Washington D.C. Broadening Experience 2012 On October 19-22nd , 27 cadets and 4 cadre travel to Gettysburg, PA and Washington D.C. for a long weekend. This trip gave the cadets the opportunity to learn about our country's history and how we came to be where we are today.

 

The first day was spent traveling to Gettysburg, PA and taking a look around the town; the real work started the second day of the broadening experience. 

 

On Day 2, the cadets traveled to the places where many significant battles that took place at The Battle of Gettysburg.  At each stop, 2 or 3 cadets were responsible for explaining what happened during that specific battle.  One cadet explained the Union positions, one explained the Confederate positions, and one explained how different units from Michigan were involved.  Over the course of the day, the cadets were able to get a better understanding of what happened during the three days at The Battle of Gettysburg.

 

Day 3 was a busy day for the cadets as well. the group toured Arlington National Cemetery, where cadets were responsible for giving a short biography on some of the important figures buried there. The cadets watched the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of Unknown Soldiers.  Following the tour of Arlington, they walked around the National Mall, learning more about each of the National Monuments.

 

Day 4 was spent at the AUSA (Association of the United States Army) convention.  The AUSA convention hosts Army's top contractors each year.  The contractors show their new products,  ranging from boots and knives, all the way to tanks and humvees.  This convention provided the senior cadets with the opportunity to learn where the Army buys it's equipment, as well to network with many Army Officers and company executives.