Commonwealth ChalleNGe

11/01/2023

Class 60, Week 5, Nov 1, 2023. Greetings. First of all, we have had chilly weather here but training continues. 1st pass just 20 days away.

Commandant wanted to let you know that you should schedule any medical appointments during 1st or 2nd pass, unless it is an emergency. You should contact medical and Commandant for any appointments needed outside pass dates.

Commandant also wanted to remind you that 1st pass is Nov 21. If your cadet needs to get on planes, trains, or buses please schedule the cadet to depart prior to 10am. Return date is Nov 27. Email Commandant if you have any questions. [email protected]

Thanks - Deputy

10/26/2023

10/17/2023

Class 60; Week 3,10.17.2023. Greetings. Cadets have now been in their classroom routines for a day, so far so good. They look great in the Challenge uniform. Regular weekly phone calls should begin tonight with 1st platoon; tomorrow Wed, 2nd platoon and then Saturday, 3rd platoon. Calls are made in the evening after company PT and dinner. Contact the Team Leader if you have specific questions about the time. Have a great day! - Deputy.

10/13/2023

Class 60 - day 11, 10.13.23. If you have not received a call yet, contact the Team leader via text 757-536-1683. Phones did start. Academics begins Monday for all the cadets that includes a schedule that goes from 9am-3:30pm where they will be in different classrooms all day. Not able to upload all the pictures from today yet, but will do it when the first opportunity presents itself. Thanks - Deputy

10/13/2023

Class 60, day 12, 10.12.2023. Greetings. Today was the last day of acclimation. Tomorrow morning the candidates will go on the traditional road March to commemorate the end of acclimation. The induction ceremony will be at 1:00pm where they will cite the honor pledge and received their certificates, green phase ribbon and Challenge ball cap. Phone calls will begin after and every cadet will make a call. If you do not receive a call, email the Commandant at [email protected]. Pictures will be tomorrow. Thanks - Deputy.

10/11/2023

Class 60, Acclimation Day 9, 10.08.2023. Greetings. Day 9 is over and that means you are a day away from hearing from your candidate. Today’s training consisted of physical fitness exercises, drill & ceremony (marching) and Team Buildings exercises. In addition, they were able to receive a class on Military Customs and Courtesies and a class on defining cadet Leadership Roles in the platoon. The Career Advisors spoke to them about how they will work with them throughout the Residential Phase to get them placed for when they graduate. The teachers also presented the academic expectations when classes begin on Monday 16 October. It has not been an easy nine days for some candidates, but they have made through so far and we expect them to make it through to the end. Thanks - Deputy

10/09/2023

Class 60, Acclimation Day 7, 10.09.2023. Greetings. After a brief rest from intense training on Sunday, our Candidates were back in action today. Each platoon took the pre-TABE test which is a time test by subject that lasts about two hours. They also received a class on Ethic, Integrity, and the Chain of Command from the Director. Throughout the day they performed physical fitness exercises and team building activities. They are ready to become Cadets this Friday and make their first phone call to you who have been supporting them throughout. Thanks - Deputy

10/07/2023

Class 60; Acclimation Day 5, 10.07.2023. Greetings. Because of the rain, most training occurred indoors. The Commandant spoke to each platoon about expectations and answered their questions. They then received training and practice on preparing their racks (beds), wall lockers and living area for inspection. All physical fitness activities occurred indoors. The candidates continued to review and learn the Cadet Handbook. We also had two alumni from Class 58 (one male and one female) that visited us and spent time speaking to the candidates about their own experience and feelings, like wanting to quit but didn’t, when they were a candidate/cadet. We encourage this because it gives a true perspective to our candidates on regarding the residential phase of the academy and life after Challenge. Six more days of acclimation. Thanks - Deputy

10/06/2023

Class 60, Acclimation Day 4, 10.06.2023. Greetings; what a day! Today the candidates took the initial physical fitness test which consisted of push ups and sit ups for 1 minute and a 1.5 mile run. They gave it their best effort and they cheered each other on. Those who finished first, went back to run along side those who were struggling. True teamwork in display. Keep the emails coming. – Deputy.

10/05/2023

Class 60, Acclimation Day 3, 10.05.2023. Greetings; another day comes to an end and acclimation period now ends in 7 days, with the induction ceremony occurring October 13th followed by phone calls. However, candidates still have 7 days of training to complete. Now is the time when some candidates will be homesick, but so far, knock on wood, that has not been an issue yet. They enjoyed the team building activities and were extremely motivated throughout the day. In addition, they did excellent during the TABE Locater tests both in testing and behavior. If you have any questions or concerns, email the Commandant ([email protected]) or her assistant ([email protected]). My email is [email protected] or [email protected]. Continue to email your candidates!!!! - Deputy

10/04/2023

Class 60, Acclimation Day 2, 10.04.2023. Greetings. Today was a wonderful day for both candidates and the weather. The candidates did exercise all day, to include a long road march, in addition to meeting their counselors and learning drill & ceremony. We closed out the evening with a surprise Fire Drill. Tomorrow, in addition to marching, the candidates will be taking the TABE locater test which is the first test they take to determine their academic placement for school. It is about a 30 minute multi-choice test. Candidates will also be doing Team Building activities to help develop platoon cohesiveness. They will, of course, be doing physical fitness exercise throughout the day during the breaks from training. Keep the emails coming. - Deputy

10/04/2023

10/03/2023

Class 60, Acclimation day 1; 10.03.2023. Good afternoon. The candidates have been going through gear /uniform distro and putting their items away in their lockers and reading the Cadet Handbook. They also received the Hands Off policy and additional required briefings from the Director. They are preparing to go to dinner shortly, then go into the evening routine which includes additional hygiene, letter writing time and training. Lights out will be around 2100. Tomorrow morning, they will be receiving a briefing from the base Commander and the VBPD and shortly thereafter the Grinder will commence. This is an intense physical fitness session. As part of the session, the candidates are introduced to the Challenge way and the expectations. The physical fitness sessions are led by Cadre. In the afternoon, they will receive classroom instruction on Reporting Procedures and Introduction to Counseling followed by Introduction to Drill & Ceremony (marching, facing movements, etc..). Thanks for emailing you candidate: [email protected] - Deputy

09/26/2023

Class 60 day 1 is Tuesday, October 3rd, 2023. Thanks!

08/26/2023

08/25/2023

Final practice before the big day! We will be in ballroom A, just past Hall A. There is parking directly across the street from the ballroom entrance.

08/25/2023

Class 59 doing their first graduation practice followed by a graduation rehearsal this afternoon. In less than a day, they will be graduates! We are so proud of them!!!

08/23/2023

Class 59 - Awards Babquet with guest speaker Dr. Haggerty, DDS.

08/22/2023

Class 59 cadets vs Shefiff depart up by 4 2nd half