CADETS from the Tinian Stallion Battalion participated in this year’s JROTC Cadet Leadership Challenge or JCLC, an event in which different schools gather and engage in various activities. The purpose is to challenge cadets to develop their leadership, communication, and social skills.
A total of 25 cadets from Tinian and Rota flew to Saipan on the morning of June 10 to join cadets from Marianas High School, Saipan Southern High School, and Kagman High School for this year’s JCLC which was held at MHS.
On the first day of JCLC, cadets arrived at the MHS school grounds, where they were separated into companies, with cadets from other schools. They were shown their sleeping quarters for the event, and for the rest of the day, played volleyball against each other to build teamwork and grow new friendships.
On the second day of JCLC, the cadets took turns going to stations led by 1SG King, CSM Basa, SFC Surelo, and 1SG Ogo respectively. Each company was given one hour to learn from each station, where they were taught skills like first aid, how to identify the types of heat injuries, how to treat heat cramps, stroke, and exhaustion, and how to tie different types of knots. This activity involved all members of the companies and helped to build trust in the groups.
On the third day of JCLC, cadets were put on buses and headed to Isley Field at the airport. It was there that they were given compasses and directions to lead them to where they would go. Groups were sent out to navigate on their own and complete tasks like making a stretcher or finding a crate while also keeping track of their position with the compass. After that, cadets were given a tour of the ARFF station near the airport to learn more about what they do and the equipment they use.
On the fourth day of JCLC, cadets were again loaded onto buses, this time headed for the Pacific Islands Club. On arrival, companies headed to the rock-climbing wall, where they were given instructions and a safety talk before being given the chance to climb up the wall with the goal of ringing the bell located at the very top. After returning back to the MHS campus, each company chose a cadet as a representative for the Best Cadet Board, where they were asked questions regarding JROTC and the events cadets had participated in days prior.
The next day, cadets formed back into their school battalions and headed back home. Post-JCLC, we asked cadets who participated for their thoughts about the event and their experiences.
When we asked what they believe to be the best part of this year’s JCLC, C/LTC Sayera Sidur from Dr. Rita Hocog Inos Junior/Senior High School said, “My favorite part of JCLC was getting to interact and create bonds within my company with cadets from other battalions. I actually got to make a few friends with them, which was pretty cool. Besides that, the activities we participated in were incredibly engaging and fun. I also appreciated the opportunity to develop my leadership skills in a new and challenging environment.”
C/CPL Letrisha Palacios of Tinian High School stated, “My favorite part about JCLC was the ability to mingle with everyone and get to make new friends. I enjoyed everyone’s different senses of humor and the ways they would interact with each other. Conversations with others were also very interesting and enjoyable.”
We then asked what they thought of the activities during the JCLC event such as rock climbing, volleyball, land navigation, etc.
“Compared to last year’s JCLC which was also fun, the activities that were held this year dealt with a lot of teamwork and physical activity. From team relays/sports to even going into the JCLC board, it was something that was way out of everyone’s comfort zone but I think it brought all of us closer. I also liked how we did both indoor and a lot of outdoor activities,” said C/LTC Ysabella Palacios.
What do you wish would happen during the next JCLC event? What changes would you make?
“What I wish for during the next JCLC is since it’s based on leadership challenges and more about how to survive in life, I feel like we should camp in a jungle where we can work as a team to figure out how to survive in life you know because in life you might never know what’s gonna happen and we should have more bonding experiences so we can get all used to each other and not be shy with anyone around,” said C/1LT Zayden Atalig from RHI.
Lastly, we asked about their final thoughts on JCLC. C/SGT Joshaun Kisa from Kagman High School stated, “I would say that we all went in as strangers but came out feeling like family because we were able to make everyone there feel comfortable, and when we all had to leave, it was sad for me, which is why I hope to be in it again.”
To conclude, everyone had a great time and we all wish we could experience something like this once again. And to those that participated, great job to you all and we hope to see you next time!
JCLC companies in formation prepare for the round robin.
Bravo Company girls participate in “Texas Skis.”
Stallion Battalion cadets pose for a group photo at PIC where a rock-climbing activity took place.
Stallion Battalion Adjutant Officer C/1LT Isa Dosalua participates in a rock-climbing activity.
