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

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

Liberty Battalion Gets a New Professor of Military Science

By Cadet Andrew Campbell

Boston is known nationwide as a hub of academia, a requested the Liberty Battalion for his next city full of remarkable schools and universities. assignment. The new Professor of Military Science The metropolitan center of New England, Boston is no stranger to ROTC programs. LTC McClellan holds numerous historical sites and a myriad of initially did not plan on joining Army ROTC when ROTC programs. It is the home of Faneuil Hall, he was a freshman at Rensselaer Polytechnic Northeastern University, Boston College, and of Institute. However, after watching (Cont’d on Page course the Red Sox. These are just a few of the 2) reasons Lieutenant Colonel John McClellan Jr. Page 2 The LANCE – Fall 2006

Cadets rappel from the armory roof and realizing the opportunities Boston provides. He also notes the program could fulfill the school’s physical that this ROTC program performs at the top levels education requirement, he decided to enroll. As a in nearly every category for our brigade, and that Cadet, LTC McClellan earned a 3-year scholarship the “opportunity to be a PMS in this type of and made full use of the opportunities the ROTC program is remarkable.” Since his arrival in June program offered, joining the Ranger club and LTC McClellan has been impressed with the level attending Airborne school. LTC McClellan was of experience and dedication provided by other commissioned a second Lieutenant on the 16th of Cadre members and support staff, as well as the top- May 1986 and entered his top branch choice, the notch quality of the Cadets. The support of the host Corps of Engineers. university’s administration and a committed alumni Since that time LTC McClellan has been association has also kept the program running around the world. As a second lieutenant he was smoothly during the transition. stationed in Korea, then joined the 20th Engineering The future of our program looks bright Battalion at , . He deployed under the guidance of LTC McClellan. Sustaining to Operation Desert Storm in August of 1990 with our current level of excellence is a priority, as well that same unit, and was promoted to Captain during as recruiting an increasing number of Cadets. He his deployment. LTC McClellan spent seven years hopes to provide some more diverse opportunities in Germany, and deployed to Turkey in support of for Cadets, including a possible trip to the Natick Operation Iraqi Freedom. LTC McClellan also Labs, Lexington and Concord, as well as our spent time as an Assistant Professor of Military continuing participation in Ranger Challenge, the Science at State University of New York Rockport Boston Marathon, and the numerous other provided an introduction to ROTC as a Cadre community events. Lieutenant Colonel McClellan member. looks forward to commissioning the next generation Our PMS selected the Liberty Battalion to of Army leaders coming from the Liberty Battalion. be close to his and his wife’s family, as well as all

The Leader’s Training Course

By Cadet Jeremy Armstrong

Leaders Training Course (LTC): twenty-nine days repetition of drill and ceremony techniques, and at Fort Knox, Kentucky in order to reveal and concluded with a guidon ceremony. The Soldier develop the leadership potential within Army First phase was conducted solely by Drill Sergeants. ROTC Cadets. For many, LTC was their first We were in their barracks, and they let us know it. experience with the ; others They were exceptionally professional and our have had a semester or two of ROTC. For all, it biggest influence while at LTC. My platoon was was a challenging and fun month of Army training led and mentored by the number one drill sergeant for Cadets from all over the country. Personally, I on Fort Knox, who the week previous to my had bay mates from Puerto Rico, California, Texas, company arriving, came in second in the Drill Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois, so there was Sergeant of the Year competition. We knew we quite a diversified demographic represented. were getting the best training possible. Each LTC is conducted in four phases: Soldier company also heard from an array of distinguished First, Warrior Leader, Bold Leader, and Future speakers including Colonel Danny McKnight, Leader. Each phase challenged Cadets to Retired, who led the Task Force Ranger convoy in strengthen soldiering tasks, drills, and skills. The Mogadishu, Somalia, the events of which would be first phase, Soldier First, taught Cadets “what right detailed in the book and film, Black Hawk Down. looks like.” It included in –processing, the constant (Cont’d on Page 3)

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

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

MOUT course, whereby Cadets employed squad alpine and climbing towers. The Bold Leader phase battle tactics and room clearing techniques with culminated with a 3K tactical road march into a paintball guns through a simulated urban rites of passage ceremony in Memorial Grove. environment. This was a very challenging phase Here, Cadets received Army Value tags and then that was rather difficult for many Cadets, but it was passed through a honor corridor, receiving also extremely motivating and instructional. congratulations from the cadre. The pinnacle of the Leader’s Training And so, the Future Leader phase starts as Course is the Bold Leader phase, which is six days LTC nears the end. It was highlighted by Family of intense training. Cadets spent the day training Day and Graduation. Every Cadet got something and then slept out in the field. There were three out of LTC; many have continued with ROTC and phases to the Bold Leader Phase: Call of the Wild, contracted, others learned that the Army was not a Bold Leader FTX, and Where Eagles Dare. The career they wanted to pursue. Strong friendships Bold Leader phase included a day of water were made. Above all, the cadets returned from the operations such as zodiac boat training, field Leaders Training Course proud of their survival skills, and construction and racing poncho accomplishments, expertly trained in basic rafts. The FTX incorporated squad battle tactics soldiering skills, and with a strong sense of the and day/night land navigation through very tough Army Values; loyalty, duty, respect, selfless terrain. Where Eagles Dare challenged Cadets with service, honor, integrity, and personal courage. a massive rope obstacle course and conquering

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Cadets Dialogue's Trip

By Cadet Kelly Sullivan

It is morning. A melodic chant is heard echoing all access pass to the League of Arab Nations, and through the desert. The sun is rising and the Mullah, the US Embassy. an Islamic cleric, is sounding the first call to prayer After the tours, our students were able to engage for the day. There will be four more calls to prayers in conversations with Egyptian students at the today. With one look out the window; the rising sun University of Cairo. Participants were guided by warming your face, the enchanting sounds and the NU faculty throughout the trip, and were constantly history engulfing you, you realize how lucky you encouraged to think about the ways in which are. You are in Egypt. everything they were experiencing would apply to Following the commencement of classes this their lives as Army officers. past spring, select students from Northeastern “This program is special to Northeastern University’s Liberty Battalion Army ROTC visited University,” said Dennis Sullivan, creator and Egypt and China. While there, they immersed faculty leader of the Immersion Program. “Of themselves in the countries’ language, culture and course other universities have programs in Egypt, people. but our program is faculty led. For example, we’ll Cadets Brian Vaeni, Jonathan Janiec, Dennis talk about the meaning of Islam in a mosque. This Geary and John Kilcoyne participated in Dialogues program is designed to break down barriers between of Civilizations. The 13-year-old program has its the West and the Arab world. This really challenges roots in Cairo, Egypt and has expanded to include everyone to reevaluate what they think of the many other countries including Turkey, Northern Islamic culture.” Ireland and China. Participation in the Dialogues of Civilizations The 4-week program in Cairo allows students to Cairo program, counts as 2 classes or 8 credit hours. act as independent researchers. They learn, first There are 2 options; a cultural option, in which hand, about Egyptian and Arab politics, history, students engage in a wide-range of on-site lectures, culture, economy and society. research, people-to-people "dialogues" and on-the- “This is a great program,” Jonathan Janiec, a 23- ground experiences in Cairo, Alexandria, and the year-old junior said. “It really broke down the Sinai Peninsula or Siwa Oasis, or a language option barriers and stereotypes I had of the Arab world. where student speak Arabic throughout the duration You can’t learn about this experience in a book, you of the trip. need to see it first hand like I did.” Liberty Battalion Cadets’ participation in the This is not CDT Janiec’s first visit to the Immersion Program was in response to an initiative Muslim world. CDT Janiec is a veteran of President Bush introduced in January 2006, known Operation Iraqi Freedom and is currently an Army as the National Security Language Initiative ROTC Cadet at Northeastern University. He wishes (NSLI). The NSLI aims to dramatically increase the he had a chance to participate in the Immersion number of Americans learning critical need foreign Program prior to deploying. languages such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Hindi, “Knowing what I know now would have really Farsi, and others through new and expanded helped,” Janiec said. “I witnessed so many programs from kindergarten through university and misunderstandings about Islamic culture that I get into the workforce. now that I have been through the Immersion Through the initiative President Bush intends to Program.” strengthen national security and prosperity in the Prior to traveling to Egypt, the participants were 21st century through education, especially in given an in-depth syllabus that introduced them to developing foreign language skills. (Cont’d on Page Islam and the Egyptian Culture. Once in country, 5) students visited places like the pyramids, and had an

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

Boston College Company – Fall Training Lab

By Cadet Brian Harper

Friday, September 1, 2006, marked the form for the low crawl, high crawl, and the three- commencement of fall training for Liberty second rush. All Cadets participated in training for Battalion’s Boston College Company at Camp Squad Movement Techniques. Curtis Guild, . Cadets were permitted While freshmen Cadets learned the basics of to move onto campus early, before the two-day long land navigation in and around the buildings at Camp weekend Orientation Lab. At 0600 on Friday, Curtis Guild, MSII and MSIII cadets completed a September 1st, Boston College Cadets reported for five-point Daytime Land Navigation Course accountability outside the Flynn Recreation prepared by the senior (MSIV) Cadets. Following Complex, on Boston College’s Lower Campus, to the day’s events Cadets and Cadre had a barbeque load vans for transport to . The dinner to further absorb new Cadets into the Boston weather was exceptional and training for College ROTC community. Following the experienced Cadets, and orientation for freshmen barbeque dinner, Cadets operated a patrol base Cadets, began immediately. under close instruction from BC MSIV’s. The Following friendly introductions and following day all Cadets participated in two presentations by Cadre members, Cadets were separate STX lanes with senior Cadets providing separated into squads for basic marching practice the enemy opposition. One lane consisted of and cadence instruction. Following marching paintball markers, while the other utilized simulated instructions senior Cadets provided basic instruction M16 weapons. The fall training ended late and procedures for first-aid; also, with extreme Saturday afternoon on September 2nd. BC Cadets enthusiasm, Cadets practiced buddy carrying; were transported by van back to campus before carrying their fellow Cadets around the buildings of dark. The training was productive and uninhibited Camp Curtis Guild. Senior Cadets and Cadre by the weather. Freshmen Cadets, in particular, provided instruction in Individual Movement and learned a great deal and BC MS IIIs demonstrated Squad Movement Techniques which included outstanding leadership in leading and training the several stations exercises that evaluative the Cadets’ less experienced BC Cadets.

National Patriots Day BBQ

By Cadet Elaine Miller

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

Page 6 The LANCE – Fall 2006 the Army supports on the NASCAR circuit. These were two popular exhibits/attractions with the NU community. In addition, NU Cadets ran a Ranger Challenge station consisting of push-ups and sit-ups. Those that performed to Ranger standards received an NU Army ROTC gym bag. NU Army ROTC Cadets volunteered to cook and serve food. The Cadets cooked and served 400 hamburgers and 350 hotdogs to the NU community. The BBQ is one of many events Liberty Battalion carries out to promote ROTC on campus. It is events like this that show the NU community who we are and what we do, in fact the new Northeastern University President, Joseph E. Aoun, attended the BBQ.

The Liberty Battalion Fall Field Training Exercise

By Cadet Matthew Cisto

Cadets on the Land Navigation Course

This October, Cadets of the Liberty Battalion This course required Cadets to be confident in their demonstrated their skills and their ability to adapt. ability to read a map and know their pace count, as the Arriving Friday the 27th at , at the points could only be seen when they were very close. southern end of Cape, the Cadets unloaded their gear Cadets showed their proficiency by finding many of into the barracks that Liberty Battalion was to occupy these points despite the added difficulty (Cont’d on Page for the next two nights. Soon after, Cadets set-out in 7) buddy teams to try a Night Land Navigation course in which the points were not illuminated by chem lights. The LANCE – FALL 2006 Page 7

Liberty Battalion Cadets Practice MOUT Training and the fact that this was the first attempt at land night MSIIIs demonstrated their Land Navigation navigation for many of them. Cadets returned to the skills again, not in the woods, but in the form of a barracks around 0100 Saturday, after this test of written test. Meanwhile, MSIs and MSIIs received skills. further training from Cadre and MSIVs and were Saturday, Mother Nature threw the Liberty rewarded at the end of the day with some Battalion a curveball in the form of monsoon-like entertainment in the form of Band of Brothers. weather conditions, ruining the ability to achieve When the MSIIIs returned from their test, the Cadet anything positive outdoors. The MSIVs exhibited leadership changed hands and everyone hit the the abilities that helped them do so well at Warrior bunks for some much needed rest. While the Forge by throwing together a very impressive day weather forced a dramatic change in Saturday’s of indoor training. MSIIIs went with MSG Carlin training, it certainly did not lessen its value, and and SFC Wentworth and learned the ins and outs of new Cadets received an inside glimpse into the a combat Operations Order in preparation for world of the Army. Warrior Forge 2007, while MSIs and MSIIs rotated Sleep between Saturday and Sunday came between different training stations. with a twofold bonus. First, the changing of the They learned to use a variety of weapons clocks allowed for an extra hour of sleep; second, using an electronic simulator, while also receiving extra volunteers for fire guard eliminated the chance training in urban warfare, room clearing, and many of an interrupted sleep for many Cadets. At 0500 other tactics used by the modern Army. Saturday Cadets woke to begin cleaning the barracks, Page 8 The LANCE – Fall 2006

(Fall FTX Continued from Page 7) working very efficiently in order to finish before ceremony and various cadences in preparation for breakfast. After the barracks were cleaned and the the awards ceremony at the end of the day. At this company enjoyed its catered breakfast from IHOP, awards ceremony, the Liberty Battalion celebrated Cadets began to move by van once again to the the vast accomplishments of its MSIV Cadets at Land Navigation area. Nature had somewhat LDAC this past summer. Furthermore, Cadets atoned for its misbehavior the day before by helped to honor the promotion of Sergeant First providing a strong wind to dry the vegetation in the Class Wentworth to the rank of Master Sergeant, woods, though blowing hats and maps in various and of Captain Mercadante to the rank of Major. directions. Cadets performed extremely well on this The weekend resulted in a training success, as most course after having trained in night land navigation, Cadets left with leadership and tactical abilities they and then began to move back to the field in front of did not have before, enhancing the confidence of all the barracks. Here platoons practiced drill and Cadets.

Boston College 10k Team – Three peats

By Cadet Drew Firmender

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

Story on Page 9 The LANCE – FALL 2006 Page 9

Boston College 10K Team – Cont’d from Page 8 I have stepped up to the starting line many times. I changed. Whenever I had stepped to that starting line in have warmed up and stretched for every race I have ever the past, it was about me. Perhaps I was working run. I have always been weary of the runner behind me, towards a team championship, but nonetheless, I was knowing his jersey was different from mine, and working to secure my own victory. I had changed. I determined to overcome the jersey in front of me for the was not just Drew Firmender, but Cadet Firmender, an same reason. I have had a goal or mission that before I essential piece of an American Army made up of took my first step. This time though, was very different. thousands of essential pieces. I was a piece of well oiled I made sure I ate my typical pre-race bagel and machine that served a purpose higher than an individual. banana, even though there was nothing typical about this Every stride I took was advancing my squad, my race. It was a rather long bus ride, but not compared to Battalion, and my Army. the two hour drive my parents made to see me. It had The lead pack when out fast, and I held on for the been about five months since I last raced competitively, first mile, clocking in at 5:35. I knew that every marine and to say the least, the whole family was antsy. I don’t that passed me meant less of a chance for the team title, think anyone knew how nervous I was. Hundreds of and another championship. I was weary of every green races, plenty of competition, lots of victories, I was not shirt I saw, but they never came. From the first mile to new to the running scene. This time though, it was more the last, I remained in fourth place. When I crossed the than a race. I was joining a team that was hoping to line in full stride, I clocked my time, congratulated the secure its third straight victory over a 6.5 mile course. winner, and turned around. When you are a member of a Furthermore, I had been told that I was the ‘secret team, your importance is secondary to that of your weapon’, the kid no one say coming, the new guy. I was teammates. I skipped the water and granola and jogged just hoping I didn’t trip or throw up. back out, making sure that every last runner from My uniform smelled awful. A mix of hard work and Liberty Battalion crossed the line. I had never done this a lack of knowing how to do laundry was surely to before, but I did today because I had learned what it blame. None of this mattered though, and as I laced up, meant to be part of the Army, part of a greater purpose. my team, with their shirts neatly tucked in, proudly For the third year in a row, CDT Christopher Rosser, displaying our branch in bold black letters: ARMY, CDT Cameron Hosmer, CDT Alex Riley, SGT Carlin, knew that today was going to be different. This was the and CDT Drew Firmender brought home the Marine annual Marine Corps 10K. To me it seemed more like a Corps 10K team title. Every member was essential to rally for jarheads. Hundreds of them, and when my the victory, and we all shared it. Next year I’ll be small squad of returning champions made our entrance; stepping up to that same line, hoping to bring home we were met by glaring stares and piercing eyes. I tried another plaque to Boston College Army ROTC, and my to make this another routine race. It was anything but only hope is that I will once again be able to approach that though. that line, stand at attention with arms ordered as our I have been a member of the United States Army for National Anthem is played, and understand what it less than two months, and I already know that I have means to be an United States Soldier.

Warrior Forge Exercises

By Cadet Michael Lopez

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

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The MS I Experience

By Cadet Grant Restuccio

Joining the Army ROTC program at This meant I would be experiencing things some Northeastern University may be one of the best people never get a chance to experience with one of decisions I have ever made. In joining such an the most prestigious groups on campus. For the organization, I was embarking on an adventure, one next five years I will be with this select group, of the most influential in my life. Through the making friendships that potentially last a lifetime. ROTC program I expected to improve my Being part of ROTC gives me a new sense of pride leadership skills, become physically fit, and most of and dedication towards my country. Taking part in all, establish a better sense of discipline. However ROTC events has also given me a feeling of set my goals were in joining Army ROTC, belonging, which only a select few can experience. questions inevitably raced through my head. Were For the short two months I have been part of the Military Personnel going to be watching my every Northeastern University’s ROTC program, I have move? Would they yell and really make me “drop faced a plethora of challenges. Learning the and give me twenty” for the most miniscule commands given by the Platoon Leader, Squad mistakes? My questions would soon be answered. It Leader, and fellow Cadets seemed very daunting. quickly became apparent that ROTC was everything With a little coaching from upperclassmen and positive that I imagined and has become one of the plenty of practice, marching techniques and most motivating experiences in which I have taken commands began to sink-in. They quickly became part. No matter the task at hand, someone is always just another aspect of our everyday procedures. encouraging and pushing me to better myself, Another aspect of ROTC that every MS I faced was emotionally and physically. Ultimately this program the Army Physical Fitness Test, or APFT. For some, it pushes me to succeed. was a walk in the park. Others, like myself, were I found it quite difficult to adapt to the pressures extremely nervous and worried about passing this of college life, let alone ROTC. Many of my daunting task. Although we received many tips and encouragement from upperclassmen, it all came down to friends were going out during the week at the same our inner-self. In order to contract and start receiving time I was going to sleep due to Physical Training your stipend, you must pass the APFT. This means (PT) the following morning. At first, the thought of scoring a 60 or higher on all aspects of the test: the two- not being able to stay out late with friends was mile run, push-ups, and sit-ups. I have until the end of discouraging. Later I found out this “curfew” was the semester to pass the test. One test is given every beneficial to my studies and well-being. month during PT. The days that we are not testing, we Along with the Cadre, the upperclassmen play a are working hard to increase our PT scores. This major role in welcoming new Cadets. At first they involves a lot of hard work and dedication. For me, it seemed intimidating, but once we got to know them, has really come down to staying motivated and we found out they were just like us, sharing many challenging myself each and every session. It doesn’t similarities together. Any questions we may have, end though at the sessions; I have learned to work-out, outside of PT. I have also learned to increase my dietary whether they are about college or ROTC, the intakes; tasks that to me are very difficult. However, my upperclassman were more than willing to answer hard work really shows after taking the APFT. My them. They were not only there to coordinate and scores drastically increase each time, keeping me plan ROTC events but they were also there to motivated to continue my vigorous regime. Getting up at encourage us, be our role models, but most 0530 every other morning for PT never occurred to me important, be our friends. as being fun. After the first two weeks, I began to One of the first things I noticed at ROTC was realize how it was affecting me. As I looked around the how tightly knit the group was. The camaraderie in classroom during my 0800 classes, most of students the program was very strong. I realized I am not were sleeping because they were not disciplined. only a college student but also an ROTC Cadet. (Cont’d on Page 11)

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They were not up at 0530, sprinting along the myself. Some of the aspects learned are land Charles River in the morning’s bitter cold. They navigation, marching, and self-discipline. I have weren’t doing push-ups in the drizzling rain. taken part in many activities that I would never Awaking at 0530 has given me extra energy for my have had the opportunity to do without ROTC. I early classes, accelerating myself to do well and have attended and worked at two Boston College strengthen my grades. The Slogan “Army Strong” football games as well as attended a Medal of relates not only to when I’m in uniform or in Honor Ceremony with other Cadets. The most sessions, but also in the classroom and when out influential aspect of ROTC that I have noticed is the with my friends. My actions because of PT and the sense of belonging to a respected group of people. I Army ROTC itself have become routine. Keeping in know that the rest of my Northeastern ROTC career mind I have to run the next morning pushes me to will benefit me in the future by providing me with stay ahead in my schoolwork, eat well, and get a physical fitness, leadership skills, and the necessary good nights rest. work ethic that will allow me to lead a successful The first semester of ROTC at NU has been truly life. Army ROTC, in just two months, has made me unique. In the short time I have been involved, I a much better person. have learned so much, both involving the Army and

The MS II Experience

By Cadet Malcolm Ohl

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

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Ranger Challenge – 2006

By Cadet Timothy Hopper

Four thirty in the morning on Saturday October 14th the The team was provided with two maps, two pencils, two Northeastern University/Boston College Ranger exams, and an answer sheet. Twenty minutes was given Challenge team hopped out of bed eagerly anticipating in order to answer as many of the twenty questions as the day’s events. The team consisted of 12 Cadets, possible. This required efficient teamwork and the team eleven from Northeastern and one from BC. Personal captain, CDT Vaeni, did an excellent job parceling out hygiene was conducted and the team moved to the responsibilities. He broke the team into two sections and opening ceremony at the Fort Devens RFTA (Reserve had one person running between each group to record Forces Training Area) in Shirley, MA. It was a cool answers that each section was able to complete. The crisp morning and the sun still had not risen. All 20 team was able to complete a good portion of the exam ROTC programs in the First Brigade, Eastern Region and placed us relatively well in relation to the other were represented and ready to demonstrate their skills schools that had already gone. and physical strength that was a result of over a month Then we moved to a more physically demanding of hard training. event, that was a mystery event. It turned out to be a After a brief opening statement by the OIC (Officer short obstacle course consisting of about 6 or 7 obstacles in Charge) and the playing of the National Anthem; the on a 400m course. The team was given a quick run- teams prepared for the first event, the Army Physical through of the course and then was given two minutes to Fitness Test (APFT). The test consists of two minutes of formulate a strategy. After a quick plan was established push-ups, two minutes of sit-ups, and a two-mile run. the team proceeded to the start line and moved out once Each of the events is worth 100 points unless all events the time started. The team worked well together and are maxed and then it goes to the extended scale. In completed the course in just over five minutes and thirty order to max each event between the ages of 17 and 21 seconds. males need to do 71 push-ups, 78 sit-ups, and complete The next event was another obstacle course but this the run in 13:00 minutes. Females must complete 42 one was a little over a mile long and involved many push-ups, 78 sit-ups, and complete the run in 15:36 more obstacles and longer distances between them. The minutes. The Liberty Battalion Ranger Challenge team had to get over an 8-foot high wall, low crawl (LBRC) team had an average score of 307.8, an under barbed wire, traverse a three-rope bridge, go over excellent score, which started the team off right up top, log bridges, and carry two members of the team on a with the competition. litter for over 200m among other things. It was a After the APFT and a quick break for chow, schools rigorous course that was physically grueling but the hard broke off and began cycling through the other events of work that the team put in training paid off and it was the day. The first event for the LBRC team was completed in just under fifteen minutes. Weapons Proficiency. This event consisted of clearing a After that, the team moved to the next mystery event, M16A-2 rifle, disassembling and reassembling the the FLRC (Field Leadership Reaction Course). In weapon completely, and finally performing a functions FLRC, teams are given a lane with certain rules and check. Weapons were placed on ponchos 25 meters obstacles and 15 minutes to complete it. The lane the from the starting line. A quick briefing was given then it LBRC team was given required them to move a barrel was down to business. Six Cadets were started online containing sensitive radio equipment over an obstacle and when the whistle was blown the time started. Each that consisted of two ramps facing each other on an Cadet sprinted up to their weapons and quickly put to incline with a three-foot gap between them. The whole work the training that all had put in. The next group team had to get over with weapons as well. The event went right after and then the team regrouped and began was completed in just about eight minutes. The team movement to the next event. worked well together and incurred a few time penalties The next event was the written Land Navigation test. but overall it was one of the better events. (Cont’d on Page 13)

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Orienteering was the next event of the day. The advanced along the course. Points were given out team was given a series of points with eight digit for successfully taking out the various targets while grid coordinates and fifty minutes to locate them. points were deducted for being hit by the snipers. The team captain split the team into three groups of The team did very well and managed to pull out four and each headed out in separate directions to ahead while some of the other schools ended up try and find as many points as possible. The LBRC with negative scores. team did very well in this event coming in fourth The day was over and the team had done very overall, just a few points behind the leading team. well. The points were tallied up and the results The team was still motivated after all the hard were given to the teams. LBRC team had come in work that was put in and they proceeded to next 11th place overall which was good considering that event, the M16 Qualification. In this event Cadets only half of the team had been able to train for were given two twenty round magazines and were Ranger Challenge. There was one more event left, required to fire at pop-up targets ranging from 50m the 10k road march. away to 400m away from. One magazine was fired Everyone got some sleep and discussed how the from the prone position and the other from the team was going to train for next year. The next prone-supported position. The team performed well morning the team got geared-up for the road march considering that the weapons they were using had with their ruck-sacks and weapons. The 10k course not been zeroed and for many it was the first time was long and hilly but the team stayed motivated they had fired at pop-up targets. and completed it with time to spare. Inventory was The last event of the day was coming up, the taken at the end to ensure that each Cadet was hand grenade assault course. Cadets were sent out carrying the same amount of weight, about 35 lbs. in buddy teams with four hand grenades and a The closing ceremony followed and teams were paintball gun with 50 rounds and were given four given their awards. Unfortunately this year the different targets to engage with the grenades. The LBRC team did not receive any award, but targets consisted of a door, a window, a mortar pit, everyone was very motivated and goals and and a mock bunker. The twist was there were two expectations were set high for next year’s snipers shooting at the buddy teams as they competition.

Professor of Military Science Closing Remarks

By LTC John McClellan

“The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between the two, the leader must become a servant and a debtor. That sums up the progress of an artful leader.” -- Max Dupree

It has certainly been an exciting and challenging first semester as PMS of the Liberty Battalion, and; taking a page from one of my leadership mentors – except in reverse, I’m going to start by thanking the Cadre and Cadets of the Liberty Battalion. My thanks for welcoming me aboard in August and for all your hard work and notable accomplishments this past semester. You have already made this assignment more than I expected – in more ways than one! How so? Well, first of all, we contracted 19 new scholarship students this term… and right up to the last minute with some of them! We fielded a fairly young Ranger Challenge team that managed, with some veteran leadership, to gain valuable experience and build core competencies for a run at the big boys in the next couple of years. Our track team in the BC Company 3-peated as military team champions of the Boston Marine Corps Honor Run, with the NU Company team finishing a very respectable 4th. Both companies paid fitting honor to our Nation’s veterans by executing first-class remembrance and dedication ceremonies. And how can we forget surviving the first Nor’easter of the season down at Camp Edwards, and still managing to accomplish some great training at our soggy Fall FTX! Finally, I was not the only new addition to the Cadre, because we also welcomed CPT Tom Parshall, SFC Michael McGurk, and maybe most importantly, Ms. Elena Afoa to our ranks. At the same time, I had the great honor to recognize the Army’s continued trust in confidence in two outstanding leaders by personally promoting MAJ Mathew Mercadante and MSG Jeremy Wentworth (twice!) (Cont’d on Page 14) Page 14 The LANCE – Fall 2006

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

ARMY STRONG! v/r Liberty 6

NU ROTC ALUMNI 1955 Levanson, Joel Sullivan Sr., Brian Bourque, Brian Barbeau, Joseph E. Malkasian, Mark D. 1969 Gilmore, Erin Caggiano, Ben A. Martinack, Robert Altersitz, Larry A. Gross, Samuel 1956 Mason, George Fahey, William A. Harmeyer, Jurik Fennell Jr., George R Power, John R. Guttell, Stephen M. Kirby, Lisa M. Hersey, Frederic Sabbey, John 1970 Lennon, Ryan Sawyer, David R. Colangelo, Anthony R. Lightford, Natasha Wenners, Ed 1972 Loughnan, Richie L. 1957 Zollo, Bill Curtin, Dave McDonagh, Anthony Berestecky, Boreslaw P. 1964 Rose, Alfred Moore, Emily 1959 Brainard, Stephen P. 1973 Morgan, Jason Childs, Leo M. Craig, Randy Desmond, Thomas Szmyt, Derek Crowley, Harold S. Hull, Douglas Madden, John V. 2005 1960 Kaduboski, Stephen P. 1975 Engelson, Alex Perham, Whitman Madden, John Barruzzi, Sylvio P. Harrington (Wiley) 1961 1965 Cooper, Joseph P. Laase, Mary Finnegan, Neal Christo, Dennis V. 1978 Tina, Matthew 1962 Guinane, John J. Girard, Marc 2006 Blasé, James W. Upton, Kevin M. Hutchins, Paul D. Babcock, Rebecca Fitzgerald, John W. 1967 1984 Baker, Erin Mallion, Richard J. Gallant, John (Jack) A Kestle, Daniel R. Chan, Felix Short, Albert Pearse, William Nash, James C. Dortonia, Adam Tragakis, Christopher Slicer, James (Sarge) 1986 Ethier, Paul Troup, Emile Szathmary, Phillip A. Springer, Barbara Krantz-Odendal, Jared 1963 Wakayama, Ed 1991 Krasko, Scott Cademartori, James A. 1968 Haefner, John W. Ethier, Paul Caggiano, Robert L. Daley, Cameron H. Pabis, James M. Curran, Rich Dietz, Lawrence 2002 Heffernan, Richard Grant, Charles Liddell, Robert J. Pesce, Jessica A. Crea, Thomas (former Lantery, Harry E. Maloney, William J. 2004 PMS) The LANCE – FALL 2006 Page 15

Liberty Battalion Cadets – Contracting

CPT Brett Tashiro, Cadets Andrew Jenzer, Kane Kanagawa, Drew Firmender and Chelsea Perrin

CPT Tom Parshall, Cadets Jonathan Hickey & Eric Waxman

LTC John McClellan and Cadet Catherine Barrett

LTC John McClellan and Cadet Grant Restuccio

Cadet Margaret DeTeso

LTC John McClellan and Cadet David Denninger

Cadet Latise Higgins Page 16 The LANCE – Fall 2006

LTC John McClellan and Cadet Elizabeth Cummins

LTC John McClellan and Cadet Brenden Glynn

LTC John McClellan and Cadet Alex Finlay LTC John McClellan and Cadet Katie Rosen

CPT Brett Tashiro and Cadet Meridith Hyres

The LANCE – FALL 2006 Page 17

Liberty Battalion – Fall 2006

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

Cadets Lopez & McKinney at NU Veteran’s Memorial

CSC Freshmen Orientation

Cadet Irvine at NU Veteran’s Memorial

Cadet Cote and NU Cheerleaders at CSC Orientation

CPT Randazzo & Cadet Miller at Branch Night

Page 18 The LANCE – Fall 2006

Cadets in action at WFX #2

Cadets at FTX

MSG Wentworth’s Promotion

The LANCE – FALL 2006 Page 19

NU Veteran’s Memorial BC Parent’s Weekend

2006-07 POW MIA Run BC Leadership Lab

BC Company

Liberty Battalion Mannequin gets ACUs

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: Cadet Elaine Miller Cadre Advisor: CPT Ben Randazzo