ROTC gives students opportunity

While it often seems as if students have no say in global events, the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps program at the University of Cincinnati is an opportunity that can result in students making a real difference.

Amidst the disagreement between President George W. Bush and the United States Congress on the withdrawal of troops from Iraq, the ROTC allows students to assist the military already serving overseas in the area under

criticism.

With the opportunity ROTC presents to do more than watch global events unfold on TV, more students should take a second look at the program. The ROTC program seeks to give its students a quality education combined with an opportunity to serve their country upon successful completion of the ROTC program.

Lieutenant Colonel John Bautch, scholarship and enrollment officer at UC ROTC, said students who are curious about the Army are likely candidates.

"Prospective students express an interest in wanting to be in the Army and are also trying to figure out a way to satisfy that interest at the same time they are getting their financial needs met," Bautch said.

Recruitment of cadets is tough in the competitive environment taking shape today, and Bautch said a lot of times recruitment actually takes place out of high school or during welcome week.

"We have to remain competitive because the marketplace and other scholarship-generating organizations are providing money to a lot of talented students," Bautch said.

But the ROTC program is differnet than other scholarship competitions.

Setting themselves apart from other potential scholarships students have access to, the Army changed its policy two years ago to eliminate the previous restriction of money spent on fees and tuition, which was $20,000 per year. This change couldn't have come sooner; it simply means even more money for UC students in need.

Specifically, there is no dollar amount placed on the scholarship given to a student. A book stipend of $900 dollars a year and monthly living money ranging from $300 to $500, depending if you are a freshman or a senior, is provided for cadets while in the program, according to Bautch.

Now, the battle to obtain the next great student for the Army ROTC is akin to Mick Cronin recruiting the next dominant basketball player here at UC. Both can represent UC, help UC's campus at the same time and get financial aid while doing so.

But who exactly is ROTC looking for? The department of the ROTC seeks students who display three attributes: a scholar with a strong academic record, an athlete willing to train hard and a capable leader who is willing to go the extra mile, Bautch said.

In addition, Bautch said students involved with the Army ROTC have to commit to train and become proficient in Army activities seven to 10 hours per week.

But many say the downside is after college. There are two options upon completing graduation requirements. One, job placement as a second lieutenant in the Army full-time after receiving a presidential commission. Second, working for the Army part-time in the National Guard or Reserves. Some argue having a guaranteed job is what they want. But others see this as restricting their future once they graduate.

As the Wa in Iraq continues to push on, increasing the Army Reserve and Army National Guard has become paramount. First, this means students signing up for the program are more able than ever to be able to take part in history. But for those involved for other reasons, it means they must be ready for deployment in the Army.

Bautch said that the students at UC involved in the program know what they are getting themselves into.

"All of our students and prospective cadets are very cognizant of the fact that in some form or fashion upon graduation they are going to serve the country someplace other than the United States," Bautch said.

And the number of students enrolled in the ROTC program has not decreased as the War in Iraq continues, proving UC students are interested in making a difference away from home.

While the War in Iraq continues to puzzle the decision-makers on Capitol Hill, UC students aren't confused about their part in the future of the war. They have quietly done their job to serve the country the best way they know how: to enlist. And hopefully, this will only continue because the battle on Capitol Hill likely will as well.