Honor Guard

It’s been a LONG day, and an even longer week.  As I previously mentioned briefly, there are several voluntary clubs within AFROTC that cadets can elect to train for−the most popular being Arnold Air Society and Honor Guard.  This semester four cadets, including myself, are training for Honor Guard, a group trained in drill and ceremony who also pride themselves on exceptionally high standards of appearance and conduct.  I was warned by my flight commander that it would be one of the hardest things I would ever do…only to find out that night that he would be my lead trainer for Honor Guard.  I’d be lying to you if I said it was fun, and for lack of better words, they are no joke.  What I am finding most difficult is keeping my bearing which means keeping a restrained demeanor.  My natural reaction after making mistakes is to laugh at myself and I’ve learned quickly that it is unacceptable.  To say that our three trainers are stern and overwhelmingly intimidating is an understatement, and although I know they have to be tough in order for us to learn, it’s hard to think in this logic when I are frustrated and constantly making mistakes.  You are thrown into this new situation, responsible for knowing information you do not have access to, and must quickly adapt to the high expectations your trainers have for you.  You may have seen me today in English, which happens to fall between my AIR class and Leadership Lab, and I was a mess−very distracted and anxious.  This was mostly because, as an Honor Guard Trainee, I have to address all members of POC (which I should already be doing) as well as Honor Guard members.  Sound easy enough? Well it’s not easy when you do not know half the POC by name, nor do you know who is in Honor Guard apart from when they are in service dress.  There was one upside to such a long day leading up to Morally In the Valley−Seeing my Lead Trainer and Flight Commander wear the most god-awful dress I’ve ever seen, on stage, while whipping his blonde and purple wig back and forth to Willow Smith.

Commitments

To explain things a bit more thoroughly, ROTC is time consuming and the amount of time you have to put aside for it increases with each semester.  You’re ultimately working towards graduating as a commissioned officer but there are several milestones along the way, one of which is Field Training.  You compete academically and physically to earn a spot to go to Maxwell Air Force base in the summer following your sophomore year of college.  Being a cadet at a university with such an excellent AFROTC program has its benefits, yet it also means you are held to higher standards and are competing among the best.  After you have gone to Field Training you take on various leadership roles in the Detachment, which in turn means more responsibility, and thus more time committed to the program.  As a freshman, you’re essentially trying to get a feel for how everything works and it’s your opportunity to step up and set yourself apart from the group.  You’re required to attend 80% of PT (physical training) which takes place at 0550 on Tuesdays and Thursdays, your AIR course with an instructor designated by year in the program, as well as your Leadership Lab which is a Cadet run and guided lab.  This can include doing air warfare activities, briefings, and more.  You are constantly learning and being put into situations where you must apply your knowledge and skills, but at the same time there is also a lot of fun to be had whether it is maybe the Air Force Ball, or FTX (Field Training Exercise), or the number of AFROTC clubs including Civil Air Patrol, Arnold Air Society, Silver Wings, and Honor Guard.  It’s hard work, and although it has some downsides such as waking up early twice a week, it is something to look forward to.  You get to work with a diverse group of people, who are not only able to uniquely relate to you, but moreover want to see you succeed, and have grown up with you over your four years at Penn State.

Spring 2012 Semester

Welcome to my blog ! The Spring 2012 semester has just started here at Penn State and as a second semester freshmen in Air Force ROTC I feel this past semester has prepared me well for what’s to come.  Each semester Cadets are assigned to a different flight which both allows you to meet a variety of people in the detachment, and assume different leadership roles.  We are, after all, working towards becoming a commissioned officer in the world's greatest Air Force.  Last semester was difficult to say the least, and assimilating into the ROTC program and lifestyle was not something that came easily, but anything worth having is something worth working for.  I want to be part of the United States Air Force because I have a deep respect for those in the armed forces, their sacrifices, and their commitment.  That aside, it has amazing benefits and the career path I hope to pursue through the Air Force would make me an ideal candidate for a future career in national security either within a government agency or possibly the Department of State.  I can’t wait to explore the world and with the Air Force you definitely have opportunities to travel.  Most importantly, I want to be part of something bigger than myself−service before self.  I plan on getting much involved this semester through joining Honor Guard, and also be more forthcoming when it comes to taking on a number of leadership roles.  I’m still learning with each PT (physical training) session, class, and Leadership Lab, and in time I hope to have earned the right to stand beside my fellow cadets as we embark on this journey so few venture on.  Overall, I am excited to start this semester off and equally excited to share my knowledge (and lack thereof as you may very well see) and experiences in the United States Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps.