Dear Alumni, family and friends of the Fighting Saints Battalion,
Like the rest of the nation the Fighting Saints Battalion is marching forward undeterred during the global pandemic. While we have adopted masks and COVID mitigation measures, Battalion operations have remained largely unchanged. Saint John’s and the College of Saint Benedict have initiated block scheduling which means classes are condensed into four sessions per semester. Due to size restrictions most of our training is conducted at the Squad level. Recently, we have been required to conduct online learning and individual PT. Despite these hindrances, the Fighting Saints Battalion has met all our training objectives thus far.
The FSB executed an exciting fall training exercise at Camp Ripley, MN from 9-11 October. Cadets conducted land navigation training and Platoon tactical lanes. Cadets also visited the Minnesota National Guard’s maintenance facility where they toured armored vehicles such as the M1 Abrams, M2 Bradley and M109 Paladin.
The FSB continued our unmatched streak of athletic and military achievement with our 9 and 5-person Ranger Challenge teams sweeping the Task Force Ranger Challenge 16-18 October. These teams will next complete at the 3rd Brigade Ranger Challenge at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri 25-28 March. The 9-person team will seek a second consecutive invitation to the prestigious Sandhurst Competition at West Point, NY 16-17 April. Come cheer on our teams if you are in the Fort Leonard Wood or West Point area.
The FSB is looking forward to Commissioning two graduates this December. Cadets Schommer (SCSU) and Langevin (SCSU) have served as excellent role models this fall. We are excited for them to commission in the Minnesota Army National Guard.
This winter and spring will hold more unique challenges for our Cadets. We are committed to continuing our tradition of excellence as we adapt to a dynamic environment. We continue to prepare for Spring Commissioning and Cadet Summer training at Fort Knox, KY. We appreciate the continued support from the University, family, friends and ROTC, alumni and alumnae. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. Fighting Saints!
Very Respectfully,
Steven Beard
Lieutenant Colonel Beard
Professor of Military Science
Fighting Saint Battalion Army ROTC
