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Army ROTC Leader Development Exercise (LDX) Spring 2024 – Cadet Roy (photo center) discusses potential routes to take to successfully get his squad through the patrol base training lane. Photo courtesy of Cadet William Vlad.

Once again, the Golden Buffalo Battalion Army ROTC Cadets traveled down to the Jack’s Valley Training Area on the grounds of the U.S. Air Force Academy to conduct their annual spring Leader Development Exercise (LDX) on Thursday, April 11 through Sunday, April 14.

This traditional spring training was held in conjunction with the Army ROTC Cadets from the Battalion at the University of Colorado – Colorado Springs (UCCS). Several coordinated tactical missions were performed on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Which gave Cadets an opportunity to collaborate with unfamiliar soldiers and learn how to best communicate to execute the assigned task.

 Cadet Pethica (MSII) and Cadet Elliott (MSII), prepare their sites on enemy engagement during the platoon training lane. Photo courtesy of Cadet William Vlad.

Cadets ran through different unit/platoon lane exercises to test the combat skills and techniques they have learned throughout the semester (exercises including raids, movement to contact, ambushes, and attack). They also planned out and conducted various medical evacuation scenarios that goes “hand-in-hand” with any military tactical operation. All exercises were performed with the end goal of successfully completing each mission’s objective.

During this event, the MSIII Junior Cadets were put in charge of their assigned platoons while being evaluated on their teamwork, tactical movement, and communication skills; as well as the ability to lead others in different simulated battlefield environments. Each Cadets skills and abilities will be fully assessed when they head off to their four-week mandatory Cadet Summer Training (CST) back at Fort Knox the summer before their senior year.

Cadet’s practice on medical evacuation (Medevac) protocols. Photo courtesy of Cadet William Vlad.