TATTOO SEM 2 ISSUE 4 MAY 24, 2013 B1 Year in Review: AY2013

Written and Edited by CDT Tyler Tingstrom 15’

A Great Year to be a Barbarian

It has been quite a year in B1 and Amidst these changes both indi- in the Corps. The Barbarians had a vidual Barbarians and the com- great year of successes amongst an pany as a whole have done great ever-evolving environment. things in all aspects of cadet life: Stimulated by a new comman- academically, physically, militar- dant, budget cuts from sequestra- ily, and socially. tion, and the external pressures of a This special edition of Tattoo larger Army drawdown, these serves to provide a snapshot of changes have had impacts both big 2012-2013 in B1. and small on daily life as a cadet.

Barbarians salute as the National Anthem is played at the 2013 Army- Cadet Life in 2012/13 Air Force Game at Michie Stadium

The significance of 2012/13 can celled to military schools and aca- breaking, Superstorm Sandy- after largely be summed up with two words: demic trips, and leadership had to cut which throngs of cadets from B1 budget cuts. They were seen at every Buckner training down to a mere 19 and the Corps volunteered to help level- from changes to mess hall eating days for the upcoming summer. in NYC. (grab and go dinners, less staff, etc.), to Not every change was budget- We played Navy… But more barracks energy conservation measures related, however. Instead of the rising importantly, Army beat down Air (the most hated included absurd water cows, both the yuks and plebes were Force at home 41-21, breaking a six pressure regulators on every room and scrambled into new companies after year streak. bathroom sink). the 2012 summer. Cows gave up First AND a cadet received 5 million The annual Sandhurst competition Sergeant and Sergeant Major posi- views on Youtube for a video of was held on the West Point campus tions to the Firsties. According to BG him mercifully releasing a captured instead of Buckner for the first time Martin, 2012 had the shortest Christ- mouse at – only to be ever in order to save money on electric- mas break in West Point history. snatched up by a hawk in mid- ity and utilities at Buckner. Hundreds Even the weather was unique- as the flight. of cadet‟s summer programs were can- North East was hit by the record

Left: Plebes try to stop B1 Firstie Billy Schmidt from getting to his room as he is pulled up into Legion Square during the “Ring Poop” tradition

Right: Cadet watches in disbelief as the mouse he just released into the wild gets snatched up by a hawk Page 2

B1 Year in Review: AY2013

CHANGE WE (ARE FORCED TO) BELIEVE IN In January the Corps arrived at West Point, as he of “birthday parties” as well bade farewell to BG Theo- made concerted efforts to be as taking a sledgehammer to dore Martin and welcomed observable and accessible to the civilian clothes policy, BG Richard Clarke. The the average cadet, sitting BG Clarke took little time to Corps‟ braced for impact with companies in the mess add some changes of his when our first impression of hall at lunches, visiting (and own. Halfway through sec- BG Clarke came via the joining some) teams during ond semester cadets began Internet in the form of some practices, and dropping in enjoying wearing ACU‟s two of the most brutal pictures on random class briefings times a week, and by April ever seen (his picture is just to deliver some words of both daily breakfast as well One of the many Commandant what comes up when you inspiration. as spirit dinner was made related memes posted to the google „tan beret‟). But BG While BG Martin‟s final optional for everyone. Long Gray Memes early in the Clarke immediately won the policy changes included pro- semester hearts of his people once he hibiting the cadet tradition

“THE SUPE’S TWO HUNDRED” Even before sequestra- Point to cut the Corps to its tunate statistic. tion, West Point had begun required number of 4,400 As Christmas drew near, to feel the effects of the cadets. rumors swirled that up to drawdown. After a decade- In September the Brigade five yuks in the company long “golden age” of war- Tactical Officer informed the were in serious danger of time funding for West Point entire corps in Ike Hall that separation. As of this publi- and the Army in general, at least 200 cadets must be cation, B1 contributed three congress has mandated belt cut by graduation. The to the 200, all yearlings- tightening at all levels of the phrase, “The Supe‟s Two two of which left voluntar- Army. Hundred” thus became a ily, and one who was medi- For cadets, this was no part of cadet jargon as cadets cally discharged. A play on the popular 2012 more real than the directive joked about messing up and phrase “YOLO” (You only live from congress for West becoming part of the unfor- once) posted to the Long Gray Memes

FIRST REG GOES MARCHING ALONG First semester was largely char- Commander and CSM (respectively) acterized by a record number of for First Reg, both came from B1- a home football weekends- which for rare occurrence in any regiment. First Reg, meant plenty of drilling. Lee Barracks, home to B1, was B1 consistently outperformed awarded for reducing energy con- other companies, to the point B1 was sumption more than any other bar- identified by leadership as the best racks over the last year. drilling company out of the entire B1 was even recognized by the Corps in the annual Thayer Award Reg Tac Officer as the most spirited pass in review. company of first semester- earning Peary Cox fills in for first semester CO, Micah B1 loomed large in First Reg in everyone in B1 an additional per- Woolf, as he leads B1 in a pass in review dur- other areas too. Chris Boldt and formance pass. ing a parade last fall Shawn Sororian, who served as the Page 3

Ta ttoo

B1 DOING THINGS RIGHT B1 did some awesome things as and activities. The Corps‟ best kept a company this year. secret resided nowhere other than in The “Bearcat” Sandhurst team the top floors of Lee, where activities won an award for being the fastest staff hooked up the company with team out of every country and great dinners from Chipotle, Subway, team from around the world. In Prima‟s Pizza, Chick-fil-A, and more- intramurals, B1 not only won the as well as Legion Square‟s best pre/ brigade basketball championship- post-parade barbeques. but also reg. titles in ultimate, soc- B1 Yearlings started a monthly cer, and orienteering. Academi- brunch in the dayroom that quickly cally, B1 was awarded First Regi- grew as it became known as “Yuk ment‟s Silver Academic Star from Breakfast Club.” Serving upwards of the Dean for having the best aca- fifty cadets at most gatherings, the all demic support. -yuk cooking staff would make every- B1 sent Veronica Bryant, 16‟ to thing from omelets to waffles- and be go on to win Brigade Soldier of most importantly, absurd amounts of the Quarter. Seventeen German bacon. For the Christmas brunch, Proficiency Badges were awarded patrons even enjoyed live music from second semester in B1 alone. a three-string quartet and singers But if B1 did anything truly from the Glee Club as they ate and exceptional this year- it was spirit mingled.

Top: The B1 “Bearcat” Sandhurst team poses with their fastest course time streamer

Above: Yuks serve breakfast to company mates during the YBC Christmas Party

Above: Members of the B1 Sandhurst The B-1 Basketball Team pictured on Team workout with President George the wall of Brigade Champions in W. Bush in Arvin early in the year Arvin Gym. B-1 also won Reg Titles in Ultimate, Soccer, and Orienteering Left: View of the Hudson frozen over from a B1 room on the fifth floor of Below: B1 forms up for morning for- Lee Barracks mation in Legion Square THE B1 FAMILY GROWS At the beginning of the year new TAC NCO. B1 welcomed its newest and Cupid struck B1‟s hearts in youngest member when our 2013 as three Barbarians be- TAC, CPT Eaton had a baby came engaged to be married- girl! When CPT Eaton returned, Brianna Miller ‟14, William we said goodbye to MSG Long, Reynolds ‟13, and Caitlin and welcomed SFC Rowley on Neiswanger ‟13. to the Barbarian team as our BARBARIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Stephen Halsmer ‘13 National Pistol Champion

Ikaika Jakub ‘13 Gymnastics Team Captain

Jesse Glen ‘16 ECAC Rookie of the Year (Gymnastics)

Jasmine Morgan ‘14 Best Cow Rabble-Rouser

Dicky Bullis ‘13 Team Handball National Champions

Geneser ‘15, Javan ‘16, Shackelford ‘16 Sprint Football National Champs

Bonnie Bradway ‘14 First in Patriot League at Javelin, 7th in Army history

Dylan Morgan ‘16 Collegiate Half-Ironman National Champions (as team) 3rd individually

Pat Bauk ‘15 Ranked #2 in world as Sniper in competitive paintball league

Marc Samland ‘16 Ranked #1 in Class of 2016 academically

Van Benschoten ‘14 Received award from Dean for 99.6% grade over two semesters of core physics

Ken Voet ‘15 Defeated Royal in annual service academy debate competition

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Over the past semester it has been a pleasure to start up the new Barbarian Newsletter, Tattoo. We hope to continue this new tradition of connecting present and former members of B1 through this forum, and we look forward to increased communication amongst current cadets and the Long Grey Line. From the dozens of emailed responses from Old Grads, we have compiled a binder full of the colorful advice and reflections, which members of B1 have enjoyed reading on our company’s command desk. Thank you all for your undying support to our Alma Mater and to B1.

To the Class of 2013, we wish you Godspeed as you leave West Point and begin leading the greatest Soldiers on the planet. We know you are more than excited to leave us, but we hope you look back on your years in B1 fondly, and that this special edition of Tattoo will serve as a reminder of those years.

Go Barbarians! -Tyler Tingstrom „15