CLARION, Pa. (EYT) — A UH60 helicopter making multiple flights over the local area garnered a lot of attention on Friday.

(Photos courtesy of Clarion University)

ROTC Cadets from Clarion University, led by Cpt. Hamid Conteh, along with cadets from Slippery Rock University took turns climbing aboard the large, matte black UH60 helicopter at Clarion Memorial Stadium on Friday to fly to their fall field training exercise at the Keystone Training Area.

The ROTC programs at Clarion and Slippery Rock involve both classroom and “practical” exercises, like the fall field training. The goals of the program are to develop the kind of leadership and management skills that are needed to either become a U.S. Army officer or have a successful civilian career.

The program is divided into two major phases: The basic course for freshman and sophomores, and the advanced course for juniors and seniors. Students in the basic course learn about everything from Army history basic military skills to techniques and principles of leadership and management. The advanced course focuses more on tactical operations, military instruction, and more advanced leadership and management techniques.

The fall field training exercise is just one of the programs and activities utilized by the ROTC program to help cadets build self-discipline, self-confidence, physical stamina, and other attributes to develop them as future leaders.