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Our nation needs good leaders in all areas, from business to education to government, as well as the military. Where can college students go to learn strong leadership skills that will last a lifetime? Look no further than Clarion University’s ROTC program.
Through the School of Military Science/Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), Clarion University offers a strong curriculum, developed by the U.S. Army Cadet Command that develops student leadership and management skills, and provides them with opportunities to apply these skills in practical situations including how to lead and influence individuals, groups or small organizations.
An emphasis on integrity, ethics, goal setting, and accomplishing missions is at the heart of the ROTC program. The United States Army trains officers to lead others through the most challenging of life’s circumstances, and one of the most successful programs for providing the skills necessary for life-long leadership is ROTC.
Students interested in delving deeper into their leadership potential can pursue a Minor in Leadership that includes courses in sociology, ethics, management, communication and political science. The 18-credit minor is designed by the student to fit their specific needs by choosing from an emphasis on leading individuals, groups or organizations. Housed in Clarion’s College of Business Administration and Information Sciences, the leadership minor is open to students in all majors, and is offered at the Clarion campus.
The Department of Military Science highly recommends its MS110 or MS112 classes for anyone on campus with a possible interest in Army ROTC. There is no commitment to the ROTC program for taking the class. Each course awards one credit toward personal performance and two credits toward health, which are required liberal education skill electives. Both courses are part of the Army ROTC basic course curriculum, and are outstanding courses that provide an initial look at leadership and the Army way of life. ROTC staff or any student adviser can assist students in the registration process for these courses.
Recently, Clarion’s ROTC was realigned for future growth opportunities under the Office of the Provost. At the start of the fall 2015 semester, the program was embedded within the Admissions Office and relocated in Becht Hall, providing the Department of Military Science the opportunity for increased potential student enrollment with support provided for admissions inquiries by interested students. The changes to Clarion’s ROTC program has resulted in a 90 percent increase in Cadet enrollment and the awarding of four tuition waivers for prospective Cadets by the university.
For some students, the opportunity within ROTC to experience adventure training, such as rappelling, land-navigation, and marksmanship, as well as the opportunity for selected students to serve with Active Duty Army units worldwide and experience airborne and air-assault training internships during the summer, are attractive aspects of the program. ROTC is designed to increase self-confidence, self-discipline, physical stamina, poise, and other qualities essential to the development of a leader of character, prepared to serve the nation or the commonwealth both in and out of uniform.
Generous financial aid packages are provided by both the U.S. Army and the Army Reserves. According to Captain Hamid Conteh, assistant professor of Military Science at Clarion University, “ROTC-specific scholarships make Clarion University the school of choice for a student trying to get a college degree and be commissioned as a second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. There are two- and three-year Army ROTC scholarships available that pay 100 percent of tuition and fees or up to $10,000 annually for room and board for qualified Cadets.”
He added, “Tuition and fees are paid through the Army National Guard and the Army Reserve, as well as the Post 911 GI Bill, Drill Pay per month, Room/Board Incentive, and Book Stipend per semester.”
The process of applying for ROTC scholarships is easily accomplished by emailing ClarionROTC@clarion.edu to request an application form for the two- and three-year scholarships. Four-year scholarships are available to high school seniors via the website.
The ROTC program began in 1916 during the administration of U.S. President Woodrow Wilson, and since then has commissioned more than a half million officers by providing leadership and military training at many colleges and universities across the country, including Clarion University.
With more than 20,000 Cadets currently enrolled nationwide, it is the largest commissioning source in the American military. Women have been an important part of Army ROTC since being commissioned in 1976, and today make up 20 percent of Cadets.
Clarion University and the Clarion community also have a long and proud history of supporting the military, including in 2016 Clarion University being named a Military Friendly® School for the seventh consecutive year by Victory Media, publisher of G.I. Jobs®, STEM JobsSM and Military Spouse. Being designated as a Military Friendly® School is reserved for the top colleges, universities, community colleges and trade schools in the country that do the most to embrace military students, and dedicate resources to ensure their success not only in the classroom but after graduation as well.
“Army ROTC combines a diverse, self-disciplined civilian education with tough leadership development training that only the United States military is uniquely qualified to provide. Speaking for myself and my colleagues, we are extremely proud of our mission to prepare students, both inside and outside of the classroom, to be the future leaders of our nation,” says Captain Conteh.
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Clarion University and the U.S. Army proudly conferred degrees and commissioned three officers at its December 2015 commencement ceremonies:
Marc Daniel Bush, Butler, received a Bachelor of Science degree in rehabilitative sciences with a minor in sociology. After graduation he will attend the Medical Service Corps Basic Officer Leaders Course, and be assigned with Charlie Medical Company, 128th Brigade Support Battalion in Pittsburgh. He plans to pursue a master’s degree in criminal justice or public health and work in the juvenile justice system.
Christopher James Flaugher, Clarion, received a Bachelor of Arts degree in history. After graduation he will attend the Engineer Basic Leaders Course and be assigned to the 377th Engineer Company in Butler. He plans to apply for an active Guard Reserve position.
Alexander James Pucilowski, Moosic, received a Bachelor of Science degree in finance with a personal financial planning track. After graduation he will attend the Infantry Basic Officer Leadership Course and be assigned as a Platoon Leader in Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment, 56 Stryker Brigade Combat Team. He plans to attend Ranger School and pursue a career in financial planning.