Recently, 42 cadets from the UTM ROTC department conducted a field training exercise at the Milan Training Center.

The field training exercise was used to prepare the junior cadets for their upcoming summer camp and to acclimate the freshman and sophomore students on military operations.

Cadets learned many skills with the M16 rifle during Friday’s training. This included zero the weapon, assemble, disassemble, clean the rifle and qualify with the M16 rifle. Cadet Kylan Mays was the top shooter with a score of 40 hits in 40 shots. Fifteen other cadets scored more than 30 hits out of 40 shots.

Cadets were then moved to the barracks where they were introduced to typical garrison life at summer camp. The open bay barracks took a little adjusting for the cadets but they made due. After the cadets were settled into the barracks, they were treated to an “all you can eat” buffet at Mama Judy’s Restaurant in Lavinia, Tenn. If you haven’t found a good catfish place around West Tennessee, you have to try Mama Judy’s!

On Saturday, the cadets trained on the hand grenade assault course and moved out on a two mile road march. This helped break in their boots and moved them to the land navigation course. The more experienced cadets taught the younger cadets, and by three o’clock, every cadets feet were “barking” (army slang for sore). The cadets returned to Martin where they cleaned weapons and were treated to pizza by the cadre. It was a weekend of learning, camaraderie and fun.

If getting away from the classroom and doing this type of adventure interests you, look into taking Military Science 102, offered this upcoming spring semester. Talk to a ROTC cadet or call Captain Jaco at 587-7682.