The cadets first received training on how to secure the ropes firmly around themselves and then were taken to a set of stairs to learn the basics.

Technique, form and trusting in the ropes and the people helping were the key points being stressed by the instructors.

“First-year and second-year cadets are here learning the fundamentals of rappelling for follow-up training at all kinds of different programs in the Army,” cadet and criminal justice senior Mack Sims said.

Once the cadets did a couple of practice runs on the stairs, they were sent over to a training area with a ladder leading up to a platform.

The cadets were then rappelled with rope down a wall that nearly stretched to the ceiling.

For cadets like political science sophomore Weston McJames, the training still is something to get used to, even for those who have endured it.

“This is my second lab … I’ve gone through this rotation twice already,” McJames said. “It’s a little unnerving. You’re stepping back off something and you have no idea how far down it is, but you have the rope so you kind of trust the rope and take that leap.”

As for adjusting to the lifestyle and maintaining enough motivation as an ROTC student, McJames said it’s relatively easy.

“We’re working toward something, we’re working toward commission,” McJames said. “A lot of guys here, it’s their dream to be a solider. To be an officer, a leader of soldiers, that’s something special and it pushes us to do well in school and in ROTC.”

Other cadets, including engineering freshman Nick Doherty, said he felt the same way about participating in the training activities and being an ROTC member at MSU.

“As far as being at school, it’s like my favorite thing so far,” Doherty said. “I think it’s the coolest thing ever.”