With their flags raised and firearms in hand, four of UP’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Air Force members prepare to showcase their precision.
The ROTC Airforce program will travel to an Air Force base in Colorado Springs, Colo., to compete in the 49th National Invitational Drill Meet (NIDM) on April 11.
The NIDM invites ROTC programs from high schools and colleges to compete in a variety of military drills that test teamwork and precision.
UP’s team will be competing in the Color Guard section, which entails performing a series of precise movements involving two rifles, the American flag and the flag of Oregon.
UP’s Air Force ROTC hadn’t been able to send a group since 2020 due to financial limitations. However, this year the Associated Students of the University of Portland (ASUP) is providing finances for four cadets — fifth-year Chase Richards, first-year John McIntyre, sophomore Payton Stokes and junior Tammy Nguyentrieu — to attend the event, chosen because of their experience with drill.
Each of the cadets’ devotion to ROTC does not go unnoticed, according to Stokes.
“We each have put in the time, effort and care to refine our individual skills, which pays off immensely when working as a team,” Stokes said.
In preparation for NIDM, the four cadets practiced mastering movements such as unveiling the two flags, positioning the rifles and following a series of commands given by Stokes, who leads the group.
Air Force ROTC cadets train on a basketball court in Beauchamp.
Media Credit: Evan Guerra / The Beacon
During their dress rehearsal, the four cadets were dressed in their Air Force uniforms ready to practice. Walking in with smiles on their faces, the cadets were determined to keep nailing down each routine, according to Nguyentrieu.
“We’re motivated to get out there and work through the details,” Nguyentrieu said.
With practices twice a week for NIDM preparation on top of busy schedules, Richards said they find themselves “feeding off” each other's motivation to keep going.
Stokes, who competed in the NIDM during her time at Eagle River High School, brings crucial expertise as the commander of the group.
She emphasized that in order for the group to achieve the expected synchronicity, they must “be on the same wavelength.”
Attention to detail is the name of the game. In order to succeed, members must harmonize everything, like weight distribution and noises made when walking, angles when standing and foot positioning. According to Stokes, the group will be scored on their ability to execute these features.
McIntyre says he looks forward to representing ROTC and working with his fellow cadets overcoming the challenges together.
While their goal is to win the competition, these four cadets are primarily focused on gaining experience and knowledge, as Stokes says the program hopes to bring more cadets to future NIDM competitions.
Richards says that the team hopes to represent the excellence that ROTC strives for when competing.
“We’re really looking forward to representing our detachment and the Air Force in general,” Stokes said.
Darcy Boss is a news reporter for the Beacon. She can be reached at boss29@up.edu.
