What recommendations do you have for preparing an MS3 for ADV camp and MS4 year?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 May 2017 19:19:04 -0400

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2017 7:47 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 May 2017 19:47:16 -0400

CPT Private RallyPoint Member learn land nav and troop leading procedures.

Response by LTC Ivan Raiklin, Esq. made May 14 at 2017 7:50 PM

LTC Ivan Raiklin, Esq. — Sun, 14 May 2017 19:50:11 -0400

Yup!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2017 8:23 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 May 2017 20:23:11 -0400

When I attended some 40 plus years ago, I did not adequately prepare myself: I learned many such lessons later in life. The obvious: as Maj Maurelli said, land nav, troop leading procedures, OPORD, FRAGO, PT. Drill and ceremonies very important in garrison; also learn a few jodies/cadence calls. (Garrison is sometimes ignored and to me was harder than tactical stuff to my surprise) Also usually not necessary to yell and scream; when in a leadership position. don't be afraid to get input from team during planning time; show you are in charge but don't be arrogant nor micromanage. If self confidence is an issue (it was for me!) work on public speaking and good eye contact. Later in life, Toastmasters did a lot for me in developing this confidence not only for formal public speaking; but also in everyday people skills. Some of my ideas. (yes Ive learned a lot from my mistakes and struggles in my early adulthood, Advanced Camp being just one example)

Response by COL Jon Thompson made May 14 at 2017 10:21 PM

COL Jon Thompson — Sun, 14 May 2017 22:21:39 -0400

Advanced Camp is going old school after two years with no land navigation. The Recondo badge is back so cadets need to be proficient in those tasks. Land navigation is key so make sure they can actually find points during both day and night. They also need to be able to use TLPs and lead squad and platoon missions. They need to be physically fit and acclimated as much as possible to the heat and humidity for Fort Knox. I tell our cadets to spend time running outside in the warm weather.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made May 15 at 2017 11:59 AM

SGM Erik Marquez — Mon, 15 May 2017 11:59:17 -0400

For ADV camp, have no distractions, personal, medical, mental, physical. Go in understanding the task is mission completion, much will go wrong along the way..deal with it and move on... You can not stop a squad cadet in your small group from getting lost on the patrol lane. You can be a good follower when not in charge, offer help if asked and be ready to take charge when the leadership changes at the end of the lane.

If you do not swim well, get in the pool NOW... CWST is not a mountain, but it is sometimes a sink hole..don't find out what its like the first time at camp. Dont be that cadet I have to drag off the pool bottom,,,,Im old,its get tiring for me as well to swim for two.

The APFT taken at the beginning should be the easiest morning of PT you do all year..if its not, work harder NOW.
You want an extended PT score, not just pass.

You will be told you can not be "forced" to due some of the physical tasks, thats true..its also a fast way to the bottom of the list come time for commission and branch selection.
Know the tasks to be completed before camp....if you have a fear of heights, water, being tired, long walks with light rucks, public speaking, land nav, understanding assuming a leadership position, basic patrol OPORD. Be as wiling to clean the toilet as you are to task others to do so.

Did I mention NO distractions... not from home, not at camp... You can get laid and drunk AFTER camp....let the boys and girls get caught up in that, hang with the leaders , men and women.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made May 15 at 2017 8:15 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Mon, 15 May 2017 20:15:15 -0400

Get in good shape, master basic soldier skills, especially land nav and BRM, become proficient at TLPs, learn that being a good follower and supporter of the chain of command is just as important as being the guy in charge. TACs can see through bullshit, and know when someone is a spotlight ranger or a team player.

Response by COL Jon Thompson made May 17 at 2017 10:21 AM

COL Jon Thompson — Wed, 17 May 2017 10:21:07 -0400

Here is a detailed article from a Lieutenant who went last year (or he is a time traveler). Great tips that will more than answer your question.

http://www.themilitaryleader.com/rotc-advanced-camp-tips/

4,567 Words of Advice for Crushing ROTC Advanced Camp - The Military Leader

Dylan DiIulio shares a massive list of tips, techniques, gear recommendations, and leadership lessons for surviving and thriving at ROTC's Advanced Camp.