Missouri State University’s Department of Military Science is keeping busy with a flurry of fall activities.

The department has already been busy, with its ROTC color guard leading this year’s homecoming parade Oct. 21 while contributing a rockets-and-space themed float to the festivities.

More is on the schedule, though, including field training exercises, ranger task force competitions and Veterans Day celebration activities.

Field training exercise at Camp Crowder Oct. 26-29

The battalion will take part in a four-day field training exercise at Camp Crowder near Neosho, Missouri, Oct. 26-29.

The Camp Crowder exercises are designed to train junior class cadets for a five-week leadership training event to be held summer 2024 at Fort Knox, Kentucky, according to Maj. Eric Wahner, assistant professor of military science.

During the Fort Knox event, cadets will rotate “through various leadership positions and skill training lanes,” Maj. Wahner explained.

To prepare cadets for the session at Fort Knox, the Camp Crowder training exercise features rifle qualifications, land navigation training using maps and compasses, obstacle courses, machine gun and pistol familiarization and qualification ranges and squad tactical situational lanes, Maj. Wahner added.

Black Hawks on campus

Black Hawk helicopters are scheduled to land on campus Oct. 26-27 to transport cadets and some MSU staff to Camp Crowder who want to watch the training.

If inclement weather prevails, however, the Black Hawks will be cancelled. Buses will be on standby to transport the cadets, according to Maj. Wahner.

“Our training will continue with or without the helicopters,” Maj. Wahner said.

Bear Battalion to compete in Brigade Ranger Challenge Nov. 3-5

MSU’s Bear Battalion will compete in the Brigade Ranger Challenge Nov. 3-5 at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.

The battalion qualified for the competition in October with their win over several universities at the Task Force Ranger Challenge competition.

The Brigade Ranger competition consists of the top five winning teams out of 43 ROTC programs, according to Maj. Wahner.

Veterans Day Celebrations Nov. 10-11

MSU’s ROTC unit will provide a color guard for the MSU Veterans Day breakfast, scheduled for Nov. 10 at 8 a.m. in the Plaster Student Union Ballroom. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required.

The playing of Taps Project ceremony on the MSU Springfield campus, which will feature members of MSU’s military science and music departments, will commence in front of McDonald Arena at 11:11 a.m. Nov. 10.

Celebrations will conclude with the annual Bear Battalion Military Ball, Nov. 10 from 5-11 p.m. at the Diamond Room in Springfield, Missouri. The celebration will include a presentation of colors and a POW/MIA and fallen soldier tribute.

Maj. Wahner expects roughly 120 cadets and alumni to attend.

Learn more about Veterans Day 2023 events