JROTC cadets are faces of military future

Published May 16, 2013
By Cpl. David Waite
Marine Aircraft Group 49 Public Affairs

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Abraham Clark High School Junior ROTC cadets from Roselle, N.J., took time from their academic schedules to maneuver through the Leadership Reaction Course May 1, 2013, on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J.

The cadets arrived at the course to begin a physical warm-up. Cpl. Teliah Wilson, MAG-49 administrative clerk, led the cadets through a series of push-ups, crunches and weight-bearing exercises.

"I was very excited about getting to show the cadets the intensity involved with this type of training" said Wilson.

Cadets were grouped into sections to get safety equipment and receive a briefing about the course. Palmer Bachille, a former teacher who taught chemistry and biology at ACHS for 52 years, was in attendance.

"I'm very excited to watch these young students take part in a great program, while getting to train with the Marines," said Bachille.

Trainers instructed each group on the course objectives and safety concerns before Lt. Col. James Sfayer, ACHS JROTC program commanding officer, gave the order for each team to begin the obstacle course. Sgt. Maj. Mussey, ACHS JROTC senior marine instructor, said he was not surprised with the student's abilities, "All the cadets are in the top twenty-two percent of their class; they must keep up a "C" average to stay in the program."

Cadet Sebastian Guntya, the JROTC platoon commander, led the charge; moving his team through the different objectives.

"I love the discipline and bearing involved with being in JROTC; it has been a very unique high school experience," said Guntya. He is currently in the delayed entry program for the United States Marine Corps, and leaves for Parris Island, S.C., this June.