ROTC prepares future leaders

As the United States Armed Forces prepare for a possible attack against Iraq, collegiate military leadership programs such as Army ROTC are receiving a negative impression in the eyes of many students.
“Joining ROTC doesn’t mean that you will be shipped off to Afghanistan,” said Col. Ranson Ricks, professor of military science and commanding officer. “In ROTC you train to be a leader.”
As a member of ROTC, a student have the opportunity to become a commissioned officer in the United States Army upon completion of the program.
According to Ricks, about 75 students enroll in the program each semester. However, the numbers usually drop because of physical requirements, other military obligations, and personal reasons.
“ROTC is not for everyone,” said Ricks. “You have to be able to think on your feet and tolerate stress.
A week for cadets includes physical training at 5:30 a.m. three times a week and lecture and lab classes on leadership twice a week. Cadets also participate in field training once a semester at Camp Beauregard in Pineville.
The disciplined life of a ROTC cadet hasn’t slowed down students like Student Government Association President Steven Sumbler.
“ROTC has helped me demonstrate my leadership potential,” said Sumbler. “It has also put me in a position to show my weakness and those situations have help me to build them up.”
After graduating in the spring, Sumbler, a political science major, plans to attend Southern University Law Center and then become a military lawyer in the Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps.
From class queens, honor students, and dancers, females students also play a vital role in SU’s ROTC program. Four out of three cadets commissioned into the army during fall commencement last December were female.
Cadet Lt. Col. Stacy Maiden, a senior chemistry major from Baton Rouge holds the number one position in the battalion.
“I am honored that my classmates felt that I am capable of leading the battalion,” said Maiden. After graduating, Maiden will enter the army as a second lieutenant.
Students enrolled in the program receive a full four-year scholarship covering tuition, books, and room and board.
“We are trying to recruit more black males,” said Ricks. “There are some areas in the military that aren’t open to women.”
For more information on Army ROTC call 771-4160.