JROTC cadets train like Soldiers at JB MDL

Published July 14, 2011
By Spc. Darryl L. Montgomery
319th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Nearly 100 United States Air Force Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps cadets arrived on station June 29 to conduct land navigation training and learn more about the military environment.

The cadets, representing high schools from New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York gathered at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst to traverse the same land navigation course servicemembers use training for deployment in support of ongoing contingency operations.

Army Capt. Bill Fio Rito, 1st Battalion, 307th Training Support Battalion team chief, said all of the cadets have a basic understanding of how land navigation works and they will put their knowledge to the test here.

"It's a scary thing to be put in the woods with only a compass and map and be expected to find your way out," Fio Rito said. "We're trying to build the confidence the cadets have in themselves and their instruments."

The cadets were trained on how to determine individual pace counts, measuring 100 meters by the number of strides. They also refreshed their map reading skills and point plotting. The cadets navigated a simple course, each given five specific points to find. For some of the cadets who have been involved with the JROTC program, this was not the first experience they have had with land navigation.

"This is my second time. The first time I did this, we got lost in the woods and caught in a thunderstorm. They may get a little lost but it will be a learning experience," said Cadet Master Sgt. Dontie Custis, a junior at Bridgeton High School in Bridgeton, N.J.

"I think a lot of people are going to get lost," Cadet Master Sgt. Alma Alvarado, a senior at BHS in Bridgeton, N.J. "It will be a lot of fun however it turns out."

In the event an individual becomes extremely disoriented in the woods, cadets were instructed to listen for the sound of vehicle traffic, continue walking until they came to one of the hardtop roads surrounding the training area and a truck circling the area on the roads would eventually pick them up.

The JROTC program has helped many students with life choices and often directs the course of their future careers.

Custis credited his JROTC instructor for helping him define what he wants to do after high school.

"I didn't have any plans to join the military until my instructor said he sees a lot of leadership qualities in me. I plan on going to the Air Force Academy out of highschool," said Custis.

Alvarado, who recently enlisted in the U.S. Army, just a week prior to land navigation training, said JROTC has taught her how to become a leader and a better person.

Another cadet reflected a similar sentiment.

"JROTC has taught me discipline and leadership skills which can help me in the civilian world," said Cadet Capt. Danielle Crim, a senior at Piscataway High School in Piscataway, N.J.

The 1/307th Soldiers worked with the cadets for two days, coaching, training and mentoring the high schoolers interested in the military and preparing for the transition to adulthood.

Fio Rito said the JROTC program helps introduce kids across the country to the United States military. This is not only good for the cadets, but also for the military to have teenagers interested in learning about the military and thinking of becoming a part of it one day.