AFROTC cadets train for deployment and combat situations

Base X of the AFROTC Detachment 610 Mock Deployment Exercise on February 28, 2009 at the Grand Forks Army National Guard Base in Grand Forks, North Dakota. The exercise trained 100 cadets about the different aspects of a deployment and how to react to combat situations. (photo by C/3c Kyle Schroeder) (Released)

AFROTC cadets train for deployment and combat situations

Cadet 4th Class Mark Kubat, AFROTC Detachment 610, restrains an "insurgent" during a Mock Deployment Exercise on February 28, 2009 at the Grand Forks Army National Guard Base in Grand Forks, North Dakota. The exercise trained 100 cadets about the different aspects of a deployment and how to react to combat situations. (photo by C/3c Kyle Schroeder) (Released)

ROTC cadets get a taste of deployment

Published April 10, 2009
By C/3c Chad Kellum
Reserve Officer Training Corps, Detachment 610

GRAND FORKS, N.D. -- Earlier this year, Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps Detachment 610, located at both North Dakota State University and the University of North Dakota, participated in their second annual mock deployment exercise. The exercise was developed to test underclassmen cadets on their ability to adapt, lead and follow in a simulated combat environment.

The exercise took place in an Army National Guard facility in Grand Forks, N.D.

For the second year cadets, or 200's, it's a chance for them to have a leadership position where they are managing a dynamic situation; where things are happening that force them to think creatively about what move they will make next.

For the first year cadets, or 100's, it is a chance to learn to become good followers and gain an understanding of basic drill before they learn to become good leaders. The rest of the ROTC cadets are there to test and evaluate how the 100's and 200's perform, and then provide appropriate feedback on the spot and in an after action briefing.

After several hours of intense training, the cadets ended with a Combat Dining-In. The CDI is a tradition on active duty that encourages having a good time by partaking in drinking from a Grog bowl. Usually alcoholic, this time the Grog was creatively filled with juice, candy and cereal. Overall, the CDI culminated a successful day of training that the cadets of AFROTC Detachment 610 will benefit from when they commission in the years to come.