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.