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JROTC Cadets from Across the Country Take on the National Raider Challenge

Saturday, November 2nd, 2024

FORT KNOX, Ky. — As the early morning sun broke the dawn, hundreds of JROTC cadets moved to their start positions. Radio crackles could be heard across the starting lines, signaling the competition was about to begin. Nervous faces turned serious. On the command ‘Go!’ cadets broke into a sprint, striving to bring home the gold.

The JROTC National Raider Challenge, hosted by U.S. Army Cadet Command, brought more than 5,000 cadets from across the country to Fort Knox Oct. 24-27, 2024, to test their grit and attempt to bring home the title of National Raider Champion.

“This is an opportunity to see America at its finest, and these young people came to battle it out and they want to win,” said Sgt. Maj of the Army Michael R. Wiemer, the Army’s senior enlisted advisor.

While this was an event for high school students, it was not for the faint of heart. The competition featured grueling obstacle courses, a 5K run and the infamous one rope bridge among other challenging tasks. Despite how overwhelming this competition may seem to some, JROTC cadets who have been training for months happily accepted the challenge.

“My team has been training since summer started,” said Cadet Stephanie Quintero-Hernandez from Palmetto High School, Florida. “We knew that we were coming to nationals, and we wanted to win. We’ve been working extra, even during the hurricanes. Nothing stopped us.”

The competition is divided into three divisions – Challenge, Masters and All-Service. The Challenge division competed on Friday and is comparable to junior varsity in other high school sports, with teams being made up of younger or less experienced cadets. The Masters division competed on Saturday and is the equivalent of varsity with teams comprised of primarily upper classmen who typically have years of raider experience. Competing alongside the Master divisions were JROTC programs from the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps who were slated in the All-Service Division.

Once the Masters and All-Service divisions concluded, the top finishing teams nominated two cadets to represent their school in the Ultimate Raider challenge — a three-mile course broken up into an 800-meter sprint, a 14-station obstacle course, a 25-meter swim and a 2-mile run. The results from the Ultimate Raider Challenge are then combined with their overall scores from Saturday’s events to create the final standings for the competition.

During the final awards ceremony, the top 12 finishers of the Ultimate Raider Challenge were presented a 4-year Army ROTC scholarship. These scholarships will allow the cadets to continue their education at their school of choice with an Army ROTC program, provided that they meet the minimum requirements and choose to serve as an officer in the Army.

“It’s events like this that show the true colors of these cadets and prove that they are ready to be the next generation of leaders for this country,” said Brig. Gen. Maurice Barnett, commanding general of U.S. Army Cadet Command. “We saw some true grit and determination from all of the competitors as they faced a pretty tough course — and they should be incredibly proud of themselves and their teams.”

In addition to the competition, cadets experienced a festival like atmosphere throughout the weekend. From performances by the Army’s ‘As You Were’ rock band to demonstrations from premier military units, there was plenty to entertain cadets and families. This event also gave cadets the opportunity to talk to multiple universities, helping them decide their paths after high school.

Competition Results

Masters Division

Male

1st Place — Leavenworth High School

2nd Place — Adairsville High School

3rd Place — Etowah High School

Female

1st Place — Leavenworth High School

2nd Place — Ozark High School

3rd Place — Warren County High School

Mixed

1st Place — Clarkrange High School

2nd Place — Georgia Military College Prep School

3rd Place — Smith-Cotton High School

All-Service Division

Males

1st Place — Hendersonville High School

2nd Place — Camdenton High School

3rd Place — Campbell County High School

Females

1st Place — Live Oaks High School

2nd Place — Logan County High School

3rd Place — Smith-Cotton High School

Mixed

1st Place — Walker High School

2nd Place — Concordia Lutheran High School

3rd Place — Rhea County High School

Challenge Division

Male

1st Place — George Rogers Clark High School

2nd Place — Manatee High School

3rd Place — Bluffton High School

Female

1st Place — Palmetto High School

2nd Place — Manatee High School

3rd Place — Claudia Taylor Johnson High School

Mixed

1st Place — Newsome High School

2nd Place — Northeast High School

3rd Place — Kenwood High School

By Ian Ives

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CTOMS Presents: Evolution of Tourniquet Placement Guidelines

Friday, November 1st, 2024

Since its inception, the Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care (CoTCCC) has evolved its guidance on tourniquet placement, especially with advancements in battlefield medicine and lessons learned from conflicts.

1. Early Guidance (1990s-early 2000s): Initially, CoTCCC recognized the need for clear guidelines on tourniquet use due to the high number of preventable deaths from extremity hemorrhage. The early recommendation was to place a tourniquet high and tight on the limb, proximal to the injury, and as close to the trunk as necessary. This guidance emphasized speed to control bleeding, often at the expense of precision in placement.

2. Afghanistan and Iraq Wars (2000s): As lessons were learned in the field, CoTCCC reinforced the importance of tourniquet use in preventing deaths from extremity hemorrhage. The “high and tight” guidance remained, particularly when rapid placement was required in chaotic situations or when the precise location of the wound was obscured.

3. Refinements in the 2010s: Over time, CoTCCC refined its recommendations with more precise guidance. While the “high and tight” rule was still valid in situations requiring immediate bleeding control, there was a recognition that a more targeted approach—placing the tourniquet 2-3 inches above the bleeding site—was optimal when conditions allowed. This approach helped minimize tissue damage and nerve injury associated with prolonged tourniquet use.

4. Current Position: The current CoTCCC position balances the “high and tight” placement for emergency situations where time is critical, with a preference for more targeted placement when the exact source of bleeding can be identified. The focus remains on immediate and effective bleeding control, followed by rapid evacuation and medical intervention.

In essence, CoTCCC has continuously emphasized the critical role of tourniquets while refining the guidance to reflect a balance between speed and precision, with a focus on saving lives while minimizing potential complications.

To learn more about tourniquet application and massive hemorrhage control, CTOMSAcademy.com provides Emergency Bleeding Control courses on our e-learning platform. Use code SSD25 for 25% off all CTOMS Academy training.

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FirstSpear Friday Focus: Cold Climate Gloves

Friday, November 1st, 2024

Key Features:

PrimaLoft Gold Insulation —High-performance warmth with a water-resistant insert.

Touchscreen Compatibility**: Index finger is touchscreen-sensitive for device use.

Keratan Palm Patch—Durable, provides extra grip and protection.

Super Soft Suede

Adjustable Elastic Wrist— Ensures a secure, customized fit.

Don’t let the cold slow you down—gear up with FirstSpear’s Cold Climate Gloves, designed to keep you warm without sacrificing functionality. These gloves are lightweight, warm, and now available in fatigue green and black.

With PrimaLoft Gold insulation, these gloves deliver premium warmth while staying highly breathable and water-resistant, perfect for varying winter conditions. The Pittards Keratan leather palm patch ensures durability and extra grip, critical in demanding environments. Touchscreen capability on the index finger and a soft suede thumb provide both function and comfort, while the adjustable wrist cuff ensures a snug fit that locks in warmth.

Built to be reliable, warm, and adaptive, these gloves are a solid choice for anyone facing cold climates and needing dependable handwear.

Learn more at www.first-spear.com/cold-climate-glove-ccg.

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First Enlisted US Air Force Air Defense Artillery Fire Control Officers certified

Friday, November 1st, 2024

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. (AFNS) —

The Washington Air National Guard’s 225th Air Defense Squadron hosted its second Joint Kill Chain Exercise for 14 U.S. Army and two 225th ADS enlisted weapons directors Sept. 24-27 at the Western Air Defense Sector on Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

The JKCE is the final event at the end of a three-week Air Defense Artillery Fire Control Officers course. The academic portion of the course was hosted by the 1-51 Air Defense Artillery Battalion on JB Lewis-McChord from Sept 9-23.

The course is designed to instill ADAFCOs with the necessary skills to integrate Army Air and Missile Defense engagement operations at the appropriate controlling authority,” explained U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jesus Arellano. “All operations are tied into the Joint Integrated Air and Missile Defense System to destroy, nullify or reduce the effectiveness of hostile air breathing and missile threats against friendly forces, as well as to reduce the potential for fratricide.”

ADAFCO course students received graduate level training in mission analysis, advanced air battle management/command and control, and joint air and missile defense operations. According to Arellano, the demanding curriculum challenges students’ competencies using hands-on training, examinations, and practical exercises. Students are required to develop and present a threat-specific mission briefing to a board of cadre and inter-service personnel.

Washington Air National Guardsmen Master Sgt. Andrew Snyder and Tech. Sgt. Jordan Schaefer, weapons directors from the 225th ADS, had the unique privilege of going through the course and are now the only two U.S. Air Force enlisted certified ADAFCOs. Normally the course is reserved for U.S. Army warrant officers and company grade officers.

According to Snyder, “we train to integrate joint fires into the battlespace and air domain in large areas of operation. The course provided me with in-depth knowledge about the PATRIOT weapons system and IADS integration across the joint service, which will have a direct impact on the homeland defense mission [Operation Noble Eagle] at WADS.”

WADS was chosen as the location to support the JKCE due to its robust capability to provide live, virtual and constructed simulation execution. Arellano explained that “the WADS team can connect to the Distributed Training Operations Center which enables state of the art simulation feed and hosts the PATRIOT tactical directors for a full integration of systems and operations. The WADS facility also provided a workspace and briefing areas to conduct joint planning training between the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army and we look forward to a continued effort to joint training.”

By Kimberly D. Burke, Western Air Defense Sector Public Affairs

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AXL Advanced x True North Concepts: Rigid Holster Platform

Thursday, October 31st, 2024

AXL Advanced and True North Concepts collaborated to bring you the Rigid Holster Platform (RHP), which is proudly made in the USA. The new Rigid Holster Platform includes (3) vertical holster height adjustment points spaced at .525” increments. to accommodate belts up to 2.25”. The enhanced MOLLE/Belt attachment bars are updated with a new jagged surface for an improved grip on your chosen belt. The RHP is the perfect solution for those who require reliability, versatility, and top-tier performance from their gear, whether in the field or on the range.

The Rigid Holster Platform is available in Earth Brown or Black and includes all hardware needed. The RHP is compatible with all 3-hole Safariland pattern holsters and integrates seamlessly with the Safariland QLS system.

www.AXLadvanced.com

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Army Begins Operational Deployment Pay

Wednesday, October 30th, 2024

WASHINGTON — Soldiers on approved operational deployments will soon receive $240 per month under the recently approved operational deployment pay program.

“This initiative underscores our unwavering commitment to honoring the daily sacrifices made by Soldiers and their families,” said Dr. Robert Steinrauf, Plans and Resources Director, Deputy Chief of Staff G-1.

The change, effective Oct. 1, 2024, authorizes E-1 to O-6 Soldiers to receive special duty pay in recognition of the greater than normal rigors of operational deployments.

“The Army is dedicated to ensuring that the sacrifices made by our Soldiers and their families are appropriately rewarded. Operational deployment pay represents a significant advancement in this effort,” said Dr. Agnes Gereben Schaefer, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserve Affairs.

The regulation that governs the pay is Department of Defense Instruction 1340.26 (Assignment and Special Duty Pay). The pay is earned on a prorated basis.

A memorandum on the ODP can be viewed here.

ODP is not retroactive to before Oct. 1. Soldiers who were on an approved operational deployment on Oct. 1 will receive ODP for the remainder of their deployment.

Army Reserve and National Guard Soldiers are also eligible for ODP when they are participating in operational deployments.

Soldiers in combat zone tax exclusion status pay no tax on the ODP, but it is taxable for Soldiers serving outside such locations, Steinrauf said.

By Jonathan Austin, Army News Service

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Profession of Arms | 6 Comments »

Team O’Neil’s Tactical Driving Tuesday – High Speed Backing

Tuesday, October 29th, 2024

This week’s discussion by instructor Wyatt is on high speed backing.

You can receive this training in person, by attending the Team O’Neill Tactical Driving Course at their facility in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. This five-day course includes driving under NODS and is available to military and other government agencies as well as civilians.

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Tactical Tuesday: Power Flex Performance Patrol Shirt

Tuesday, October 29th, 2024

The Power Flex Performance Patrol Shirt is a modern take on Hybrid Polos. This singular fabric shirt is constructed of a knit polyester allowing for natural airflow while eliminating chaffing from the seams to maximize performance and comfort while on the clock. The added convenience and class of this Performance Patrol Shirt allows for it to double both as an undervest shirt for exterior carriers and covers, and as a standalone polo for a more casual office or everyday wear look.

Experience the Future of Flex today, only from the Leaders in Performance Stretch Uniforms!

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