“I really gained some great skills out of Army ROTC. The first skill I attained was how to manage my time under pressure. As a leader in the military, time management is a critical component to success… The second skill I would say I gained was the ability to work on a team with various people from various backgrounds. Everything in Army ROTC and in the military revolves around teamwork.”
Students in Army ROTC take an elective curriculum along with their required college classes. Along with great leadership training, Army ROTC can provide scholarships. Students in Army ROTC will have a normal college student experience like everyone else on campus, but when you graduate, you will be commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army. At WMU, Army ROTC classes are broken down into a classroom period once a week and Leadership Lab once a week.
“The time management, teamwork, and leadership skills I learned in Army ROTC assisted me in getting my degree at WMU—and those same skills have helped me in two combat tours in Iraq and have helped me through many aspects of my life.” Said Kosters.
In the classroom portion, students are separated by military science level and are instructed by an Army officer or senior non-commissioned officer. Classes cover topics such as ethics and values, leadership styles, orders preparation, map reading, and training management, just to name a few.
All cadets participate in Leadership Lab together. These labs are completely student led and run, giving students the chance to put into practice all the concepts they learn in class. In addition to class and lab, Bronco cadets conduct physical training a minimum of three days a week and participate in one field training exercise each semester.
“Army ROTC gets you out of your comfort zone and forces you to do new things. I wasn't a very good speaker in front of large groups, but Army ROTC helped break me of that. The Army needs well rounded leaders who are fit and can think on their feet and ROTC pushes you to improve on those areas that you are weak and teaches you to not be afraid to take charge of a team or a situation.” Said Kosters.
While at WMU, Kosters still had a wonderful time. “There are so many great memories I have from WMU. I really enjoyed meeting people from all over. I stayed two years in the dorms in both Stinson and Ernest-Burnham and made great friends that I still stay in touch with today. I was so glad I chose to stay in the dorms those first two years - it really broadened my college experience.”
“Working with other students, learning how to lead and to learning how to take charge of a team really helped me develop the traits necessary to tackle some of the toughest days in my career to this point. I enjoyed my time at WMU and in Army ROTC so much that I asked to serve as an instructor to help continue to develop college students who are interested in serving in the military and in serving their country.”
To learn more about the Army ROTC program at WMU, click here.
Posted by Samantha Macy