Post BOLC 2LT, open to provide information and advice.

[bfrat93]

Hello, everyone. It has been a very long time since I posted on the forums here; I think it's been upward to four years. Just to give some background information: I was a high school four-year scholarship recipient at Penn State AROTC; performed strong academically and was heavily involved as a cadet. I am am currently branch detailed in Field Artillery and will move to Signal Corps when I attend the Captains Career Course. Right now, I am stationed at JBLM, WA and working as a Fire Support Officer in the 1-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team. If you have any questions, scholarships, ROTC in general, summer camp, CULP, CTLT, my ascensions experience, FABOLC, etc. please feel free to respond here or message me. These forums were so helpful for me when I was going for my scholarship and starting college, figured it's time to give back.

 

[AROTC-dad]

Welcome back and congratulations on your recent commission!

Thank you for paying it forward by returning to SAF.

 

[AROTC-dad]

So I will start with a question.

My DS is a rising MS-III at a state university out west. Next summer (2018) he will go to advanced camp (CLC). What tips or preparation would you give to a cadet to get the most out of CLC? (He did not have to attend CIET).

 

[bfrat93]

Thanks. Congrats to your DS, MSL III year is a fun one. From what I understand, CLC has once again received some major changes. I went in 2015, the first year they officially changed it from LDAC, and was in 1st Reg; so I got to be one of the guinea pigs. Then, the idea was being able to lead and follow as a part of a platoon in vague, uncertain scenarios. The first couple of weeks included briefs, written exams, team building courses, obstacles/repelling, and marksmanship. The second half was field training. From what I've gathered, Cadet Command has turned Advanced Camp back to straightforward missions, along with conducting the APFT, doing actual Land Nav courses, and implementing a 12 mile ruck march. The biggest piece of advice I would give your DS is to be flexible and be a supportive teammate. When I went, my intent was to be a good, supportive teammate in and out of the spot light. The more cadets who do that, the easier things will go for everyone. Patience is also a must. There were many times when I was inwardly frustrated; whether it be at an event, a briefing that I didn't understand why we were wasting time on, other cadets I didn't approve of, and difficult conditions. When those moments come, and they will, just take a breath and carry on; never let it degrade your ability to function as a teammate. If something goes wrong, whether it's getting yelled at by cadre, making a tactical mistake, or anything that can generate embarrassment, just shrug it off and move on; there will be opportunities to counterbalance the mishaps.