Cadet Staff Meet to Hone Skills Before Encampment

Written by Cadet Master Sgt. Macaiden Brees, Arthur J. Pierce Squadron

The cadet encampment leadership staff met at Bridgewater State University on March 21 to practice their leadership and accountability skills for the upcoming Massachusetts Wing Encampment. This event was an early morning endeavor to help cadets network with each other and meet new people outside their home squadrons. 

"It’s so they can get to other people from the wing and start building those relationships prior to encampment … and to learn the expectations of what we wanted with regard to mission command and empowering the cadets to become vulnerable leaders,” said adult member Chief Master Sgt. Woody Niemann. 

There were three main events for cadets during the all-day training: targeted track classes for noncommissioned officers and officers, followed by drill practice shortly after lunch, and then a command post exercise that plunged them into controlled chaos, where they had to adapt and think on their feet. 

“There’s a lot of chaos [at encampment], and it’s really good that we’re working it out now,” said cadet Chief Master Sgt. Adam Tzafriri. 

Overall, the event helped cadets smooth out relationships and further prepare for encampment. Encampment takes place on July 25 - August 1 at Joint Base Cape Code, Mass. It is a week-long training for cadets, attending as core cadets (first-year participants) or as staff. To help them gain leadership experience and practice accountability and integrity, cadets participate in fun obstacle courses, team leadership challenges, and physical activities to keep them on their feet. There are also leadership and aerospace classes to keep them learning throughout the week.

 

For More Information:

C/Master Sgt. Macaiden Brees
Arthur J. Pierce Squadron
macaiden.brees@mawg.cap.gov