Army ROTC Leader Development Exercise (LDX) Spring 2023 – Cadet D’Agostino receives instructions on where to position his squad while participating in the patrol base training lane. Photo courtesy of Cadet Liam McDermott.
Army ROTC Cadets from the Golden Buffalo Battalion attended the annual spring Leader Development Exercise (LDX) on Thursday, April 20 through Sunday, April 23. Their exercise location being the Jack’s Valley Training Area located on the grounds of the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.
Once on the ground, the Cadets got right to work planning and executing the missions set forth by Cadet Command. Different coordinated military unit exercises and scenarios were simulated so Cadets get “hands-on” experiences dealing with combat techniques and squad tactics in order to complete each mission’s objective. Even though the weather was less than ideal (lows in the 20’s°), the Cadets took it all in stride.
Cadet Lee (MSI), prepares her defensive position during the platoon training lane. Photo courtesy of Cadet Liam McDermott.
This three-day exercise is an integral part of each Cadets training curriculum and assists in evaluating their teamwork and leadership capabilities in a “real-life” field environment. For the MSIII Cadets, this is the last time to assess their knowledge base and overall skills they should have learned up till now, before they head off to their mandatory Cadet Summer Training (CST).
Cadets thwart an ambush objective and take enemy prisoners. Photo courtesy of Cadet Liam McDermott.
While the senior Cadets (MSIVs) are evaluating and providing mentorship to their fellow underclassmen. Cadets also receive constant feedback from Cadre on their performance and leadership skills, and tips on how they can perform better if the situation did not go as planned.
Congratulations to each of you on all your hard work and dedication.
Cadet’s practice working in buddy pairs. Photo courtesy of Cadet Liam McDermott.