Recruits are Taking Shape; Basic Leader Course, Cadet Transition Course and Officer Candidate School Commence

Until this point, Officer Candidate (OC) Phil Lloyd has been taking photos and updating this blog. He's done a great job, and I'm sure the parents, family and supporters of our recruits are very happy to see their recruit in action.

OC Lloyd has started Officer Candidate School (OCS) and will be tied up for the next week. As you should know, the U.S. Army Cadet Corps (USAC) is operated by an extremely dedicated team of "non-paid professionals" (aka volunteers) who provide young people with the most realistic and challenging Cadet program available in our country. Prior to accepting an adult to become a USAC officer, they must go through extensive background checks, followed by training in subjects ranging from military science to Cadet protection. We take the development of your recruits and Cadets VERY serious, which is reflected by the quality of the young people who earn the title "Cadet" in our program. With all that said, OC Lloyd is now going through OCS, in his path towards becoming a USAC 2LT. Wish him well, as his days are long and strenuous.

As a result of OC Lloyd's temporary departure, I will attempt to post an entry every couple of days, and hope to have some photos online in the next couple of days. PLEASE do not push to have photos posted quicker, as we only promise once every 3-4 days, as this blog is very time-consuming.

The recruits are coming together nicely. They're excited because they travel to the Harold L. Disney National Guard Training Center in Artemus, KY tomorrow morning. While at the training center, the recruits will run the Obstical Course, learn marksmanship in the Engagement Skills Trainer and will challenge their fears on the rappel tower. (We will NOT have any photos of these events posted prior to Thursday evening, at the earliest, as there is no Internet access at the training site).

We are finalizing plans for graduation, which will be held this Saturday at 1000. Here are a couple of things to know:

a. Please wear comfortable clothing; however, no open-toed shoes, cut-offs, plain T-shirts, etc. "Business Casual" is most appropropriate.

b. You MUST park off-post, on the street or across the street at the Civic Center. We will have another large group reporting on Saturday, so it will be a very busy day. Please be patient.

c. Parents are allowed to visit during Canteen time on Friday evening, between 1930-2200 (7:30-10pm). We will have the ACES open, the grill will be available, and you can spend some time with your recruit prior to graduation on Saturday. To ensure the security of our Cadets/recruits, DO NOT COME EARLIER THAN 1930, you will be asked to leave.

d. Please go to www.goarmycadets.com for details on the check-out priority. We must ensure 100% accountability, so please be patient.

e. Many of our recruits are staying for the Basic Leader Course. They will have time to visit with families on Saturday after graduation. Please watch this forum for details.

I will endeavor to keep you up-to-date, and to have some photos posted soon. Please be proud of your recruits, as they continue to take steps towards graduation. You have much to be proud of.

Before I close, please allow me to remind you to remember the men and women who serve in uniform on a daily basis, many in harm's way.

Respectfully,


JOSEPH M. LAND, SR.
COL, GS, USAC
Chief of Staff
Headquarers, U.S. Army Cadet Corps