| Show ROTC learn and earn Ed Lite Lile Staff Writer The Air Force and Army Reserve Officer Training Corps is isan isan isan an educational program to give men and women the opportunity opportunity opportunity to become Army or Air Force officers while finishing college requirements The programs are arc designed to prepare students for positions positions positions of increasing responsibility and importance in the modern military offering military offering two and four year programs leading leading leading lead lead- ing to commissions During Freshman and Sophomore years students enter into the General Military Course the first half of the year four-year program This allows students to try tryout out ROTC for one to four semesters without incurring any obligation As they attend attend attend at at- tend classes students learn about historical developments in Army warfare and Air Force air power The last half of the four year program the Professional Officer Course is competitive It covers leadership skills and national defense policies The year two-year officer course is primarily available to junior and community college transfer students sophomores and veterans who have at least four semesters remaining There is a slight difference in the actual makeup of the studies between Army and For Army ROTC the four year program is divided into ba basic ic an and l advanced courses The basic course covers military customs traditions and organizations organizations organizations national defense military history and leadership development The advanced course offers instruction in management tactics ethics an professionalism In many cases training takes place on Army posts or Air Force bases with active duty officer components Both services services services ser ser- ser ser- vices offer scholarships awarded on merit to the most outstanding outstanding outstanding out out- standing students who apply Their coveted flight training programs are offered after graduation and commissioning to outstanding students who qualify ROTC offers almost any young man or woman the opportunity opportunity opportunity to be a commissioned officer in the Army or Air Force and the chance to become pilots or hold other key leadership positions If a student were to be commissioned at the age of 24 and serve 20 years he or she could retire early and still have another 22 years for a second vocation It lilt was ten years ago that I investigated the possibility of getting a commission through the ROTC said USAF Captain Jim Hartwell He said he has experienced firsthand the opportunity opportunity opportunity of going through the Air Force ROTC program and has hasa a very rewarding career as an Air Force officer |
