Battalion Events
Physical Training (PT)—PT is held three times per week for one hour. Students at all fitness levels work toward a high level of fitness and self confidence.
Leadership Lab—Students apply classroom instruction to hands-on learning. Students will see and use Army operations and equipment first hand. At labs and/or during the semester Field Training Exercise (FTX), students may have the opportunity to:
- Fly in UH-60 helicopters
- Rappel off 45-foot towers
- Receive Water Survival Training
- Fire M16A2 and/or M4 Rifles
- Learn first aid
- Learn land navigation skills
- Learn Army tactics
Field Training Exercise
The Cougar Battalion attends an FTX every fall, usually during the last weekend of September, at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. During this FTX, cadets have the opportunity for good Army training. Cadets and cadres will leave on a Friday and return on Sunday. While at Fort Leonard Wood, cadets will complete Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) training (gas chamber), Confidence Course, Physical Endurance Course (PECS), Field Leadership Reaction Course (FLRC), M16 Range, as well as rappel from a 45-foot tower. The FTX is not only a good opportunity for training, but it is also a great chance to get to know your fellow cadets.
Cougar Strike
The SIUE campus provides an excellent arrangement of diverse terrain that is perfect for a bi-annual training event known as Cougar Strike. Cougar Strike is an FTX typically held once in the fall and spring and lasts an entire weekend. The event is a unique opportunity for MSIII cadets to enhance their patrolling and teamwork skills. Select individuals are evaluated in leadership positions as they set up traffic control points, encounter civilians on the battlefield, react to IEDs, or a host of other variable training lanes. The event participants also learn basic skills such as patrol base operations, link-ups, and tactical movement techniques.
Cougar Strike is a fun and exciting training opportunity that provides cadets with necessary leadership and tactical skills. In the past, cadets have flown in Blackhawk helicopters and used a variety of U.S. weaponry including the M60 machine gun, M249 SAW and M240B. The scenarios developed for this event are as true-to-life as they can be with the enemy forces dressed in foreign attire and speaking unique languages. Cadets are constantly challenged during Cougar Strike and many have some of their fondest ROTC memories during this event.
Army Combat Fitness Test
The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) is a six-event physical performance test consisting of Maximum Deadlift, Standing Power Throw, Hand-Release Push-Ups, Sprint-Drag-Carry, leg tucks, and a two-mile run. The ACFT is based on a point scale, which is determined by the cadet's raw score in each event. Each event can award 100 points for a max score of 600. Physical training is conducted throughout the week to maintain/build strength and endurance. Frequent ACFTs are administered to assess each cadet's performance and training needs.
Combat Water Survival Test
The Army Combat Water Survival Test at SIUE tests a cadet's stamina in water and their ability to complete three stations while wearing a uniform. First cadets must swim laps for 10 minutes without touching the sides or bottom of the pool. After a five-minute break, cadets must tread water for five minutes without touching the bottom or sides of the pool. These two events are done with swimming trunks or a swimsuit on. After these two events are completed, cadets put on Army Combat Uniforms and tennis shoes. With this on, cadets must complete three events:
- Equipment Ditch: Cadets have on load-bearing equipment (LBE) and hold an M-16. The cadets must stand on the side of the pool and step backwards into the water. Once in the water, the cadets must submerge themselves completely underwater and get rid of their equipment before resurfacing.
- 15-Meter Swim: Cadets have on an LBE and carry an M-16 and must swim for 15 meters without touching the sides or the bottom of the pool.
- 3-Meter Drop: Cadets have on an LBE and carry an M-16, and they are blindfolded and must walk off a 3-meter high diving board. In order to pass, the cadet must keep hold of the weapon, take off the blindfold, and return to the side of the pool.
Military Ball
The SIUE Military Ball is a dining-out event held once a year that allows cadets the opportunity to wear their Army Service Uniforms and bring their significant others to a formal Army event. This event allows cadets a chance to see the formal side of the Army steeped in military traditions as well as hear from a distinguished speaker.
German Armed Forces Badge for Military Proficiency
The German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge has three levels of qualification: gold, silver and bronze. To earn the badge, soldiers must successfully complete a shot put, long jump, 200-meter swim, 100- or 400-meter sprint, live fire on a 9mm handgun, and a ruck march with a 35-pound pack. Qualifications and scores are based on age and gender categories.
Other Events & Activities
Off-Campus Activities
- Ranger Challenge
- Ranger Buddy
- Mountain Warfare
- Color Guard
- Air Assault School
- Airborne School
- Jungle School
- Basic Camp
- Advanced Camp
- GAFPB
- High Ropes Course
- EST Range
- Qualify with M4 on range
On-Campus Activities
- Lab
- Class Lecture
- PT
- CWST
- Military Ball
- Cougar Challenge
- Cougar Strike
- Tactics Club
- Cadet Club
- Rappelling
- Ride in a Blackhawk
- Weapons Familiarization
