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ROTC members learn to balance time between training, classes, social life

By Melissa McFarland
Rocket Contributor

Issue date: 9/7/07 Section: Focus
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In 2005, ROTC colorguard members (left to right) 2nd Lt. Kim Lynn, 2nd Lt. Nathanial Thomson, 2nd Lt. Ian Black and Cadet 1st Lt. Amanda Herman participate in the Homecoming Parade on Main Street.
Media Credit: Submitted Photo
In 2005, ROTC colorguard members (left to right) 2nd Lt. Kim Lynn, 2nd Lt. Nathanial Thomson, 2nd Lt. Ian Black and Cadet 1st Lt. Amanda Herman participate in the Homecoming Parade on Main Street.
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When outsiders think of ROTC, they may think of uniforms, salutes and physical training.

When an insider such as Cadet Emma Christensen thinks of ROTC, she thinks of "very hard work, physically and mentally, and very time consuming. Meanwhile, the best program I have ever been affiliated with."

For those who are just being introduced to the program, ROTC is an elective curriculum a student can take along with their required college classes.

It prepares you with the tools, training and experiences that will help a person succeed in any competitive environment.

Along with great leadership training, Army ROTC can pay for your college tuition as well.

According to a military Web site, a person "will have a normal college student experience like everyone else on campus, but when (they) graduate, (they) will have a service obligation to serve as an officer in the Army."

The ROTC program at SRU consists of many activities on top of the classes, labs and physical training each cadet is required to take.

For example, cadets are given the option of being involved in the Ranger Team, a group that competes in a type of decathlon against 20 other schools including the University of Pittsburgh, IUP and Princeton.

Some events of this decathlon include a timed two-mile run, an obstacle course, a grenade course, a rope bridge and a written test. Last year, the SRU Ranger Team finished fifth out of the 20 teams.

The ranger team is completely voluntary, but to be on this team, the cadets must be dedicated. Just for this group, volunteers are required to train from 5:30 a.m. to 7 a.m. Monday through Saturday.

It is estimated that cadets spend 10 to 12 hours a week in the ROTC program alone. Their schoolwork is then added to their already-limited schedule.
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