ROTC students prepare to compete in physical proficiency competition
Danielle Wolf: Muleskinner
Issue date: 2/5/09 Section: News
ROTC cadets from UCM have begun preparing for an important challenge.
They will train several days a week until April 24, when they will attempt to earn the German Armed Forces Badge for Military Proficiency. The badge, rarely awarded to cadets, represents physical strength and military honor.
Few soldiers in the U.S. military are given the opportunity to receive foreign decorations they may wear on dress uniforms. However, the cadets at UCM have been offered the opportunity from Sgt. Maj. Ronny Raemsch, a German liaison stationed at Fort Leavenworth, Kan.
The events, which will take place on UCM's campus, will include timed sprints, swimming, bench press, high and long jump, shot put, marksmanship and a road march through Warrensburg.
For many of these 26 cadets, the rare opportunity will be physically and emotionally challenging. Although most of the soldiers are in their 20s, the physical demands of the competition will require dedication and physical motivation.
"I've been talking to people who have done this in the past," said Hana Buckler, sophomore ROTC cadet. "The biggest challenge will be to get in shape."
Buckler, young in her military career, has never attempted to achieve the medal before. Though the standards are slightly different for females, the physical demands of the challenge remain the same.
Among the events is a 100-meter timed sprint. Male cadets have 13.6 seconds to complete it, while females have 16 seconds.
Buckler said she has been practicing for the swimming event the most. While winter temperatures limit most people to a few months of swimming per year, the cadets will practice several times a week in the Multipurpose Building pool.
"The good thing about this is that we're practicing events we never really do," said Maj. Craig Chandler, officer in the UCM Department of Military Science and Leadership.
Chandler understands the physical demands the cadets are going through. The 46-year-old will also compete at the event in hopes of earning the badge. Just like Buckler, the standards will be suited to Chandler's age group. To achieve top honors, he will have to complete a 10-mile march in about three hours while carrying a rucksack weighing more than 20 pounds.
They will train several days a week until April 24, when they will attempt to earn the German Armed Forces Badge for Military Proficiency. The badge, rarely awarded to cadets, represents physical strength and military honor.
Few soldiers in the U.S. military are given the opportunity to receive foreign decorations they may wear on dress uniforms. However, the cadets at UCM have been offered the opportunity from Sgt. Maj. Ronny Raemsch, a German liaison stationed at Fort Leavenworth, Kan.
The events, which will take place on UCM's campus, will include timed sprints, swimming, bench press, high and long jump, shot put, marksmanship and a road march through Warrensburg.
For many of these 26 cadets, the rare opportunity will be physically and emotionally challenging. Although most of the soldiers are in their 20s, the physical demands of the competition will require dedication and physical motivation.
"I've been talking to people who have done this in the past," said Hana Buckler, sophomore ROTC cadet. "The biggest challenge will be to get in shape."
Buckler, young in her military career, has never attempted to achieve the medal before. Though the standards are slightly different for females, the physical demands of the challenge remain the same.
Among the events is a 100-meter timed sprint. Male cadets have 13.6 seconds to complete it, while females have 16 seconds.
Buckler said she has been practicing for the swimming event the most. While winter temperatures limit most people to a few months of swimming per year, the cadets will practice several times a week in the Multipurpose Building pool.
"The good thing about this is that we're practicing events we never really do," said Maj. Craig Chandler, officer in the UCM Department of Military Science and Leadership.
Chandler understands the physical demands the cadets are going through. The 46-year-old will also compete at the event in hopes of earning the badge. Just like Buckler, the standards will be suited to Chandler's age group. To achieve top honors, he will have to complete a 10-mile march in about three hours while carrying a rucksack weighing more than 20 pounds.
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