1st Battalion 22nd Infantry Challenge JROTC Cadets

Sgt. Timothy Sikula, infantryman, Company A, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team,
4th Infantry Division, stands at the halfway point of the five-kilometer run/walk event, ensuring the teams stay within two arms length
of each other, during the Junior ROTC "Raider Challenge" at Fountain-Fort Carson High School, May 5.

In a Junior ROTC classroom cadets learn the history, purpose and structure of the military, developing leadership skills
and bolstering the principles that emphasize good leadership. Outside the classroom, the future Soldiers put that knowledge
to the test learning to work together as a team and build their physical prowess.

Soldiers assigned to 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division,
assisted Fountain-Fort Carson High School JROTC cadets by grading and supervising a "Raider Challenge"
at the high school sports fields, May 5.

Fifteen teams of cadets, representing schools from Colorado Springs, Denver, Pueblo and Loveland, participated in the competition,
testing their physical strength and mental toughness.

"These kids received training on the common core tasks that we as Soldiers do on a daily basis," said Sgt. 1st Class Bryan Smith,
platoon sergeant, Company C, 1st Bn., 22nd Inf. Reg. The event proved to be a great experience for both the Soldiers and students, he said.

"The 'Regulars' have a partnership with FFCHS, so when they told us about this event, we had Soldiers eager to volunteer,"
said Smith. "This was an opportunity to give back to the community and meet future service members."

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. Sergeant Drake Simmons,
an infantryman assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion,
22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team,
4th Infantry Division, familiarizes Junior Reserve
Officer Training Corps cadets with location markers
during the map orienteering event of the
Raider Challenge at Fountain-Fort Carson High School,
May 5, 2012. Fifteen teams of cadets competed in the
map orienteering event, which required each competitor
to find 18 markers scattered around the school campus
and return to the starting point in the shortest time possible.

As the event started, retired Lt. Col. Tom Oetjen and retired Command Sgt. Maj. Herbert Maison, FFCHS JROTC leaders,
addressed cadets and their families, and thanked Fort Carson Soldiers for helping with the challenge.

"It means a lot to the cadets and myself to have active-duty Soldiers take time out of their weekend to help with this event,"
said Oetjen, a former fire support officer for 1st Bn., 22nd Inf. Reg. "This has risen above and beyond our expectations,
and the community appreciates what (the Soldiers) are doing for us."

Each six-person team of cadets competed in a modified Army Physical Fitness Test, completing a minute of pushups
and a minute of sit-ups. Following the test, the cadets conducted a five-kilometer run/walk, where each team was required to finish together.

"These kids really know how to work as a team," said Spc. Alexander Durazo, cavalry scout, Headquarters and Headquarters Company.
"They started off the run strong and kept it up the entire way, sticking together and showing that they are a strong unit."

Competing in timed events, the cadets performed litter carries and conducted map orienteering, searching for 18 markers
scattered around the school.

During the final event of the challenge, the teams climbed a rock wall, with each cadet required to reach the top of the wall twice
and press a buzzer.

After each team completed their events, the school held an award ceremony, presenting trophies and medals to the teams
with the fastest times and most points in each event.

"I feel great having come here to participate in such an event," said Durazo. "Having seen these cadets in action,
I know the military will have great Soldiers in the future."

Staff Sgt. Eddy Alvarez, Company C, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division,
grades Cody Driver, a Fountain-Fort Carson High School Junior ROTC cadet, during the modified Army Physical Fitness Test, May 5.