Alexander completes specialized training

The junior from Newell, South Dakota, is studying criminal justice, forensic science, and seeking a minor in military science.

According to Assistant Professor of Military Science Colin Webster, Alexander was originally selected for a special training, called Robin Sage, because she ranked high on the Order of Merit List based on her physical training (PT), leadership, grades, and participation in college extracurricular activities. Unfortunately, her flight was canceled and because of the high-security nature of her assignment, it could not be rescheduled. She was offered CTLT in lieu of Robin Sage.

At CTLT, she divided her training time between a Light Armor Cavalry Regiment and the other half with an Aviation Unit.

“CTLT was an opportunity to work with active duty, real Army soldiers and get to experience their everyday life. We started each day at 6 a.m. for PT. CTLT teaches you how to interact with the soldiers and trains you to be a leader so by the time you commission,” Alexander said. “The last week we were out in the field for six days and did night operations with night vision goggles and set up defenses, ambushes, and did reconnaissance.”

She said the most difficult physical challenge was called water can PT.

“We filled a 45-pound water can and carried it in a two-member team for about half a mile and then pushed it across a football field to our partner who pushed it back. Then we did 50 pushups, pushed the water can back and forth again, did 50 air squats, then 15 burpees. We repeated that workout for 45 minutes,” she said.

Members of the aviation unit took Alexander and other cadets for an hour-long helicopter ride around the island so they could see the sunset over the ocean.

“That was probably the coolest part,” she said.

Alexander’s career goals include two possible tracks. If she commissions in the active-duty Army, she is considering aviation. If she opts for civilian life, she would like to go to law school.