Issue 6
Year 2022-2023
SIBLING IN ARMS
CLIP-B INCENTIVES
ALL ARMY SMALL ARMS
Texas A&M Army ROTC team took the Sandhurst ROTC Cup at the annual Sandhurst Military Skills Competition that took place at the U.S. Military Academy (USMA) between April 28 and 29. The competition had undergone multiple changes since it started in 1967. This year, Army ROTC battalions across the U.S., all service academies, and 14 international teams from across the globe competed in the two-day competition. While it is called the Sandhurst Military Skills Competition after the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) in the United Kingdom, the annual competition has
always been held at West Point. Sandhurst was started in 1967 when RMAS presented West Point with a British Officer's sword to use as the prize for a competition to promote military excellence.
It wasn't until 1975 that the competition began to resemble its current form with teams taking part in different challenges to test their military skills. Starting in 1992, ROTC teams began competing, and since 2002 the competition had featured a diverse group of international teams as well as the Naval, Coast Guard and Air Force academies from across the country.
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in Ft. Hood (new name Fort Cavazos) in preparation for camp. This year, Charlie Company of WTB hosted a joint FTX with Prairie View, University of Houston, and Rudder’s/Ranger Challenge rising MSIVs in order to simulate a realistic camp training experience.
The AGGIE WARBATT is a quarterly publication published by Texas A&M University Army ROTC Program at College Station, Texas.
Professor of Military Science
Col. Blake A. Connors
Photographer /Art Director / Editor
Lt. Col. Lan T. Dalat Chief Military Science Instructor
Fellow Cadets,
It has been a great honor and privilege to have served as the Cadet Battalion Commander of the Warrior Training Battalion at Texas A&M University Army ROTC for school year 2023.
After welcoming back cadets from a well deserved winter break, the Warrior Training Battalion jumped into an exciting and intense spring training calendar. It was our priority to prepare our MSIVs and all other cadets attending both Basic and Advanced camp at Cadet Summer Training, Fort Knox, KY and other specialty schools (Air Assault, Airborne, i.e.) this summer.
WTB started its training with the Rudder’s Winter FTX, which allowed the program extra focus on platoon level tactics to prepare for the upcoming semester. In February, all companies participated in Megalab. During this time, our rising MSIVs got a special opportunity to train marksmanship
Training for our MSIs and MSIIs focused on preparation to rise into their roles for the following year. Their training focused on the all the things needed to be a successful MSIII including leadership rotations at squad and PLT level, marksmanship, land navigation, and squad/platoon tactics.
Lastly, our Ranger Challenge team brought home first place in the ROTCs from the Sandhurst competition, placing 4th overall. This was due to all the hard work, training, and teamwork developed and executed over the past semesters.
As I transition from ROTC into big Army, Cadet Steven Petracca from Corps of Cadets Company E-1 will be taking my place as next semester’s Battalion Commander. I have no doubt that Steven will lead the Battalion effectively through an ever-growing training environment in the fall semester.
Overall, the time that I have spent in the Battalion has been priceless. I cannot begin to express how proud I am of how the Battalion conducted itself everyday in its training and tasks over the past year,
Sergeant Major Mark Lavender
Director of Recruitment /Marketing
Mr. David R. Manning
Cadet Battalion Commander
Cadet Lt. Col. Virginia Condry
The AGGIE WARBATT is a newsletter produced for members of the U.S. Army ROTC. The contents of the AGGIE WARBATT are not the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, Department of Defense, Department of the Army, or the 1st Brigade, US Army Cadet Command. It is published quarterly in accordance with AR 25-30.
especially how incredible the command teams and staff promoted successful training. It has been an honor to have served in this role as Cadet Battalion Commander, and I am proud of every member of this organization. I also want to take this opportunity to thank the Professor of Military Science, Colonel Connors and his staff of cadre for their mentorship and leadership that made us one of the best ROTC programs in the nation.
Fort Benning, Georgia This year’s U.S. Army Small Arms Championships was more than just a unique training event for two Texas A&M Reserve Officers' Training Corps cadets, it was a family affair.
Cadets Hayle Mayer and Jesse Mayer, who are sisters, participated in the week-long, comprehensive, live-fire marksmanship training event that brings together more than 250 Soldiers from across the U.S. Army to the Maneuver Center of Excellence. The annual
event, which is commonly called the All Army, is hosted by the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit and opens up with All Army competitors receiving a variety of classes from the USAMU champions and experienced trainers.
After that, the Soldier competitors, who were a mix of servicemembers from active duty, Reserve, National Guard and ROTC, put the lessons to the test on the ranges by competing in 11 different courses of fire
during the week. The variety of matches allowed the Soldiers to compete in both rifle and pistol matches, with and without combat gear, as well a four- stage multigun match.
As a senior, All Army 2023 was Jesse’s second year to compete and the cadet said each year has been extremely helpful in developing her Soldier skills.
“I think both times that I have come here, I have really grown marksman… just learning the basics, what I am capable of, watching improvement each year, and just learning how complex
fact, they were born into that life since both their parents were Marines, both grandfathers were Soldiers and a grandmother was an Airman.
That meant that military life was just always there. It’s what we saw and respected, Jesse explained.
“Everyone was so disciplined and so patriotic. There was just such a higher purpose to the military that I always saw, and I wanted to be part of that.”
So when it came time for college, joining an Army ROTC program was nothing out of the ordinary because both our parents instilled a strong sense of independence and strength in us, Jesse said.
“Our parents really made sure that we always knew that we were capable of anything that we wanted to do. So there was nothing stopping us, as long as we put our minds to it and put in the hard work.”
And that’s exactly why Hayle and Jesse were at All Army. As part of their ROTC’s Ranger Challenge Team, the cadets competed in the USAMU training
is. It’s been really incredible each time.”
For her sophomore sister, Hayle, it was her first All Army experience. With limited prior marksmanship experience and spending all week with an array of Soldiers with a range of marksmanship knowledge, Hayle said she was trying to absorb all that she could.
“I am just learning basically everything you can about shooting.”
Though Hayle and Jesse may at be different levels of marksmanship knowledge, the sisters say that military life in general is nothing new to them. In
event to gather experience and knowledge that they could later share with other cadets. That way, the A&M Team will be stronger and more knowledgeable before we go to the Sandhurst Military Skills Competition at West Point, Hayle explained.
“We all want each other to do the best that we can.”
Jesse reflected that same espirit de corps as well when asked about if her and her little sister were competitive with each other.
“We are very competitive with each other, but also very supportive I think we balance each other out.”
Sharing knowledge with her teammates, and her little sister, is just a way to pave it forward and frankly, just how we were brought up, Jesse explained.
“Growing up, I watched it the honor, the sacrifice, and what it meant to give back and serve other people, your Country and your family.”
With all that, Jesse is proud to say that she is contracted to commission in May of 2024 and looks forward to carrying on her family’s tradition of service.
“It means a lot to me to serve my Country, to push myself in any way that I can, and it is part of a family legacy being in the military and I just want to complete that and do that for my family.”
Though military service is a tradition in the family, Hayle says it's not something she feels like she has to do as well. She just wants to do it too, and that’s the advice she’d give to any other young adult, or even a little sister.
“Hold yourself to your own standards, not the standards of other people. If you want to do something, then that’s just the fact and just do it.”
Cadet McFarland won the Rudders Rangers rifle matches and outshot over 110 fellow competitors. Cadet McFarland will be representing Army ROTC and Rudders Rangers at the All-Army Small Arms Championship in March.
CDT Katie Humphreys 23’, the RC Platoon Sergeant, won the Rudders Rangers Pistol matches. She will be making her second trip to Ft. Benning, GA in March to compete at the All-Army Small Arms Championship
OCompanies conducted a MEGALAB training event in the form of a large competition with the freshman and sophomore Army ROTC cadets at Texas A&M. The primary training focus of this training event was to develop the cadet’s understanding and knowledge of squad-level tactics and individual soldiering skill, while also allowing them to gain valuable leadership experience.
On the first day of the training event, 60 cadets were broken into 15 teams and competed in an individual soldiering skills competition. The competition consisted of weapons drills and knowledge, map tests, tactical casualty combat care lanes, and a medical evacuation lane. During the competition, cadets were graded against each other on both a speed scale as well as an accuracy scale. All the cadets had already been taught and had the opportunity to practice every tested element of this training competition prior to starting, allowing them to display their mastery during the competition. During the competition, the cadets were,
the day the cadets had completed all the stations and the standing of the teams was announced.
Going into the second day of training, the cadets started at the endurance and obstacle courses where they again competed in their teams against each other. After the competition was concluded the training continued by having the cadets conduct a 2.5-mile foot march to the training area. Once there, the cadets participated in a 4-hour day land-nav test. Following the land nav, the cadets conducted squad STX lanes, that was monitored by cadre and OTMs. The first STX lane was a reconnaissance and was graded on the cadet’s ability to gather the most PIR, finish in the fastest time, and not be spotted. Next was an evacuation lane. This lane was graded on the cadet’s ability to treat all wounds correctly, in the fasted time, and send up a correct 9-line report. The final lane was an ACFT and stress BRM lane. Here the cadets first elevated their heartrate and then conducted basic rifle drills for accuracy and speed.
to keep Cadets from pulling April fools pranks on each other and professors. The first March to the Brazos was held on April 1st, 1908 and was short lived for only a few years till it concluded in 1912 when the tradition was lost. The march was originally very organized and overseen by military advisors and senior members in the Corps. However, in April of 1977, the tradition was revived by Cadet leadership when they saw it as an opportunity to raise money for the March of Dimes. Since 1977, the tradition has continued to take place every weekend before Final Review. The tradition consists of an 18 mile march, lead by the Corps Commander and the Commandant of the Corps. Stepoff begins early on a Saturday morning where cadets leave the Quadrangle and march to the Texas A&M Beef Center, 9 miles away. Upon arriving to the Beef Center, cadets take part in a good bull smoke session lead by the outgoing commanding officer as well as
leadership ranks. Lunch is served and cadets promptly begin the 9 mile march back lead by the new Corps Commander. Graduating seniors are bused back to the Quadrangle since they are no longer in leadership of their outfits. Upon each outfits return to the Quadrangle, seniors greet them with a tailgate to celebrate their new leadership.
After interviewing some cadets from Company E1, it was a general consensus that most cadets have enjoyed their experience participating in March to the Brazos but look forward to their senior year when they are able to get bused back. Most cadets that I questioned about stated that they most disliked the march back as it always felt longer than the march out to the Beef Center. March to the Brazos mainly serves as a last bonding experience for all classes together before breaking for the summer and new leadership takes over.
On April 6th, 2023, the senior dine-in event of the class of 2023 was held with great excitement for all who would attend. The Cavalry Court served as the perfect venue for this grand event, which was organized with great care and attention to detail. The evening kicked off with an introduction of the Official Party, followed by the National Anthem. The Invocation was presented by Cadet Borseth, who delivered a powerful message that set the tone for the rest of the evening. The History of the Dining -In was then presented, which was a nostalgic reminder of the rich history and tradition. The iconic mixing of the Grog, toasting & the rules of the Mess were then carried out. The mess was then served, which consisted of a delicious menu that was meticulously prepared by the culinary team. The guest speaker of the evening was none other than COL (Ret.) Mark Brown, class of ‘78, who had a wealth of experience in the Army. He discussed the 10 keys to becoming the best officers that they could be, which included making ‘we’ decisions, not ‘me’ decisions,
always making a difference in their unit, and, above all else, having fun as an officer. These 10 pieces of advice will undoubtedly serve as a guiding light for the current leaders of the Army as they face tomorrow’s challenges head-on. Throughout the dine-in, the cadets enjoyed the company of their comrades and cadre, and bonded over shared experiences from the past four years. This senior dine-in was a bittersweet experience for many, as they were excited to start the next chapter of their lives but saddened to leave behind a wonderful program that had allowed them to thrive over the past few years. In conclusion, the senior dine-in event of the class of 2023 was a resounding success, which will be remembered fondly by all those who attended. The organizers deserve special recognition for their efforts in putting together such a memorable event, which truly captured the spirit and tradition of the U.S. Military Academy. We wish the class of 2023 all the best for their future endeavors and thank them for their future service to our country.
This model fosters engagement with a myriad of people while visiting the host country, and gives them an opportunity to truly understand the strategic importance of that country to the United States.
During this excursion to Chile, Cadets visited the U.S.
The Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M develops well educated leaders of character through academic support programs, military training, and leader development. There are approximately 2000 students in the Corps at this time, and approximately 40 the US military when they graduate.
This Summer, the O four International Excursion program for cadets in the Corps to Chile, England/France, Greece, and Israel. Due to the current confl cancelled. Now in its 12th cadets from Texas A&M University with an understanding of the geopolitical issues in countries that are strategically important to the United States. The excursion program provides cadets an opportunity to engage with people from different countries, di different perspectives on key issues. Texas A&M Corps of Cadets also try to build in a peer the country's military academy or ROTC equivalent.
The framework used for the International Excursions is the DIME-R model: Diplomacy, Information, Military, Economics, and Religion/Culture. This framework provides a strategic focus throughout their visit, as well as context for their fi
U.S. Army Cadet Command (USACC) pays a bonus to Cadets taking Army and DoD strategic languages.
PURPOSE: The purpose of the Culture and Language Incentive Program - Bonus (CLIP-B) program is to promote the study of languages and cultural studies that are of importance to the Army.
ELIGIBILITY: Only contracted Cadets in good standing may request CLIP-B payment. Any classes taken prior to contracting are not eligible for payment. Classes taken during the same term the Cadet contracted are eligible.
$100 per semester credit hour
LEVEL - III
$200 per semester credit hour
LEVEL - IV
$250 per semester credit hour
Portuguese (Brazilian or European)
$150 per semester credit hour
Amharic; Azerbaijani; Baluchi; Bengali; Burmese; Cebuano; Georgian; Hausa; Hebrew (Modern only); Hindi; Igbo; Kurdish; Kurmanji; Maguindinao; Maranao; Pashto or Pashtun; Pashto-Afghan; Pashto-Peshwari; Persian-Dari; Persian-Farsi; Punjabi; Russian; SerboCroatian; Somali; Sorani; Tagalog; Tajik; Tausug; Thai; Turkish; Turkmen; Ukrainian; Urdu; Uzbek; Vietnamese; Yakan; Yoruba
Arabic; Chinese-Mandarin; Japanese; Korean
Bonus payments are based on the language taken and the number of semester credit hours for that class.
Four years of training had finally come to a culmination. The first three years as Cadets, they were trained in basic soldiering skills and leadership skills in order to prepare them for Cadet Summer Training at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Outside of graduating college, Advanced Camp served as the biggest commissioning requirement. The performance evaluations at Advanced Camp directly impact the branch selection process. At the end of last semester, December and May graduates received their branches. All that was remaining was to graduate and commission.
The commissioning process followed as such. First, Cadets were getting uniforms fitted and wired to meet Army Regulation. Second, commissioning rehearsal were conducted on May 10th at Reed Arena
0700, all commissioning Cadets reported to the Army ROTC office to sign commissioning paperwork which legally turning Cadets to Commissioned Officers of the U.S. Army in the grad of second lieutenants. Fourth, following signing of commissioning paperwork, commissioned officer spread out across campus doing personal pinning ceremonies with friends and family. An NCO of choice rendered the first salute to the newly commissioned officer. Fifth, all commissioning officers across all services arrived at Reed Arena early afternoon for the public commissioning ceremony. Following the ceremony, these young officers will be scheduled to attend Basic Officer Leadership Course (BOLC) and report to their first units. Due to the outstanding leadership of Colonel Blake Connors and his staff and Cadre, Texas Aggie lieutenants will be beyond prepared to lead America’s finest Soldiers!
2LT Alfonso, Johabian Brandon USA
2LT Apodaca, Michael USA
2LT Barnhart, Zachary Steven ARNG
2LT Barrera, Jonathon David USA
2LT Barrett, Connor D USA
2LT Beckman, Tyler Cade ARNG
2LT Benson, Brian USA
2LT Benteman, Wyatt Patrick USA
2LT Biles, Fletcher Joseph USA
2LT Borseth, Andrew Mark USA
2LT Cannon, Alexander Jackson USA
2LT Condry, Virginia Grace USA
2LT Contreras, Ethan Michael USA
2LT Edwards, Jacob Daniel USA
2LT Elsom, Preston Bill USA
2LT Fontana, William Peter USA
2LT Freese, Asher John Thomas USA
2LT Garza, Chase Anthony USA
2LT Gonzalez, Seth Danielsauceda USA
2LT Guieb, Ross Dylan Fortuno USA
2LT Guieb, Ross Ryan Fortuno USA
2LT Hagan, Peter Jacob USA
2LT Harrell, John Porter USA
2LT Hartman, Alexander Blake USA
2LT Head, Simrun Kaur USA
2LT Hernandez, Victoria Ann USA
2LT Hintz, Dayton Joseph USAR
2LT Hirshman, Maxwell Lee USA
2LT Huddleston, Michael Cole USA
2LT Humphreys, Katie Anna USA
2LT Hussein, Hadder USA
2LT Ibanez, Benito USA
2LT Keck, Cole Louis USA
2LT Kennedy, Caleb Casey USA
2LT Kennis, Jed Louis ARNG
2LT Kester, Sydney Lauren ARNG
2LT Klinger, Garrett T USAR
2LT Lamotte, Bailey Loren USA
2LT Layne, Noah Christopher USA
2LT Loeza, Carlos Nicholas USA
2LT Lyon, Luke William USA
2LT Mendozalozano, Joel USA
2LT Meyer, David Kenneth ARNG
2LT Miller, Brady Allen USA
2LT Morris, Reid Mcphail USA
2LT Pattison, Ross William USAR
2LT Quinteros, Brandon Amilcar USA
2LT Rast, Will Howard USA
2LT Reavis, Allyson Marie USA
2LT Ritchie, Matthew Alexander USA
2LT Schultze, Matthew Paul USA
2LT Shamburger, Garrett Parks USA
2LT Silva, Caleb Francis USA
2LT Stine, Joshua Paul USAR
2LT Sudbury, Benjamin Butler USA
2LT Tschirhart, Cole Alexander USA
2LT Tulli, David Michael USA
2LT Van Tassell, Julius Edward USA
2LT Wachhaus, Gustav Aaron USA
2LT Watson, Robert Matthew Jordan USAR
2LT Weaver, Elizabeth Nicole USA
2LT Wood, Jonah Keanu USA
spirit unites us all in a way that is meaningful and gives us purpose. As a Major Unit Commander (MUC), I oversee 150 cadets. This is a very rewarding experience as it offers the ability to learn to lead and how to handle real world situations. Some great examples of this are things like medical emergencies, finance issues, physical fitness, disciplinary issues, and mentorship. During both semesters we have many events that must be coordinated, such as March-Ins for TAMU Football games, the BBQs that take place before the game, volunteering, Muster, Silver Taps and MTTB to name a few. These types of things are directly applicable to what I will experience as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. The planning that is associated with these events and the coordination with the outfits is something that takes proper planning and risk mitigation to be successful. I am very fortunate to be able to have these experiences prior to commissioning as it will allow me to be more understanding and able to problem solve issues with my fellow soldiers.
I will commission at the end of camp. Which means that I will graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in May and attend the United States Army Advance Camp this summer, which is a capstone test of everything that I
have learned during my time in Army ROTC. Being in
cer it has been my goal since I can remember. I would watch my father jump out of airplanes and complete ruck marches and march in parades; from that point on I knew that this is something that I wanted to do. Attending a Senior Military College has many advantages, the opportunities that we are afforded here is limitless. Being able to create relationships with other cadets from other branches of ROTC is a benefit of attending Texas A&M. Likewise, the special units like Rudders Rangers, Ranger Challenge to name a few is something that we can join to enhance our training and prepare us for Advanced Camp.
I am very grateful for the experiences that I have been able to create as a MUC and an ROTC cadet. It has been very rewarding, the lessons that I have learned are something that I will take with me during my career as an Army Officer. I would say that doing both the Corps leadership and ROTC go hand in hand. The experiences that I have during my time in command will be directly applicable to leading soldiers upon the completion of Advanced Camp this summer. I am excited and look forward to completing this capstone and everything that the future has in store for me as Second Lieutenant in the United States Army.
This year, 16 international teams from 15 countries return to the fight to compete in the 2023 Sandhurst competition. Competitors from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Denmark, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Italy, South Korea, Greece, Japan, Mexico, Poland, and United Kingdom came back to the fight.
After fighting through two days of obstacles and lugging their minimum 35 lb. rucks for
approximately 30 miles, one team will be crowned the Sandhurst champion. The winner is chosen based on performance at each of the obstacles as well as the speed with which they complete them.
This year, the Sandhurst ROTC Cup came home to Aggieland with the Fighting Texas Aggies.
You may be able to take advantage of a program that allows you to participate in ROTC and enlist in the Army National Guard or Army Reserve at the same time, provided a vacancy exists in either a Guard or Reserve unit. It's called the Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP), and it means that while you're still in college at Texas A&M, you can be gaining valuable experience and earning extra income. In the SMP, you will be paid at the rate of at least a Sergeant (E-5) for your Guard or Reserve service. In addition, you'll receive the ROTC Advanced Course allowance as well. You'll serve as an officer trainee in a Guard or Reserve unit and perform duties commensurate with the grade of second lieutenant. Once you graduate and receive your commission, you may continue your military service with your Reserve or National Guard unit or go on active duty. The ROTC Contract that is agreed upon will determine a cadet status. You are considered Non-Deployable during your time as an SMP Cadet!
The intent of the SMP Program is to increase officer accessions into the Reserve Components (RC) by increasing ROTC enrollment from enlisted RC members who are attending college. In addition, contracted nonscholarship cadets and Reserve Forces Duty (RFD) scholarship cadets can join a RC unit and the SMP. Advanced Course ROTC SMP students are paid for their Guard/Reserve training and receive the ROTC allowance as well as $1200.00 per year for books. Upon completing the ROTC program, the United States Army Officer agrees to an eight-year obligation, which can be served in the Reserve Forces, on Active Duty or a combination of the two.
ROTC monthly stipend of $420 a month
SMP kicker $368 a month
GI Bill (amount varies depending on previous military service status)
Drill pay of E-5 ($5,181.75 annually)
Be enrolled in college and have completed at least 30 credits. Have completed Basic and/or Advanced Individual Training. Be under 30 years of age by graduation. Waivers can be granted if you are under 39 years of age by graduation.
You pursue an Army-approved academic major.
2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
You meet required physical standards.
Participating in the SMP program requires you to take ROTC classes, which demand a few hours of your time each week. Upon graduation, you have an obligation to accept a commission and serve full-time in the Active Army, or part-time in either the Army National Guard or the U.S. Army Reserve.
I am an Army Cadet.
Soon I will take an oath and become an Army Officer committed to defending the values, which make this nation great. Honor is my touchstone. I understand mission first and people always.
I am the PAST: the spirit of those warriors who have made the final sacrifice.
I am the PRESENT: the scholar and apprentice soldier enhancing my skills in the science of warfare and the art of leadership.
But, above all, I am the FUTURE: the future warrior leader of the United States Army.
May God give me the compassion and judgment to lead and the gallantry in battle to WIN.
