Welcome to NoVAGO University! I am certain that you will enjoy your time here, but it won't be easy, especially since you have decided to enroll in our Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) Program. The ROTC programs offered here at NoVAGO University and at other universities across the country require students to take many classes in a variety of subject areas in two courses, the Basic and the Advanced. The Basic Course is generally taken during the first two years of college and contains classes that emphasize practical leadership techniques and management concepts that apply equally in both military organizations and private industry. The Advanced Course is completed during the last two years of college and is designed to prepare students to be military officers through classes that include practical work in tactics, training, management, leadership techniques, and the exercise of command.
This introductory course is (GC9Z527) MIL 101: Map Reading & Small Unit Tactics. Your first assignment will include navigating to several locations and gathering information. Your objective is to use that information and locate a large ammo can concealed in the woods, sign the enclosed log book, and replace it as you found it without being spotted by members of the enemy forces (the "Muggles"). You can attempt this mission on your own or as a part of a team with members of your choosing.
Situation: You have become aware that a large ammo can has been hidden in the woods in the town of Centreville, Virginia. It contains vital information that must be retrieved. You do not know the exact location, but you can obtain this information by visiting several sites.
Mission: Locate the ammo can, sign the logbook inside to verify that you found it, and replace it as you found it without being spotted by unfriendly forces.
Execution: You will need to visit four locations. The posted coordinates are not for any of the required locations. Do not go there unless you are looking to purchase rations to consume before you commence your mission. Two of the locations are previously placed geocaches that can be visited in any order. The locations are (GC95NV2) "MAGC-20 "Red Tails" (2012)" at coordinates N 38° 51.626 W 077° 26.235 and (GC8YR8V) "MAGC-15" at coordinates N 38° 51.872 W 077° 26.721. On the outside of the containers of these caches you will see the information that you need. Each contains one half of the coordinates for the Final Stage - the ammo can. You will then proceed to the final location (GZ). When you arrive at the Final, you will see that it is locked with a four digit padlock. To get the combination, you will need to project a waypoint at a direction of 143 degrees and a distance of 90 feet. At that location you will see four numbers on a tree. That will be the combination to the lock on the container.
Administration and Logistics: The assetts at the Motor Pool are unavailable, so you are on your own to arrange for motor transportation. No MRE's or other rations or water will be provided. As you approach the Final, you will be traversing terrain that is likely to contain poisonous plants, insects and potentially dangerous animals. The terrain could also be difficult to navigate during or after inclement weather. The cache is available 24/7, but it is recommended that you only attempt this mission during daylight hours. The container is large. There is plenty of room for tradable and trackable items. Being a well trained and prepared ROTC cadet, I am sure that you will have your own writing implement.
Command and Signal: The CO (Cache Owner) has the responsibility of maintaining this geocache. He can be reached by using the Message function of the online Geocaching App and he will provide assistance to you as needed. You also have the option to Phone-A-Friend (PAF) for help. It is your responsibility to record your attempt online as either successful (Found) or unsuccessful (DNF).
God speed. I eagerly await reading about the results of your mission. Semper Fi!
If you are good at history, knowing the year of the National Defense Act that created the ROTC program could be useful if you're not good at projecting waypoints.