As most college students are preparing for the stresses of finals, there are a select few that are committing to more than just tests and textbooks. These students are the future of our military: the Army ROTC.
The ROTC enrolls over thirty thousand people, and has produced over half a million lieutenants. These students commit to not only pursuing their college education, but also to serve the United State Military. People like Becca Good, a senior majoring in hospitality management, begin the commitment long before they even think of the pressures of college.
“I joined when I was seventeen, so that summer after high school, I went to basic training,” she said.
Once in the military, students are expected to take on jobs as well as maintain outstanding grades in their coursework. Jobs can include anything from instructors, mechanics, and even something as simple as pumping gas.
“I’m a fueler, so I get to fuel the helicopters,” says Good.
Most recently, the United States Army added combat as a list of jobs that women can hold in the military. Over 200,000 women serve in the military each day, falling second in the world to the Israeli Defense Forces, and about 20% of Army ROTC is made of up women.
Committing to the military earlier than most does come with its disadvantages, such as “dedicating two weekends a month to training”, says Good. It also requires her to leave behind friends, family, and even her beloved dog, Chief.
As for the future, Good says school and the military go hand in hand, and that the military will remain a substantial part of her life.
Photo Courtesy of ccal.edu
“I still have a year left in my contract, and I will probably reenlist just at least until my student loans are paid off,” says Good.