Army pays visit to Jennings High showing students cutting-edge vehicles, technology

Jennings High School students had the opportunity to get up close with the Army’s cutting-edge vehicles and technology on Monday.

Some of the Army’s newest technology and all-terrain fighting vehicles were on display in the school’s parking lot. The exhibit featured an electronic motorcycle, Polaris MRZR-D2 side-by-side, Quad bike and a PlayStation 4 gaming system.

“The exhibit has all-things fun, but there is a learning component where students have the opportunity to get familiar with the cutting-edge technology that created and operates these fighting vehicles,” Capt. Shane McCarthy, Lafayette Recruiting Company Commander said.

The All-Terrain Fighting Vehicles give soldiers in combat zones tactical use in a variety of mission sets, that include combat, logistics, search and rescue.

Sgt. First Class Joseph Smith said the vehicles on display are actual vehicles seen in the popular video game Call of Duty.

“A lot of the young people play Call of Duty, so they are familiar with them already,” Smith said. “This is a chance for them to see them up close. Many of them are in awe.”

Staff Sgt. Hannah Garvey said the display is an opportunity for the students to see and learn about the equipment, and perhaps even consider a future career in the military.

“We target juniors and seniors in all the communities we visit,” Garvey said. “We want them to come out, see what we have and think about their future.”

JHS Counselor Cathy Smith said the event is a great opportunity for students to see innovative technology and to learn what the military has to offer.

“We hope the students are able to learn more about the military and future career opportunities they have to offer,” Smith said. “We want to make sure our students know what is out there and what opportunities they have. We know not everyone is going to go to college or is interested in welding. Everyone has to find their own niche.

Sophomore Kaileigh Gatte was impressed with the vehicles on display.

“I really didn’t realize the Army had all this equipment,” she said, as she sat on a Quad bike.

Junior Lamar Hubbard, who has always wanted a four-wheeler, thought the vehicles were cool.

SportsPlus

Jim Beam

Jim Beam column:Cost cutting hard on seniors

Crime

Gunman who killed 23 in racist attack at Texas Walmart offered plea deal to avoid death penalty

Local News

BREAKING: Armstrong takes over reins

Local News

Cassidy: Texting chain error will be used ‘as a learning experience’

Local News

Wade now leader of the Pack

Crime

3/25: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

Local News

Trump officials texted attack plans to a group chat in a secure app that included a journalist

Crime

Man who entered Jennings High, fired shots sentenced to 20 years

Business

Hyundai plans $5.8B steel plant in Louisiana

Local News

Supreme Court seems divided over Louisiana case of congressional map with 2 Black majority seats

Local News

State superintendent tours Prien Lake Elementary, praises progress being made

Local News

From foe to friend: Guzzardo becomes new McNeese women’s basketball coach

Local News

Severe storms leave trail of toppled trees, debris, power outages

Local News

UPDATE: Community meeting on C02 projects canceled

Local News

Wade’s exit no reason for panic

Crime

UPDATE: Man wounded in officer-involved shooting put gun to woman’s head

Local News

Calcasieu Sheriff’s deputies involved in overnight shooting

Local News

Trump administration asks Supreme Court to halt judge’s order to rehire probationary federal workers

Local News

Longhorns stymie LSU to claim weekend series

Crime

Deputy fatally struck by fleeing vehicle while putting out spike strips

Local News

NC State officially announces hiring of Wade as new Wolfpack coach

life

SW La. school lunch menus March 24-28

life

Gratitude in Guatemala: Seeing beauty beyond the poverty

Business

Names in the News: People shaping the future of Lake Area business