Released November 04, 2004

HATTIESBURG - The University of Southern Mississippi Army ROTC battalion will conduct Fall Eagle Strike FTX at Camp Shelby Nov. 5-7. Approximately 40 cadets will train in land navigation, basic rifle marksmanship and field craft.

A mandatory part of the ROTC curriculum, field training exercises (FTX) are a major part of the cadets' preparation for the Leadership Development Advanced Camp (LDAC) held each summer at Fort Lewis, Wash. Cadets typically attend LDAC between their junior and senior years.

Senior cadets will assist the cadre as primary planners and trainers for Fall Eagle Strike FTX. Cadets undergoing the training will be mostly juniors having joined Army ROTC at the beginning of this semester.

Army ROTC is an elective curriculum taken along with a student's required college classes. Successful completion of Army ROTC results in the student being commissioned as an officer in the active Army, National Guard, or Army Reserve.

Being an officer in the U.S. Army means being a leader, a counselor, a strategist and a motivator.

"It's similar to being a vital manager in a corporation," said Maj. Greg Hargett, assistant professor of military science at Southern Miss.

"Officers lead other soldiers in all situations and adjust in environments that are always changing. Officers are problem solvers, key influencers and planners. They are driven to achieve success with their team on every mission. Army ROTC prepares students to assume these responsibilities."

Southern Miss' Army ROTC program commissions approximately 20 second lieutenants each year, making it the most productive ROTC program in the state. The program is led by professor of military science Lt. Col. Kevin Dougherty. Additionally there is a cadet chain of command. The senior cadet is the cadet company commander, Cadet Bobby Freeman. For additional information, please contact Maj. Greg Hargett at 266-4460 or gregory.hargett@usm.edu or visit http://www.usm.edu/armyrotc/.

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