Twelve Soldiers from 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (1/11 ACR) were invited to Tahquitz High School in Hemet, Calif., on March 13, to brief the Marine Corps Junior Reserved Officer Training Corps (MCJROTC) on Army career opportunities. Over the course of six school periods, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., a total of 140 students attended the Active Duty Assist Visit. This visit was developed between Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald Corella of 1/11 ACR and 1st Sgt. (Retired) Edward Madriz. The students were exposed to different types of leadership with a wealth of knowledge that intrigued them.
The Soldiers introduced the students to the Army Physical Readiness Training (PRT), as well as exercise demonstrations. They learned about the Army promotion system, benefits of being in the Army, and what the Army has to offer to Soldiers and family members. Furthermore, the Soldiers shared some of their personal stories of personal growth, development, and family goals.
MCJROTC students were not only taught the Army Values, but were also given an in-depth presentation from Soldiers from many different Military Occupational Specialties (MOS), to include the Health Care Specialist, Mechanical Maintenance, Engineers, Human Resource Specialist, Supply Specialists, Infantry, and Armor. The Soldiers shared what they currently do in their respective MOS, along with their typical day-to-day activities at the National Training Center (NTC).
This visit was both beneficial to the students of Tahquitz High School and beneficial to the Ironhorse Soldiers that participated. While the students learned about opportunities the Army had to offer, the 1/11 ACR Soldiers gained a different perspective from the students. Sgt. Shaquille Gardner learned that the MCJROTC students have different creeds but also possess the same motivation to succeed. He stated, “This visit was less about recruitment but more of engaging and educating them on their future.”