PSS MSU JCLC encampment successful

Last June 8, the CNMI MSU Brigade held its annual JROTC Cadet Leadership Challenge at the Saipan Southern High School Campus and was hosted by Kagman High School.

All in all, there were 140 participants, including instructors and chaperones from SSHS, Kagman High School, Marianas High School, Tinian High School, and Rota High School.

JCLC consisted of leadership skills practice, physical activities, survival skills, and getting to know each the cadets from the other battalions. It was training during the day, and fireguard/toc guard/ gate-guard at night. On the first day, the Stallion and Buck Battalion arrived on Saipan and went to the camping grounds to set up their tents. First on the scene was the Manta Ray Battalion, helping and assisting other battalions. KHS was in charge of leadership for that day.

The following day, KHS switched the leadership over to SSHS/THS. In charge of physical training that day were C/LTC Matthew Kapileo (Manta Ray Battalion Commander), C/MAJ Ezekiel Rafanan, and C/CSM June Alipio. They lead the physical training on the school grounds then conducted a mile esprit de corps run off-campus. After PT, breakfast was served and cadets changed into their Army Combat Uniforms (ACUs). While in their ACUs, the brigade was separated into four groups, and conducted round-robin training stations.

There were four stations, Land Navigation, Hasty Repelling/One Rope Bridge/Knot Tying, Leadership Reaction Course, and First-Aid. During dinner that night, the Manta Ray provided entertainment for the other battalions; they sang songs and performed dance numbers.

On the third day, the leadership was MHS/RHS the brigade loaded up into buses and went to Marianas Resort outdoor swimming pool, Marpi for water activities training. The brigade was separated in two groups; in the first group, the cadets learned how to use their rucksacks and ponchos to make a floating device, in case of emergencies. The second group learned how to use their ACU jackets and pants as floating devices. After the activities, each school provided one male and one female to race against other battalions for a 100m swim. The winning male was from Rota and the winning female was from Tinian.

The brigade went back to the campsite and started the sports competitions. Taking the trophy for volleyball was Marianas High School and for basketball, Saipan Southern High School, with a score of 5-4. It was a close game! MHS and RHS provided entertainment for that night and each battalion had a game or performed. It was a fun night!

On the last day of JCLC, the cadets took down their tents and cleaned up their surroundings. They had one last breakfast together before they bid their goodbyes. First to depart back was Tinian, followed by Rota.

All in all, JCLC was successful and fun and we hope it’ll be the same next time! (PR)