Anyone ever attended Warrior Forge/LDAC?

[psyopspec]

I'm leaving for a month-long stint at Fort Lewis, WA very soon. I was wondering if anyone here has ever attended Advanced Camp (recently re-named Warrior Forge), and if you know anything about the training, both firearms and tactics related.

I don't need the basics here, as I've got a bit of prior service under my belt. Essentially I'm looking for things to look forward to. Is there, for instance, any livefire exercises? Qualifying with the M-9 (something I have yet to do after 5 years of army service)? Room clearing?

Also, if anyone has any other tips as to equipment to bring or what to expect, they're much appreciated.

 

[Mortech]

Lots of live fire (if your into artillary )! You guys keep me awake all night and I'm on the other side of Puget Sound ! As for actual happenings on Ft Lewis I can't say , its been years since I participated , supposedly they upgraded the facilities . Sorry I can't be of more help .

 

[Preacherman]

I'm not sure, but I think Jshirley, one of our moderators, was there a couple of years ago. You might PM him and ask.

 

[JShirley]

Hi, there.

I was actually scheduled, not so very long ago, to report into LDAC this week.

I'm at Benning instead...long story. Anyway, I was told what to expect.

1. Pt test.
2. Water survival test.
>10 minute swim
>5 minute tread water
>blindfolded push off high dive, ditch gear, swim to side
>15 meter swim w/ LBV and rifle
>jump from side of pool w/ LBV, ditch while underwater, swim to side
***The most important facets of LDAC***
3. TLP: receiving OPORD and directing your squad or platoon through a mission.
4. Land Nav.

Basically, friend, this is all about leadership, not tactics so much. Be able to deliver a good 5-paragraph OPORD! Bring a red light, and you should also receive a gear list from your college.

Good luck!

John

 

[scout26]

Good wet weather gear is a must. (I'm a graduate of Ft. Lewis' Adventure Cupcake, ummmm Adventure Challenge in '86).


Bring good Land Nav (non-GPS type, good ol' map and compass) skills, and a willingness to deal with some of the dumbest people (cadets) on the planet. Since you're prior service, you'll be looked at to be an informal leader and to help your fellow cadets. Remember most are non-prior service and you'll be amazed at what is NOT taught in some ROTC programs. Some cadets will have never seen a real live M16/M4/M9 or any other weapon. Some programs never take their cadets to the field. You'll sometimes feel like this --->:banghead:

Other hints:
1) If you've been through basic expect to see some of the same training again. The Army knows that not all ROTC programs are created equal. Between my prior service and Wheaton College's ROTC program, there were no surprises and I knew I was better prepared then 99% of my fellow cadets.
2) When in charge, don't be afraid to make a decision. An bad decision executed rapidly and violently now is better then a good decision executed too late.
3) Followership, if it's not you're turn in the limelight, give 110% to the person(s) whose turn it is. Paybacks and all that.
4) Teamwork is the key.
5) Get about 20 of your buddies togther and rent a hotel room in Seattle, (if they still give you one weekend off.) Don't get drunk and stupid, but go do the tourist thing, eat some good seafood, and decompress.

If you have any other questions, send me an e-mail and tell you more about what it was like twenty years what: ) ago.

 

[Langenator]

I'm pretty sure they don't have the day (weekend? how long ago was that?) off anymore...camp's too short.

As far as a small arms live fire, M16 qual is about it, but you little buggers, I mean future young officers, sure do take up enough dang ranges to do it. Getting land and ranges here at Lewis in the summer is a huge PITA...I haven't seen any cadets out at either MOUT site yet, and the fact that we can book it implies that they don't use it.

You will do first aid, and land nav, and FA propaganda/call for fire day. I think the gun bunnies are the only ones who still have their day dedicated solely to their branch, Engineer day having been stripped out a few years back.

If they still do the STRAC lanes, bring a good mosquito headnet...the lanes are pretty close to some ponds that breed huge swarms of mosquitos. You'll sleep much better if you have one.

If you have one, bring a large ruck (you only need the sack) because all you'll get from CIF is a medium, which can hold your poncho, a tshirt, and a pair of socks, and that's about it.

550 cord and bungees are always useful, but if you're prior service, you already know that. Other soldier field basics, like a Leatherman/Gerber type tool, Gold Bond, additional weapons cleaning kit items, etc, are always useful. Oh, and laundry detergent-each barracks does have a washer and drier (or at least did 10 years ago.)

Hope that helps

UC Davis '96
Ft Lewis Advanced Camp 1995, 6th Regt (Regulars, by God!)

 

[spaceCADETzoom]

I PMed this to the original poster. But I figure there may be other kids headed to later regiments and it may be helpful to them...
==================
Hey there, I'm responding to your LDAC thread. My short answer is don't sweat it. YOu can practically go there and know nothing and still come out fine. You have to really try to fail. BUt that's not the point. LDAC emphasizes the A (assessment)...[ETAthey can give you a crash course in soldier skills, but they're assessing your LEADERSHIP (contrary to the LD in LDAC, they can't really Develop your Leadership over a summer--you have to arrive with it from your campus)]. Just take charge when you need to take charge and don't be a blue falcon.

LDAC is really designed to be a retarded kindergarten version of Ranger School... End of the day, stand out by being the guy in your squad that everyone depends on. They give you a crash course on basic soldier skills that virtually everyone knows (you'll always be surprised that there are a few that slip through the cracks from deficient schools...but that just gives plenty of opportunity for others to give a little hip pocket training and, you know, display "leadership" by mentoring, etc).

Short story: knock out the easy stuff as best you can (i.e. individual BASIC soldier skills--land nav, apft, brm) and be the best dang mentor to your fellow squadmates, platoon, etc. DO NOT BE A DOUCHEBAG...you and everyone in your squad needs to be the bestest buddies in the world...if you feel you got saddled with a bunch of jerks, maybe it ain't them, but you. 10 days in the field. A tiny ruck. Easy. Just mesh well with your squad and you'll be golden.

Remember, you can be retarded and pass. THe key is scoring high on the OML. By "just passing" you're not gonna get your branch of choice, may get pushed into the RC rather than active (if thats what you wanted), etc. I came in merely above-center-mass. I came in top third of the OML (that's including LDAC performance, GPA, school performance). Guys who came outof LDAC with great marks were the genuinely good people (don't be an *******).

Good luck.

Hey where'd you get your username? I drilled with a psyop company when I was a reservist...and when I was a cadet.

==============

Oh, BTW. LDAC 05 for me. I got my first branch of choice and my dream assignment. I was 3rd reg at LDAC which had regemental affiliation with the 3ACR. Guess what my dream assigment was? I am currently headed to the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment. BRAVE RIFLES. (if you only know how ridiculously lucky I got getting that lined up with the regiment's move...)

LDAC: Knock it out. Demonstrate "leadership"... You'll score high.

ETA: while the 10/11 days in the field is culmination, your overall assessment will be practically settled by your TAC from how you carried yourself the weeks before the STX/Patrolling. Don't hink you can "turn it on" for the field and be a BF in garrison... on the other hand, if you're a stud in the field and a good mentor otherwise, well ****...you're golden BE GREAT AT YOUR TLP AND OPORDS!