UMAINE ARMY ROTC

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Black Bear Staff Professor of Military Science LTC Charles Rote Senior Military Instructor MSG Thomas Banister Cadet Battalion Commander CDT/LTC Evan Richards Cadet Battalion CSM CDT/CSM Thomas Ryan

Military training has been a part of the University of Maine for more than 140 years. The commissioning of Army Officers from this program is a time honored tradition that continues today as each spring, we commission new Second Lieutenants into the United States Army. The Army Reserve Officer Training Corps at the University of Maine is a voluntary program designed to enhance a students education by providing unique and challenging leadership and management experience. This program helps students develop self esteem, self-discipline, physical stamina, teamwork, management skills, and other qualities essential to success in any workplace. The program involves both classroom and applied learning. Through hands on instruction, students learn and practice related skills. Through activities like orienteering, paintball, rappelling, rifle marksmanship, and field training exercises, the program stresses teamwork and the application of leadership principles to overcome situational problems and obstacles. As students progress through the program, senior Cadets are given the opportunity to lead and teach underclassmen. Enclosed is a few examples of the different opportunities Cadets enrolled in ROTC have to better themselves as future officers of the US Army.

Army Values Loyalty Duty Respect Selfish Service Honor Integrity Personal Courage

Air Assault Offers Adrenaline Pumping Experience

by MSII Cadet Cole Sirois
phases. The first phase was the When I was told I was going to combat assault phase, which Air Assault at Fort Benning, I was extremely surprised. I know taught us the various aircraft that many soldiers go their entire safety precautions, orientations, career without once getting the opportunity to attend a school like Air Assault, and so I was honored to get that chance. I had already passed the ruck march and PT requirements and so physically I felt prepared. However, I was still not one hundred Cadets rappel out of helicopters percent sure what to expect once I arrived there. But I at Air Assault School. boarded the plane to Fort Benning determined to face any challenge head on. operations, and hand and arm The first day, otherwise known as zero day, was a variety signals. The second phase was of physical tests that determined slingload operations, which inif we were physically capable of volved the preparation, rigging, and inspection of the various going through the training. Due external loads the helicopters to my high level of physical fitwere capable of carrying. The ness I passed, and then the real final phase was the rappelling training began. The ten days of phase, which taught the proper training were split up into three techniques of rappelling out of the aircraft. Then the final event was a twelve mile ruck march that needed to be completed in no later than three hours. In each phase, I listened diligently to my instructors, and spent all my spare time studying and practicing the various operations. Many of my classmates that did not take the time to prepare ended up packing their bags early. It was a tough ten days, but I managed to get through each phase, and by the end, I was able to get my Air Assault wings. After just a little over a year of graduating high school, I already can't believe some of the experiences the Army has given me. If another Cadet would like the chance to go, Id recommend maintaining a high PT test score, participating in battalion events, and keeping your gpa up.

Warrior Ethos I will always place the mission first; I will never accept defeat; I will never quit; I will never leave a fallen comrade behind

CTLT Gives Cadets Opportunity to be LieutenantLevel Leadership in Active-Duty Units

By MSIV Cadet Kyle Lawson This past summer I attended CTLT at Ft. Carson Colorado. CTLT stands for Cadet Troop Leadership Training; I spent three weeks in Colorado with the 3-29 Alpha Battery Field Artillery Gators. During this time I, was shadowing a 1st Lieutenant who was helping me learn the ropes of command. I was tasked to run a night raid, plan a convoy, and was in charge of various details such as mound detail. In addition I was even given the honor to be a part of a salute to fallen troops. This experience taught me a lot about leadership and gave me a snapshot to what a platoon leader will actually encounter in a real field artillery unit. While there I, had first-hand experience of maintaining accountability of prop- Cadets fire a M2 machine gun in a convoy. erty and people, which provided me with a greater understanding of as it offers a unique experience that being solely responsible for a units benefits Cadets in every way possible readiness. This experience taught me for our enormous responsibility we will how to interact with my NCO Chain soon be given. In summation CTLT is of Command which is a lesson you an amazing experience not offered to only learn by experience, so I consideveryone and should be seen as the er myself very fortunate. I would recgreat advantage and opportunity it is. ommend every single Cadet do CTLT

LDAC tests Leadership, Land Navigation, and Small Unit Tactics for 30 days at Ft. Lewis. Cadets learn how to fire an AT-4 during weapons training at LDAC. By: MSIV Cadet Garrett Clark where we completed land navigation training and testing . In the next couple weeks we completed the obstacle course, rappel tower, cultural awareness training, field craft, weapons training, grenade assault course, and chemical biological radiological and nuclear training which includes going through a tear gas chamber. Before we "deployed" to Atropia, the fictional country where LDAC takes place, we spent a couple days rehearsing tactics with our squad. The next four days, our squad went through 24 missions, including ambushes, recons, attacks, and movement to contact. I was the squad leader for 2 of the missions, and was evaluated by a tactics evaluator. After a day of rest and reviewing tactics with my platoon, we spent another two days doing platoon sized missions. There I was a squad leader and platoon sergeant for two of the missions. After the platoon missions, we had a 10k road march back to Ft. Lewis, where we would spend our final week in WW2 style barracks. We then completed the water confidence course and branch orientation day, where I had the opportunity to visit each branch the Army has to offer. At the end of LDAC, my leadership evaluations from garrison and squad and platoon leadership were all added up and I was given an overall score for camp. This score went towards my order of merit list, which is used during accessions to determine my branch. My advice for underclassmen going to LDAC with a good comprehension of opords, a 290 or above PT score, solid background in tactics, be able to successfully conduct land navigation, a positive attitude, and a good broken in pair of boots.

In the summer of 2012, I, along with 9 other seniors, went to LDAC at Ft. Lewis, Washington. LDAC or Leadership Development and Assessment Course, is where Cadets develop and are tested on small unit tactics, leadership, first aid, and land navigation. Cadets also take a PT test and run through both land and water confidence courses. The first week at LDAC is where I was inprocessed; filled out paperwork, received my gear, and met my squad. The first test I completed was the PT test and soon after, we went out to the field

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Fall Semester in Pictures

The Ranger Challenge Team crosses a water obstacle during the Ranger Challenge Competition.

Cadets line up on the firing range during the marksmanship lab. CDT Rosebeary jumps off the 3m drop during the Combat Water Survival Test.

CDT Trinh completes the equipment drop during the CWST CDT Ackerson takes aim during the marksmanship lab.

The MS4s receive their branches.

CDT Rogers learns about Blackhawks during National Guard Night.

The Ranger Challenge Team learns how to enter and clear a room.

CDT Slininger demonstrates a proper rifle drill and ceremony.

CDT Ryan briefs proper range safety before the marksmanship lab.

CDT Morin teaches how to search an enemy prisoner of war.

Cadets learn how to assemble and dissemble the M16A2.

CDT Hopkins get his infantry pins put on by LTC Rote.

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CULP Immerses Cadets in Local Culture By MSIII

Cadet Chris Slininger I was assigned to go on an OCONUS deployment to Thailand to help the Cadets at the Thai Armed Forces Academy Prepatory School (AFAPS) practice conversational English. Our squad of Cadets from across the nation gathered at Ft Knox for a week of predeployment training and medical check-ups. . During our time at Ft Knox, we were able to visit some local Louisville attractions including the local farm league team. We flew to Thailand on a long flight and arrived in Bangkok at 1 am. Over the next three weeks, we spent our time talking with the Thai Pre-Cadets about our home states and their homes. On weekends we were able to travel to the ancient Thai capital of Sukothai, the city of the monkeys, white water rafting, famous 7Tier waterfalls, and more. It was a great experience and we learned a lot about Thai culture and made a lot of great new friends.

CDT Slininger (far left) with his CULP class.

Master Sergeant's Corner

By MSG Thomas Banister Team, I first want to say its an honor to hold this position as the Senior Military Instructor for a group of motivated, inspirational and professional Cadets. It has been an exciting and rewarding semester navigating the learning and training process. The Cadets who make up the Color Guard should hold their heads high. You demonstrate true professionalism every time you march the National Colors into Alfond Stadium so that thousands of Americans can pay honor to the Flag and to the Nation during the National Anthem. You are entrusted to care for and secure the Colors, and you dont disappoint. Thanks to Cadet Trinh for leading and training the Color Guard Cadets. I have been impressed time and time again during labs, the STX lanes and during the fall FTX. The leadership all the MSIVs have demonstrated is inspiring. It leaves no doubt in my mind that they will all make outstanding Officers in our Army. Cadet Richards and Cadet Ryan make an exceptional Command Team. I want to thank all the Cadets who either assisted with or ran in the Veterans Day 5K road race. It was a successful event as we had a 20% increase in participation this year. Having Cadets that are both motivated and determined makes putting together this type of event easy. All of your efforts were noticed and appreciated. Cadet Campbell won the race with a time of 19:06. Cadet Sirois came in second with a time of 19:07 and Cadet Hopkins finished 3 rd at 19:09. Great work Cadets. Thank you to Cadet Morin for leading the support team. The three Cadets who have put on the diamond of Cadet First Sergeant need to be recognized. Cadet Ackerson, Cadet Monteith and Cadet Trinh all know the challenges of accountability and training. I commend all three of you for solid performances in the position. Duties and responsibilities of a First Sergeant are highly varied and can be complex. Outstanding leadership abilities are a must. As well, they must also be a very good administrator and manager. They are also the company commander's right-hand man. There will be more Cadet 1SGs for sure. I just want everyone to recognize the complexity of the position. I am lucky to be surrounded by the Cadre of the Black Bear Battalion. Nowhere will you find a more dedicated and caring group of professionals whos every ounce of effort is devoted to ensuring the success of every single Cadet. It is an absolute honor to work alongside Soldiers of this magnitude. I am positive that next semester we will build on what has been successfully established this semester. Leading, preparing, training, mentoring, coaching, learning and succeeding. Stay positive Black Bears!!!

A Note From The Professor of Military Science

Dear Friends and Family of Army ROTC, I am very proud of what we have accomplished in just the first semester this year. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Cadre and Cadets toward making our program better than it has ever been before. Some of the highlights we should be especially proud of: The first class training of our Cadets in both a Field Training and Situational Training Exercise. While other college students spent the weekend doing what college students do, ours were out, training hard, making themselves better Soldiers and Leaders. Under the mentorship of MAJ Sean Harmon and SFC Paul Maxson, the MS IVs did good work planning and executing this training. These events would simply not happen if Mr. Ron McIntyre wasnt there to sustain it all. Our ability to offer some of our MS IIs (Mr Cole Sirois, Mr. Mathew Murphy, Mr. Daniel Bergstrom, and Ms. Madeline Borek), as well as the ability to offer some of our MS Is (Mr. Mikeal Heikkinen Ms. Jessica Cervantes, Mr. Cody Blackburn, Ms. Carolyn Paneral, and Mr. William Orne) the ability to qualify for scholarships. This doesnt happen by accident. The participation from the University Faculty makes it a quality event. The work of Mr. Shane Hoover to put on the board, manage the results, and work with our higher headquarters, makes sure our program has the scholarship opportunities our Cadets deserve. He was also instrumental in our ability to extend the existing scholarships of Ms. Adrienne Germanakos and Mr. William Jones by another semester. The Ranger Challenge Travel Team, (Mr. Brandon Hopkins, Mr. Thomas Ryan, Mr. Chris Sliniger, Mr. Dale Dunn, Mr. James Ciejka, Mr. Mathew Murphey, Ms. Amanda Wood, Mr. Cole Sirois, Mr. William Orne) represented the Black Bear Battalion with distinction at the competition at Fort Dix. Looking forward to seeing some young talent on the travel team for next years competition. Having the honor and privilege to administer the Oath of Enlistment to Ms. Amanda Wood, Ms. Lynne Rosebeary, Ms. Sarah Rogers, Mr. Eric Gaulin, Mr. Kai Hermansen, and Mr. Cole Sirois. Defense Secretary Robert Gates once said, Even after 9/11, in the absence of a draft, for a growing number of Americans, service in the military, no matter how laudable, has become something for other people to do. These folks have decided to serve where so many do not. MSG Tom Banister, Ms. Janice Barbeau, and Mrs. Paulette Ferland efforts; especially their work to get our December commission Cadets ready and ensuring the ceremony will be fondly remembered by Ms. Ashley Stucker, Mr. Robert Cook, Mr. Jacob Ferland, Mr. Aaron Saucier, and Mr. Joseph Leonard. They will be missed but I take solace in knowing the great adventure they are embarking on. We have begun to work to get an Army ROTC alumni program together. This project could take upwards of a year to get in working order but early efforts are already beginning to show promise. Alumni involvement to date includes Brigadier General James D. Campbell (40th Adjutant General of the Maine National Guard & Commissioner of the Maine Department of Defense, Veterans, and Emergency Management), COL (RET) Judy-Ann Carroll (retired from the Army as the Commandant of the Defense Institute of Security Assistance Management (DISAM) and current Member of Arizona Chapter 14 of the Disabled American Veterans), and COL Lisa Snyder-Hendrix (Chief, Clinical Nursing, Landstuhl Regional Medical Center). There help and support of our program is greatly appreciated. I could go on and on, with 20th Maine Honor Society, Color Guard, and all the other activities we have accomplished, but we need to continue to look forward. We still have a lot to accomplish before the end of this year, as we commission our MS IVs and send our MS IIIs to LDAC. Getting better, and doing your utmost, every day in the Battalion, is some of the most rewarding work I have been a part of. Black Bears! -LTC Charles X. Rote
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Newsletter edited by CDT/CPT Garrett Clark