THE LANCE Liberty Battalion Army ROTC Newsletter, Fall 2004 www.rotc.neu.edu

2LT Lisa Kirby preparing for Convoy Operations in Baghdad, Iraq

Former NU Cadet Leading the Way in Iraq

By Cadet Jeffrey Barrett

The Global War on Terrorism and Operation Iraqi One of her planned convoy trips was cancelled due to a Freedom continue, cadets entering the Army are high level of intelligence showing Improvised Explosive prepared and ready for possible deployment sometime in Devices, or IED’s, along the route. A different convoy their future career. This time came quickly for 2LT Lisa that went as planned brought 2LT Kirby into Baghdad Kirby, who is now serving in a signal platoon under the where she had her first glimpse of the city and its all too 10th Mountain Division stationed at Camp Victory, Iraq. apparent juxtaposition of elegant palaces and the relative 2LT Kirby graduated from Northeastern University in filth and poverty seen on the average Iraqi street. December 2003, and became a gold bar recruiter while Through her service in Iraq, 2LT Kirby is now a waiting to report for her Officer Basic Course (OBC). Combat Veteran and has earned her combat patch with She reported to the Signal Corps OBC at Ft. Gordon, GA the 10th Mountain Division. We all remember the on March 17th 2004. Upon completion of OBC, she shining example she set for all of us as a cadet and reported to Ft. Drum, NY, serving as a Platoon Leader newly commissioned officer while at Northeastern. We with the 10th Mountain Division. wish her the best of luck and pray for her safety during A recent e-mail home from 2LT Kirby gave us a this deployment. All of us at Liberty Battalion are unique look into the life of a newly commissioned extremely proud of 2LT Kirby’s accomplishments and officer deployed in Iraq. Along with pictures, we service to her country, and we thank her for them. learned of the daily dangers she faces through convoy operations.

Page 2 The LANCE – Fall 2004

Liberty Battalion Fall FTX

MS III Cadets Negotiating Water Obstacle at the Leader’s Reaction Course

By Cadet Jared Krantz-Odendahl

Cadets from Northeastern University and Boston training sites. MSIII cadets spent the majority of the day College arrived at Camp Edwards on Friday, November training at the Field Leaders Reaction Course (FLRC). 5th, and came face to face with strong winds that made The FLRC is a large obstacle course composed of 15 standing at attention nearly impossible. The battalion different lanes that each present unique challenges. fall FTX was held much later than usual, but the weather Throughout the course of the day we completed 8 lanes, was surprisingly mild. with each LDAC bound cadet leading at least one. Each We broke into our Meals Ready to Eat (MREs) after lane lasted one hour, consisting of fifteen minutes for the initial chaos of settling into the barracks. Cadets with planning, thirty minutes for execution, and fifteen leadership roles set about receiving and issuing orders. minutes for an After Action Review (AAR). MSIV cadets conducted a short land navigation refresher While the MSIII’s were at the FLRC site, the MSIs course. After the classes concluded, it was time for and IIs were learning to zero and fire the M16A2 rifle, personal hygiene and then lights out by 2200. The night flying on the UH-1 Iroquois helicopter, more commonly was pretty uneventful, especially for those lucky enough know as the Huey, rappelling off the 30ft and 60ft rappel not having to pull fireguard duty. towers, and negotiating the recently renovated Wakeup was at 0500 on Saturday morning. There confidence course. was a brief trip through the chow line for some pancakes, eggs, and sausage, and then it was off to the

The LANCE – Fall 2004 Page 3

Cadet Matt Haslett at Rappel Tower

As the MSIs and IIs were finishing up their day of high-speed training, the MSIIIs shot over to the rappel site to hit the 60ft tower before heading out on a 4K-ruck march to the bivouac site. Upon reaching the bivouac area we quickly set up hooches and broke into our MSIVs Teach Land Navigation Refresher Course MRE’s before heading out for our night land navigation briefing. Night land navigation is basically the same as While we were out in the woods searching for our day land navigation in that you are given an eight digit points, the MSIs and IIs were back at the barracks grid coordinate for each of your points, a map, a cleaning rifles and receiving additional classes on land compass, a protractor, and a score card. The only real navigation in preparation for their day land navigation difference is the lack of sunlight. There was a exercise the following day. Wakeup Sunday morning number/letter combination at each point that was to be for the MSIIIs was 0530, while wakeup for the MSIs and recorded on the scorecard, as well as a “clacker” that IIs was slightly earlier, however, before you start feeling creates a unique pattern of small holes in the card. Each too sorry for them, remember they were sleeping all nice MSIII cadet was tasked with locating five points, three and warm in the barracks while the MSIIIs were out being the minimum standard to receive a “go” on the freezing in the woods. After the MSIs and IIs arrived at exercise. Not surprisingly, a majority of the MSIIIs did the bivouac site, there was a quick briefing for the very well, most finding four or all five of their points. upcoming land navigation exercise, and then we had our The exercise officially ended at 0100, at which point we second and final hot meal of the weekend. all crawled into our bed rolls and tried to conserve as much body heat as possible for the night ahead.

MSIs and IIs during M16A2 Familiarization Cadet Henry demonstrates low crawl

Page 4 The LANCE – Fall 2004

Unlike the night land navigation, during this exercise The following morning wake-up was at 0430 to each cadet had eight points to locate, with a minimum tackle our first event of the day – the Army Physical standard of five. MSIIIs went out alone, while the MSIs Fitness Test (APFT). Thanks to our physical training in and IIs were paired in groups of four to five cadets with preparation for the competition, the team’s event- one or two MSIVs/Cadre along to assist. Once again, a winning average was in the high 330’s. CDT Joshua majority of the MSIIIs were very successful in locating O’Dor had the brigade Ranger Challenge individual PT their points, and the MSIs and IIs were able to get a award-winning score of 388. We changed uniforms and good taste of a land navigation course. After finishing headed out to the rifle assembly/disassembly site. Our the exercise, we were transported by vans back to the confidence, thanks to numerous visits to the Newton barracks where we conducted a battalion awards Armory, showed in the team’s performance, and we took ceremony before boarding the buses to head back to a commanding lead early in the event. Boston and our respective schools. We then moved to the rope bridge site. The team had Overall, the weekend was a great time and we intended on crossing the obstacle by walking through it, received excellent training that will really help to we had trained for weeks on this method. However, the prepare the MSIII cadets for LDAC this coming MOI was adjusted and as a result, our performance had summer, while also giving the younger cadets a good costly mistakes. The team knew the obstacle “O”-course introduction to Army life. was bound to be a smoker, we had proved earlier in the day that our fitness levels were to the challenge, thus we Ranger Challenge attacked the course with ferocity. Whether it was a high wall, a low crawl, or a litter carry for over a ¼ of a mile, By Cadet Christopher Rosser we remained focused every step, and wound up placing high. After a fantastic MRE lunch, we moved over to the Ten weathered cadets from Boston College arrived at range to display our marksmanship skills. However, due the Ranger Challenge competition after eight weeks of to stiff competition from the other teams, we did not fair unwavering dedication under the watchful eye of Cadet as well. We had one more event before the day was out – Matthew Meloni, with a resolve toward victory. The land navigation. Achieving a top five finish in the event standard for training from the onset was to win, and that was a matter of executing – plotting good references on is exactly what we sought to do when arriving at Devens the map, running like the wind, and keeping our eyes Reserve Forces Training Area (RFTA) that Friday peeled. afternoon. By Sunday morning, we knew mathematically that The first event the team faced was the patrolling test, first place was out of the question, but we still wanted to a 40-question exam covering Chapter 3 of Army Field give our best. With this in mind, we competed in the Manual 7-8. We finished a delicious spaghetti dinner, rucksack run course taking first place in the event. In the conducted personal hygiene and hit the hay in end, we closed out a tremendous weekend with a 3rd preparation for the physical challenges that awaited us place overall finish, and more importantly, let everyone the next day. know that they should be prepared for Liberty Battalion’s Ranger Challenge Team for years to come.

NU January Commissioning

By Cadet Joshua Henry

To four cadets of Northeastern’s R.O.T.C. program, 07 January 2005 is a day of special meaning and much awaited significance. On this day, these diligent and hard-working cadets will complete their transition from civilian to soldier, and from cadet to second lieutenant. After countless field training exercises (FTX), grueling days of PT, and demanding class schedules, cadets Engleson, Harrington, Laase, and Tina will finally step through the looking-glass into the reality of the modern Army. Although many of their predecessors have been

Ranger Challenge Team commissioned during peaceful times, these cadets are being commissioned in the midst of conflict. The LANCE – Fall 2004 Page 5

Despite these differences one admirable quality is The commissioning ceremony will be conducted at displayed in each of these four individuals; courage. To the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company in accept the responsibility of willfully serving and leading Boston’s Faneuil Hall, and will surely be host to many in the United States Army, especially in such a proud family members and friends. The guest speaker tumultuous time for our nation, demonstrates great for the night will be COL (Ret.) John Pignato, a ’63 NU character and resolve. Please join Northeastern alumnus and former Military Intelligence officer. The University and the Liberty Battalion in congratulating ceremony will involve relatives of those being these outstanding models of civic duty on their commissioned, as they will be pinning the gold bars completion of R.O.T.C., their commissioning, and their (2LT rank) on their uniforms, and in some cases service as great Americans. delivering the first salute or administering the oath of office to the new lieutenant. Liberty Battalion’s Staff Ride

By Cadet Alex Engelson

The Liberty Battalion’s senior cadets had a great opportunity to bond with their alumni and cadre during a staff ride to the Nation’s capital during the first weekend of the fall semester. The first stop was the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., where cadets received a tour of the massive military headquarters, which resembled a small, enclosed city. The most impressive part of the tour brought the cadets into the Hall of Heroes, an ornate room with the names of all Medal of Honor recipients carved into its walls as well as displays of each service’s

Cadet Alex Engelson – Future Aviator Medal of Honor. Following the Pentagon tour, cadets traveled to Although they are all friends and members of the Annapolis, Maryland. After checking into their rooms same ROTC program, these four cadets are very diverse cadets headed into town to meet Northeastern ROTC in their personal goals, professional ambitions and alumni at a local seafood restaurant overlooking the backgrounds. Cadet Alex Engleson, a Criminal Justice ocean. Cadets were graciously treated to a seafood major at NU, hails from a family of four in Framingham, buffet. During dinner, Liberty Battalion cadets had an MA, and wants to stay in the Army “as long as it opportunity to socialize with the alumni, who were rich continues to be fun.” An avid skydiver and hiker, Alex with personal stories from their army experiences. hopes he will get to spend more time in the air as a med- The seniors woke-up early the next morning and evac helicopter pilot. Cadet Matthew Tina, a fellow headed to the Naval Academy. Once at the Academy, Criminal Justice major, also has his roots in they received another impressive tour. The tour revealed Massachusetts. Matt, originally from Marblehead, MA, the daily lives of the midshipmen and the beautiful enjoys weightlifting, and hopes to make a career in the facilities available to them. Naval Academy cadets must infantry. Cadet Mary Laase is a double major in English balance their heavy load of classes with athletics and a and Political Science, and like her close friend and constant regiment, leaving many of the seniors colleague, Cadet Shannon Harrington, she hopes to appreciating the relative freedom they have at branch Medical Service upon her commissioning. Cadet Northeastern! The tour concluded with a visit to the Laase predicts that she will stay with the Army for four tomb of John Paul Jones, considered the “Father of the years before moving on to a career in teaching, where Navy.” Natural light was filtered down from above; her leadership qualities will aid her pursuit in the casting an eerie blue glow on the tomb and making it educational department. Cadet Harrington, a Behavioral appear as if he was buried at sea. Neural Science Major, hopes to be stationed in Texas The tour concluded and the cadets headed to the with her fiancé 2LT Shawn Wiley, and to eventually football stadium, where Northeastern was to play Navy. obtain a doctorate in psychology after her four-year term The sheer number of cadets, filling an entire side of the in the Army. The couple will be married on December stadium, was stunning. The entire freshman class would 18th at West Point, where 2LT Wiley earned his rush out of the stands after each touchdown to do push commission as an Armor officer. ups. For a large portion of the game, Northeastern was Page 6 The LANCE – Fall 2004

able to remain competitive, but in the end, they could not situation by simulating deployment to a conflict in sustain a final drive to win the game. Nevertheless, it Eastern Europe. Supporting active duty units send was a great experience, and the cadets, exhausted from soldiers to Ft. Lewis to act as the opposing force, or as the weekend, worked their way toward the bus for the civilians on the battlefield. Cadets receive and execute long ride home. The final event of the weekend, almost missions at the squad level for the first half of the th serendipitously occurring on September 11 , was a ride exercise, and at the section level (two squads operating through New York City at night. In commemoration of as one unit) for the second half, including one exercise the date, two huge beams of light shot out into the starry in which cadets are brought into the exercise by a sky where the twin towers once stood, seeming to bring Chinook helicopter. together the entire weekend with one grand purpose. Once this portion of training ends, cadets march from the field back to their barracks for the final four days of LDAC. These days are primarily used for cadets to LDAC/CTLT 2004 recover, clean and turn in equipment.

By Cadet Rory McGovern Some cadets leave LDAC for home, while others head to different posts for additional training. I left This past summer Liberty Battalion sent twenty-three LDAC for Washington, DC having been assigned a of its current MSIVs to the U.S. Army Leader position within the Cadet Intern Program at the Development and Assessment Course (LDAC), and Pentagon. My time at the Pentagon was an amazing seven of these to additional training following LDAC. experience that allowed me to get a glimpse of how the These cadets met and exceeded the challenge, topping Army operates at the strategic level. Liberty Battalion the national averages in most measurable categories, sent several cadets on additional summer training from APFT scores to tactical evaluations. programs through CTLT (Cadet Troop Leader Training) LDAC is the vehicle the Army uses to evaluate the and NSTP (Nursing Summer Training Program). Aside leadership skills and officer potential of its R.O.T.C. from my slot at the Pentagon, Liberty BN also sent CDT cadets. It is the one time that cadets from across the Matt Meloni to Ft. Carson, CO, CDT Joshua Henry to country are in the same location, under the same Ft. Knox, KY, and CDTs Chris Johnson and Pat Barrett conditions, and are being evaluated on the same skill to Ft. Dix, NJ. For NSTP, Liberty BN sent CDT Jen sets. All cadets are tested on the Army Physical Fitness Chimelski to Ft. Shafter, Hawaii, and CDT Ariel Kalin Test, Land Navigation, Basic Rifle Marksmanship, to Ft. Lewis, WA. These follow-on training assignments garrison leadership abilities, and tactical leadership were all worthwhile experiences that I would encourage abilities. Each cadet is evaluated in a garrison leadership all MSIII’s to consider. Those interested should feel free position on two separate occasions, and is evaluated in to contact any of the MSIV’s who experienced CTLT or tactical leadership positions on four occasions, to include NSTP with all questions they may have. one Field Leader Reaction Course lane as squad leader, two Situational Training Exercise lanes as squad leader, and one section-level Patrolling lane as either squad leader, patrol leader, or assistant patrol leader. As soon as cadets arrive at Ft. Lewis, they are observed and evaluated. Once the first day of in processing concludes, cadets are placed into companies and platoons, assuming control of the chain of command. The chain-of-command changes on a daily basis in order to get all cadets the proper amount of evaluated positions. Each new day brings more training for the cadet leadership to push their units through. Training events include: the FLRC, confidence courses on land and water, rifle marksmanship, rappelling, automatic weapons, hand grenades and hand grenade assault course, field artillery and fire support, individual tactical training and movement techniques, and Confidence Course nuclear/biological/chemical training. This training will take cadets until approximately day twenty, at which point an eight day field training exercise begins. This exercise puts cadets into a tactical The LANCE – Fall 2004 Page 7

for the awards ceremony. The NU color guard, Alumni Association Takes comprising CDT Joshua Henry, CDT Elaine Miller, CDT Shannon Harrington and CDT Rebecca Babcock Home Governor’s Trophy posted the colors with the precision that would make the Old Guard proud. The hours of arduous rehearsals the By Cadet Scott Krasko cadets put-in with MSG Carlin showed.

Northeastern University held its annual Alumni Awards banquet at the Sheraton Hotel in Back Bay Boston on 29 October 2004. The banquet is a tradition at the University, where the Alumni Association looks to honor distinguished Alums and Alumni Groups. This year the Northeastern ROTC Alumni Society took home the Governor’s Trophy.

Northeastern University ROTC Color Guard

Leaders of the Alumni Association made remarks, and then the individual academic colleges of Northeastern gave awards to their distinguished alumni. Dinner was served and the Governor’s Trophy was to be presented immediately following. During dinner, COL Dick Power (ret.) requested that when it was time for the ROTC Alumni Society to accept its award, cadets of NU Company stand and sound off with a loud and thunderous “HOOAH!” This was going to take some The Governor’s Trophy was established in 2002 and coordination because the two tables of cadets were is awarded to a constituent organization of the alumni positioned on nearly opposite sides of the room. CDT body that has made a clear and outstanding contribution Stephen Hunter and I navigated our way over to the to the University by helping to fulfill Northeastern’s other table and informed them of the plan. Both tables academic, financial, and professional goals. President got on the same sheet of music and as you would expect, Richard M. Freeland and Chairman Neal Finnegan we let everyone know that NU Company was in the presented the award. Accepting on behalf of the ROTC ballroom when it came time for the presentation of the Alumni Society was William J. Maloney, BA ’68, who Governor’s trophy. is currently serving as the Society’s president. This year the Society took part in the MSIV staff ride to Annapolis, Maryland, for the Northeastern v. Navy Recruitment football game. In the past, the Society has been active in By Cadet Anthony Burns supporting new cadets and officers by attending commissioning and award ceremonies, often assisting in The recruiting efforts for the fall of 2004 have been providing speakers for these events. The alumni- very successful. Opening with the Northeastern BBQ mentoring program is also a result of the Society’s held on 10 September, the cadets grilled burgers and effort. Through the program, Northeastern cadets are handed out soft drinks as well as information about the paired up with alumni who give them counseling and program to those who were interested. Several weeks career advice. CDT Dan Rippey of NU Company later came the Activities Fair for the Colleges of the commented, “The mentoring program has been Fenway, which was held in the Wentworth Quad and extremely helpful in giving me direction and purpose.” turned out to be very effective. These two events are the NU Company cadets and cadre met with alumni at biggest recruiting opportunities of the year, and always 1700 during a reception that preceded the actual awards draw a great deal of students who might be interested in ceremony. Cadets talked with their mentors and gained joining the program. valuable insight into their future careers. NU company cadets and the alumni moved into the ballroom at 1830 Page 8 The LANCE – Fall 2004

deployed to help train the fledgling Iraqi Army. They’ll This year, recruiting efforts have been exceptional on the be there for 12 months. part of the cadets. Most of them have been more than Lieutenant General James Helmly, chief of the Army willing to help out at information tables. As the semester Reserve, has created via these 800 soldiers, a provisional passes, CPT Randazzo, 2LT Gross and I have been command, the Foreign Army Training and Assistance working hard to set-up more recruiting tables and Command, operating under the direction of Lieutenant involve ourselves with campus activities to make General David Petraues, who is responsible for building students aware of Liberty Battalion’s ROTC program. up Iraqi security forces so that US forces can eventually We are aiming to make the program as diverse as return home. possible, while meeting quotas for engineer and nursing Of those 800 soldiers, one in particular you may majors. know: LTC Tim Burr. LTC Burr has been the Reserve OIC directly supporting the Massachusetts-based college and university ROTC programs to include the Liberty Battalion since 1998. LTC Burr, along with CPT Laski from Boston University, CPT Gorbea from MIT and MAJ Pagaduan from Worcester Polytechnical Institute are now in country executing their respective missions. Please remember them in your thoughts and prayers and that of their families. We wish them success in their missions and a safe and speedy return home.

MS I Experience

By Cadet Daniel Volpe

Waking up at 0400; running eight miles before 2LT Gross – “Mr. Recruiter” breakfast; having a drill sergeant screaming inches from Overall, the draw of new students has been excellent. your face; being sent off to fight somewhere before you With more Wentworth students then in previous years, graduate; and having to wear a uniform everyday. These the addition of the College of the Fens recruiting has are just some of the fears and misconceptions people been quite successful, becoming an essential element in have when they think of joining R.O.T.C. Luckily, these the recruiting calendar. We have been working closely fears are far from reality… well, mostly. with admissions, setting up tables at open houses for Joining R.O.T.C. does mean commitment. There is high school students who are applying to the physical training, or PT, three days a week. You wear a universities, and providing them information on the uniform, the camouflage uniform, which the Army calls ROTC program and its benefits. Working on both fronts the Battle Dress Uniform (BDU’s), every Thursday. and always looking for more opportunities is what keeps But, in the end, it is really all worth it. the program going strong. R.O.T.C. affords you the opportunity to do challenging activities you normally would not be able to Reserve Training Unit do. Each semester we participate in a Field Training Exercise (FTX) that lasts for a weekend. This fall’s Headed to Iraq FTX, we fired M-16’s, took a ride in a Huey helicopter, rappelled down a 60-foot wall, overcame an obstacle By LTC LaCross course, and maneuvered around in the woods doing land navigation. The land navigation, rappelling, and obstacle th Half of the Reservists from the 8 SROTC Brigade course were really challenging and fun, and firing the M- who you may have frequently seen as either your 16 was great. Whether or not you’ve fired a rifle before, instructors or at the various events to include the FTXs, you’ll enjoy this. We were given 50 rounds to fire at Military Ball and Awards Ceremony have recently been targets to familiarize ourselves with the M-16, which deployed in direct support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. was pretty cool. The helicopter ride was awesome. th Members of the 8 SROTC Brigade are part of the During the flight, the doors were kept open, and we were th 98 Training Division based in Rochester, New York. able to see the tree-lined ground below. The ride was, th Over 800 soldiers from units within the 98 Division, to without a doubt, the coolest part of the weekend. th include the 8 Brigade, that normally train reserve and active-duty soldiers in the Unites States have now been The LANCE – Fall 2004 Page 9

regular Physical Training (PT) sessions, or Platoon Leaders during Field Training Exercises (FTXs), MS IIs are beginning to assume leadership roles that they had only previously witnessed. During the Battalion FTX, which took place November 5-7, several MS IIs were placed in platoon leadership positions. CDT’s Merrill and O’Dor served as platoon sergeant and platoon leader respectively. When asked about his first taste of the awesome responsibility associated with being platoon sergeant, Cadet Thatcher Merrill replied, “I was a little trepid initially, but I got used to the authority real quick.” Platoon leader Josh O’Dor added, “Being platoon leader is so much cooler than being in the marching band.”

UH-1 “Huey” Helicopter

Of course, we do not get to these types of activities every weekend. Most weeks we have PT sessions Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, a leadership class once a week, and occasionally we have leadership lab, where we learn military skills, such as rifle maintenance and land navigation. Even though we are not always doing things quite as exciting as the FTX, we still manage to have a good time. Although we do enjoy ourselves, having fun is not the only benefit of joining R.O.T.C. The PT helps you get-in/maintain shape. Since the beginning of the year, I have gotten into the best shape of life. The class is MSII Cadet Mendoza at Rappel Tower excellent, you learn principles of leadership that can be applied anywhere, in the military, in any civilian career, At the same time, the MS IIs are junior enough to enjoy even in other classes. a relatively low level of responsibility and time R.O.T.C. requires effort and commitment, but it is commitment. This author believes, “Being in the middle worth it. It teaches you leadership skills, discipline and of the dynamic workings of the R.O.T.C. machine is a physical fitness, which you take with you and use as a pretty sweet place to be. The top interminably screams base for life after college. You can also have a career as at the bottom, and the bottom complains incessantly an Army officer after graduation. Whatever you decide about the top.” This leads us to our second major to do in life, R.O.T.C. will surely help you get there. difference of this year. As freshman, each day of R.O.T.C. and college in general was a journey into the MSII Experience unknown. In contrast, this year the sophomores have a better understanding of the system and are thus able to

manage their responsibilities more efficiently. In effect, By Cadet Cameron Hosmer the sum of increased responsibility and greater freedom The MS II class remains strong and confident despite has resulted in an all around better year. the loss of three cadets and ever incurring change. MS However, MS IIs should take heed, when asked about IIs were grateful to once again have LTC LaCross as our his experience after MSII year, senior Cadet Timothy class instructor. We look to the future with optimism, Vreeland remarked, “MSII year is like trying to get hoping to build upon the already strong bonds we have through a night at the Southwestern Grill without developed with and each other. loosening your belt.” Despite this, the MS IIs will There are two main differences distinguishing this continue to enjoy the spring semester and look forward year from last. First, MS IIs are given increased to confronting the challenges of the coming years. responsibility. Whether it is serving as team leaders for

Page 10 The LANCE – Fall 2004

muscle failure. Cadets are very fortunate, for they have The Schedule of an ROTC a variety of exercises to choose from to accomplish this goal: regular pushups, crazy Ivan’s, diamond pushups, Cadet: PT, Classes, and Labs flutter kicks, rocky sit-ups, etc. Regardless of the By Cadet Rebecca Babcock exercise, every cadet should reach the point of What are you doing at 0615 in the morning every exhaustion (If doing flutter kicks they can barely keep Monday, Wednesday, and Friday? If you are a their legs up, or when executing the push up they are Northeastern University or Boston College Army ROTC struggling for their arms to break the plane without cadet, you will be in formation, awake (hopefully), and collapsing). For a change of style, cadets conduct PT highly motivated to conduct an hour and fifteen minutes grass drills and jog around the track at Cabot, while a of extensive physical training, or “PT.” These PT creative remix of energy-promoting songs play in the sessions are not a nice little jog in the park, or a few Jane background. Fonda leg lifts; rather, PT is structured so that during the Clearly, a challenging workout is the strict standard at cardio portion, cadets reach and stay at their target heart the Northeastern R.O.T.C. physical training sessions. rate for a particular amount of time, usually somewhere Among cadets, the general consensus shows that MSG around 30 minutes. As MSG Carlin explains, “If you do Carlin has made sure this strenuous PT standard is being not feel uncomfortable [when running], then you are not met. However, PT is not the only type of training in the running hard enough.” During PT, the cardio portion schedule of the R.O.T.C. cadet. Cadets also take a takes precedence over muscle strengthening, so it is military science class every semester. Specific essential that cadets run for the entire amount of time leadership topics are emphasized in each class, designated. The MSIII platoon leaders have the job of depending on the cadets’ military science year. The MSI planning runs that will push cadets to the proper extent and MSII classes provide an introduction to the Army, and meet these time standards. examination of basic leadership concepts and skills, discussion of leadership tactics, and teamwork-building exercises. The MSIII classes focus on preparing cadets for LDAC. These classes are very interactive, and practice- oriented. One can see this by walking through the Fens during mid-afternoon on a Wednesday or Thursday. At this time the MSIII’s, with their school-bags slung over the shoulder of their BDU’s, will be tactically traveling across the Fens in a team-wedge, squad-in-column formation, ready to take out a bunker, conduct a reconnaissance, or perhaps execute a point ambush. As civilians pass by they often stare inquisitively, for they cannot comprehend why these odd college students are picking up sticks and yelling “get some, get some” as they violently attack an imaginary enemy. Nevertheless, If it’s not raining, we’re not training these amusing exercises are very effective at prepare MSIII cadets for STX lanes. The MSIV classes are even At the beginning of the semester, NU cardio usually more advanced, ensuring that senior cadets firmly obtain consisted of a three-phase rotation where cadets ran the knowledge and skills essential to becoming a around the perimeter of the fens doing last man commissioned officer. forwards, then up and down the stadium steps, and In addition to PT and military science classes, cadets finally sprints around the track. Though this PT plan also conduct and participate in military science labs to satisfied the cardio mission, it became mundane and further their military knowledge. Labs typically take tedious. To make PT more interesting, NU cadets now place on Thursday or Saturday mornings, once or twice a conduct runs to places such as: Mission Hill (sprinting month, and at various locations depending on the type of up the steep Sunset Hill along the way), the Charles lab. The first lab this semester went over the basics that River, the BU law tower (running up and down the all R.O.T.C. cadets should know. Cadets were taught seventeen flights of the tower), and the Berhakis stairs. about the proper wear of the uniforms, hair and hygiene A muscle-strengthening portion accompanies regulations, proper assembly of the LBE, and packing a Cardio, where every cadet strives to reach the goal of rucksack. The second lab took place at Wentworth

The LANCE – Fall 2004 Page 11

Range, where cadets were familiarized with the M-16 his degree and a commission as an officer in aviation. rifle. After being briefed on the concepts, cadets He was sent to flight school in Fort Rucker for 18 assembled and disassembled the rifle, and practiced the months, and was then assigned to the 3rd squadron, 7th fundamentals of firing by executing the dime-washer Cavalry in Fort Stewart to fly Kiowa Warriors (OH-58). exercise. The most recent lab, held at Cabot cage, taught After 3-years as a line platoon leader, class III/V, CPT the basics of map reading and land navigation. At this Lee became the Executive Officer for an aircraft lab cadets learned how to read, find, and plot points, maintenance company. Following that he took the identify colors and terrain features in order to navigate, Captain’s Career Course, and was later stationed at Fort and practice getting their pace counts. There you have Drum. After 3½-years at Fort Drum, he was deployed to it, a basic overview of a normal Northeastern R.O.T.C. Kosovo to command an attack helicopter company. This cadet’s schedule as it occurred during the fall semester. tour lasted 2-years, and ended with CPT Lee arriving at This jam-packed, early morning schedule ensures cadets NU ROTC as a cadre member. are knowledgeable, as well as physically and mentally fit When asked about his impressions of the Liberty enough to meet the high demands they will face as new Battalion, CPT Lee alluded to several draw backs based Army leaders. on NU’s urban environment. He believes valuable STX training is lost due to the lack of any nearby wooded New Cadre areas. However, he sees NU as fortunate in the fact that Wentworth provides them with a convenient and Captain Brook Lee available shooting range. Overall, CPT Lee has been enjoying his time with the Liberty Battalion, but is still trying to acclimate to city living. His main points of advice for the cadets deal with the concept of professionalism and military bearing. He firmly believes that looking like a leader has a lot to do with leadership. Having a pressed uniform, shined boots, and proper grooming is an important part of looking and acting like a leader. Moreover, CPT Lee feels that cadets should act like everything they do is being evaluated. Showing up late to training events and classes gives the cadre certain impressions of cadets. These impressions will factor into the OML when the time comes for evaluations, and will affect these future officers for the rest of their careers.

Captain Matt Mercadante By Cadet Paul Eithier

Captain Lee is one of the newest cadre members to Liberty Battalion’s R.O.T.C. program, I recently had the opportunity to sit down and discuss his military history, his impressions of NU ROTC, and what advice he had for the cadets. CPT Lee enlisted in the Army Reserves during his senior year of high school, in order to gain money for college. He branched infantry and went to Fort Benning for his basic training. After obtaining enough money for tuition, he enrolled in Rochester Institute of Technology. During the first week of school CPT Lee’s interest was aroused when he noticed the R.O.T.C. cadets walking around campus in their uniforms. He approached them to ask for details about the program, and soon after joined as a cadet himself. Four years later he received

By Cadet Brian Fox Page 12 The LANCE – Fall 2004

Pennsylvania, and went to Ursinus College in Captain Mercadante was born in New Jersey, but Collegeville, PA, where he graduated in 1986 with a spent most of his life growing up in central MA. His Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. He spent six family has a strong military background, with his father, years in the Army Reserve and seven years in the grandfather, uncles, and cousins all spending time in the Pennsylvania National Guard, before going to officer service. This background, along with the impressions he candidate’s school in 1996. In August 2004, CPT gained in high school during Desert Storm, drove his Randazzo completed his Military Intelligence Captain’s eventual decision to attend Norwich University; a Career Course, prior to coming to the Liberty Battalion. military based institution in Vermont. While watching During the past three years, CPT Randazzo has spent the coverage of Desert Storm, CPT Mercadante noticed a a considerable amount of time deployed. His first large amount of coverage on the new Patriot missiles. He deployment was in support of “Operation Noble Eagle,” was so intrigued by the Patriots, that when it came time a term referring to the collective Homeland Defense to decide his branch out of R.O.T.C., he chose Air missions occurring immediately after 9/11. Following Defense. After his commissioning, he was first stationed his deployment in support of Noble Eagle he took part in at Fort Bliss, in El Paso, Texas. Fort Bliss would be CPT Victory Strike III, a month long V Corps exercise in Mercadante’s home up until his arrival to Northeastern. Poland designed to refine soldier’s tactics for Combined However, during his 8-years in Texas, he was deployed operations fighting the deep strike inside enemy five times. CPT Mercadante spent time in Korea, territory. Three months later he was deployed to Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and most recently in Iraq where he spent 10 months serving as the plans officer for as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Through these the 205th Military Intelligence Brigade. Through these deployments, he has received several prominent awards, deployments, he has received several prominent awards, including the Joint Service Accommodation Medal, the including the Bronze Star Medal, the Army Army Accommodation Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal with three Oak Leaf Cluster and Achievement Medal. As impressive as these are, CPT the Army Achievement Medal. Mercadante claims none of these compare to his most Out of all the places and units CPT Randazzo has prized achievement: his two-year old son. been, he most enjoyed his time in Columbus, Ohio as At present, CPT Mercadante is serving as the part of the 8th Army CONUS. During his time with the Operations Officer at the Northeastern University 8th, his unit regularly supported 8th Army exercises in R.O.T.C. program. When asked why he chose to start Korea, deploying for several weeks three times a year. working with R.O.T.C. cadets he said, “It is the ability I On most occasions, CPT Randazzo would volunteer to can influence the Army’s future leaders. I can develop be part of the advon, which allowed him to be with the and mentor them in learning becoming good officers and first group arriving to Korea, and the last group leaving. individuals.” Another factor weighing into his decision Truly, CPT Randazzo has had an exciting and interesting to come to NU was the desire to live close to where he career in the Army. We look forward to working with grew up. He plans to take full advantage of the excellent him over the next three years and sincerely hope he will programs NU offers, and is going to be taking some enjoy his time here with the Liberty Battalion. classes here in the future. CPT Mercadante believes the most positive effect the Army has had on his life has Master Sergeant Ted Carlin been the individuals he has meet. He has had the opportunity to develop both friendships and other military relationships that he will cherish for the rest of his life. He has learned many valuable lessons from the many people he has meet in his career, and has enjoyed the chance to travel around the world. CPT Mercadante looks forward to spending his time here with the Liberty Battalion, fostering new relationships, while working hard to develop cadets into solid officers.

Captain Ben Randazzo

By CDT Elaine Miller

Captain Ben Randazzo is one of the Liberty Battalion’s newest cadre members, replacing Major Nina Richard this past August as the battalion’s recruiting By Cadet Brian Vaeni operations officer. CPT Randazzo grew up in Reading, The LANCE – Fall 2004 Page 13

MSG Ted Carlin has been the NCOIC for Liberty the real Army,” is something MSG Carlin feels is Battalion throughout the last year, recently transferring belittling to the importance of the program. While he from BC Company over to NU Company. Since the recognizes some constraints that exist in the R.O.T.C. move, the Huskies have felt his presence at PT, around environment, he maintains a desire to develop an attitude the office, and during different training events, as MSG in each cadet that this is the real Army, helping them Carlin has sought to raise the intensity within the realize the difference they can make for the program and battalion. He is committed to improving himself and the their future careers. In addition, MSG Carlin is unit in which he serves, and is therefore an invaluable dedicated to raising the intensity level throughout the asset to R.O.T.C. Battalion, as he plans to challenge cadets and push them MSG Carlin enlisted in the Army after high school, to be the best they can be. starting on the path that would eventually lead him to the If things go as intended, this will be the final stop of Liberty Battalion. The first three years of his career MSG Carlin’s impressive career. Upon retirement, he th were spent with the 24 ID serving under General plans on returning to central Texas with his wife and two th Schwarzkopf in Fort Stewart, Georgia. Leaving the 24 sons, and being closer to his daughter, who is now away nd as an E4, his next assignment was with the 2 ACR in college. His goal is to become a teacher through the patrolling the hostile border between West and East troops to teachers program, in either the area of history Germany. In a constant standoff with the Soviet Army, or physical education. He also hopes to become a coach, this tour was marked by intensity and uncertainty. for either basketball or track. However, in accord with However, MSG Carlin believes the soldiers he served his competitive spirit, he says the inevitably of aging with in Germany were among the most highly motivated makes him unsure about coaching track, for, as is the and professional he has ever encountered. case with the cadets he trains, he never wants to tell his Upon completion of the tour, he moved to Ft. Hood, athletes to do something he is not physically capable of Texas, but was soon deployed to the Persian Gulf in doing himself. 1991, serving as a section leader with the 1-32 armored. Returning from the deployment, MSG Carlin was sent Master Sergeant Brian Hollis back to Ft. Hood where he held the position of platoon sergeant until 1996. In that year he made the move to By Cadet Timothy Vreeland Lockland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas to become a drill instructor. The privates he trained often So just the other day I was walking into PT and you’ll made it their mission to physically outperform the drill never guess who was there…it was actor Jason Statham instructors whenever possible; however, MSG Carlin (Handsome Rob in The Italian Job) and he hit me with and his highly competitive nature would not allow these his blue truck. Oh wait, I’m sorry, turns out it was dreams to be actualized. Stepping up his personal actually just Master Sergeant Brian Hollis. For those of training, MSG Carlin continually “smoked” the quixotic you who don’t know MSG Hollis, he is the new senior privates, setting the standard for physical fitness. NCO at Boston College. He just joined us after leaving Following his time as drill sergeant, MSG Carlin his most recent assignment as a First Sergeant with the returned to Ft. Hood as a platoon sergeant in the 1st 325th Parachute Regiment in the 82nd Airborne Division. ACR. He then spent a year in Saudi Arabia working MSG Hollis was born in Massachusetts and grew up with Prince Abdullah and the Saudi military, developing in Somerville. After high school, he did what he had training plans for LAV’s purchased from the United always wanted to do and enlisted in the Army at the age States. Returning once again to Ft. Hood, he was of 17. He went right to FT Bragg, NC for his first promoted to an E-8. Soon thereafter he made the present assignment as an infantryman with the 82nd Airborne. move to Massachusetts, joining the Liberty Battalion and After three years, he joined Division Long Range setting out to complete his degree in the area of Reconnaissance as a Sergeant and became a LRS team Leadership at Northeastern University. leader. After three years at this assignment, MSG Hollis In contemplation of the transfer, MSG Carlin stated went to the 10th Mountain Division for another three- that he was excited about the prospect of working with year assignment as a Squad Leader. His next assignment energetic and motivated young people preparing to was as a Core LRS team leader in the 51st Infantry. become future Army officers. He has been pleased to After this, MSG Hollis rejoined his beloved 82nd see the commitment level of Northeastern’s cadets, as Airborne as a PSG for three years, and then did a short they strive to meet their objectives in PT and in stint as scout Platoon Sergeant for one year. His final preparation for LDAC. Nonetheless, there are still some assignment before coming to BC was as a First Sergeant, things in R.O.T.C. with which he has qualms. For again with the 325th Parachute Regiment of the 82nd instance, the frequently echoed slogan: “when we get in Airborne. Page 14 The LANCE – Fall 2004

During his illustrious 19-year career, MSG Hollis has training, and various other activities. MSG Peters has been a busy man. He has been deployed to Honduras, had a long and impressive Army career, and is excited Panama, Haiti, Bosnia (for three tours), Somalia, and about the opportunity of training future officers. Iraq. Amongst his virtual laundry list of awards, he has MSG Peters began his military career with the Army been awarded the Bronze Star for Valor with an Oak Reserves after completing Basic Training as a Cavalry Leaf Cluster, the MSM with Oak Leaf Cluster, and an Scout at FT Knox, KY, in 1987. He was assigned to D- ARCOM with four Oak Leaf Clusters, Master Troop of the 5th Cavalry Regiment, 187th Infantry Parachutist’s Badge, Air Assault Badge, CIB Second Brigade at FT Devens, MA. After four enjoyable years Award, EIB, and Ranger Tab. As far as schools go, you with the unit, MSG Peters decided he wanted to take might say MSG Hollis has enough hours to have a PhD make the Army a full-time endeavor, thus he enlisted for in TRADOC. He was number one in his class from both active duty in 1991. His active duty service lasted seven PLDC and ANCOC, he has completed Sniper School, years, and was comprised of exciting experiences with Winter Surveillance w/Resistance to Interrogation, different units. His first station was in FT Ord, CA with Enemy Specialist Recognition Course, Dragon Master the 2/9 Cavalry in the 7th Infantry Division. He then Gunner School and of course Ranger, Airborne, Air commenced on two consecutive tours in Germany, first Assault, and Jump Master Schools. assigned to the 2/11 ACR in Wildflecken, and later with As busy as he was, MSG Hollis somehow found time a HHC Scout Platoon in the 4/67th Armor, 1st Armor to develop his softer side, which I’m pretty sure is why Division in Friedberg. Upon return to the United States, he likes hugs so much these days. While with Division MSG Peters joined the 3/17th Cavalry with the 10th LRS, he met his future wife, who at the time was a CIA Mountain Division in FT Drum, NY. His time on active counter-intelligence agent attached to MSG Hollis’ duty provided him with great knowledge and experience, Military Intelligence unit. They were later married in and was something he looks back on fondly. In the 1990 and have one son together, Chris, who is seven. Spring of 1998, MSG Peters made the decision to settle Unfortunately, his wife and son are still in North down and pursue a civilian career as a fire fighter. He Carolina as his wife is finishing her degree and could not obtained a job with the Framingham Fire Department, leave. and has courageously served at this post ever since. When it comes to his career, MSG Hollis said that his However, MSG Peters knew the military was something nd favorite post is the lovely FT Bragg, NC with the 82 he could not entirely leave behind, so before beginning where he says, “You are just always surrounded by his civilian career he reenlisted in the Army Reserves. motivated people.” His favorite job was as a PSG His first assignment was with the 303rd AG Company, because, “It is the last position where you really deal 94th RRC, in Devens, MA. During this assignment he with soldiers, not just soldier issues.” His most went through a year long deployment to Uzbekistan in th meaningful deployment was to Mogadishu with the 10 support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Returning this Mountain because it was his “first real, hard combat past summer, MSG Peters was transferred to the 98th experience.” His favorite aspect of military service is Division in support of Liberty Battalion. the friends you make, but it is a bit of a double-edged MSG Peters looks forward to his time with the sword as he says the worst part of service is seeing Liberty Battalion, and hopes that his past experiences injured comrades. When asked the single best piece of will be valuable in his efforts to mold cadets into Army advice he could give to a new LT, he said, “Keep an officers. Whether it’s defending our country overseas or open mind. It’s not stupid if it works and there are lots fighting fires across town, MSG Peters is a dedicated of good ideas that aren’t in any manuals.” warrior who will surely prove to be an invaluable asset So we welcome MSG Hollis and his vast military to the battalion. knowledge and experience to Liberty Battalion and to BC. If you see him roaming around, make sure to give him a hug, but watch out if he’s in his truck, I’ve heard Farewell to MSG Zadra he’s a bit of a reckless driver. By Cadet Matthew Tina

Master Sergeant David Peters When James Zadra came to Northeastern R.O.T.C.

By 2LT Raux three years ago as a First Sergeant, the program was in desperate need of guidance from an experienced, The newest member to the 98th DIV, 8th BDE, Boston professional NCO. This void could not have been filled SROTC group is MSG David Peters. The 8th Brigade’s by anyone better than MSG Zadra. primary mission is to support R.O.T.C. units throughout MSG Zadra, or SGT Z as he was more affectionately the Northeast, assisting in class instruction, tactical known as, impacted the R.O.T.C. program from his first The LANCE – Fall 2004 Page 15

day on. His dedication and commitment to aid in the James Zadra came to Northeastern as a First Sergeant production of the finest Army officers that Northeastern and left as a Master Sergeant, and I would like to think R.O.T.C. has ever seen was felt strongly by all of the that we cadets helped him get that third rocker in the cadets. SGT Z first shared his knowledge and same ways as he helped us get our gold bar. SGT Z, all experience as an NCO by restructuring the PT program of us here at Northeastern wish you and your family the to allow for much better workouts and conditioning than best, and we want you to know you will be greatly we had experienced in the past. He did this through the missed. instantiation of a much more vigorous training program that forced each cadet to work harder, while simultaneously maintaining a fresh and enjoyable Editors Remarks atmosphere through a variety of workout routines. This change rendered an increase in the program’s average By Cadet Kurt Zimmer

PT score and in the overall fitness level of the cadets. The fall 2004 semester has been that has something all SGT Z’s next contribution was even more significant, cadets should be proud about. We saw the introduction because it focused on evolving the technical and tactical of new MS Is who showed determination and persistence knowledge of the MSIII cadets, helping to increase their in showing up for events and making a commitment that overall military knowledge. One of SGT Z’s many roles is not easy for a busy college student. MS II’s can be was the MSIII class advisor. As part of this position he proud because they began stepping up and taking on new instructed what are arguably the most important classes roles and acted as mentors to the new MS I’s in the in the R.O.T.C. curriculum, Military Science 301 and program. Camp bound MS III’s and MS III’s (Formally 302, which is where cadets get their final preparation MS III Middlers) demonstrated desire to succeed and before LDAC. began their quest to reach a “green” level in order to be SGT Z transformed MS 301 and 302 into an prepared for camp this summer. Although there is still educational curriculum that focused on developing much work to be done, they are well on their way to technical and tactical skills through practice of Op- becoming top the top LDAC cadets that Liberty orders and troop leading procedures. He even built a Battalion sends to LDAC year after year. sand-table that was designed to better help cadets The MS IVs, fresh out of LDAC, had a lot on their understand the Op-orders they were to give. Due to hands when they returned to school in September. We SGT Z’s hard work and dedication, every MSIII were introduced to a whole new set of cadre and it hard successfully completed LDAC, and most exceeded the to know what to expect with such a great change. standards. Although it has been difficult at times, the success of Over the past three years, Northeastern cadre this semester can be measured when looking at such members have come and gone, but SGT Z has always things as to how well the FTX was run, how the MS IIIs been a constant. Whenever the program has been short are progressing toward their goal and how determined on cadre, SGT Z has always stepped-up and filled the the MS Is and MS IIs have been showing up to PT empty space. Along with his role as MSIII class advisor everyday ready and motivated. In my eyes, the semester and Company training NCO, he has also served as has been a success and a learning experience for Company advisor and worked in the S-3 shop. SGT Z everyone. Next semester, we will all take what we have was also responsible for bringing back the Ranger learned now and apply it thoroughly in order to make Challenge Team to Northeastern. next semester even more successful. SGT Z’s departure has definitely left a noticeable As we say goodbye to fall semester, it is important to void, but with the training, education, and values he say farewell to the people who will be leaving us; people instilled upon the cadets, it is a void that will be filled. It like Lt. Gross who will be heading to OBC in January will be filled because he has given the cadets at and the 4 MS IV’s, CDT’s Harrington, Laase, Tina, and Northeastern the tools needed to enable them to pass on Engelson, who will be finishing school this semester and the same kind of training, education, and values to earning their commission in January. younger generations. I look forward to the spring semester and seeing how To me SGT Z was more than a trainer, instructor and each cadet will progress and how the MS IIIs will be cadre member. He was a friend that I could go to when I getting prepared for LDAC. It will be an exciting time needed any kind of guidance at all. Through his for them and for everyone else in the Battalion. I have compassion he taught me the most important thing I faith in all members of this Battalion and I know could do was to take care of my soldiers in every way everyone will be a success this year and in the future. possible. Good Luck to all.

The LANCE Northeastern University Army ROTC 335A Huntington Avenue Boston, MA 02115

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: Kurt Zimmer Cadre Advisor: 2LT Raux CPT Ben Randazzo