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to open larger versions.Cadets from the OWC Army ROTC program joined those from the University of West Florida and University of South Alabama for a combined FTX at Camp Rudder on Eglin Air Force Base from 22 – 23 February. The exercise was intended to provide cadets with valuable land navigation training as well as five situational training exercise (STX) lanes. The STX lanes enabled cadets to conduct training in five key military operations which are crucial to developing their leadership and tactical skills: attack, defense, ambush, reconnaissance and traffic control point. Cadets, made up of squad sized elements, faced enemy forces (MS IV cadets) and were armed with paintball guns during the STX lanes. The paintball guns simulated the threat faced in real world operations. The exercise made use of the excellent training facilities on Camp Rudder, home of the 6th Ranger Training Battalion. Camp Rudder is one of the Army’s premier training facilities and the cadets gained valuable skills through participating in tough, realistic training.

Although it was a cool January morning in northern Florida, the OWC Army ROTC cadets were nice and warm as they moved indoors to the Eglin Air Force Base swimming pool to conduct Combat Water Survival Training (CWST). The objective of CWST is to prepare and train cadets for tactical water procedures including unexpected entry into the water with equipment and build water confidence. The training consists of several stations to include a 25 meter swim, 12 meter swim with weapon, blind equipment jump, equipment release and BDU floatation methods. The CWST prepares cadets for the same event at Warrior Forge. Although it is a training event and skills test, cadets enjoy the opportunity to try something new.

Cadre and cadets from the OWC Army ROTC program attended the Niceville Rotary Club luncheon held on the OWC Campus on 17 January 2008.  It was a great opportunity for students to meet with business leaders from the local area and hear from one of the senior military leaders in Florida, Major General Eidsaune, Commander of the Air Armament Center at Eglin Air Force Base.  Major General Eidsaune is responsible for the development, acquisition, testing, deployment and sustainment of all air-delivered weapons.  During the luncheon, he provided an overview of the diverse units and missions performed at Eglin Air Force Base, the plans to expand the base in the coming years and the base’s impact on the local community.