Army ROTC exercise outside Memorial Library September 6, 2019

September 5, 2019
Courtesy of Army ROTC

On Friday, September 6, UW-Madison’s Army ROTC (Reserve Officers’ Training Corps) Program will welcome approximately 140 new recruits with a special exercise: rappelling off the roof and down the side of Memorial Library. The exercise will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Preparations on the roof and ground will begin at 7:00 a.m. The wall being used is the State Street side facing the bookstore, just past the overhang.

This exercise has been a cleared and coordinated with UWPD and the Madison Fire Department as well, in addition to ROTC officials working closely with Memorial security to determine the best location and timing of the exercise.

Courtesy of Army ROTC

ROTC frequently conducts drills around campus (you may have seen them running drills up and down Bascom Hill throughout the academic year), and this is one more opportunity for their new recruits to practice an important skill. Memorial Library was determined to have one of the best façades to safely perform this exercise. ROTC officials will have program vehicles, markers, and personnel on the ground providing a perimeter to ensure the safety of both the cadets as well as pedestrians. Additionally, ROTC will have a table set up to answer questions about the program from those who may be watching the event or interested in the program.

ROTC encourages pedestrians to feel free to enjoy watching the exercise, as it is an accomplishment for the cadets as they begin their training.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Natasha Veeser at natasha.veeser@wisc.edu or 608-262-2632.