Color Guard

Cadets of the Cardinal Battalion present the National Colors--the American Flag--and the state colors during the pre-game presentations prior to every home football game while Ball State's Pride of Mid-America Marching Band or a guest singer performs the Star Spangled Banner.  The color guard normally wears the Army Class A (Dress Green) uniform, but here you see them wearing the Battle Dress Uniform (BDU's).

Land Navigation

That way!  Cadets learn to use maps, compasses and protractors to find their way through various types of terrain from point to point.

...and sometimes they get a little lost and need a little help from their friends.  But cadets never give up.  We never quit.

Leadership - When in Charge, Take charge!

  Cadets gain leadership training.  Here, a small platoon is receiving a briefing by upper-classmen in preparation for their training.

 

Cadets form up behind Ball Gym in preparation to load a bus to transit to an off-campus training location.

 

The Senior Cadets, known as MS IV's help plan and coordinate all of the ROTC Battalion's training exercises.

 

While planning and coordinating can be time-consuming and stressful, MS IV's maintain a good sense of humor even when exercises don't work as planned.  When the original plans don't work, MSIV's immediately convene to coordinate contingency plans.

Physical Training (PT)

Cadets do push-ups until they can push no more!

 

Sit-ups are used to measure the endurance of the abdominal muscles in the Army Physical Fitness Test.

 

PT doesn't stop in the field.  In addition to physical strength, the four-man push-up requires teamwork.

Ranger Challenge Competition

The Ranger Challenge team proudly carries the Cardinal Battalion's guidon in competition.

 

The Ranger Challenge team practices five days each week at 0530 - 0730 (5:30 - 7:30am) leading up to the competition in mid-October.

 

Members of Ball State's Ranger Challenge Team prepare to enter the firing line to qualify with with M-16/A2 Rifle.

 

This cadet is performing a functions check following the disassembly and reassembly of the M16/A2 rifle as an evaluator looks on.

 

This cadet is preparing to disassemble and reassemble the M9--the standard government issued pistol as used by the United States Army--as part of a graded exercise.

Somebody has to get wet in order to establish the far side anchor point in the development of a rope bridge.

 

The Ranger Challenge Team is evaluated in the construction, crossing, and tear-down of a rope bridge.

Rope Training

Cadets construct rope bridges to cross rivers, ravines, or other low-lying areas.  Soldiers and equipment are passed along these rope bridges.

"Hip Rappel Seats" (harnesses) are tied from other pieces of rope.

 

 

 

This cadet is crossing the rope bridge.

 

 

 

  One of the methods for crossing the rope bridge includes the Ranger Crawl method -- using one foot to stabilize your balance as you crawl over the top of the rope bridge.

Cadets learn to climb ropes in order to negotiate obstacles.  Senior cadets train the underclassmen on proper techniques and safety.

 

 

SITUATIONAL TRAINING EXERCISES (STX)

Cadets train in realistic scenarios to prepare them to lead troops in real life situations. 

A cadet plots a point in preparation for a land navigation course.  Using a map, compass, and protractor, the cadets will learn how to find specific locations in the woods.

COMBINED FIELD TRAINING EXERCISE (CFTX)

Cadets attempt to figure out the best way to cross the “canyon” using only the materials provided at the Field Leaders Reaction Course.  The only problem is that they don’t have enough boards to get across.  What would you do?

Cadets crossing the “chemical weapons depot” while at the same time keeping their position defended.  Scenarios like this are used to test their ability to not only complete a mission, but also their ability to react to sudden changes in their surroundings.

Second-year cadets exiting the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter after a 30 minute flight across Camp Atterbury.  Third-year cadets will take a similar ride at the Leadership Development Assessment Course, only they will be expected to complete an Air Assault mission at the same time.

Down at the range, senior cadets instruct younger cadets on the proper way to calibrate and qualify with an M-16 rifle.  Cadets are expected to score at least 26 out of 40 shots from both the prone and kneeling positions in order to qualify as a Marksman.

FIELD TRAINING EXERCISE (FTX)

At the fall FTX, cadets are given the opportunity to test their skills as the engage each other on a force-on-force paintball course.  Each team is given 20 minutes to make their way through the course at retrieve the opposing team’s flag, but they must also keep an eye out for rogue paintball snipers.

Training in the woods is always better than training on campus.  Where else can a cadet actually build a rope bridge over a real river?  At least now this cadet has some incentive to make the crossing and not fall in.

WEAPONS TRAINING

Soldiers and Cadets must be proficient in basic rifle marksmanship using the M16 rifle.

 

WARRIOR FORGE (LDAC)

Cadets conduct 'tactical' roadmarches to move to and from training sites.  On a roadmarch, cadets carry all of their equipment on their backs.

 

 

 

Cadets get a lift in a CH-47 Chinook Helicopter.  The CH-47 Chinook is a large cargo helicopter used to transport soldiers and equipment.  Here, you can see out the rear door while the helicopter is in flight.

 

Cadets execute obstacle courses to improve their physical condition, agility, and teamwork. 

 

ROTC DAY FALL 2006

At ROTC Day, conducted once each semester, all the students at Ball State University are given the opportunity to perform some of the same training the cadets do.  In this picture, a cadet does his best to scale the intimidating rock wall.

In addition to the cadets and students who show up for the food and fun of ROTC Day, Charlie Cardinal has also been known to make an appearance.  Here’s a bit of trivia:  Charlie was once a cadet in the Ball State University Cardinal Battalion!

THRILLS AND CHILLS-WINTER OP 2007

Fun! Fun! Fun:  Ski trip video