BOILERbayonet

Welcome back, Boiler Battalion Cadets! I trust you each had a wonderful Christmas Break, enjoyed your New Years’ celebrations, and returned to campus ready to excel in your studies. This semester is packed full of so many exciting events – you will surely find several activities in which to participate and contribute to the success of the battalion.On February 7th, we host the annual Indiana JROTC Drill Meet, where nearly 100 JROTC cadets come to demonstrate their skills and talents in Close Order Drill competitions. It’s an impressive site to see these young Americans performing brilliantly. Then we have the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge test (February 20-22), where 15 of our best athletes will compete for the coveted GAFPB, a medal that can be worn on their uniform after ROTC as well. The following month (March 26-29), we travel to Camp Atterbury for our 4-day Field Training Exercise (FTX) and join Army ROTC cadets from five other Indiana schools and undergo exciting, challeng-ing training. On April 18, we have our formal Dining Out, where cadets and their guests get dressed up for a night of dinner and danc-ing, and receive awards for the academic year. Also in April, the Ranger Club conducts its own FTX, which may be another paintball excursion to a training site in Indiana. Throughout the semes-ter, the Rifle & Pistol Club will shoot weekly, and compete in shooting matches throughout the region. We also hope to have a Rappel night in the Armory, where we’ll have the rappel lanes open and you can come by for instruction, training and a 40-foot rappel. There’s so much here for you to participate in and find a close group of friends. For the new cadets, it is my desire that you feel welcomed here, more so than in any other organization on campus. We have formed mentorship groups to help you get used to ROTC and college. Please meet with your mentors regularly and ask them all your questions. Ultimately, we desire that you become a successful, competent and capable leader in the military and/or civilian sector. It is our goal that we provide you with the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities to achieve your full potential. I sincerely thank you for your service, and for your commitment. Have a wonderful Spring 2009 semester. Boiler Up!

On behalf of the MSIV staff, I would like to welcome everyone back to Purdue University. I hope all returning and new cadets ex-perienced a relaxing and enjoyable Christmas break. This semester, my staff and I have planned numerous activities and events in which I encourage all of you to participatein. For all of you MSI and MSII cadets, this semester

will be one of growth and excitement. Dur-ing the Combined Field Training Exercise (CFTX) at Camp Atterbury, you will have the chance to rappel, learn about the military’s weapons, conduct land navigation, and play tactical paintball. MSIII cadets will spend the CFTX practicing and perfect-ing their leadership skills during Situational Training Exercises (STX). But I would encourage all cadets to participate in all that the Boiler Battalion has to offer. From the tradition

of the Dining Out to the physical rigors of Pathfinder PT to challenge of Ranger Club, the Boiler Battalion has some-thing for everyone. Use this next semester to develop yourselves. We have a fun and challenging semester planned for the Boiler Battalion and I hope that you all carry on the Boilermaker tradition of being the best and brightest cadets in the country. Boiler Up!

From the PMS From the BC

February 2009

page 1writers: c/LTC Brett Sullenger, BC and LTC Bates, PMS design: c/1LT Benj Ramseier, AS5 photo: Benj Ramseier, MS IV

welcome back...

Excellence

“The Infantry’s primary role is close combat, which may occur in any type of mission, in any theater, or environment. Characterized by extreme violence and physiological shock, close combat is callous and unforgiving. Its dimensions are measured in minutes and meters, and its consequences are final. Close combat stresses every aspect of the physical, mental, and spiritual features of the human dimension. To this end, Infantry-men are specially selected, trained and led.” FM 3-21.8 Recognizing that I volunteered as a Ranger… Ranger Club meets from 1800 to 2000 every Tuesday after lab. Its focus is Infantry style, small unit tactics. Cadets are formed into fire team and squad sized elements who train together throughout the semester. While this might sound like your every day MSL lab, it delves much deeper into the techniques, better teaching

and preparing you on any given topic. Acknowledging the fact that a Ranger is a more elite Soldier… First semester was spent learning, practicing and relearning the basic battle drills. Meetings consisted of alternating classroom and practical exercise weeks. Classroom weeks were made up of power point slides, discus-sion, Q&A and walkthroughs on the drill floor. Sound boring? Well you would be thanking yourself that you sat through it when it came to the P.E. Ranger Club has a reputation of imposing highly stressful situations not found anywhere but Club and Club FTXs. Don’t believe me? Ask Cadet Ramseier about his sniper lane on the Spring ’08 FTX. Never shall I fail my comrades… The stress is not for the amusement of the cadre though. Cadets in Ranger Club learn to handle situations more effectively and thoroughly than normal training allows. STX lanes and exercises that might seem extreme and insurmountable to some are handled easily, almost effortlessly by Ranger Club cadets. Most of the Ranger Club instructors are current or former MSL lab TACs/lane walkers and can assent to the truth of that. Gallantly will I show the world that I am a specially selected and well trained Soldier…Ranger Club is not about simply teaching straight out of the FM 3-21.8 (FM 7-8), despite the fact that I quoted it at the beginning. Club strives to teach the most current Techniques, Tactics and Pro-cedures it has available to it. SGT Jordan Stone comes in every Tuesday of his own free time, with no pay, to teach, advise and instruct Ranger Club cadets on current TTPs in use in theaters, as well as newly developing ones being taught by various Combat Applications Groups, such as the ones at the Master Breachers Course he recently attended. Energetically will I meet the enemies of my country...This semester the focus is on Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) and Close Quarters Battle (CQB). Topics include; rapid and violent room and building clearing, traffic control points (T.C.Ps), convoys, tactical site exploitation (T.S.E.), urban patrolling, basic Pathfinder techniques, and a tentative 48 hour Ranger FTX at the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center. Readily will I display the intestinal fortitude required to fight on to the Ranger objective... Any and all MSL classes are welcome to join Ranger Club. It is highly recommended for all MS IIIs as it will greatly prepare you for LDAC. Rangers lead the way!

Teaching the Tactics

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&TraditionThe Purdue Army ROTC Drill Team and Color Guard provide ceremonial support to events on and off campus throughout campus throughout the academic year. We are present at all home football games, formal events, ceremonies on campus, and also support the local VA organizations. Both organizations, though having different missions, meet and train at the same location and time weekly. Because of the similarities between the two organizations their members are involved in both types of training. The primary goal is to support the requests for a ceremonial Color Guard from the Boiler Battalion, Campus, and local community, but also to instill technical proficiency on the Drill and Ceremony aspect of the Army, infuse discipline, and award Cadets the opportunity to develop a sense of self confidence and charisma that is needed as a leader in the US Army Both Drill Team and Color Guard meet at 1900 Wednesday’s in the Purdue University Armory. During the 90 minute training session, members will spend their time sharpening their skills in facing movements, marching, and maneuvering, then spend the reminder of the time working on developing individual members, and building the team as a whole. For Drill Team, new members are taught the basics over the begin-ning part of the semester and are integrated later on to learn more advanced skills. For Cadets who are proficient in all basic aspects of Drill and Ceremony they work on the more advanced modes of training which involves the incorporation of a rifle and ultimately the choreography that goes along with all the acquired skills of the members. For Color Guard, new members are integrated with older members taught the specific regula-tions dealing with the presentation of the colors and how the Tri-Service Color Guard operates. Both of these organizations offer plenty of oppor-tunity to further educate Cadets in the use of Drill and Ceremony to ensure they receive excellent evaluations and be a more successful Officer in the United States Army.

writers: c/CPT Jake Wright, S2 and c/MAJ Steven Hus XO design: c/1LT Benj Ramseier, AS5 photo: Benj Ramseier, MS IV

The Pathfinders training premise starts with the idea that athletic improve-ment originates in the spirit. The Pull-up is the easy part: it’s merely physical. What led to the Pull-up is important: conception and desire, the discipline to work and recover and eat properly, constant awareness of what helps or hurts progress. These psychological facets support physical expression thus they are the keys to improving fitness. The biggest evolutionary steps occur in the mind, not in the muscles so training stressors must pose psychic (as well as physical) challenges.One of our core beliefs is that the mind has primacy over everything we do. The mind controls the body, not vice versa. Thus it is the mind which must be conditioned. The human body is a powerful and amazing machine, if it can even be called a machine. It can go for days without water, food, carry heavy loads, and withstand a multitude of environments. Modern man is conditioned to expect instant gratification and comfort. It is a disease. For those training to be in combat, in foreign, unfriendly and unfamiliar environments, faced with physical and mental hardship, this disease is a problem. The mind must be punished, broken down and reformed constantly to ward off this highly virulent and contagious disease.The training we do causes apprehension and discomfort. Effort and pain may not be avoided. Physical and psychological breakdowns occur. The support of a like-minded group, dedicated to The Art of Suffering, provides a safety net. Individuals push harder and risk more in the company of trustworthy peers. Pathfinders is exclusive. We exclude. It is not a question of elitism vs. egalitari-anism because there can be no question; the black belt is elite, the white belt is not. The black belt is earned through long, difficult work, rigorous educa-tion, commitment, and persistence. Not everyone gets a black belt. It’s not T-Ball. We invite elite performers to train with us because they foster the environment we prefer. It is the rare athlete who improves despite training exclusively with less capable practitioners and such exceptions may not be used to prove a rule. Talented athletes surround themselves with others of a similar or higher caliber – both mental and physical – and improve by doing so. In order to join the pathfinders club cadets must; receive an invitation from the club, obtain a written recommendation from a current member, be in good academic standing, meet rigorous physical standards and be voted in by other members after a week-long tryout.

Pushing the Envelope

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Unloading some StressThe start of the semester brings another season of excitement, learning and relaxation for the Pistol and Rifle Club. The club meets every Thurs-day on the Armory drill floor at 1800 to hone their skills in the art of marksmanship. The club is open to any and all who wish to join in good clean fun and are in good academic standing. Every week those members relieve the stress of classes by unloading their worries into the target. Along with weekly meetings the club has participated in several matches against other regional schools. In the fall the Rifle Team traveled to Western Illinois University to compete against several ROTC battalions. Spring matchups include long time rival Western Michigan University and Norte Dame.All ammunition is furnished by the club as well as the weapons; instruc-tion is available, first time shooters are welcome and encouraged to join. If you have any questions about the club please contact c/MAJ Davis or MSG Anderson the cadre club sponsor and NCAA Divisions-I small bore rifle coach.

writers: c/ Greg Halmi MS III and c/MAJ Tim Davis CTO design: c/1LT Benj Ramseier, AS5 photo: c/MAJ Tim Davis CTO

Age: 19 years oldHometown: Mahomet, Illinois (5min west of Champaign-Urbana)High School: Mahomet-Seymour High SchoolMajor: HistoryMinor: Computer Information & Technology

Clubs/ Activities: Last Semester competed in Ranger Challenge and was on the 2nd place 5-man team.I’m in Rifle & Pistol Club and Pathfinders Club

Why I came to Purdue?: Both my parents graduated from Purdue, and it’s become anexpensive, family tradition now that both my siblings attend Purdue as well.

Why ROTC:? Always interested in the military since I was in middle school. Whenyou’re a kid shooting bad guys seems pretty cool in a video game. Thought I’djoin the Air Force and fly the big, expensive jet fighters. Thankfully I saw thelight and seriously began thinking about the Army in high school. It’s one ofthe few honorable career choices left in the world. It’s a great chance totravel the world, meet people about as crazy they can get, and blow shit up.

Synopsis for the Fall 08 Semester: I was nervous first day going into zero week,not knowing what to expect. From the first hour, I’ve loved every second. LovePT, love the people, love the attitude, love everything about it all.

Aspirations for the Future: The idea of attending Law School after Purdue hascrossed my mind, but the more I learn about the Army and the military ingeneral, the more I feel a career in the service is right for me.

page 4writer: c/Wisehart, MSII design: c/1LT Benj Ramseier, AS5 photo: c/ 1LTBenj Ramseier, AS5

Cadet of the Semester: Fall 2008Keegan Wisehart

Purdue Army ROTC Website: http://www.purdue.edu/armyrotc/Purdue Army ROTC Facebook Group Ketword: Purdue Army ROTC