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The Aggressor Platoon

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The Aggressor Platoon
AbbreviationThe Aggressor PLT
NicknameThe Platoon
Formation1963
Founded atUniversity of North Georgia
TypePara-Military, Student Led, Specialty Unit
Legal statusActive
PurposeTraining Cadets in Small Arms, Light Infantry tactics
HeadquartersUniversity of North Georgia, Dahlonega Campus
Membership
10-15 (Active)
Commander
c/CPT Steven Schmatjen
c/1LT Blain Rogers
c/1SG Hugh Thompson
Members Called
Beret Members (Present) Black Tigers (1963-1968)
Parent organization
University of North Georgia
AffiliationsSMC ROTC (Present)

Scabbard and Blade (1963- ~1972)

Mountain Order of Colombo (Mutually)
Formerly called
The Aggressors' Platoon (1963-1965)

The Aggressor Platoon, of the University of North Georgia, was founded in 1963. The Platoon is a specialty, student-led, paramilitary unit of the University's, regularly scheduled, SMC program[1][2]. The Platoon operates, in addition to regularly scheduled Military Science activities and training, to include more in-depth patrolling and small infantry unit tactics; falling under the Professor of Military Science[3][4] in the University's ROTC command. Training within the Platoon is open to cadets and university students on a volunteer basis. Leadership within the Platoon is chosen from performing cadets within the Platoon. The command structure of the Platoon follows that of a standard line Army unit; including a cadet commander, a cadet executive officer, and a cadet NCOIC. The platoon has a long lineage of alumni who have gone on to join the ranks of notable Army units such as the 75th Ranger Regiment, Special Forces, Combat Arms Active Duty & Army National Guard units.

Membership

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Membership in the Aggressor Platoon is limited to those who have followed and kept the standard set by the Aggressor Command Team & Beret Members. Members are known as Beret Members and they serve as instructors to those who volunteer to train with the unit. Those who seek to become members participate in training until they can meet the standard of membership within the Platoon. Training is voluntary and any candidate and junior member may quit participation if they decide. With every event and training day comes an opportunity for promotion into the next level of membership.[5]

Candidates

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Candidates in the Platoon function as personnel in a standard fireteam and take instruction from Squad Leader Junior Members. Candidates in the Platoon are not considered members or affiliates of the Platoon. They are the lowest tier in the training structure of the unit. Candidates will work as a team to accomplish the mission briefed by instructors.

Junior Members

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Informally referred to as 'Dogs', Junior Members of the Platoon act as Team Leaders in a fireteam. During training lanes, the Junior Member is expected to show tactical competencies and lead their personnel in accordance with the instruction from Beret Members. From Junior Member, the next level of promotion of membership is full membership as a Beret Member. Promotion to Beret Members is at the discretion of the Junior Member's instructors and the Aggressor Command Team.

Beret Members

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Beret Members of the Platoon are the chief instructors of tactics for the unit. Members organize training and exercises for those who have volunteered to train with the unit. Their purpose is to maintain the administration, discipline, and standards set by those members before them. There are three levels of BM Tiers corresponding with increasing levels of responsibility within the Platoon. Level One Beret Members (BM1) act as Team Leads to Squad Leads, given the amount of participants for that semester. Level Two Beret Members (BM2) act as Platoon Sergeants (PSG) & Section Leaders, overseeing the unit's Patrol. Level Three Members (BM3) are in the highest roles of responsibility within the platoon, serving as Commanding Officer (CO), Executive Officer (XO), & First Sergeant (1SG).

Beret Members of the Aggressor Platoon following the Fall 2023 Change of Command Ceremony at [1]Pine Valley, Dahlonega

Activities & Training

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The Platoon's intent is to prepare prospective members to become affluent in infantry tactics[1] found in ATP 3-21.8 Infantry Platoon And Squad and TC 3-21.76 The Ranger Handbook. The Platoon consistently trains in at least one Field Training Exercise (FTX) per semester and hosts two weekly trainings at Pine Valley Recreation Area during the semesters.[6][7]

Semester Training Composition:

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An automatic gunner for the Aggressor Platoon lays prone during the junior class' 1970 Field Training Exercise.

The Platoon trains its members and trainees to become conditioned to executing Ambushes, Raids, Reconnaissance, Assaults, React to Contact, Area Defense, Entering & Clearing a Room, Knocking out a Bunker, allocating and utilization of Preplanned Fires, and various other Battle Drills when the semester allows. In addition to Battle Drills, the Platoon instructs Candidates and Junior Members in Troop Leading Procedures and Garrison and Field Communications/Orders. These include proper utilization of the Task Organization & Equipment (TO&E), Tasks assigned to the command structure when executing a mission, RTO tasks and conditions, Land navigation, the paragraphs of an Operations Order and its function, etc. In training, Candidates and Junior Members become acclimated to utilizing the M4A1, M249 (SAW), & M240B weapon systems.[1][6][8]

Training Includes:

BD1: React to Direct Fire Contact (07-3-D9501)

BD2: Conduct a Platoon Assault (07-3-D9514)

BD2A: Conduct a Squad Assault (07-4-D9515)

BD3: Break contact (07-3-D9505)

BD4: React to Ambush (Near) (07-3-D9502)

BD5: Knock Out Bunker (07-3-D9406)

BD6: Enter and Clear a Room (07-4-D9509)

BD7: Enter and Clear a Trench to Secure a Foothold (07-3-D9510)

BD8: Conduct the Initial Breach of a Mined Wire Obstacle (07-3-D9412)

BD9: React to Indirect Fire (07-3-9504)

BD10: React to Chemical Attack (03-3-D0001)

BD11: React to IED (05-3-D1703)

BD12: Dismount a BFV and ICV (07-3-D9433)

BD13: Mount a BFV and ICV (07-3-D9434)

BD14: Execute Action Right or Left While Mounted (07-3D9437)

Aggressor Platoon Demonstration of an Ambush (2008)

Demonstrations:

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The Aggressor Platoon will conduct demonstrations for alumni and corps events at the discretion of the Commandant. Most notably, the Platoon conducts an Assault lane during UNG's National Leadership Challenge Weekend, Parent Alumni Weekend, & in the past Boar's Head Weekend. Seldom is there Aggressor Activity during Gold Rush Weekend in the Dahlonega Area. FROG Week training at Pine Valley will often include the Aggressor Platoon being present to train the incoming Cadets.[9][10]

A letter from the Aggressor Platoon's pseudonym 'Chuck Aggressor' to the Junior Class in warning of the upcoming FTX. (1971)

Field Training Exercises:

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Members and trainees of the Platoon will organize their own, weekend-long Field Training Exercises (FTXs) during the semester, in accordance with the Professor of Military Science & the UNG Commandant's Training Schedule. These FTXs are held to monitor the training and function of the unit and to gauge their preparedness as future officers in the Army. FTXs will gauge the tactical competencies of individual members which will be assessed by Members for their promotion.[3][10]

History

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Founding

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The founding members of the Aggressors' Platoon (1963)
Mrs. W. R. Branch, the sponsor for the Aggressors' Platoon

The Aggressor Platoon was founded in 1963 at North Georgia College. The original name was The Aggressors' Platoon (1963-1965). The first mention of the Aggressor Platoon is in the 1962 Cadet Bugle where it is stated that “projects planned for Scabbard and Blade for this year include a rifle range, an Aggressor Platoon for field problems, and a field training exercise (FTX) spring quarter.” Mrs. W. R. Branch was the Aggressors' Platoon Advisor in 1963. The Commandant of Cadets at this time was Captain Orvil R. Hause. The Brigade Commander was c/COL Ralph E. Howard '63. The Professor of Military Science was Lt. Col. Robert P. Hatcher. The Aggressors' Platoon's first Sweetheart was Diane Turner in 1965. Membership from 1963-1970 in the Platoon was limited to underclassmen Sophomores. In 1967, the first mention of the Black Tigers or "Black Tigers" Aggressor Platoon appeared in the College's Cyclops Yearbook[11]. The first appearance of a Beret was in 1968 in the College yearbook[12]. Though the Army did not recognize berets until 1973[13], then rescinded the rule from 1979-1980[14], the Aggressor Platoon has continued to wear the Maroon Beret with Aggressor Flash. The first depiction of the Aggressor Flash was in 1984 along with the Aggressor Tab & Guidon.[15]

Organization

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Since the Platoon's founding in 1963, the platoon has undergone several changes to the command structure of the organization. The first mention of a command structure appeared in the 1968 edition of the College's Cyclops Yearbook with Scabbard & Blade - the Cadet Honor Society. Where "Aggressors act as live training aides for the Scabbard & Blade."[12] In the same edition, Scabbard & Blade is said to have initiated a "majority of the military activities which occur on campus."[12] Future editions of the NGC yearbooks cite Scabbard & Blade to plan Pre-Camp (CST) operations for the College. This ended with the creation of Pre-Camp Staff & Cadet Tactical Officers.

Aggressor Platoon Class of 1985

The first Aggressor command structure of the Platoon is mentioned in the 1969 edition of the College's yearbook. Where David McGavic is the Commanding Officer, Frank Gheesling is the Executive Officer, Jeff King is the First Sergeant, and Jim Fortsen and Bob Smith are Platoon Sergeants. NCOs are seldom mentioned in future copies of the College's yearbook. Scabbard & Blade is mentioned to be a kind of Observer Controller (OC)[12] for the Platoon's operations by their instruction of the unit's forces. It is unclear when the affiliation with Scabbard & Blade began with the Aggressor Platoon. Around 1972, the Platoon began operating as their own unit without the oversight of Scabbard & Blade.[16] In 1970, the Platoon began to accept membership from 3rd & 4th level classmen. The first documented instance of levels of membership, in addition to a member's pinned enlisted or officer rank, was in 1994 with Senior, 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Level Members[17]. This is also the first mention of Junior Members of the Platoon being referred to as 'Dog.' Echelons of leadership fluctuate with each semester given the amount of new Beret Members, Junior Members, & Candidates.

Purpose

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A mimic Vietnam NGC Training Villa used in Pre-Camp Operations. (1968)

The Platoon's original purpose was to provide junior cadets with Opposition Forces (OPFOR) during training. The Platoon was founded as an affiliate of the North Georgia College's Scabbard & Blade Honor Society. Training scenarios would be made by Scabbard and Blade for the Aggressor Platoon to execute to train the junior cadets seeking commission. The purpose of the Platoon was expanded in 1970 to include Parent's Day Week-End demonstrations, in addition to providing training for members and juniors seeking command in their training FTXs as OPFOR. Aggressors, under the direction of the Scabbard & Blade, would plan training scenarios all year until the junior class's Spring FTX.

Villages mimicking that of Vietnam[12] were used and maintained by the platoon during the early years following it's formation. Seemingly, around 1972 Scabbard & Blade and the Platoon split in its command structure to allow for the Aggressor Platoon to operate amongst itself. Demonstrations by the Aggressor Platoon continued into the 1982 school year where they are mentioned during Parent-Alumni Weekend. In 1987, the secondary purpose of the Platoon was to train "ourselves in Ranger and Special Forces operations"

Affiliations

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Blade Member Mike Kunzig instructs the Aggressor Platoon during Pre-Camp FTX Operations (1969).

Scabbard & Blade of the University of North Georgia is the National Cadet Honor Society. Blade Members originally worked with the Aggressor Platoon on FTX operations in order to prepare graduating juniors for Cadet "Summer Camp", now called Cadet Summer Training. Scabbard & Blade no longer has oversight on the Platoon's operations, and all planning is done by the Aggressor Command, through the PMS' Staff.

Mountain Order of Colombo (MOC) (est. 1962) is another student-led organization that branches from the UNG Professor of Military Science's training schedule. From the establishment of both units, friendly rivalries exist between the two. The Order operates in tandem with the Aggressor Platoon on some occasions when joint training is thought to be appropriate. The Mountain Order was created in 1962 by Cadets who sought to learn Military Mountaineering from 5th RTB Instructor MSG Louis P. Colombo.[5]

Mountain Order of Colombo Green Sticks, Climb Members, and Instructors (2006)

Notable Members of the Aggressor Platoon

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  • Beret Member Anderson - (-1972)

Beret Member Anderson died from a drunk driving accident in 1972.

  • Beret Member Nicholas P. Berrena - (1976-1996)

Beret Member Berrena, of State College, Centre County, Pennsylvania, was a sophomore at North Georgia College at the time of his tragic death on December 8th, 1996. He was an Eagle Scout. The inscription on his grave states "Aggressors Lead The Way".

  • MSG Mitchell W. Young

Native of Jonesboro, Georgia, Master Sergeant Mitchell W. Young died on 13 July 2008 in Kajaki Sofia, Helmand Province, Afghanistan, from an improvised explosive device (IED). MSG Young was a member of the 1st BN, 7th Special Forces Group, serving as a Team Sergeant when he was killed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.[18]

MSG Mitchell W. Young
  • Beret Member MAJ Kevin Michael Jenrette - Class of 1995

MAJ Kevin Michael Jenrette died on the 4th, 2009 near Kakar, Afghanistan of wounds suffered from an IED and small arms fire. Aged 37, of Lula, Ga.; assigned to the 1st Battalion, 108th Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Target Acquisition Squadron, 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Georgia Army National Guard, Calhoun, Ga.[19]

MAJ Kevin Michael Jenrette
  • Beret Member COL (Ret) Michael Pyott - Class of 1988

COL (Ret) Pyott was a member and 1SG of the Aggressor Platoon in 1987. In 1988, COL (Ret) Pyott was the Charlie Company Commander. He was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity while enrolled at NGC.[20] COL (Ret) Pyott served as the Battalion Commander of the 1-17th CAV and then the Professor of Military Science for UNG from 2008-2012[21]. He was named Director of BB&T Center for Ethical Business Leadership following his retirement from the Army. He died a few months later on Friday, 21 September 2012 at the age of 46.[21]

  • Beret Member CPT Tombo Jones - Class of 1995

Beret Member Jones was the Bravo Company c/1SG in 1994 and the Commander of the Aggressor Platoon during the 1995 school year. Jones served in the United States Army first as a LRSU Senior Scout in the GAANG, H Co, 121st LRSU during his time at NGC from 1991-1995. Beret Member Jones branched Aviation upon graduation and began his Officer career in the 2-227 Avn 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, TX, and concluded his service in the Army after eight years in the 6-101st Avn 101st Airborne Division. After his Army Career, BM Jones worked with the U.S. Coast Guard for 12 years, becoming a Chief of Logistics / Chief of Aviation Operations. Currently, BM Jones is the Director of the Virginia Tech Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership. Beret Member Jones is known in the Platoon for writing the Aggressor Creed - which all members are required to know.[22]

c/1SG Tombo Jones leads Bravo Company (1994)
  • Beret Member Col. Kitefre Oboho - Class of 2002

Col. Oboho currently serves as the 75th Ranger Regiment Commanding Officer. Previously, Col Oboho served as the 75th Regiment, 3rd Battalion Commanding Officer. While enrolled at North Georgia College & State University, Oboho served as the Aggressor Platoon c/1SG, Non-Commissioned Officer In Change (NCOIC) and the Brigade Executive Officer. Effectively being responsible for all training directives within the Platoon.[23]

Lt. Col. Kitefre Oboho at the Change of Command for the 75th Ranger Reg, 3rd BN.
  • Beret Member Lt Col. (Ret) Heath Williams - Class of 1989

Heath Williams was the Bravo Company Commander, his senior year in 1989.[24] He was a member of the Sigma Omega Fraternity while enrolled in the College. He branched Army Aviation upon graduation and served for 22 years. Retiring from the Army in 2011, Williams served as an Army Counterintelligence Special Agent. Currently, Heath Williams serves UNG as the Executive Director of Cadet Career Success.[25]

Heath Williams stands with his Company Leadership (1989)
  • Beret Member Lt Col. (Ret) Westley Pirkle - Class of 1993

Lt Col. (Ret) Pirkle retired from the Army following 28 years of service to his country, serving in command as both an Explosive Ordnance Disposal officer and Special Forces officer. He currently works for the University of North Georgia as the Director of Global Military Programs. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from UNG and a Master of Military Art and Science from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. He was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity while at North Georgia College.[26]

The Aggressor Platoon Command Team from 1993 stand by the Aggressot Rock. Lt Col. Pirkle is fourth from left.

In Media

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In 1982, Channel 11 filmed the Aggressor Platoon in their feature story: Resurgence of ROTC on College Campuses"[27]

The University of North Georgia has published numerous YouTube videos of the Aggressor Platoon for recruiting purposes.[2]

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Aggressor Platoon". University of North Georgia. Retrieved 2024-02-28.
  2. ^ "Event Calendar". University of North Georgia. Retrieved 2024-03-04.
  3. ^ a b "Military Science". University of North Georgia. Retrieved 2024-03-03.
  4. ^ "Cadet Leadership Academy". University of North Georgia. Retrieved 2024-03-04.
  5. ^ a b "Cadet Organizations". University of North Georgia. Retrieved 2024-03-03.
  6. ^ a b UNG Cadet Recruiting (September 8, 2024). "Aggressor Platoon in Action". YouTube. Retrieved March 3, 2024.
  7. ^ UNG Cadet Recruiting (June 26, 2013). "Aggressor Platoon at the University of North Georgia". YouTube. Retrieved March 3, 2024.
  8. ^ Agyeman, Steve (September 13, 2013). "ALTW". YouTube. Retrieved March 3, 2024.
  9. ^ "Aggressor Platoon NLC Demo 2006". YouTube. February 26, 2008. Retrieved March 2, 2024.
  10. ^ a b Henderson, Logan (August 13, 2024). "Aggressor Platoon 2018". YouTube. Retrieved March 3, 2024.
  11. ^ College, North Georgia; College &amp, North Georgia; University, State (1967-01-01). "Cyclops 1967". Nighthawks Open Institutional Repository. Retrieved 2024-03-03.
  12. ^ a b c d e "cyclops1968.pdf". Nighthawks Open Institutional Repository. Retrieved 2024-03-01.
  13. ^ All American Legacy Podcast Ep 25 - The French Hat, 26 June 2017, retrieved 2024-03-03
  14. ^ "A Short History of the Use of Berets in the U.S. Army". A Short History of the Use of Berets in the U.S. Army. November 11, 2001. Archived from the original on 2001-06-24.
  15. ^ College, North Georgia (1984-01-01). "Cyclops, 1984, vol. 77". Nighthawks Open Institutional Repository. Retrieved 2024-03-03.
  16. ^ College, North Georgia; College &amp, North Georgia; University, State (1972-01-01). "Cyclops 1972". Nighthawks Open Institutional Repository. Retrieved 2024-03-03.
  17. ^ College, North Georgia (1994-01-01). "Cyclops, 1994, vol. 87". Nighthawks Open Institutional Repository. Retrieved 2024-03-03.
  18. ^ "MSG Mitchell W. "Mitch" Young (1969-2008) - Find..." www.findagrave.com. Retrieved 2024-02-28.
  19. ^ "Maj. Kevin Michael Jenrette Obituary (2009) - Gainesville, GA - gainesvilletimes.com". Legacy.com. Retrieved 2024-02-28.
  20. ^ "cyclopsv81.pdf". Nighthawks Open Institutional Repository. Retrieved 2024-03-01.
  21. ^ a b "Michael Pyott Obituary (2012) - Gainesville, FL - The News Journal". Legacy.com. Retrieved 2024-03-01.
  22. ^ College, North Georgia (1995-01-01). "Cyclops, 1995, vol. 88". Nighthawks Open Institutional Repository. Retrieved 2024-03-01.
  23. ^ "Alumnus leads Ranger battalion". University of North Georgia. Retrieved 2024-02-28.
  24. ^ Cyclops (vol. 82 ed.). Dahlonega, GA: North Georgia College (published 1 January 1989). 1989.
  25. ^ "Heath Williams". University of North Georgia. Retrieved 2024-03-01.
  26. ^ "Cadet Leadership Academy Leaders". University of North Georgia. Retrieved 2024-02-28.
  27. ^ Cyclops, 1982, vol. 75. United States, Georgia, Lumpkin County, Dahlonega: University of North Georgia. 1982. p. 6.
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