Author: Mark Samuelson

The Ranger Challenge competition is conducted over two days on a non-tactical course. The mission is to challenge Cadets’ mental and physical toughness and to develop leadership while fostering teamwork and espirt-de-corps. Teams participate in a variety of graded events ranging from an Obstacle course to Land Navigation to how to throw a grenade. Cadet […]

Entering Clemson as a freshman, there were a lot of changes thrust my way. With challenging classes accompanied by the stress of settling into a completely foreign environment, I was sure frightened by the transition. Additionally, I brought my two horses with me from home, New Jersey. Every day I make the twenty minute drive […]

This past week, the Clemson University Army ROTC went to Fants Grove to work on some of our Tactics in the Military Leadership Lab.  Here is a little bit on what two of our Cadets had to say about the experience: “This weekend, the MLIII class had the opportunity to participate in an Advanced Field […]

After the first few PT sessions and ROTC labs of the year, Cadets were eager to get more involved and more comfortable within the Fightin Tiger Battalion. Ranger Challenge tryouts presented the first opportunity for Cadets to prove their desire to better themselves physically and tactically. Ranger Challenge is an event that takes place in […]

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 ROTC is an organization that has its own unique culture and ethos. On zero-day, this was made clear as returning Cadets demonstrated a camaraderie that they extended to new Cadets without hesitation. Following introductions and company assignment, new Cadets were given paperwork and loaded with gear. This process was cumbersome but accompanied by assurances […]

The week of March 6th, during Battalion Lab, the MSI and MSII class worked on Patrolling and Patrol Base Operations, focusing on the Leader’s Recon; an important part of any patrol. The MSII class has just begun taking on leadership roles in Patrolling Tactics as part of their curriculum and performed well for their first time. […]

That afternoon, the Battalion conducted their weekly Lab, this time focusing on Reconnaissance. Each platoon was given a map and a location that they were instructed to conduct their recon of. The objective was to not be seen, heard, or located by the opposing force, who were guarding simulated weapons and ammunition caches at each […]

This week at the Fightin’ Tiger’s Battalion Lab, Army ROTC Cadets rehearsed Battle Drill 1, Squad Attack. Squad Attack is a staple of the Army’s Battle Drills and all cadets must be fluent in it in order to succeed during ROTC training, as well as future Platoon Leaders. The Lab started with an initial sand-table […]

Week of January 30th: This week the Fightin’ Tiger Batallion held two morning PT sessions from 0600-0700 and conducted Land Navigation Training on Crew Hill for Thursday afternoon’s Battalion Lab. At PT on Tuesday morning, the Battalion competed in a Platoon competition as a way to encourage teamwork, communication, and a good work-out. Broken down […]