiering tasks, drills, and skills. The first phase, Soldier First, taught Cadets “what right looks like.” It included in –processing, the constant

repetition of drill and ceremony techniques, and concluded with a guidon ceremony. The Soldier First phase was conducted solely by Drill Sergeants. We were in their barracks, and they let us know it. They were exceptionally professional and our biggest influence while at LTC. My platoon was led and mentored by the number one drill sergeant on Fort Knox, who the week previous to my company arriving, came in second in the Drill Sergeant of the Year competition. We knew we were getting the best training possible. Each company also heard from an array of distinguished speakers including Colonel Danny McKnight, Retired, who led the Task Force Ranger convoy in Mogadishu, Somalia, the events of which would be detailed in the book and film, Black Hawk Down. (Cont’d on Page 3)

The LANCE – FALL 2006

The Warrior Leader phase consisted of more intense training that tested Cadets’ abilities in more advanced training exercises such as daily physical training, the Combat Water Survival Test, Field Leaders Reaction Course, building and crossing rope bridges, rappelling, and basic rifle marksmanship. One of the favorite events was the

Above: Cadets with a Zodiac Boat Right: Cadets on the MOUT Course

MOUT course, whereby Cadets employed squad battle tactics and room clearing techniques with paintball guns through a simulated urban environment. This was a very challenging phase that was rather difficult for many Cadets, but it was also extremely motivating and instructional. The pinnacle of the Leader’s Training Course is the Bold Leader phase, which is six days of intense training. Cadets spent the day training and then slept out in the field. There were three phases to the Bold Leader Phase: Call of the Wild, Bold Leader FTX, and Where Eagles Dare. The Bold Leader phase included a day of water operations such as zodiac boat training, field survival skills, and construction and racing poncho rafts. The FTX incorporated squad battle tactics and day/night land navigation through very tough terrain. Where Eagles Dare challenged Cadets with a massive rope obstacle course and conquering

alpine and climbing towers. The Bold Leader phase culminated with a 3K tactical road march into a rites of passage ceremony in Memorial Grove. Here, Cadets received Army Value tags and then passed through a honor corridor, receiving congratulations from the cadre. And so, the Future Leader phase starts as LTC nears the end. It was highlighted by Family Day and Graduation. Every Cadet got something out of LTC; many have continued with ROTC and contracted, others learned that the Army was not a career they wanted to pursue. Strong friendships were made. Above all, the cadets returned from the Leaders Training Course proud of their accomplishments, expertly trained in basic soldiering skills, and with a strong sense of the Army Values; loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage.


Cadets Dialogue's Trip

By Cadet Kelly Sullivan

It is morning. A melodic chant is heard echoing through the desert. The sun is rising and the Mullah, an Islamic cleric, is sounding the first call to prayer for the day. There will be four more calls to prayers today. With one look out the window; the rising sun warming your face, the enchanting sounds and the history engulfing you, you realize how lucky you are. You are in Egypt. Following the commencement of classes this past spring, select students from Northeastern University’s Liberty Battalion Army ROTC visited Egypt and China. While there, they immersed themselves in the countries’ language, culture and people. Cadets Brian Vaeni, Jonathan Janiec, Dennis Geary and John Kilcoyne participated in Dialogues of Civilizations. The 13-year-old program has its roots in Cairo, Egypt and has expanded to include many other countries including Turkey, Northern Ireland and China. The 4-week program in Cairo allows students to act as independent researchers. They learn, first hand, about Egyptian and Arab politics, history, culture, economy and society. “This is a great program,” Jonathan Janiec, a 23-year-old junior said. “It really broke down the barriers and stereotypes I had of the Arab world. You can’t learn about this experience in a book, you need to see it first hand like I did.” This is not CDT Janiec’s first visit to the Muslim world. CDT Janiec is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and is currently an Army ROTC Cadet at Northeastern University. He wishes he had a chance to participate in the Immersion Program prior to deploying. “Knowing what I know now would have really helped,” Janiec said. “I witnessed so many misunderstandings about Islamic culture that I get now that I have been through the Immersion Program.” Prior to traveling to Egypt, the participants were given an in-depth syllabus that introduced them to Islam and the Egyptian Culture. Once in country, students visited places like the pyramids, and had an

all access pass to the League of Arab Nations, and the US Embassy. After the tours, our students were able to engage in conversations with Egyptian students at the University of Cairo. Participants were guided by NU faculty throughout the trip, and were constantly encouraged to think about the ways in which everything they were experiencing would apply to their lives as Army officers. “This program is special to Northeastern University,” said Dennis Sullivan, creator and faculty leader of the Immersion Program. “Of course other universities have programs in Egypt, but our program is faculty led. For example, we’ll talk about the meaning of Islam in a mosque. This program is designed to break down barriers between the West and the Arab world. This really challenges everyone to reevaluate what they think of the Islamic culture.” Participation in the Dialogues of Civilizations Cairo program, counts as 2 classes or 8 credit hours. There are 2 options; a cultural option, in which students engage in a wide-range of on-site lectures, research, people-to-people "dialogues" and on-the-ground experiences in Cairo, Alexandria, and the Sinai Peninsula or Siwa Oasis, or a language option where student speak Arabic throughout the duration of the trip. Liberty Battalion Cadets’ participation in the Immersion Program was in response to an initiative President Bush introduced in January 2006, known as the National Security Language Initiative (NSLI). The NSLI aims to dramatically increase the number of Americans learning critical need foreign languages such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Hindi, Farsi, and others through new and expanded programs from kindergarten through university and into the workforce. Through the initiative President Bush intends to strengthen national security and prosperity in the 21st century through education, especially in developing foreign language skills. (Cont’d on Page 5)


“Our Cadets participating in the Dialogues of Civilization Program is proof that the Liberty Battalion take the President’s initiative seriously,” said LTC John McClellan Jr., Professor of Military Science for the Liberty Battalion. “Not only that, but Northeastern University has cultivated an environment that makes this important cultural exchange possible.” This will not be the last time Cadets will travel around the world with the Immersion Program. This winter some Cadets are considering returning to Egypt, for two weeks. They are planning to further their ability to speak and effectively communicate in the Arabic Language. Also the summer program is open to any Cadet wishing to apply. The deadline is early January 2007.

Boston College Company – Fall Training Lab

By Cadet Brian Harper

Friday, September 1, 2006, marked the commencement of fall training for Liberty Battalion’s Boston College Company at Camp Curtis Guild, Massachusetts. Cadets were permitted to move onto campus early, before the two-day long weekend Orientation Lab. At 0600 on Friday, September 1st, Boston College Cadets reported for accountability outside the Flynn Recreation Complex, on Boston College’s Lower Campus, to load vans for transport to Camp Curtis Guild. The weather was exceptional and training for experienced Cadets, and orientation for freshmen Cadets, began immediately. Following friendly introductions and presentations by Cadre members, Cadets were separated into squads for basic marching practice and cadence instruction. Following marching instructions senior Cadets provided basic instruction and procedures for first-aid; also, with extreme enthusiasm, Cadets practiced buddy carrying; carrying their fellow Cadets around the buildings of Camp Curtis Guild. Senior Cadets and Cadre provided instruction in Individual Movement and Squad Movement Techniques which included several stations exercises that evaluative the Cadets’

form for the low crawl, high crawl, and the three-second rush. All Cadets participated in training for Squad Movement Techniques. While freshmen Cadets learned the basics of land navigation in and around the buildings at Camp Curtis Guild, MSII and MSIII cadets completed a five-point Daytime Land Navigation Course prepared by the senior (MSIV) Cadets. Following the day’s events Cadets and Cadre had a barbeque dinner to further absorb new Cadets into the Boston College ROTC community. Following the barbeque dinner, Cadets operated a patrol base under close instruction from BC MSIV’s. The following day all Cadets participated in two separate STX lanes with senior Cadets providing the enemy opposition. One lane consisted of paintball markers, while the other utilized simulated M16 weapons. The fall training ended late Saturday afternoon on September 2nd. BC Cadets were transported by van back to campus before dark. The training was productive and uninhibited by the weather. Freshmen Cadets, in particular, learned a great deal and BC MS IIIs demonstrated outstanding leadership in leading and training the less experienced BC Cadets.

National Patriots Day BBQ

By Cadet Elaine Miller

On September 11, 2006 NU Company sponsored a BBQ for the Northeastern University community in Krentzman Quad. The event was also support by the Massachusetts Army National Guard, the United States Army Reserve, and the United States Army. The Massachusetts Army National Guard brought their climbing wall. The climbing wall tested all those who tried to climb to the top and ring the buzzer. The climbing wall was by far the most popular event. Many students, Cadre, and Cadets took the opportunity to challenge themselves and in some cases, each other, to climb the wall and hit the buzzer. The U.S. Army and Army Reserve brought a Hummer H3 equipped with an Xbox, as well as the U.S. Army sponsored NASCAR (Cont’d on Page 6)


the Army supports on the NASCAR circuit. These were two popular exhibits/attractions with the NU community. In addition, NU Cadets ran a Ranger Challenge station consisting of push-ups and sit-ups. Those that performed to Ranger standards received an NU Army ROTC gym bag.

NU Army ROTC Cadets volunteered to cook and serve food. The Cadets cooked and served 400 hamburgers and 350 hotdogs to the NU community. The BBQ is one of many events Liberty Battalion carries out to promote ROTC on campus. It is events like this that show the NU community who we are and what we do, in fact the new Northeastern University President, Joseph E. Aoun, attended the BBQ.

The Liberty Battalion Fall Field Training Exercise

By Cadet Matthew Cisto

Cadets on the Land Navigation Course

This October, Cadets of the Liberty Battalion

demonstrated their skills and their ability to adapt. Arriving Friday the 27th at Camp Edwards, at the southern end of Cape, the Cadets unloaded their gear into the barracks that Liberty Battalion was to occupy for the next two nights. Soon after, Cadets set-out in buddy teams to try a Night Land Navigation course in which the points were not illuminated by chem lights.

This course required Cadets to be confident in their ability to read a map and know their pace count, as the points could only be seen when they were very close. Cadets showed their proficiency by finding many of these points despite the added difficulty (Cont’d on Page 7)


Liberty Battalion Cadets Practice MOUT Training

and the fact that this was the first attempt at land navigation for many of them. Cadets returned to the barracks around 0100 Saturday, after this test of skills. Saturday, Mother Nature threw the Liberty Battalion a curveball in the form of monsoon-like weather conditions, ruining the ability to achieve anything positive outdoors. The MSIVs exhibited the abilities that helped them do so well at Warrior Forge by throwing together a very impressive day of indoor training. MSIIIs went with MSG Carlin and SFC Wentworth and learned the ins and outs of a combat Operations Order in preparation for Warrior Forge 2007, while MSIs and MSIIs rotated between different training stations.

They learned to use a variety of weapons using an electronic simulator, while also receiving training in urban warfare, room clearing, and many other tactics used by the modern Army. Saturday

night MSIIIs demonstrated their Land Navigation skills again, not in the woods, but in the form of a written test. Meanwhile, MSIs and MSIIs received further training from Cadre and MSIVs and were rewarded at the end of the day with some entertainment in the form of Band of Brothers. When the MSIIIs returned from their test, the Cadet leadership changed hands and everyone hit the bunks for some much needed rest. While the weather forced a dramatic change in Saturday’s training, it certainly did not lessen its value, and new Cadets received an inside glimpse into the world of the Army.

Sleep between Saturday and Sunday came with a twofold bonus. First, the changing of the clocks allowed for an extra hour of sleep; second, extra volunteers for fire guard eliminated the chance of an interrupted sleep for many Cadets. At 0500 Cadets woke to begin cleaning the barracks,


(Fall FTX Continued from Page 7) working very efficiently in order to finish before breakfast. After the barracks were cleaned and the company enjoyed its catered breakfast from IHOP, Cadets began to move by van once again to the Land Navigation area. Nature had somewhat atoned for its misbehavior the day before by providing a strong wind to dry the vegetation in the woods, though blowing hats and maps in various directions. Cadets performed extremely well on this course after having trained in night land navigation, and then began to move back to the field in front of the barracks. Here platoons practiced drill and

ceremony and various cadences in preparation for the awards ceremony at the end of the day. At this awards ceremony, the Liberty Battalion celebrated the vast accomplishments of its MSIV Cadets at LDAC this past summer. Furthermore, Cadets helped to honor the promotion of Sergeant First Class Wentworth to the rank of Master Sergeant, and of Captain Mercadante to the rank of Major. The weekend resulted in a training success, as most Cadets left with leadership and tactical abilities they did not have before, enhancing the confidence of all Cadets.

Boston College 10k Team – Three peats

By Cadet Drew Firmender

CDT Riley, CDT Firmender, CDT Rosser, MSG Carlin, and CDT Hosmer

Story on Page 9


Boston College 10K Team – Cont’d from Page 8 I have stepped up to the starting line many times. I have warmed up and stretched for every race I have ever run. I have always been weary of the runner behind me, knowing his jersey was different from mine, and determined to overcome the jersey in front of me for the same reason. I have had a goal or mission that before I took my first step. This time though, was very different. I made sure I ate my typical pre-race bagel and banana, even though there was nothing typical about this race. It was a rather long bus ride, but not compared to the two hour drive my parents made to see me. It had been about five months since I last raced competitively, and to say the least, the whole family was antsy. I don’t think anyone knew how nervous I was. Hundreds of races, plenty of competition, lots of victories, I was not new to the running scene. This time though, it was more than a race. I was joining a team that was hoping to secure its third straight victory over a 6.5 mile course. Furthermore, I had been told that I was the ‘secret weapon’, the kid no one say coming, the new guy. I was just hoping I didn’t trip or throw up. My uniform smelled awful. A mix of hard work and a lack of knowing how to do laundry was surely to blame. None of this mattered though, and as I laced up, my team, with their shirts neatly tucked in, proudly displaying our branch in bold black letters: ARMY, knew that today was going to be different. This was the annual Marine Corps 10K. To me it seemed more like a rally for jarheads. Hundreds of them, and when my small squad of returning champions made our entrance; we were met by glaring stares and piercing eyes. I tried to make this another routine race. It was anything but that though. I have been a member of the United States Army for less than two months, and I already know that I have

changed. Whenever I had stepped to that starting line in the past, it was about me. Perhaps I was working towards a team championship, but nonetheless, I was working to secure my own victory. I had changed. I was not just Drew Firmender, but Cadet Firmender, an essential piece of an American Army made up of thousands of essential pieces. I was a piece of well oiled machine that served a purpose higher than an individual. Every stride I took was advancing my squad, my Battalion, and my Army. The lead pack when out fast, and I held on for the first mile, clocking in at 5:35. I knew that every marine that passed me meant less of a chance for the team title, and another championship. I was weary of every green shirt I saw, but they never came. From the first mile to the last, I remained in fourth place. When I crossed the line in full stride, I clocked my time, congratulated the winner, and turned around. When you are a member of a team, your importance is secondary to that of your teammates. I skipped the water and granola and jogged back out, making sure that every last runner from Liberty Battalion crossed the line. I had never done this before, but I did today because I had learned what it meant to be part of the Army, part of a greater purpose. For the third year in a row, CDT Christopher Rosser, CDT Cameron Hosmer, CDT Alex Riley, SGT Carlin, and CDT Drew Firmender brought home the Marine Corps 10K team title. Every member was essential to the victory, and we all shared it. Next year I’ll be stepping up to that same line, hoping to bring home another plaque to Boston College Army ROTC, and my only hope is that I will once again be able to approach that line, stand at attention with arms ordered as our National Anthem is played, and understand what it means to be an United States Soldier.

Warrior Forge Exercises

By Cadet Michael Lopez

On November 4, 2006 MS III Cadets from Liberty Battalion met at Fort Devens for Warrior Forge Exercise #2. The purpose of the Warrior Forge Exercises is to prepare camp-bound Cadets for challenges they will face at LDAC (Leader Development and Assessment Course). At this WFX, Cadets completed FLRC (Field Leadership Reaction Course) training. Each Cadet was placed in a position of leadership and tasked to maintain control while safely moving their squad through a series of obstacles. Command and control are vital aspects of effective leadership, and many Cadets found that time constraints cause many leaders to falter. Cadets were forced to adapt and overcome many different variables during each FLRC lane, and to complete the mission at all costs. After the successful completion of the FLRC lanes, Cadets executed a 5 Kilometer tactical ruck march, which consists of two files of Cadets on each side of a road staggered in such a way that they maintain 10 meter spacing from the person in front or behind them. WFX #2 was an effective day of training and MS III Cadets will be a step ahead when they arrive at LDAC this summer.


The MS I Experience

By Cadet Grant Restuccio

Joining the Army ROTC program at Northeastern University may be one of the best decisions I have ever made. In joining such an organization, I was embarking on an adventure, one of the most influential in my life. Through the ROTC program I expected to improve my leadership skills, become physically fit, and most of all, establish a better sense of discipline. However set my goals were in joining Army ROTC, questions inevitably raced through my head. Were Military Personnel going to be watching my every move? Would they yell and really make me “drop and give me twenty” for the most miniscule mistakes? My questions would soon be answered. It quickly became apparent that ROTC was everything positive that I imagined and has become one of the most motivating experiences in which I have taken part. No matter the task at hand, someone is always encouraging and pushing me to better myself, emotionally and physically. Ultimately this program pushes me to succeed. I found it quite difficult to adapt to the pressures of college life, let alone ROTC. Many of my friends were going out during the week at the same time I was going to sleep due to Physical Training (PT) the following morning. At first, the thought of not being able to stay out late with friends was discouraging. Later I found out this “curfew” was beneficial to my studies and well-being. Along with the Cadre, the upperclassmen play a major role in welcoming new Cadets. At first they seemed intimidating, but once we got to know them, we found out they were just like us, sharing many similarities together. Any questions we may have, whether they are about college or ROTC, the upperclassman were more than willing to answer them. They were not only there to coordinate and plan ROTC events but they were also there to encourage us, be our role models, but most important, be our friends. One of the first things I noticed at ROTC was how tightly knit the group was. The camaraderie in the program was very strong. I realized I am not only a college student but also an ROTC Cadet.

This meant I would be experiencing things some people never get a chance to experience with one of the most prestigious groups on campus. For the next five years I will be with this select group, making friendships that potentially last a lifetime. Being part of ROTC gives me a new sense of pride and dedication towards my country. Taking part in ROTC events has also given me a feeling of belonging, which only a select few can experience. For the short two months I have been part of the Northeastern University’s ROTC program, I have faced a plethora of challenges. Learning the commands given by the Platoon Leader, Squad Leader, and fellow Cadets seemed very daunting. With a little coaching from upperclassmen and plenty of practice, marching techniques and commands began to sink-in. They quickly became just another aspect of our everyday procedures. Another aspect of ROTC that every MS I faced was the Army Physical Fitness Test, or APFT. For some, it was a walk in the park. Others, like myself, were extremely nervous and worried about passing this daunting task. Although we received many tips and encouragement from upperclassmen, it all came down to our inner-self. In order to contract and start receiving your stipend, you must pass the APFT. This means scoring a 60 or higher on all aspects of the test: the two-mile run, push-ups, and sit-ups. I have until the end of the semester to pass the test. One test is given every month during PT. The days that we are not testing, we are working hard to increase our PT scores. This involves a lot of hard work and dedication. For me, it has really come down to staying motivated and challenging myself each and every session. It doesn’t end though at the sessions; I have learned to work-out, outside of PT. I have also learned to increase my dietary intakes; tasks that to me are very difficult. However, my hard work really shows after taking the APFT. My scores drastically increase each time, keeping me motivated to continue my vigorous regime. Getting up at 0530 every other morning for PT never occurred to me as being fun. After the first two weeks, I began to realize how it was affecting me. As I looked around the classroom during my 0800 classes, most of students were sleeping because they were not disciplined. (Cont’d on Page 11)


They were not up at 0530, sprinting along the Charles River in the morning’s bitter cold. They weren’t doing push-ups in the drizzling rain. Awaking at 0530 has given me extra energy for my early classes, accelerating myself to do well and strengthen my grades. The Slogan “Army Strong” relates not only to when I’m in uniform or in sessions, but also in the classroom and when out with my friends. My actions because of PT and the Army ROTC itself have become routine. Keeping in mind I have to run the next morning pushes me to stay ahead in my schoolwork, eat well, and get a good nights rest. The first semester of ROTC at NU has been truly unique. In the short time I have been involved, I have learned so much, both involving the Army and

myself. Some of the aspects learned are land navigation, marching, and self-discipline. I have taken part in many activities that I would never have had the opportunity to do without ROTC. I have attended and worked at two Boston College football games as well as attended a Medal of Honor Ceremony with other Cadets. The most influential aspect of ROTC that I have noticed is the sense of belonging to a respected group of people. I know that the rest of my Northeastern ROTC career will benefit me in the future by providing me with physical fitness, leadership skills, and the necessary work ethic that will allow me to lead a successful life. Army ROTC, in just two months, has made me a much better person.

The MS II Experience

By Cadet Malcolm Ohl

The MSI year is about acclimating to early morning Physical Training (PT), Drill and Ceremony, Military Customs and Courtesies and all that goes with being a Cadet in ROTC. MSIII year is about learning to lead effectively in different capacities and preparing for LDAC. The MSII year is about learning and waiting. As an MSII Cadet, you are already well-versed in the basics, and anxious to move on to more advanced tactics and increased responsibility. However, you still have one more year of learning leadership skills to be used during your MSIII year. The MSII year is about time management, what you do with the time you have. It is easy to just go through the motions; simply showing up on time, in the right uniform, and in the right state of mind. However, it is important to do more than that. The MSII year is about the little things; watching and learning as the platoon sergeant leads stretching before and after PT, making sure that any leadership position you are given is executed to the best of your ability, and pushing yourself at PT and in the classroom. It’s about paying attention in MSII class, and executing those lessons in the field. It’s about taking the time to learn a few cadences, and thumbing through FM 7-8 (Infantry Platoon Tactics), when you have a chance. The MSII year is also about seeing and understanding the big picture. Next year, we’ll be MSIIIs, and running the show. In a little more than two years, we will be commissioned second lieutenants in the US Army. Those are sobering facts, and they motivate you to prepare yourself, mentally and physically, for service to the United States of America. As an MSII Cadet, you are the middle child in the ROTC family. You are not a wide-eyed MSI, nor an MSIII for whom LDAC is an imminent reality. You have some time to go to improve your leadership skills, but not that much time. The burden and responsibility of command will be on your shoulders soon. Much sooner than you think.


Ranger Challenge – 2006

By Cadet Timothy Hopper Four thirty in the morning on Saturday October 14th the Northeastern University/Boston College Ranger Challenge team hopped out of bed eagerly anticipating the day’s events. The team consisted of 12 Cadets, eleven from Northeastern and one from BC. Personal hygiene was conducted and the team moved to the opening ceremony at the Fort Devens RFTA (Reserve Forces Training Area) in Shirley, MA. It was a cool crisp morning and the sun still had not risen. All 20 ROTC programs in the First Brigade, Eastern Region were represented and ready to demonstrate their skills and physical strength that was a result of over a month of hard training. After a brief opening statement by the OIC (Officer in Charge) and the playing of the National Anthem; the teams prepared for the first event, the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT). The test consists of two minutes of push-ups, two minutes of sit-ups, and a two-mile run. Each of the events is worth 100 points unless all events are maxed and then it goes to the extended scale. In order to max each event between the ages of 17 and 21 males need to do 71 push-ups, 78 sit-ups, and complete the run in 13:00 minutes. Females must complete 42 push-ups, 78 sit-ups, and complete the run in 15:36 minutes. The Liberty Battalion Ranger Challenge (LBRC) team had an average score of 307.8, an excellent score, which started the team off right up top, with the competition. After the APFT and a quick break for chow, schools broke off and began cycling through the other events of the day. The first event for the LBRC team was Weapons Proficiency. This event consisted of clearing a M16A-2 rifle, disassembling and reassembling the weapon completely, and finally performing a functions check. Weapons were placed on ponchos 25 meters from the starting line. A quick briefing was given then it was down to business. Six Cadets were started online and when the whistle was blown the time started. Each Cadet sprinted up to their weapons and quickly put to work the training that all had put in. The next group went right after and then the team regrouped and began movement to the next event. The next event was the written Land Navigation test.

The team was provided with two maps, two pencils, two exams, and an answer sheet. Twenty minutes was given in order to answer as many of the twenty questions as possible. This required efficient teamwork and the team captain, CDT Vaeni, did an excellent job parceling out responsibilities. He broke the team into two sections and had one person running between each group to record answers that each section was able to complete. The team was able to complete a good portion of the exam and placed us relatively well in relation to the other schools that had already gone. Then we moved to a more physically demanding event, that was a mystery event. It turned out to be a short obstacle course consisting of about 6 or 7 obstacles on a 400m course. The team was given a quick run- through of the course and then was given two minutes to formulate a strategy. After a quick plan was established the team proceeded to the start line and moved out once the time started. The team worked well together and completed the course in just over five minutes and thirty seconds. The next event was another obstacle course but this one was a little over a mile long and involved many more obstacles and longer distances between them. The team had to get over an 8-foot high wall, low crawl under barbed wire, traverse a three-rope bridge, go over log bridges, and carry two members of the team on a litter for over 200m among other things. It was a rigorous course that was physically grueling but the hard work that the team put in training paid off and it was completed in just under fifteen minutes. After that, the team moved to the next mystery event, the FLRC (Field Leadership Reaction Course). In FLRC, teams are given a lane with certain rules and obstacles and 15 minutes to complete it. The lane the LBRC team was given required them to move a barrel containing sensitive radio equipment over an obstacle that consisted of two ramps facing each other on an incline with a three-foot gap between them. The whole team had to get over with weapons as well. The event was completed in just about eight minutes. The team worked well together and incurred a few time penalties but overall it was one of the better events.

(Cont’d on Page 13)


Orienteering was the next event of the day. The team was given a series of points with eight digit grid coordinates and fifty minutes to locate them. The team captain split the team into three groups of four and each headed out in separate directions to try and find as many points as possible. The LBRC team did very well in this event coming in fourth overall, just a few points behind the leading team. The team was still motivated after all the hard work that was put in and they proceeded to next event, the M16 Qualification. In this event Cadets were given two twenty round magazines and were required to fire at pop-up targets ranging from 50m away to 400m away from. One magazine was fired from the prone position and the other from the prone-supported position. The team performed well considering that the weapons they were using had not been zeroed and for many it was the first time they had fired at pop-up targets. The last event of the day was coming up, the hand grenade assault course. Cadets were sent out in buddy teams with four hand grenades and a paintball gun with 50 rounds and were given four different targets to engage with the grenades. The targets consisted of a door, a window, a mortar pit, and a mock bunker. The twist was there were two snipers shooting at the buddy teams as they

advanced along the course. Points were given out for successfully taking out the various targets while points were deducted for being hit by the snipers. The team did very well and managed to pull out ahead while some of the other schools ended up with negative scores. The day was over and the team had done very well. The points were tallied up and the results were given to the teams. LBRC team had come in 11th place overall which was good considering that only half of the team had been able to train for Ranger Challenge. There was one more event left, the 10k road march. Everyone got some sleep and discussed how the team was going to train for next year. The next morning the team got geared-up for the road march with their ruck-sacks and weapons. The 10k course was long and hilly but the team stayed motivated and completed it with time to spare. Inventory was taken at the end to ensure that each Cadet was carrying the same amount of weight, about 35 lbs. The closing ceremony followed and teams were given their awards. Unfortunately this year the LBRC team did not receive any award, but everyone was very motivated and goals and expectations were set high for next year’s competition.

Professor of Military Science Closing Remarks

By LTC John McClellan “The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between the two, the leader must become a servant and a debtor. That sums up the progress of an artful leader.” -- Max Dupree It has certainly been an exciting and challenging first semester as PMS of the Liberty Battalion, and; taking a page from one of my leadership mentors – except in reverse, I’m going to start by thanking the Cadre and Cadets of the Liberty Battalion. My thanks for welcoming me aboard in August and for all your hard work and notable accomplishments this past semester. You have already made this assignment more than I expected – in more ways than one! How so? Well, first of all, we contracted 19 new scholarship students this term… and right up to the last minute with some of them! We fielded a fairly young Ranger Challenge team that managed, with some veteran leadership, to gain valuable experience and build core competencies for a run at the big boys in the next couple of years. Our track team in the BC Company 3-peated as military team champions of the Boston Marine Corps Honor Run, with the NU Company team finishing a very respectable 4th. Both companies paid fitting honor to our Nation’s veterans by executing first-class remembrance and dedication ceremonies. And how can we forget surviving the first Nor’easter of the season down at Camp Edwards, and still managing to accomplish some great training at our soggy Fall FTX! Finally, I was not the only new addition to the Cadre, because we also welcomed CPT Tom Parshall, SFC Michael McGurk, and maybe most importantly, Ms. Elena Afoa to our ranks. At the same time, I had the great honor to recognize the Army’s continued trust in confidence in two outstanding leaders by personally promoting MAJ Mathew Mercadante and MSG Jeremy Wentworth (twice!)

(Cont’d on Page 14)


Now comes the define reality part. Training continues, and so we have a challenging Spring semester ahead of us. We are projecting 25+ attendees to LDAC and LTC this summer. We’re going to have to hit the ground running in January, and keep building on our successes. The Fall semester is over. In January, it will once again be time to ruck-up and move out! The battalion is already ARMY STRONG in the quality of our training program, now we need to increase our strength in numbers. The goal is 100 enrolled Cadets by the end of the add/drop period! Why? Because the Army needs more of the high-quality 2LTs we are producing in the Liberty Battalion. So, go out and tell you stories. Tell those around you who you believe might be the right kind of scholars, athletes and leaders, how ROTC made you ARMY STRONG, and how we can do the same for them. Tell them about the leadership and adventure training. Tell them about the physical, mental and emotional discipline we instill. Bring them around and show them. And while you are at it, tell them about the scholarship $$$s we are offering to those who qualify. The Commanding General of US Army Cadet Command, MG Winfield, has opened the floodgates for ROTC scholarships – and Northeastern is kicking in that extra 20% - making a “full ride” at Northeastern now worth about $172,000 – tax free, virtually 0 debt load, and 100% job placement upon graduation. The numbers at BC and our other partnership schools are similar. So, get out to your local high school over the break and spread the good news. Then come back in January with your batteries re-charged, ready for PT, ready to train, and ready to find, and then lead at least 2 new squads of Cadets down the path you yourselves have chosen. ARMY STRONG! v/r Liberty 6

NU ROTC ALUMNI 1955 Barbeau, Joseph E. Caggiano, Ben A. 1956 Fennell Jr., George R Hersey, Frederic

1957 Berestecky, Boreslaw P. 1959 Childs, Leo M. Crowley, Harold S. 1960 Perham, Whitman 1961 Finnegan, Neal 1962 Blasé, James W. Fitzgerald, John W. Mallion, Richard J. Short, Albert Tragakis, Christopher Troup, Emile 1963 Cademartori, James A. Caggiano, Robert L. Curran, Rich Grant, Charles Lantery, Harry E.

Levanson, Joel Malkasian, Mark D. Martinack, Robert Mason, George Power, John R. Sabbey, John Sawyer, David R. Wenners, Ed Zollo, Bill 1964 Brainard, Stephen P. Craig, Randy Hull, Douglas Kaduboski, Stephen P. Madden, John 1965 Christo, Dennis V. Guinane, John J. Upton, Kevin M. 1967 Gallant, John (Jack) A Pearse, William Slicer, James (Sarge) Szathmary, Phillip A. Wakayama, Ed 1968 Daley, Cameron H. Dietz, Lawrence Liddell, Robert J. Maloney, William J.

Sullivan Sr., Brian 1969 Altersitz, Larry A. Fahey, William A. Guttell, Stephen M. 1970 Colangelo, Anthony R. 1972 Curtin, Dave Rose, Alfred 1973 Desmond, Thomas Madden, John V. 1975 Barruzzi, Sylvio P. Cooper, Joseph P. 1978 Girard, Marc Hutchins, Paul D. 1984 Kestle, Daniel R. Nash, James C. 1986 Springer, Barbara 1991 Haefner, John W. Pabis, James M. 2002 Pesce, Jessica A. 2004

Bourque, Brian Gilmore, Erin Gross, Samuel Harmeyer, Jurik Kirby, Lisa M. Lennon, Ryan Lightford, Natasha Loughnan, Richie L. McDonagh, Anthony Moore, Emily Morgan, Jason Szmyt, Derek 2005 Engelson, Alex Harrington (Wiley) Laase, Mary Tina, Matthew 2006 Babcock, Rebecca Baker, Erin Chan, Felix Dortonia, Adam Ethier, Paul Krantz-Odendal, Jared Krasko, Scott Ethier, Paul Heffernan, Richard Crea, Thomas (former PMS)


Liberty Battalion Cadets – Contracting

CPT Tom Parshall, Cadets Jonathan Hickey & Eric Waxman

LTC John McClellan and Cadet Grant Restuccio

LTC John McClellan and Cadet David Denninger

CPT Brett Tashiro, Cadets Andrew Jenzer, Kane Kanagawa,

Drew Firmender and Chelsea Perrin

LTC John McClellan and Cadet Catherine Barrett

Cadet Margaret DeTeso

Cadet Latise Higgins


LTC John McClellan and Cadet Elizabeth Cummins

LTC John McClellan and Cadet Alex Finlay

CPT Brett Tashiro and Cadet Meridith Hyres

LTC John McClellan and Cadet Brenden Glynn

LTC John McClellan and Cadet Katie Rosen


Liberty Battalion – Fall 2006

Cadet Beecy, President Aoun, COL (R) Powers and Cadet Miller

CSC Freshmen Orientation

Cadet Cote and NU Cheerleaders at CSC Orientation

Cadets Lopez & McKinney at NU Veteran’s Memorial

Cadet Irvine at NU Veteran’s Memorial

CPT Randazzo & Cadet Miller at Branch Night


Cadets in action at WFX #2

Cadets at FTX

MSG Wentworth’s Promotion


NU Veteran’s Memorial

2006-07 POW MIA Run

BC Company

BC Parent’s Weekend

BC Leadership Lab

Liberty Battalion Mannequin gets ACUs

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 Northeastern University, Boston College, Berkley School of Music, New England Conservatory of Music, Suffolk University and the Wentworth Institute of Technology. To contribute a story 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.

Cadet Editor: Cadet Elaine Miller Cadre Advisor: CPT Ben Randazzo

The LANCE Northeastern University Army ROTC

335A Huntington Avenue Boston, MA 02115

liberty battalion army rotc newsletter, fall 2006 …€¦ · phases to the bold leader phase: ......

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