Hey Hey, Pointers!
I’m new to the blogging world, so I’ll give this my best shot!
I was born and raised in Green Bay, Wisconsin, about four blocks away from Lambeau Field, so I guess you could say I’m a (huge) Packers fan. I am 20-years-old and I’m a junior here at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. I’m majoring in sociology with an emphasis in deviance and social control with minors in military science and peace studies.
Originally, I chose to go to UW-Stevens Point because my parents loved it (I know, I know, bad reasoning, but hear me out). My plan while I was in high school was to go to the University of Colorado-Boulder. My reasoning? A boy. Long story short, we broke up and here I am! Now that I’m here, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. The small-town feel and sense of community is what’s keeping me in town.
At my freshman orientation there was a speaker who discussed the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps that is offered here at Point. I was intrigued but never once thought that anything would come out of it. I spoke with my parents about taking a few classes in the program and just checking it out to see what the deal was. After a few classes, I realized that this program is where I belong. Three years later and I’ve realized that the decision to join ROTC was the best decision I’ve made since coming to UWSP. Those of us in the program (known as cadets) are one big family; they are my brothers and sisters, and the cadre (the instructors) are like my parents. I could not ask for a better program to be a part of. The majority of my blogs are going to be about all of the amazing things the ROTC does not only for the community but for the development of the individual.
What even is ROTC? The Reserve Officers’ Training Corps here at Point is a program that trains, develops and molds the future leaders of the United States Army. After completion of the program, graduates will be commissioned into the U.S. Army, U.S. Army Reserve or Army National Guard as a second lieutenant. ROTC teaches how to problem solve, time manage and organize. Through physical training, in-class training and weekly labs, cadets are put to the test physically and mentally to enhance their leadership skills. Cadets have the opportunity to go to a variety of schools (Airborne and Air Assault), study abroad and get paid for it through the Cultural Understanding and Language Program, and compete in different competitions throughout the school year (Ranger Challenge and German Armed Forces Military Proficiency Badge); there are so many amazing opportunities to succeed.
This past weekend, nine cadets, myself included, competed in Ranger Challenge in Ft. McCoy where our soldier skills were put to the test. In one day we had to complete a land navigation course, an obstacle course, a maintenance challenge, a first aid course, an assault course, create and cross a one-rope bridge over a ravine, weapons disassembly and reassembly, take an Army Physical Fitness Test, and take a written test. The next day we had to complete a 12K ruck march. Although it was very difficult physically and mentally, UWSP came in fourth place out of 15 teams; the highest ever placing in Point history! The sense of pride and accomplishment that comes with something like this is unreal. A feeling you’ll only understand if you were to compete with us.
Stay tuned for more on what ROTC does throughout the school year, what college is like as a cadet, and my own personal adventures for my last couple years here at UW-Stevens Point!
Until next time! Pointers Lead the Way!
Cadet Rilee Newell
Rilee Newell is a cadet in the UW-Stevens Point ROTC program. She is majoring in sociology with an emphasis in deviance and social control with minors in military science and peace studies.