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The members of the University of Idaho’s Army ROTC program are once again leaping for new experiences. More than 70 military science students rappelled off a 70-foot high balcony in the Kibbie Dome Wednesday.
Senior cadet Andrew Lytle said the lab is a confidence booster and prepares cadets and students for other activities.
“It prepares me mentally and physically,” said freshman Meagan Fortner. “It helps you face your fears and is a challenge.”
Fortner said she is afraid of heights but told herself to just do it.
During fall semester, students rappelled from the Moscow Fire Station, which is 35 feet high and had a wall to walk down, but not this time, said Captain Rick Storm, assistant professor of military science.
Rappelling from a 35-foot high building is a lot different than a free rappel from 70 feet high, said junior Aaron White.
Since he had never rappelled from 70 feet in the air, Aidan Millheim said he would have to rely on upper body strength to succeed, because there was no wall to push off of.
Many students had never rappelled before the lab on Wednesday, but one student who has rappelled from more than 1,000 feet in the air, Daniel Miller, said he thinks it’s awesome and a great experience.
Before students are able to rappel they must first go through a safety briefing and their equipment is checked several times by different Army ROTC cadets and cadre. To ensure their safety, locking carabiners are used.
“I like hands-on activities because they give me new perspectives for life,” Fortner said. “It is better than being in a classroom.”
Fortner said during the last rappelling lab she was not fully prepared, but “you’ve got to prepare yourself.”
After rappelling for the first time, sophomore Lizzy Braun said she wished she could do it again right then.
Storm said the rappelling lab is fun, different and nothing like it is being done in any other classes.
The Army ROTC has many events coming up in March, including a Best Raider Competition, a paintball lab, a live fire lab and spring commissioning.
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