Cadet Testimonials

     I started taking ROTC classes here at California University of Pennsylvania as a freshman and it has without a doubt prepared me for a future as an Officer in the United States Army, and as a civilian professional later in life.

     As an underclassman, I was exposed to valuable opportunities at leadership positions in various environments, including Leader Reaction Courses and High Ropes Courses.  These courses challenged my skills as a leader by adding stress to the situation, making it harder to complete my mission.  When I completed a mission or task, the thrill of accomplishment was at times overwhelming, and it also pointed out my weak and strong points, making it a valuable lesson that made me a better leader.  Also, I was taught other skills that helped me better manage my time, how to get in better physical shape, and various military skills including land navigation and basic rifle marksmanship.

     Upperclass Cadets still enjoy time on courses, but most importantly they are responsible for planning events that underclassmen will participate in.  This experience allows you and others to assess you ability as a leader in real-world situations.  It's on-the-job experience that is valuable for you military career as well as your future civilian career.

     Lastly, Army ROTC has taught me great habits that make me a better student, Cadet, and, most importantly, a better person.

--Cadet Mike Magga, MSIV (2006)

     ROTC has given me leadership opportunities on a weekly, and now, even a daily basis.  The program gives you a good understanding of what it would be like to be in charge of any organization--from a military platoon to a business management position.  You will learn what it is like to be in charge of other people both younger and older than you.  There are several good opportunities where you may be put "on the spot" to take charge of a group and accomplish a mission.  Whether that is to run PT, or knock out a bunker, the skills that you will learn teach you how to get other people to do what you tell them to do.

     There are many great benefits that I have received through being a member of ROTC.  The best one would have to be leadership experience.  However, I have also received a monthly stipend which is now up to $500 a month, an SMP kicker that is $350 a month, and the Army Reserve pays for all of my tuition at college.  By taking the ROTC classk and being in a Reserve or Guard unit, not only will you get a chance to lead at you college, but you will be either an acting platoon leader at your unit, or able to learn directly from a platoon leader.

     ROTC prepares you for a leadership position in the military, and also as a civilian.  The program is a great opportunity for young college students to learn how to excel at leadership!

--Cadet Scott Croyle, MSIV (2006)

     The Army ROTC program has benefited me in several ways.  One is definitely the 3 year scholarship that I just received this October, which was a tremendous help.  I also benefit from PT at least 3 times a week for 2 main reasons.  I get a little workout at least 3 times a week no matter what, and I'm up early in the morning, so I can get an early start to my day, which helps me accomplish more than if I would sleep in. 

     I've had several opportunities to be a leader so far in my ROTC career.  Mostly, I would have to say that this is leading PT, which actually can be quite fun.  As long as you turn in your plan on time and stay within the1 hour time limit, you may do what you wish.  One of the biggest things ROTC has taught me about leadership is that it is all about confidence and competence.  As long as you are confident in yourself and competent, people will follow you. 

     I think that becoming a leader is a great experience.  You are able to learn a lot about yourself such as your strong points and your weak aspects that need improvement.  This is what ROTC is all about.  The leadership skills learned in ROTC will not only help you become an effective Army officer, they will also help you in any civilian career as well.   ROTC has helped me become a better and more effective leader as well as a person, and I think the next few years will only help me improve more. 

--Cadet Adam Rively, MSII (2008)