By Ben Bradley
In:Site Staff Reporter
With an ill economy looking like it will not recover anytime soon, students graduating even from four-year universities like the University of Washington are having a hard time finding work. Programs like ROTC, however, can offer job security in the future.
Michelle Lee, a junior cadet enrolled in the Army branch of ROTC, agrees that the program puts students on the right track towards a professional career. “Even if I don’t get into graduate school now, I can reapply after getting some experience overseas with the Army. This almost guarantees I will be accepted,” she said.
Originally from Los Angeles, Lee is a junior majoring in biochemistry; her goal is to become a physician’s assistant. “More than anything ROTC has taught me leadership skills. It’s made me more confident in myself and what I can handle,” she said.
Michelle Lee of the Army ROTC discusses her future post-graduation.
Joe Newman of the Air Force ROTC, was awarded the distinguished commander’s trophy this year, recognizing the exemplary performance of a graduating senior. “I was selected for pilot training, so from here I will go to Del Rio, Texas, for active duty,” he said. “This program has definitely helped me secure a job.”
But getting a job isn’t the only reason why bright young adults enroll in ROTC.
Benjamin Poaster, a native of Issaquah, joined the Marine Corps half-way through his senior year of high school, graduating early to serve as a private first class. “I joined mainly as a result of 9/11 and was in Fallujah all of 2004,” he said.
Knowing he would go into combat, Poaster felt the Marines were the right fit for him. “I wanted to be with people that I could trust, who would have my back,” he said. A year later he joined the Marine branch of ROTC. “Now, I have an aviation contract, so I’ll go to the basic school in Florida and learn how to fly.”
Benjamin Poaster of the Marines ROTC.
It was a grey, misty afternoon as cadets and their officers stood tall and still as the National Anthem bellowed from a live brass band, colorful flags slightly waving in the breeze on Tuesday, May 19, at University of Washington’s Red Square.
Army ROTC stands in Red Square during the Memorial Day Ceremony.
One of the three commanding officers stepping down, Lt. Col. Brian Rodgers of the Army will return to Ft. Lewis this summer. “We teach leadership, ethics and values. In today’s world, that’s important,” he said. “Even those entering the Reserves and National Guard have no trouble finding a job in the civilian sector. Those qualities are sought after by businesses.”
“I wish each and every one of you good fortune in your careers,” said retired Col. Bruce Myers. “Or as we say when departing in command, ‘may you have fair winds and following seas.’ God bless you.”
Myers, a highly respected and decorated war veteran, entered the Marines in 1943 and fought in the Korean and Vietnam wars, retiring in 1979. While serving, the former colonel founded Force Recon, a prestigious branch within the Marine Corps.
UW Vice-Provost Dr. Sheryl Cameron, who oversees the ROTC program, also spoke at the event. “Col. White [Navy], Capt. Fitzpatrick [Air Force], and Lt. Col. Rodgers [Army] encompass our past, our present and our future,” she said.
The recognition was followed by a loud holler from the cadets as a way of thanking the men for their instruction over the last few years. After the event an awards ceremony was held in Kane Hall to honor those enrolled in the ROTC program.
Flags of the United States, Marines, Navy, Army and Air Force are displayed by cadets.
Addressing the cadets, Myers said, “This will be a change for the rest of your lives in the experiences and responsibilities you will soon assume.”
To listen to interviews of those in the ROTC program click here.
