 Military News
A group of 17 people ranging from all sectors of the working world came together for two days to study military leadership as a part of the Randall L. Tobias Center for Leadership Excellence, Indiana University Hoosier Fellows program. "We try to balance out the class to have executives from the corporate, religious, education and not-for-profit fields," said Carol Madison, executive director of the center at Indiana University. "This way, we have all different styles of work and leadership. In a sense, we are a golf bag full of clubs." The class met as a group once a month for 10 months. During that time, they conducted overnight retreats to study and teach leadership through different programs. "We try to travel to different locations to observe different groups and styles of leadership. Because of this, each session gives a new and different way of learning." At each meeting, the group focused on different elements and contexts of leadership. "During our trip to Camp Atterbury, we were looking at the military context of leadership," said Madison. "The military has studied leadership for years so we figured they would be a good source to learn a little from." The group became immerged in military mindset through sleeping in tents at Contingency Operating Location Warrior. They ate the same pre-packaged meals that Soldiers eat when training in the field. They also observed improvised explosive device courses and convoy reactions. "We were able to observe leadership and response during a convoy," said Madison. "This mission was a reaction to a crisis so we were able to see how military personnel lead under stressful situations." Observing the leadership of the convoy also provided non-military education to the group members. "I've enjoyed observing the communication and element of working together as a team," said Sherry Seiwert, executive director for Indiana Community Development and Housing Authority. "You learn that if you can't rely on your teammates, you'll fail." Seiwert said that the exercise also gave insight to the thought process in order to react quickly in certain situations, which is a lesson she will take with her back to work. "It's important to understand the thought process to be able to react quickly to certain situations," said Seiwert. "In my line of work we have to react very quickly and this experience reinforces that." Hoosier Fellows members gained leadership knowledge through combination learning techniques. "We mixed observing, talking and fun together to make this the best program possible," said Madison. While studying military leadership at Camp Atterbury, the Hoosier Fellows were able to learn another aspect of military workings. After observing different training lanes, the group gained hands-on experience through simulated M-16 assault rifle zeroing and firing ranges at the engagement skills trainer 2000 on base. "The simulated training is a great training tool, because it provides and teaches people through hands on training," said Sgt. Danny Rice, the Camp Atterbury training aid device simulator systems noncommissioned officer in charge. "People are safely able to complete realistic training and gain a better understanding of what is trying to be taught to them." The classmates also gained hands on experience with other training tools. The virtual convoy operations trainer let the group conduct simulated scenarios like the convoy demonstration they observed earlier in the day. "We were very pleased with the hospitality everyone showed us and the knowledge that we were able to gain during our visit here," said Madison. "This is our second year coming here and hopefully next year we will be able to make the same trip." Along with gaining leadership training and insight from their trip to Camp Atterbury, the class is scheduled to visit Notre Dame and Saint Meinrad Archabbey in the fall. ADDITIONAL PHOTO:
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