Pilot program

Armed with paintball guns, cadets with Wright State Army ROTC Raider Battalion participated in a downed pilot scenario and ambush training exercises at Wright State University’s Calamityville on Feb. 23.

Dozens of first and second-year cadets participated in exercises. The cadets achieved their mission, which was team building and getting students comfortable in leadership positions.

Located in Fairborn, Calamityville is a 53-acre training, testing and research venue where military and civilian emergency first-responders can hone their skills while building relationships.

This was the first time the Raider Battalion has partnered with Calamityville and participated in exercises at the facility.

“I really do feel like this is such a great asset that we have,” said Colton Purves, a senior majoring in organizational leadership and Raider Battalion member. “This is what can separate us between other universities and other ROTC programs.”

At the end of the drills, cadet Samuel Manuszak, a freshman mechanical engineering major, was awarded a three-year advanced designee scholarship in recognition of his academic success and his potential to become a future Army leader.