NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University’s Department of Military Science hosted an Activation Ceremony Sept. 5 to mark the beginning of the training year for the battalion and introduces the Corps of Cadets.
To carry on NSU’s tradition of incorporating the Demon Battalion into the Demon Regiment (the alumni arm of NSU ROTC), each battalion is numbered consecutively beginning with the class of 1951 as the 1st Battalion, making the class of 2020 the 70th Demon Battalion of the Northwestern Demon Regiment. To further distinguished each class, each battalion is assigned a unique Army branch color. The streamer for the 70th Demon Battalion is scarlet piped with white.
“These cadets assembled before us today represent a wide range of experience and backgrounds,” said Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Maria-Magdalena Bansil. “The Army welcomes diversity because we know the value and skills each individual brings to the accomplishment of the mission.”
The Demon Battalion chain of command includes Cadet Major Mackenzie Buie-Grace, executive officer; Cadet Major Gennyfer Pena, Battalion S3, Plans and Operations Officer; Cadet Captain Eboni Phidd, S1, Administrative Officer; Cadet Captain Neil Garcia, S4, Logistics Officer, and Cadet Tanner Delphin, S6, Signal and Communications Officer. The Demon Battalion Command Sergeant Major is Cadet Command Sergeant Major Terran Turner. Ranger Challenge Trainers are Cadet Bansil and Cadet Ethan Lewis.
Throughout the year, ROTC’s curriculum and training ensures that cadets’ scholastic, athletic and leadership abilities are tested and enhanced, preparing each for their individual career path. Success can be guaranteed with a strong work ethic, a willingness to improve, a team-building attitude, and a strong sense of morals and Army values.
Cadets were recognized for summer achievements, beginning with those who completed Advanced Camp at Fort Knox, Kentucky, Cadet Adam Barnes, Cadet Bansil, Cadet Larlancion Magee and Cadet Joseph Orchi. Those who completed Basic Camp at Fort Knox are Cadet Justin Broussard, Cadet Tanner Delphin and Cadet Ronesha Johnson. Cadets asked to serve at Fort Knox on the Opposing Forces to facilitate field training were Cadet Ethan Lewis and Cadet Neil Garcia.
Exceptional cadets are selected for Cadet Troop Leader Training in which they serve in lieutenant-level positions in active duty units over a four-week period each summer. Cadet Maria-Magdalena Bansil served at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and Cadet Joseph Orchi served at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
As members of the Louisiana Army National Guard, several cadets were mobilized across Louisiana to provide aid from flooding caused by Hurricane Barry. Those were Cadet Terran Turner, Cadet Gennyfer Pena, Cadet Adrian Vandiver, Cadet Caleb Krikorian, Cadet Trenton Malmay, Cadet Dylan Trueblood, Cadet Dominique Shelby, Cadet Gavin Scott, Cadet Taevon Hogan, Cadet Byron James, Cadet Daja Easter, Katelyn Watson and Cadet Eboni Phidd. Each was presented with a coin in recognition of military excellence.
NSU’s Department of Military Science is part of the Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development. Information is available at rotc.nsula.edu.
