USMC JROTC!!
Posted on 04/21/2006 4:25:05 PM PDT by SandRat
HEREFORD, Texas (April 21, 2006) -- Two columns of camouflaged bodies trudged up a rocky trail through dry creek beds. A thin dusty haze rose from the ground. The Afternoon sun beat down on the weary hikers, but they pushed themselves and motivate each other as they file towards the finish line of their six-mile hike.
No, these aren’t the newest students at Marine Combat Training fresh off their brief boot camp leave periods. The 80-member unit known as “1st Herd Battalion,” is made up of students from Hereford High School’s Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps unit. The hike, which for many students was one of the most physically, demanding things they’ve accomplished, took the Herd through the Lighthouse Trail in Palo Duro Canyon State Park in Canyon, Texas.
“For some cadets, the entire hike was a challenge because they had never hiked any measurable distance before,” said Master Sgt. Mark S. Colvin, the 1st Herd Battalion Marine Instructor and Waterloo, Iowa native. “Other cadets adjusted to the situation and increased their intestinal fortitude to meet the challenge of a forced march.”
Besides being a physically demanding event, the experience also gave the cadets a chance to practice their leadership skills in a distinctive environment.
“The hike provided me with many unique opportunities,” said Cadet Staff Sgt. Christy Garcia, a platoon commander in the unit. “I worked my way (through the trail) with cadets and encouraged them to keep going. I knew if I led them they would follow and continue to be strong.”
Competing with the heat, the sand and keeping pace with Senior Marine Instructor Maj. Diego Barela was tough enough, but the biggest challenge for some cadets came at the turnaround point, a steep incline called Lighthouse Peak.
“(The most challenging part) had to be climbing up Lighthouse Peak,” said Cadet Lance Cpl. Armando Rico. “We were all tired and the wind picked up making it more difficult. It was nice to make it through while helping others along the way.”
“The Lighthouse Peak was slippery because of some loose gravel, but our cadet leadership kept helping us and were confident that we would all finish the hike,” said Cadet Cpl. Cynthia S. Espinoza.
According to Colvin, exercises like the hike allow the unit to operate as a full battalion. It offers cadets the opportunity to develop unit cohesiveness and provides a challenge for the cadets to meet as individuals and a group. The events also allow the unit leaders a chance to experience leadership challenges and take corrective action to solve them.
“Most of the cadets enjoyed the hike. The few that didn’t were later proud and had a sense of accomplishment. That is why we plan events like these as often a possible,” said Barela. “We attempt to take the whole unit to build cohesion and motivation therefore increasing morale.”
With the success of the Lighthouse Trail hike, the 1st Herd Battalion plans on making the march an annual part of their training schedule.
Master Sgt. Mark Colvin contributed to this article.
Very neat.
Now, waiting for the put downs from the die hard homeschoolers.
BTTT
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