The life of an army ROTC cadet requires perseverance, determination, and commitment. Cards Eye View was invited to follow several cadets to get a first-hand experience of their daily routine. The cadets traveled with Cards Eye View to Fort Knox, Kentucky, which is located approximately forty five minutes south of Louisville. Fort Knox is the headquarters of cadet command which is responsible for all cadets in the nation, including United States territories. During their time at the Fort Knox base, the cadets participated in an LDX, a leadership development exercise. During the LDX, the cadets practiced land navigation through heavily-wooded areas, flew in helicopters, and were dropped off into the woods to conduct STX lanes. STX lanes are squad training exercises in which the cadets are placed in real-life scenarios they may encounter during their time in the army.
On an average day, cadets follow a strict regimen designed to facilitate their specific social, academic, and career-related goals. Several cadets sat down to discuss their personal experience with the ROTC, Reserve Officer Training Corps, program. Cadet Owen said, “A day in ROTC sometimes can start kind of early but it gets you a good start to the day.” He later continued, “It’s pretty difficult sometimes but you just have to maintain your priorities. Hit your schoolwork first, make sure that’s at the top of your list. Make sure you give proper attention and focus to ROTC and you also have to do the same thing with your family. Make sure you’re spending enough time with your family but it’s an equal balance across it all and don’t let it get to you and wear you out too much.”
Cadets described their weekly workout regimen as being in a state of constant change to help them become more physically well-rounded. Cadet Williams said, “I wake up at 0530, maybe eat an apple, little bit of coffee, go to PT, run a little bit, I don’t know, and then classes. Whenever I’m done with classes, go to the gym. Depends on what day it is- chest, back, (biceps), legs, could be anything.”
When students join ROTC, they are influenced by several factors. Cadet Owens said, “I think just like a desire to serve my country, be able to take part in serving in our military, and also taking part in defending our country in this time of war. I joined six years ago so it’s a little bit different time now but still the same thing, just a desire to serve.” Cadet Gassama joined the Army National Guard after moving to America from Gambia, located in Senegal, a part of West Africa. Gossama said, “I joined ROTC because, when I was deployed, I see what officers do. They make more impact in the army.”
Gossama explained that recruits enlisted in the Army National Guard can have a great impact and effect on those they encounter while in service but that officers have a greater influence on a decision-making level. He later said, “When I (went) back to try to do ROTC, I wanted to be an officer. I talked to my commander. He gave me two options. I can either do OCS (Officer Candidate School) if I want to stay in the Guard or I can do ROTC where I will have (the) chance to go active duty.” Like many others, Gossama believes that ROTC gives him a better opportunity to follow his civic duty and help others.
There are several requirements and restrictions that apply to new recruits joining the ROTC program. Students must pass a PT, Physical Training, class and maintain their body mass index throughout their training. They also are required to uphold a 2.5 overall grade point average and a 3.0 grade point average in all military sciences classes. The key to success in the ROTC program is balance. Cadet Brown said, “It’s a process that you start your first year. You have some time to figure it out. Usually by the third year you have what’s important figured out. Your classes, your PT, ROTC classes, that type of stuff. But I absolutely think it’s a process.”
Once Army ROTC cadets commission into the U.S. army, there is a guaranteed job with benefits offered to them. They are provided with the opportunity to become a Second Lieutenant once they have completed their ROTC training. Cadets must meet high expectations throughout their time in the program but the overall experience prepares them for their journey into active duty.
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