Training & Events

 

Physical Training

Panther Battalion conducts Physical Training (PT) sessions on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings from 0630 to 0730 at Bellefield Hall. Remedial PT sessions, for those needing additional training, are held on Tuesday and Friday mornings from 0630 to 0730 also at Bellefield Hall. Obviously, success on the Army Physical Fitness Test (Pushup, Situp, 2-mile run) is sought through regular PT. Gradual improvement based on realistic goals is sought for each Cadet. It is attained by training for upper-body strength and endurance improvement, lower-body and abdominal strength and endurance improvement, and cardiovascular conditioning and endurance training.

PT is an essential portion of your training as a Cadet. It is essential for a leader in any organization to understand his physical limitations and PT provides the Cadet with an opportunity to measure them. Regular physical training can serve the body as well as the mind and spirit. We encourage a “lifestyle of fitness” in our organization. That philosophy starts, just like our days, with PT.

 

Field Training Exercise

Army ROTC conducts at least two field training exercises per academic year. The Field Training Exercise (FTX) is a practical exercise that provides Cadets a forum to apply leadership skills, techniques, and procedures learned in the classroom to a field environment. FTXs are challenging and exciting events that force the Cadet to utilize her acquired skills and thus become better for the experience. In addition, Cadets get to work with Cadets from the other schools within the Panther Battalion (University of Pittsburgh, Duquesne University, Carnegie Mellon University, California University of Pennsylvania, University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg, Robert Morris University). The events of FTXs are varied dependent upon training focus, but normally consist of the following events: Field Leadership Reaction Course (FLRC), Land Navigation, Assault Courses, Situational Training Exercises (STX Lanes), and Live Fire M16 Ranges. 

 

Combat Water Survival Training (CWST)

The U.S. Army and Panther Battalion recognizes the importance of this kind of training for the survival of its personnel in water. The training is conducted once a semester and is conducted to increase the participants’ confidence in water, teach techniques to survive in the water while wearing military equipment, and to test the ability of Cadets as swimmers. Events include a 25 meter swim, 12 meter swim with weapon, blind equipment jump, equipment release, and BDU floatation methods.

 

Dining In

The Dining In is a storied tradition in the military. It provides an opportunity for Cadets to recognize the unique nature of their unit and thus build esprit de corps, or team spirit. Each unit holds its own traditions, as does the Panther Battalion, and the Dining In is an event that puts these traditions on parade. Oh yeah, it’s also a great time! Formal Dress (Class A Uniform with formal neckwear) is the uniform…the rest you’ll just have to show up for.

 

Military Ball

Another fine tradition in the Army is the formal Military Ball. Once an academic year, the Cadets of Panther Battalion participate in a ball that reflects the class and granduer of their chosen profession. The ball is a formal affair--Dress Blues are worn by the Cadre, Class A Uniform with formal neckwear for the male Cadets, and formal gown or Class A Uniform for the female Cadets. Cadets are encouraged to bring a date and enjoy the festivities which include recognition of award winners, commissionees, a guest speaker, and, of course, music and dancing.

Clubs and Activities

Ranger Challenge
Color Guard
Rifle Team
Officer Christian Fellowship