Combat Water Survival Training (CWST)
Cadets are tested once a semester on their ability to employ combat water survival skills in a swimming pool. Each event consists of rigorous exercises which they must complete in order to pass CWST. Before this, however, cadets are tested on their ability to swim by performing a ten-minute continuous swim followed by a five-minute session of treading water. Once they complete the swim test they move on to the first station of the 25-meter equipment swim. This swim must be completed with their LBE (Load Bearing Equipment) and an M16. The second station is the equipment drop. The cadet is pushed into the water and must drop all equipment while submerged underwater. The third and final station is the 3-meter drop. Each cadet will defeat the fear of stepping off a 3-meter high diving board while blind folded and M16 in hand. To pass, the cadet must swim to the edge of the pool with the weapon.

Car Washes
One fundraiser the cadets enjoy doing is that of a car wash. The cadets will pick one weekend out of the semester to go out in the community and host a car wash. The proceeds from the car wash will go directly to the Cadet Fund for use in socials and the Military Ball.

Carnivals
Texas A & M Kingsville hostess a carnival in the Fall and Spring semester. All campus organizations will participate by having a game booth or a food stand to raise money for their organization. The ROTC cadets put together a paintball booth where students and faculty pay to shoot at the cadets. Cadets only wear protective mask and run around dodging paintballs. This single fundraiser yields the most profit within just a couple of hours.

Cookouts
We are fortunate to have some great cooks in the battalion. These cadets will go the extra mile to ensure the BBQs are gourmet style. They usually plan for a week what will be on the menu, who is in charge of cooking, and who will be bringing each item to the cookout. Rain or shine these cadets will stand outside until everyone is fed. Thank you guys!

Road Trips
Because of our small corps of cadets, those that stay with the program for more than one year grow to see each other as family while maintaining discipline and respect. Throughout the year a group of cadets will gather together to plan a road trip.

Golf
In the Fall semester cadets will gather a team to compete against other teams in the Alumni Golf Tournament. Whether you are just a beginner or an expert, you can be part of this team. It is a tournament where even cadets will have the chance to win trips or even a vehicle. So gather your golf clubs and start practicing!

Intramural Flag Football
So you like to play sports? Intramural flag football might be what you are looking for. The ROTC cadets will face off other campus organizations at the flag football tournament that is hosted once a semester. Various flag football teams will compete for a month until the elimination comes down to the championship. It will not be an easy task to defeat the other teams, but ROTC cadets know what teamwork is all about and will stand up to the challenge.

Intramural Soccer
Is flag football not your thing? How about soccer? Intramural soccer will also gather all the campus organization teams to face off on a month long elimination. It will not be easy to defeat others, but once again, teamwork will do the trick.

Firing of Cannon - Click here to see video
The tradition of “Old Smokey” is once again part of our Battalion. The cannon has brought a lot tradition and history to our program dating back to the 80’s. “Old Smokey: is not only part of our program, but it is part of the college. This cannon is fired at every home football game and special events. There are five cadets that are nominated to be at the cannon detail each semester. So if you think you got what it takes to be part of tradition try out for the cannon detail.

Military Balls
The Military Ball is a tradition which has been part of the battalion since it was established back in 1975. The event is a formal sit-in dinner, followed by recognitions, a guest speaker, and ending with live music. The guests consist of cadets and their dates, university faculty, and a VIP guest. This event is mainly focused on the recognition of the MS4s (seniors) for their hard work, and to congratulate them for their forthcoming commissioning. Other underclassmen are recognized and sometimes given awards. This is one event to look forward to.

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