Tag Archives: military

The Winter Weather Man

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Hello readers, if you aren’t currently an Embry-Riddle student then you might be wondering what the weather is like out here in Prescott, AZ. Well lucky for you I will be getting into how the weather is and how it changes mostly in respect to winter. This will be especially helpful for those coming from warm climates like myself.

So ERAU in Prescott definitely gets FOUR seasons! Summer is hot, fall is bipolar, winter is cold and spring is a usually a good mix of warm and cold weather. But you must be wondering how cold it actually gets here… Well last week it reached 37 degrees (F) during the day! That’s crazy!…..I don’t want to scare you so ill lighten it up with some good news, such as this weeks weather. The average for the week turned out to be 56 degrees (F) midday, and 34 degrees at any given time after dark.

So be prepared for the winter! while it is only this cold during the winter it does lighten up in the fall and spring, which are quite pleasant and beautiful. Being able to come out here and experience four seasons its great, there is really nothing like Prescott. For instance below is a photograph taken of Watson Lake after its snowed, which is right around the corner from ERAU. In fact most students that run, tend to run to the lake and back which takes about 30 minutes to get there, its a great trail!

But enough about how cold it gets, the real question is, does it snow at Embry-Riddle and how often? Well for the past 3 years that I have gone to ERAU in Prescott it has snowed on average 10 to 15 days each year. And i would say about three of those days does it actually come down in a storm that makes it hard to drive. So if you drive you could get away without buying chains no problem but I have some anyway. The other thing to know about snow here is that is melts very fast rarely staying on the roads for more than half a day. As soon as the bright Arizona sun hits it, it’s gone. I hope you enjoyed this blog, stay tuned for more!

Here is a link to a website that has a great amount of detail about the weather in Prescott, AZ. http://www.wunderground.com/weather-forecast/US/AZ/Prescott.html

Interview with General Trask

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Ricky Opening paragraph

Max Sandoval, Director of Embry-Riddle Prescott’s Marketing and Communications, recently interviewed, two star general, Major General Thomas J. Trask to discuss his thoughts on being asked to make the commencement speech as well as his thoughts about his time with Embry-Riddle.


Max: How do you feel about being asked to speak at the commencement at the Prescott Campus?


General Trask: Truthfully, I was completely shocked and it was a thrill to be asked. Being asked to speak at such an event was such a surprise. The thought never crossed my mind.


Max: Without giving away too much can you please tell me what topics you are going to be speaking about in your commencement speech?


General Trask: The topics of interest will include things I learned at both campuses. I went to Daytona Beach as well as Prescott and while they are very different, the things that I learned are similar. So, one of the topics will be “what I learned at Embry-Riddle” and the most important thing that I learned was how to resolve problems. My degree program forced me to learn about the how to resolve problems that are placed in front of you. I really got a license to learn how to resolve problems.


Max: What is an example of the toughest hurdle you have had to overcome in your career or life?


General Trask: My toughest hurdle was the realization that life is a team sport.  You need to make the team better and realize what you can contribute. You realize success involves making the team better.


Max: What is the motivation that lies at the core of who you are that pushes you to achieve?


General Trask: Several factors motivate me however the factor which I reflect on the most is the ability I have to affect young people. That is the greatest motivating factor that pushes me to excel.  Young people can and will change the world and I can shape their minds and the things they do to achieve success and develop others around them. I love being involved in shaping a person’s life, whether through the military or another professional career.


Once I retire I would love to get back into education and continue to help young people.


Max: So, your previous answer is a great segway into my next question – where do you see your career going in the future – possibly after the military?


General Trask: The military has been a wonderful career and I never would have thought of seeing myself in the position I am in now. When I return to civilian life I would ideally like to get into the university environment in an administrative role. Education is extremely important.


Max: What advice do you have for current ROTC students?

General Trask: For the new officers in ROTC, have a plan that is flexible.  It is such a critical time to come into the military and a mindset that has the discipline and the mindset. It is an exciting time to be in the military.


Max: Looking back, what are some unexpected benefits?


General Trask: Greatest unexpected benefits were the connections I would experience.  I went to both DB and PR and had friends and contacts at both. To this day I still use this network because it has uses in every industry.  It is a great resource.


Max: Looking back when you first started studying, where did you think your education would take you?


General Trask: My plan was coming in on an ROTC scholarship and my plan was to be an engineer and serve in the military and then go out into the private industry.  I got the flight training at Riddle and thought I could go back to engineering. And never dreamed I would be in the military 30 years and still love it.

Marine Corps Officer Selection Program

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There are many who know about Army, Air Force and Navy ROTC but what about the Marine Corps? To answer that question you should read this blog. I have recently finished my application to go to Officer Candidate School (OCS) through the  Platoon leaders Class which I will go more in depth about.

The first thing you are going to need to ask yourself is what does it take to be a Marine Officer and how can you reach that goal. OCS is very demanding physically and mentally there are actually a few different paths that you can take. First of course are the qualifications 1.Bachelors Degree 2.Physical Fitness Test (PFT). These and everything else I will be talking about can be found at www.Marines.com

 

What is Officer Candidate School?

OCS is a 12 week officer training program, this is where those who cant make it get booted and those who really want to be a Leader of Marines can truly show how much they want it. It is very tough and will break you down.

 

So what PLC does is take the 12 week course and allows you to attend two 6 week courses over two different summers.

Next is which path do you want to take. so what you need to know. You can do Navy ROTC (Marine Option) or Naval Academy (Marine Option), Platoon Leaders Class (PLC) and of course you can do OCS after graduation.

Each of these main choices have its pros and cons. For now I will consider the Platoon leaders Class. PLC is open to full time college students ages 17-28.

I have recently submitted my application through PLC, What you need to know about this option like all others is that you are applying (competitively) for a chance to go to OCS in the summer in between school semesters.It is a privilege to get the chance to become a Marine Officer. The process is simple, and enjoyable for those that really want it. Before you jumo right into it i suggest you do some research about the U.S. Marines and what it means to be an Officer of the toughest men and women in the military.

Do you have what it takes to become a Marine?

For the More information please visit the attached link here. To start the application process call the nearest Officer Selection Officer (OSO) or recruiter. Thanks for reading.