Tinian Stallion Battalion’s departure on Saipan.
The Rope Bridge and Knot-Tying Station was hosted by the Stallions and the Buck Battalion.
C/1LT King Tano II and the Stallions’ basketball team placed 3rd.
C/CPT Mabansag Hazel, far right, makes it to the Top 3 in the Tap-out game.
The Ayuyus, Bucks, Dolphins, Stallions and Manta Rays are ready for Round Robin!
TINIAN — It’s that time of the year again when cadets are anxiously waiting to be chosen for the big event, the JROTC Cadet Leadership Challenge or JCLC! An event where different schools gather with one another and engage in various activities. The purpose of this event is intended to challenge cadets to develop their leadership, communication, and social skills.
Twenty-five cadets from the Tinian JROTC Stallion Battalion flew up to Saipan to participate in this year’s event. They started off their day by having a quick beach P.T or Physical Training hosted by our AI Instructor 1SG Jose King. There, the cadets were able to do some rotation exercises, stretching, and calisthenic exercises as well as run two laps alongside the shore with their battle buddies.
On the first day of JCLC, cadets began with a fresh start by arriving at American Memorial Park along with the other battalions including KHS, MHS, RHS, and SSHS to brief an overview of the day’s events which consists of stations that show the history of the Northern Mariana Islands, bird watching, and tour the memorials which had the names of the veterans who gave lives during the war, as well as the local population who perished during the war. We also got a briefing on what the purpose of American Memorial Park is. The afternoon session was a tour of the Last Command Post and a briefing on the site as well as the surrounding areas. The Park Rangers were very knowledgeable and gave great insight to what occurred there during World War II. We then took a drive-through tour of Banzai Cliff and the Veterans Memorial Cemetery to help familiarize the cadets of those locations and their significance.
On the second day of JCLC, the cadets were gathered together and headed to Saipan Southern High School, where the activity was held at. The first activity of the day was Round Robin Training. This activity consists of stations where cadets experienced building trust and confidence within their squads while participating in each of the several events including Rope Bridge, LRC (Leadership Reaction Course), Land Navigation, and First Aid Class. The Rope Bridge and Knot-Tying Station, which demonstrated how to use a rope bridge and tie various knots, was taught by the Stallion Battalion. Knot Tying was taught by RHIHS, Land Navigation by KHS, LRC was conducted by MHS and First Aid was coordinated by SSHS.
When we asked about what they enjoyed the most, C/CPT Hazel Mabansag answered, “My favorite part of the event was the LRC portion of the Round Robin. For some people, it may have been difficult to approach new people and work with each other. Through this activity, we had the opportunity to engage with the other battalions and showcase the leadership and teamwork skills we learned in our school.”
C/SFC Mary Grace Calacsan stated, “Personally, every aspect of JCLC is an experience; therefore it is difficult to choose a favorite part. But, I would say the third day is my favorite day; on the third day, the battalions got together to participate in outdoor events and have a sports day. I got to make friends with the other battalions and my favorite activity was the LRC.”
The cadets held their extremely athletic competition immediately following Round Robin. Two groups of cadets were formed; one played basketball and the other played volleyball. Going against the other schools, KHS won first place in basketball, leaving THS third. Cadets from different schools were also challenged to a game of Tap-out with 1 of the cadets from Tinian, placing Top 3, and this cadet is Hazel Mabansag.
After an enjoyable and challenging event, we interviewed a few cadets about their impressions of JCLC.
When we asked about some of the challenging parts of the trip, C/1SG Edward Tirona said, “Some challenges faced during this trip would be that each program per school is very unique.”
C/CPL Darence Palacios added, “There were several hurdles that I confronted on this trip. But one of them particularly remained with me; getting up early to gather outside the hotel for particular events. Together with the excitement, it truly was quite the experience.”
This would be the Seniors’ last JCLC that they would take part in. We asked about their thoughts on their last experience in JCLC.
C/LTC Ciara Santos stated, “I think that it was a great experience, especially since it is my last year. I met a lot of great people and made a lot of great memories with the people on this trip and it is a bittersweet feeling.”
According to C/CPT Saim Ali, “It’s sad being my last JCLC because the memories I created throughout this program and JCLC is something I’m gonna hold on to the future in my heart.”
We asked them what their advice is for the next group of students that will participate in JCLC in the following year.
C/CPT Ismail Hossain said, “My advice would be to have an open mind and not be afraid to meet new people. In JCLC, you’re going to meet students from different islands and they could end up becoming your lifelong friends. Be positive towards others, and enjoy the time while you can.”
The JCLC allowed the cadets to perform their leadership skills, interact with other cadets, and enjoy themselves on this eventful trip. The Stallion Battalion was able to get an insight into different perspectives with other battalions and is ready for that excitement to kick in again next school year.
