Fall Semester Contracting and the First APFT

September 6, 2018

With the start of classes here at Clemson University came the start of ROTC events and activities. The first day of ROTC included an introductory PT session and lab. Here, Cadets learned PRT (Physical Readiness Training) and the expectations and opportunities associated with the involvement in Army ROTC. The following week began with an APFT (Army Physical Fitness Test) for the upperclassmen and Cadets contracting this semester. As an MLII this year with a three year scholarship, I was aiming to contract, so I took the APFT test on Tuesday. First formation for the APFT was at 0515, but despite the early morning the adrenaline was high. After some explanation of the push up, sit up, and run events, the test was conducted. All the events ran smoothly and the Cadets performed well. This APFT was a test of the Cadets’ physical fitness, and it was clear that at the end everyone had given the test their all. I passed my test and was able to contract during Thursday’s at lab.

Our second lab of the semester, drill and ceremony lab, began with a brief contracting ceremony for approximately 15 Cadets, myself included. Though short, this contracting ceremony was representative of the Cadets’ hard work and dedication to their country. Contracting is a proud moment for many Cadets, and I was very excited to be able to be recognized as newly contracted Cadet. After the ceremony the drill and ceremony lab commenced. New Cadets learned facing movements and marching. The upperclassmen gave pointers and answered any questions that they could to ensure that everyone understood the correct foot placements and movements. The drill and ceremony lab was conducted in preparation for the First Friday Parade, which occurs the Friday before the first home game. This Clemson tradition seeks to promote the clubs and organizations at Clemson University by encouraging groups to march in the parade. The Fighting Tiger Battalion participated in the parade as well as Tiger Platoon, a club which helps to honor Clemson’s military history. As a member of Tiger Platoon, I was able to march with them in the parade. This was my first time marching in the First Friday Parade and it was a great experience helping raise awareness for the ROTC program and Tiger Platoon. Overall, this busy week of ROTC presented some great opportunities and experiences.