BCT Update # 1

First please accept my apologies for not updating over the past few days.

Things have been very busy here at the National Cadet Training Center (NCTC) but I wanted to share some updates with you.

On Saturday June 26th, our Troop Handler candidates became USAC Troop Handlers.
The candidates spent a week learning and applying the skills that they will need to work with recruits in the Basic Cadet Training environment and back at their home companies.

Major Jeff Campbell presided over the ceremony where our candidates received their pith helmets and distinctive green and gold T-Shirts.

Each candidate took the following oath:

“I hereby accept the appointment as a Troop Handler and swear to the following oath:”

“These are my Recruits.”

“I will train them to the best of my ability.”

“I will develop them into smartly disciplined, physically fit and basically trained Army Cadets, thoroughly indoctrinated in love of Corps, Army and Country.”

“I will demand of them, and demonstrate by my own example, the highest standards of personal conduct, morality, military bearing and professional skill.”

Pictures are available on the NCTC’s Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150362928243136.428294.350329073135

After that ceremony things really went into high gear as we made ready for an influx of nearly 120 recruits for the CT-1 session that started on Sunday June 27th.
During the course of the day the Cadet Ranger Candidates took some of the skills they have learned over the last week to the test as they participated in a Airsoft engagement against members of the NCTC Staff.

We posted some before images at this link on the NCTC Facebook.
http://www.facebook.com/media/albums/?id=350329073135#!/media/set/?set=a.10150364072258136.428701.350329073135

The biggest news is that the first session of Basic Cadet Training has begun. On Sunday we had recruits come from all over the United States and recruits from at least eight foreign nations converge on Millersburg and the NCTC for Basic Cadet Training (BCT).

Initially I thought that the afternoon would be crazy. I was wrong. You see, USAC has a very organized recruit intake process.

First they checked in with administration who signed them into the course, made sure their documentation was in order and fees were paid.

Next the recruits headed to the Troop Handlers, who checked their bags for the items the recruits will need during BCT. They also secured and stored any items that are contraband.

Recruits went to medical for screening and a visit with CPT Rallie McAllister, our Director of Health Services, and her very dedicated team of volunteer nurses and other medical practitioners.. They verified everything on the application and medical forms, collected prescriptions and made sure the recruits are ready to participate in the BCT course.

Once they completed their medical check they visited Army Cadet Exchange Service (ACES).

ACES in unique in cadetting in that USAC has the only in house operation that produces much of the needed uniform items that the members need. I was able to watch the ACES team produce name and branch tapes, rank insignia, T-shirts, Dog Tags and guidons for our members.

They also contract with a variety of vendors to provide uniforms, equipment, boots and other needed items at a reasonable price.

Each Military Adventure Camp participant received an initial issue of uniforms and equipment that they will need here at BCT. All of the equipment is high quality and is sized to each Recruit.

USAC Recruits also received items that they have ordered online to complete their duffel bags.

Recruits also deposited funds into their ACES account so they can pay for items that they would like to purchase at ACES such as treats during Canteen nights, Airsoft items, souvenirs and other military items.

Recruits who flew in were afforded a chance to make "safe arrival call" to their home and all Recruits received a haircut.

Each Recruit was fed and was introduced to their Troop Handlers and their BCT Experience begins.

In-processing ran well into the night as we had Recruits to pick-up at Cincinnati and Lexington Airports

Please visit the National Cadet Training Center’s Facebook for images from these activities.

Link: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/pages/National-Cadet-Training-Center-Official/350329073135

My next blog will talk about the recruit’s first day and he beginning of their transformation into a USAC Cadet.

V/R,

AL PABON
Civilian Executive, USAC
Annual Training Battalion
Deputy G1/Public Affairs Officer
Headquarters, U.S. Army Cadet Corps

"ADVENTURE BEGINS HERE!"