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.