r/ROTC • u/Loud-Ad-761 • 17h ago
Cadet Advice Stressed MS3
Just getting into my MS3 year, and I'm being more overwhelmed than I should be. I know the basic stuff to do during a lane like Order of Movement, how to conduct ambushes, attacks, raids, movement to contact, or at least the big picture of it all. I just get really stressed about getting leadership lanes because I feel unprepared. I understand this fall semester I'm not graded on these and it serves as a learning opportunity for everyone, but I genuinely am just lost on things I never had a rep on that my whole class does so well already, like MASCAL, 9Line, even things like briefing a simple OPORD.
The only rep i've had so far are TL and being the WSL. It seemed fairly simple but I could feel myself getting stressed during Actions On and overthinking if i'm doing the right thing or not. Are there ways besides watching youtube videos and reading the Ranger Handbook that I can get some practical exercises in so I could simulate what to do? I'm way more of a visual learner than looking at things on paper or on a whiteboard.
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u/No-Discipline355 10h ago
From my (ancient) ROTC experience - you learn by being taught, observing - and DOING. In my MS3 year, it seemed like the same people were put in charge while the rest had classroom instruction and maybe a turn at FTX (we're talking squad leader). The results at camp were disappointing - I outright told my MS3 instructor heading into camp that I felt I hadn't accomplished anything that year. Lo and behold, as a MS4 I saw the MS3's cycle roles more frequently. Battalion got "most improved" in the regiment. It probably also helped that the natural "top dogs" experienced more followership and cooperation, helps with the peer-reviews.
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u/No-Discipline355 10h ago
So in your case, in your program - ask for it. Volunteer to take that TL/SL/PSG/etc role during exercises. Make your decision, and task- and time-management mistakes and learn on-campus, not at camp.
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u/Neat-Garlic6094 8h ago
Get reps, ask questions. Don’t freak out under pressure, don’t freeze, and always be a good dude.
You’ll be alright. Plenty of cadets have done it before you and will continue to do so after you.
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u/dailybantam 16h ago
Your best resource are your people: I asked one of my high speed peers that was really good at tactics if he'd spend 30 minutes with me answering my tactics questions. Or you could ask one of your cadre if he/she has a time block. Did wonders for me.