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News from the Commander
Military Science
The Army ROTC program commissioned thirteen officers on May 15, 2008. These officers have moved on to their careers in the Army with jobs varying from aviation to engineering, and from infantry to transportation, working at posts all over the nation and the world.
In summer 2008, the Military Science Department sent twenty-two cadets to the Army’s Leadership, Development and Assessment Course (LDAC) in Ft. Lewis, Washington. Over 5,000 Army ROTC cadets from all over the nation attend this 33-day course after their junior year. The course incorporates a wide range of mentally and physically demanding events designed to develop and evaluate leadership ability. Overall LDAC scores are published using a three letter ranking system; E for Exceeds expectations, S for Satisfactory, and N for Non Satisfactory. Four of our cadets received an overall ranking of an E, which is highly competitive. Seven of our cadets received the Recondo badge, which is an award given to cadets who pass all events at LDAC with a 90% score or higher. Only 15 % of cadets nationwide earn the Recondo badge.
Also, this summer several cadets attended a variety of training events. The cadets went to Cadet Troop Leadership Training (CTLT) where they took part in internships through which they shadowed Second Lieutenants in the U.S. Army and worked with them for about a month at different Army posts. The cadets participated in internships at Ft. Irwin, California; Ft. Bragg, North Carolina; and Ft. Sill, Oklahoma. The Department also sent one cadet to an Army Medical CTLT at Ft. Sam Houston, Texas, and one cadet to an Engineering internship at Ft. Lee, Virginia. Finally, a number of cadets attended Army schools. Three cadets went to Airborne School at Ft. Benning, Georgia, where they learned how to properly exit military aircraft while in flight and land with the use of the T10 Delta parachute. Three cadets went to Air Assault School with the National Guard at Camp Rilea, Oregon, where they learned how to properly load and unload U.S. Army helicopters in flight and on the ground. One cadet was sent to Sapper School. The Sapper Leader Course trains selected combat engineer unit leaders in leadership skills, combat engineer and infantry battle drills, and the specialized engineer and infantry techniques required to perform as members of an Engineer Battalion. Finally, one cadet was sent to China as part of the cultural emergence program that encourages cadets to learn about other countries and their cultures.
This fall 28 incoming freshmen to Army ROTC received four-year scholarships. These recipients must meet the Army’s “SAL” (scholar, athlete, and leader) criteria in order to receive a scholarship. Our Army ROTC program is one of the largest in the nation. The battalion now consists of 13 cadres and 152 cadets with satellite programs at University of Louisiana at Lafayette, McNeese State University, and Southeastern Louisiana University.
LSU Tiger Battalion Fall 05 Highlights
The cadets and cadre of the LSU Army ROTC Battalion have been very busy during the Fall 05 semester. The university and alumni of the “Ole War Skule” should be very proud of our cadets and the cadre and staff that train and develop them. Currently the battalion has 13 uniformed and civilian staff and 150 cadets. Last year we commissioned 17 officers into the Army. This year we are poised to commission another 11 young leaders into the Army. Below are some of the great accomplishments of the battalion:
2005 Summer Leadership Camp
The Tiger Battalion did extremely well this summer at the Cadet Command Leader Development and Assessment Course, Fort Lewis, Washington. Eight of LSU’s finest students completed summer camp and consistently scored above the Cadet Command and Western Region averages in all areas.
Airborne School
LSU can now boast of 8 new paratroopers in our ranks. Five LSU cadets completed the US Army Airborne Course at Fort Benning, GA. over the summer. The tough three-week course is made available to cadets who display the physical and mental toughness needed to be a US Army paratrooper.
Cadet Troop Leadership Training Three of our cadets traveled to US Army posts all over the United States and Germany over the summer to participate in a unique leadership development program. The cadets spent three weeks as the “third” lieutenant in an active duty Army unit. They experienced what life as a young platoon leader or section chief may be like when they are commissioned as 2nd LTs.
Rangers Lead the Way
Our Bayou Bengal Ranger Challenge Team finished 1st of 6 participating teams in this years ROTC Ranger Challenge Competition on ULM's campus in Monroe, La. The team competed in basic rifle marksmanship, rope bridge construction, road marching, patrolling, physical fitness and land navigation.
Salute Battery
FIRE !!!! The Tiger Battalion completed their first Tiger Football Season by firing the opening round when the Tiger's take the field. The battery spent 2004 refurbishing two old 75mm pack howitzers and training the cadet gun crews. The hard work and dedication, by cadre and cadets, paid off at this years LSU Salutes and football games.
On Target
The Tiger Battalion has re-established the LSU ROTC Rifle Team. The team reformed during the 2004-5 school year and has been gathering equipment and training for the spring 05-competition season. During the Spring 2005 semester, Cadet Cleland won 1st place in the overall category at the Eastern Illinois University postal match. The LSU team won 2nd place. Both cadets and cadre have been working overtime to prepare the range and gather needed resources for the team. LSU has a well-known history of great marksman. All one has to do is visit the military science building to see the dozens of trophies, ribbons and metals won by former LSU marksmen.
In cooperation with the US Army, the College of Arts and Sciences has provided the battalion with 50 new Kimber .22 cal target rifles to assist in getting the team ready to compete in 2005-6. The team is still looking for individual or corporate sponsors to help defray the costs of supporting the team.
LSU has established a Foundation Account where donors can send in their monetary, or in- kind support to the team.
New construction at the MSB
Thanks to some very hard working people at Facility Services and generous donors from around Baton Rouge, the Tiger Battalion has a new rappel tower. The three-story structure will serve as the centerpiece for our mountaineering and rappelling training. Most important in the construction of the tower is our ability to develop courage in our cadets; to overcome fear as they progress through the program towards being leaders in our Army.
LSU has established a Foundation account for the tower construction and maintenance.
Donors can make in-kind or monetary contributions that will help buy ropes, gloves and maintain the tower for generations of future cadets.
New face on the MSB
The University has give the front of the MSB a face lift by removing old shrubbery and replacing it with stone tiles and a reflection and sitting area around the flag pole. Inside, Dr. Jane Collins, made a special donation that allowed us to completely refurbish the cadet learning center and staff offices. Additionally, hedges were cut down and paint applied to some parts of the outside structure to improve the overall look of the building. Much still needs to be done, but we are looking a bit better these days.
LSU Salutes
Once again the cadet battalion looked great as they paid their respects to the veterans and Cadets of the Ole War Skule. The cadets teamed up with the Air Force cadets to put on a parade that will be remembers for some time to come. Their hard work and organizational skill during the weeks prior to the event really showed during the ceremony.
Training
LSU Army cadets continue to develop, both in the classroom and in the field. Classroom studies include leadership, management, counseling, planning, and much more. Their field training this semester has covered marksmanship, tactics, land navigation, patrolling, rappelling, and so much more. Remember, we are a nation at war. Our cadets know this and are preparing themselves for the day they will stand in harms way. They are our country’s finest…those who have stood up to say…I will defend this great nation. I trust they can depend on you to support them.
Pershing Rifles
The Pershing Rifles Student Organization completed another successful semester by activating 9 new pledges. Additionally, the Pershing Rifles performed many Color Guard Ceremonies, including LSU Football Games and Veteran’s Day Ceremonies. The Organization looks forward to the Spring 2005 Semester when they will attend their National Convention and host the Pershing Rifle Individual Drill Competition in which 25 state-wide High Schools compete in Drill and Ceremonies competition.
Scabbard and Blade
Though a hectic semester brought on by Hurricane Ivan, and an intense training program, Company E5 welcomed three new members this semester, CDT Underhill, CDT Herbert, and CDT Bergeron. During their pledge process, they completed land navigation instruction with SFC Conger and learned the fundamentals of planning training from CPT Moran. The semester wrapped up with elections and end-of-the-semester administrative functions. Next semester, they will focus on training the active members and learning the fundamentals necessary to lead and train a company. This will be facilitated by instruction from the cadre, with CPT Moran providing guidance in topics that concern officership, while SFC Conger and SGT Dudley will help teach basic soldier skill. Our senior cadets will take roles focused on organizing the company, as well as training underclassmen in leadership. Plans include mandatory study hours and extra PT, in addition to other professional development subjects.
Bayou Bengal Raiders
The Bayou Bengal Raiders are LSU Army cadets who go the extra mile to prepare themselves tactically for a career as a combat arms officer. This year the Raiders started training with 12 new trainees. As time went on, and training intensified, the number dropped significantly. In the end, six first semester trainees completed all phases of training, and one 2nd semester trainees completed their initial training and received the coveted tan Raider Beret and became active members.
Recruiting and Enrollment Initiatives
Our goal is a cadet battalion of 300 cadets and 13 cadre. The new recruiting and enrollment officer, Major Vic Todd, and Ms. Linda Warmsley, our assistant director, have made significant progress in recruiting and enrolling new cadets into the program. They have developed an electronic tracking system that has automated our prospect contact procedures. Additionally, they have an aggressive campaign to place flyers, posters, and newspaper ads in key locations on campus, call vets and HS seniors, visit high schools, and partner with LSU’s recruiting staff as they travel around the region. To ensure we are contacting all potential prospects, our cadre are visiting Army Junior ROTC detachments throughout the area each month to ensure the local high schools are aware of our growing program and the scholarship and stipend benefits we can offer qualified students.
Fall Semester 05 Highlights
LSU Army ROTC had a very busy Fall 2005 Semester. Highlights include: Fall FTX, Raider Qualification Course, Ranger Challenge, portal guide at all home football games. The semester culminated with 7 cadets becoming Second Lieutenants at the December Commissioning Ceremony
LSU Cadets conducting a physical training test at the Ranger Challenge Competition at ULM in Monroe, La.
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