"The order, the self-discipline, the pride that had been instilled in me by ROTC was a tremendous companion to my basic liberal arts education and prepared me well for my Army career, or for that matter, any career I might have chosen." Secretary of State Colin Powell, former Chairman, The Joint Chiefs of Staff.
News & Events
COWBOYS Dominate Warrior Forge 2008
The Cadets and Cadre of the Oklahoma State University Cowboy Battalion completed another summer at Ft. Lewis, WA. Fourteen cadets graduated from Warrior Forge, six of which received an “Excellence” rating from their evaluators. Warrior Forge or the Leadership Development Assessment Course (LDAC), tests the cadets ability to make decisions in difficult situations in different leadership positions ranging from platoon to company. Cadets that attend LDAC receive six evaluations: 2 Garrison, 2 Squad Tactical Exercise (STX), 1 Field Leadership Reaction Course, and 1 patrolling. During LDAC cadets also participate in, first aid training, weapons familiarization, combative training, Land Navigation, etc. During their MS III year here at OSU, the cadets received extensive training on land navigation, company garrison operations and STX/ Patrolling operations. Major Michael Dale is the MS III instructor who developed the course curriculum and crucial training plans that prepared those individuals. Each year lessons learned from the previous class are applied in order to improve the quality of training. Focusing on strengthening the weak points in the training in order ensure success for future classes. The MS III cadets whom returned from Warrior Forge finished extremely well, with the highest overall ranking in the brigade. Oklahoma State had the 2nd Highest Land Navigation score and 2nd Highest Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) score in the 10th Brigade. The cowboys finished above the brigade’s average in all events. The returning class was held in high regards prior to departing for Ft. Lewis. Each cadet did exceptionally well as expected and has definitely set the bar for the new class. Now veteran instructor, Major Dale has a new crop of MS III cadets to mold into leaders, with the acquirement of new equipment, lessons, and assets; the future is bright for the Cowboy Battalion.
Ranger Challenge 2006
The Oklahoma State University Army ROTC “Cowboy” Battalion competed and finished first in the 2006 Ranger Challenge Competition held this year on the University of Central Oklahoma campus. The battalion's "Black" team placed first, going up against teams from Oklahoma University, and the University of Central Oklahoma. Oklahoma State’s “Gold” Team also competed and had a strong showing coming in fourth in the competition. For the teams effort they received the first annual “Oklahoma’s Cup” trophy, which is displayed on campus at Thatcher Hall. The cadets hard work and dedication was evident with the solid performance this year of the two separate teams. Next year’s competition is tentatively scheduled to be held on the campus at Oklahoma State University.
