By Austin Riess

The University of Maryland has run an Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program since 2001. ROTC is a college program that prepares students to be commissioned officers in the military branch of their choosing.

Hidden in the branches around the Terrapin Trail Garage, cadets perform practice exercises. Most of the cadets are in camouflage, wearing full uniform and even painting their faces. Some did not have uniforms yet because they had just joined the program.

As their main exercise, the cadets established security around an Objective Rally Point in the woods. An Objective Rally Point is a designated location where a patrol can gather, prepare for a mission and coordinate their next steps while maintaining security. The exercise allowed cadets to practice situational awareness and perimeter security in a field-training environment.

They carried dummy rifles and monitored the surrounding area while taking notes on instructions and procedures. Meanwhile, senior cadets observed the exercise, recording their own notes and correcting the younger cadets as needed.

Capt. Joshua Guiod said these field exercises happen every Thursday while physical training happens on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. He also said they do one larger field training exercise a semester, which normally involves helicopters.

Guiod said Friday morning cadets would do their ruck march, where cadets walk a set distance while carrying weighted backpacks. This exercise helps train them for the physical demands of field operations.

The cadets started moving cautiously toward the road, making hand signals to each other to remain quiet. They made their way to the woods on the other side of the street, continuing to advance while keeping a low profile.

The cadets pretended to fire their guns and yelled “bang” as they discovered other cadets who pretended to be opposing forces.

As the exercise continued, the cadets called out “what enemy, what weapon?” as they encountered opposing cadets in the woods. The calls are part of the simulated engagement exercise, in which cadets practiced identifying opposing forces and responding to potential threats.

They also simulated a sneak attack on a target with a grenade. Cadets yell “grenade” and then roll away to cover. After searching, they would yell “clear,” then regroup and debrief on the exercise.

By the end of the afternoon, the cadets had returned to where the training began, gathering near the truck by the garage. Differences in experience were noticeable throughout the exercises. Upperclassmen appeared more comfortable directing their teams and carrying out procedures, while younger cadets were still learning the fundamentals of the training.

“All these cadets come from different backgrounds,” Guiod said.

While some arrive with military family backgrounds, others “have never had any experience with the military,” according to Guiod.

Still, he said, “most start coming out of their shell and really understanding the tactics, the leadership probably by second semester, junior year.”

Douglas Jutronich, a fourth-year ROTC cadet, said the field exercises are designed to build those leadership skills.

“It helps you prepare,” Jutronich said. “It gives you leadership roles, so it prepares you for being in those roles.”

For many students, military training may bring to mind images from movies or video games. Guiod acknowledged that those portrayals can spark interest in military service. He even recalled playing “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare.” He said ROTC’s purpose is not to create tactical experts like the ones portrayed in that game.

“The tactics we teach are simply a vehicle for us to evaluate how well these cadets are being leaders,” Guiod said.

As training wound down, conversations shifted from exercises and evaluations to football, academics and plans after practice.

“We are also just normal college students,” Jutronich said. “We like doing the same things as everyone. We like joining clubs.”

Beneath the uniforms, physical training and field exercises are students balancing military preparation with the same routines, interests and challenges that define college life across campus.

Featured Image: University of Maryland ROTC cadets raise the American flag outside of the Reckord Armory. Photo by Duncan Holditch.