Bulletin Welcome, Class of 2018 and New Cadre! The Golden Buffalo

The Golden Buffalo Battalion
Fall 2014
The Golden Buffalo
Bulletin
Welcome, Class of 2018 and New Cadre!
Fall 2014 Highlights
Our Changing ROTC Program
The Rise of Human Performance
The Golden Buffalo Battalion would like to extend its
warm welcome to its new MSI cadets, as well as the
following new officers and NCO’s. Cadre and contractors
serve as the backbone of Army
ROTC, planning training events,
organizing logistics, providing
oversight, and much more.
The Fall 2014 LTX Experience
LTC Aaron Roof
Classroom Corner
Professor of Military Science
Battalion of the Well Read
The Tri-Mil Tradition
MSG Stephen Nielson
Senior Military Instructor
Running for the Nation’s Heroes:
Denver Veterans Day 2014
Ms. Melanie
Geffel, Human
CPT Kristin Stelzer
Battalion Executive Officer
Resources
Technician
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The Golden Buffalo Battalion
Fall 2014
Our Changing ROTC Program
This fall, the Golden Buffalo Battalion is seeing drastic, albeit exciting transformations; a
transition from training to educating, and from evaluating to coaching.
Rather than utilizing the traditional E/S/N grading
scale, senior coaches have now adopted the DA
4856, a counseling form that takes on a more wellrounded view of leadership. Although the 17
leadership dimensions so closely adhered to in
previous years are still integral to ROTC’s leader
development, the compartmentalized system of
evaluating has, for the most part, been left behind.
“The changes made in the program do not affect
Pictured from left to right: Paul Vendt, Matthew
the process of cultivating leadership,” says
Roush, and Tyler Grosek comprise a part of a
Matthew Roush, an MSIV cadet at Metropolitan
hardworking and valuable command team.
State University of Denver and the Cadet
Battalion Commander. The vehicles we used in the past, [STX lanes and patrolling], were
conducted in order to evaluate cadets under specific dimensions of leadership attributes that
resulted in only one of three outcomes: E, S, or N. By replacing the [yellow and blue] card system
with a more tailored and personalized approach, we no longer have limitations on how or when
cadets are being evaluated. [They] now have the opportunity to expand their influence beyond
the dimensions of the past and drive the leadership process forward into the future.”
This year, cadets have the opportunity to
participate in brand new training.
Perhaps the most drastic change of all is the end of
LDAC and the beginning of CLC. For the past 60
years, the Leader Development and Assessment
Course, a four-week leadership evaluation during the
summer between junior and senior year, has been the
culminating event for all Army ROTC programs
across the nation. Summer 2014 marked the first
summer of LDAC being at Fort Knox, Kentucky,
instead of at Fort Lewis, Washington. It also marked
the final round of cadets to attend LDAC at all.
Beginning Summer 2015, cadets will be attending
Cadet Leader Course at Fort Knox.
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The Golden Buffalo Battalion
Fall 2014
The Rise of Human Performance
As the Army constantly undergoes changes in
policy, so does Army ROTC. The Golden Buffalo
Battalion is embracing a holistic approach to
optimizing Human Performance. The Battalion
Human Performance Program (HPP) will develop
military athletes through focused and intense
physical training, as well as education on the
psychological, social/familial, emotional, spiritual,
nutritional, and environmental factors of wellness.
Physical training is varied, intense, and fun, and includes CrossFit, Yoga, Pilates, Olympic
movements, among many more.
To provide additional opportunities for
Two sets of Fitness Bags (30lb, 35lb, 40lb,
training sessions, the Battalion is trying
45lb, 50lb; One set costs approximately $706–
to acquire the following items:
4 small bags at $45.00 = $180, one medium
Two sets of 6 ea. Kettle Bells (15lb, 25lb, 35lb,
45lb – or kg equivalent; One set costs
approximately $132. (15lb - $16.50, 25lb $28.51, 35lb -$38.50, 45lb - $48.50))
bag at $55, Filler bags – 3x medium = $96, 15x
small = $375)
40 Sand Bags (Cost approximately $28)
8 Boxes (20 x 24 x 30; $90 each)
30 Jump Ropes (Costs vary from $2.57 $21.00)
If you would like to make a contribution to the Golden Buffalo Battalion to support the Human
Performance Program, please see Page 10.
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The Golden Buffalo Battalion
Fall 2014
The APFT, Reinvented
In the fall of 2014, The Golden Buffalo Battalion reformatted the APFT in order to create more
physically fit leaders. With the new addition of the pull up and tricep dip events, the standard
300 point scale has been extended to 500 points. With this new standard comes new recognition
for the top performing cadets. The Iron Buffalo award
is given in recognition of those cadets who achieve a
500. By using the extra points gained from both the
extended scale of the standard APFT events, as well as
the points gained from the new events, those who
work hard can achieve the Iron Buffalo award.
Cadets in the program seem to be responding
positively to the changes of the Golden Buffalo
Battalion APFT grading system. By adding two new
events, cadets have the opportunity to excel in exercises not seen in the standardized APFT.
Current winners of the Iron Buffalo award are David Anderson, Eric Brink, Matt Wivell, Jeffrey
Milhorn, Parker Smith, Alex Angueira, and Austin Albin. Congratulations to these cadets and
their physical prowess!
At the start of every fall semester, incoming MSI cadets take a diagnostic APFT to
gauge their physical fitness level before beginning ROTC. Knowing where they stand
in this regard helps older cadets plan physical training accordingly.
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The Golden Buffalo Battalion
Fall 2014
The Fall 2014 LTX Experience
An event like none other, the Golden Buffalo Battalion
Leadership Training Exercise pits cadets against obstacles
like never before. For the first time in several years, cadets
had the opportunity to fly in helicopters, shoot M4’s, and
receive indispensable medical training at Fort Carson,
Colorado in the final weekend of September. Cadets trying
their hand in the field for the first time were often met
with success, as well as memories that will last a lifetime.
All across the board, medical training was a highlight to a
plethora of cadets. To members of the battalion both old and
new, medical training provided brand new insight and life
skills that they will carry with them through their future
careers. Cory Christianssen, an MSI at the University of
Colorado, describes the experience as “engaging.”
From FTX to LTX
Entering into a new year of ROTC always brings an array
of emotions. Due to the reshaping of the program, the
Field Training Exercise of years past has evolved into a
Leadership Training Exercise.
While both events focused on the development of leaders
and group cohesiveness, FTX was a training weekend in
which cadets demonstrated their skills and knowledge in a tactical environment through
patrolling and STX lanes. No longer is training focused just on tactics, but it is now focused on
incorporating many other useful and necessary skills that every cadet should know. From land
navigation to aviation opportunities, to a confidence course that promoted both individual and
team development, LTX has brought joy as well as appreciation to many.
What changed the face of field training, however, was how the MSIII’s were evaluated on their
leadership. TAC’s left the old blue card system behind in exchange for a fluid, more customized
approach (see page 2). And because the fundamental leadership traits evaluated remain the same,
these aspiring leaders have the chance to harness their full potential. 5
The Golden Buffalo Battalion
Fall 2014
Classroom Corner
Behind the Scenes of Each ROTC Class
MSI’s
For their first semester, the MSI’s hit the
ground running with basic soldier skills
such as land navigation, Customs &
Courtesies, and time management.
Several MSI’s have stepped up to the plate,
taking advantage of opportunities such as
Ranger Challenge.
“[Ranger Challenge] is [demanding],
but I want to challenge myself.”
-Colin Campbell, MSI
MSIII’s
Despite the changes to the ROTC program,
it is imperative that cadets still become
familiar with the basics of tactics.
MSII’s
MSII’s take on a more holistic approach to
leadership, learning about the various
resources they have on campus to succeed.
The MSII’s “hunt the good stuff ” to better
recognize the positives in their day-to-day
lives.
“It’s been a valuable tool to help us
appreciate the positive aspects of the
training. [And] from it, we can take
lessons and grow as individuals.”
-Sean Linehan, MSII
MSIV’s
As MSIV’s ramp up to receiving their
commissions as 2nd Lieutenants in the
United States Army, they focus on what
leadership truly is.
MSIII’s are diving headfirst into movement
techniques and troop leading procedures
and mission planning, among other skills
that will lead them to success as they
transition from follower to leader.
MSIV cadets utilize the military decision
making process and mission analysis to make
pivotal resolutions in a variety of situations.
“It’s a lot of responsibility, but being
with your fellow cadets that you’ve
grown with throughout the program
makes it easier.”
-John Mason, MSIII
“The ROTC Program here at CU
represents true excellence. Being a part
of it has changed my life and has helped
me to develop into the best individual
that I can possibly be.”
-Tanner Reinhart, MSIV
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The Golden Buffalo Battalion
Fall 2014
Battalion of the Well Read
The Importance of Reading in Army ROTC
Leaders in today’s environment and in today’s Army must be well educated, well versed in many
topics, and must read. Reading should become a hobby enjoyable for leaders. By reading, an
individual can gain experiences and knowledge from somebody else’s story or knowledge about a
topic. When reading, the brain takes words on a page, groups these words together, and creates
an image or a situation inside the brain. The reader can develop feelings, opinions, a story, a
situation, and develop their own thoughts on the characters and situations within the story.
Reading is an extraordinary activity that exercises the brain, and it can develop these future
leaders of tomorrow’s Army. Below is a partial list of recommended books that leaders in the
Golden Buffalo Battalion should read. If you would like to support the ROTC program and
sponsor a book, please contact the university liaison, Nancy McMillin, at 303-492-6495.
Book Title (Author)
Red Badge of Courage (Crane)
The Art of War (Sun Tzu)
Band of Brothers (Ambrose)
Personal Memoirs: Ulysses S. Grant (Grant)
Platoon Leader (McDonough)
Small Unit Leadership: A Commonsense
Approach (Malone)
Killer Angels (Shaara)
Out of the Mountains (Kilcullen)
Gates of Fire: An Epic Novel of Thermopylae
(Pressfield)
World War Z (Brooks)
The Last Stand: Custer, Sitting Bull, and the
Battle of the Little Bighorn (Phillbrick)
How to Win Friends and Influence People
(Carnegie)
Small Unit Leadership: A Commonsense
Approach (Malone)
5 Levels of Leadership (Maxwell)
Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make
the Leap… and Others Don’t (Collins)
The Soldier and the State: The Theory and
Politics of Civil-Military Relations
(Huntington)
Military Power: Explaining Victory and
Defeat in Modern Battle (Biddle)
A Savage War of Peace (Horne)
Leaders Eat Last (Sinek)
Soldiers of God (Kaplan)
Fighting Talk: forty Maxims on War, Peace
and Strategy (Gray)
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The Golden Buffalo Battalion
Fall 2014
The Tri-Mil Tradition
Friendly Rivalry on Farrand Field
In combat, the sister branches of the United States
Military work in conjunction to complete their mission.
But for one Fall day on the campus of the University of
Colorado, the Army, Air Force, and Navy ROTC
programs are fierce rivals. The Tri-Service Military
Competition brings together the three ROTC branches
at CU for an afternoon of intense competition.
With events ranging from litter carries to team pushups, cadets and midshipmen were put to the
test physically and mentally. The three teams representing the Army secured the victory by
taking first, second, and sixth place out of the twelve teams competing. And for the first time
since the Fall of 2010, The Golden Buffalo Battalion took home the overall first place award in
the Tri-Mil competition. This year, the participants for the Army were volunteers who were
confident in their athletic abilities, as opposed to having the entire company participate, which
was the case in previous years.
The competition culminates in a final Tug of War event.
Pictured above is Stephanie Sjoroos, a competing MSIII, and
Matthew Roush, the cadet battalion commander, providing
unwavering support.
For Brooke Robinson, an MSII cadet on the first place Army
team, winning Tri-Mil was a very special experience. “The only
reason we were able to win is because everyone gave it their all;
if they gave anything less we would have lost. I’m very proud
[of] how everyone performed.”
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The Golden Buffalo Battalion
Fall 2014
Running for the Nation’s Heroes
Denver Veterans Day 2014
On Saturday, November 8th, 2014, the Denver Veterans Day
Run will kick off for its sixth year. Started, supported, and run
by Army ROTC cadets of Charlie Company from the Golden
Buffalo Battalion, it is a way to support service members of
the past, present, and future.
The run will begin on Denver’s scenic Auraria Campus and
continue along the Cherry Creek Bike Path and 14th Street
and leading to Civic Center Park. The Run is hosted by the Colorado Veterans Project, whose
mission is to enhance pride and patriotism in all Coloradans by building a stronger community
around our Veterans. The race started in 2009 with only 190 participants and has grown to 545
participants since 2013.
The Denver Veterans Day Run, however, is not just a run. The
Rippetoe Rucksack Challenge, where participants run the race
with a weighted rucksack, is open for anybody ready to go above
and beyond.
What’s New This Year?
Captain Russell B. Rippetoe was
killed in Iraq on April 3rd, 2003 by a
Vehicle Borne IED while serving
with the 75th Ranger Regiment. He
was an 1999 graduate of the Army
ROTC Program at MSU Denver.
Not just a 5K anymore, but also a 10K!
No weight restrictions on Rippetoe challenge
Dogs are now welcome to participate!
Registration for the Denver Veterans Day Run is now open to anyone! In addition to an
unforgettable running experience through the beautiful downtown Denver, participants will
receive a T-shirt, goody bag, an opportunity to view stunning race photos, as well as free food,
music, and drinks. For more information, visit http://denverveteransdayrun.com/.
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The Golden Buffalo Battalion
Fall 2014
Contacts & Resources
University of Colorado Boulder
Department of Military Science
215 Folsom Stadium, Gate 3
Boulder, CO 80309
303-492-6495
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Department of Military Science
633 Curtis St, Trailer MO-1
Denver, CO 80204
303-352-7419
Colorado School of Mines
Department of Military Science
1232 W. Campus Rd
Golden, CO 80401
303-273-3380
Visit us on the web at:
www.colorado.edu/arotc
http://inside.mines.edu/MIL-Home
https://www.msudenver.edu/arotc/
Like us on Facebook: The Golden Buffalo Battalion
Follow us on Twitter @GoldenBuffBatt
Program Support
Army ROTC welcomes donations of all amounts, and all gifts directly support the program and
our cadets. If you would like to make a donation to Army ROTC at CU Boulder, please make
your check payable to the CU Foundation, and in the Memo section of your check, state “Army
ROTC Program Fund #0121348.” All checks should be mailed to the following address:
University of Colorado Foundation
P.O. Box 17126
Denver, CO 80217-9155
You can also go to the CU Foundation website to make a secure credit card donation at
CUFund.org. If you have questions, please call Amanda Stewart with the CU Development
Office at 303-492-3898.
To make a donation to Colorado School of Mines, please make checks payable to CSM
Foundation, and in the Memo section of your check, state “645188 Military Science
Development”, as well as the purpose for your donation. If you have questions, please call
303-273-3275. All checks should be mailed to the following address:
CSM Foundation
1232 W. Campus Road, Building 4
Golden, CO 80401
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The Golden Buffalo Battalion
Fall 2014
About the Authors
Christian Burns is from Aurora, Colorado, and is a freshman at the University
of Colorado Boulder. He is majoring in History and is currently interested in
branching Armor. His hobbies include hiking, camping, and shooting.
Adam Lee is from Lafayette, California, and is a sophomore
at the University of Colorado Boulder. He is majoring in
Media Studies, and is interested in branching Aviation. His
hobbies include lacrosse, guitar, and biking.
John Mason is from Broomfield, Colorado, and is a junior at
the University of Colorado Boulder. He is majoring in Communications, and is
interested in branching Aviation or Infantry. His hobbies include
snowboarding, riding motorcycles, and running.
Devon Viart is from Denver, Colorado, and is a senior
at the University of Colorado Boulder. He will be graduating with two
degrees in Ecology/Evolutionary Biology and Philosophy. He plans to
branch Chemical Corps in the Army Reserves this fall. His hobbies
include rugby, gaming, and lifting.
Emily Wu is from Superior, Colorado, and is a senior at the University
of Colorado Boulder. She will be graduating with a degree in
Biochemistry and a minor in Chemistry. She plans to branch Medical
Service Corps in the Army Reserves this fall. Her hobbies include
running, snowboarding, and shooting.
Aaron Albin is from Boulder, Colorado, and is a senior at Metropolitan
State University of Denver. He will be graduating with a degree in
Business Management and a minor in Coaching. He is planning on
branching either Signal Corps or Military Police this fall. His hobbies
include coaching high school football, boating, and four wheeling.
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The Golden Buffalo Battalion
Fall 2014
References
Sheftick, Gary. “Cadet Command Boldly Changing ROTC Program.” Army.Mil. http://
www.army.mil/article/113856/Cadet_Command_boldly_changing_ROTC_program/
Image of Kettle Bells from http://macseattle.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/206-kettlebell-1.jpg
Image of Denver Veterans Day Run and CPT Russell B. Rippetoe from http://
www.denverveteransday.com/
Image of ROTC Command from www.colorado.edu/AROTC
Photographs below taken by Aaron Albin, Devon Viart, and Emily Wu.
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