Over the last fourteen-weeks, cadets have challenged themselves both mentally and physically as they participated in weekly Leadership Labs (LLABs), voluntary training, and physical training sessions. Cadets have had the opportunity to develop their followership and leadership skills through drill, group leadership projects (GLPs), and Expeditionary Skills Training (EST) scenarios. Some of the semester highlights include Initial Military Training (IMT) Weekend, Field Training Preparation (FTP) Weekend, Warrior Fitness Day, EST Weekend, Career Day, Halloween physical training, and many others.
After many weeks, the semester concluded with Change of Command and Dining in. Change of Command is a chance to celebrate all of the accomplishments and achievements that have occurred through out the semester. It also gives the opportunity to thank the previous cadet wing commander and welcome the new commander. This fall semester, the wing was fortunate enough to have had C/Schuster to lead us! After her parting words, the wing was introduced to the new wing commander, C/West. It will be very exciting to see what changes come to the wing next semester.
The final LLAB of the semester was Dining in. Dining in was the perfect way to end the semester. At Dining in, cadets heard some powerful words from Col Unruh, Commander of the 142nd Wing, Portland Air National Guard Base, on how to be great future leaders in the Air Force. Dining in also featured the Grog, which is a combination of salsa, pickle juice, eggnog, and other unsuitable drink combinations. Cadets are called out in rhyme for offences during past professional military training events, and when they are called out they must either defend themselves in rhyme or drink from the grog. Dining in finished out with some brief competitions to decide which group most drink the remnants of the grog. This year that honor fell to Mission Support Group.
There is no doubt that there were many challenges this semester, but for each challenge that arose, there were cadets willing to face them. The growth in the General Military Course (GMC) and Professional Officer Course (POC) was incredible. As cadets move into the next semester AS100s will be expected to refine their skills, as they have learned most of the basics. The intensity level will increase for the AS200s as they move into their final semester before Field Training. Finally, POC cadets will have to adapt to their new roles.
