ROTC offers students academic, military training

Don't be alarmed on Thursdays when it may seem like a small army has infiltrated the campus. We are not being invaded, and those soldiers are on our side. Among the various military branches wearing their Army Combat Uniforms — or Class As — are student soldiers involved in the Big Red Battalion of the Reserve Officer Training Corps, here at UNL, and they are more than likely dressed this way in preparation for their leadership training labs.

The Big Red Battalion has roughly 100 cadets, who will be Second Lieutenants serving and leading in the United States military. According to 1st Lt. Spencer Murdock, most students join the Big Red Battalion not only to be leaders in the U.S. Army, but to be leaders in their own community and to develop positive, lifelong characteristics.

"I joined because first, it was a good opportunity to help pay for school; second, I wanted to serve my country; and third, it would secure me a job in the Navy when I graduate," said Midshipman Elizabeth Gamero, a junior forensic science major

As for Cadet Will Jones, the reason was a little more straightforward: "I have wanted to be a soldier all my life, and I want to lead a group of people that want to fight for a just cause."

Students in ROTC do not have to complete Basic Training but immediately start working towards their degree in college while going through officer training. This includes studying army history, tactical operations and management skills, as well as being involved in field training, all while attaining a degree of their choice. The leadership training labs that cadets are involved in allow them to reach out to their communities and learn about the diversity in cultures as well as lend a helping hand through volunteer activities.

However, while undergoing extensive training and tactical research, cadets in the program are still able to experience and enjoy college life, including intramural sports, book clubs and other extracurricular activities. Gamero is involved in the Iota Phi Theta fraternity, for example, as well as a member of the Mexican American Student Association, while Jones pursues his interest in criminal justice.

But being in the ROTC program definitely has its perks. One of the most interesting things Gamero experienced was traveling to San Diego, Calif., and Norfolk, N.C., after her freshman year to spend a few weeks on the bases there.

"I was able to experience what it was like to be a soldier there," she said. "I was able to see a lot of different ships and submarines, a lot of things most civilians and many other soldiers don't even get to see."

And the Big Red Battalion is always accepting new students interested in joining the military."The only requirement for joining is the ability and drive to succeed," Murdock said.

ryanduggan@dailynebraskan.com