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Published by www.EPlusPromotes.com www.TheCatoctinBanner.com The Catoctin Banner Newspaper March 2018 Page 23
A Great Course of Action
David B. Ellington, Captain, US Army, Assistant Professor of Military Science, Mount Saint Mary’s University, 4th ROTC Brigade
The Army Reserve Officer Courtesy Photo (FTX), in which cadets conduct
Training Corps (ROTC) has been training in an austere environment.
the primary source of commissioning A standard FTX involves land
second lieutenants into the U.S. navigation training, squad planning,
Army for over one hundred years. tactics, and rappelling or an obstacle
With over 20,000 cadets in programs course. The number one priority
at major universities and colleges in ROTC is academics. All ROTC
across the country, ROTC is a activities and events are planned with
large and widespread initiative, the intent to train cadets and provide
determined to recruit, train, and necessary time for academics.
produce outstanding leaders. There For those that want to get the
are many reasons to join ROTC: most out of Army ROTC, there
a commission as an officer upon are countless summer training
graduation, a wealth of leadership opportunities provided to cadets.
opportunities and experience, To list a few, cadets may be able to
unparalleled comradery, and the attend Airborne School, Air Assault
numerous monetary incentives. School, summer training at West
Many folks do not know that Army Point, or participate in the Cultural
ROTC is the largest provider of Understanding and Language
scholarships in the country. For Proficiency program (CULP). These
anyone not afraid of a challenge, Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC). opportunities allow cadets to attend
with aspirations to lead and serve Army schools or travel the world.
their country, Army ROTC might be thing to note about Army ROTC scheduled physical training (PT), CULP offers cadets the opportunity
what you are looking for. scholarships is that they are earned usually beginning around 6:00 to travel to another country and
When considering college, one through high achievement, not a.m. and lasts for an hour. During learn about another culture. All of
of the first things most parents simply given. Aspiring cadets from PT, cadets conduct regimented this is aimed at developing a well-
and students think about is the across the country compete for exercises designed to improve and rounded leader.
financial cost. Army ROTC provides scholarships that cover two to four maintain fitness. Whether going on For those who want to lead and
significant monetary benefits to years of college tuition and fees. The a run around campus, completing be a part of the defense of our great
help offset or even completely National Guard and Army Reserves an intensive circuit workout, or nation, Army ROTC is a great
cover the cost of education. One also offer competitive scholarships. just playing a team sport, PT gets course of action to take.
In addition to scholarships, some you up and moving! Following PT,
schools will offer to cover the cost cadets are released and attend their From the author, CPT David
of books, room, and board for regularly scheduled classes. Army Ellington, assistant professor of
cadets with ROTC scholarships. ROTC does have a classroom Military Science at Mount Saint
Lastly, Cadets receive a monthly portion, known as Military Science, Mary’s University: “My associate
stipend while enrolled in ROTC. designed to teach Cadets about the and I regularly conduct outreach
This stipend is provided to the Army, leadership, and tactics. This in the surrounding area. I have
Cadet to spend however he or she class is a normal part of a student’s met with faculty, administrators,
pleases. These financial incentives academic schedule and includes a community leaders, and local
serve to attract and invest in quality lab, in which Cadets step outside of organizations in an attempt to spread
individuals who aspire to lead the the classroom to apply and practice the word about Army ROTC. I have
Army of the future. the lessons learned. The training enjoyed meeting so many people
The typical day as an Army highlight for the semester is normally and answering questions about what
ROTC cadet starts with regularly the program’s field training exercise Army ROTC has to offer, being a
product of Army ROTC myself and
seeing all the great things it has to
P a tr onize Our Adve r tise r s! offer. Hopefully, I have provided
answers to any questions you may
The Catoctin Banner newspaper exists due to the advertising support of those featured in each issue. have about ROTC.”
