Trojan Cadets Train For Challenge

By CADET CAPT. BRANDEE SCHILLER
Mililani Army JROTC Public Affairs Officer

Mililani High School’s Army Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets plunged into drown-proof training at Richardson Pool Nov. 15 to prepare for the Jan. 8-10 Junior Lightning Warrior Challenge at Schofield Barracks.

Sixteen cadets participated under the direction of Staff Sgt. James Elliott and Schofield lifeguards.

Cadets requested the drown-proof training to help them learn water survival techniques as well as to build up their confidence.

The training reflects one of the competitions at the Junior Warrior Challenge. Called the Makahiki Challenge, last year’s event consisted of three swimming challenges. This year cadets will be tested on water-survival techniques.

“I had no idea how difficult this training was going to be,” admitted cadet Kendra Kennedy. “I got so much out of it; it really gave me a lot of confidence, and I improved so much.”

After the drown-proofing finished, cadets then climbed a 15-foot platform to perform their newly mastered survival skills.

“This is what it’s all about: falling from a significant height and getting yourself orientated, not panicking and then learning from your training to take off your pants, knot them and inflate them,” explained cadet Command Sgt. Maj. Darius Usborne.