Fall FTX

At the beginning of each year, early in the fall, Eagle Battalion moves out to

the Cedar Lake Outdoor Center in Chelsea, MI for a 3day/2night FTX(Field Training Exercise). 

Upon arriving on Friday afternoon, cadets take part in circuit training to learn things from how to employ

an M18A1 Claymore to setting up a field expedient shelters.  After this, cadets move to the dining facility

to take part in whats called a dinning-in.  Dining-ins are an Army tradition and build comradeship among

the cadets. It gives them an opportunity to meet new people and have a little fun at the same time.

The next day, cadets are woken up dark and early to begin the main day of training.  On this day,

cadets will take part in Squad STX lanes(Situational Training Exercise) as well as day land navigation

training.  During the STX lanes, cadets will be given an opportunity to lead a squad(9 cadets)

in mock missions.  Cadets utilize paintball markers to add to the fun.  During day land navigation

training, cadets are given the coordinates for different points located in the woods. 

They are then given a map, a compass, and a protractor and are instructed to find all of their points

in an allotted amount of time.  Freshmen and sophomore cadets have the option of working with a

senior mentor to help them find their points, while juniors move out on their own.  After this,

cadets move out to the dining facility for dinner, and then back outside for night land navigation

training.  When cadets finish the night land navigation course they can move to their

cabins for the night.  The next morning, cadets load the buses and depart back to EMU.

Ranger Challenge

Once a year, during the first semester, all cadets have the option to participate in extra

physical training in preparation for Ranger Challenge.  Ranger Challenge is a weekend-long

competition against other schools in the area.  It is a test of mental and physical toughness. 

Throughout the competition cadets will take part in events such as constructing a

one-rope-bridge across a water obstacle, assembly and disassembly of an M16,

10K forced foot march, and a number of other events.   

CWST

Once each semester, Eagle Battalion conducts a Combat Water Survival Test (CWST).  This takes

place at the university's Olympic-size pool.  Cadets will be trained and tested to insure they are

competent swimmers. The CWST includes tests of free swimming, swimming with gear,

treading water, and a "friendly push" off of the 3m spring board.  Cadets who are unable to

swim are provided with remedial swimming classes paid for by ROTC.

Rappelling

Once each semester, cadets are trained on how to rappel.  Their training includes how

to tie their own climbing harness(Swiss seat), rappelling off of a 10m training wall, and

then finally they rappel down the side of the three story Roosevelt Hall building. 

All training is supervised by qualified U.S. Army rappel masters.

Gym

Eastern Michigan’s ROTC Program is very unique in many ways. One of those ways is the programs

very own workout facility. Located upstairs above the classrooms is our well-equipped ROTC gym.

Over the past summer, what used to be the programs rifle range has been re-renovated into

what is now a multi-sport platform. Currently the gym is undergoing a renovation that will

have a cadet lounge over looking the basketball/hockey court.

The list of benefits of having a gym dedicated to the ROTC program is a long one. You get to work out with

fellow ROTC Cadets when it is convenient for you. There are no membership fees or dues. All of the

equipment is kept in top shape and the gym itself is never messy. You will never have to wait in line

to use one of the exercise machines. You can even choose your own music to be played when working out.

Gym Features/Accomodations:

• Half Court Basketball
• Hockey
• Dodge Ball
• Ping-pong table
• Bench Presses
• Butterfly Machine
• Elliptical
• Treadmills
• Stair Masters
• Jump Rope
• Climbing Rope
• Rings
• Free Weights
• Pull Up bars
• Speed bags
• Punching/Kicking bags
• Medicine and BOSU balls

More photos of ROTC training can be found on the Facebook page.