Letter from Ranger School

Here's a letter that we received from 2LT Alexander Wingate, a 2010 graduate of USMMA and currently a U.S. Army Infantry Officer attending Ranger School.

"CPT G, CPT Burgos and 1SG Swiderski, I am sending this update from the field to keep you all posted on my progress thus far. I am now in the classroom portion of the mountain phase preparing for my first 5-day FTX (Field Training Exercise) for graded patrols. I was able to pass Darby with two goes on my patrols (Squad Leader with an OPORD brief and as Alpha Team Leader) RAP (Ranger Assessment Phase) week went well for the most part but I had some trouble with the Malvesti Obstacle Course and Ranger Stakes (overall passed). I did sustain an injury but have been working through it. I nearly was a heat cat (hot weather injury) in Darby but after fluids was able to return to training. I would tell any future Infantry LTs to force hydrate and stretch their muscles during Ranger. I am paying for it now and it’s an extra burden. Just to paint a picture about Ranger Class, 6-11 started with 406 men on April 24th. By Thursday of that week, RAP had eliminated more than 1/3, where my company went from 140 to 67. We bumped back up to 112 with recycles when Darby started, and by the end of patrols we were down to 55. My company (Alpha) is only 50 men, so our platoon is the company. Out of all the LTs sent from IBOLC from my company (120) we are at about 50-60 remaining. I am one of seven left from the 16 in my platoon from IBOLC left. It’s interesting to be one of the few of my original peers to be left. I have met many more LTs from other branches (still largely an LT class). The keys to this course so far is to follow directions given but don't rely on others to complete the task for you. Some times it’s just not in the cards. I am realistic and understand that factors out of my control can delay or stop my graduating. However, with that said, this course is definitely "do-able" so far. An important outlook I have to keep is that I am not trying out so I can wear a tab, instead I am learning and training to be one of the few proud Infantrymen in this country and have the tactical skills required to accomplish my tasks down range... Respectfully, Alexander Wingate"

Link to Ranger School

Massachusetts National Guard Trains for Deployment to Afghanistan

05/03/2011 - U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 182nd Infantry Regiment, Massachusetts National Guard participate in a stress shoot at Camp Atterbury, Ind., May 4, 2011. A stress shoot is a weapons range consisting of intervals of shooting and exercise. The 182nd Infantry was at Camp Atterbury for mobilization training prior to deploying as part of a security force mission assigned to a provincial reconstruction team in Afghanistan. (DoD photo by Jill Swank/Released)

See What The National Guard Is All About.

In this video, released by the Chief of the National Guard Bureau (CNGB), members of the military describe the value of the National Guard to our country. From natural disaster relief to man-made catastrophes like the Deepwater Horizon oil spill to boarder security to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the National Guard is in the forefront, defending our country and the American way of life.

Air Assault School Video - Camp Smith/West Point, NY

See what Air Assault School is all about. Challenge yourself!

Air Assault School Meeting - Monday, 28MAR11

We will be having an Air Assault Information Meeting on Monday, 28Mar11 at 1900 in the Furuseth, room 306.  Dates and exact # of seats are yet to be determined but the course will be during this upcoming summer break.  During this meeting we will discuss in detail the prerequisites, tryout schedule and some general info.  This meeting is mandatory if you are interested in attending Air Assault School this summer.  If you are interested and cannot make the meeting, please let us know - 1SG Swiderski

A Letter from Afghanistan

I thought that this letter was worth sharing with those of you that follow this blog. It gives some insight as to the people we serve with in the military.

Hey Gang,
Another amazing and emotional day yesterday. I try to write about things that impress me professionally, emotionally, and spiritually. Yesterday I was again impressed.

At 5:00 a.m., the Giant Voice (the base PA system) announced two incoming casualties. I reluctantly roused from my slumber and made my way to the E.R. On arrival, I found two victims of an accidental grenade explosion, one critically injured and one more stable. The critical patient had third degree burns to his face, neck and upper chest and severe penetrating abdominal injuries. He was in shock and was taken directly to the O.R. by the surgical team. The other had multiple burns, but fairly superficial. He also had eye injuries and he was essentially deaf from the blast, but he was stable. While the unstable patient was in surgery, my team and I evaluated and treated the stable patient, managed his eye injury (severe ocular contusion with corneal burns), CT’d him, cleaned and dressed his burns and expedited his helicopter evacuation to the ophthalmologist at the larger Bagram hospital (we don’t have one here).

The story of how the accident happened was initially unclear, but, when things settled a bit, my patient told me the following:... Click this link for the rest of the story > A Letter from Afghanistan

CWST (Combat Water Survival Test) at West Point

On Saturday, 26FEB11, six Midshipmen traveled to Camp Smith, NY and were attached to NYARNG OCS Class 56 to participate in the Combat Water Survival Test at Crandall Pool on the campus of the United States Military Academy, West Point. The CWST consist of three events - which are completed in ACU (Army Combat Uniform) with boots, weapon and load bearing vest - the 15 meter swim, equipment drop and a blindfolded three-meter drop. Our Midshipmen incorporated into the OCS squads and did great on all the events. The OCS cadre then had the class build their water confidence by treading water for an extended time, with periods of "hands out of the water," and a quick class on "Floaty Pants" or how to improvise a floatation device out of your uniform pants. The training was concluded with a squad relay swim, the winners being excused from the planned burpee event later that evening.

The Midshipmen in attendance all enjoyed the training and felt that it was worthwhile. Army events like this are open to all Midshipmen at the Academy. See the Army Liaison Team Events page for a list of future events or stop by the office to discuss participating in any of our activities.