Fifteen (15) CMHS NJROTC cadets were handpicked based upon their performance to attend a week in June at Basic Leadership Training (BLT) at the Army National Guard Base in Marseille, Illinois. The Basic Leadership Training experience is designed to promote discipline, military bearing, physical fitness, and to help develop basic military skills.
The cadets received 6 weeks of active training from Petty Reed, CMHS NJROTC Instructor, prior to attending BLT. Approximately 150 cadets from various NJROTC High Schools from around the area including various NJROTC from other states attended the BLT.
Cell phones/mp3 players are not authorized at the Marseilles Training Center therefor all cadets had to surrender any/all electronic devices (including their cellphones) to Petty Officer Reed one mile before entering the base. Upon arrival, the cadets received a welcome to training in true boot camp style. During BLT the cadets experienced routine P.T., drill, inspections, intramural sports, military knowledge, orienteering, and hiking.
All 15 CHMS cadets graduated BLT on Friday, June 21 where they also received ribbons for Physical Fitness, Orienteering, Mini-Bootcamp, and Chicagoland BLT. Petty Officer Reed assisted with parking and said, "I was amazed to see how Crete-Monee High School came through the base gates with the cars all dressed up like they were going to a parade. All of the parents had on CMHS NJROTC T-shirts with their names on the back. CMHS NJROTC parents brought so much food and drink that we had a picnic on the base after the graduation ceremony. It was really something to see".
CMHS student Rachel Perry of NJROTC was one of 15 cadets who attended BLT. As the only girl from CMHS in her company, Rachel became the only Distinguished Cadet for CMHS NJROTC and received a Challenge Coin from Petty Officer Reed for her leadership in teamwork and motivating others. Congratulations to Rachel and to all of our CMHS NJROTC Cadets!
The 2020-21 cadets will either go back to BLT or become an aide. Only 1% of cadets will be attending Leadership Academy next year for a week-long camp to receive "The Silver Cord", the highest accomplishment to be received in NJROTC. Good luck, cadets!