SOUTHERN MISS ARMY ROTC ANNOUNCES SUMMER COURSE

HATTIESBURG - The University of Southern Mississippi's Department of Military Science and Leadership (Army ROTC) announces its Leader's Training Course (LTC) for the summer of 2004. The LTC is a 28-day leadership course conducted at Fort Knox, Ky., and is open to students from colleges and universities nationwide. The typical student is between the sophomore and junior year, but beginning graduate students are eligible to attend also.

Participants are paid during the course, incur no costs, and receive credit for the first two years of ROTC - making them eligible to earn an Army officer commission in just two years.

The LTC is divided into three phases and is designed to develop leadership and decision making skills in a challenging, hands-on environment. Phase one is the "Future Leader Phase." This phase encompasses 18 days, giving the student the building blocks necessary to be successful during the LTC.

Students will experience rappelling, learn drill and ceremony, challenge problem-solving skills, learn to lead, and learn when and how to follow. This phase is designed to challenge students physically.

Phase two, "Bold Leader," teaches the basics of small unit tactics. It includes a confidence course, rock climbing wall, paint-ball exercises, the Tarzan-assault course, and small boat and raft operations. This phase stresses the importance of teamwork.

The final four days make up the "Discover Gold" phase. This includes the Parents Reception and Family Day followed by a graduation ceremony.

During summer 2003, three Southern Miss students attended the course, including Kim Bishop, who is currently a member of the Golden Eagle soccer team and an ROTC cadet.

"The course was a challenging and awesome experience that tested me physically, but enhanced my leadership and management skills to a new level," Bishop said. "I not only enjoyed the training but also the teamwork and camaraderie."

For more information about the Leader's Training Course or Southern Miss Army, call Greg Hargett at (601) 266-4460.

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