EWU ROTC Cadets Learn How to Operate Tactical Radios

By: Cadet Marcos Sanchez

On the 16th of January 2020, Eastern Washington University (EWU) Reserve Officer Training Corp (ROTC) Cadets conducted various radio operational tasks. These tasks included assembly and disassembly of an ASIP radio, 9-line Medevac, and SALUTE reports. The Advanced Special Improvement Program or ASIP, is the primary means of communication between soldiers on the battlefield. The 9-line medevac report allows soldiers to call for an evacuation of wounded soldiers on the battlefield and the SALUTE report is an essential reconnaissance report all soldiers must be familiar with. Both of these reports are part of the testing that is conducted at both basic and advanced camp and are used throughout military careers.

Photo of Destin Garcia
Cadet Destin Garcia sends up a radio report.

In order to give the EWU ROTC Cadets the best training possible many steps were taken to simulate field conditions. In the SALUTE report lane cadets were instructed to low crawl to the edge of a hill in order to observe a fellow Cadet pretending to be an Opposing Force (OPFOR). This helps them practice noise discipline as well as individual movement techniques, which are both important in any combat situation. For the 9-line Medical Evacuation (Medevac) lane Cadets were given a strict time from when they received the scenario to when they called the report up. Both reports were sent using ASIP radios which allowed them to build confidence while using proper radio etiquette.

Cadets in the snow


As EWU ROTC Cadets progress through the school year they will have to rely more and more on each other to complete tasks. Starting in fall quarter where they master individual skills to spring quarter where they will be in charge of completing platoon level tasks such as ambushes and raids. Cadet Burnside said, “working as a squad has been a great opportunity to bond even more with my fellow classmates.”

Photo of Adam Burnside
Cadet Adam Burnside sends up a radio report.

Burnside moved here from southern California and other than the weather adjustment, he attributes some of the ease of moving to the ROTC program saying that, “everyone is so nice, and it was really easy to make friends”. ROTC offers many scholarships which allow Cadets like Burnside to cover the cost of out-of-state tuition. As the weather gets colder this winter quarter Cadets will have to rely on each other to boost moral during future squad operations.  More pictures from this week’s leadership lab can be seen below.

Go ROTC!  Go Eags!

Cadet Liam Hewey participates in leadership lab training.

Cadets practice transcribing their radio report.

Photo of Josh Browning
Cadet Josh Browning learns how to assemble a tactical radio.

Photo of Christian Goldbach
Cadet Christian Goldbach assesses radio reports by trainees.

Destin Garcia reviews his study material during the leadership lab.

Cadet low crawl to an obscured position to observe enemy activity to make their radio report from.

Cadet Caleb Bullard writes down information to create his radio report.

Photo of Gervacio Camacho
Cadet Gervacio Camacho learns to operate a tactical radio.

Photo of Janu Lee
Cadet Janu Lee assembles a tactical radio.

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