Military Ball

Military Ball was a great and fun experience for everyone! The speaker did an outstanding job and gave some really good, motivational advice. The food was also good. It was a great opportunity for bonding among the Cadets. Everyone had a great time.

Tri-Service Flag Football Tournament

The Tri-Service Flag Football Tournament was a great experience to build warrior ethos in the cadets on the fields of friendly strife. As General Douglas MacArthur said, "Upon the fields of friendly strife are sown the seeds that, upon other fields, on other days will bear the fruits of victory." It was also an excellent opportunity to build camaraderie between the cadets off different services. The tournament resulted in Air Force beating both Army and Navy, coming away with the trophy.

LLAB 13

Career day was an interesting experience for the cadets to get an idea of what they want to do after commissioning. It was interesting to see all the different types of careers one can have in the Air Force. After career day, the cadets had a chance to interact with the visitors in a less structured setting and ask any questions they might have. There was also pizza, it was delicious.

LLAB 12 (ORW II)

ORW II was a great learning experience for everyone. The trainers and flight commanders got excellent practice and really learned a lot. The GMC also had a good time getting extra AEF training. The POC also took part in the flights during ORW II giving a good example for the GMC cadets to follow. After ORW II ended, the October Awards were held. This was fun and built warrior ethos among the Cadet Wing.

LLAB 11

LLAB 11 was a new and fun experience for the GMC cadets. It involved a training exercise in which the cadets reenacted a deployment scenario. Each cadet was put in a group and each group was given a specific task. The POC acted as nationals of a foreign land as GMC tried to navigate and complete the overall mission of saving the president. When the exercise first began, the civil engineering group was tasked with setting up a camp. The firing squads guarded the area while a perimeter was set in place. The security forces groups set up and began guarding two ECPs, one at the west side of the camp and one at the east. The medic team setup their supplies in a designated area and began tending to any "injured" cadets. When the camp was completed, the firing squads set off on an expedition to rescue the president. The only information given to the squads was the location of the president, the basement of Herman Hall. The squads had to use the hand signals, room clearing, and defensive skills they had learned to infiltrate the building which was filled with hostile locals. Many were killed throughout the journey. By the time the president was found and secured, only three members of the originally fifteen member party remained. The three led the president safely back to the camp. Only one member of the squad and the president made it through the ECP and into the base before the ECP was attacked and the other two fire squad members were killed. Hostiles continued to attack the base and many cadets were killed in the struggle. Eventually, the exercise came to an end. This operation was a great learning experience. Putting their training into practice was an awesome way of helping the cadets solidify it in their minds and help learn even more new tactics.

LLAB 10

This LLAB was very exciting as we got to learn the basics of Air Expeditionary Forces Tactics.The GMC Cadets got to learn to communicate using hand signals, to challenge intruders, to deal with un-exploded ordinances, and Self Aid Buddy Care. Meanwhile, the POC Cadets got to enjoy a motivational PT session and an ORI. The motivational PT consisted of three competitive events holding the guidon at present arms, holding the front leaning rest, holding one's feet six inches above the ground. The winners were C/Capt Coomes, C/Capt Snider, and C/Col Barrows,  respectively.

LLAB 9

In LLAB 9, the GMC were trained on reveille and retreat procedures. As military members it is incredibly important for us to be able to properly pay give respect to the flag. Additionally, this week, JROTC Cadets came and shadowed the GMC throughout LLAB. This gave the JROTC Cadets an opportunity to experience what ROTC is really like.

LLAB 8

This past weekend LLAB 8,  MULLAB, and RWW were held at Great Lakes Naval Station. This was a
great training experience for all involved. Cadets were in different flights awhich mixed the IMT cadets with FTP cadets. Watching FTP cadets is the best way for the IMT cadets to learn and is very
beneficial to their training. Cadets also got the oppurtunity to stay overnight in the
dorms at the base. This was a fun experience and it was cool to get to experience what life can be like on a base. Overall, it was a great weekend.

LLab 7

Good Evening Cadets!


I hope everyone enjoyed LLab 7 this week. This week the 100's covered marching and also for their first time they covered ORI procedures. You 100's are looking great and you all are showing great improvement! Keep up the outstanding work! The 200's, on the other hand, received a refresher in ORI's and Squadron Marching. Again keep up the outstanding work 200's! It only gets harder from here on now. You are only a few months away from going to Field Training. Do your best, show effort and motivation, and lastly be competitive! Slots to Field Training are not handed out to you... they are awarded to you. Only hard work and dedication will help you succeed. Keep it up!

LLab 6

Good Afternoon Cadets!


We just recently had LLab 6 on Thursday the 27th, 2012, but this wasn't any kind of LLab. This LLab was the Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA). We take PFA's so we can show that we are battle ready and able to be deployed. On top of that, the PFA is meant to show you how far can you push your body limits. When competing for Field Training, your PFA scores will count so aim for high scores such as a 90% to 95% or higher.  Yes, it may be tough for some of us, but that shouldn't mean you can give up. Always show 100% in everything you do no matter how difficult something is. Everyone did an outstanding job Thursday. Keep it up! For you cadets that didn't pass the first time around, don't stress about it too much. There is always another PFA around  the corner. Train more, keep a clear head, show confidence, and hydrate!

LLab 5

Good Afternoon Cadets!

This past LLab was Operation Rising Warhawk (ORW). A day where GMC run a Leadership Lab and train other cadets in certain procedures that are in the Field Training Manuel such as SABC, ORI’s, and so on. The idea behind ORW isn't to train cadets, but to help them understand the stress of working in a high stress environment. As a GMC myself I understand it can be extremely stressful, but we all need to know how to act under pressure. Field Training will test us on how we react to stress and change. If you felt that you didn't do so well LLab 5, don’t stress yourself to much on it. There will be another ORW later on in the semester where you can show what you have learned.

LLab 4

Hello Cadets!



I hope everyone enjoyed Warrior Day. The purpose of Warrior Day isn't only a day of fun and games, but also a day to build warrior ethos and team work. What is Warrior Ethos you ask? Warrior Ethos is a characteristic in which Airmen, like us, act aggressively or energetically toward a conflict, activity, or cause. During LLab 4 we played a game of Ultimate Frisbee with our flights. We acted in a energetic manner as we ran after the Frisbee to score a point for our flight, but it doesn't stop there. Take a second to read this article by MSgt. John Deegan on what Warrior Ethos really means to him in a combat environment.

http://www.hill.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123180429

LLab 3

Good Afternoon Cadets!

I hope everyone has enjoyed LLab 3 along with their week so far. LLab 3 was a continuation of Drill and Ceremony for the 100's. For the 200's it was a continuation of Advanced Drill and Road Guard procedures that we touched on a bit last year. Remember, practice makes perfect! It may feel repetitive at times, but in the end it will all pay off. Everyone has been doing a great job so far so keep working, stay motivated, and embrace the Air Force Core Values.

LLab 2

Hello Cadets!

I hope everyone enjoyed Leadership Lab 2. Leadership Lab 2 was focused mainly on drill. Keep practicing at it and eventually you will become better at it than the week before. By the time you GMC reach Field Training, you will know how to properly lead a flight, call commands, and know your drill movements. At times it may feel difficult to take command or perform drill movements, but remember to take a deep breath and take things a step back. Its ok to make mistakes, but its how you recover from them that makes you a good leader. Don't give up, keep working hard, ask questions, and lastly ask for help when you need it! There is no shame what so ever in asking for help. You can only better yourselves as a Air Force ROTC Cadet when you ask for help.

LLab 1

Hello Cadets!

I would love to start off with a warm welcome back to all the cadets who were involved with our Cadet Wing the past year and also a warm welcome to all the new cadets that are new to the program this year. Thursday, August 23 was the start of a new year in AFROTC at Detachment 195 which was marked by the start of Leadership Lab 1 (LLab 1). At the start of LLab 1 was the introduction of our Detachment Cadre lead by our very own Detachment Commander, Lt Col O'Brien along with his expectations in ROTC, academics, and embracing the Air Force Core Values: Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in all We Do. Shortly after was the introduction of our Cadet Wing Staff by our Cadet Wing Commander, C/Col Brunson along with his expectations; including his famous acronym: P.I.E (Perfection in Effort). C/Col Brunson wants everyone to give 100% effort in everything we do whether its academics, LLab, AS Class, or the Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA). Give it 100% this year regardless if you are a 100, a 200 competing for Field Training, a 300 or 400 competing for an Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC). As General George S. Patton once said "You are always on parade".

Commissioning 2012

Article by C/Benitez

Sunday the 13th of May, was a day to remember for cadets making the transition into becoming officers in the United States Air Force. The commissioning ceremony started with the entrance of the cadre followed by the cadets. Everybody remained standing, and the color guard came onto the stage and presented the U.S and Air Force Flags. C/Lt Col Ruter was the MC for the ceremony. As each cadet centered themselves on the stage, they had to recite the Oath of Office from a commissioned officer of their choice. Once they have took the Oath, family members would go onto the stage and pin the hard-earned gold bars on the service jacket and flight cap. After that, an enlisted person would walk up on the stage and render the new officer the traditional "first salute." C/Lt Col Ruter presented the newly commissioned officer to the whole audience and the new 2nd Lieutenant would give a speech that included thanks to their families, cadre and friends. The commissioning of these 9 cadets that day was incredibly memorable. There were also awards given out in to recognize all their hard work while being part of the AFROTC. The ceremony ended with a slideshow of all the cadets featuring pictures from when they were babies until the present day. The ceremony concluded with a speech from Lt Col O’Brien, followed by the color guard retiring the colors. I would highly suggest to everybody to come out and attend it in the future!

LLAB 15

A bittersweet conclusion to what was an exciting year, the Annual Awards Ceremony drew cadets families and friends to watch the culmination of their year before commissioning or moving on to the next phase of their cadet training. Scholarships and awards were presented by their sponsors and by the cadre, highlighting the many successes of Detachment 195's outstanding cadets.

After the ceremony, the outgoing commander, C/Syring gave his parting words and advice, before relinquishing command of the Detachment. The new commander, C/Brunson wasted no time in setting his expectations for the coming year, and left the cadets motivated to return for another challenging year in AFROTC.

Finally when all the business had been conducted, cadets and cadre alike participated in the "Pie-in-the-Face" event where cadets could purchase pies to throw at fellow cadets or cadre; the proceeds benefited the Arnold Air Society Scobee Squadron. Once everyone had exacted their revenge, the cadets of the 195th Cadet Wing headed home, another successful year under their belt.

LLAB 14

LLAB 14 was the spring parade. Cadets were gathered into their flights and squadrons, and were marched to Keating Field, where we were joined by personnel from the Navy. Cadets were instructed in marching in cadence with a beat, the proper procedures for "eyes right" and columns in parades. The Field Training Preparation cadets would be using this new information when marching at their graduation ceremonies at their respective Field Training Units.

Combat Dining In

Article by C/Hernandez


The Detachment conducted the traditional Combat Dining In on 07 April 2012. This event was meant to carry out tradition as well as to provide a morale boost for all cadets. It was conducted in a relaxed environment in which all of the cadets were able to interact with the cadet officers. The cadets that are commissioning this May added the food or drink of their choosing to the grog bowl. Cadets were able to send other cadets to the grog by may using a rhyme, a poem, or a song stating their reason for sending them to the grog. The cadets who were sent to the grog were then to drink from it following the proper procedure. After cadets were done being sent to the grog bowl the skits were then performed. The cadets performed the skits by flights and the cadet officers performed skits of their choosing, poking good natured fun at each other. Once the skits concluded the guest speaker chose a winner and spoke to the cadets. The experience of being at Combat Dining In is unforgettable. Cadets were able to experience a military tradition while enjoying themselves and building esprit de corps.

LLAB 13

The Detachment took LLAB to the Navy this week, with host Naval Station Great Lakes. This Leadership Laboratory focused on fine tuning those skills that Field Training Preparation cadets would be using their first few days of Field Training. The cadets practiced squadron marching, dorm maintenance, and reveille and retreat procedures. In preparation for LLAB 14, cadets also learned "eyes right" to use in the upcoming parade. It was very beneficial to conduct this LLAB at Naval Station Great Lakes since cadets had the opportunity to practice making bunks and organizing drawers in the dorms on site. With this being the final training the cadets will receive this semester, it becomes time to look to the future as the 200s prepare to become cadet officers, and the 100s prepare to replace them next year. We also begin to look to Commissioning, which will prove to be an unforgettable day for our commissioning seniors.

LLAB 12

After several months of repeating AEF training, and learning challenge procedures and the like, the 195th Cadet Wing had their chance to show off what they knew in an exercise called Operations Day. The Wing "deployed" to Oceania to support aid operations in the region, and stabilize it from the attacks of known terrorist Abu Sayyef. Cadets were organized as an operational wing, with elements representing logistics, communications, security forces, quick reaction forces, medical flight, and the fob and wing leadership. This experience was invaluable training for all of the cadets, who had the opportunity to react to a variety of scenarios, ranging from a mortar attack to invasion by local officials, to attacks by local teenagers. The exercise highlighted our teamwork and communication abilities as well as our leadership skills in a stressful environment.

LLAB 11

As the semester begins to come to a close, it is important to ensure that we stay on top of the basics as cadets. For the 100s, this Leadership Laboratory was dedicated to perfecting marching in a flight, and featured instruction of a lot of advanced drill moves. For the 200s, they were on edge for the entire LLAB awaiting the announcement of enrollment allocations. Semester awards also took place during this LLAB after a visit from a special guest.

Congratulations to all of the award winners, and to the 200s that earned their enrollment allocations! We can't wait until you all come back as Professional Officer Corps. cadets!

LLAB 10

Although Operation Rising Warhawk II proved fun for all involved, it was especially beneficial to the Field Training Preparation cadets, for whom this was the last opportunity to receive feedback and correction on their leadership abilities before Field Training. The cadets were again assigned positions from group commander down to flight commanders, deputy flight commanders and trainers. This LLAB would prove interesting for we had the added challenge of accommodating Junior ROTC cadets from the Air Force Academy High School. Fortunately they could march, so it wasn't too difficult of an adjustment! The second curveball thrown at us was the added requirement of completing an open-ranks inspection at some point throughout the training day. Acting quickly, the cadet group commander C/Berlin eliminated the last station of training to ensure that we had enough time to prepare our flights and have them inspected. The most common feedback that was given was that communication could have been better between the group staff and the flights. Fortunately everyone received the message in time to complete their mission.

At the end of the day, the JROTC cadets had the opportunity to sit with the IMT cadets and get their questions answered regarding ROTC, commissioning, balancing the military with school, etc. They felt that the experience was beneficial in making their decision to continue with the military.

LLAB 9

With field training fast approaching for our 200s, this Leadership Laboratory focused training on dorm maintenance procedures for them, while the 100s worked to further improve their drill and ceremonies. After the initial training sessions, the deatachment had the opportunity to hear Lieutenant Commander Frank Swenson (USN, Ret.) speak and tell us of his adventures. LCDR Swenson served in North Africa and Italy during World War II. He was also part of the team that helped capture Iwo Jima. LCDR Swenson's leadership provides an example for all of us at Detachment 195 to follow.

LLAB 8

The moment many of us had been waiting for all semester... a calm walk with our mentors led us to the Dunbar Park track to prove our worth, and to show how our well our workouts and physical training sessions have prepared us. The Physical Fitness Assessment was conducted on a very brisk Thursday afternoon during LLAB 8. C/Medina led the wing in stretches, and the underclass cadets paired up with a cadet officer to record scores. During the pushups and situps, you could hear the cadets partners motivating each other to get that one extra pushup, that one ever-so-important situp, which could be the difference between an enrollment allocation, or a pilot slot selection. The run was incredibly motivational, with the whole wing motivating the other group of cadets to push themselves to the limit, in that final challenge for the day. Whether or not we reached our personal goal, one thing was for sure: the air of camaraderie was unmistakable, and reminded us that no matter the challenge, our wingmen will be there to help us through it.

LLAB 7

In keeping with the Air Force mission to fly, fight, and win, this Leadership Laboratory was dedicated to Air Expeditionary Force training. After forming up for opening report, we challenged our first adversary: the slush-fest that was about to consume Chicago. Transiting in squad-formations, we eventually reached our respective training stations. We reviewed several important aspects of AEF, such as squad movements, and the basics of Self Aid-Buddy Care, and we learned quite a few new skills as well. On the second floor of Stuart building, cadets were kicking down doors (or pushing them open rather...) and taking names. Cadets learned the proper way to enter and clear a room with potential hostiles. In the auditorium, cadets learned the importance of triage, as well as several life-saving skills that they may need to use when deployed, in the service of rescuing their wingmen. The day was concluded with monthly awards and announcements.

LLAB 6

This Leadership Laboratory focused on reinforcing skills that we have been learning all semester. The whole Wing had the opportunity to participate in a reveille ceremony to start off the day. The 100s reviewed guidon procedures and flag courtesies, while the 200s reviewed road guard procedures as well as dining facility procedures. The cadets had the opportunity to participate in a group leadership project, which entailed calling drill commands to a blindfolded wingman to get him or her to pick up several pieces of paper before reaching the end. After this, an open ranks inspection took place, which was followed by mentorship time. Cadets were able to discuss school, work, and any other concerns they had with their mentors. A retreat ceremony signaled the end of the Leadership Laboratory, however there was some good news to be announced. After our new commander, Lt. Col. O' Brien introduced himself and his expectations for us, we learned that several cadets have earned scholarships and pilot slots! Congratulations to the selects and to:

CadetNebel- In-College Scholarship Recipient
Cadet Basraoui-In-College Scholarship Recipient

LLAB 5

This Leadership Laboratory marked the first Operation Rising Warhawk for the semester. True to its name, Operation Rising Warhawk is designed to get Field Training Preparation cadets ready to take on leadership roles in the Cadet Wing. The Cadet Group Commander (C/3C Karl) was tasked with training all of the underclass cadets during this Leadership Laboratory. He was to select a staff, as well as several trainers to accomplish this mission. Throughout the day, cadets would rotate from one station to another, learning things such as basic drill, column movements, and physical training procedures. Cadets were evaluated by Cadet Officers, and received scores based on leadership capability, attention to detail, and effectiveness of training among other things. The Leadership Laboratory was very intense, and allowed us to think critically and make decisions quickly.

LLAB 4

Today the cadets had the chance to prove they were better than the rest, in a series of competitions dubbed Warrior Day. Throughout this Leadership Laboratory, cadets had to demonstrate their warrior spirit and develop their warrior ethos through teamwork, friendly rivalry, and perseverance. Cadet officers participated with the cadets to further boost morale. The competitions involved a pushup/situp contest, several rounds of basketball, a tug-of-war and a two lap relay around Keating Gym. Although all of the flights demonstrated teamwork, skill, and unwavering effort, Warrior Flight for the day was awarded to Alpha Flight. Congratulations!

LLAB 3

LLAB 3

The first Air Expeditionary Force training of the semester started with a review on movement in squad and fire team formations. After reviewing squad column and squad file, we rotated stations to review "challenging intruders" and the procedures associated with securing a suspected threat if an unauthorized individual or group approaches your base entry control point. After practicing these skills, C/Maj Bergman presented the General Military Course cadets with the challenge of setting up and defending two Forward Operating Bases. The team that had to set up the bases encountered resistance along the way, and once the bases were set up, the intruders relentlessly approached the base, testing our critical thinking skills with each challenge being different. Some intruders approached in groups, others refused to use English to communicate. In the end, it was a valuable learning experience since we were able to deal with so many different scenarios.

LLAB 2

LLAB 2

Back at the Detachment for another week of training, the cadets' first task was to maneuver to Keating Gym. Under the guidance of the cadet officers, the cadet flight commanders were able to get to Keating, and have their flights fall in for opening report inside the gym. This LLAB consisted mainly of drill practice; column movements and guidon procedures for the 100s, and advanced drill for the 200s. LLAB was concluded with briefings before being dismissed to AS class.

LLAB 1

LLAB 1

What better way to represent a clean slate than with a fresh snowfall? The cadets of Detachment 195 braved the first Chicago blizzard of 2012 to arrive in time for Leadership Laboratory, ready to start another exciting semester. A few quick briefings started off the day, ranging from the Wing Commander's introduction, to a physical fitness briefing. The new flights were given some time to sort out their early affairs during flight time, and they got to meet their new flight commanders. A final briefing by Major Briones signaled the end of the festivities since the inclement weather posed a safety threat to those who had to travel back home. LLAB 1 was dismissed early, and we all bundled up for the ride home.