LTC appeals to adventure-seeking Cadet

By Mary Barczak
Staff writer

David Bell traded his view of the ocean and sandy beaches for bluegrass hills when he arrived at the Leader’s Training Course.

Co. A 1/46th Inf. (Co. 6) Cadet David Bell, of the University of West Florida, aims his assault squad automatic weapon during heavy weapons training. Photo by Michael Rivera

July 4 marked the first time Bell, a Pensacola, Fla., native and Co. A 1/46th Inf. (Co. 7) Cadet, had been outside his home state and the first time he had flown on a plane.

“I guess I’m a guy that likes adventure, but has never been on one,” he said.

Bell, who attends the University of West Florida, said a friend of his told him about ROTC and he became interested.

The 22-year-old joked that this is the first time he has “flapped his own wings.”

“This was the first time that I was doing something for myself without my parents telling me to or any of that,” he said. “And I wasn’t going to pass it up. The military has a lot to offer. I have a chance to make an impact as an African American officer in the Army, and I’m going to take it.”

Bell is the Alpha team leader of his squad.

“I love motivating people,” he said.

Bell is often asked to call cadences while his squad marches. He has been told by a number of his cadre that his spirit would make a great addition to the Army, but he needs to work on his PT scores.

“I like people, but I’m probably not the best at running,” Bell said.

Second Lt. Richard Pfrogner, a squad tactical officer for Co. A, said Bell always has a positive attitude and tries to get everyone in his squad involved with the task at hand.

“He wants to step up and take charge,” he said.

Pfrogner said he’s confident Bell would make a good officer one day.

“He’s confident and makes good decisions,” Pfrogner said. “He would hold a leadership position well.”

Bell said he plans on contracting, hopefully as a combat engineer when he joins the Army. But he still plans on incorporating his fervor for travel along the way.

“I just want to travel and experience life,” he said. “I like learning about different cultures and meeting new people.”