Norwich University - War Whoop Yearbook (Northfield, VT)

Page 16 text:

l,.lL.l lil l.l.l-I uuu l-l Emi :' : ' EFF . 1 QW? 53545 T ENG NEER This year, with the addition of another oflicer, the Department of Military Engineers has contin- ued its expansion of facilities. Although the branch is the newest at Norwich, having started in September 1951, it has grown steadily. An example of this growth is the Society of American Military Engineers. With increasing membership, the so- ciety has been able to conduct an annual field trip to the Loring Air Base in northern Maine. This experience coupled with bimonthly meetings, has brought a greater interest in military en- gineering. The instruction involved in Combat Engineering is basically practical, a much needed variation from the theoretical work of college classrooms. A course such as Bridging'l is good background for any engineer, be he in military or in civilian ser- vice. This and other instruction in demolitions is given by the head of the department, Major Kershaw, and two assistants, Captain James Wel- cher and SFC Richard Kregier. Probably the most vivid memory that the seniors have of military engineering is summer camp. At Fort Belvoir, Virginia, the principles taught at Norwich are put to use in rigid training. Complete bridges are assembled and torn apart in a matter of hours. This and other feats have been accomplished with hard work on the part of both instructors and cadets. Although the Engi- neering branch is relatively new at Norwich it has certainly proven itself and is here to stay.

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S GNA One of the most important branches in our present-day Army is the Signal Corps, whose duties are many and varied. Their primary duty is to co-ordinate and inform the various combat and service units in the course of battle. The Signal Corps is also responsible for security, photography, public relations, visual aids, and many other ele- ments of warfare. Lt. Col. Hantzes, with the able assistance of Captain Mathey and MfSgt. Thrash, conducts the Signal Corps ROTC Training at Norwich. Courses are covered in radio operation, wire laying, tele- phone communications, and cryptography, as well as supplementary courses in military law, tactics, repair, and supply. The Signal Honor platoon is composed of the Cadets enrolled in the Signal Corps who have shown themselves to be superior in military and academic subjects, and leadership. The Honor Platoon does more for the school than any other honor platoon by providing communications for all Forum events, athletic contests, and for Ski events at Stowe and Mad River Glen. The instructors in the Signal Corps teach the Cadets not only to strive for perfection in the military subjects, but also to strive for the highest degree of friendly co-operation among men. 11

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M UNTAIN and WI TER WARFARE This is the eighth year for the Mountain and Winter Warfare Troops here at Norwich, and they have now established themselves as a permanent part of the University. Nylon rope, pitons, snap links, and the piton hammer are their main equip- ment in the fall and spring, in the winter months these are replaced with the necessary ski equip- ment, plus the ever-present ruck sack. This special equipment readily distinguishes them from the rest of the Corps. The main purpose of this course is to teach the future officers the art of moving troops and equip- ment over rugged terrain and to instruct in the technique of surviving in cold weather. In the sec- ond year of the course the upperclassmen gain valuable experience in helping to train the mem- bers of the freshman class who join on a volunteer basis. This unit is under the guidance and instruction of MfSgt. Stanley P. Walker, veteran of World War II. He is ably assisted by Cadet ISI Lt. Floyd K. Palmer who has taken full advantage of the training offered in Mountain and Winter Warfare. 13 W? W