EWU ROTC Cannon Crew Prepares for the September 1st Home Football Game

The Eastern Washington University football team begins the 2018 football season this weekend on September 1st against Central Washington University.  Kickoff for the game is at 1:05 PM Pacific time at Roos Field in Cheney.  In support of the football team the EWU ROTC will be firing our 75mm howitzer cannon after every touchdown.  The Fighting Eagles Battalion is ready to fire a lot of rounds on Saturday in support of the football team.  Go Eagles!

An artillery being fired
On Sept. 29, 2018, EWU ROTC cadre member SFC Jason Hennig, instructs Cadet Andreas Brazier on how to fire the Fighting Eagles Battalion’s 75mm howitzer cannon prior to the university’s first home football game on Sept. 1st.

Throwback Thursday: EWU ROTC Cadets Conduct Field Training Back in 1968

For this week’s Throwback Thursday, here is a picture of Eastern Washington University ROTC Cadets in action back in 1968.  Notice that the caption to the picture says that the EWU ROTC program in 1968 was the third largest in the country.  This was because back then every male on campus had to serve for two years in the ROTC program.  Do any EWU alumni from back then recognize anyone from the photo?

EWU ROTC Military Science Department 2018 Cadet Train Up Schedule

EWU ROTC patch

A reminder to all incoming MS III, MS IV, and MS V Cadets; with the beginning of the school year rapidly approaching the 2018 Cadet Train Up is scheduled from 17-18 September 2018.  Below is the current schedule:

Monday, 17 Sept 2018

Personnel: MS IV & MS V’s only
Uniform: Civilian Clothes
Location: Cadet Hall
Time: 0900-1700

Schedule of Events:

  • command philosophy from PMS
  • initial expectations
  • admin with Ms. Moody
  • accessions counselings
  • advanced camp AAR
  • final lab preparation
  • FTX planning
  • PT schedule
  • training management cycle

Tuesday, 18 Sept 2018

Personnel: MS III’s only
Uniform: Civilian Clothes
Location: Cadet Hall
Time: 0630-1700

MS III’s need to arrive for the 2018 Cadet Train Up on Tuesday 18SEP at 0630 at Cadet Hall to conduct PT with SFC Hennig in their PT uniform.

The uniform for MS III’s during the day will be civilian clothes.  During train up the events will include:

  • command philosophy from PMS
  • initial expectations
  • admin with Ms. Moody
  • beginning of the year counselings
  • task organization of the ROTC unit
  • review of the training calendar

US Army Cadet Command Recognizes 98 Years Since Women’s Suffrage

Below is a message from the Commanding General of US Army Cadet Command, Major General John R. Evans in recognition of the upcoming anniversary of an important US milestone, the 19th Admendment that allowed women the right to vote:

Photo of Major General John R. Evans

On August 26, 1920, the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was certified by the Secretary of State, granting women the right to vote. This historic piece of legislation was made possible due, in large part, to the service of women in every major war since World War I. Each year since 1971, our Nation celebrates Women’s Equality Day to commemorate this turning point for gender equality in America.

Since our country’s founding, there have been examples of women faithfully serving in the military in both unofficial and official roles. During the Revolutionary, Civil and Mexican Wars, a small number of women were involved in combat, but most had to disguise themselves as men and enlist under aliases. Margaret Corbin stood at a cannon beside her husband, handling ammunition during the Revolutionary War; and Anita Newcomb McGee trained volunteer nurses to serve after the outbreak of the Spanish-American War in 1898. They are just two of the thousands of women who sought opportunity to serve alongside their male counterparts, without regard to their gender.

In more recent years, the fight for gender equality has led to significant changes for women serving in the military. The early 1990s saw the lifting of the ban on women flying in combat and serving on combat ships, and a Defense Department policy change opened all military occupations and positions to women in January 2016. As the weapons and methods of warfare change, Army leaders have begun to realize that, on the battlefield, gender matters much less than an individual’s capabilities and demonstrated competence.

I am proud to serve in an Army where anyone who can meet operationally relevant standards has the opportunity to serve in any position – regardless of gender. I encourage you to attend this year’s observance to honor all women, in and out of uniform, and to recognize their continuing efforts toward full equality. When we share the load equally, we are stronger …and together we are Army Strong!

Eastern Washington University ROTC Cadre from 1952-1953

Eastern Washington University has had an ROTC program since 1952.  The very first cadre assigned to the university were led by  Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Carter.  LTC Carter and his staff are pictured below:

First ROTC staff
Standing from Left: Captain Robbins, Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Carter, Captain Coombs; Kneeling from Left: Staff Sergeant Babb, Master Sergeant McBride, Sergeant Major Franklin, Sergeant First Class Brown.

If anyone knows any of the cadre pictured in the above photograph please leave a comment and let us know!