Opening Ceremonies Inaugurate Florida Tech ROTC Challenge Course in Fellsmere March 11

MELBOURNE, FLA.—A grand opening and ribbon cutting was held March 11 for the Florida Institute of Technology ROTC Challenge Course for cadet training. The course, funded by the federal government and owned by the U.S. Army, will be managed by Florida Tech.
The 20-acre facility is located on an approximately 100-acre tract of land set aside for eco-tourism near the I-95 Fellsmere exit. Florida Tech and the Army have entered into an agreement to allow public access to the facility when it is not being used by the Army ROTC unit.

Attending and making brief remarks were Florida Tech President and CEO Anthony J. Catanese, Florida Congressman Bill Posey, Fellsmere City Manager Jason Nunemaker, Fellsmere Mayor Susan Adams, Indian River County Commissioner Peter O’Bryan, Florida Tech vice president of research Frank Kinney and Capt. Lawrence Lewis, Florida Tech ROTC.

The course features a 15-part obstacle course and high ropes equipment to challenge cadets. “Low” equipment includes a swing stop jump, inclining wall, high step over, six vaults, low belly over and belly crawl. “High” equipment includes exercises named, for example, The Weaver, Confidence Climb, The Tough One, Obstacle Course, Tarzan Course and Skyscraper.

For more information on reserving the course, call Tim Fletcher at (321) 727-7930 or send email to tfletcher@fit.edu.