The International military students of Sergeants Major Course Class 73 took a trip to historical sites around Texas, October 1-4.
The students attending the NCO Leadership Center of Excellence, from more than 50 countries around the world, were taken on a tour of notable sites around the state. The trip was part of the international students learning experience while attending training at the Sergeant’s Major Academy. The group of students and their families toured sites of historic and cultural importance to gain a better understanding about the United States, its history and culture.
After a lengthy bus trip, the first stop for the students was in San Antonio. Here they toured a revered site in Texas history, The Alamo, and the old Spanish Governor’s Mansion. While touring these historic sites they learned about some of this history of the area and the Texas revolution.
The following day the group went to, Austin, the state capitol of Texas. While in Austin the students toured the capitol building and were allowed into the House and Senate chambers where the operations of the state government were explained. Later, the group climbed to the top of the rotunda where they had a one-of-a-kind view of downtown Austin.
“We had an excellent weekend away with the other IMS students,” Warrant Officer 1 Nicholas Grace from New Zealand, said. “I thought the Alamo was very interesting because I am into state history. The state capitol was also nice, and my wife enjoyed the shopping.”
In between the scheduled excursions the students had time to freely explore the River Walk area around San Antonio to experience the city themselves. During this time, students had time to eat dinner with their foreign counter parts and spend time with accompanying family members.
“We enjoyed the trip and all the excursions,” Sergeant First Class Ilmars Resna from Latvia, said, who was joined on the trip by his wife and two children.
“I liked everything,” Elsa, Resna, Ilmars wife, said. “During this trip I had my birthday. So it was very special to see so much and go to places I have never had a chance to visit before while celebrating with my family.”
The trip was hosted by the International Military Student Office, which hosts trips like this as part of its Field Studies Program to provide a better understanding of the United States, its people, military, and way of life through hands-on experiences with the people and systems themselves.
Later in the year the students are scheduled to visit Washington D.C. where they will have the chance to further learn about American history and government. This trip was the first trip International students have taken over the last three years, due to circumstances around Covid-19.
The NCOLCOoE provides professional military education that develops holistically-fit, disciplined, well-educated professionals capable of meeting the challenges of large-scale combat operations in a multi-domain environment. Its vision is to be the premier institution driving innovative development for enlisted leaders; constantly focused on readiness.
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