Crackling flames and billowing smoke announced success as students kindled fires this afternoon. Fire is an essential survival tool, especially in the winter. Though fire starters and lighters are handy to keep around, cadets learned how to build a fire with only matches and locally-gathered wood. By the end of the class, many cadets had excellent blazes going. The students then learned to properly extinguish their fires. Basic land navigation, knots, staying healthy in the f

Chants of “Mike! Mike! Mike!” dominated the obstacle course during part of this morning’s physical training. While all cadets shout out their squadron name after completing each obstacle, Mike Squadron took things a step further and continuously shouted out their squadron pride. With such high energy, it’s no surprise that Mike Squadron got the highest scores on obstacle course performance for the second day in a row. The other squadrons had high energy and motivation as well

It wasn’t even 6 AM yet when cadets lined up on the field for a morning physical training session. Cadets launched into motion with stretches, calisthenics, a run, the obstacle course, and a three ball soccer game. Alpha Squadron took the title of winner in today’s match. Throughout the week, squadrons compete against each other for the three ball soccer championship. Meanwhile, on the obstacle course, Mike Squadron claimed victory for the best performance. An action-packed m

“Squadron commanders, take charge and carry out the orders of the day!” As the cadet school commander's voice rang out over the parade field, cadets and senior members from around the nation officially began their training at Hawk Mountain Ranger School. Coming from as close as a few miles away to as far as overseas, these students all gathered in Kempton, PA for one reason: to learn search and rescue skills they can take back to their own units. “I came to Hawk Mountain Rang