Army ROTC Rocket Battalion

Spur Ride - CDT Wityk, M.

My time in Germany was pertinent in preparing myself to become a lieutenant in a combat arms atmosphere. I shadowed 1LT Kazmi and he taught me several tricks and tips to be successful, not only in combat, but in a Garrison role as well. I also shadowed 1LT Christensen, a female officer with her Ranger tab, which has been a goal of mine since deciding to join the Army.

I took part in 1st Squadron’s Spur Ride. It was a grueling adventure that let me interact with those that were enlisted and other officers. It taught me that I had the ability to push through the dreary two days of rain and ruck 37 miles in about 28 hours. Among having my air assault wings, earning my spurs was an internally prideful moment because it was not something I had expected to do while I was in Germany.

Overall, Cadet Troop Leader Training (CTLT) was a fantastic experience. To see such true operations running at full speed made me feel confident in what I can do in the Infantry environment. I am grateful for seeing the way the Squadron S3 operated. I was able to see two different PL's in action. I also participated in Urban Operations for a week and rode in the Strykers.

The President's Hospital - CDT Hassan, F.

In the summer of 2021, I was fortunate enough to complete a nursing internship at Walter Reed Medical Center for 28 days, also known as “The President’s Hospital.” This was only possible through the help of the ROTC program. During my time at Walter Reed, I was exposed to many experiences that will be beneficial to me in my Army nursing career. I was able to gain insight on how the chain of command worked in a military hospital and responsibilities of different staff positions. I was able to tour the President suite inside Walter Reeds Medical Center, also known as Ward 71, which is where the president and other high-ranking officials would receive medical care. During my time in the hospital, I worked in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit. Typically, we would work the same schedule as the nurse officer we shadowed. Some daily duties involved reports, vitals, assessments and blood sugars, if needed. We also had many opportunities to gain experience with giving injections, starting IV's and foley's, and watching surgeries. One of the surgeries I observed was a coronary artery bypass. Overall, I had an extraordinary time and this is an experience I will never forget.

528th Sustainment Brigade, Ft. Bragg - CDT Smith, L.

My first day of training began with physical training at 0700 with a personal trainer who was more intense than the physical trainers at my school. The workout was more difficult than what the Recon Platoon was doing at The University of Toledo, but what was even more exciting was that they were all medical professionals.

It was nice to see how the soldiers of the 528th Sustainment Brigade at Ft. Bragg take pride in their medical knowledge and physical fitness. During the internship I was required to learn the training flow of the Austere Resuscitation Surgical Teams (ARST) and brief their capabilities to the Battalion Commander. The team showed me most of the hands-on training that these teams endured, and were able to train me in medical techniques only shown at the most elite Special Operations Combat Medic school. After long days of teaching and training to prepare for the brief, there was a jump every day and for a couple of them I got to ride in Cessna’s to watch the airborne soldiers jump out. The whole experience was priceless and truly made me look forward to an expansive and adventurous career in the military. It made me stronger, wiser, and exposed me to an Army structure that most wouldn't fully understand until they finish BOLC, but more importantly, I created long lasting relationships with the other cadets and the ARST's that will be great assets in the future. I am truly grateful that I receive the CTLT experience.

Staff Ride

On April 22-24, all senior cadets and cadre conducted a staff ride to Gettysburg National Park. This trip was the capstone to a series of classroom instructional lectures and assignments focused on the war fighting functions. The cadets applied their knowledge presenting how the modern war fighting functions could have been used during the Civil War.

The first day began with a tour of the Gettysburg Museum, the cyclorama, and an independent walk of the battlegrounds. It resumed the following day with stops at Seminary Ridge to discuss defensive operations, Little Big Horn to discuss transitions from defense to offense, and lastly the Union line during Pickett’s charge to discuss offensive operations.  At each of these stops, cadets briefed responses to questions about their assigned war fighting function. 

PERSHING RIFLES: TROOP L-1
Troop L-1 attended the National Convention in Lexington, KY, and competed in the John J. Pershing Memorial Drill Meet, and brought home the following accolades:

• 2^nd Place Armed Exhibition Solo- CDT Daniel Kasson
• 2^nd Place Armed IDR Squad (Commander: CDT Daniel Kasson)
• 3^rd Place Armed IDR Squad (Commander: CDT Howard Perkins)
• 2^nd Place Pershing Rifles Foundation Scholastic Award

The Troop will finish out the year strong by carrying the National Colors for the Glass City Marathon Opening Ceremony, and for the University’s Commencement Ceremonies. Lastly, we are excited to announce CDT Daniel Kasson has been selected as the Troop Commander for the 2022-2023 academic year, and the upcoming induction of two Riflemen at the end of the semester.

Highlights of Completed Events:

• Judged Kenton HS Drill Meet
• Homecoming Parade/Game Color Guard
• Peterson and Flynn Memorial Drill Meet

• Glass City Marathon Opening Ceremony Color Guard

• The University of Toledo Commencement Color Guard

RECON PLATOON
Cadre Oversight: SFC Geary, D.
Cadet Leaders: PL: Baumle, G., PSG: Hoehn, J.
The University of Toledo Recon Platoon has maintained and excelled in fitness training. They are looking to improve upon their Ranger Challenge Event rank for next fall. They ranked 16th overall in Ranger Challenge and have pushed themselves since then to ensure greater success next year.

Recon has maintained dedication and has been looking to continue to improve itself. They have hosted more fundraisers, set up a personal gym for team use, and participate in team bonding events to maintain espirit de corps for their team.

Highlights of Completed Events:

• Evaluation Day
• Raffle Fundraiser
• Ranger Challenge

ROCKET BATTALION HOMECOMING TAILGATE

The Rocket Battalion invites you to come join us at our annual Homecoming tailgate at The University of Toledo on October 1. Come enjoy free food, games, and talk with current cadets and cadre! See the updated ROTC building and overall enjoy yourself.

We will be hosting a raffle to support the Battalion. Last year we raffled a Yeti cooler and other great prizes. Come try your luck!

Before the tailgate, come watch us lead the Homecoming Parade for The University of Toledo! After the Tailgate, we are moving to our own section right on the sidelines to motivate the Rockets to victory! Alumni are always welcome to join us in supporting their team.

Interested in attending the Homecoming tailgate? RSVP today!

ARMY TEN MILLER

The Rocket Battalion is excited to compete next fall in the Army Ten Miler. They are preparing their team to go to D.C. and compete in one of the most notorious Army races. This year, it is being held in-person.

The event is set to take place October 9. This allows the cadets and cadre to break-in their running shoes and crush the competition.

Additional Upcoming Events:

• May 13 - Commissioning

• April 28 - Military Ball and Awards Ceremony

Summer 2022

• Advance Camp – 14 UToledo cadets attending
• Nurse Summer Training Program – 4 UToledo cadets selected
• Airborne – 1 UToledo Cadet attending
• Sage Eagle – 1 UToledo Cadet attending
• Air Assault – 1 UToledo Cadet attending
• Cadet Troop Leader Training – 1 UToledo Cadet attending

Fall 2022 – Major Events

• September 11 - 9/11 Memorial Run
• September 23-25 – Field training exercise
• October 1 – UToledo Homecoming Army ROTC alumni event
• October 9 – Army Ten Miler
• October 21-23 – German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge
• December 1 – Dining-in
• December 16 - Commissioning

Event Support:

We appreciate your support and any help you have provided to the Rocket Battalion. Consider a donation to help us continue Rocket Battalion events.

UToledo ROTC Donation

Cadets conducting PMI.

Rocket Battalion OPFOR for FTX.
View our video.

Rocket Battalion takes on the ACFT.