Held to a Higher Standard

Most college students start their day around 10 in the morning. But, for the Plymouth State University students enrolled in the Army's Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC), their morning begins at 5:30. They go through a series of physical readiness trainings that include a variation of push-ups, sit-ups, cardio, and weight training. PSU students enrolled in the organization also train at UNH, Fort Devens, Massachusetts, and at Camp Ethan Allen, Vermont.  

Members of ROTC have been indoctrinated into the Army's value system, which are; loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage.

"A regular students week ends when ours begins," said Kyle Nazzaro, a senior criminal justice major. Nazzaro and other ROTC candidates are preparing to be officers in the United States' Army.

Students in the program have to properly manage their schoolwork, as well as fulfill their duties as an ROTC member. "As upperclassmen, we are in charge of an average of 5 to 10 cadets, we make sure they maintain their grades and keep up with PT (physical training)," said Arthur Weeks, a junior history major.

Nazzaro, Weeks, and other ROTC cadets are held to a higher standard, and have to be professional at all times. "The main goal of ROTC is to instill leadership. We go above and beyond those were leading," said Nazzaro. When asked, "What does it mean to held to a higher standard?," Nazzaro mentioned, "it means doing what's right, both morally and ethically."

Through their involvement with ROTC, students develop strong teamwork skills. "We work with cadets from more than 5 universities. I learned to not judge a book by its cover. I've interacted with cadets all over the country, they can surprise you," stated Nazzaro.

But, students in ROTC do not stop training when a regular student's semester ends. Nazzaro spent 4 weeks of his summer at Fort Lewis, Washington, while Weeks spent 6 months at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. "Fort Sill was stressful, you're reminded that you're not a big fish in a small pond, but that experience taught me how to lead different personalities" said Weeks.

ROTC students can rarely perform the simplest privileges that many civilian students have become accustomed too. "We lose the ability to get a second chance," Nazzaro stated. Another benefit that ROTC members seldom have is sleeping in late. "The few days we get to sleep in late we take full advantage of it."

Adding to that, "I appreciate more of the college life because of ROTC," remarked Nazzaro.

Both Weeks and Nazzaro feel that joining the Army's ROTC program was the best decision they've made in their lives. "I've opened up more opportunities through ROTC than if had I finished my time as a normal student," said Weeks.

The Clock, and everyone at PSU, thanks Kyle Nazzaro, Arthur Weeks, and other ROTC members for their dedication to something that is greater than themselves, and we wish them good luck on their journey as Officers in the United States Army.