ROTC program prepares NGU cadets for future in military service
Posted by The Skyliner on April 29th, 2009Samantha Mayo
Staff Writer
Dedicated North Greenville University cadets are able to participate in the ROTC program on Furman University’s campus. The program involves physical training three days per week, military science class two days per week and a once a week field lab.
In military science class, cadets are instructed on various military related topics, such as land navigation. Cadets also learn important leadership skills in class.
Field lab involves learning infantry tactics. Both the field lab and military science class are aimed at preparing ROTC cadets to become successful officers in the military.
The physical training aspect of ROTC helps cadets achieve and maintain excellent physical condition so that they can capably complete the strenuous tasks involved in military service. Physical training also serves to help cadets learn discipline.
Physical training is a very challenging aspect of the ROTC program. It involves sit-ups, push-ups, 2-5 mile runs and a variety of other exercises. The fact that physical training is held from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. lends the training an additional challenge.
Jonathan Kyle, sophomore broadcast media and second year ROTC cadet, says that the difficulty of the ROTC program provides the cadets with a special sense of camaraderie.
“When you go through something difficult together, you stay together,” Kyle said. Intense dedication is required to remain and succeed in the program. From that dedication and hard work overcoming obstacles as a group, the ROTC cadets have developed a community that mirrors the community found in the military.
The ROTC program offers many benefits to its members. Among the benefits offered is the availability of scholarships. According to Kyle, cadets are offered full tuition or full room and board scholarships for their involvement in the program.
The ROTC program not only offers scholarships but also provides job opportunities in the military for cadets after graduation. Captain Henry Anderson says that upon graduation, a cadet can be commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the army.
For Kyle, the opportunity to be commissioned as an officer is the fulfillment of a dream. “I have always wanted to be in the military,” Kyle said. He especially desired to join the military as an officer. Through ROTC, he will be able to realize his dream after graduation.
Anderson says that the main goals of the ROTC program are to ensure that cadets graduate with proper training and to provide them with the commission as 2nd Lieutenant.
Through the ROTC program cadets can graduate with excellent training, experience, discipline and excellent career opportunities.