"Cadets of the Golden Bears Battalion meet before classes and the sun at 6 a.m. for physical and tactical training until dispersing into lecture halls and part-time jobs."
"The contrast between the university's legacy and a military training program initially drew me in, but my focus quickly shifted to the humanity beneath the uniform."
"Camouflaging in tall grass amid campus eucalyptus groves, only the bright orange tips of their dummy rifles are visible."
"A group of seniors will signal the start of the attack by yelling, Bang, bang, bang, bang! The rest of the cadets verbally return fire and the seniors respond by lying on their backs, playing dead."
The Army ROTC program at UC Berkeley operates early in the morning, preparing students for military leadership through physical and tactical training. Cadets meet four times a week at 6 a.m., balancing their military commitments with academic responsibilities. The program contrasts with the university's history of anti-war protests, revealing the human side of military training. Activities include ambush drills, weightlifting, and silent communication, highlighting the dedication and teamwork among cadets as they prepare for their future roles as Army officers.
Read at www.berkeleyside.org
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