While football at the University may have been disappointing this season, Virginia fans can breathe a sigh of relief and look forward to one upcoming game in which no American can truly be disappointed, regardless of the outcome. That's right Caviler fans - in less than two weeks, on Dec. 12, the United States Military Academy will face off against the United States Naval Academy in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for the annual Army-Navy football game. Some may wonder what connection University students share with either of the military academies. Students that question the University's connection to our country's armed forces need only glance at the students meandering across Grounds on Tuesdays and take note of the numerous cleanly-pressed uniforms dotting the crowd. The University is the proud home of one of the most dynamic Reserve Officer Training Corps programs in the nation, with three branches strongly represented: Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Civilian students on Grounds should feel proud of their classmates who choose to serve their country while simultaneously tackling the rigorous academic challenges offered by the University. As Thomas Jefferson noted in a message to Congress in November of 1808, "For a people who are free, and who mean to remain so, a well-organized and armed militia is their best security." The ROTC programs at the University carry on that grand tradition of educating citizen-soldiers. While at the University, ROTC cadets can be considered both full-time students and soldiers-in-training. Cadets in the programs are required to maintain high levels of physical fitness and attend battalion physical training which often begins before 7 a.m. The dedication these men and women show their country during their college years is truly laudable. Many cadets make the commitment to serve their country both during and after college by fulfilling an eight-year service commitment following graduation.
The ROTC programs are commendable because not only do our armed forces benefit from the inclusion of liberally-educated officers within their corps, but the University community benefits from the presence of the ROTC cadets and the principles the programs represent. The student body at the University is increasingly diverse and for many civilian students, their interactions with members of the ROTC program are some of their first personal encounters with members of the United States Armed Services. As second-year Engineering student Celine Heckle Jones noted, "When I came to U.Va., the military lifestyle became a reality to me as I came into contact with kids who were enrolled in ROTC and who grew up with parents in the military." Members of the ROTC corps serve admirably as ambassadors for the American Armed Forces among the larger body of civilian students. Likewise, many cadets are widely involved in activities outside of corps, including philosophical organizations, athletics, the band, and even cheerleading.
When considering the ROTC programs, students should remember that participation is not limited to first-years. Students may join many of the ROTC programs as late as the summer after their third-year. Likewise, any University student may take one of the basic ROTC elective courses for credit. Those courses serve as a great way to learn more about America's armed forces and understand the role of the military in protecting the free state. An introduction ROTC course may also prove useful to students considering a career in a field related to national defense or foreign policy. Students who are considering applying to graduate school would benefit by learning more about the educational opportunities offered by the various branches of the Armed Forces. The Armed Forces operates fully accredited graduate schools in the fields of medicine and law. In fact, the Army's Judge Advocate General's (JAG) Corps School is located in Charlottesville.
The University's ROTC program focuses on creating strong leaders. Cadets drill and participate in training activities during the summer. Outstanding cadets are awarded the opportunity to attend military training courses with army officers and other cadets from schools such as the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Naval Academy. Likewise, many cadets also participate in internships and advanced training opportunities in specialized professional fields. For example, University graduate and former Army ROTC Cadet Daniel Bess participated in the Army Medical Department Internship Program at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany this past summer. Bess was given the opportunity to shadow military doctors and learn about the logistics of running a successful combat medical facility. Bess is now studying to become a medical doctor at the Uniformed Armed Services University in Bethesda, Maryland.
Having just celebrated Thanksgiving, it is important to stop and take a moment to appreciate the dedication our fellow students show to this great country by taking up the responsibilities of the citizen-solider. As President Abraham Lincoln noted, "I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him." The members of the University's ROTC program live out this ideal in their daily lives. The sacrifices made by the ROTC cadets are commendable, their service is admirable, and their dedication to this country serves as an example for all citizens. So, to our young men and women in uniform, I say thank you and Godspeed.
Ginny Robinson's column appears Wednesdays in The Cavalier Daily. She can be reached at g.robinson@cavalierdaily.com.
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