Staff Writer
AC/DC’s “Hells Bells” blared during the brisk early morning hours as cadre lined along the roadside cheered the Cadets on as they marched toward a fire-lit grove.
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| Cadet Alejandro Prado lights a torch at Memorial Grove during the rites of pasage ceremony. The ceremony also marks the end of a month of training. Photo by Chen Wang |
“Great job Cadets.” “Keep going.” “Hooah.”
Following a 10K road march Tuesday morning, the Cadets of Co. B 1/46th came to the end of their training at Memorial Grove.
That milestone was marked by the Rites of Passage ceremony. Lined up behind blazing torches, Cadets broke their silence only to call out each Army Value and light a new torch signifying the value.
Lt. Col. Chuck Schretzman, Bravo Co. company tactical officer, told the Cadets to reflect on all their accomplishments from the last 23 days.
“Each one of the phases helped you to complete your training,” he said. “In the Soldier First phase you adjusted to the Army way of life, in the Warrior Leader phase you learned military skills you will take with you and in the Future Leader phase you were challenged physically and mentally at FTX.”
Schretzman told the Cadets he was proud of them and encouraged them to contract through their ROTC programs at their campuses.
“You are the sons and daughters that make up the Army. Bandits lead the way! Hooah!” he said.
The Cadets stood at attention as “Proud to be an American” played while cadre rewarded each Cadet with an Army tag, cap and shirt.
At the end of the ceremony the Cadets ran through a gauntlet formed by the cadre who congratulated the smiling Cadets with high-fives and words of encouragement.
Army National Guard liaison officer 1st Lt. Matt Reff and Inspector General Maj. Dan Kent were among the crowd cheering on the Cadets.
Reff said he has been through a few schools in the Army, but at the end of each one the trainees always look forward to the closing ceremony.
“They’re a big deal,” he said. “You come into the last leg miserable, tired and sweaty so it’s nice to have someone there to cheer you on and help you overcome this milestone. The Cadets’ family and friends couldn’t be here this Tuesday morning to support them in this, so that’s why we are here.”
Kent said he came to support the Cadets because he spoke with some of the Cadets from Alpha Co. after they had their ceremony last week and they told him having the support of their cadre there meant a lot to them.
Cadet Joe Bidlow, who attends the East Stroudsburg University, said he still hasn’t decided whether or not he will contract when he goes back.
He said he has always wanted to do something with the Army, but he wasn’t sure what.Regardless, Bidlow said he had a lot of fun during the Leader’s Training Course.
“It was a good experience. Had a lot of confidence building,” he said.
Cadet Theresa Williams, who attends , said her experience at LTC was painful, but worthwhile.
“It pushed me way out of my comfort zone,” she said.
Williams said her inspiration to try the program came from her boyfriend’s father, who was in the military.
“He spoke so highly about it, and I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with the rest of my life, so I figured, why not,” she said.
Williams said she will probably contract.
She said her overall experience at LTC was enjoyable and memorable.
“I had fun and made a lot of friends,” Williams said. “The biggest thing you have to learn, though, is that you have to find the energy within yourself (to make it through this course).”