CTLT is conducted at many Army bases nationwide or in the Federal
Republic of Germany or the Republic of Korea. This internship
program places cadets in actual Army units acting as real Lieutenants!
This three to five week challenge is a definite learning experience,
and allows cadets to gain a perspective on what they will be facing
as future officers. Generally, cadets are placed in platoon leader
positions, leading 30+ soldiers and responsible for millions of
dollars of equipment!
CTLT
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I spent the latter part of my summer at Fort Knox, KY participating
in Cadet Troop Leadership Training (CTLT). It was a great experience
for me because it showed me what is expected from 2LT's and how
an active duty unit works. I had more responsibilities than I
expected due to the fact that there were no LT's for me to shadow,
and I had to serve as an M1 Tank Platoon Leader for 3 weeks.
I was assigned to Alpha Troop, 1/16 Cavalry Regiment, and my Troop
Commander took CTLT very seriously. I was held responsible for
the 16 soldiers of 1st Platoon, six M1A1 tanks, and one deuce
and a half truck. I was required to attend leaders' meetings every
morning at 0600 and report on what 1st platoon had completed and
the missions they were going to accomplish. I had to ensure that
the six tanks in my platoon were FMC (Fully Mission Capable) at
all times. There were many other tasks that had to be accomplished
each day that kept me pretty busy.
Despite the job, CTLT wasn't all work. I was able to do some things
that most ROTC cadets don't get the chance to do. I had the opportunity
to play around in the tank driver simulators (which make you sick),
tank gunnery simulators, and I was even allowed to drive an M1
around the motor pool. It is surprisingly easy to control. I attended
a CALFEX (Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise) in which all types
of army weapons are displayed such as M1 Tanks, Apaches, and MLRS
batteries. After the CALFEX, I went down to a range and fired
a .50 caliber machine gun and an MK19 mounted on HMMWV's. I also
experienced what happens when all safety precautions are not followed
as shrapnel from a 155mm round came flying into the range I had
left just seconds earlier, injuring one of the West Point cadets
that was there.
Overall, I think CTLT is a great program and would recommend it
to everyone. I had to do more work than most cadets, but I am
definitely better off for it. I learned many things that I will
take with me into my active duty career.
By: Ben Butler
