2008 Woodie Awards
A chance to serve, while studying
Neal Sauerberg - The Daily Iowan
Issue date: 6/12/07 Section: U Edition
Serving the United States as a member of the armed forces can be a rewarding, though challenging, experience.
Students who believe they have what it takes to overcome both mental and physical hurdles may choose to apply to the UI ROTC program, even if those students didn't submit applications while in high school.
If selected, individuals may find themselves transformed into stronger individuals capable of succeeding in even the most stressful circumstances, ROTC officials and participants say.
Patrick Akers, a UI graduate and former Air Force ROTC participant, said the experience provided him with opportunities to work within a cohesive group and meet new people.
"I wanted to serve my country, and this was the way I chose to go about it," he said. "Leadership training is what initially drew me to the program. But it's also a good way to prepare yourself to succeed after college."
ROTC offers UI students a chance to participate in a two-, three-, or four-year program that, when completed, culminates in a commission as an officer in the Army or Air Force or their equivalent Reserve and National Guard branches.
According to the UI Army and Air Force websites, those who participate in the officer training at the university may be eligible to receive scholarships providing as much as $20,000 per school year and book stipends reaching as high as $900.
In addition, a $200 to $400 amount may be given monthly to help pay for living expenses in the program.
Physical fitness, leadership development, and teamwork play a central role what students undergo while in ROTC. These concepts are stressed to instill values critical to a successful military career.
The website also says that students in ROTC may partake in such activities as paint ball, mountain climbing, skydiving, combat survival, and hang gliding as part of training.
People interested in applying to the program must be full-time students, meet all physical requirements, maintain a minimum grade-point average, show high moral integrity, and pass tests conducted by the various service branches.
After graduation, ROTC participants seeking commissions in active-duty service branches are obligated to fulfill a minimum of four years' service.
If interested in applying, men and women should contact the ROTC offices on campus or check out the link on the UI website.
E-mail DI reporter Neal Sauerberg at:
neal-sauerberg@uiowa.edu
Who to contact:
Contact information for the UI ROTC program
• Capt. Benjamin J. Kent, U.S. Air Force
Air Force ROTC Det 255 UI
Iowa City, Iowa 52242
(319) 899-4719
• Maj. Chris Barker, Army ROTC Scholarship and Enrollment Officer
101 South Quad
Iowa City, Iowa 52242
(319) 335-9192
christopher-barker@uiowa.edu
Students who believe they have what it takes to overcome both mental and physical hurdles may choose to apply to the UI ROTC program, even if those students didn't submit applications while in high school.
If selected, individuals may find themselves transformed into stronger individuals capable of succeeding in even the most stressful circumstances, ROTC officials and participants say.
Patrick Akers, a UI graduate and former Air Force ROTC participant, said the experience provided him with opportunities to work within a cohesive group and meet new people.
"I wanted to serve my country, and this was the way I chose to go about it," he said. "Leadership training is what initially drew me to the program. But it's also a good way to prepare yourself to succeed after college."
ROTC offers UI students a chance to participate in a two-, three-, or four-year program that, when completed, culminates in a commission as an officer in the Army or Air Force or their equivalent Reserve and National Guard branches.
According to the UI Army and Air Force websites, those who participate in the officer training at the university may be eligible to receive scholarships providing as much as $20,000 per school year and book stipends reaching as high as $900.
In addition, a $200 to $400 amount may be given monthly to help pay for living expenses in the program.
Physical fitness, leadership development, and teamwork play a central role what students undergo while in ROTC. These concepts are stressed to instill values critical to a successful military career.
The website also says that students in ROTC may partake in such activities as paint ball, mountain climbing, skydiving, combat survival, and hang gliding as part of training.
People interested in applying to the program must be full-time students, meet all physical requirements, maintain a minimum grade-point average, show high moral integrity, and pass tests conducted by the various service branches.
After graduation, ROTC participants seeking commissions in active-duty service branches are obligated to fulfill a minimum of four years' service.
If interested in applying, men and women should contact the ROTC offices on campus or check out the link on the UI website.
E-mail DI reporter Neal Sauerberg at:
neal-sauerberg@uiowa.edu
Who to contact:
Contact information for the UI ROTC program
• Capt. Benjamin J. Kent, U.S. Air Force
Air Force ROTC Det 255 UI
Iowa City, Iowa 52242
(319) 899-4719
• Maj. Chris Barker, Army ROTC Scholarship and Enrollment Officer
101 South Quad
Iowa City, Iowa 52242
(319) 335-9192
christopher-barker@uiowa.edu
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