ROTC

"Immediately after high school, I enlisted in the Army National Guard as a 91C (Utility Repairman). After I attended a local community college in my area, I transferred to West Chester University and became an ROTC SMP cadet. This allowed me to not only still serve in the National Guard but also gave me the opportunity to become an officer in the United States Army. Becoming a cadet is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made as many of the most memorable experiences in my life were from ROTC. Over the summer, I attended Air Assault School at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Not many soldiers in the Pennsylvania National Guard are afforded the opportunity to go to Air Assault School. Air Assault school is also popularly known as the ten most difficult days in the military, as it pushes an individual both physically and mentally. Air Assault School demanded the best from me and nothing less. I am forever thankful for this experience because it allowed me to grow as a soldier, and overall, as a person."

"I was a former active duty Sergeant in the 82nd Airborne Division. The Green to Gold Program is an Army program in which an active duty enlisted Soldier can transition to the officer side of the military. In this process, you complete a 4-year bachelor's degree program or complete a graduate degree within a two-year time frame. After doing countless training rotations, trips to JRTC, NTC, EGRE to Iraq/Kuwait in 2020, I realized that I wanted more out of my military career. I was also taking online classes after completing daily military duties and quickly got my Associate’s in Arts. During BLC, we were briefed on what the Green to Gold program truly was and I immediately started to work on my packet.

My active-duty time gave me a solid foundation to build off of while working towards my commission. Many new cadets must work on these Level 1 tasks for the first couple years in the ROTC program. For me, I was able to help other cadets achieve this while also working on my leadership potential. Coming from active duty made me also realize the ROTC program requires a commitment but is not as daunting of an experience that many people might think.

ROTC has allowed me to look at the big picture of a mission and not just a little segment of it. I have also got extensive knowledge on creating OPORDS, CONOPS, and many other tasks that officers might encounter down the line. Contact WCU’s Recruiting Operations Officer, Retired Major Keith Karbel, where he will help you with the process of transitioning from your current duty station to WCU as your place of duty.”

"I joined ROTC because I have wanted to be in the military since I was little. My grandpa and my uncle both served and growing up around them is what inspired me to join the Army. I chose ROTC because I wanted to get a college education and degree while still being able to train for the Army. I feel the program is doing an incredible job thus far at encouraging me and keeping me aligned with my goal of joining the army, while also making sure my education is a priority."

"ROTC is a program that challenges you personally, testing your determination and dedication. 'What you give is what you get,' it is all about you, how hard you strive to excel and how well you get along with other members. This program is about self-discipline; you can't lead a group if you can't lead yourself. During my first year, everything was new to me, which made me feel intimidated. However, I realized I was not alone; we are all learning. I can always count on someone willing to answer my questions and, above all, willing to guide me. We are all in the process of becoming future leaders. We gain new experiences and lessons, but most importantly, we gain a new family."

"I am currently an MS3 (Junior) here at WCU studying English. During this Fall Semester, I have been given the unique opportunity to be Cadet Company Executive Officer (XO). Throughout this semester I have already begun to see growth in my leadership skills and character. Being in a leadership position here at WCU ROTC gives myself and other cadets the ability to experience firsthand how to be a leader. As young adults, many of us have not been in a position to create elaborate plans, run events, and be responsible for others. Being in a leadership role this semester has made me engage/enhance skills such as problem solving, planning, and being more personable to others. Being in this role has also been nerve racking at times while encountering firsts. For example, at lab I was a Platoon Leader and felt overwhelmed and lacked self-confidence. To problem solve and prepare I went to my Cadre for help. SFC Kohut took time out of his busy schedule and walked me through the entire planning and execution phases. The entire ROTC experience is centered around firsts, learning, and growing."

"Joining Army ROTC my junior year of college meant I had to adapt quickly and drink from a fire hose to learn everything I needed to know to begin my professional leadership journey. It has been one of the most rewarding but also the most challenging decision I’ve made in college. Through early mornings, late nights, and general adversity, ROTC will test you as a leader, peer, and subordinate. Nowhere else in college can you face obstacles on a daily basis that will help you build discipline, consistency, and confidence in yourself. In a broader sense, you get to cooperate with a team of individuals to work towards something bigger than yourself, and in an environment of people that will mutually motivate you to strive for your best. Army ROTC is not easy, or for everyone, but if you decide to answer your calling, you won’t just be prepared for your future Army career but also any challenge you may face in life."

"As a nursing student at West Chester University, I initially joined Army ROTC in order to develop my communication, resilience, and leadership skills. However, the program has provided far more than I originally anticipated. It has challenged me to grow both personally and professionally, helping me to better understand my strengths and how to apply them in a workplace environment, ensuring safe and effective patient care in my future nursing career. While balancing the demands of academics and ROTC can be challenging, it has strengthened my ability to stay organized, focused, and disciplined. This program has provided me with an incredible support system. Both my fellow cadets and the cadre are deeply invested in my success and genuinely want to see me and my peers succeed, both as a student and a future officer. Through ROTC, I have gained unique experiences and training opportunities that go beyond the classroom, giving me a broader perspective on healthcare and service."

"Army ROTC has shown me that nursing is not only about clinical skills, but also about leadership, adaptability, and a commitment to serving others. It has and continues to prepare me to provide care for patients in diverse and dynamic environments while leading with confidence and compassion. For anyone considering nursing and ROTC, it offers a meaningful opportunity to grow both professionally and personally while serving something bigger than oneself."