What’s new with the Blue Devil Battalion?
By PAO Cadet Katherine Plavetzky
Raiders Districts
The Raiders season this year has been remarkably successful. For districts this year, the Raider teams were merged into 2 male/mixed teams. Both teams put in a great amount of effort in each of their events, consisting of: 5K run, cross country rescue, rope bridge, tire flip, and obstacle course. Each event tests their physical and mental strength, as well as how well they all work as a team. The captain of the second Male/Mix team, Commander Kenniel Caban said “My team improved a lot and I'm proud of every single one of them and I can't wait to see what the future has for them, I enjoyed being their captain and if given the opportunity I would do it again.” As well as the captain of the first Male/Mixed team. Commander Ruby Miranda stated, “It was an honor to be captain of this incredible team. They were quick to adjust to each other and push themselves to become the best they can be. Despite the errors and hardships we faced, we remained united and conquered them together. I’m truly thankful for all of them and their hard work that led us to become District Champions. Although this is my last, I'm confident they’ll do great things in the years to come.” Just like our captains, we are very proud of our Raiders for their performance this season. We hope to see them back next year strong and ready.
Both Male/Mixed raider teams (1 and 2)
Drill Season
Drill also had their first competition on November 4th, the annual LET 1 drill meet at Mulberry High School. Our LET 1 unarmed male/mixed squad placed 3rd, and our male/mixed open LET color guard placed 1st. Our cadets did fantastic! Their upcoming meets will take place in January, until then they will continue to work hard at practice. Cadet Nichols stated, “The meet went very well, and it was a very interesting experience. It showed me what to expect at future competitions and I think that practices moving forward will be very productive because all of us know what to expect now.” We also have 2 color guard teams, a LET 1 team and then an open LET team. The color guard consists of two rifles, one state flag, one national flag, and they march in 50 by 50 square foot box and do a color guard routine. There was a knockout competition for LET 1’s, Cadet Nichols and Adkins, Cadet Nichols placed 10th, cadet Adkins place 6th. Cadets are given certain drill commands, whether complex or simple, to test their military bearing and reaction time. Medals are given to the top 10 cadets who last the longest. We can’t wait to see what the future for our drill season holds!
Color Guard and our LET 1 unarmed male/mixed squad
Presidential Fitness
Our cadets have been working hard preparing for presidential fitness. This took place in the week of November 13th. The cadets were testing their physical abilities in many different genres. There are two percentiles in which our cadets are working for, the 50th and 85th percentile. Depending on their gender and age, the requirements for each change. The events consist of curl-ups (within a minute), shuttle run, v-sit reach, one mile run, and push-ups (Withing a minute). For example, the 16-year-old male requirements would be 56 curl-ups, a shuttle run of 8.7 seconds, V-sit of +6.0 inches, a one-mile run time of 6:08 and then 44 push-ups. This is for the 85th percentile. While a 16-year-old female would have to meet the requirements of: 45 curl-ups, a shuttle run of 10.1 seconds, V-sit of +9.0 inches, one-mile run time of 8:23, and 24 push-ups.
The standards based on your age and gender for presidential fitness