BREAKING THE MISPERCEPTIONS OF ARMY ROTC: INSIGHT FROM AN ARMY ROTC CADET
When most people hear “Army ROTC,” they associate it with characteristics like discipline, education and leadership development. Though these characteristics are all true of Army ROTC, there is also a lot more to the program than people may realize. Cadet Keith Rowen, a top-performing senior enrolled in Jackson State University’s Army ROTC program, joined Army ROTC after observing his sister’s success in the program. He knew he wanted to be part of a team that would challenge him and teach him the necessary skills to be a great leader.
The leadership development offered by the program was the first attraction for Cadet Rowen, but the scholarship opportunities, STEM career options in the Army, mentorship, and the translatable skills to take into the real world are what propelled him to excel throughout his time in ROTC. As an industrial technology major with a concentration in emergency management, Cadet Rowen knew being part of ROTC would give him the necessary training and skills for a successful career in that field — both in the Army and in the civilian world.
Since joining ROTC, Cadet Rowen has had more opportunities than he ever imagined. He attended the U.S. Army’s Air Assault and Airborne School, spent the summer at West Point in New York for a Cadet Field Training, and best of all, has made life-long friends along the way.
Cadet Rowen credits his experience in ROTC as the stepping-stone to his overall success. From the training and discipline he has achieved in ROTC to the networking opportunities with fellow cadets and Soldiers, Cadet Rowen has quickly distinguished himself from the rest of the crowd. He has been the top pick for internship opportunities and for leadership roles at his school, including his recent recognition as “Mr. Army ROTC” for the 2017-2018 academic school year. This summer, he had an internship with the National Weather Service, allowing him to have a completely different experience than his previous internship, which focused on forensics in Largo, Florida.
Not only has Cadet Rowen grown professionally and in academics, but his attitude regarding success has also evolved. Once known as the kid who didn’t want to ask for help when trying to achieve a goal, Cadet Rowen now embraces help from his peers and mentors, who have given him advice and encouraged him to keep pushing forward, even when it seems impossible. Now a mentor himself, Cadet Rowen leads by example, showing cadets the endless benefits from being involved in Army ROTC.
As he nears graduation, Cadet Rowen plans on joining the Army Engineer Corps to become a combat engineer. He knows he will have the opportunity to explore a variety of career and leadership roles, as well as be a part of an effective team comprised of members who are expertly trained in their respective specialties.
To learn more about Army ROTC and the opportunities available in the Army, visit https://www.goarmy.com/rotc.html or contact an Education Services Specialist at your local recruiting office.
