This report strives to let readers know of App ROTC happenings and accomplishments this past year and going into the summer. This post is an extract of the report sent to Alumni whose email address we have on file. If you did not receive it--contact us.
Current App ROTC uniformed Cadre: LTC Adam Greene (Armor, University of North Georgia) completed his second year as Professor of Military Science. Likewise, SFC Andrew Browne, Infantry, has two years in. He instructs the Juniors. Captain Steven Pressley (Logistician, University of North Carolina) will be with us for another semester and instructs the Sophomores. Major Porter Lockhart (Infantry, University of Tennessee-Knoxville) departed in the Spring. MSG Paul Sinnott joined the program from the 5th Special Forces Group last summer and is the Senior Military Science Instructor. SSG Steven Jones, Military Police, arrived in the Fall and will help with the Sophomores this coming year.
On the civilian side- Eric Church (Class of 97) is the Human Resources Officer. Michael Branham runs Supply and DJ Weatherford (Class of 88) handles Freshmen Instruction and Enrollments/Scholarships. The lady who makes day-to-day operations happen is Sharon Cox in the front office. Sharon is also known for her Range Day Chili and Cookies.
Our Point of Pride and our Product is the Officers we Commission. In May we commissioned 15 Second Lieutenants and have 10 more later this summer and into the Fall. Read more at https://rotc.appstate.edu/news/fifteen-serve-and-lead
As usual we have a good slate of training this summer. 31 Cadets are attending Advanced Camp at Fort Knox and 7 others are attending Basic Camp. One Cadet is slated for The Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation at Fort Moore (Georgia) and 4 others for the Air Assault Course. Three will attend the Basic Military Mountaineering Course in Jericho Vermont and 1 will serve as the Opposing Force for summer training at Fort Knox. The Cadet Leadership Training Program, where a Cadet follows an active duty Lieutenant in their day-to-day activities, will involve 4 Cadets going to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington (1 with a Military Police unit, 1 with an Air Defense unit, 1 with an Engineer unit, and 1 with a Military Intelligence unit); 2 Cadets will go to Fort Campbell, Kentucky (1 with an Infantry unit, 1 with an Engineer unit); 1 Cadet will go to Fort Cavazos, Texas for training with a Field Artillery unit and 1 will go to Fort Moore for training with an Infantry unit. Two Cadets will train with Aviation units: 1 at Fort Stewart, Georgia and 1 at Wiesbaden, Germany.
Significant events over the last year—
Fall is always a busy but exhilarating time in the High Country. A lot of that excitement is associated with Football Game Day. In addition to supporting the Yosef Club with Tailgate Access Control (as a Cadet Fund Raiser), the Department provides a Color Guard (from the Pershing Rifles) and Yosef’s Musket Detail. The Musket Detail maintains and fires Yosef’s musket after each App score at home games. The Cadets enjoy participation in this high-energy and high-visibility activity.
The Battalion conducted its Fall Training Exercise on campus and in Crossnore. Friday consisted of the Army Combat Fitness Test in the App Athletic Field House and rifle and machine gun familiarization at the Watauga Gun Club. Saturday’s events were at the NC Fire Services Mountain Training Facility located in Gill State Forest. Training that day was Tactical Combat Casualty Care, Communication, and Individual Movement Techniques prior to squad-level land navigation. Cadets overnighted in a Patrol Base and greeted the new day with a Battalion Run. A mess hall breakfast and weapons cleaning closed out the exercise.
App State ROTC’s Ranger Challenge team traveled to Fort Barfoot, (formerly Pickett) Virginia, on 20 October for the 2-day Ranger Challenge Competition hosted by 4th ROTC Brigade. Thirty-Eight programs competed in nine events: two-mile run; weapons assembly and disassembly; pistol marksmanship; Tactical Combat Casualty Care; vehicle push; rope bridge assembly; grenade throwing; communications; call for fire procedures; a cognitive challenge and a six-mile ruck march. The team had a strong performance and did well in each event; including first place in the culminating six-mile ruck march. They placed 3rd overall, improving 2 spots from the previous year and matching their 2021 performance. Hard training and work rewarded! Read More at https://rotc.appstate.edu/news/rucking-excellence-and-another-strong-showing-4th-rotc-brigade%E2%80%99s-ranger-challenge-competition
Met the Challenge. New candidates of the Appalachian Commando Unit conducted Tactical Training for the Individual Soldier (TTIS). Candidates were trained and tested on their attention to detail, teamwork abilities, fitness, combat casualty care, and other individual military skills. Throughout the semester, candidates are challenged physically and mentally, using their team as a resource to solve all problems faced. The unit began the semester with over 40 candidates but just 7 completed the final portion of training at TTIS to earn the title of Commando.
The Furious Five. 5 Cadets completed PROCON with Appalachian State’s Pershing Rifles Company M-4. This training event included a week of team-building exercises and challenges,-- culminating in a 20-hour event testing candidates’ physical fitness, drill and ceremony proficiency, teamwork and problem solving skills. New members include Cadets Hill, Perfetto, and Myers who earned their Pershing Rifles Tabs, and Cadets Tryggestad and Wahba who earned their Pershing Rifles Flashes. Congratulations to all.
Honoring Military Traditions. The App ROTC Professor of Military Science and Department Chair, LTC Greene, hosted a Holiday Reception at his home. This was the second year for the event and it is an opportunity to eat and chat outside of program-related activities.
The App ROTC Mountaineer, “Fire on the Mountain”, Battalion ended the Fall semester with a Battalion run on the “town loop” and some recognition of deserving Cadets inside the stadium afterward. LTC Greene also conducted a confirmation oath of recently contracted Cadets.
The Commando Club Led the Way in 2024 with their Commando Bioauc. The Appalachian Commando Club Bivouac consisted of a 36-hour training exercise and movement of 25 miles that took them up and over Holston Mountain (2200 feet) and onto Holston Lake for a 2-mile boat infiltration and a simulated raid of an aggressor base. The patrol was challenged by wind, rain, hail, snow, freezing temperatures, and a determined opposing force. The physicality and resilience of the club's members was inspiring. Read more at https://rotc.appstate.edu/news/appalachian-commando-bivouac
National Competition Success! Over Spring Break Appalachian State's Pershing Rifles Company M-4 attended and competed in the National Society of Pershing Rifles “NATCON” 2024 in Knoxville, Tennessee. The event consisted of the John J. Pershing Memorial Drill Meet Competition, Society Legislative Meetings and Elections, as well as a formal dinner. Company M-4 placed second overall out of 27 teams in the National Drill Competition, receiving second place in armed platoon regulation, and third place in unarmed platoon regulation. Cadet Allen Myers placed third overall in the individual exhibition event. Company M-4 was also recognized for the second year in a row for the Society’s Scholastic Achievement Scholarship. Cadets Logan Bowland, Allen Myers, and Maci Farrington-Johnson were elected as the next National Commander, Deputy National Commander, and Chief of Staff, respectively.
Comradery in a Formal Setting. The Fire on the Mountain Battalion Formal (Dining Out) was held in the Grandview Ballroom of the North End Zone Facility on 22 March. Dean Shannon Campbell of the College of Fine and Applied Arts was the guest speaker. Dr. Campbell's speech provided an inspirational insight into the influence and pull individuals have on others and how they can positively affect others' lives; she stated that personal success and triumphs are built on those who came before us. Formal military dinners are a tradition in all branches of the United States Armed Forces.
Spring Training Exercise 2024 at Camp Butner. The weekend consisted of eighty App ROTC Cadets teamed with NC A & T and Wake Forest ROTC and their partner programs for tactical training in preparation for ROTC Advance Camp at Fort Knox this summer. Read and see more at: https://rotc.appstate.edu/news/spring-weekend-woods
Honor Through Action and Victory in a Competition with a Cause!!
Annually the Appalachian State ROTC Cadets travel to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, to take part in the Mountain Man Memorial March. The event honors Gold Star families, the sacrifices they have endured, and the ultimate sacrifice our service members have made. The Mountain Man Memorial March also serves as a way for Cadets to show what they are made of and put forth their best during the half or full-marathon ruck march-- either as a five-member team or as individuals. Each participant in the Full and Half event competes in military boots and pants and carries a 35-pound rucksack. There is also the opportunity for 10K, half marathon, and marathon runners. The event hosted over 900 competitors and several military and ROTC teams. Appalachian State brought six teams total (four men's teams and two female teams) and many individual racers. Over 53 App ROTC members were in attendance as competitors or support personnel helping with teams during the race and at our water point. A male full marathon team has taken home first place for the past nine years that the event has been conducted in person! App State not only took first place for the male full marathon event but also third this year. Read More at https://rotc.appstate.edu/news/honor-through-action-and-victory-competition-cause
The High Country Chapter of the Military Officer Association of America habitually supports App ROTC and they supported the Mountain Man Competition this past semester as they have done in the past
The App State MSIII Cadets completed their preparation for Advance Camp by participating in the Spring Super Lab. Spring Super Lab was a two-day event with the MSIII’s accomplishing tasks that they will see at Advance Camp this summer. Day 1 started with a final equipment layout and then moved to the local gun club where they Grouped, Zeroed and Qualified on ALT-C targets using Iron Sights. While at the gun club, they also took a written Land Navigation test. The Cadets then moved to conduct both Day and Night Land Navigation. After Land Navigation, the Cadets then transitioned to Patrol Base operations which the first of four tactical lanes they would complete. They following day the MSIIIs conducted three more tactical lanes which consisted of a Raid, an Attack and a Movement To Contact. All leadership positions on the tactical lanes were assessed to provide them with feedback.
Finishing Strong and a Gift for Doing So! App State ROTC finished the semester with a Battalion Run on the iconic Boone Town Loop and then acknowledged some top-performing Cadets and a contracting ceremony. The Battalion was then surprised with the gift of a new ATV from the College of Fine and Applied Arts(CFAA). CFAA Associate Dean, Chris Kleman (former PMS), delivered it on behalf of the College and Dean Campbell.
Other notes of interest
Recognized Leadership Excellence. Appalachian State University held the Black and Gold Leadership Awards at the end of the semester to recognize the best of over 400 student clubs and organizations on campus. Two of the Appalachian ROTC clubs were recognized. The Pershing Rifles received the Appalachian Image Award for the positive image of the school they convey to the local community and the Appalachian Commando Club was awarded as an Outstanding General Club for the positive experience of club members. CPT Steven Pressley received the award for Outstanding Advisor for his role with the Pershing Rifles. Well Done-- FOTM!!
We have to believe Scabbard and Blade would have been recognized if they entered the equation. The club was active over both semesters:
They volunteered at Spring House Farm in Vilas, NC. They assisted in tearing down all of the tomato plants in two greenhouses. They got an amazing amount of work done and everyone had an incredible time helping out. This event strengthened ties with the Boone community and supported a small local business.
They also volunteered at Watauga Humane Society. Their tasks were to beautify the dog park garden, pull up weeds, and lay mulch. Additionally, they cleaned crates that are used for the spay and neuter clinics. Cohesion through Service!
The Scabbard and Blade Club joined up with the ROTC RLC, local Girl Scouts, and App’s Military Affairs Committee members in supporting the High Country Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America's efforts to post flags on the grave sites of local veterans at Mount Lawn Cemetery.
A Military Mountaineer Family! 2LT Allie Hollis was commissioned on 9 May and is a fourth-generation Military Officer. She was pinned by her father LTC (Ret) David Hollis, and mother, former CPT Melanie Hollis, each using one of their own 2LT gold bars. David and Melanie are App ROTC Alumni -Graduating and Commissioned in 1995. Keeping the Fire on the Mountain burning bright!
Honoring the trailblazers of the profession! Select Cadre and Cadets attended a special showing and panel discussion of "The Six Triple Eight" on 9 November. The documentary was produced by COL (Ret) Edna Cummings. COL Cummings was the first Female African American Officer Commissioned from the program (78). As a testament to her service and advocacy, she was inducted into the U.S. Army Women’s Foundation Hall of Fame and is an Army Reserve Ambassador. ADDITIONALLY, she has been selected as an APP ROTC Distinguished Alumni and will be inducted this Fall.
Speaking of Alumni— The Fall 2024 Military Appreciation Day Football Game is scheduled for November 2nd. Go ahead and mark your calendar. We will repeat last year’s teaming up with the Military Affairs Committee and host a tailgate at the McKinney Alumni Center. Historically football game tickets are free for first responders and veterans and half-price for one family member. Those tickets are obtained by “Will Call” and in advance of the game. The number of tickets set aside is limited—so don’t wait to secure them. The ROTC Department is not involved in ticket distribution in any manner but will let you know of any information regarding their availability. The Tailgate is an excellent time to meet and greet with the current Senior and Cadre. Historically Food and Drinks have been Free. No reason not to attend.
We frequently get asked “How is the Program and How Can I Help”: App ROTC is healthy (always around 125-145 Students/Cadets) and well but we ask you to stay engaged—the program is part of your legacy. Your experience in it, and subsequently in service, resonates with the current cohort of Cadets. Leave your thoughts and experiences at https://rotc.appstate.edu/alumni -- We pass them on. Additionally, follow us on Social Media-- Instagram- #appstaterotc; Twitter -@AppRotc; Facebook- Appalachian State Army ROTC and Linked In - Https://www.linkedin.com/company/90578110/admin/dashboard/ “App State ROTC”.
Presenting/Talking to the Cadets in a session. Since standing up in 1969 the program has commissioned over 1,000 Officers and many offer to come back and speak. Their success warrants it. In addition to our Alumni, we get numerous other offers to visit. Our curriculum and “Cadet Contact Time” constraint, limit those opportunities. That being said, guest speakers in the grade of Captain seem to resonate best with our students. Thus if you are currently a Captain, and have some availability on Tuesdays or Thursdays, and can visit on your own “time and dime” let us know.
Donations. The Department is well-resourced and financially sound. We will never ask for donations, nor do we release any emails (professional or private) outside of the Department for any reason including solicitations. The University, by policy, does have a “Give” button on our website. That button gives you the option to donate to the foundation funds of the Department of Military Science and Leadership (#092545) and the ROTC Alumni Operations Fund (#092757). Donations will be processed through the University to the College of Fine and Applied Arts (CFAA), our parent college. Currently, the College crafts a “Thank You” letter. We are working to have us notified so a Cadet can write that letter. The Clubs (specifically Commandos, Pershing Rifles, and The Mountain Man Memorial March Teams) do conduct fundraisers to support their competitions and activities. If you want to support a club or any Cadet event--you can write a check and mail it to “App State ROTC, ATTN: Sharon Cox, Varsity Gym, River Street, Boone NC 28608”. If you do so state how you want the funds allocated. We will have the Club or a Cadet send you a note in response.
Visits. As you can imagine-- it is tough to call duty on campus as “work”. That being said--there are a lot of Departmental, University, or Army activities ongoing on any given day. That can negate Cadre “catching up” with short, or no, notice visiting alumni. Thus let us know you are swinging by in advance! We would love to talk to you and see where you are in life now--we probably have some alumni swag for ya as well--but give us a heads up.
So that wraps up this report. It is not meant to be polished for presentation but rather just informative. Hopefully, it achieved that.
Though it goes back to our origin, depending on when you came through the program, you may or may not be familiar with our motto “Fire on the Mountain” or “FOTM”. It is prevalent in the program these days and it goes back to the crest that was approved in 1969. The Black and Yellow(Gold) represent the colors of the University. The three mountain peaks allude to the geographical location of the university in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, The Crossed Bayonets represent military training. The flame (originally lamp enflamed) is indicative of knowledge and wisdom—and the origin of the Battalion’s slogan—“Fire on the Mountain”
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