ROTC Cadets To Experience Deployment Exercise; War Games

VALDOSTA - Cadets in Valdosta State University’s Air Force ROTC program will get a taste of action during the mock deployment exercise scheduled this Friday through Sunday, Sept. 14-16, at Grand Bay.

More than 71 cadets, at all academic levels, will depart from the ROTC detachment on VSU’s north campus at approximately 4 p.m. Friday before heading to Moody Air Force Base’s Grand Bay Range to set up camp, where they will remain through Sunday morning. The weekend exercise will give them the opportunity to practice leadership and teamwork skills as well as exercise problem solving techniques in a battlefield setting. Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., Moody Security Forces personnel will offer the cadets training in special tactics, like survival skills, navigation and hand-to-hand combat. This exercise will provide a lesson on deployments to further prepare cadets to enter into their career as officers and leaders.

Capt. Paul McArtor and the entire ROTC staff will join the cadets during the exercise to offer guidance and support. McArtor (said he) believes this exercise is one of the most important during the four-year academic experience.

“The exercise gives cadets a chance to practice what they have learned in a deployed environment. Their leadership and teamwork are tested, while they are learning and having fun,” he said. “This weekend a lot of cadets will learn if the Air Force is right for them and that’s a huge step for their future.”

This year’s exercise will be considerably larger than previous events, as many more were interested in participating. McArtor attributes this to quality planning last year and to the high level of excitement that the cadets possess. Cadets will truly have a chance to practice classroom knowledge in a deployment setting, ultimately preparing them to be future leaders and fulfilling the ROTC’s purpose.

The mission of Air Force ROTC is to develop future leaders for tomorrow's Air Force. The program is open to all accredited majors and scholarships are available. Program graduates receive knowledge, leadership skills and quality education before entering the Air Force as an officer. For more information on VSU’s Air Force ROTC program and Detachment 172, visit www.valdosta.edu/afrotc or contact Capt. Tim Bazzle, at (229) 333-5954.