Pennsylvania Guardians - Summer 2010

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By Pfc. Zane Craig “One Soldier left, no Soldier left behind,” said officer candidate Juston Jones, as he and another classmate turned around to walk the last leg of the road march with the last Soldier. Five officer candidates had two and a half hours to complete a seven-mile road march on Service Road at Fort Indiantown Gap. The officer candidates were enrolled in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard's Officer Candidate School Traditional Program, a three-phase program that runs throughout the year. The first phase is a two-week training course that focuses on land navigation. According to officer candidate Barry Wood, this is the “shockand-awe phase,” which focuses on details and forming a proper mindset. This is the phase where people drop out. The second phase takes place over a year's worth of drill weekends. The third phase is also a two-week course. In one class, the five who were left from the original eight were in the second phase and were slated to graduate Sept. 26. “I came to OCS here at Fort Indiantown Gap. It fit my lifestyle, fit what I needed, and they were able to work with me as an individual and as a team member,” said officer candidate Eric Jackson. Wood said the best part of the training here is the attention he gets from the TAC officers, or teaching assessment counselors. Officer candidate John Cale of West Virginia said he wanted to become an officer to be the same kind of quality mentor to younger Soldiers that he had as he rose through the enlisted ranks to 22 / GUARDIANS / Summer 2010 Officer Candidates Juston Jones, John Cale and Barry Wood walk the last leg of a seven-mile road march during phase two of Officer Candidate School at Fort Indiantown Gap March 7. The candidates were required to complete the course in less than two and a half hours in order to pass. Photo: Sgt. Shawn Miller Two officer candidates walk along Service Road during a seven-mile road march as the sun rises over Fort Indiantown Gap March 7. Photo: Sgt. Shawn Miller
sergeant. Cale said a major part of the program here is learning about trust. “The Soldiers here accepted me as part of the group and made me feel welcome,” said Cale, the only out-of-state candidate in his class. In addition to the traditional option, potential officer candidates have the option of choosing the accelerated plan where the three phases are compressed into a continuous nine weeks. Jones said he chose the traditional option because it fit better with his life and his many responsibilities. Before entering OCS, potential officer candidates need to have a high score on the Graduate Management Admission Test and have top scores on the annual physical fitness test. The candidate must also be willing to go the distance to exceed standards in general. “This is for the strong, not for the weak,” said Jackson, adding that strength of mind and body are necessary to complete this training and become a good officer. The Officer Candidate School of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard here has what it takes to develop, as Cale said, “all assets of becoming a leader.” ❖ Transforming recruits into Soldiers and officers When a Pennsylvania Army National Guard recruit signs the dotted line of an enlistment contract, it might seem like taking a huge leap. But it’s probably not the biggest step the future Soldier will take in their military career. Before they complete their Initial Entry Training, National Guard members in the Recruit Sustainment Program work hard to become great Soldiers. Some Soldiers will go on to answer the call to leadership by training at Officer Candidate School. These are just two of the programs the Pennsylvania National Guard offers to ensure that Soldiers never stop taking steps toward self improvement. ❖ Recruit Sustainment Program By Spc. Coltin Heller Before leaving for basic training many Soldiers who join the Pennsylvania Army National Guard drill with the Recruit Sustainment Program, which gives the new recruits a head start on the training they will receive when they leave. “It’s not what I expected,” said Pvt. Cliff Parsons, who was surprised at the quality of the training. “The training between the classroom and the field was balanced out well.” At the age of 30, Parsons was the oldest person in his Recruit Sustainment Detachment. He joined the National Guard for an adventure and to see where it might lead him. “I wanted to do something different and worthwhile. This was really the best choice for me,” said Parsons. For Parsons and his fellow Soldiers, one weekend brought a variety of lessons. First, there was a lesson on how to properly secure and search a detainee or enemy prisoner of war. After lunch the Soldiers were given instruction on driving Humvees, and then applied the instructions as they drove them. Physical training was conducted on both mornings, readying them for the road marches and other physical activities that are common at basic training. Many classes are given by the RSD to enhance the Soldiers’ readiness for basic training. Basic military skills such as drill and ceremony, customs and courtesies, the phonetic alphabet, first aid, and weapon assembly and cleaning are some of the many skills taught. The training is also open for future Soldiers, as visitors are welcome to attend the training, experiencing how Army training actually is conducted. Sixteen-year-old Ryan Topper is one such person. “I always wanted to be in the Army,” said Topper. He is looking forward to April when he turns 17 and is planning to enlist in the Army. “I like the classes, and the physical training is a big help,” he said. “I just wanted to join and do my part, you know? I want to do my duty.” ❖ Soldiers from the Pennsylvania National Guard’s Recruit Sustainment Detachment 4, are led in physical training by their drill sergeant, Sgt.1st Class Edward Zink at Fort Indiantown Gap March 7. Photo: Pfc. David Strayer Summer 2010 / GUARDIANS / 23
Page 3: Governor Edward G. Rendell Governor
Page 6 and 7: Divisions unite for National Guard
Page 8 and 9: By Sgt. Tom Bourke Piloting the 35,
Page 10 and 11: Fog envelops the obstacle course at
Page 13: Transmission Accomplished: 193rd co
Page 17 and 18: By Staff Sgt. Ivyann Castillo and C
Page 19 and 20: The Workingmen’s Benevolent Assoc
Page 21 and 22: troops in the history of the Pennsy
Page 27 and 28: Story and photo courtesy of the Pen
Page 29 and 30: share the sky with the Army’s lat
Page 31: The Pennsylvania National Guard cel
Page 34: CURATOR’S CORNER By Charles Oelli

Pennsylvania Guardians - Summer 2010

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