Lead Lab 20 (IMT)

"Frisbee Fun"

Cadet Jonathan Pund

Lead Lab 20 at Det 440 had quite a different look to it this week as the POC and IMT cadets arrived in Physical Training Uniform instead of the typical blues or BDU/ABU. This was because there was about to be some fun to be had by all. After some quick briefings from the Cadet Wing Commander and learning some interesting Dining Out procedures, it was off to Stankowski Field for a little bit of competition between the squadrons in the game of Ulitmate Frisbee.

As we gathered on Field Two, we were quickly briefed on rules of the game, split into our squadrons, and developed our game plans. If you are unfamiliar with typical rules of Ultimate Frisbee, here are the basics: Two teams square off, each defending their respective end zones on opposite sides of the field. The game begins as the throwing team tosses the disc to the receiving team. From there, the object of the game is to complete passes proceeding down the field and scoring a touchdown when a pass is completed to a team member who has both feet in the end zone. But since those rules would be way too easy, Field Training rules were enforced making things a little more interesting.

In Field Training rules, if you do not follow a rule or are tagged, you must report to the penalty box and wait to be retrieved by the acting commander of your team. A few things that will land you in the penalty box are: jumping, being out of control, being tagged with the disc, and not snapping to the position of attention when the disc lands out of bounds. Normally, when in the penalty box, cadets will perform Physical Training activities until retrieved, but with many cadets taking their Physical Fitness Assessments this week, this rule was thrown out.

At the end of a day of good, clean, fun competition between squadrons, everyone had a blast. We all grabbed our gear and went home, starting mental and physical preparation for next week’s AEF Training!

Lead Lab 20 (FTP)

Lead Lab 20 (FTP)

Cadet Thomas Koll

Being a newer cadet, drill has been an aspect that I have needed to work on the most. I have to admit though, I was a little jealous that the IMT and POC were able to play Ultimate Frisbee while we FTP went through drill evaluations. As we all found out, however, drill evaluations were exactly what we needed to go through. While individually some of us may be able to execute the proper movements and facings, marching a flight around is a totally different story. Even something little like the right element leader veering off course by a degree can throw a series of obstacles at the flight commander in trying to execute a proper drill evaluation. Admittedly, a few of the cadets who joined the flight this semester have gone through even less drill than I have, and we were bound to have a few difficulties (not to say that this was the root of the problems, as there were plenty different ones). Though, I admired the composure of my flight-mates that day. All of us, I’m sure, were tense and frustrated, especially on the march back to the front of Crowder, but as far as I could tell, those around me didn’t break their bearing and tried to do everything the correct way in order to expedite our arrival.

Being able to have PT outside this week was great though. The SRC always gets muggy and humid, especially upstairs on the track. It definitely helped me get through a long week of tests and other projects, as running in cool weather always liberates my anxieties. Even doing the PFA was enjoyable. I saw a lot of teamwork and motivation throughout its entirety, especially for me when Cadets Popp and Westfall finished out the last stretch of the run with me. Although I didn’t even touch Cadet Byrd’s amazing time, I was still really proud I was able to do as well as I did.

All in all, it was a week full of ups and downs, filled with mistakes, but even more so filled with camaraderie. Without failure, we can never improve. Without pain, we will never become stronger. Every day we face adversity, we become even more prepared for dealing with it.