Central Michigan University

Washington D.C. Trip

Every year the MSL IV's conduct an annual staff ride and visit locations that were bench marks in military history.  This event is not only to site see and to bond with class mates but appreciate the sacrifices that our fallen soldiers and honor those that still walk among us.

The first stop the Cadets made was in Gettysburg.  The Cadets were already familiar of the costly battle that took place there.  The beauty that surrounds the town almost made the Cadets forget of what took place there.  Cadets were there to learn not only of the strategic victories from the battle but from the costly mistakes made by both sides.

The next stop the Cadets made was at Arlington National Cemetery, in Washington D.C.  The Cadets dressed in class A uniforms because this was viewed as formal event.  This event consisted of paying respect to fallen soldiers and reminded the Cadets of the endeavors that lay ahead of them.  The Cadets found themselves among a sea of tombs of our nations heroes.  Having the Cadets view birth dates that matched theirs was a wake up call of the sacrifices many of their peers have already made.  With paying this respect the Cadets also had the privilege of watching the changing of the guard of at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  Upon the quiet completion of this honored ceremony the Cadets left with an even deeper appreciation of soldiers that lived and died before them.

The Cadets continued the staff ride visiting the National Museum of American History, surrounding war monuments, and were able to attend the AUSA (Association of the United States Army) convention. This gave the Cadets an insight of what new weapons and assets our Army might invest in.  Cadets also had the distinct privilege of sitting in on a conference of General Petraeus who is currently in charge CENTCOM (U.S Central Command).  Cadets were then able to have the most current update about operations that were being conducted over seas and to able to at a grasp of what they might have to endure once they receive there commission.

Upon the completion the staff ride the Cadets had a deeper appreciation of our American military history and were able to grow as leaders to see the trials, tribulation, and successes that lay ahead of them.  Most importantly they became stronger leaders and classmates.

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