Black Bear Newsletter

7/30/2019 Black Bear Newsletter

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techniques ofrappellingout ofthe aircraft. Then the final event

was a twelve mile ruck marchthat needed to be completed in nolater than three hours. In each

phase, I listeneddiligently to myinstructors, and spent all myspare time studying and practic-

ing the various operations. Manyof my classmates that did not

take the time to prepare ended uppacking their bags early. It was atough ten days, but I managed toget through each phase, and by

the end, I was able to get my Air

Assault wings. After just a littleover a year of graduating highschool, I already can't believe

some of the experiences the Ar-my has given me. If another Ca-det would like the chance to go,Id recommend maintaining a

high PT test score, participatingin battalion events, and keeping

your gpa up.

When I was told I was going to

Air Assault at Fort Benning, Iwas extremely surprised. I knowthat many soldiers go their entirecareer without once getting

the opportunity to attend aschool like Air Assault, and

so I washonored to get thatchance. I had already passedthe ruck march and PT re-quirements and so physical-

ly I felt prepared. However,I was still not one hundred

percent sure what to expectonce I arrived there. But I

boarded the plane to Fort Ben-ning determined to face anychallenge head on.

The first day, otherwise

known as zero day, was a varietyof physical tests that determinedif we were physically capable ofgoing through the training. Due

to my high level of physical fit-ness I passed, and then the realtraining began. The ten days oftraining were split up into three

phases. The first phase was the

combat assault phase, whichtaught us the various aircraftsafetyprecautions, orientations,

operations, and hand and armsignals. The second phase wasslingload operations, which in-volved thepreparation,rigging,

and inspection of the variousexternal loads the helicopterswere capable of carrying. Thefinal phase was the rappelling

phase, which taught the proper

Cadets rappel out of helicopters

at Air Assault School.

Air Assault Offers Adrenaline Pumping Experienceby MSII Cadet Cole Sirois

F A L L S E M E S T E R 2 0 1 2

Military training has been a part of the University of Maine for more than 140 years. The commis-

sioning of Army Officers from this program is a time honored tradition that continues today as

each spring, we commission new Second Lieutenants into the United States Army. The Army

Reserve Officer Training Corps at the University of Maine is a voluntary program designed to

enhance a students education by providing unique and challenging leadership and management

experience. This program helps students develop self esteem, self-discipline, physical stamina,

teamwork, management skills, and other qualities essential to success in any workplace. The pro-

gram involves both classroom and applied learning. Through hands on instruction, students

learn and practice related skills. Through activities like orienteering, paintball, rappelling, rifle

marksmanship, and field training exercises, the program stresses teamwork and the application of

leadership principles to overcome situational problems and obstacles. As students progress

through the program, senior Cadets are given the opportunity to lead and teach underclassmen.

Enclosed is a few examples of the different opportunities Cadets enrolled in ROTC have to better

themselves as future officers of the US Army.

Army Values

LoyaltyDuty

Respect

Selfish Service

HonorIntegrity

Personal Courage

Warrior EthosI will always place

the mission first; I

will never accept

defeat; I will never

quit; I will never

leave a fallen com-

rade behind

Black Bear StaffProfessor of Military Science

LTC Charles Rote

Senior Military Instructor

MSG Thomas Banister

Cadet Battalion Commander

CDT/LTC Evan Richards

Cadet Battalion CSM

CDT/CSM Thomas Ryan


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This past summer I attended CTLT

at Ft. Carson Colorado. CTLTstands for Cadet Troop Leadership

Training; I spent three weeks in Col-

orado with the 3-29 Alpha Battery

Field Artillery Gators. During this

time I, was shadowing a 1st Lieuten-

ant who was helping me learn the

ropes of command. I was tasked to

run a night raid, plan a convoy, and

was in charge of various details such

as mound detail. In addition I was

even given the honor to be a part of

a salute to fallen troops. This experi-

ence taught me a lot about leader-

ship and gave me a snapshot to

what a platoon leader will actu-ally encounter in a real field

artillery unit. While there I, had

first-hand experience of main-

taining accountability of prop-

erty and people, which provid-

ed me with a greater understanding of

being solely responsible for a units

readiness. This experience taught me

how to interact with my NCO Chain

of Command which is a lesson you

only learn by experience, so I consid-

er myself very fortunate. I would rec-

ommend every single Cadet do CTLT

as it offers a unique experience that

benefits Cadets in every way possible

for our enormous responsibility we will

soon be given. In summation CTLT is

an amazing experience not offered to

everyone and should be seen as the

great advantage and opportunity it is.

CTLT Gives Cadets Opportunity to be Lieutenant-

Level Leadership in Active-Duty UnitsBy MSIV Cadet Kyle Lawson

Cadets re a M2 machine gun in a convoy.

In the summer of 2012, I, along with 9

other seniors, went to LDAC at Ft. Lew-

is, Washington. LDAC or Leadership

Development and Assessment Course, is

where Cadets develop and are tested onsmall unit tactics, leadership, first aid,

and land navigation. Cadets also take a

PT test and run through both land and

water confidence courses. The first

week at LDAC is where I was in-

processed; filled out paperwork, re-

ceived my gear, and met my squad. The

first test I completed was the PT test and

soon after, we went out to the field

where we completed land

navigation training and test-

ing . In the next couple

weeks we completed the

obstacle course, rappel tow-

er, cultural awareness train-

ing, field craft, weapons

training, grenade assault

course, and chemical bio-

logical radiological and nu-

clear training which includes

going through a tear gas

chamber. Before we "deployed" to Atro-

pia, the fictional country where LDAC

takes place, we spent a couple days re-

hearsing tactics with our squad. The

next four days, our squad went through24 missions, including ambushes, re-

cons, attacks, and movement to con-

tact. I was the squad leader for 2 of the

missions, and was evaluated by a tactics

evaluator. After a day of rest and re-

viewing tactics with my platoon, we

spent another two days doing platoon

sized missions. There I was a squad

leader and platoon sergeant for two of

the missions. After the platoon missions,

we had a 10k road march back to Ft.

Lewis, where we would spend our final

week in WW2 style barracks. We then

completed the water confidence courseand branch orientation day, where I had

the opportunity to visit each branch the

Army has to offer. At the end of LDAC,

my leadership evaluations from garrison

and squad and platoon leadership were

all added up and I was given an overall

score for camp. This score went towards

my order of merit list, which is used dur-

ing accessions to determine my branch.

My advice for underclassmen going to

LDAC with a good comprehension of

opords, a 290 or above PT score, solidbackground in tactics, be able to success-

fully conduct land navigation, a positive

attitude, and a good broken in pair of

boots.

LDAC tests Leadership, Land Navigation, and Small Unit Tactics

for 30 days at Ft. Lewis.By: MSIV Cadet Garrett Clark

Cadets learn how to re an AT-4 during weapons train-

ing at LDAC.


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P A G E 3

Fall Semester in Pictures

Cadets line up on the ring range during the marks-

manship lab.

The Ranger Challenge Team crosses a water obstacle

during the Ranger Challenge Compeon.

CDT Rosebeary jumps o the 3m drop during the

Combat Water Survival Test.

CDT Trinh completes the equipment drop during the

CWST

CDT Ackerson takes aim during the marksmanship lab.

CDT Rogers learns about Blackhawks during Naonal

Guard Night.The MS4s receive their branches.


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CDT Slininger demonstrates a proper rie drill and cere-

mony.

Cadets learn how to assemble and dissemble the

M16A2.

The Ranger Challenge Team learns how to enter and clear a

room.

CDT Ryan briefs proper range safety before the

marksmanship lab.

CDT Morin teaches how to search an enemy prisoner

of war.

CDT Hopkins get his infantry pins put on by LTC Rote.


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P A G E 5V O L U M E 1 , I S S U E 1

Master Sergeant's Corner

By MSG Thomas Banister

Team,

I first want to say its an honor to hold this position as the Senior Military Instructor for a group

of motivated, inspirational and professional Cadets. It has been an exciting and rewarding semes-

ter navigating the learning and training process.

The Cadets who make up the Color Guard should hold their heads high. You demonstrate true

professionalism every time you march the National Colors into Alfond Stadium so that thou-

sands of Americans can pay honor to the Flag and to the Nation during the National Anthem. You are entrusted to care for and

secure the Colors, and you dont disappoint. Thanks to Cadet Trinh for leading and training the Color Guard Cadets.

I have been impressed time and time again during labs, the STX lanes and during the fall FTX. The leadership all the MSIVs

have demonstrated is inspiring. It leaves no doubt in my mind that they will all make outstanding Officers in our Army. Cadet

Richards and Cadet Ryan make an exceptional Command Team.

I want to thank all the Cadets who either assisted with or ran in the Veterans Day 5K road race. It was a successful event as we

had a 20% increase in participation this year. Having Cadets that are both motivated and determined makes putting together

this type of event easy. All of your efforts were noticed and appreciated. Cadet Campbell won the race with a time of 19:06.

Cadet Sirois came in second with a time of 19:07 and Cadet Hopkins finished 3 rd at 19:09. Great work Cadets. Thank you to

Cadet Morin for leading the support team.

The three Cadets who have put on the diamond of Cadet First Sergeant need to be recognized. Cadet Ackerson, Cadet Monteith

and Cadet Trinh all know the challenges of accountability and training. I commend all three of you for solid performances in

the position. Duties and responsibilities of a First Sergeant are highly varied and can be complex. Outstanding leadership abili-

ties are a must. As well, they must also be a very good administrator and manager. They are also the company commander's

right-hand man. There will be more Cadet 1SGs for sure. I just want everyone to recognize the complexity of the position.

I am lucky to be surrounded by the Cadre of the Black Bear Battalion. Nowhere will you find a more dedicated and caring

group of professionals whos every ounce of effort is devoted to ensuring the success of every single Cadet. It is an absolute

honor to work alongside Soldiers of this magnitude.

I am positive that next semester we will build on what has been successfully established this semester. Leading, preparing,

training, mentoring, coaching, learning and succeeding. Stay positive Black Bears!!!

I was assigned to go on an OCONUS

deployment to Thailand to help the Ca-

dets at the Thai Armed Forces Academy

Prepatory School (AFAPS) practice

conversational English. Our squad of

Cadets from across the nation gath-

ered at Ft Knox for a

week of pre-

deployment training

and medical check-ups.

. During our time at Ft

Knox, we wereable to

visit some local Louis-

ville attractions includ-

ing the local farm

league team. We flew to Thailand on a

long flight and arrived in Bangkok at 1

am. Over the next three weeks, we

spent our time talking with the Thai

Pre-Cadets about our home states and

their homes. On weekends we were

able to travel to the ancient Thai capi-

tal ofSukothai, the city of the mon-

keys, white water rafting, famous 7-

Tier waterfalls, and more. It was a

great experience and we learned a lot

about Thai culture and made a lot of

great new friends.

CULP Immerses Cadets in Local Culture By MSIIICadet Chris Slininger

CDT Slininger (far le) with his CULP class.
http://www.ehow.com/about_6562761_army-first-sergeant-job-description.htmlhttp://www.ehow.com/about_6562761_army-first-sergeant-job-description.html


6/6

Dear Friends and Family of Army ROTC,

I am very proud of what we have accomplished in just the first semester this year. It is a testament to

the hard work and dedication of the Cadre and Cadets toward making our program better than it has

ever been before. Some of the highlights we should be especially proud of:

The first class training of our Cadets in both a Field Training and Situational Training Exer-cise. While other college students spent the weekend doing what college students do, ours

were out, training hard, making themselves better Soldiers and Leaders. Under the mentorship

of MAJ Sean Harmon and SFC Paul Maxson, the MS IVs did good work planning and execut-

ing this training. These events would simply not happen if Mr. Ron McIntyre wasnt there to

sustain it all.

Our ability to offer some of our MS IIs (Mr Cole Sirois, Mr. Mathew Murphy, Mr. Daniel Bergstrom, and Ms. Madeline

Borek), as well as the ability to offer some of our MS Is (Mr. Mikeal Heikkinen Ms. Jessica Cervantes, Mr. Cody Black-

burn, Ms. Carolyn Paneral, and Mr. William Orne) the ability to qualify for scholarships. This doesnt happen by acci-

dent. The participation from the University Faculty makes it a quality event. The work of Mr. Shane Hoover to put on

the board, manage the results, and work with our higher headquarters, makes sure our program has the scholarship oppor-

tunities our Cadets deserve. He was also instrumental in our ability to extend the existing scholarships of Ms. Adrienne

Germanakos and Mr. William Jones by another semester.

The Ranger Challenge Travel Team, (Mr. Brandon Hopkins, Mr. Thomas Ryan, Mr. Chris Sliniger, Mr. Dale Dunn, Mr.

James Ciejka, Mr. Mathew Murphey, Ms. Amanda Wood, Mr. Cole Sirois, Mr. William Orne) represented the Black Bear

Battalion with distinction at the competition at Fort Dix. Looking forward to seeing some young talent on the travel team

for next years competition.

Having the honor and privilege to administer the Oath of Enlistment to Ms. Amanda Wood, Ms. Lynne Rosebeary, Ms.

Sarah Rogers, Mr. Eric Gaulin, Mr. Kai Hermansen, and Mr. Cole Sirois. Defense Secretary Robert Gates once said,

Even after 9/11, in the absence of a draft, for a growing number of Americans, service in the military, no matter how

laudable, has become something for other people to do. These folks have decided to serve where so many do not.

MSG Tom Banister, Ms. Janice Barbeau, and Mrs. Paulette Ferland efforts; especially their work to get our December

commission Cadets ready and ensuring the ceremony will be fondly remembered by Ms. Ashley Stucker, Mr. Robert

Cook, Mr. Jacob Ferland, Mr. Aaron Saucier, and Mr. Joseph Leonard. They will be missed but I take solace in knowingthe great adventure they are embarking on.

We have begun to work to get an Army ROTC alumni program together. This project could take upwards of a year to

get in working order but early efforts are already beginning to show promise. Alumni involvement to date includes Briga-

dier General James D. Campbell (40th Adjutant General of the Maine National Guard & Commissioner of the Maine De-

partment of Defense, Veterans, and Emergency Management), COL (RET) Judy-Ann Carroll (retired from the Army as

the Commandant of the Defense Institute of Security Assistance Management (DISAM) and current Member of Arizona

Chapter 14 of the Disabled American Veterans), and COL Lisa Snyder-Hendrix (Chief, Clinical Nursing, Landstuhl Re-

gional Medical Center). There help and support of our program is greatly appreciated.

I could go on and on, with 20th Maine Honor Society, Color Guard, and all the other activities we have accomplished, but we need

to continue to look forward. We still have a lot to accomplish before the end of this year, as we commission our MS IVs and send

our MS IIIs to LDAC. Getting better, and doing your utmost, every day in the Battalion, is some of the most rewarding work Ihave been a part of. Black Bears!

-LTC Charles X. Rote

Army ROTC

Room 114 Armory

Orono, ME 04469-5750

Phone: (207) 581- 1121

Fax: (207) 581-3738

E-mail: [email protected]

Newsletter

edited by CDT/CPT Garrett Clark

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