JROTC Cadets get taste of Army strength

By Steve Arel, U.S. Army Cadet CommandJanuary 9, 2012

Student poses for photo at Strong Zone
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Climbing wall at Strong Zone
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Strong Zone
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

SAN ANTONIO (Jan. 6, 2012) -- The Army took its message of opportunity to San Antonio's youth Friday, targeting the opening of the Army Strong Zone to hundreds of high school students who could be future Soldiers. Among them were dozens of Army Junior ROTC Cadets.

The annual exhibit next to the Alamodome that is part of the annual All-American Bowl festivities showcases many of the 150-plus career fields available and ways to become a Soldier, including ROTC. Besides being a hub of information, the Strong Zone gave students a peek at the life of a Soldier.

It also gave them a chance briefly experience a Soldier's life through interactive events. JROTC Cadets wound their way through the exhibits, playing and learning about what's available to them should they opt to serve.

Argelio Cuellar has already enlisted and heads to basic training in June after he graduates from Highlands High School.

At a photo booth, he jumped behind the life-size, headless cutout of a Soldier rappelling from a helicopter and had his picture snapped. It was a precursor for the Highlands senior, who plans to attend airborne training as well.

"This gives me a leg up," Cuellar said, laughing. "I joined the Army because I want different experiences and to develop."

At the Army Combatives School booth, an instructor showed students a taser-like device. Molded as a knife, it's used today in training instead of rubber knives. That way, those in training know if they've been "cut" in a mock confrontation.

The instructor held the knife against the forearms of willing students wanting to experience the quick jolt. Brandi Lopez, of McCollum High School's JROTC program, screamed and jumped back when the electric sensor touched her skin.

Lopez said the activities available at the Strong Zone were a valuable experience. She was particularly attracted to the physical fitness booth where drill sergeants were stationed.

Lopez wants to be one someday.

"I want the power to command," she said. "But this is all a good experience for when I do it in the Army."

John Hernandez tested his physical mettle at rock climbing. As be began scaling the 20-foot wall, he paused, trying to plot his path from one handhold to the next.

The Memorial High School sophomore, who had never climbed before, looked down as if he was going to give up. Then he took a deep breath and pushed on, eventually making it to the top.

As he unhooked from his climbing gear, Hernandez, sweat beading on his forehead, smiled with a sense of accomplishment.

"They said that was the hardest lane," he said. "I love the experience. I love everything about the military."

Related Links:

Cadet's high school career on crescendo leading All-American Bowl band

Cadet, All-American Bowl band alum provides mentorship to band members

All-American Bowl VIPs helping advocate service through ROTC

Cadets take on leadership roles at National Combine

Cadets become lieutenants in front of thousands at All-American Bowl

Cadet Command news archives

STAND-TO!: U.S. Army Cadet Command: Making Army lieutenants

STAND-TO!: The U.S. Army All-American Bowl

U.S. Army All-American Bowl