Staff Ride
Many have said that “history is one of the best teachers.” I would agree that this maxim. A look back at history can teach us, especially those of us desiring to be U.S. Army officers, much about the highs and lows of Army officer-ship. This is primarily one of the reasons that the senior cadets of MBU Army ROTC conducted Staff Ride with other senior cadets within Badger Battalion.
Staff Ride this year was divided into two separate activities. On Friday 4 March 2016, senior cadets from across the battalion had the honor of hearing from a Vietnam Veteran, Gary O’Neal, who served with the 173rd Infantry Brigade. The 173rd was one of the most highly trained and battle hardened units to serve in the Vietnam War. During this first day, the cadets had an opportunity to hear from Mr. O’Neal’s experiences and also to ask questions.
On the following day (5 March 2016), the cadets gave a brief on the battle of Dak To with emphasis on the battle for Hill 875. Cadets from MBU focused on the Operational setting surrounding this battle. Since Mr. O’Neal was an eyewitness of this battle, he gave some first person commentary on the battle. A takeaway from this Staff Ride is that much goes into one specific battle. Another takeaway is that as aspiring Army officers, we have quite a legacy to follow of those who have come before us and served. What an honor it is to serve after those who have come before us.
Gary O’Neal