Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Day 2 - Annual Training 2011

The Cadet Ranger Challenge and Troop Handler Academy Cadets focused their efforts today on preparing for training and personal Fitness.

They got up at 5:30 AM today for about an hour of physical fitness training and testing.
The Cadets all took the Army Cadet Physical Fitness Test (ACPFT) It consists of counting the number of pushups and sit-ups that a Cadet can do in 2 minutes, and a timed 2 mile run. It is aligned with the US Army’s standards. Cadet Rangers must pass with 60 percent or greater to go on to ranger course and graduate from Cadet Ranger Challenge.

After a healthy breakfast served by our Chef, Scott and his assistants Victoria and Layne the Cadets spent time “breaking the ice and learning about the week’s activities’. The Cadet Ranger Candidates received a course orientation letting them know about the expectations and challenges they face as they begin the CRC.

The Troop Handler candidates spent time refreshing themselves on Drill and Ceremonies. This is very important because the Troop Handlers will use Drill to teach important concepts of leadership to their charges, followership and teamwork. Before you can become a leader you must first be a good follower and learn to work together as a team.

As a leadership exercise the Cadet Ranger Candidates worked together to organize their rooms as a team. No published standard, just working together to achieve a goal. They would either succeed or fail as a team.

After a tasty lunch and time in the barracks both classes went to Womack Gym to participate in The Army Cadet Martial Arts Program (TACMAP).

TACMAP is a martial arts training program based on rigid military standards, along with other high-adventure recreational activities. TACMAP utilizes MCJKKD as its main training format, which includes a combination of Self Defense, Judo, Aikido, Jujitsu, Karate, Boxing and Wrestling. Builds upon the training received during our other courses like Basic Cadet Training, the Basic Leader Course and Cadet Ranger School.

Lt. Col. Joe Gorman, the Training Battalion Commander and his Executive Officer, Major Jeff Campbell facilitates the refresher session where the Cadets leaned various holds and counters.
The training will help the troop handlers to prepare their recruits and it will also help the Cadet Ranger Candidates to prepare for their coming adventures.

The Cadets ended their day with a visit to ACES, the Army Cadet Exchange Service in the basement of Womack Gym. There the cadets can buy uniform items, military gear, Airsoft equipment and treats/drinks.

ACES is a unique operation in that USAC produces much of the uniform items (patches, cloth insignia, T-shirts) and the like in house. This means that USAC Cadets and Officers get a great deal on the items sold but the corps receives proceeds from the sale rather than a middle-man. This allows for more improvements to be made to the NCTC and improve program for all of the Cadets. To see what ACES has to offer please go to http://acesstore.com/catalog/

Please also take a moment to look at images from today's activity and of ACES at the NCTC Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/pages/National-Cadet-Training-Center-Official/350329073135

Thanks and have a great Army Cadet day!

AL PABON
Civilian Executive, USAC
Annual Training Battalion
Public Affairs Officer
Headquarters, U.S. Army Cadet Corps
"ADVENTURE BEGINS HERE!"

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