Off to LDAC

Interesting, too, when you think about how extremely hard some cadets trained in prep for LDAC with goals in mind about scoring high.

Must be disappointing for them.
 
Agreed, and I haven't spoken to DS but I assume he's disappointed at how this is turning out. In all honesty he expected a bit of a sh*t show being the first summer at Knox and that appears to be what they've gotten.

If you think about it, the weighting of OML points for LDAC had already been reduced considerably for this year. Only those cadets who didn't maximize their opportunities over the last three years should really be concerned. I do feel a bit for the cadets who started as MSIIIs and haven't had the time to attend CULP, skill schools, etc. They may be at a disadvantage if they can't use LDAC to score some points.
 
Makes you wonder, will they still have Recondo and Top 5, what about those that are about to graduate and had achieved one or both of them. I would think they would still be able to eval either of these unless they are just doing away with evals altogether, then I guess they would scrap them both.

Guinea Pigs have all the fun.
 
Ugh! This whole string is depressing. I sent a package off yesterday to the 24 Rhineland address (used the one my cadet texted me). I hope it gets there. Then learning all this about the PT test -- I know mine was counting on the PT test on helping his score as he is at LDAC a year early (long story) and doesn't feel as prepared.

I wonder if part of the problem with the heat is not just that it is hot but that many of the cadets are pushing themselves to get high scores without having had time to acclimate to the heat.
 
Personal opinion, but if a cadet cannot do a pt test at 5:30 in the morning they might want to rethink being in the military to begin with. Same with land nav., If you cannot think well enough while being hot to navigate then maybe the army isn't for you.

DS gets home Thursday from Air Assault at Benning and leaves out Sunday morning for LDAC. He was already hearing stories from classmates about LDAC. If they are giving everyone an S they might as well save money and tell everyone to stay at home.
 
Jcleppe said:
Makes you wonder, will they still have Recondo and Top 5, what about those that are about to graduate and had achieved one or both of them. I would think they would still be able to eval either of these unless they are just doing away with evals altogether, then I guess they would scrap them both.

Guinea Pigs have all the fun.
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I'm curious about this as well. I assess with this current group and would be pretty bummed if my E, Platoon Top 5, and Company Honor Grad were for nothing for the OMS.

I'm surprised they haven't shifted the duty day much like Benning does sometimes in the summer. Have the day start at 0300 and wrap up by noon and maybe supplemental training in the evenings. There were heat cats at Lewis because people sometimes refuse to accept how much water the human body needs to function, so it's not shocking how they increase in a warmer environment.

Not too surprised with the mess at Knox. It's a huge course to pick up and move across the country in 1 year.
 
The thing is, they've been successfully running LTC @ Ft. Knox for over 30 years. It's not like they have no experience doing this. Beats all I've ever seen.
 
Jcc123 said:
The thing is, they've been successfully running LTC @ Ft. Knox for over 30 years. It's not like they have no experience doing this. Beats all I've ever seen.
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You'd think so, but here we are. Lol.

Realistically, it's a complete change of leadership for ldac. At JBLM, 8th BDE was running LDAC, whereas now, it's the 1st BDE show. That can do a lot. In addition, there aren't many line units to actually support USACC, when JBLM had a boat load.

And as similar as we like to think LTC is LDAC, they are vastly different in their structure, objectives, purpose, etc. Though I do agree with you, that after decades of LTC at Knox, there would be some sort of idea of how to prepare for LDAC.
 
Another Update

DS writes: "Up at 0300 most days with activities between 0400 and 1200. Heat casualties 160+ and the tick problem is off the charts," as of 6/27. DS was sure I'd already read all of this in the forum :smile: but haven't. He's still talking about the possibility of Recondo and top 5 so not sure if they exist or not. He certainly didn't write they had been cancelled, but possibly in the last few days more changes.
 
So glad I'm going to be there Saturday for family day. The program begins with an hour presentation that includes a question/answer session with the crowd....Okay, you've got all those parents attending - how many moms and dads are gonna be drilling questions at the commanders/cadre:eek: Hopefully, the answers will be honest and quick. With the amount of social media available to LDAC I'm surprised they are not issuing some information just to shut down the rumors, but there will be at least one momma at Family Day who will raise a ruckus( no, not this momma - I lay low and watch/listen:wink:) so anything I learn will be up on the forums Saturday/Sunday.

I feel horrible that kids are getting sick, but honestly, its not THAT hot in the Ohio/Kentuck area - yeah, its been 85+ a few days and humid, but there are no heat emergencies in any local cities around Knox, this is not uncommon weather for this area. I also agree with other posters that Benning and other training sites do heat/humid(and a lot hotter than 85) without these issues interrupting the actual training. Again, hoping for some answers and praying for a young lady reported in a coma - for her parents whether anyone earns an E or S is not even on their radar.

Regardless of PT test - keep reminding the cadets you know on 9th REG on to drink the damn water :thumb:
 
Family day? At what time during LDAC is this? Is it worth the trip like some stated LDAC graduation may not be? I am planning to go to graduation for DS in a couple of years, but this is the first I hear about a family day.
 
Family Day

cajuncarrier said:
Family day? At what time during LDAC is this? Is it worth the trip like some stated LDAC graduation may not be? I am planning to go to graduation for DS in a couple of years, but this is the first I hear about a family day.
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Here is a link to Family Day: http://clc.futurearmyofficers.com/graduation-information/

But here is most of the information:

Families will receive graduation/family day invitation letters by email. Please use the link in the email to RSVP. Expect to receive the RSVP email 3 weeks before graduation/family day. Family Day will precede all graduations.

The Saber & Quill invites you for a Celebration Dinner Buffet in honor of your Cadet’s graduation from Leader Development and Assessment Course at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Please RSVP at www.fortknoxfamilyday.com if you would like to attend this special event.

Graduation and commissioning ceremonies by regiment, date, and location, are:

Regiment Event Date Location
1st & 2nd LDAC Regiment
Family Day 5 July 14/Noon-1:00pm Waybur Theater
e-invite Graduation 6 July 14/9:00-11:00am Brooks Field/Natcher Gym*
3rd & 4th LDAC Regiment
Family Day 9 July 14/Noon-1:00pm Waybur Theater
e-invite Graduation 10 July 14/9:00-11:00am Brooks Field/Natcher Gym*
5th & 6th LDAC Regiment
Family Day 14 July 14/Noon-1:00pm Waybur Theater
e-invite Graduation 15 July 14/9:00-11:00am Brooks Field/Natcher Gym*
7th & 8th LDAC Regiment
Family Day 20 July 14/Noon-1:00pm Waybur Theater
e-invite Graduation 21 July 14/9:00-11:00am Brooks Field/Natcher Gym*
9th & 10th LDAC Regiment
Family Day 25 July 14/Noon-1:00pm Haszard Auditorium
e-invite Graduation 26 July 14/9:00-11:00am Brooks Field/Natcher Gym*
11th & 12th LDAC Regiment
Family Day 3 Aug 14/Noon-1:00pm Waybur Theater
e-invite Graduation 4 Aug 14/9:00-11:00am Brooks Field/Waybur Theater*
13th LDAC Regiment
Family Day 10 Aug 14/Noon-1:00pm Waybur Theater
e-invite Graduation 11 Aug 14/9:00-11:00am Brooks Field/Waybur Theater*


Parking in the immediate area of Brooks field is limited. Please refer to the LDAC parking map for additional parking areas.

*Inclement Weather Location

Family Day schedule of events
1200 – 1205 Family Strong Video
1205 – 1210 Welcome Remarks
1210 – 1225 TF Warrior Course Overview
1225 – 1245 Cadet Command DCG Remarks
1245 – 1255 Question and Answer Session
1255 – 1300 LDAC Cadet Training Video
1300 – 2100 Cadet Time with Families
1600 – 1800 Dinner at the Saber and Quill (optional, RSVP link above)

Cadet Visitation

Graduates. The Commander of Task Force Warrior is the approval authority for any exceptions to this policy. Cadets themselves must submit any such request through their regimental Cadre.

Family Day. Parents, family members, and friends are invited to spend time with their Cadet the evening prior to graduation. Cadets will be transported to the briefing location and meet with their guests following the LDAC Family Day briefing (12:00-1:00 p.m.). Cadets must be back in the regimental area no later than 9:00 p.m. and are not allowed to consume any alcoholic beverages.
 
Here are a couple posts from another board regarding news from LDAC. Can't confirm the information, just thought I'd pass it along.

So I just received an update from one of my buddies there, 200+ heat casualties. Land Nav portion has been CANCELED. And Platoon Operations is 3 days, for 3 hours, 2 of the days are run by cadre.
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Due to extremely high numbers of heat related injuries at Fort Knox, Cadet Command canceled the remaining APFTs for 9th -13th Regiments. For those Cadets who already took the APFT, it will not count toward their LDAC evaluation or accessions. - Land Navigation is now done in buddy teams and no longer evaluated. From KLdac2014, Land Nav is CANCELLED. - Cadet Command has decided to eliminate the RECONDO badges this year. - For next years Accessions OML, 50% will be based on the Cadets GPA and a standardized test like the GRE; 30% will go towards the PMS roll up, and 20% will be determined by an OER process when they attend Cadet Leaders Course (CLC). This is a huge change from how we have done business in the past as LDAC goes away after this year. - There are be no more Blue cards, yellow cards, etc. The PMS will counsel Cadets using DA Form 4856 and write an OER (top 1/3, COM, and do not retain) every semester. - Weekly Leadership Labs and the Fall and Spring FTXs on campus are going away. More guidance from Cadet Command is forthcoming.
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If the changes mentioned regarding ROTC in general turn out to be correct, looks like a lot of changes for next year. Surprised to see such a high percentage, 50%, for Academics even though it will include a standardized test. I would imagine the APFT scores will be rolled into the OER. If they indeed cancel the Labs and FTX it makes you wonder what exactly will be taught and how.

Either way it sounds like things will be very interesting for the remaining and new cadets as CC throws things against the wall to see what sticks.

Can't wait to see how the OMS scores are calculated for this years accessions with all the problems at LDAC. I have a feeling these cadets will see a lot of delays in the branching process this year. Of course nobody will ever really know much since they no longer release the OML. Hold on tight, it's going to be a bumpy ride.
 
Jcleppe said:
Here are a couple posts from another board regarding news from LDAC. Can't confirm the information, just thought I'd pass it along.





If the changes mentioned regarding ROTC in general turn out to be correct, looks like a lot of changes for next year. Surprised to see such a high percentage, 50%, for Academics even though it will include a standardized test. I would imagine the APFT scores will be rolled into the OER. If they indeed cancel the Labs and FTX it makes you wonder what exactly will be taught and how.

Either way it sounds like things will be very interesting for the remaining and new cadets as CC throws things against the wall to see what sticks.

Can't wait to see how the OMS scores are calculated for this years accessions with all the problems at LDAC. I have a feeling these cadets will see a lot of delays in the branching process this year. Of course nobody will ever really know much since they no longer release the OML. Hold on tight, it's going to be a bumpy ride.
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For some reason, I think that 5 or 10 years out, it will be OCS or West Point to be an officer in the Army.

Just my guess
 
cajuncarrier said:
Family day? At what time during LDAC is this? Is it worth the trip like some stated LDAC graduation may not be? I am planning to go to graduation for DS in a couple of years, but this is the first I hear about a family day.
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To be honest, sitting in a room hearing a brief, and watching some videos and powerpoints to explain what when on at LDAC when you will just hear it all straight from your cadet, does not sound like fun.

If you had not already planned on attending the graduation I certainly wouldn't make a special trip just for family day and the buffet.

At Ft. Lewis they had something similar on graduation day, you could go see where they trained, listen to a brief on LDAC and take a short tour around the base and have lunch. Our son was able to come home for a night before he left for CTLT. To be honest, we did not of these things, all he wanted to do was get out of there as quickly as possible. I don't think we missed much.

If you are far enough away where you aren't a modest drive from Ft. Knox, It really is not worth the trip and expense. We went to our son's graduation because we lived an hour away, we won't be going to this son's LDAC graduation.
 
NorwichDad said:
For some reason, I think that 5 or 10 years out, it will be OCS or West Point to be an officer in the Army.

Just my guess
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Or...in 5 to 10 years there will have been at least two or three changes in command at CC and everything will change again.

It seems that they are trying to change ROTC to be more in line with WP, more summer training, and less tactical training during the academic year. Both my son's commented that WP cadets they knew were surprised by some of the tactical training ROTC did during the school year, they said they did most of this type of training during the summer.

Of course at this point, you could very well be correct. I know one thing for sure, none of us will have much relevant advice to pass on to new cadets considering all the changes. It will be interesting to follow along and see how things progress.
 
This will be interesting for DS as he is an ECP cadet. He was an MSIII this year as a freshman doing SMP and going to LDAC this summer.

He will commission next May and serve in National Guard for 2 years, but can attempt to gain active duty with the class of 2017, since he has to finish his 4 year degree. Under the old system he would still have 2 yrs to gain points towards the OML. Now it looks like just his GPA will count towards it.

Last we had heard they were still allowing ECP cadets to compete for active duty since there were not a great number of them trying for it. Of course that could change also, who knows.

It will be interesting to see how they weave cadets from 3 different OML scoring systems together.
 
QA1517 said:
This will be interesting for DS as he is an ECP cadet. He was an MSIII this year as a freshman doing SMP and going to LDAC this summer.

He will commission next May and serve in National Guard for 2 years, but can attempt to gain active duty with the class of 2017, since he has to finish his 4 year degree. Under the old system he would still have 2 yrs to gain points towards the OML. Now it looks like just his GPA will count towards it.

Last we had heard they were still allowing ECP cadets to compete for active duty since there were not a great number of them trying for it. Of course that could change also, who knows.

It will be interesting to see how they weave cadets from 3 different OML scoring systems together.
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I agree, ECP cadets going through LDAC this year seem to be the group that will have the most unknowns. With all the changes you could be right in regard to Active Duty. Considering the fact they will be commissioning more LT's into the Reserves/National Guard, they may be less inclined to move a ECP cadet from the NG to Active Duty.

If there's one thing I learned from my time in the service and watching my older son through graduation and two years of service so far, is that things change on a dime. Best thing he can do is stay informed of all the changes and be proactive, and of course, never assume anything. The rules are ever changing.
 
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