Scavenger Hunting in the Army

By: Gia Cruz

Cadets from Georgia Institute of Technology conduct classes over land navigation, Acworth, Ga. (Thursday, January 24, 2019). Students from Kennesaw State University learn the basics for finding an assigned point throughout heavy vegetation. (Photo/Gia Cruz)
Cadet Richardson Bioh starts to plot coordinates on a Tenino map, Acworth, Ga (Thursday, January 24, 2019). Cadets are given an 8 digit coordinate to practice with to measure how well the subject is taught. (Photo/Gia Cruz)
Cadets receive a series of grid coordinates which allows them to start a route to plan, Acworth, GA. (Thursday, January 24,2019). After receiving coordinates, students are expected to plot their five coordinates, utilize their compasses, use tactics and write down codes once they arrive at their points, which will all be conducted in a 1 hour time span. (Photo/Gia Cruz)

Cadets Phillip Hurt and Aneesa Hedrington use a compass to find the direction that will lead them to their points, Acworth, Ga. (Thursday, January 24,2019). By using degrees, angles, and an azimuth, students attain a general location of where their mission is set to start. (Photo/Gia Cruz)

Cadet Phillip Hurt measures distance from the starting point to his next point in meters with a protractor, Acworth, Ga. (Thursday, January 24, 2019). By measuring the distance is between points, students know how many steps to take to their next known location. (Photo/Gia Cruz)

Land navigation coordinates are displayed on standard paper with follow on procedures, Acworth, Ga. (Thursday, January 24, 2019). Once a cadet finds their points, they write down the phonetic alphabet and tape color associated with the coordinates and continue the process for 4 other points. (Photo/Gia Cruz)

Cadet Ricky Pinedo reviews a point with his listed coordinates, Acworth, Ga. (Thursday, January 24, 2019). After the last point is located, students are able to return to their starting point and receive a passing grade for land navigation. (Photo/Gia Cruz)

Rising Green Machines

By: Gia T. Cruz

Kennesaw, GA.- With the wind blowing harshly in a cold Georgia winter, you would think that it is insane to see 50 people dressed alike laying flat on an open road. A screaming sound carries in the wind, followed by dynamic movements and a group yelling back with a countdown.

These people aren’t just the standard Kennesaw State student, they are 2nd lieutenant prospectives looking to join a cause greater than their own, the United States Army.

Stinger Battalion, headquartered in the Georgia Institute of Technology, has seen many students transform from civilians to soldiers. With an already rigorous school schedule, Cadets are expected to maintain a good standing GPA, pass the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), attend tactical classes, conduct hands on training as well as the planning and execution of assigned events. An added bonus is for Cadets to show heart, charisma, resiliency and integrity.

Cadets of Stinger Battalion, Owl company present the nation’s colors at SunTrust Park.
Photo By:Gia Cruz

The Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) molds students who have never had military experience to move as a unit, customs and courtesies, speaking with confidence, as well as attaining basic soldiering skills. Prior enlisted soldiers also join the program to advance their careers within the military and obtain an officer status while expanding upon the knowledge that they have already acquired through their years of service.

With events ranging from presenting the nation’s colors at football games or attending the required and rigorous month long training held at Ft. Knox, KY, Cadets learn to become well rounded individuals who act upon quick and logical thinking as well as strategically taking a tactical pause.

Students of Kennesaw State University receive a contracting ceremony in order to comission as 2nd Lieutenants upon graduation.
Photo By: Gia Cruz

Although these future officers struggle to walk within the brushes of thorns and vines in the hot and humid weather at Ft. Benning, these Cadets ball up their fist, which falls over the seam of their camoflagued cargo pants, alternating them naturally 30 inches forward and 15 inches back, beads of sweat start to fall into their eyes. They all praise moments like these. Moments like these are what make the end result that much greater.