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Black Bear News

Orono, Maine Spring 2013

Black Bears
by the BN Commander MsIV Cadet Thomas Ryan

Black Bears in Numbers

The Black Bear Battalion currently has over 8o cadets enrolled in the program and is the only Army ROTC program in the state of Maine. These cadets come from various degree programs including engineering, nursing, criminal justice, political science, and many other academic programs. They come from various locations around the state and the country. The battalion staff possess decades of valuable experience that they draw from to teach these cadets what it means to be a leader in todays modern Army.

For the spring semester of 2013 I was appointed the Black Bear Battalion Commander. As I have been a Cadet in the Black Bear Battalion for four years now I had an understanding of the fundamentals of what was to take place in the spring semester, however being in charge gave a profoundly new perspective. To start off the senior class of the Black Bear Battalion did a great job this semester. It was a difficult transition as the Black Bear Battalion had received a new Professor of Military Science and a new Senior Military Instructor at the start of the school year. However once the atmosphere calmed down and we figured out the new cadre everything started clicking. At times things seemed to run themselves, which was always a welcome feeling. That being said this year was not without its hurdles. During our Spring Field Training Exercise mother nature threw everything she had at us. Snow Friday, rain Saturday, and a gloomy Sunday that ended in more rain. For many of our Cadets it was their first time out in the field, and even though the conditions were harsh the Cadets stuck with it to the end. I was humbled by the opportunity to lead the Black Bear Battalion and gave my all to lead them to the end of the Semester. I am confident that the Black Bear Battalion has been left in good hands and will be even better next school year.

Physical Readiness Training

by MSII Cadet Amanda Wood

Fire! Everyone up and out!!! Oh, no, that is just my alarm. 0500 wake up call to get ready for PT Monday through Friday. Whenever I tell someone about the time I start my day or exercising every day, they are in shock. Many people cannot fathom beginning their day with some good heart racing cardio. I could say that you need to be that kind of person, but that is not true. Starting my day with PT actually makes my life easier; it gets me going on a good roll. There is nothing like getting out on the track, sweat dripping, heart pounding on the inside of your chest because you are working on improving yourself. It makes you feel energized and improves self-confidence. I have seen cadets be transformed from shy and self conscience to confident and loud. Me, for example, changed from only a runner when I started ROTC to what I would call an athlete. Exercising with a group makes us always motivated to keep improving and challenged by everyone elses drive. PT has not only helped me with being fit, but also has supplied camaraderie and leadership. People work together and support each other, if someone is having an off day, another cadet is right there to cheer them on, theyll be there if you need a buddy carry. One of the best places for a cadet to learn the basics of leadership is at PT: the changeover of command, marching, cadence, strong presence, motivation, and a positive attitude. Plus, everyone benefits, no matter what degree of fitness they are at! There are several agility groups, designed to create a well-rounded athlete. Exercises range from long runs, pushups, sit-ups, half-jacks, and planks to cross-fit, swimming, and sport days to build that camaraderie! Whatever it is, every cadet can be assured that they have the whole battalion there to cheer them on. We all want to work hard to not only improve our abilities, but to do well on our Physical Fitness Test. This test will measure the endurance.. Every cadet learns the instructions very well, and is tested on a 2-mile run and two minutes of push-ups and sit-ups. Cadets work together by shouting encouraging words and by pacing each other for the run. Another facet to push oneself for PT is Ranger Challenge. This group trains to compete with other schools in the Fall. Various extra PT completed by Ranger Challenge is rope climbing, pulling oneself across a one rope bridge, and more frequent ruck marches. Every cadet learns to not fear pain, but embrace it and even look for it when exercising. How else would we all be able to ruck 50 pounds, running over rough terrain, falling and getting back up again? Overall, Physical Readiness Training develops, encourages, and kick starts the University of Maine ROTC cadets.
No matter where we live, what we do, how fast we are, what our dreams are, what we are running from, or where our miles lead - we are a running family. We mark miles, we ache, we try, we fail, we triumph and we endure. Kristin Armstrong
UMaine Army ROTC News
is published b Physical Readiness Training by MSII Cadet Amanda Wood Students, faculty and alumni are encouraged to submit information by contacting Army ROTC, RM 114 Armory, Orono, ME 04469-5750. Email: umarmyrotc@umit.maine.edu
The University of Maine does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, including transgender status and gender expression, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information or veterans status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies: Director, Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 North Stevens Hall, 207.581.1226.

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Helicopter Adventure
by MSI Cadet Carolyn Paneral

Leadership Development and Assessment Course Preparation

by MSIII Cadet Nicholas Knight

It was a rare occasion for this years Spring FTX where people were actually envious of our coming adventure. It wasnt because, not only was rain in the forecast for that weekend, but snow as well. Word had spread that the National Guard would be flying us in their Blackhawk helicopters to transport our Black Bear Battalion to Plymouth, Maine this time around. As the first Blackhawk was spotted in the sky, a crowd gathered around the field in order to catch a glimpse of the action. We all stood our ground and shielded our faces from the extremely powerful wind gusts as the helicopters landed in the fields before us. After getting briefed on safety and aircraft procedures, we secured our rucks and boarded the aircrafts. Three Blackhawk helicopters taking off and flying in a group from the fields behind the baseball fields flew us across our beautiful Orono campus just as a slight sleet began to fall. There were four National Guard pilots in each plane, two of which took this opportunity to open the windows to get some practice in using the machine guns on either side of the planes as we were flying. Though the weather conditions were hindering throughout those three days and many of us suffered from soaked gloves and socks, that initial flight out there on the Blackhawk was an extraordinary memory which will always stick with us.

When I first came into my third year of ROTC I knew that there were going to be a lot of challenges that I would have to overcome. I had to prepare Operations Orders (OPORDs) and maintain proper accountability of all the other cadets under my control. while I was developing each and every lab, I noticed that I was getting better at the basics and I think that is what really prepared me for Leadership Development and Assessment Course (LDAC). I have to practice constantly in order to maintain my endurance for the tasks ahead of me. Whilst training each week I learned how to communicate to peers the OPORD. it was difficult at first, but everyday I would find a group of people and practice giving OPORDs. this is one of the many ways I trained for LDAC.

ArmyR OTC RM 114 Armory Orono, ME 04469-5750 Tel: 207.581.1121 Toll Free:1.888.942.ROTC Fax: 207.581.3738 Email: umarmyrotc@umit.maine.edu

Message from the XO

by MSIV Cadet Dustin Delano

Black Bears, As another successful school year of training ends, we take time to look back on our shared growths and experiences. We have all improved. Whether it be achieving a new personal record on the APFT, learning the basics of an operations order, or gaining the confidence to issue commands at the front of the formation, you have changed from a regular college student to the foundations of an Army Officer. Sustain this. Every day, work to better yourself. Do what you can to become proficient in the skills necessary to lead. Thumbing through that manual for a few minutes or running that extra lap around the block will make the difference. This summer we go back to our respective homes and get some hard earned rest and relaxation but do not forget the lessons learned. Stand proud, live the Army values, and dont forget that you represent the Black Bear Battalion. On behalf of the senior class, I would like to wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors. We look forward to serving along side you in the coming years and to see your full potential. Hooah Black Bears! Drive on!