Saturday, 25 June 2011, USAG-Grafenwöhr.
Cadets on the Urban Orienteering Course 2011.
This morning, after a quick MRE breakfast (the dining facility doesn't serve brunch until 0930 on weekends and holidays), the cadets report to the garrison theater to get instructions on completing the Urban Orienteering Course. This is not only an exercise at reading a map and negotiating the streets of the garrison . . . it is also a problem solving course as the cadets have to decide which points to find first, which to pass up if they run out of time and . . . how to answer a question asked about the site once it is found.
This is not as easy as it seems; most cadets accept the fact that Vilseck HS cadets have a home team advantage here, but such is not always the case. Wits, speed, leadership and good old common sense come into play for this exercise. Safety is important; drink plenty of water, watch out for traffic (light on Saturday mornings), obey traffic signs, do not go into the PX or Burger King (unless you have to use the rest room) and do not run. Stay together; help your teammate. Everyone is back within the time allotted . . . and Bravo's first platoon not only has the only squad to answer all 15 questions correctly, but wins the day with the most points!
This is not as easy as it seems; most cadets accept the fact that Vilseck HS cadets have a home team advantage here, but such is not always the case. Wits, speed, leadership and good old common sense come into play for this exercise. Safety is important; drink plenty of water, watch out for traffic (light on Saturday mornings), obey traffic signs, do not go into the PX or Burger King (unless you have to use the rest room) and do not run. Stay together; help your teammate. Everyone is back within the time allotted . . . and Bravo's first platoon not only has the only squad to answer all 15 questions correctly, but wins the day with the most points!