On Sunday 28 June, check-in and final processing concluded preparing our recruits for an arduous and demanding schedule of activities. Today marked the official 1st day of training for the 2009 Annual Training Brigade. The morning began with a physical fitness test, used to gauge overall fitness and conditioning. The test consists of:
- maximum number of right-angle push-ups
- maximum number of sit-ups in 1 minute
- shuttle run
- V sit and reach
- 1 mile run
The testing format allows Battalion Staff and Drill Sergeants to effectively measure core body strength, agility, flexibility, and endurance. The standards for measurement are determined by age and gender. Depending on performance, recruits can earn USAC minimum, National, or Presidential fitness status.
Recruits were also introduced to The U.S. Army Cadet Corps Martial Arts Program (TACMAP). This unique style of fighting utilizes a combination of self-defense, Judo, Aikido, Jujitsu, Karate, Boxing, and Wrestling.
Under the leadership and guidance of 1st Sergeant Wyland, the Headquarters Company local to Kentucky and the MMI campus continued to train on Color Guard procedure and ceremony.
Compared to what many recruits are accustomed to, the training intensity will increase exponentially over the next few days. Your sons and daughters (our recruits and future leaders) will be pushed to limits they thought could never be surpassed; they will experience stress, anxiety, and fatigue comparable to almost nothing they’ve encountered to date. Motivation and enthusiasm are paramount for success. Our recruits are beginning to understand the importance of teamwork by motivating one another toward the goal of graduating as a Cadet in world’s greatest Military Cadet Corps. Hooah!
I'm sure all parents of RCT's truly appreciate the effort put into creating and maintaining this website! It is great to see snapshots of what our RCT is doing while at BCT. Thank you so very much for understanding parental concern, and making sure we have some form of "contact" with our children.
ReplyDeleteTerri, you took the words right out of my mouth! I look at this a couple of times a day to check in with my guy! And I have seen some pics of him SMILING! Miss that boy but I know he is well cared for there.
ReplyDeleteThanks, folks! We will take very good care of your sons and daughters. Many of us have started as Cadets, raised our own children (oftentimes as Cadets) and continue to serve your recruits (future Cadets). We'll do our best to keep updating the site, as time permits. Just count the days until graduation!
ReplyDeleteRespectfully,
JOSEPH M. LAND, SR.
COL, GS, USAC
Chief of Staff
U.S. Army Cadet Corps