Commander’s Comments - LTC Nowak

Volume 7 Issue 7

September 2012

Jaguar Battalion

University of South Alabama

ARMY ROTC

Cadets, welcome back to the start of another

semester as you continue to work hard in pursuit of

your goal of becoming a commissioned Officer in

the US Army. All of the Cadre here are excited to

be back on campus and back to work after a great

summer break! I hope all of the alumni, Cadets and

friends of USA’s Army ROTC program had a good

summer too. We continue to successfully motivate

and challenge each of our 134 ROTC Cadets to suc-

cess academically, physically and with robust lead-

ership training and have made great strides in re-

cruiting and retaining quality Cadets. We will continue to remain focused on

preparing our MS III Cadets for success at the Leader Development and Assess-

ment Course (LDAC) and contracting Cadets who are motivated and determined

to meet (or exceed) our new standard for contracting…a 3.1 cumulative GPA

and a score of 260 or higher on their Annual Physical Fitness Test (APFT).

I am extremely proud of the eighteen MS III Cadets we sent to LDAC

this past summer. Each and every one of them not only passed the rigorous

training and successfully completed the course but many met or exceeded their

personal goals across a variety of categories. We had 3 Cadets receive an “E” or

excellence rating, fifteen score an “S” or satisfactory rating and zero “N” or

needs improvement scores. In addition, our Cadets had a very impressive 274

battalion average on their APFT with one Cadet qualifying for the coveted RE-

CONDO badge. Those Cadets are all now MS IVs and the Cadet leadership of

this Battalion. They have set the bar (and goal for the Battalion LDAC APFT

average) very high for our current group of MS III Cadets as they prepare for

success at LDAC next summer. GREAT job to all!

We are off to another excellent start this semester and have over thirty

new Freshmen (MSI) Cadets enrolled in our program. Each of these students and

Cadets are special as they accepted the challenge and are eager to learn more

about the opportunities and training available through the Army and Army

ROTC. Back in August during mini-camp, I spoke with all of the incoming Ca-

dets and their parents. I said “Army ROTC isn’t for everyone. Some of you may

only spend a few weeks here…others a few months. Ultimately, you may decide

Army ROTC isn’t for me…and that’s OK! However, if you stick with us, I guar-

antee you will learn something about yourself and take away some life-long

skills”. If you have the desire, discipline and strong work ethic the Army has a

vast array of opportunity. I commend those of you who have accepted the chal-

lenge and already see some of those Cadets stepping up to the plate and working

“If Excellence is a Possibility, Then Good is Not Good Enough”

Inside this issue: Commander’s Comments

1-2

Senior Military Instructor

(SMI)

Roo Corner

3

2nd Annual Alumni Golf

Tournament 4

2012 USA ROTC Freshmen Orientation and Mini-Camp

5

Summer 2012 Commission-

ing 6

University of South Ala-bama 50th Anniversary 7

Clubs and Organizations 8-9

Page 2

Jaguar Battalion

We have a very exciting and busy semester ahead. Our Cadets will continue to represent USA and

our Battalion well during numerous scheduled events with our Color Guard. We will also continue to

reach-out to our Alumni and supporters of Army ROTC through a robust Public Affairs program, social

media and our University website. We are really excited about our 2nd Annual Alumni Golf Tournament

19 October and invite Alumni, friends and those interested in golfing to join us at the Spring Hill College

golf course for a four person scramble. Your tournament entry fee of $75/person ($300/team) includes

lunch, range balls, door prizes and awards for the top placing foursome and will benefit all of our Army

ROTC Cadets. Look for a sign-up sheet and sponsorship form in this newsletter. We look forward to see-

ing you there.

Congratulations to four Cadets who worked extremely hard and achieved their goal of becoming

Second Lieutenants on 17 AUG 12. I am very proud of 2LT Bullock, 2LT Presley, 2LT Roberts and 2LT

Taylor and their tremendous accomplishment. Always remember, never forget the Army Values, listen to

your NCOs and take care of your Soldiers. I wish you well at OBC and hope you have a long and success-

ful military career.

I’d like to welcome our newest member of the Jaguar team. 2LT Allison Burke, a National Guard

officer, has joined us this month as our new Recruiting Operations Officer (ROO). I know she is eager to

make a difference and will do well telling prospective Cadets all about the benefits and hard work required

to become a Cadet in our Army ROTC program. I encourage you to stop by and say hello to 2LT Burke.

Welcome to the team!

As we reflect on the 11th Anniversary of 9/11, let us remember all of those who lost their lives,

their families who mourn their loss, the brave Police, Fire and Rescue crews who tirelessly searched for

survivors and those serving today in all branches of the military who continue to sacrifice bringing those

responsible to justice. We will NEVER forget!

I hope you all find this newsletter informative and look forward to hearing your thoughts and ideas.

All of us continue to look forward to hearing from USA Army ROTC Alumni and encourage you to pass

along this newsletter. I look forward to developing more means of communication and appreciate all of

your support. Please contact me anytime at jnowak@usouthal.edu with your thoughts or concerns. Thank

you!

Commander’s Comments - LTC Nowak Cont.

Page 3

September 2012

Come see

2LT Burke

About

contracting and schol-

arships..

251-460-1582 or

251-460-6341

aburke@usouthal.edu

Senior Military Instructor (SMI) – MSG Loche

Recruiting and Operations Officer (ROO’s)

Corner Every year our program continues to grow with out-

standing cadets. As the number of cadets in our program

increases, Cadet Command’s numbers for new lieutenants

stays roughly the same. This in turn makes the selection

of cadets for contracting tough. The following criteria is

what is looked at by our contracting board when develop-

ing the contracting OML:

GPA: Cumulative of 3.1 or higher

Academic Major

APFT: 260 or above

Extra Curricular Activities

As we look at contracting a cadet, we take all of those into consideration. We are lim-

ited on the number of cadets that we can contract in a mission set. This means that not

all cadets are guaranteed to contract. Cadets have to get in the program and prove they

have the determination and drive to do what it takes to become an officer. Overall, the

selection for contracting allows us to contract and commission quality officers.

PROFESSIONALISM- A Cadet is measured by his or her ability to do their job successfully, tactfully, and profes-sionally. Being a professional at everything you do will help you succeed in every aspect of your life. The defini-tion of professionalism as by Merriam-Webster is the conduct, aims, or qualities that characterize or mark a profession or professional person. As a member of the Jaguar Battalion you are considered professionals. How you train, perform, and even hold yourself to the Army Values and Cadet Creed make you stand apart from other USA students. In any profession there are many attributes accompanied with professionalism. In the Jag-uar Battalion, like all professional jobs, in order to be suc-cessful experience, communication, and moral ethics will help you succeed. Experience can help you to save time

and effort. Learning from ones past mistakes and accomplishments can be very valu-able in any situation. Being able to effectively communicate is key. Ethics is knowing the difference between right and wrong from good from bad, this is what being a pro-fessional is. Every single person’s morals and values of life are different. To me pro-fessionalism means to lead by example, to try your very best and give it your all no matter who is watching. As well as to put in the time and effort, to act on your best behavior and to get any task presented done giving one hundred percent. These are all traits of what professionalism means to me. No matter if you are a MS I, II, III, IV, or Completion Cadet being a professional within this unit is the standard we all should live by. Remember there is always someone watching you trying to decide if they want to emulate themselves after you, so be that professional.

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Jaguar Battalion

Please join us for the 2nd Annual University of South Alabama (USA) Army ROTC Golf Tournament on

19 October 2012. We are extremely excited about organizing

another outstanding event which will bring together USA ROTC

Alumni, Cadets and supporters of our ROTC program from

across the nation. We look forward to your support and seeing

you all together in friendship, camaraderie and fun. The tour-

nament will be held the day prior to South Alabama’s Home-

coming football game.

Our event will start at the Spring Hill College golf course with a

four person scramble.

The tournament entry fee will be $75.00 ($300.00 per team) which includes a lunch, range balls, door

prizes and awards for the top placing foursome.

Please make checks for the Golf Tournament payable to Army ROTC and mail to:

USA Army ROTC

ATTN: Golf Tournament

551 University Blvd N Room 124

Mobile, AL 36688

Please RSVP ASAP via email to Mr. Dirk Tyson at dirktyson@usouthal.edu or call (251) 460-6341. We

encourage you to submit the names of your foursome when you RSVP and will forward additional infor-

mation upon receipt.

2nd Annual Alumni Golf Tournament

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September 2012

2012 USA ROTC Freshmen Orientation and Mini-Camp The Jaguar Battalion kicked off the 2012 School Year with a

Freshmen Orientation and Mini-Camp for incoming freshmen Cadets. This

was a great opportunity for Cadets and parents to meet the Cadre and

senior Cadets and tour the campus. During the 2012 Mini Camp the in-

coming freshmen class learned basics skills that they will need to be suc-

cessful in the ROTC program. This year’s Mini-Camp was a 3 day event

from 15-17 August prior to the first day of fall classes. It began with ori-

entation briefings, filling out administrative paperwork, drawing equipment

and dorm check-ins. During these events the MSIV’s et up stations for

round robin training on D&C, Customs and Courtesy and uniform stan-

dards.

On day two freshmen received their initial brief on the Army Physical

Readiness Program (APRT) and conducted APRT with the Battalion. They

also received more critical training from the MSIV Chain of command

throughout the event. Day two culmination was tactical training using

paintball guns. They were introduced to basic tactical concepts such as

Individual Movement Techniques (IMT), Squad Movement Techniques,

Cover and Concealment and Troop Leading Procedures. This was a great

team building event for the freshmen and it really boosts their motivation.

On day three, they received an orientation brief

on Cadet Command’s new Cultural Understanding and

Language Proficiency (CULP) program. This program

offers Cadets incentives to gain cultural and/or language

proficiency prior to commissioning through scholarships,

study abroad opportunities and OCONUS deployments to

over 46 nations as part of a team to provide humanitar-

ian assistance. The Ranger Challenge team conducted

demonstrations on such events as the one rope bridge.

This was a good opportunity for the Rangers to recruit

from the incoming freshmen class. We wrapped up with

a pizza party and commissioning at LAIDLAW. This gave

the freshmen an opportunity to see the end result of

their hard work over the next four years.

This was a great event for the Battalion and freshmen Cadets. We look forward to another a great year

here in the Jaguar Battalion and look forward to great

events coming up this semester.

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Jaguar Battalion

Summer 2012 Commissioning

On 17 August 2012 the Jaguar conducted it’s Summer Commissioning Ceremony. We had 4

well deserving Cadets who were commissioned as 2LT’s in the United State Army.

These Cadets have done a great job and represented the Battalion well. We wish them the best

of luck in the future.

Harrison Bullock branched Nurse Corps. He will report to her Basic Officer’s Leadership

Course in Ft. Sam Houston.

Jonathan Pressley branched Military Police. He will report to The Military Police Basic Offi-

cer’s Leadership Course at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO.

Dustin Roberts branched Field Artillery. He will report to her Basic Officer’s Leadership

Course in Ft. Sill, OK.

Kendal Taylor is awaiting his branch assignment. .

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September 2012

The University of South Alabama will celebrate its 50th Anniversary throughout this

academic year. Events include:

Shelby Hall Dedication: Sunday, Sept.

9, 3 p.m.

Arts and History Day at USA: a cele-

bration of the arts and Old Mobile his-

tory, Sunday, Oct. 14, from 2-5 p.m.,

featuring the grand opening of new dis-

plays at USA's Archaeology Museum

Homecoming Weekend 2012: Oct. 18-

20

Dedication of the new murals at Moulton Tower and Alumni Plaza: Friday, Oct.

19 at 5:30 p.m.

USA Holiday Concert: Thursday, Dec. 6, 6 p.m., Mitchell Center

Distinguished Alumni and Service Awards Gala: March 7, 2013, 6 p.m.

50th Anniversary Celebration, Friday evening, May 3, 2013

Spring Commencement, May 11, 2013, 2 p.m.

For more information on events visit

University of South Alabama 50th Anniversary

Page 8

Jaguar Battalion

Clubs and Organizations

Ranger Challenge: Team Captain CDT Sneddon

The Ranger Challenge team is comprised of cadets in each MS level, who are preparing for a Brigade wide Ranger Challenge Competition. In

total, USAs Ranger Challenge team will face off against 46 other schools in 10 different events for 24 hours straight. The events include Night

Land Navigation, Rappelling, Hand Grenade Assault Course (HGAC), Zodiac Challenge, Weapons Disassembly and Reassembly, Stress Shoot,

15K Ruck march, Trauma Lane, IED Lane, One Rope Bridge, Radio Communication Challenge, and a Commanders Challenge.

The cadets are hard at work with a rigorous 5 day a week physical training program that includes Friday morning ruck marches before Battalion

APRT. Three days a week the team meets in the afternoon to practice each individual event in preparation for competition. Over the next 4

months cadets will train in each event until proficient for competition. Included in the training, will be an overnight field training exercise to

Blakeley State Park to train in a similar fashion to competition.

The culminating event is the actual competition held at Camp Blanding, FL from 25-27 January 2013.

Color Guard : Club President CDT Houser

Scabbard and Blade: Club President CDT Allen

Scabbard and Blade is a joint service honor society that unites cadets and midshipmen from over the nation in military excellence. The Society

strives to better these cadets and midshipmen as future officers and to strengthen the joint service relationship through service to the commu-

nity and leadership opportunities.

Be on the look out for upcoming events and meetings. If you would like to join Scabbard and Blade, talk with the Club President or go

through your cadet chain of command.

Color Guard practice will be held every Thursday at 1600. Upcoming events we will be working include:

Sep 29 USA Football vs Troy

October 20th USA vs Florida Atlantic University (Homecoming)

November 3rd USA Football vs Florida International

November 17th USA Football vs Middle Tennessee

We will also participate in a Volleyball game in September and the 9/11 ceremony during the Fall.

For any questions, or to participate in the Color Guard, contact CDT Houser at:

Cell: 205-401-1945

Email: jph901@jagmail.southalabama.edu

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September 2012

Clubs and Organizations Cont.

Jaguar Intramural Sports: Club President Cadet Gill

Cell: (251) 213-5358

School Email: ojg801@jagmail.southalabama.edu

Sports Offered

Flag Football

Co-Rec Soccer

Male Basketball

Co-Rec Basketball

Short-man Basketball

Softball

Disc Golf

Dodgeball

Schedule for Soccer is TBD

Football begins in October

Army ROTC vs Air Force ROTC flag football game scheduled tentatively for November.

Jaguar Joggers: Club President: CDT Richardson

The Jaguar Joggers is a South club focused on promoting and encouraging an active, healthy lifestyle by running. We provide support to students who desire to improve their cardiovascu-lar fitness. We also strive to raise awareness of Jaguar Joggers through participation in local area races. We have 8 races planned this school year and we have just completed one race on Nov. 9, 2012 where 15 members participated in and helped to raise money for Mobile Fire Fighters. Anyone who attends the University of South Alabama can be an active member in this club and we welcome everyone to become a member. Jaguar Joggers is a great organization to be apart of because we pay for everything ... you can get free t-shirts and other various items! It is never too late for you to join our club.

Military Science Department

551 University Blvd., N., Room 124

Mobile, Alabama 36688-0002

Phone: (251) 460-6341

Fax: (251) 460-7311

E-mail: gbr@usouthal.edu

U S A A R M Y R O T C

LOOK US UP!!

You can find us

on:

Webpage:

www.southalabama.edu/armyrotc

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/USAROTC

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