GRAFENWOEHR, Germany -- They were “Army tough” as 214 Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps cadets tested their mental and physical capabilities during the 10-day Cadet Leadership Challenge, held in the training area, here, June 19-29.
Cadets from around Europe participated in events including canoeing, weapons simulation, rock climbing and rappelling, urban orienteering, a drill competition and klettersteig, where they traversed across boulders in the uniquely European sport. The Leaders’ Reaction Course at Camp Kasserine, however, tested teamwork beyond anything the cadets had experienced.
“You really have to communicate,” said Cadet Sgt. Joseph Harmon, Stuttgart, who “took one for the team” by falling into a pool of water in order to execute a group task and save a barrel filled with simulated ammunition. “You can’t complete these tasks on your own, we need each other.”
Cadet Sgt. William Gann, Bamberg, agreed.
“We assessed the strengths and weaknesses of everyone on our team and then we play those parts,” said Gann.
For the past 15 years, cadets have participated in the Cadet Leadership Challenge, affectionately calling it “summer camp.”
The activities held at the 10-day camp test the young cadets both physically and mentally, said retired Maj. David Schwab, senior Army instructor at Baumholder High School.
“The purpose is to challenge the cadets, to exercise their muscles, and give them the confidence to complete these tasks,” said Schwab. “There is no reward for being the best and no penalty for being the worst. It’s all a learning experience.”
For cadet Capt. Ashley Lopez, Bamberg, who admitted being brought to tears during a drown-proofing exercise, where participants jump into a pool in ACUs from a diving board five meters high, the camp has brought more confidence.
“I’m afraid of heights and I can’t swim,” said Lopez. “But I knew I had to jump in the water during the challenge, and when I did it was a great feeling.”
During the numerous and challenging activities, cadets tested their strengths and weakness, built relationships with other cadets and experienced new obstacles in a recreational environment.
But the camp was not all fun and games, as cadets woke every morning at 5 a.m. to prepare their barracks for inspection.
“There is a lot of pressure to keep your barracks clean,” said Lopez. “That was even harder than the drown-proofing.”
For some, however, the long days and early hours prepared them for the future.
“This camp is a good transition into my future military life,” said cadet Sgt. Jonas Jackson, Baumholder, who hopes to become an Air Force pilot. “I now have leadership skills and am better organized.”
“And I love to wear a uniform,” added Jackson.
The Cadet Leadership Challenge was sponsored by Department of Defense Dependent Schools-Europe and the U.S. Army, with support from the following organizations: Joint Multinational Training Center, the U.S. Army Reserve, Schweinfurt, Heidelberg and Grafenwoehr Outdoor Recreation facilities, U.S. Army Garrison Grafenwoehr Dining Facility, Central Issue Facility, the Tower Inn, 69th Signal Battalion and 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, rear detachment.
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