Cadet Troop Leader Training

(CTLT) is one of the most valuable tools the Military Academy and ROTC have to prepare future second lieutenants for life in the Army. Cadets live with active TO&E units and learn what life is like in the environment they will soon be joining, a perspective that cannot be duplicated at the college campus, the academy, or at a relatively structured summer camp. Over the last two years, there has been a trend in the number of units that elect to host cadets during the summer. With ROTC cadets being added to the summer Mounted Maneuver Training that the West Point cadets get at Fort Knox, there has been arise in the number of cadets who want to go to Armor CTLT. At the same time, a lot of good units doing good training have declined to host cadets for the summer. This is a mistake; this is a great chance for the Armor Force to give those who will be platoon leaders in just over a year a unique introduction to the ways of the Army. Most important is the need for the cadets to get as much time in the field as possible and as much independent interaction with soldiers as possible. This is the best way for a young cadet to spend his summer. Division G3s should try to get cadets into units that are going to gunnery or FTXs, but recovery after they have returned from the field can be great training, too. We want cadets to go to units that are “busy,” in any capacity. Cadets will not break. Cadets need a chance to operate without a safety net. Company commanders should give cadets a chance to succeed or fail at a mission. They are ready to be thrown into a position where you have given them a mission, your guidance, and a suspense. While the cadet is there is a great time to send platoon leaders to on-post schools or allow them to work something away from the platoon. The platoon sergeant is there. Cadets need time to work with soldiers and noncommissioned officers, to listen and to learn from their experiences. Cadets arrive at your units with basic military training on land navigation, first aid, basic infantry weapons familiarization, basic individual training, small unit training, squad tactics, survival, and drill and ceremony. Some cadets have had training on infantry platoon tactics, tank platoon tactics, patrolling, communications, NBC, tactical intelligence, basic rifle marksmanship, and physical training. They have also received familiarization training in cavalry and armor, air defense, field artillery, and combat engineers. The cadets arrive fully capable of teaching classes on a range of military topics if they are given adequate preparation time and reference materials. Brigade and battalion commanders, take advantage of this resource. It benefits both the unit and the cadets that, in the future, will be in your units as second lieutenants. Individual G3s should coordinate with West Point and ROTC to determine the number of cadets that units will host. Notify your G3 that you would like to host cadets this summer. Again, remember that cadets don’t break. This is a chance for them to learn, and it’s your opportunity to influence the branch choice of the future leaders of the Armor Force.