DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
LEHIGH UNIVERSITY STEEL BATTALION JORDAN HALL
15 RESEARCH DRIVE
BETHLEHEM PENNSYLVANIA 18015-3066 
 
ATCC-BBP-AL                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         22 March 2020
 
MEMORANDUM FOR All Steel Battalion Cadets 
 
SUBJECT: Decentralized Operations Standard Operating Procedures (Continuity of Steel Battalion Army ROTC Mission) 
 
1.   References: 
 a. Memorandum, Professor of Military Science, Program Standards for Students Enrolled in ROTC and Contracted (Non-Scholarship and Scholarship) Cadets, 27 August, 2019 
 b. Policy Memorandums #1-8, Professor of Military Science, 27 August, 2019 
2.  This memorandum summarizes the policy changes the Steel Battalion is making in light of the COVID-19 Coronavirus. The intent of this policy is to clearly define the standards of operation associated with conducting business remotely and is applicable to all enrolled Steel Battalion Cadets.  
3.  Program Intent: Continue Steel Battalion operations and curriculum in a degraded environment through a distributed medium in order to meet the Army ROTC mission of producing outstanding Second Lieutenants for the United States Army.  Health and safety of all Cadets is the top priority followed by maintaining academic requirements, sustained physical fitness, and accountability (individually, our Steel Battalion family, and communities).   
4. Mission (No Change): The Steel Battalion leads by example through discipline, integrity, fitness and honor.  Cadets strive to better their organization, peers and themselves in accordance with our values.  
5.  General Standards:
a.  Task Organization:
i.  There is no change to cadre task organization.
ii.  Each university/college program is required to have a designated representative for reporting.  All cadets are required to inform their campus leader of any change in their health status, the health of their family, and information on any necessary travel.
iii.  There is no change to the assigned cadet chain of command or assigned duties and responsibilities unless otherwise directed.  
b.  Communication: Good communication is the #1 priority in a decentralized model.  In order to ensure this the following standards must be adhered to:
i.  Cadets must check emails every day, best practice is immediately before or after PT.
ii.  Cadets are required to respond to all emails within 24 hours of receipt.  If it is appropriate, acknowledge receipt immediately to inform the sender that you are aware and taking action on any assigned tasks.
iii.  Address who you are talking to by placing those recipients emails on the To line.
iv.  Use the CC line when appropriate.
v.  BCC is only for mass emails when you’re protecting the personal information of other recipients.
vi.  Ensure the titles of your emails are clear.  Is it information (INFO); a tasking (FRAGO); and information needed immediately (SHORT SUSPENSE).  Short suspense emails should be few and far between.
vii.  Gmail/School emails are the primary means of communication between cadets and cadre alike.
viii.  Use of .Mil email is reserved for communication with external Army organizations and should not be used as the primary means of communication between cadre or with cadets.
ix.  .Mil emails should be checked regularly as well. 
 c.  Operations:
i.  We will utilize the google calendar as the primary means of scheduling events, meetings, etc.
ii.  We will utilize the google drive as the primary means of sharing products, documents, trackers, etc.
iii.  Social messaging Apps like GroupMe and Google Hangouts are authorized for the strict purpose of enhancing productivity and collaboration but do not replace primary means of effective communications outlined above.  
 d.  Meetings:
i.  All meetings will be conducted on Zoom.
ii.  A Zoom link should be placed on the google calendar within the event info.
iii.  All participants are responsible for learning and understanding how to effectively use Zoom.
iv.  All participants are responsible for learning and understanding how to effectively use Zoom.
1.  Accountability is taken within the first 5 minutes of the meeting via voice/video check-in with the officer/cadet in charge.
2.  Lead off every meeting with a specified focus, agenda and timeline for topics.
3.  Ensure ample time is provided for clarification/questions/etc.
4.  Minimize off topic discussion and stick with the given agenda.
e.  Class Attendance:
i.  All cadets must attend all class meetings, via Zoom, phone, or designated means of communication instructed by their professors.
ii.  Cadets are encouraged to establish a stream of communication with each of their professors to aid in the transition to “remote learning.”  Follow the standards issued by your primary instructor. Be proactive in reporting to your instructor. Don't make the instructor struggle to get a hold of you.
iii.  All cadets must attend all Military Science class meetings via Zoom. All cadets will be in the proper OCP uniform in accordance with AR 670-1.
iv.  Cadets will be present in a professional setting with good audio and visual capabilities.
v.  Cadets must maintain a visual presence throughout the duration of the class and cannot turn off the video.
vi.  Cadets are expected to actively engage in class discussion.
vii.  Failure to comply with the above standards will be treated as a class absence and will result in a reduction of the cadets Military Science grade. 
 f.  Readiness: Maintaining individual, Mental, and Physical readiness is of utmost importance as a Steel Battalion Cadet.
i.  As such, we will continue to conduct physical training while we are away from campus. This is especially critical for MSIII Cadets who will take their record APFT at CST this summer and MSIV Cadets who are about to be commissioned.
ii.  All cadets should be prepared to take and pass an APFT or ACFT at all times.
iii.  All cadets are expected to engage in the physical training plan outlined in section 3 of this memorandum.  Cadets are required to meet the minimum standards for passing the Army Physical Fitness Test. iv.  Inappropriate use of alcohol and drugs by both military and civilian personnel is inconsistent with Army values, standards of performance, discipline, and the readiness necessary to accomplish the Army’s mission.
v.  The Army does not tolerate the illegal or improper use of drugs or alcohol IAW with AR 600-85.  All cadets will fall under this regulation at all times regardless of state laws. Included within this are a cadet’s duty to comply with the random drug test protocol which can occur at any time. 
g.  Travel
i.  Many of you probably have seen the DOD Travel restriction instituted until May 11th.
ii.  Cadre have informed us that this travel restriction does not directly apply to us as Cadets in Army ROTC, but that you MUST adhere to the guidelines offered by local law, CDC, and POTUS.
iii.  All cadets will use common sense with regards to travelling.  Each cadet is expected to inform their campus mentor and Cadet Chain of Command if there are any circumstances of necessary travel.  
6.  Physical Training: 
a.  Individual PT Standards:
i.  The method for conducting PT has changed in light of the fact that gyms are closed and Cadets should be isolating themselves from others as much as possible.
ii.  Strava App: ALL CADETS will download the “Strava” app on their phones and create a profile.  After this, all Cadets will join the Steel Battalion ROTC Club on the app (https://www.strava.com/clubs/563774) and we will use this to ensure all cadets are meeting the minimum mileage per week.  If you have any issues joining, contact CDT Matus (610-850-4676). The specifics of how many miles per week will be passed down by the Cadet CoC.
iii.  In addition to weekly runs, Cadets will pass down PT improvement workouts that can be completed at home with no additional equipment. The intent is that these workouts are completed every week and Squad Leaders will continuously check in to ensure progress is being made.
iv.  Accountability of Cadet’s runs and PT improvement workouts will be maintained in the same Accountability Spreadsheet as before.
v.  Failure to comply with the Steel Battalion “Strava” physical fitness program will result in negative counseling cadet leadership and Cadre instructor. Failure to pass the Army Physical Fitness Test will result in suspension of cadet scholarship or contract. 
7.  Mentorship: 
a.  Steel Battalion Mentorship Program
i.  Each cadet in the program will be assigned a mentor from their school, outside of the Cadet Chain of Command, who will conduct weekly phone call check-ins to ensure cadets are meeting their academic, physical training, and personal standards.  Additional guidance on what campus mentors should discuss with cadets will be sent out.
ii.  Campus mentors will report up any changes in personal or family medical status, unavoidable travel circumstances, and all other updates.  There will be a form that mentors will be required to fill out weekly for each of their mentees.
iii.  As a Steel BN Family, it is imperative that we maintain a strong culture of excellence and perseverance through these tough times.  These weekly touchpoints will drive our continued ability to stay connected and to look out for one another. 
8.  TRAINING/Cadet Summer Training: 
a.  MSIIIs
i.  While the composition and schedule of CST is currently unknown, as a team we will do our best to ensure MS3 readiness and ability prior to attending CST this coming summer. 
ii. Of equal importance, the success and training of the Battalion for the coming Fall semester depends on the completion of a thorough Fall Training Plan.
iii.  The training calendar for the remainder of the semester will be split between two phases.  Phase 1 will focus on CST prep while the 2nd will focus on the MS3 leadership change and formulation of the T+ 6 Fall 2020 training calendar.
iv.  Both phases will consist of weekly labs held during regular Thursday lab time (1630-1900).  While that is the scheduled lab time to accomplish the training objective for the week, anticipate additional training hours within MS Class and MS4 mentorship.
v.  The tentative weekly lab schedule is a follows:
1.  Phase 1: CST Preparation
a.  LAB 1: 163026MAR2020 - 190026MAR2020  Key Tasks: CST Schedule Overview & Q/A
b.  LAB 2: 163002APR2020 - 190002APR2020  Key Tasks: CST Field Craft / Layout
2.  Phase 2: Leadership Transition
a.  LAB 3: 163009APR2020 - 190009APR2020  Key Tasks: MS3 Leadership Rotation / Mentorship
b.  LAB 4: 163016APR2020 - 190016APR2020  Key Tasks: Fall training plan brief to MS4’s
c.  LAB 5: 163023APR2020 - 190023APR2020  Key Tasks: Fall Training plan brief to Cadre
d.  LAB 6: 163030APR2020 - 190020APR020  Key Tasks: CST / Fall Training Plan 
b.  MSI/IIs
i.  There will be a series of tactics labs occurring once every 2 weeks for MSI/II’s covering material that will supplement your MS Class and further prepare you for the coming years' expectations and responsibilities.
ii.  Lab time will be via zoom and will take place during our regularly scheduled lab time (1630-1900).
iii.  In addition you will be expected to strictly adhere to the standards and guidelines provided above with respect to class attendance, physical fitness, accountability, and drug & alcohol policies. iv.  Key tasks & topics for each lab will be released 1 week prior to training.
v.  The tentative lab schedule is a follows:
1.  LAB 1: 163026MAR2020 - 190026MAR2020 Key Tasks: TLP’s
2.  LAB 2: 163009APR2020 - 190009APR2020 Key Tasks: Operations Order
3.  LAB 3: 163023APR2020 - 190023APR2020 Key Tasks: War Games  
9.  The Following Local Policies remain in effect until further notice signed the Professor of Military Science with slight modifications due to the current situation.  Policies can be found on the Steel Battalion Google Drive at:
 
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1k6U_5rA9xDtDJVz1htpgr0htFTFO1aBo_RcRDwJhOjo
 
a.  Policy #1: PMS Open Door Policy.  Change: Will be conducted via TELECON or Zoom.
b. Policy #2: Equal Opportunity Policy. Update: Applies to all forms of communication.
c. Policy #3: Sexual Harassment Policy. Update: Applies to all forms of communication.
d. Policy #4: Alcohol and Substance Abuse Policy. Update: Instructors and Cadets will ensure Safety Briefs are incorporated into digital means and updates IAW this policy and mentorship program.  Urinalysis programs remains in effect and can be conducted through local Military Installations or institutions, when necessary, IAW State and Local guidelines.
e. Policy #5: Fraternization.  Update: The spirit of the policy remains in effect.  Acceptable use of messaging apps is authorized with the specific intent to enhance productivity within the Battalion, only, and not degrade good order and discipline.
f. Policy #6: Academic Standards. Currently there is no change to Academic Standards.  Steel BN Cadets are required to maintain a Semester and CUM GPA of 2.5 or higher prior to being placed in probationary status. However, failures to meet this requirement will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
g. Policy #7: Physical Training. Suspended.  PT will be accomplished within the guidance of this SOP with stated goals for APFT/ACFT and HT/WT regulations upon return to normal operations.
h. Policy #8: Commissioning Requirements.  Update: No Cadets will be disadvantaged based on circumstances which are out of their control.   
10.  USEFUL LINKS:  Below are some useful links and resources for information pertinent to Cadets in this program.  Please take some time to review them. 
a.  MG Evans Army ROTC Update
b.  Join Steel Battalion Strava Club
c.  CDC COVID-19 Info Page
d.  NAMI COVID-19 Helpful Info
e.  SAMHSA Tip Sheet
f.  CDC US Testing Information
g.  Feeding America Homepage
h.  COVID-19 General Assistance: Food, Bills, and Other Services 
 
 
                        WAYNE HODGE                                                                                                                                                                                                                      JOHN R. ABELLA
                        MSIV, US Army                                                                                                                                                                                                                      LTC, US Army
CDT Battalion Commander                                                                                                                                                                                                    Professor of Military Science