ROTC ( The Reserve Officers’ Training Corps ) is a college program that offers more than 1,700 colleges and universities all across the United States that gives students a chance to study and serve after they get their degree, or to join for a short time without any post-college commitment. Students will train as they learn, taking military science courses as well as regular college classes. There are many U.S. military courses you can join, such as the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force. However, the Coast Guard does not have an ROTC program, but rather a College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative, which offers scholarships and a spot at officer candidate school after graduation.

The Army ROTC is the most successful yet demanding program in the country. While taking the Army ROTC program, they will acquire leadership development, military skills, and career training. The course takes place in classes as well as the field, and of course your normal academic studies. You can also attend summer programs like Jump school.

The Navy ROTC program is the largest source of Navy officers. The Navy program prepares young adults for leadership and management positions. It offers a mix of military training and your normal college classes. Marine Corpse can also engage in the Navy ROTC. The Air Force ROTC is to construct leaders for the Air force and make better citizens for America. This program provides more than 1,100 colleges and universities throughout the United States. 

I interviewed Bryson Darveau an applicant for the ROTC program. When asked what drew him to want to be part of this program, Bryson stated, “I applied for it because of the ability to serve my country and go to college at the same time.” Next, I  asked him what duties will he be performing? Darveau explained, “There’s a lot I’ll be doing such as taking my regular college classes as along with ROTC classes; there’s also a variety of ROTC classes like the U.S. Military, the Army, Navy, and the Air Force.” The final question that I asked Darveau was what kind of college or university will he attend and why? He replied, “I am attending South Dakota School of Mines and Technology and plan to get my mechanical engineering degree. I like creating and designing things.” 

I and the SPUD thank Darveau for his dedication to serving our country, and we wish him the best of luck for his journey ahead!!