Army ROTC Staff Visit Pea Ridge Battlefield

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University of Arkansas Army ROTC senior cadets learn about the Battle of Pea Ridge.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – University of Arkansas Army ROTC traveled to the Pea Ridge National Military Park in Northwest Arkansas on March 31 to conduct a staff ride focused on the Civil War's Battle of Pea Ridge.

The senior cadets, along with the senior cadets from the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith and Northeastern State University, prepared and presented the history of the battle along the various stops of the battlefield tour. The Battle of Pea Ridge served as a strategic win for the Union forces in the Civil War, as it prevented a Confederate push back into Missouri.

Allowing the Army ROTC cadets to see first-hand, both the terrain and soldier perspectives across the battlefield, provided a unique opportunity to learn about strategic movements and decisions made that ultimately won and lost the battle for each side. It also served as an opportunity for cadets to learn more about military history.

In May, each of the senior cadets will commission into the U.S. Army. Conducting staff rides in the future will be an integral part of leader development and unit cohesion as these cadets begin their careers as new officers.