The 2007 JROTC Cadet Leadership Challenge (JCLC) was held at Camp Atterbury, just south of Indianapolis, Indiana, on 11 -16 June. This event was formerly known as JROTC Summer Camp.

Training support for the camp consisted of the various high school Army Instructors, the Indiana Army National Guard and the Indiana Guard Reserve. The camp was ‘at capacity’ so each participating school was authorized a limited number of cadets based on the number of students in each JROTC program. Senior Army Instructors were strongly advised to select participating cadets with the utmost care.

Col. Sholly, the 2007 Camp Commander, directed that, “JCLC attendance is a privilege; not a right! Due to the physically and mentally demanding nature of JCLC, cadets attending must meet at least all of the following criteria; no known disciplinary problems, good academic standing, be physically fit, emotionally and mentally mature, medically able to meet the strenuous training requirements, and not taking more than one prescription medication. Because of the training demands and potentially adverse climatic conditions, cadets with asthma are not eligible to attend. All CLHC cadets attending must be under constant, attentive care and supervision.”

Although JCLC is tough and challenging and when approached with a positive attitude, it can be a fun, maturing and very rewarding event. JCLC training emphasizes leadership, self-discipline and teamwork. This is a great way for our cadets to expand their leadership skills and become valuable assets to the Cadet Battalion.”

Additionally, Major Mishler required eligible Concordia cadets to complete a rigorous four week training program to prepare his cadets physically and mentally. Attending cadets later commented on how his conditioning was instrumental in helping them excel in all the physically demanding events, acclimate to the heat, and prepare them mentally for the demanding leadership roles they were assigned as well as to endure the long arduous days.

While at JCLC, cadets lived and worked in basically a military environment. They wore the Army Battle Dress Uniform (BDU) and boots for most of the week; lived in troop barracks, stood barracks inspections, ate their meals in a military dining facility (mess hall), and received intensive and physically challenging training from members of the Indiana Army National Guard and the Indiana Guard Reserve.

They were prepared and expected to ‘get down and get dirty’ as each training day was long, hot, as well as physically and mentally tiring. The cadets were exposed to many exciting adventure and challenging leadership opportunities. Training included the following events:

Water Survival (at pool), Knot tying (Rope Bridge Prep.), Rope Bridge, Confidence Course, Map Reading, Compass Course (Land Navigation), Boat Operations (at Pond), Leadership Reaction Course, Rappelling (45’ tower), Climbing Wall, Sports Programs, and Black Hawk Helicopter Ride.

Unfortunately, many of Concordia’s JROTC cadets either did not meet the above physical criteria or had prior obligations and were unable to attend. The Cadet Battalion was well represented by eight outstanding cadets.

Concordia had two cadets placed in each of the four platoons. With the more than 221 students representing 21 Indiana school attending this year’s summer camp, it was a privilege for any cadet to be chosen to perform in a leadership position during camp week. The leadership abilities, military bearing (appearance and behavior in uniform), and maturity was evident in our Cadet Battalion members. They were assigned early in the week for leadership roles in their various platoons. Concordia cadets continued to perform superbly throughout the week and were recognized for their physical fitness, and leadership, as well as their morale and enthusiasm. .

Major Mishler was pleased to hear the outstanding daily reports from our cadet’s platoon tactical officers. These military retirees were instructors from other attending schools assigned to each of the four platoons as training officers. He continually heard compliments about ‘Those Concordia Students”! Cadet Battalion cadets were asked teasingly by their trainers to transfer to their schools with the promise of receiving high lever JROTC staff positions. Instructors, who rated our students as leaders, stated that our cadets were some of, if not THE, best leaders they had witnessed in all their years as JROTC instructors!

Zach Kiess distinguished himself as a Squad Leader and maintained his superior performance to place in the top 10% of his platoon and receive a medal at his platoon graduation ceremony. Michael Boner was recognized for his outstanding military bearing and marching ability. He was chosen as an Honor Flag Bearer and proudly carried his platoon banner throughout the week. Kirsten Hoham distinguished herself as an outstanding team player and was instrumental in the success of her squad. She was commended for her leadership abilities.

Joni Leinhos was recognized as a ‘dynamic leader’ and received excellent ratings for her duties as Platoon Leader. Abigail Eschelbach and Angela Bleke each performed admirably in their demanding positions as Platoon Sergeants. Both ladies also earned medals by ranking in the top 10% of their individual platoons. Angela’s leadership was so impressive that her cadre honored her with an additional trophy recognizing her as The Top Cadet in her platoon. Eric Alday distinguished himself as a Platoon Sergeant. He was later informed that he also placed in the top 10% of his platoon and had he had the confidence to go before the board, he too would have received a medal.

Chris Arnett wisely used his leadership position as a camp Cadet Company Commander to help prepare him for his role as the CLHS 2007-2008 Cadet Battalion Commander. Chris also received notable ratings in his leadership responsibilities.

All of our Concordia cadets distinguished themselves through their Christian attitudes and conduct as well as their physical and leadership abilities. Their outstanding achievements and motivation were directly linked to their active roles in Concordia Lutheran High School’s Christ Centered Cadet Battalion. Major Mishler is proud to state, “ Mission accomplished! Job well done! HOOAH!”

Last updated on Monday, August 27, 2007