By Anthony King
Hood College students enrolled in the U.S. Army’s Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program, participated in their first coordinated military drill on Saturday, Sept. 20.
As part of the first tactic lab for their leadership course, the cadets learned a wide range of skills including the high crawl, low crawl, individual hand and arm signals, moving as basic military unit formations, executing radio communication, and reacting to contact. All of these skills are fundamental for learning standard military practices.
A group of 40 cadets met at Mount St. Mary’s University’s PNC Sports Complex on U.S. Route 15 where the event took place.
Battalion Executive Officer George Yates, a senior majoring in political science at Mount St. Mary’s University, coordinated the event. ROTC members from both Hood College and Mount St. Mary’s University shared an active role in the day’s training.
Upperclassmen in the program taught the lessons for the class. This style of teaching allowed the younger cadets to get an understanding of Army principles and military strategy from the veterans of the program.
The goal of ROTC is to train future leaders for diverse roles in the Army.
Capt. John Reilly, the Army officer in charge of the program said: “This is the first time to execute military training. The goal is to teach leadership through military tactics training.”
This particular drill is one of many that cadets will participate in throughout the year to complete the program.
Upon graduation, cadets finishing the program automatically earn the rank of second lieutenant in the Army. Cadets must agree to serve as officers in the Army after graduation from their respective college or university to complete the program.
ROTC gives out scholarships to cadets in the program from two-four years to pay for tuition costs, adding more incentive to the program.
Yates said, “The discipline and the leadership skills are the best aspects of the program because you can’t get that in a classroom and are applicable to any job. I learned how to conduct myself as a leader both in and out of the uniform.”
Cadet Francis Phan, a Hood College graduate student, said that the benefit of becoming an officer in the Army is that “you have a chance to prove that you are a leader and take care of your soldiers.”
Cadet Maj. Greg Miller, a senior at Hood College said: “Sometimes you have to wear the uniform in class and present yourself in a good manner all the time. Be mature and respectful.”
The group of cadets completed large maneuvers as a platoon and create lasting bonds with others from different colleges and universities. In reference to the multiple school programs, Miller said, “It’s good because they get to work with people from different campuses, travel around, and create teamwork.”
For more information on joining the ROTC program, talk to Master Sgt. Wilson. He is available by email at hwilson@mcdaniel.edu or in person Monday, Wednesday, and Friday located in his office on the 2nd floor of Gambrill Gymnasium.
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