The Long Island City Bulldog Battalion is one that we can never forget. With it shares of ups and downs we have come to understand how an Army JROTC unit is suppose to work. With open arms we welcome the new freshman into our beloved corps and with new cadets come the same old question we answer year after year, the promotion.

Every new cadet comes in with the same dream, to become the battalion superhero also known as the lieutenant colonel. But just as important as the question is the answer. Now there is no sure fire way of becoming battalion commander but we do have a guide that will help you get there. It is called “The Promotion Board”.

The promotion board is point system that is designed to evaluate which cadet is ready for what rank. It consists of multiple areas from the fields of academic knowledge to fitness and first aid. The promotion board is an easy way to help the senior leaders fairly and properly promote the new cadets. But hold on to your dreams because you or one of the ones you see around could be the next lieutenant colonel.  In order to get promoted there will always be a recommendation needed that goes through the chain of command and eventually gives any cadet their new rank.

-By C/CSM John

1) What image as the battalion commander are you willing to give to this core?

-I want to show the core that we can change from a baby up battalion to actual cadets running it. I want them to have a brand new experience with this battalion. It’s a new change for everyone and I want to make it right and firm.

2) How did you earn this rank?

-I’ve been in the program for 4 years and in the past I have watched past battalion commanders do their job. Participated in as much events as I have and helped out as much as I could to make the battalion better. I’ve always placed the core first rather than me and worked my way up the rank structure.

3) What interest you the most about JROTC and its Activities? Why?

-At first I thought the uniform was cool but as I progressed in the battalion I’ve grown interest in drill. I loved to see the team march in a block and stay in step, and I loved being yelled at during inspection. But the way they preformed was something that caught my eye and made me join.

4) As the highest rank in the Battalion what do you expect your fellow cadets to do for the core?

-I expect from them to perform in a professional manner and when something needs to be done it will be done. I want the job to be done as soon as possible and done right. Also instead of cadets running straight to the instructors I would like for them to ask the chain of command. So our duties as a team member all the way to the battalion commander we all do our job.

– By C/1Lt Caceres

1) How do you feel about being the new XO?

-I feel really great about my new position; I feel like I can make an actual difference in staff work or even in the battalion. I’m trying to shape it in so it can become a good one.

2) What interest you the most about this job? Why?

-The part that I can interact with so many people and have the younger ones look up to me, I basically like it because it teaches me responsibility.

3) What kind of connection do you have between JROTC and your life?
-The connection between JROTC and my life is pretty neutral, everything is balanced and I can get work done in my life as well uphold my duties as an XO.

4) How did you earn this rank position?

-I earned my position because there was an available spot and because I know my 1st SGT and MAJ believed in me that I can do the job proficiently and adequately and that is why I got the job.

5) What message would you like to give your fellow cadets in & outside the core?

-Follow your instincts it’ll take you places and never stop caring for something until you know it’s done if it can be fixed it can be saved.

-By C/1Lt Caceres

On December 19th 2009 selected members from the community service team and staff participated on giving a check to the Ronald McDonald House for $600 raised by the Battalion as well as toys for the little kids.  A tour from Ms. Helen Stafford the volunteer coordinator from the Ronald McDonald House was given to the cadets.  Ms Stafford explained to them the purpose of this place, it’s an organization run by the McDonald’s cooperation that allows cancer patients to stay in order to get their medical treatment.

The kids range from the ages of 2-19 years old, the most they have to pay is $30 a night, and if it is not possible they find a way to pay for the patient to get their care. “At first I felt nervous about going, but then I realized that I was doing a good deed with my peer, bringing smiles to the kids life.” says 1st year cadet Megan Verges.  It was another success for the Bulldog Battalion to raise the money for the kids in the Ronald McDonald House in a few weeks. The mission was a total success; we thank everyone involved in this holiday present.

-By C/CPT Koufalis

We all know college can be a very rewarding and difficult experience, especially when you don’t have a way to pay for it. Luckily we have great opportunities to pay for it without having to give a single cent and these opportunities are called grants and scholarships.

Now becoming one of the most difficult scholarships to get, the ROTC scholarship not only does it pay for your full college tuition, it gives you extra money for other essentials. St. Johns University Senior ROTC came to the classroom and discussed some of the requirements you need to have in order to qualify and receive this scholarship.

For those Juniors, Seniors and other underclassmen who wish to go for this scholarship you must have a score of a 900 on the SAT’s (math and reading combined), you must have a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and no serious criminal record. The physical fitness test isn’t required until you receive the scholarship.

If you’re looking to find a way to get into college without having to pay a fortune for tuition make sure you apply for scholarships not just to one but to many and if you see this scholarship is right for you don’t hesitate to apply.

-By C/MAJ Corella