18 June 2008
BIG SANDY, Texas – ATS is an advanced training squadron for cadets who have already attended a basic encampment and want more training before they sign for staff. Many cadets who attend this week activity develop leadership traits on a level they never thought possible. It was created to shape cadets into leaders to be staff at the next encampment. ATS does everything from PT, inspection, drill, class etc. This squadron is extremely challenging and difficult but, it also has its rewards.  

ATS has a lot of classes teaching the students about leadership, follower ship, situation awareness, teamwork, loyalty and listening techniques. Each one of these classes is very important for the character of each being. 

Along with being very strict and challenging, ATS is also very laid back. The students of this squadron are treated like staff. They are allowed to talk about past events at chow, voice their opinion about certain things and actually have it heard. The instructors also gave the students free reign. For example they give them a problem and say “Handle it.” They don’t tell them anything else; they just give them the information and let them run with it to see how they will react.  

Their minds are also challenged with Group Leadership Projects (GLP). These projects can very greatly. One project they did this afternoon was relied completely on the ability to communicate. Two cadets stood and faced a white board on the wall. Behind them sat two cadets in a chair attached to a desk, with their backs to the board. One of the instructors would draw a picture on the board. Depending on how difficult the picture was, the two cadets facing the board would have a few minutes to memorize and describe it to the cadets behind them.  

Not that tough right? The catch is you can use only your words, not to mention the instructors came up with some pretty interesting looking pictures.  

Overall, the ATS students seem to be enjoying themselves greatly. The students have improved over the last few days and will make excellent staff members in future events.

Article and photos submitted by The Encampment PAO Staff